Special Operations - Runaways/Dialogues

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v · eTable of Contents
Mission 1	Mission 2	Mission 3
Start Deploy MiniBoss Boss Complete	Start Deploy MiniBoss Boss Epic Boss Complete	Start Deploy MiniBoss Boss Complete

Introduction

Maria Hill:

Agent, we're in a crisis situation. Director Fury has gone missing, along with most of the Avengers.

Hawkeye:

Except me.

Maria Hill:

That's to our benefit. We'll need your help tracking down the rest of the team, Hawkeye.

Agent Coulson:

The boss left a note. "Gone hunting. Can you steer a runaway train? A-team answers might lie with the king underground. Pride is at stake."

Maria Hill:

It's clearly a coded message. Fury is looking for the Avengers--other than Hawkeye--and he gave us a clue about where we should start our search.

Hawkeye:

Runaway train...

Agent Coulson:

That's why we've brought in this group of young... well, runaways. Agent, you already know Nico Minoru from our last adventure in Murderworld.

Nico Minoru:

We never called ourselves that. Is that, like, official?

Agent Coulson:

Nico, would you mind introducing the rest of the group?

Nico Minoru:

Sure. This nerd is Chase Stein with his pet dinosaur Old Lace. The little one is Molly Hayes. The beauty queen is Karolina Dean, and Victor Mancha is the one with mechanical parts.

Chase Stein:

You need us, huh? I guess that's cool. But what do you need us to do? Let me guess. The "king underground" is the Kingpin, right?

Agent Coulson:

Um. Yes. Exactly what we were thinking.

Maria Hill:

We'll set you up a meeting with the Kingpin... what happens after that is up to you.

Karolina Dean:

Yay, a chance to prove ourselves to the grownups. Don't we all have butterflies, gang?

Mission 1

"The Runaways go deep undercover, starting their work for the Kingpin. He seems like a nice guy, as long as the kids keep doing his dirty work."
— Mission Preview

Mission Start

Back to top ↑

Chase Stein:

Good of you to meet us, Mr. Fisk.

Children. Drop the pretense. It only embarrasses you. You are not the Pride. You are their children known as the Runaways, are you not?

Kingpin:

Molly Hayes:

Why does everyone keep calling us that?

You wish to make a name for yourselves. I understand this. As it happens, I have need of some... new blood. There are a number of breakaway elements still resisting my consolidation of the shadow economy in this city. If you can bring them to heel, that would be of use to me.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

A Maggia purge. Not a problem. Where should we start?

I will send you instructions. Now you must excuse me, Runaways. Empires do not run themselves.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Gang, I think we're hired. Coulson, did you get that?

Agent Coulson:

Loud and clear. Proceed.

Maria Hill:

Carefully.

Deploy 1

Screen Text

Before we can clear Molly Hayes for full combat with the rest of the Runaways, we need to do some paperwork. After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. is a government agency...

Start

Maria Hill:

Molly, before you go into this fight, we've got someone who needs to talk to you.

Molly Hayes:

Therapy? Come on, Miss Hill, I'm not a baby.

Maria Hill:

We know. It won't take long, and anyway it's not therapy. It's more like a test.

Molly Hayes:

That's even worse. Ugh.

Complete

Molly Hayes:

Can I go now?

Maria Hill:

You sure can. We'll give you a ride to catch up with your friends.

Deploy 2

Screen Text

Step up surveillance operations on the Maggia. We need to see for ourselves what the Kingpin's enemies are doing.

Deploy 3

Screen Text

S.H.I.E.L.D. surveillance teams have seen Bullseye near the Empire State Building. Send Hawkeye to track him down.

Start

Agent Coulson:

Bullseye has been spotted in the city. He hasn't done anything overt yet, but his presence is never a good thing.

Hawkeye:

I'm going. It'll give me something to do other than watch a bunch of kids have all the fun.

Complete

Hawkeye:

I know he's around here, but he's playing it uncharacteristically cool. No flashy assassinations or anything.

Agent Coulson:

We need you back on the Helicarrier, Hawkeye. Aerial and street-level surveillance teams will keep looking for Bullseye. We'll find him.

Hawkeye:

Don't leave me out of the loop on this one, Coulson.

Agent Coulson:

You have my word.

Deploy 4

Screen Text

Chase left the Leapfrog parked in the middle of Herald Square. Send a hero to keep gawkers away until we can move it.

Deploy 5

Screen Text

Maggia elements fleeing the Runaways have stolen a car and are trying to get to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Send a hero to cut them off.

Heroic Battle

Back to top ↑

Screen Text

Whoops, it looks like nobody mentioned the Runaway's special operation to the Punisher. Maybe being undercover isn't all it's cracked up to be. Molly finds the silver lining, turning this into an opportunity to prove their loyalty to Fisk.

Start

Molly Hayes:

You know what? You're mean.

It's not mean. It's justice. You work for the Kingpin, you're scum. And you're old enough to know better.

Punisher:

Molly Hayes:

I'm old enough to tell when someone is making excuses for being a jerk. that's you. Cut it out before I get mad.

You getting mad isn't going to scare me, kid.

Punisher:

Molly Hayes:

Well, I'm not scared either.

In-Fight

Kid gloves off. Time to teach you a lesson. But she... <gasp> so small...

Punisher:

Lose

Stand down, kid. You're in over your head.

Punisher:

Repeat

Molly Hayes:

You can't just shoot everybody, Mr. Castle. I'm not going to let you.

Complete

Molly Hayes:

He was mean. I had to hit him.

Agent Coulson:

Sorry about that, Molly. Frank operates by his own rules.

Molly Hayes:

I don't like his rules. Maybe he thinks he's always right about everything. Nobody's always right.

Hawkeye:

This girl should meet Tony.

MiniBoss - Blizzard

Back to top ↑

Reveal

Mr. Stein. One of the agitators currently interfering with my plans is Blizzard. I am conveying to you his location.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Roger that, Big Kahuna.

Start

Chase Stein:

Hey, Tasty Freeze. Fisk says he doesn't appreciate your snow job.

Fisk? You mean the Kingpin? What's he got to do with this?

Blizzard:

Chase Stein:

Depends on what you mean by this.

What I mean is you better step off and stay out of my business. It doesn't concern Fisk and it doesn't concern you.

Blizzard:

Chase Stein:

That's not what he said.

In-Fight

Chase Stein:

So let's say I took you seriously and you weren't tied up in the Maggia stuff. Why are you trying to freeze Midtown?

I didn't say I wasn't doing Maggia stuff. I just said it wasn't the Kingpin's business. Which is another way of saying you ought to butt out.

Blizzard:

Chase Stein:

I'm not so good at butting out. You know, I bet S.H.I.E.L.D. would take you in if you ever decide to stop being a flunky for sociopathic criminals.

You're a smart kid, but you don't know everything.

Blizzard:

Chase Stein:

Pretty close, though. You should think about it.

Lose

Buzz off, kid, before you and your dinosaur are both extinct.

Blizzard:

Repeat

Chase Stein:

I'm back for more, Chilly Willy. If you're still game.

Complete

Chase Stein:

He split. So did the rest of the Maggia goons. I think we got our message across, though.

You lack a certain decisive edge, Mr. Stein. Conversations are fine for the parlor, but when more direct means are called for, one must be... direct.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Read you loud and clear, Big Enchilada. Thing is, you didn't hire the Punisher. We do things our way.

Results are all that matter, Mr. Stein. See that you achieve them.

Kingpin:

MiniBoss - Hammerhead

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Reveal

Mr. Stein. You may begin to prove your bona fides by addressing the irritant known as Hammerhead.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

You got it, Mr. Big.

Start

Spanky and the rest of the gang are here, fellas. What are we gonna do about it? That's right. We're gonna teach 'em not to stick their noses in where they don't belong.

Hammerhead:

Chase Stein:

I don't watch a lot of TV, so you're going to have to remind me: Does Spanky have a dinosaur? If so, I'm definitely going to start watching that show.

Lose

Scram, Poindexter. The grownups are busy.

Hammerhead:

Repeat

Chase Stein:

Maybe Old Lace can bite through that plate in your head.

Complete

Chase Stein:

Old Lace had herself a fine old time chewing up Maggia. What's next?

Madame Masque is the ringleader of the effort to contest my leadership. If you have not yet confronted her, do so.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Your wish is our command, O Poobah. Hear that, gang? Let's get after Madame Masque.

Boss - Madame Masque

Back to top ↑

Reveal

Madame Masque is the ringleader of a coup attempt. She dissents from the prevailing view that I should control the Maggia. This cannot be tolerated. Solve this problem for me and I will know you are ready to take on more significant responsibilities.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Roger that, boss. KD, I think it's your turn.

Karolina Dean:

Cool. Anyone else who wants to come along is welcome. It'll be a party!

Start

And who might this prismatic young lady be? It's a little early to start a rave.

Madame Masque:

Karolina Dean:

A rave? What is this, the Nineties?

Lose

Fisk's little Children's Crusade isn't working out for anyone, is it?

Madame Masque:

Repeat

There is nothing so stubborn as a teenager.

Madame Masque:

Complete

Karolina Dean:

Well, I think we're done here.

So it would seem. you have done well, Runaways. I will be in touch shortly with further instructions.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

What are we supposed to do until then?

Patience, children. Life will not deprive you of opportunities to prove yourselves.

Kingpin:

Mission Complete

Back to top ↑

Maria Hill:

You're all still alive. That's good.

Molly Hayes:

The Kingpin likes us. He says we should call him Fisk.

Maria Hill:

Have you gotten any clarity about what Director Fury would have wanted the Runaways to be looking for?

Chase Stein:

We've been kind of preoccupied. I thought you were going to figure out what your boss wanted.

Victor Mancha:

We haven't seen any Avengers, and nobody mentioned them. Does that help?

Maria Hill:

I'm remembering something Director Fury said about teenagers. It's not fit for polite company.

Nico Minoru:

Fisk did say he was going to give us more important jobs as we earned his trust. Typical BS. But maybe he'll--

Chase Stein:

Oh, you know what else? I don't think Blizzard isn't too interested in being Madame Masque's flunky. Maybe a little hearts-and-minds push would do him some good.

Maria Hill:

We'll keep it in mind.

Mission 2

"It turns out the Runaways have a knack for criminal activities. It must be genetic."
— Mission Preview

Mission Start

Back to top ↑

I believe I can trust you with a task of greater significance than sweeping up street trash.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Let's hear it.

The Hellfire Club, and its self-styled "Black King" Sebastian Shaw, are in New York again. They recur like opportunistic infections. I suspect they are once again trafficking in occult and arcane items, infringing on previously negotiated territories. Therefore they must be removed. Can you do this? Do not answer yes if the true answer is no.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

So I can't answer yes, hmm... how about hell yeah?

Molly Hayes:

Excuse me, there's a little girl present.

You are wiser than your elder colleagues, young Molly. Mr. Stein. See to it that all Hellfire Club activities have ceased in my city... and soon.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

You got it, Mr. Fisk, sir. We are on the case in a completely dedicated and vulgarity-free way.

Victor Mancha:

The Hellfire Club, huh? Big time.

Deploy 1

Screen Text

There's a hostage situation in a brokerage firm's secured server area. Hellfire Club soldiers are threatening a massacre. Send Karnak to break into the room and defuse the threat.

Start

Maria Hill:

Hellfire Club soldiers have holed up in a locked and reinforced server room at a brokerage firm. They were moving some kind of contraband that may be a Terrigen crystal. We have to break in quickly and without too much structural damage, to avoid the possibility of shattering the crystal and releasing more Terrigen Mists.

Karnak:

Ah, Terrigen crystals. That must account for your summons of me?

Agent Coulson:

Quickness, precision... Karnak. You're our man for this mission.

Karnak:

Precision and planning are what I do best.

Maria Hill:

We'll have a support team with you, but a quick entry is going to be critical to save lives.

Complete

Karnak:

The situation is resolved. All hostages are safe.

Agent Coulson:

Good to hear. We'd like you to assist us in mission planning moving forward.

Deploy 2

Screen Text

One of the Hellfire Club's artifacts has created a barrier around their base in this building. We need some serious kinetic energy to break through it. Cannonball would be perfect.

Start

Agent Coulson:

Cannonball, we need someone to smash through a barrier around a Hellfire Club safe house.

Cannonball:

Sure, Hulk's not around and now you call.

Complete

Cannonball:

I love making things go boom.

Agent Coulson:

We love it too. Field teams are moving in to secure the building.

Deploy 3

Screen Text

Some Kind of electromagnetic phenomenon has sparked a number of transformer fires in this area. Send a hero to make sure this isn't a terrorist act.

Deploy 4

Screen Text

The computer science research lab at Empire State University has sent out an automated alert. Send a hero to the campus to see what's happening.

Deploy 5

Screen Text

The Runaways' actions have drawn a lot of attention. Some local kids have decided to start playing vigilante themselves, and now they're in trouble. Send Karolina Dean to save them from themselves.

Start

Maria Hill:

Karolina, we hate to pull you away from your team, but you're closest to an emerging situation. A group of teenagers has apparently been inspired by the Runaways, and they've attacked a group of Hellfire Club soldiers. Needless to say, they've bitten off much more than they can chew.

Karolina Dean:

Tell me where and I'll handle it.

Complete

Karolina Dean:

I hope I was never that stupid.

Hawkeye:

You probably were. I know I was when I was a kid trying to prove myself.

Maria Hill:

You did well, Karolina. Thank you.

Heroic Battle

Back to top ↑

Screen Text

The Runaways find they might be a little too good at being criminals, as a bounty is placed on Karolina Dean. Of course, Rocket and Groot don't overlook an easy payday.

Start

I am Groot.

Groot:

Karolina Dean:

What are you guys doing? We're working for S.H.I.E.L.D.! God, leave me alone.

There's a bounty, kid. This is business.

Rocket Raccoon:

Lose

Bag her up and let's get going.

Rocket Raccoon:

I am Groot.

Groot:

Why should we ask Coulson? He's not paying us--Groot, you idiot! Why'd you let her go?

Rocket Raccoon:

I am Groot.

Groot:

That doesn't matter! This is a job! Ah, jeez. Now we're just going to have to find her again.

Rocket Raccoon:

Repeat

Rocket Raccoon:

Quit with the zapping already. You already burned off a bunch of Groot's shoots. You're gonna make him mad.

Complete

Karolina Dean:

Who put a bounty on me?

How should I know? Money's money. Why should we care where it comes from? All we know is someone thinks you're the Kingpin's flunkies, and they're willing to pay to take you off the table.

Rocket Raccoon:

MiniBoss - Dragoness

Back to top ↑

Reveal

You will find Dragoness and a cadre of Hellfire Club personnel at this location. Dispose of them.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Roger wilco. Who's with me?

Start

Chase Stein:

Ooh, a secret society headquarters. Can we join up? I want to be a rook.

S.H.I.E.L.D. is sending children to die for them now? Desperation is a cruel thing.

Dragoness:

Chase Stein:

Correction, Dragon Lady. We're here because the Kingpin doesn't like you mooching his business.

Fisk? That makes more sense. He doesn't care who dies on his behalf.

Dragoness:

Lose

You're still breathing. That's as merciful as I'm going to get.

Dragoness:

Repeat

Fisk commands surprising loyalty, doesn't he? Or perhaps you're just too gullible to know when you're being manipulated.

Dragoness:

Complete

Chase Stein:

Dragoness flew out of here like she was on fire, ha ha. Look at her go. Fisk, this Hellfire Club party is over.

Good. I require information about their activities as well. What has brought them back to my city? I suspect they intend to interfere with a trade in certain objects.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

There are a lot of certain objects around. Can you be a little more specific?

Your glibness is wearying, Mr. Stein. Objects of an occult or arcane nature.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Nico, do we see any objects of an occult or arcane nature around here?

Nico Minoru:

We sure do. Tons.

Chase Stein:

There you go, Mr. Fisk. Tons.

Understood. I will send emissaries to collect them. Touch nothing.

Kingpin:

MiniBoss - Selene

Back to top ↑

Reveal

The witch Selene is conducting experiments with artifacts here--artifacts that belong to me. Which of you is best suited to interrupting arcane rituals? Ms. Minoru?

Kingpin:

Nico Minoru:

Yep. That would be me.

Then this task falls to you, young lady.

Kingpin:

Start

Nico Minoru:

Fisk says the Hellfire Club needs to get out of his business.

And what is one such as you doing in Wilson Fisk's business?

Selene:

Nico Minoru:

That's none of your business.

Lose

Still a child. In my youth, we would have sacrificed one such as you, just to be rid of your mouth.

Selene:

Repeat

Run away to your friends, little girl, and pray the Hellfire Club never cares enough about you to kill you.

Selene:

Complete

Nico Minoru:

For a thousand-year-old witch, she's kind of a pushover.

Chase Stein:

Nico Minoru, ladies and gentlemen. Take a victory lap.

My associates will be there shortly to assume possession of whatever Selene left behind. Ms. Minoru, have you any idea where she has gone?

Kingpin:

Nico Minoru:

She made a jump through the astral plane. It's tricky to pin those down if you're not already keeping an eye on the astral plane when they happen.

Understood. Her escape is regrettable, but for now, you must carry on.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

That we will.

Boss - Sebastian Shaw

Back to top ↑

Reveal

Maria Hill:

We've found Shaw. Unfortunately, he's found Molly. She just cleaned out a group of Hellfire soldiers but in the process she was separated from the rest of the Runaways.

Agent Coulson:

Then let's get in there and help her out.

Chase Stein:

No. You can't go in or our cover with Fisk will be blown. We're on our way to back her up. You guys stay put.

Hawkeye:

Are we seriously going to leave an eleven-year-old girl to face Sebastian Shaw?

Karolina Dean:

Chase just said we're on our way. Believe me, Molly's tougher than any of us.

Victor Mancha:

But Shaw gets stronger when you hit him. We need to get there fast, before Molly finds out the hard way. She's not going to stand a chance.

Karolina Dean:

Come on, then. Coulson, seriously. Stay out of it.

Start

Molly Hayes:

Hey, mister. You're one of the Hellfire Club, right?

How do you--? Ah. I see. Molly, is it?

Sebastian Shaw:

Molly Hayes:

That's my name. What's yours?

Sebastian.

Sebastian Shaw:

Molly Hayes:

You're a bad guy, aren't you, Sebastian?

From your perspective.

Sebastian Shaw:

Molly Hayes:

Just tell the truth. You're a bad guy. You know what I do? I'm a super hero. I take care of bad guys.

And you think you're going to take care of me?

Sebastian Shaw:

Molly Hayes:

You bet I am. Mostly because you talk to me like I'm a dumb little kid. See if a dumb little kid can do this!

Lose

You certainly aren't dumb, but you are foolish. Do not try my patience any more.

Sebastian Shaw:

Repeat

Molly Hayes:

I might be just a kid, but you're a bully.

Complete

Nico Minoru:

Good thing Molly didn't have to handle this one alone. If ever there was a guy she'd have trouble with...

Molly Hayes:

I'm fine.

Karolina Dean:

You sure? I mean, you look okay, but--

Molly Hayes:

I had to hit Mr. Shaw and now I'm kind of sleepy.

Chase Stein:

It's not nap time yet. I'm going to give Fisk a call.

You have handled the Hellfire Club situation, I assume?

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Molly polished it off for you.

Convey to her my appreciation.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

You hear that, Molly? Fisk appreciates you. Oh. Never mind. She fell asleep.

Epic Boss - Ultron

Back to top ↑

Reveal

Victor Mancha:

Coulson. I seem to have attracted some attention. These are Ultrons. I mean, like a lot of them.

We are Ultron. You are Ultron.

Ultron:

Victor Mancha:

No. I. Am. Not.

Agent Coulson:

Keep your head, Victor. Fire support is incoming. Field assets, be advised of the presence of Ultron constructs in this area. Destroy on sight.

Start

All will be Ultron. All else will be dead.

Ultron:

Victor Mancha:

All of you will be scrap. Starting now.

Lose

Life will perish!

Ultron:

Repeat

Victor Mancha:

Looks like I missed some of them.

Complete

Victor Mancha:

That's the last of them. I think.

Agent Coulson:

We'll keep looking.

Maria Hill:

For Ultron himself, too. This was a test. Ultron has announced himself. He'll be watching to see how we respond.

Victor Mancha:

It's testing me, that's for sure.

Nico Minoru:

You can handle it, Zap. We've got your back.

Mission Complete

Back to top ↑

Agent Coulson:

That nearly got out of control. I don't like to question the boss's judgment, but sending a bunch of kids against the Hellfire Club doesn't sit right with me.

Hawkeye:

They're not just kids, Coulson.

Agent Coulson:

Not just, no. But they are kids.

Hawkeye:

I was just like them when I was a kid. Things come at you, you handle them. That's life. That's growing up.

Agent Coulson:

Maybe so. But while I have anything to say about it, we're not going to endanger them unnecessarily.

Maria Hill:

We've already linked them up with the Kingpin, who will dispose of them the minute he can't use them anymore. Define necessary danger.

Agent Coulson:

Once we have them touch base with Fisk again, I'll have a better idea of how to answer that. Hawkeye, I'd like you to shadow them and keep them out of Bullseye's crosshairs.

Hawkeye:

Great. Babysitting is what I do best.

Mission 3

"The Runaways go on a field trip to the UN Headquarters. While they're there, the kids will learn about human rights and peacekeeping, and they'll make sure that all 193 flags remain unsmashed."
— Mission Preview

Mission Start

Back to top ↑

Chase Stein:

So S.H.I.E.L.D. high muckety-mucks. Fisk just dropped us some new working orders. Looks like we've earned his trust.

Maria Hill:

Or he finds you useful.

Molly Hayes:

There's terrorist attacks from a group called U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M..

Maria Hill:

We know that too. We've been tracking them.

Karolina Dean:

Fisk wants us to take them out. They're about to attack the UN complex.

Agent Coulson:

Excellent. You do that. But you'll also want to have this tidbit from Hawkeye.

Hawkeye:

Bullseye's around here somewhere too. Someone sent him after you guys... or they're trying to draw me out because I'm the only Avenger who didn't get to go on Fury's little field trip. Either way, I'm going after him before the body count gets too high.

Maria Hill:

Keep a sharp eye out, Runaways... and not just for Bullseye. The minute Fisk decides he doesn't need you, he'll be thinking of the best way to put you in a coffin.

Deploy 1

Screen Text

U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. must have connections with other terrorist associations. Send a hero to observe their tactics and see if they match operating procedures of other known groups.

Deploy 2

Screen Text

The panic at the UN has sent some employees and diplomats fleeing towards the river. U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. troops are there to cut them off. Send a hero to eliminate the U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. forces.

Deploy 3

Screen Text

White hunting U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. personnel, a field team ran across a cache of Hellfire Club artifacts. Don't tell Fisk, but do send Nico Minoru to see what they are.

Complete

Nico Minoru:

There's some interesting stuff here. I don't think any of it is unsafe to transport. I do think you should put it all in my room so I can, you know, research it more.

Maria Hill:

Not likely. We will bring you in on the testing, though.

Deploy 4

Screen Text

Some UN staffers are trapped on the roof of the headquarters tower. Send a hero to accompany rescue helicopters in case U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. troops attack them.

Deploy 5

Screen Text

Send a hero to help keep U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. forces bottled up near the UN. We don't want them getting out into the city now that the Runaways are starting to break up their operations.

Heroic Battle

Back to top ↑

Screen Text

While keeping an eye on the Runaways, Hawkeye and Bullseye lock eyes.

Start

Hawkeye:

Gotcha.

Nope. I got you.

Bullseye:

Hawkeye:

The thing you never figured out is you can't win, because the only way for you to win is for you to have no one left to kill. Then what would you do?

Interesting question. Kill myself and then come after you in the afterlife, how about that?

Bullseye:

In-Fight

Hawkeye:

When was Fisk going to have you pull the trigger on the kids?

I'm just making sure they don't get out of hand. Fisk likes to make sure he's squeezed all the juice out before he throws away the pulp, if you know what I mean.

Bullseye:

Lose

The thing you never figured out is I can't lose here, because there's always something you want to protect. Me, I'm okay if it all comes crashing down.

Bullseye:

Repeat

Nobody as stubborn as a guy who wants to atone for past mistakes. That's why my life is so easy. No guilt!

Bullseye:

Complete

Hawkeye:

I have an idea. Let's entomb him in concrete and drop him in the river. Can we?

Agent Coulson:

No. But we will provide him secure accommodations at the Raft.

Hawkeye:

This is one of those times--and they don't come along too often--when I wish the Punisher was around.

MiniBoss - Batroc

Back to top ↑

Reveal

Mr. Stein. Your youngest associate has crossed paths with Batroc the Leaper. He is not the worst of men, but neither is he a man I would trust to show mercy to a small child.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

Oh, I'm not too worried about Molly. We'll catch up and make sure nothing too terrible happens... to Batroc, I mean.

Start

Molly Hayes:

I'm supposed to ask you about U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.. So, um... what's U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.?

Mademoiselle, zees is not your fight. Go and play.

Batroc:

Molly Hayes:

I am playing. I'm playing with you. The game is you answer my questions, okay?

Non. That is not okay. I answer no questions!

Batroc:

Molly Hayes:

Then I'm supposed to hit you.

Ha! I fear you, mademoiselle. Go ahead and hit me.

Batroc:

Lose

Little girl, you pack a mighty punch. But you are still a little girl.

Batroc:

Repeat

Molly Hayes:

You better not call me little again. I'm pretty strong.

Complete

Molly Hayes:

He was making fun of me so I hit him. Sorry he didn't answer any questions.

Victor Mancha:

Doesn't look like he'll be answering anyone's questions for a while.

Nico Minoru:

Molly, do us a favor and don't go off on your own, all right?

Molly Hayes:

I can take care of myself. Ask Batroc if I can.

Victor Mancha:

She has a point.

MiniBoss - Whiplash

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Reveal

Whiplash has apparently thrown in his lot with the U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. group. Their activities threaten a number of delicate arrangements I have no desire to see disrupted.

Kingpin:

Karolina Dean:

You mean, like, you've bought a bunch of diplomats and you're afraid Whiplash will blow them up?

I mean you need to remove Whiplash from the area of the United Nations headquarters. More than that is more than you need to know.

Kingpin:

Karolina Dean:

Touchy, touchy. I'll take care of it.

Start

Karolina Dean:

We read up on you, Whiplash. You're not a world-government type.

I fight my fight for my reasons. What are your reasons?

Whiplash:

Karolina Dean:

Oh, you know. Opposition to pointless violence and random destruction. Typical idealistic stuff.

Idealism. I remember idealism. Also I remember it died when I grew up.

Whiplash:

Lose

Who are these children? Go back to your playground, children.

Whiplash:

Repeat

This is not your fight, children. Let Fisk fight for himself.

Whiplash:

Complete

Maria Hill:

Karolina, we're going to pick up Whiplash before Fisk's people get there.

Karolina Dean:

You sure? He might want...

Maria Hill:

Don't take this the wrong way, but S.H.I.E.L.D. policy decisions are a little above your pay grade.

Karolina Dean:

Ooh, well, this little peon will keep her questions to herself in the future. Geez.

Hawkeye:

Teenagers. I'm telling you.

Boss - Flag-Smasher

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Reveal

U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.'s leader is a man calling himself the Flag-Smasher. It is time you confronted him directly.

Kingpin:

Karolina Dean:

We kind of have the sense that you're not telling us everything we need to know here, Mr. Fisk.

Your intuition is accurate, Ms. Dean. I am telling you exactly what I want you to know. It is enough for you to complete the task I have assigned.

Kingpin:

Chase Stein:

The Big Kahuna has said aloha. We ready to roll? nobody smashes flags when the Runaways are on the case.

Molly Hayes:

How do you smash a flag? They're made of cloth.

Chase Stein:

It's a synecdoche. Flag stands in for nation-state. That's a synecdoche, right?

Karolina Dean:

I think we ought to get some more information out of Fisk. There's something big going on here. What's he not telling us?

Chase Stein:

How about this: First we take out the Flag-Smasher, then we interrogate the Kingpin. Sound good? I think it sounds great.

Start

Chase Stein:

So, isn't the UN your kind of thing? I thought you hated nations and you were into world government.

The UN is a collection of world governments! It exists so they can all pretend cooperation is impossible and get on with the business of war and stupidity! Only when it lies in ashes will a true new world emerge! U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. exists to bring that about!

Flag-Smasher:

Chase Stein:

Right. Ashes, new world. Got it.

Nation-states exist only to perpetuate war and oppression. You fight on behalf of that which squeeze the life out of you. You are drones, but worse than drones, because you have minds you refuse to employ. All ideologies divide people against each other, while those with power sit aside and laugh at your misery!

Flag-Smasher:

Victor Mancha:

God, enough already. Why are anarchists always so long-winded?

In-Fight

You fight with the energy of the ignorant. Aren't you old enough to mount a critique of the mechanics of your own oppression? Break free of the blinders put on your thinking by the invisible structure of corporatist state power!

Flag-Smasher:

Chase Stein:

Can I just break free of you instead?

The idea--not the ideology!--is what can never be escaped!

Flag-Smasher:

Lose

You and the nation-state alike are doomed to be just embarrassing memories.

Flag-Smasher:

Repeat

Chase Stein:

Oh, here's Mr. I'm-not-a-terrorist-I'm-a-revolutionary again. Hit me with some new slogans.

Complete

Chase Stein:

So we got Flag-Smasher's spiel, but what's the truth? Who are these U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. nuts anyway?

I have not engaged your services for the purpose of interrogation, Mr. Stein. You have done well in your limited capacity, but I have no further work for you at this time. Report to your S.H.I.E.L.D. chaperones that Fisk refused to disclose any possible connection to U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M., and that he discharged you without prejudice.

Kingpin:

Victor Mancha:

S.H.I.E.L.D. chaperones? You knew?

Of course I knew, Mr. Mancha. Very little happens in this city without my knowledge. Convey my greetings to Agents Coulson and Hill, if you please. And, in partial answer to your question regarding U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M., this one tidbit I offer you as a token of esteem for your service: Follow the money. It was good advice in 1973, and remains so.

Kingpin:

Nico Minoru:

You could stand to learn a little finesse, Chase.

Listen to her. Be well, Runaways, or not. I know where to find you.

Kingpin:

Mission Complete

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Agent Coulson:

Boss! Good to see you back.

Nick Fury:

Good to be back. Sit-rep, please.

Agent Coulson:

The Runaways ingratiated themselves with the Kingpin, broke up a Maggia coup attempt, fought Hellfire Club to a standstill, and thwarted an U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. attack on the United Nations.

Maria Hill:

Any sign of the Avengers?

Hawkeye:

Ahem.

Maria Hill:

I mean the other Avengers.

Tony Stark:

Here we are! Did we miss the party? Sorry, caught in traffic. You know how the FDR is this time of day.

Nick Fury:

What were the Runaways doing infiltrating Fisk's operation?

Agent Coulson:

Runaway train, Pride, underground king... that's what the coded note was about, wasn't it?

Tony Stark:

I told you the coded note was a bad idea, Nick.

Nick Fury:

Put a sock in it, Stark. This was a training exercise, Coulson. Designed to see how you, Hill, and Hawkeye react when the chain of command is disrupted.

Agent Coulson:

I see. We thought the note--

Nick Fury:

I can see why. Turns out it was for the best. Runaways, you did good work out there. Coulson and Hill, you did well keeping them from getting in over their heads. Good display of initiative and resourcefulness overall.

Molly Hayes:

Thanks, Mr. Fury.

Nick Fury:

You're welcome, young lady.

Hawkeye:

I just have one question. It has to do with the Avengers memo didn't get circulated in my direction.

Maria Hill:

It's a good thing you were here, Clint. Bullseye might have killed all of the Runaways if you hadn't headed him off.

Tony Stark:

We knew Bullseye was around. That was the threat we figured you'd have to answer first. Turns out you got there, just by a different road. And isn't that kind of individualism what S.H.I.E.L.D. is really about?

Nick Fury:

I'm wondering again if I can fire you.

Tony Stark:

Not if you want to keep using all my cool toys.

Karolina Dean:

So you guys are supposed to be good examples of grownup behavior, am I right?

Victor Mancha:

I had the same question.

Chase Stein:

I told you. They don't know what they're doing any better than we do.