Archive of Our Own ^beta

TITLE: "THE LIFE OF A MERC-FOR-HIRE"

SUMMARY: TASKMASTER HAD IT ALL: AN A-LIST VILLAIN TITLE, A SCHOOL FOR FUTURE HENCHMEN, FAME, FORTUNE, EVERYTHING HE COULD HAVE WISHED FOR. BUT LIFE HAPPENS, AND NOW HE HAS NONE. WHAT WILL HE DO TO COME OUT ON TOP? READ AHEAD TO FIND OUT!

INTRODUCTION ISSUE: "FROM A-LIST TO C-LIST"

WE CUT TO TASKMASTER'S DIALOGUE AS HE GIVES A SUMMARY TO THE READERS.HE'S STANDING OFF A ROOFTOP AS HE SURVEYS THE FIELD. HE LOOKS AT HIS PHONE TO GET DETAILS OF HIS ASSIGNMENT. THE FILE READS:

TARGET: OLIVER SMITH (SCIENTIST) REASON FOR KILLING: DIDN'T INVITE ME TO HIS BARBECUE PARTY.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

MY NAME IS TASKMASTER. AKA: A MERCENARY AKA: THE Master of Tasks AKA: A TEACHER AKA: A BASTARD.

FLASHBACK PANELS OF HAPPY TIMES:

TASKMASTER

I had it all. the FAME.The GLORY. A SCHOOL! People took me seriously. I was-I AM an A-list villain!

Taskmaster has sights on the target. He corners him to a CLOSED ALLEYWAY.

Taskmaster draws his sword as he began to walk closer and closer to the target as Oliver tucks his head in fear.

TASKMASTER

Nothing personal, just business.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

BUT NOW, THINGS CHANGED.

VOICE (O.S)

HEY, TASKMASTER!

WIDE PANEL OF ALL THE SPIDERMANS THERE ARE ON THE ROOFTOP READY TO STRIKE.

MULTIPLE OF PANELS SHOWS TASKMASTER trying his best to fight against all the Spider people.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

Lost my school, my fortune, even my collection of Spice Girls CD. Everything.

NEXT SCENE-INT.TASKMASTER'S APARTMENT.

TASKMASTER opens the door to his cheap-looking apartment. He CRASHES down on the sofa as he quickly regrets it, due to the pain he just got from the fight.

TASKMASTER

CRASHED ON COUCH

....ow.

TASKMASTER'S hand raises up as he held the remote and turns on the TV. He stares at the screen, not really paying attention to what was on the news. He was more focused on his inner thoughts.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

(Mocking)

"But Tasky, SURELY all the money from henching is enough to get a better shithole than this?"

TASKMASTER (V.O)(cont'd)

WELL, WELCOME TO REALITY. WHERE ALL THE MONEY YOU MAKE GOES TO PAY YOUR HIGH-TECH GEARS, PYM PARTICLES, GETAWAY VEHICLES, SPY TOOLS, AND HOSPITAL BILLS. MANY MANY HOSPITAL BILLS.

TASKMASTER stands up and walks up to a drawer in the living room.

TASKMASTER (V.O)(cont'd)

Well, at least I'm not alone in this...

Knock Knock.

TASKMASTER OPENS THE DRAWER. BLACK ANT made his own little apartment complex in the drawer itself. You can see a little stairway that leads to the bottom drawers. Everything is tiny except for a few things: A PlayStation controller, some phone charges, a Barbie Doll, packets of M&Ms, etc.

BLACK ANT is watching a show from a normal-sized Phone. He is sitting on a wide sofa that has been shrunk. The Barbie doll is keeping him company.

TASKMASTER

Hey.

BLACK ANT

Sup.

TASKMASTER

Any updates?

BLACK ANT

Nope.You?

TASKMASTER

Nope.

TASKMASTER CLOSES DRAWER. He browses the Hench app for some news.

Taskmaster Dialogue Description Box: HENCH

TASKMASTER (V.O)

HENCH. A neat little app. Used to get Grade-A jobs. But nowadays, it seems that the app only gives the bigger bounty to "Exclusive" members.

TASKMASTER (V.O)(cont'd)

If you're not part of that "exclusive" membership like me, Hench takes 70% of the cut. That is, well...criminal!

END OF DIALOGUE BOX.

TASKMASTER GOES TO THE VIEW OF HIS WALL WINDOW, TAKING IN THE SIGHT. Whole apartment is BLACK except the city displayed on the window. We can see Taskmaster's silhouette in black and on the center.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

But, you know. Things could have been worst. At least I got a roof over my head. And someone I could MAYBE consider a friend. And a couch.

TASKMASTER (V.O)(cont'd)

All in all, things here are actually...Okay, maybe this place can be call hom-

A LARGE GREEN EXPLOSION WENT OFF OUTSIDE, TASKMASTER IN CENTER VIEW OF THE PANEL. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SCREAMING AS THE TELEVISION STATES THAT THE CITY IS BEING OVERRUN BY ALIENS AGAIN.

BLACK ANT resizes as he too, stares at the window with him. Not taking their eyes off the view, they both share the same thought.

BLACK ANT

Leave?

TASKMASTER

Yup.

BLACK ANT

Way ahead of you.

BLACK ANT's fingers holds the same drawer we saw, now shrunk as he stashes it in his pocket. He walks away from the panel as we see Taskmaster's silhouette alone.

TASKMASTER kept staring at the view. He sighs as this was another everyday thing.

TASKMASTER

(Sarcastic tone)

And just when I started to like this place.

END OF INTRODUCTION ISSUE.

ISSUE #1: AN ACCIDENTAL RESCUE

EXT.NEW YORK CITY STREETS. MORNING. 9:30 AM.

WIDE ANGLE SHOT OF THE CITY. CAMERA ZOOMS IN on a RECORDS STORE. We see TASKMASTER entering the store as a little bell RINGS above the door.

INT. RECORDS STORE. EMPTY EXCEPT REGISTER PERSON.

New scene inside the store. Taskmaster is without his costume. He is wearing his signature colors of blue/orange/white in the shape of a hoodie and black sport pants. His white hoodie is up, and makes a shadow to hide the top part of his face.

He makes his way to the register, with a vinyl record on hand.

CLERK

Okay, a...(squints eyes)Spice Girls "Spiceworld" Rare 1997 UK 10-track vinyl...would be $413.50

TASKMASTER

(Gives card) Gladly.

The card reader takes the card. The screen shows ZERO FUNDS.

From the other side of the store, a ROBBER has taken hostage of a lady. He points a gun and curses at the clerk.

ROBBER

GIVE ME ALL THE MONEY, OR THE LADY GETS IT!

HOSTAGE LADY

No, please!

TASKMASTER(V.O)

Oh shoot. If I stay here, the good guys will show up...

TASKMASTER

(Turns to clerk)Hey, so do you take checks?

CLERK

Sir! That guy is pointing a gun at-

TASKMASTER

(Angry)I'LL BE POINTING A KNIFE AT YOU IF I DON'T GET THAT CD. (Calm now) So....checks?

ROBBER

OOOHH, HEY BRO! STEALING TOO? WE SHOULD EXCHANGE NUMBERS YO!

TASKMASTER

(Disgusted)Oh, please. I have standards, you know.

TASKMASTER

(Turn to clerk) So, do you accept checks or not?

CLERK

W-we don't, sir! Please, help me! That's my ma there!

TASKMASTER SLAMS BOTH HANDS ON THE COUNTER.

TASKMASTER

That won't do! What about killings?

CLERK

Huh?

TASKMASTER

I can do kidnappings too. Look, I'll do any task for you, but I really, really need that CD. I had a really shitty day.

SFX: COP'S SIRENS GETTING CLOSER: WEEEOO!WEEEOO!WEEOO!

ROBBER

Oh, shit the cops! It's all yours brother!

BAD GUY grabs LADY AWAY AND LEAVES OFF-SCREEN AS THE LITTLE BELL ON TOP OF THE DOOR IS HEARD.

TASKMASTER

I'm not-

CLERK

(Interrupts)Please, save my ma! I'll give you the Cd, I'll give you everything!

TASKMASTER

Uhh, yeah no. See, I'm a merc? I can't do savings cause that would tarnish my street cred.

BELL OF THE DOOR HEARD AGAIN AS THE HOSTAGE LADY RETURNS. She stops at the register and points outside.

Hostage Lady

HE TOOK THE CAR! MY BABY IS STILL IN THERE!

CLERK

Little Johnny?!

CLERK

(At Taskmaster)Everything! Please!

TASKMASTER

(Puts away his wallet)Nah, I'll be leaving. Gonna try another store.

Taskmaster walks away.

CLERK

M-my Gran-gran has this contemporary villa in the woods! We really have no use for it! It's yours, just PLEASE help us!

TASKMASTER

(Pauses/ turns around)...And the CD?

CUT TO THE INSIDE OF THE BAD GUY'S CAR. WE SEE THE BABY SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEAT CRYING.

ROBBER

This is NOT my lucky day.

Taskmaster LANDS on top of the hood of the car and STARES at the bad guy. We see from this impact that Taskmaster's body is just a HOLOGRAM DISGUISE, so for a split second, we see Taskmaster with his SIGNATURE COSTUME. NOTE: The stare is threatening and cool looking here, so HOLD THE SHOT IN SLOW-MOTION.

TASKMASTER

Trust me, it gets even worst.

CUT TO A WIDE-SHOT OUTSIDE, THE CAR BREAKS TO A STOP AND HAS CRASHED ONTO A HYDRANT. WATER SPEWS OUT OF THE HYDRANT CONTINUOUSLY.

TASKMASTER (now with his hologram civilian disguise) observes the situation, still standing on the hood of the car. The bad guy is seen unconscious.

TASKMASTER

(Sigh) What a mess. At least no one is seeing this.

Unharmed, the baby in the passenger seat COOS at the sight of Taskmaster. He ignores that and looks over his phone. The screen stating: WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME!$$$

TASKMASTER

(Grins) Hehehehe.

Taskmaster HOPS to the floor nonchalantly, eyes glued to his phone. Suddenly, a large MICROPHONE overtakes the shot as it BUMPS onto his face.

NEWS REPORTER

Unbelievable! My good sir! Are you a new super hero for New York?!

Taskmaster is surprised, he didn't realized there was a crowd gathering around him. They don't notice he is Taskmaster cause of his civilian clothes.

NEWS REPORTER (cont'd)

Would you like to give any comments to all the super heroes watching out there? Do you have a name?!

TASKMASTER

Uh...nope!

Taskmaster just runs away from the crowd, in a very pathetic way as we see it in the POV of the NEWS CAMERA. The NEWS CAMERA POV PANS to the News Reporter as Taskmaster leaves the shot.

NEWS REPORTER

(To Camera) There you have it folks! Looks like New York is blessed with another vigilante! Such fresh air to have a hero that doesn't have all these dangerous super powers, am I right?

We CUT AWAY to a SHOT of someone from the shadows watching this on a collection of high-tech screens. The silhouette of the unknown watcher raises its hand with a remote device. It TURNS OFF the screen to black.

CUT TO a BIRD'S EYE-VIEW of Taskmaster running in the alleyway, rain begins to pour as he desperately tries to distance himself from the watchful eyes.

His SPEECH BUBBLE takes center focus as we ZOOM out for the last scene.

TASKMASTER

(running) Shit shit shit shit!

TASKMASTER (cont'd)

Really not MY lucky day!

END OF ISSUE #1

ISSUE #2: WELCOME TO HENCH!

CUT TO a view of Taskmaster's new luxurious life! His new residency is actually a very modern-looking mansion in the middle of the forest. Very secluded and far away from the city. A large pool is displayed in the front.

CLOSE IN on the pool, Black Ant cannonballs into the water. He dives down and POPS OUT inside a FLAMINGO SWIM TUBE.

BLACK ANT

Good news, Tasky! I'm waterproof!

Taskmaster is sitting on the deck chair, hands holding on to his skull face in shame.

TASKMASTER

(Disinterested)That's great, buddy.

BLACK BACKGROUND BEHIND TASKMASTER

TASKMASTER (V.O)

Hero money. These hands has been soiled with hero money.

BACK TO REGULAR BACKGROUND.

Taskmaster raises his head to his friend. Black Ant is now trying to balance his tinier self on the pool noodle.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

It's a good thing Eric doesn't know about this. He'll only laugh at me!

Taskmaster in deep thought.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

I need to set things right. Maybe I should kick a puppy. Or steal from a charity...no no.That won't do! Curse my professional standards!

SFX: BEEP BEEP!

TASKMASTER

(Looks over at phone on table) Huh?

SFX: BEEP BEEP!

Black Ant's screen eyes showed an ALERT icon as his head BUZZED.

Taskmaster sees a MAIL icon pop up on his phone labeled: Classified. He clicks on it and reads out loud:

TASKMASTER

"HENCH cordially invites you to its annual celebration. Happy 10th."

BLACK ANT

Oooh! Tasky! You got one too!

TASKMASTER

What IS this?

Black Ant blinks in confusion as he swims and joins Taskmaster on land.

BLACK ANT

The annual party for Hench. Thought you knew about them.

TASKMASTER

(Suspicious)Guess they didn't bother to tell me.

Taskmaster puts the phone down and rests his body on the deck chair.

BLACK ANT

...You should come.

TASKMASTER

Why's that?

BLACK ANT

Uhh...how can I say this nicely...Are you stupid? This is HENCH. You need to know these guys so they can give you more jobs? You know, more money???

TASKMASTER

Cozy up to some anonymous rich businessmen assholes? No thanks.

Black Ant SIGHS. Taskmaster has always had this I HAVE STANDARDS attitude when picking jobs. And because of it, HENCH ended up giving Black Ant more work. It really felt like Taskmaster's reputation has been slumming down, while Black Ant is getting much recognition in the villain community lately.

A moment of pause.

BLACK ANT

There be hookers...

TASKMASTER

...Is it a costume party?

EXT/INT. OF UNDERGROUND SECRET HENCH BUILDING/ PARTY LIGHTS SWITCHING BETWEEN COLORS ON BEAT WITH THE RAVE MUSIC.

HENCH'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY. Every Merc-For-Hire is here. The serious one's hid in the shadows and counted the exits. The silliest ones took over the dance floor.

Black Ant's Description Dialogue Box:

The former HENCH X has been terminated ever since POWER BROKER became well, broke. He couldn't afford to keep the app going. And you know, competition, mergers, monopolies, blah blah blah Disney, blah blah. Anyways, long story short. Out of nowhere, this unknown guy, who goes by the name Andy Roid, bought it all. And I mean everything. There's no other Hench app that could surpass it. And you know what's surprising? It works. The system works. Everyone gets a fair share. Investors are happy, henchmen are happy, what more could you ask for?

END DESCRIPTION BOX

Taskmaster and Black Ant were leaning on a corner of the room. A waitress has handed him a drink. Taskmaster spits the liquid as soon as Bob walked past him.

TASKMASTER

Wait, is that Bob from HYDRA? How did Bob get invited?

BLACK ANT

Everyone gets invited.

TASKMASTER (V.O)

Everyone, except me it seems...

TASKMASTER

Almost half of the people in here seems to be someone I taught!

The center of the room shoots PARTY LASERS to reveal a platform emerging from the ceiling. A party host guy stands on the platform covered in rave lights and a pink boa as he lifts his microphone.

PARTY HOST

Goooood evening, party people! Hope you're enjoying HENCH's 10th anniversary!

The crowd CHEERS.

Black Ant looks around, a group of ladies that are sitting in a circular couch from the top of the stairs makes eye contact with him and gesturing to come closer.

BLACK ANT

(Hand on Tasky's shoulder)Alright my guy, you know the rules.

TASKMASTER

1.Don't embarrass the other, 2. Don't try to be each other's wingman cause it will end badly. 3.Don't mention the roommate situation.

BLACK ANT

Right! You got it buddy! I'll see ya when I'll see ya! (Fingerguns away)

PARTY HOST

It's that time, folks! The Viiiiiillain Charrrrrrt!

Black Ant rushes into the crowd as Taskmaster takes a large gulp of drink onto his lips.

We get a panel of the villain chart: A ranking of biggest bounty owned as it gets updated live. We see Taskmaster being on the #127. Scrolling up, we see Black Ant at #8.

LEAPER

(From the crowd) That thing is rigged!

PARTY HOST

And congrats Crossbones for the number one spot in HENCH this year! Give the man an applause everyone! To the biggest bastard of them all!

The Leaper leaves in a state of fury as Taskmaster took notice. He puts the drink down and follows the Leaper's tracks from the shadows.

TASKMASTER

(whispers)Alright, time to get some answers....

INT.GALLERY ROOM. UNLIT. ONLY THE WINDOWS OF THE OUTSIDE MAKES A BLUE-ISH LIGHTING OF THE WHOLE ROOM.REST IS BLACK.

The LEAPER gets rejected by a lady as he makes a horrible jumping pun and leaves the sights of the party. The Leaper is seen holding onto two glasses of wine, now alone.

From the black shadows behind the Leaper, Taskmaster emerges, and aims a secret needle from his gloved hand onto the Leaper's neck.

LEAPER

T-taskmaster?! W-why are you here?! You're supposed to be blacklisted!

TASKMASTER

Hello, Leaper. So how come HENCH invites an f-list villain like you to the party each year, and not me?

LEAPER

Someone must have pulled some strings for you! You're not really a good party guest!

Taskmaster leans CLOSER and points the needle inches away to the Leaper's eyes.

TASKMASTER

Tell me what you know.

LEAPER

F-fine!

Taskmaster lets him go as the Leaper concentrates on what to say next. CAMERA EASES OUT of their conversation as the RAVE PARTY MUSIC TURNS LOUDER FOR THE NEXT SCENE.

CUT TO BLACK ANT surrounded by sexy ladies in costumes.

COSTUMED SEXY LADY

(flirts) So which part of you is really robotic?

BLACK ANT

Woaah, we're really going straight into that, huh?

The costumed lady grins as she puts her hands on Eric's face. The helmet opens up just the part of the mouth, revealing a mixture of human-like skin and metal. She reaches to kiss him, her hair blocking the view from the readers to see. A big SMOOCH text pops up.

BLACK ANT (V.O)

Man, the REAL Eric O'Grady would have been in Heaven right about now. Too bad I will be able to enjoy 15% of the experience, since I'm a robot and all-

MR.ROID (O.S)

Ah! If it isn't the Black Ant!

CAMERA CUT TO ANDY ROID, WEARING A WHITE SUIT AND A BLACK TIE. BLACK HAIR BRUSHED ALL THE WAY BACK. PALE FLAWLESS SKIN. TALLER THAN BLACK ANT AND TASKMASTER, BUT SKINNIER.

MR.ROID

Congrats on your last assignment! That was some...(pauses/a bit disgusted) really brutal stuff!

BLACK ANT (V.O)

Make that...0% of the experience.

ROID, the new proud owner of HENCH, walks into the booth as his mere presence suggested the lovely ladies to leave them be. Black Ant sighed, but quickly turned into professional mode.

BLACK ANT

Happy to serve, sir!

MR.ROID

Thought you were just...gonna run away. Again.

BLACK ANT

No sir! That was goood old O'Grady DNA talking! Nowadays, I'm just a mean killer robot! Just give me a target and will go beep beep bup beep haha!

MR.ROID

And yet...you are with Taskmaster.

BLACK ANT

(Looks away/Nervous) Uh...we're roommates-

MR.ROID

(Interrupts)You know he hasn't done any killings in the last 3 months right?

BLACK ANT

Cause you guys don't give him any work.

MR.ROID

Hmmm. You know the last big assignment, he turned on us cause SHIELD gave him a bigger payroll, right?

BLACK ANT

Hehehe. Yes, he does that.

MR.ROID

And last month, he had a job of just STALLING just STALLING and what did he do? He gave away intel. Gave information to a Spider Man while keeping him at bay.

BLACK ANT

Well, you didn't told him NOT to.

BLACK ANT (V.O)

Why am I defending him? This is my boss here. Get your priorities straight, Ant!

MR.ROID

Look, son.

BLACK ANT (V.O)

Oh boy, the "son" card. I'm a sucker for those.

MR.ROID

I just want what's best for you. Taskmaster here, is just...not loyal to what HENCH is about.

MR.ROID (cont'd)

But you, look at YOU! You're a KILLER robot! WITH all of ANT Man's powers. And MORE! You have so much potential.

CAMERA CLOSES IN SLOWLY ON BLACK ANT. He is pondering and actually thinking this through. It worries him that Mr.Roid might be right.

MR.ROID (cont'd)

You really shouldn't waste your time to some cowardly, gray-line mercenary. He's well, a "good" influence on you.

BLACK ANT

Which is..."baaaaad"?

MR.ROID

Bingo!

Mr.Roid leans closer as shadows covers his face. He's looking much more serious and threatening-looking than his previous actions.

MR.ROID

We have eyes everywhere Eric. If I see any disloyalty from you, well. We will make sure the next target will be you and that skull friend of yours.

BLACK ANT

(happy/oblivious)Sweet! I'll be sure to bring him in when-

MR.ROID

As a paired target. We've done our little homework, Black Ant.

Mr.Roid STANDS up and turns his back away from Black Ant.

MR.ROID

You will be paired with Taskmaster so there won't be any silly little cute double cross from each of you. (Head turns to Black Ant) You're welcome.

BLACK ANT

Shoooot.

MR.ROID

But as I said, that will be... a LAST resort.

BLACK ANT

It won't come to that.

MR.ROID

(grins) I'm sure.

ROID pulls a USB from his inner jacket pocket and presents it to Black Ant. The other STARES at it, a few seconds of hesitation until he reached out and grabs it. Mr.Roid grins in satisfaction.

MR.ROID

Keep up the good work, Black Ant. And I'll overlook that little hack of yours you did on our system to invite your little friend here.

Mr.Roid turns back his head and begins to step out.

MR.ROID

(waves away)Ta-ta.

Black Ant's eyes follows the figure as he leaves the scene. Black Ant can only sit there, no talking, more like petrified, mind in lingo.

BACK TO LEAPER AND TASKMASTER.

LEAPER

(Desperate)I'm telling you, Anthony! Something is very wrong with HENCH!

TASKMASTER

Woah, hey! We're not in first-names basis, pal!

Leaper leans in at whisper-length, scared there might be someone listening into their conversation. Taskmaster steals one of the Leaper's glass drinks without batting an eye.

LEAPER

Jobs are getting smaller, hardly no villain outside of HENCH has made Level-10 crimes, even HEROES have been quiet ever since-

Leaper gets cut-off mid sentence as two guards wearing HENCH uniforms appear from the shadows.

GUARD 1

Mr.Batroc, you've been summoned.

Guard 2 comes closer and grabs the Leaper's arm. Guard 1 restrains the other as they drag the Leaper away from the room.

SFX: GLASS BREAKS ON FLOOR.

CAMERA ANGLED FROM THE FLOOR, we see Leaper's drink rolled down as the liquid has spread on the red carpet.

LEAPER

N-No wait!

Almost close to the giant door to the party, the Leaper held out his hand towards Taskmaster.

LEAPER

Remember meeeeee! Remember my words!

The door SHUTS. Silence bloomed.

TASKMASTER

(Dumb-looking) What's his problem?

Taskmaster held his drink up and slurped it through a straw.

TASKMASTER

Hmm, not bad.

End of Issue #2

Issue #3 : "Knowing When To Run"

EXT. NEW YORK CITY STREETS.DAYTIME.

We start out with TASKMASTER and BLACK ANT in the middle of escaping the HULK. Both looked confused as to why the HULK just so happened to be in these part of the streets and just so happened to recognize them in an instant.

BLACK ANT

The Hulk? THE HULK?

TASKMASTER

Where did he even come from?

BLACK ANT

I don't know! I just took the scientist hostages, turned around for a second, and boom! Giant green monster!

Black Ant and Taskmaster turned to a corner. It was a dead end.

TASKMASTER

Oh...

BLACK ANT

That's not good.

The Hulk SHRIEKS in the background, as we see birds just flying away from his direction, getting closer to our main characters. We see a CLOSE UP SHOT on a couple of ants making a little trail on a pile of garbage.

TASKMASTER

Quick, make one of the ants bigger, we can just ride it up and escape!

The ground SHAKES beneath their feet.

BLACK ANT

(Desperately)I can't do that!

TASKMASTER

Why...why not? Isn't that what every Ant Man do? Isn't that your shtick? Talk to freakin' ants?!

BLACK ANT

(Points at the ants) They hate me!

TASKMASTER

(Dumbfounded) The ants? The millions, and billions of ants on the whole planet...hates you? Why?

BLACK ANT

Um, maybe because of that one time I strapped em with tiny little cameras and unleashed them out onto every women's locker rooms?

TASKMASTER

I thought we went over this.

BLACK ANT

That's not even the worst part! You know that part of military history where used to strap explosives onto dogs?

TASKMASTER

(Shocked)You...didn't-

BLACK ANT

No, of course not! But the ants saw me talking about it, and now they keep judging me! Can you believe it?

TASKMASTER

Actually, I do.

THE HULK (O.S.)

WRAAAAAAAHHH!!!!

The Hulk's yells getting closer. Taskmaster and Black Ant are panicking.

TASKMASTER

(Breaths in/out) Okay, new plan.

BLACK ANT

Alright.

TASKMASTER

Do this.

Taskmaster puts his back up against the wall. Black Ant copied his posture.

BLACK ANT

Okay.

Taskmaster jogs away to keep a certain distance.

TASKMASTER

Okay, now hold that pose...

Ant holds the pose.

TASKMASTER

Now lean back a little, that's right...now turn around...okay hold that...

Taskmaster runs straight at Black Ant, using his body to leap up and reach the top of the wall.

BLACK ANT

This is the part where you pull me up, right?

TASKMASTER

Uhhhh...

The Hulk is now looming just inches away from Black Ant. The Hulk is just staring the the two as he pants angrily.

BLACK ANT

...Tasky?

Taskmaster is already on the other side of the wall. His voice could be heard fading away from distance.

TASKMASTER

There's no time! Bye-see ya! I'll cook dinner next time! Promise!

BLACK ANT

What am I suppose to do?

HULK

HULK....SMASH!

Black Ant let out a pathetic shriek. A computer voice from his suit beeps into consciousness.

COMPUTER

Detecting danger, using automatic shrink safety protocol.

Black Ant shrinks the size of an ant and stood there petrified.

BLACK ANT

Oh, that's new. Hurray! Guess waiting on that 5 hour update patch was worth it!

Black Ant takes the time to run past Hulk as the other looks around to find Ant.

HULK

PUNY ANT GONE! HULK SMASH EVERYTHING UNTIL PUNY ANT IS SQUASH!

Black Ant couldn't help, but to make one little silly remark.

BLACK ANT

"Hulk Squash?"

The Hulk spots Black Ant. Both end up screaming in unison.

HULK

(Intimidating)ROAAAAAAAARRRR!!!

BLACK ANT

(Pathetic) AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!

EXT. NEW YORK CITY ROOFTOPS AND STREETS. SUNDOWN.

The scene PANS UP at the rooftops of the city as Black Ant is giving out his own DIALOGUE BOX.

As he gives his speech to the readers, we see Black Ant jumping from one rooftop and also walking around New York as a tiny ant. He passes to a group of ants comically resembling a Dad Ant, Mom Ant, and a held Baby Ant. They all stare at him with big judgemental eyes. Black Ant tries not to make eye contact with them and proceeds walking until he reaches the door to Black Ant's and Taskmaster's home.

Black Ant Dialogue Box:

I feel this is the part where I introduce myself. Only problem is...well how do I do that?

I'm the third Ant-Man. And the second Eric O'Grady. Confusing? Just think of me as a wooden boy and my papa, my "Gepeto", built me up to replace the original.

Just give that Eric some murderous tendencies, lots of angst and impostor syndrome, and you got me. Hello, I'm Black Ant.

You can just call me Ant.

Cause that's what I am. An ant. A robot. And the truth is, no matter how much I try, an ant has to follow a leader. And right now, HENCH is filling up that hole inside me.

[He looks at his reflection at a window. His reflection shows a Black Ant with his helmet off, showing his part man-part machine-like face. Black Ant looks away, with a hint of distaste and anger.]

I can't mess this up.

END OF DIALOGUE BOX.

INT. TASKMASTER AND BLACK ANT'S HOME CONDO. NIGHT. TEXT BOX LABELED "LATER THAT DAY".

Black Ant enters their home and stops between the living room and the kitchen area. The smoke in the air indicating that Taskmaster was cooking.

Taskmaster EXITS the kitchen, donning his skull mask, but also wearing cozy civilian clothes. He was also wearing an apron with the text "Kiss the COOKMASTER".

Silence drew between them.

TASKMASTER

...Hey.

Black Ant STARES.

BLACK ANT

You know I had to hide in the Hulk's toenail for TWO WHOLE HOURS until he forgot I was there?

TASKMASTER

Oh, that explains the smell...

Black Ant pops his head inside the kitchen, amazed.

BLACK ANT

Is that...

TASKMASTER

The whole 5-stars experience.

We see the kitchen table decorated with tons of luxurious fancy food and candles. Everything looks rich and delicious.

TASKMASTER

Robuchon, Ducasse, and Ramsay. Learned it from the best of the best~!

BLACK ANT

Oooh~ F a n c y !

TASKMASTER

Yup, I'm the best. Actually, hold on.

TASKMASTER

(Turns around) Let me try something. It's been ages since I done this.

Taskmaster goes in search through the cupboards. Black Ant looks down and sees his reflection again on a knife.

BLACK ANT DIALOGUE BOX

Even though I am programmed to be an ant. Even though my whole life's purpose is to hurt and kill...

Taskmaster retrieves a radish and a knife. Taskmaster peels the radish flawlessly and in the shape of a white rose. Black Ant STARES at the flower.

BLACK ANT DIALOGUE BOX

The little Eric inside me just ends up messing with my ant trail. To stop me from following and just...run away from it all.

TASKMASTER

Hah! Nailed it. Again.

BLACK ANT

(Teasing) Do you use that skill on the ladies?

TASKMASTER

(Pours Wine) And it works every time!

BLACK ANT

Aw, sweet! You gotta teach me those next time!

TASKMASTER

You never pay attention in any of my lessons!

BLACK ANT

Hahaha, yeah.

BLACK ANT DIALOGUE BOX

I guess that's what I like about Taskmaster.

Taskmaster sits down and cuts a steak with a knife and fork.

BLACK ANT DIALOGUE BOX

He always knows when to run.

Taskmaster looks up at Black Ant, confused as to why Ant is staring at him.

TASKMASTER

You uh, still mad about me just-

BLACK ANT

Oh that?! Not at all! But I get to ditch you next time.

TASKMASTER

Deal.

BLACK ANT DIALOGUE BOX

I can hardly blame him. That big softie.

SFX: BEEP BEEP!

TASKMASTER'S PHONE RANG. He looks at his messages and quickly stood up from his chair.

TASKMASTER

Ugh. Now?

Taskmaster takes off his apron and goes to a corner.

TASKMASTER

Be back. Mission time.

BLACK ANT

Mission?

Taskmaster comes back, already wearing his classic suit.

TASKMASTER

If HENCH is not getting me jobs. I'll use my connections. Wade did owe me one.

BLACK ANT

But...a mission? Outside of HENCH?

TASKMASTER

It's just some little espionage, seek and retrieve. The usual. And you know how Deadpool is bad at keeping quiet.

BLACK ANT

Well, yeah I understand that. Um...would you like some backup at least?

Taskmaster thinks it for a second.

TASKMASTER

No need. I have to be quick about it. And this food is not going to eat itself!

BLACK ANT

But, Tony-

TASKMASTER

See ya!

Taskmaster leaps off a window and lands on his motorcycle. He turns it on and leaves a trail of smoke in his path.

BLACK ANT (V.O.)

Show off.

We cut to a WIDE ANGLE VIEW of the whole kitchen with Black Ant looking at the rest of the food.

BLACK ANT

...Guess I won't tell him I don't really need to eat that much.

BLACK ANT (cont'd)

Oh! Maybe I can use it to feed the ants! Then, they'll HAVE to talk to me again! Oh, I'm so smart!

EXT. OUTSIDE OF UNKNOWN LOCATION OF TARGETED COMPOUND.

WHOLE PAGE of Taskmaster leaning behind a tree, surveying the compound for his mission.

TASKMASTER

Alright, just get in, retrieve some intel, and then leave.

We see a silhouette of an IRON MAN suit shining against the moonlight. Taskmaster still unaware.

TASKMASTER

How hard can that be?

END OF ISSUE #3.