THE MARVEL KNIGHTS GROUP
PROUDLY PRESENTS...
ISSUE #3 written by Jeff Melton
THE K’UN L’UN CONNECTION, CHAPTER THREE
“Old Friends, New Problems!”
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE: Danny Rand and Spider-Woman fought off an attack by the villainous Taskmaster, who was sent to take out Danny by an unidentified client. Meanwhile, Master Khan works to revive another super-powered villain…but who and for what purpose? Miami, Florida. Shoreline Towers is a fifteen-story condominium facing the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and a man-made lake facing the other. In the center of the lake, a fountain shoots water twenty feet into the air, and at night, the water is illuminated with a variety of colors from the lights beneath the fountain’s surface. It is early morning, when a familiar figure makes his way through the hallway of the condominium, leading towards a room on the tenth floor. The large, muscular black man pulls a piece of paper out of his jeans pocket, checking the number scratched onto the paper by his hand. He then nods, as he walks a little further, stopping at a door with 1028 on the door. Luke Cage raises his arm, knocking on the door. He knocks gently at first, looking around to see that no one else is disturbed by his early-morning visit. He smiles to himself, thinking about how he’s always heard that these Floridians are late risers. Getting no response, he knocks a bit harder, until he can hear the sound of footsteps inside the room. They are distant at first, but get louder, as they get closer to the door. Danny Rand opens the door. He is only wearing a pair of boxers, as he pulls the door open, clearly having just gotten out of bed. His hair is mussed, and he has a tired look in his eyes. As he sees his friend, his expression goes from a look of mild irritation to a look of surprise. “Luke!” he calls out. “What are you doing here, buddy?!” “Danny!” Luke returns, looking around. “Mind if I come in?” “Well, uh,” Danny replies with hesitation in his voice that surprises Luke. His unspoken question is answered, however, when he sees a female hand on Danny’s bare shoulder. As Danny pulls the door open slightly, Luke sees a beautiful dark-haired female, wearing only a robe, tied hastily around her shapely waist, which has difficulty restraining her large breasts. Luke’s look of surprise quickly turns to slight embarrassment, realizing that he might be interrupting something. “Danny, what’s going on?” she asks. As Luke looks closely, he recognizes her as Jessica Drew, a private eye. Danny motions for Luke to come in, and he does so. Danny closes the door behind him. “Jess,” he offers, “this is Luke Cage.” “I thought he looked familiar,” Jessica remarks. “I’ve seen pictures of him before.” “They don’t do me justice,” Luke attempts a joke to break the ice. “Well,” Danny responds, smiling, “there’s only so much a camera can do, Luke. You don’t give them much to work with.” Danny and Luke walk into the dining room, taking opposite seats at the four-seat dining room table. Jessica stands behind Danny, running her hands along his shoulders. “Luke,” Danny offers, “you know you’re always welcome in my home, but…what brings you all the way to Miami?” “Uh, well…” Luke responds, looking first at Danny, then up at Jessica, who merely shakes her head. “It looks like this might take a while,” Jessica offers. “Want me to start some coffee?” “No, Jess,” Danny replies, placing his hand on top of hers, as he turns around to face her. “Why don’t you go back to bed and get some rest? We’ll go out looking for clues after breakfast.” She looks at Luke, who appears relieved. Then, she looks down at Danny. “Okay,” she replies, smiling. “You talked me into it, Danny.” She then walks across the floor towards the bedroom door, turning around one last time. “I’ll see you in a little bit. And, Luke, nice to meet you.” After she closes the door, Luke leans over, punching Danny softly in the shoulder. “Damn, man!” he remarks, with a sly smile. “You’ve been working, I see!” “Jess is a great lady,” Danny responds. “But, what brings you to Miami?!” He realizes that he might seem irritable, but as he looks over at the clock, it does still read 4:45 AM. He nods down, running his hand across his forehead. He was hoping to sleep in—at least a little—this morning. “Layla!” Luke remarks, shaking his head with a look of distaste on his face. “What?” Danny asks, looking up towards Luke. “You mean Sam’s old girlfriend? Didn’t you two go out on a date?” “Well…yeah!” Luke responds. “And that bitch is crazy!” Danny looks up, through tired eyes, at Luke. “You didn’t come here at 4:45 in the morning to tell me that, did you?” Luke looks back at Danny, a very serious expression on his face. “No, man,” he returns, “I mean this bitch is crazy!” “Okay,” Danny responds slowly. “Don’t go out with her again then.” “Oh, I got that covered!” Luke replies, holding his hand out, as if defensively. “That ain’t going to happen!” “All right,” Danny replies. “So, why exactly did you come to Miami?” “Man, I hopped on the red-eye flight down here,” Luke responds, nodding his head. “I couldn’t get out of the city quick enough! Say, you need a partner in this new business you got going?” “Wait a minute!” Danny remarks, trying to take this all in, and having difficulty with what he’s hearing. “You’re not really running down to Miami to get away from Layla…are you?! I mean, don’t you fight super-villains?!” “Well, yeah,” Luke retorts. “But, you shoulda seen this woman. She hates everybody. I mean, it’s like the woman lives her whole life at that time of the month, y’know?” Danny looks around, making sure that Jessica didn’t hear that before he turns his attention back to Luke. “Yeah, I heard she was a little mouthy,” Danny responds. “She ain’t a ‘little’ anything, man!” Luke argues, shaking his head. “She’s a whole lot mouthy…and a whole lot mean!” “What did she do?” Danny resigns himself to hearing Luke’s story. “Man, we went to a restaurant,” Luke replies, thinking back at the night’s events. “And she was talking trash against everyone she came across. Everyone was a ‘honkey’, a ‘towel-head’, a ‘wet-back’, or whatever. I wanted to put my head under the table.” Danny shakes his head. “I heard you were a little over-the-top when you started out, too,” Danny responds. “Well, yeah,” Luke agrees, nodding his head. “I did get that way a little, but I was young and dumb. What’s her excuse?” “I’m not really saying she has one,” Danny replies. “You don’t want to be around her. I get that. Just don’t. Make this a one night date.” “I hope it’s that easy,” Luke contends. “I just get the feeling that she’s the stalker type, you know?” “And you’re irresistible?” Danny jokes, smiling slightly. “Well,” Luke responds with a smile, “you already knew that!” Danny gets to his feet, and Luke does the same. He walks Luke to the door. “I’m sure it’ll all work out,” Danny comments. “Just stay away from her.” “Yeah, no problem,” Luke replies, as he walks out the door that Danny has opened for him. “Not to rush you off or anything, but…” Danny says, glancing back at the closed bedroom door. “Hey, say no more, buddy!” Luke returns. “I might stick around down here for a couple of days. Not sure yet.” “Give me a call if you do,” Danny responds. “Just not at four in the morning,” he adds with a smile. “It’s a deal,” Luke replies. He turns to walk down the hallway, but stops for a moment, looking back before Danny has closed the door. “You sure you don’t need a partner for your business?” “Heh,” Danny laughs softly. “Already have one. Good night, Luke.” INTERLUDE In a secret laboratory, a scientist works feverishly on his machinery, as a man lies on the cot stretched out before him. His back is turned to the man, and he has been working for some time on reviving the man. For the moment, however, he is inspecting the machinery before him, his attention diverted from the sight of the man. The scientist does not notice movement on the table and he is unprepared for the speed of the man on the table. Before he knows what is happening, a hand reaches around his throat, lifting him off the ground. He lifts the scientist effortlessly, his legs dangling helplessly. Within a matter of seconds, the legs stop moving, and the scientist goes stiff, his oxygen permanently cut off. “Ah, I see you’ve awakened,” the regal voice comments, as Master Khan enters the room. He surveys the scene, pleased to see that his subject has finally risen from the table. “Very good. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever wake up?” <“Where am I?”> the man asks. He is wearing a newly-tailored red costume with black markings resembling a spider. His boots are black, as are his gloves. He has a moustache on his Hispanic face. His body is crafted like a martial artist who regularly engages in exercise and weight lifting. “You are in the care of Master Khan,” the villain responds. “English?” the man responds in heavily-accented English. “The last thing I remember, I was fighting Spider-Man…as a giant spider?” He seems to be reaching his mind to ensure that the fantastic thing in his memory was real. “That is true…Tarantula!” Master Khan responds. “You were transformed into a giant tarantula, your namesake, and fought Spider-Man. You were shot numerous times, and fell from a great distance. You were presumed dead.”* [*These events were originally depicted in Amazing Spider-Man #236.] Tarantula nods in silent agreement. “When was that?” he asks. “How long have I been out?” “Quite some time,” Master Khan responds. “You have missed much in the time you have been unconscious. You owe your survival to two men—Dr. Jonas Harrow and the man who is lying at your feet.” Tarantula scoffs, kicking the dead scientist aside. “He has been properly rewarded for his efforts.” Master Khan smiles a sinister smile. “The same reward I had in mind for him,” Master Khan remarks. “I think we shall get along just fine.” “You went to quite an effort to bring me here,” Tarantula comments, looking his benefactor over. “Why?” “You are a man who prefers to get to the point,” Master Khan returns, nodding his approval. “I can appreciate that, as well as your legendary penchant for brutality. I want you to first know that you have been restored to your power level immediately prior to your presumed death. You have heightened strength, and you have undergone extensive therapy—while you were sleeping—to ensure that your muscles did not atrophy.” Tarantula nods, as Khan continues. “But, as to why I have gone through this effort, I have a job for you…one you will enjoy.” END OF INTERLUDE Canton, Ohio. Separated east to west by Interstate 77, the most prominent feature of this mid-sized town is the National Football League Hall of Fame, which can be seen from the interstate. Approximately two miles from the museum, Danny Rand and Jessica Drew emerge from a rented black Lexus LX470. Jessica steps down from the driver’s seat, even as Danny makes his way around to greet her. They are parked on the side of the road, in front of an immaculately cared-for green lawn leading to a large three-story brick house. Danny and Jessica make their way up the pebble walkway leading to the front door. “Are you covered at work?” Jessica asks. She is wearing a black skirt, cut just above her knees, and accentuated with black high heels. Her tight-fitting button-up blouse is buttoned-down at the first two buttons, and Danny finds himself distracted by her formidable cleavage for a moment. “Yes,” Danny replies. “I spoke with my partner, Jack. He understands things like this.” “Oh?” Jessica asks, surprised. “What did you tell him?” “I didn’t spend a lot of time on details,” Danny responds, as they continue past patches of flowers on either side of the pebble walkway, “but I pretty much told him the truth.” “Hmm,” Jessica remarks. “I didn’t know your partner was aware of your secret identity…although I guess that makes it easier.” “Well,” Danny replies, “it does. And he has done some of this kind of thing himself, so there’s really no reason to keep any secrets from him.” Jessica’s natural inclination is to ask more questions about Danny’s partner, but she doesn’t get a chance. A tan, toned man of about twenty stands up from behind some hedges. He is carrying a hedge trimmer, and he brushes the long hair out of his face, along with sweat, calling out to Jessica and Danny. “Hey!” he calls out. “Who are you?” “Well, you’re clearly the gardener,” Jessica remarks. “We’re here to see Mrs. Hamilton. She should be expecting us.” “Oh,” the gardener remarks, nodding his head. He is wearing an old t-shirt and jeans shorts. “Yeah, she mentioned that you might be coming. Miss Drew, right?” “That’s right,” Jessica returns. Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Danny watching the young gardener, and keeping his eyes trained on his hedge trimmer. As they turn away from the gardener, they make their way up a small set of five stairs, leading to a wrap-around front porch. “It looks like Morris did good for himself,” Danny comments, noting the presence of a Mercedes and a Corvette in the driveway. “He never seemed to have this kind of money when I knew him.” “He never did,” Jessica responds, using the door knocker to knock on the door. “He only had an F-150 and a Taurus in his name. These are both new additions.” “Looks like you’ve done your research,” Danny comments, as he turns around to face the door. “I always do,” she replies with a smile. They are interrupted by the door opening. Behind the door is a beautiful blond woman, who appears to be in her late twenties. She is wearing a bikini top. Her hair is damp, and she has a towel draped across her neck. She is wearing tight-fitting shorts cut high on her thigh. She looks at Danny, with a smile. “You must be Mr. Drew?” she asks, her eyes moving across his body. “Actually,” Jessica responds, moving forward, “I’m Miss Drew. This is my friend, Danny Rand.” “Oh,” the lovely blond responds, raising her eyebrow. “Well, anyway, come on in.” As they make their way through the house, Jessica and Danny both take in various pieces of artwork adorning the walls. Mrs. Hamilton leads them to a den, and motions for them to have a seat. Danny and Jessica sit down beside each other on a loveseat, while Mrs. Hamilton sits down across from them on a recliner. “I got a call that you were coming,” Mrs. Hamilton comments, looking over at Jessica, then back at Danny. “I was surprised you got here so quickly.” “We took a flight up here,” Jessica responds. “It’s important to get some information early in cases like this.” “Oh,” Mrs. Hamilton replies, nodding. “I’m sure it is.” “When was the last time you saw your husband?” Jessica asks. “It’s been two days,” Mrs. Hamilton responds, adding, as she seems to be thinking something through in her head, “since I spoke to him. He called me two nights ago from the hotel.” “Hotel?” Danny asks. “He and his brother were skiing in Colorado,” Mrs. Hamilton explains. “They left five days ago.” “His brother?” Danny asks, looking over at Mrs. Hamilton, who has her legs crossed, and is bouncing her foot slightly. “You mean Charlie?” Mrs. Hamilton seems surprised, but nods. “So, they were gone three days before he disappeared?” Jessica asks. “That sounds right,” Mrs. Hamilton responds. “What do you know about his disappearance?” Jessica asks, leaning forward. ”I’m not sure what you mean,” Mrs. Hamilton responds. “According to his brother…” she looks over at Danny, smiling, “…Charlie…he wasn’t in his room in the morning.” “I wonder why they had separate rooms,” Danny muses aloud. “You’d have to ask Charlie that question,” Mrs. Hamilton replies. “Still, I got the impression that they could only stand so much of each other at a time.” “Maybe so,” Danny replies. “Do you have Charlie’s number? I’d like to call him. He might have some clues for us.” “Sure,” Mrs. Hamilton stretches across the armrest to her chair, pulling out a small note pad. She quickly scribbles something on the notepad. She then leans forward, handing the note to Danny, smiling. “Here you are,” she adds, running her finger along the back of his hand, as she slowly pulls away, “I’ve put my cell on there too…in case you have any other…questions.” Jessica stands up, shaking her head, as she looks over at Danny somewhat sternly. “That’ll be all for now,” Jessica remarks, as she nods at Mrs. Hamilton, even as Danny gets to his feet. As they exit the door, Jessica turns back to Mrs. Hamilton, who is watching Danny walk down the stairs. “If we have any more questions, we’ll give you a call.” “Oh, sure,” Mrs. Hamilton replies, nodding. “And let me know if you find out anything.” “We will,” Jessica replies, as she joins Danny in the yard. They turn away and make their way down the pebble walkway again. “What are your instincts telling you, Danny?” Jessica asks. “Probably the same as yours,” Danny replies, as they approach the vehicle. “I never really pictured Morris with a wife so…” Jessica’s intense look gets his attention, and he shakes his head, smiling, “…young.” “Not just that,” Jessica replies, opening the door to the Lexus and getting in. “Any concern for her husband came off like an afterthought.” “Yeah,” Danny replies, leaning back in his seat, as the vehicle starts to move down the street. “Let’s just hope that Charlie can tell us something.” Jessica smiles, looking over at Danny. “I hope you don’t mind a little trip,” she comments. “We might be away from your office a couple of days.” “That’s a distraction I can handle!” Danny responds, with a smile. TO BE CONTINUED... NEXT ISSUE: More on the mystery of Morris Hamilton! What does Charlie know about his brother? And who is behind his abduction/disappearance? Plus: What is Master Khan up to…and what are his plans for the Tarantula? Find out in IRON FIST #4! MARTIAL MISSIVES I imagine it will come as no surprise that the villain who has been in Master Khan’s care is none other than the Tarantula—the classic Spider-Man villain. I know that there have been other versions of Tarantula, but I wasn’t too impressed with the second Tarantula, and the first version of the character was always a villain I thought had a great deal of potential, if handled properly.
His death was one of the silly stories in the early 80s. Tarantula gets turned into a giant spider, then shot several times, and fell off a rooftop. It’s one of those times when the writer really wanted the villain dead. But, it was such a weird story, with the transformation, that it also proves one where the villain can pretty easily be brought back. Hopefully, the readers will enjoy what I have in mind for the character. I’m also looking forward to responses from the Luke/Danny friendship. I plan to have some fun with it at times, but will play it a number of different ways. Again, hopefully, the readers will enjoy my take on these characters. Your comments, as always, would be appreciated at earth2jsa@yahoo.com. -Jeff Melton |
Anton
Miguel Rodriguez was initially introduced in a memorable period of Spider-Man
history. Gwen Stacy had just died about a year earlier. Punisher had
just come into the picture in recent months, and here was a character
who pretty much immediately showed himself to be a threat to Spider-Man—complete
with his own spider motif. He appeared in a number of Spider-Man stories,
including appearances in the main title, as well as Spectacular Spider-Man.