Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Flashback to Cardinal's youth his father is telling him he has to fight for what's his. Later he joins the army and eventually meets a mercenary called sprocket. Sprocket has a child named Valerie and it only becomes clear that it was with Cardinal after Valerie was murdered as Meteorite in the Redeemers by Graviton. Sprocket informs Cardinal of this while visiting Seagate prison.
Eight weeks ago the Crimson Cowl convinced Cardinal to join her Masters of Evil using some twisted logic by saying that Hawkeye was responsible for Valerie's death since she was placed into the Redeemers program and later killed by Graviton in the same program.
Present day, Hawkeye, Songbird, Plant-Man and the Masters of Evil that have joined with them are in Symkaria. They gain the attention of Silver Sable and her wild pack. Hawkeye explains everything they have been doing and about Justin Hammer's Last Testament and will. Plant-Man found spores on the members of the Masters of Evil that have joined them and tracked them down to the Ryork River that is the border between Symkaria and Latveria.
Cyclone, Man-Killer, and the Gypsy Moth talk and play pool while Hawkeye and Songbird talk with Silver Sable outside about their plans. Silver Sable wants to walk up the residence that they are suspicious of in the morning. Hawkeye thinks that's a little odd but agrees since Silver Sable has her reasons. Hawkeye talks to Plant-Man about a cure for what's growing within them. He's working on it but hasn't had success yet. Cardinal on top of a rooftop targets Hawkeye and then shuts down talking to himself about trust.
In the Morning, Silver Sable, the Wild pack and everyone else arrives at the suspicious residence along the river. A woman called Justine talks to Silver Sable dressed in red clothing. Silver Sable is going to arrest her for bringing Justin Hammer's legacy into Silver Sable's country. Justine attacks Silver sable, which sends everyone else into action.
Hawkeye is thrown far away by the Justine as she takes on her normal look as the Crimson Cowl. Cardinal goes after Hawkeye, as Black Mamba, Hydro-Man and Machinesmith appear to stop the Masters of Evil that are helping Hawkeye. Crimson Cowl's Masters of evil effectively defeat Hawkeye's team with the help of Machinesmith taking control of machines in Cardinal's armor and in Songbird's carapace. All this causes Cardinal to drop Hawkeye into the Ryork River as they exchange words about trust
Thunderbolts and all associated characters are the property of MARVEL COMICS TM&©2003.