|
|
"Once they were feared and hated as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Pragmatist that she is, Mystique realized the growing anti-mutant hysteria made the United States a dangerous place to hide. Reluctantly working toward a presidential pardon, these villains-turned-federal-agents have become, for better or for worse, Freedom Force!"
---blurb in Marvel Comics Presents 41
"Not any more, kid! We're Freedom Force, now...and we work for Uncle Sam!"
"An' mom an' apple pie an' truth, justice an' th' American way! Ain't it grand?"
"Freedom Force? Yeah....riiiight."
---Avalanche and Blob and Mirage, New Mutants 65
"The deal's simple: we play the federal game, we get pardoned. Any one of us breaks parole --- by committing a crime or deserting --- everyone else pays the price."
---Mystique, UXM 223
"Avalanche, you great thump, look what'cha done! Good guys don't make messes...we clean `em up! [...] This'll take care of the blaze. Lucky for us, no one was in the cars or the house --- or our new career as heroes would be dumped before it's properly begun!"
---Pyro, UXM 206
"You might be federal officers, but you're as rotten as ever! Leopards don't change their spots, do they?"
---Cyclops, X-Factor 9
"All departments are instructed to forward all mutant related matters to us, Commando. That hefty bonus we received is proof of your president's trust."
"Nice to be appreciated. We've been busting out tails being Uncle Sam's tame mutants!"
---Mystique and Crimson Commando, New Mutants 78
"And we in Freedom Force have learned, to our great sorrow, the power of evil. Our own teammates, Destiny and Stonewall, have just fallen tragically to scum like them. But danger...even death...is the price of Freedom Force's vigilance. And Freedom Force will pay it gladly. Because we are America's heroes...and we serve you all!"
---Crimson Commando, New Mutants 86
"Freedom Force does not possess the proper degree of internal coordination to deal effectively with a fighting element as finely honed as the Avengers."
---Doctor Doom, Avengers 312
"Freedom Force --- and the Registration Act --- aren't meant as threats to anyone...but to preserve and protect the people and property and values of our great land."
---Val Cooper at press conference, UXM 224
"I know you didn't care much for the Freedom Force we stuck you into --- most of them being criminals we'd sprung from jail --- but it was the only super-group we had. So sue us."
"Typical of you people! You put the crooks on the payroll --- and you lock up the heroes!"
---Val Cooper and Spider-Woman, Spider-Woman Limited Series #2
"An' what makes this caper a real hoot...is the fact that we're the heroes. You clowns are the crooks!"
---Blob, UXM 206
"While Freedom Force's here --- we own your town!"
---Pyro, Daredevil 269
"One more mistake and you're off the payroll! Now get out!"
---Val Cooper, X-Factor 9
"This is Freedom Force, a government group, your tax dollars at work. Once, they would have had a more pejorative name, such as the "Brotherhood of Evil Mutants." But in a time when weapons of massive destruction are called "peacekeepers", newspeak is routine."
---narration, Incredible Hulk 369
"Pity we're good guys. Mystique says we gotta play pretty much by the rules. It's a real shame not to finish these creeps off while I got the chance."
---Avalanche, UXM 199
"Freedom Force! Ha! Uncle Sam holds your leash anyway! I bet you couldn't wait to register."
---Marvel Girl, X-Factor 30
"Now, I won't have to ally myself with Freedom Force, in their own way they're as twisted as the MLF..."
---Cable, New Mutants 88
"By the numbers, Freedom Force, as I trained you! I want this ended short and sweet."
---Mystique, UXM 225
"I'll say. Freedom Force beatin' up on Rusty and Skids --- accusin' `em of freein' criminals."
"Freedom Force can't really believe that!"
"I don't think they do. I think they just like hurting people...and helping themselves."
---Cannonball and Boom-Boom and Rictor, New Mutants 88
"Think of the possibilities, Val --- a trained cadre of super-powered beings, responsible to the White House. No more of the conflicts you periodically encounter with the Avengers or the Fantastic Four. The Freedom Force works for you --- and of course, the president. We'll do as we're told."
---Mystique, UXM 199
"I'm encharged to keep my team in line...and having one kill a civilian --- even a mutant --- could mean trouble."
---Mystique, MCP 87
"Listen to me, Freedom Force. You say there are Avengers. Fine. Lure them here --- and help us defeat them --- if you do not want to become stone yourselves. With them as hostages we will surely get free. This is the side you belong on anyway --- n'est-ce pas?"
"Yes...what you say is true..."
---Grey Gargoyle and Mystique, Avengers: Deathtrap: the Vault
"That's a body! [...] What kind of place is this, anyway?"
"It's not usually like this! Honest! Something's wrong! Somebody murdered her! But who? Freedom Force?"
---Rusty Collins and Skids, X-Factor 9 [actually, it was the Marauders who did it]
"But it isn't right, how can we let Freedom Force get away with what they've done?"
"We can't...and we won't. Freedom Force was never long on brains, Rahne. They may not have thought through the ramifications of their actions. But they're going to find out."
---Wolfsbane and Cyclops, New Mutants 88
"I won't abandon Lee! Find her, Kitty! I'll deal with this so-called 'Freedom Force'."
---Magneto, UXM 199
"X-Factor's got him, and Uncle Sam wants him! It's a bad time to be a mutant!"
"Which is precisely why we quit being the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and became Freedom Force! We agreed to work as a United States government law enforcement agency in exchange for a full pardon, conditional on performance! Performance means bringing in our assigned man! And we play by the rules! If even one of us steps out of line, our very good deal with Uncle Sam is off! It doesn't take Destiny to foresee bad times ahead! With the anti-mutant sentiment that's rampant the world right now --- sentiment that those mutant hunters are encouraging --- we may need the government's protection to survive!"
---Avalanche and Mystique, X-Factor 8
"You're right, Hank. They're called Freedom Force now. But I still wouldn't trust them."
---Wonder Man, Avengers annual 15
"I've never really believed they reformed. I bet those warrants are phonies."
---Wasp, Avengers annual 15
"This is ridiculous. They're thugs. I say we don't take this guff."
---Iron Man, Avengers annual 15
"Captain, those are evil-doers. There can be no 'co-operation'."
---Hercules, Avengers annual 15
"I was a bad guy once, too, and the world also gave me a second chance. Still, the Brotherhood were some of the most ruthless, vicious foes we've ever fought. Can they really have reformed? Can I pass judgment on them? Of course I can. I know good from evil."
---Wonder Man, Avengers annual 15
"Yes, Cap, Freedom Force is under the authority of the executive branch. And they have been sent to arrest the Avengers."
---"Mr. Secretary", Avengers annual 15
"But Freedom Force isn't like them. They are still evil."
---Spider-Woman, Avengers annual 15
"When Cooper insisted we take you, an outsider, into Freedom Force, I had doubts --- but I was willing to give it a shot. But I saw how you hesitated during the battle today, Spider-Woman. It could have cost us a victory. And we cannot afford to have the government look with disfavour upon us. Perhaps you think that because we used to be outlaws, you're too good to work with us. If that's the case --- leave. But don't forget the handsome salary you're paid. And don't forget that Freedom Force may not always be working within the law. You would then have some very dangerous enemies."
---Mystique, Avengers annual 15
“Spider-Woman? What would the Avengers have to do with her, Cooper? She's one of your flunkies in Freedom Force.”
“Was, Iron Man. When she helped bust you Avengers out of the Vault, she forfeited her position.”
---Iron Man and Val Cooper, Iron Man 214
“Does she really think I can so easily forget how her Freedom Force goons popped up out of nowhere to attack us East and West Coast Avengers? Maybe they're officially government agents now and on the other side of the law than when they were the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants…but not-so-deep down they're still the same as ever. Mean…vicious. They managed to capture us.”
---Iron Man, Iron Man 214
“If she comes forward of her own free will, her punishment won't be as harsh as if we have to track her. But there will be punishment. The rest of Freedom Force will have to be shown that there's a price for crossing me.”
---Val Cooper, Iron Man 214
“I know Spider-Woman's not dangerous, Iron Man. Her brief career before she joined Freedom Force was on the side of the law. So I'm not sending anyone out to actively track her. Not yet. But if I do, it'll be her ex-teammates --- and they may be just a little, um, overzealous after what she did.”
---Val Cooper, Iron Man 214
“I've no one to blame but myself. I should've known better than to join up with Freedom Force in the first place. After all, why would the government want to employ ex-criminals --- except for semi-underhanded assignments? But the money was so good. It seemed like I'd have some security…some adventure…hah!”
---Spider-Woman, Iron Man 214
“You blew it, honey. Totally. Almost totally. I still see some potential in you. So I'm willing to give you another chance.”
“I-I don't think I could work with Freedom Force anymore.”
“Don't worry your pretty little head about that. None of those people trusts [sic] you anymore --- and I don't blame them. But I have plans for you. To the world, you'll still be a fugitive --- but you'll really be working for me, as a special undercover operative.”
“That's your idea of a deal? It sounds to me like a guarantee for disaster! I need to make my life simpler! This just tangles things up even more!”
“If you'd prefer, you can try and leave now. If you make it through security, you could go back out on the run --- and be hunted down by Freedom Force. Then, if they don't turn you into puree…all you'd have to do would be fifteen or twenty years in the Vault.”
---Val Cooper and Spider-Woman and Val and S-W and Val, Iron Man 214
"So, why don't we just tell Cyclops. The MLF is a threat to them as well."
"I don't think that would be wise, Pyro. We don't want that information going public. It implies a...weakness in our organization."
---Pyro and Crimson Commando, New Mutants 88
"Hey --- whatever these yutzos are packin'....Freedom Force can handle it."
---Blob, UXM 255
"We're federal officers! You people intervened in our attempt to apprehend a known felon...an offense that could land you all in a federal prison!"
---Mystique, to the attacking crowd, X-Factor 9
"Freedom Force will accompany..."
"Nope."
"Wolverine--!"
"Think, woman. If this is a trap, no sense in all of us being caught. Moreover, somebody's gotta stay behind to protect the civilians. You're feds, Mystique, that gives you a credibility my outfit can't match."
---Mystique and Wolverine and Mystique and Wolverine, UXM 226
"Oh, great. Those Freedom Force feebs are here too! Don't tell me they're gonna make me team up with them!"
---Battle Star, Captain America 346
"I still say we muties should forget this diplomatic garbage and kick Freedom Force's collective butts."
"Now, now, Ric...remember, Freedom Force is a duly appointed policing operation working on behalf of the federal government. Incredible, but true. So to avoid any more hot water, let's say that unless they directly attack you....you are not to confront them. Capeesh?"
---Rictor and Beast, New Mutants 88
"What am I doing here, then? I'm no Avenger. I'm even on the lam from the last government group I worked for."
---Spider-Woman, Avengers West Coast 71
"Actually, Havok --- possessing powers means nothing, only using them."
"Interesting distinction. You'll excuse me, though, if I have a slight problem accepting the credibility of the former leader of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Whose gang consists of hardcase creeps we X-Men used to sling into jail!"
"The world changes, boy. Either you change with it...or get ground to dust."
---Mystique and Havok and Mystique, UXM 225
"But Freedom Force has seemed almost reasonable before. They helped the X-Men once...and us, too."
"Only because it suited their own needs. They didn't do it through altruism, Rahne."
---Wolfsbane and Sunspot, New Mutants 78
"We will continue to protect our private identities...and our private lives..."
"...and if government has a problem with that, let Freedom Force try to beat them out of us."
---Marvel Girl and Iceman, X-Factor 33
"Can't we take just a little money? A million or two...?"
"That would be a violation of our parole, Avalanche. All things considered, we're the 'good guys' now --- remember?"
---Avalanche and Mystique, MCP 41
"Scott, the man's [Magneto] a villain! A criminal! But he just walked by a squad of cops and they didn't even blink! It's insane!"
"Of course it's insane! How can you expect anything else in a world where the former Brotherhood of Evil Mutants calls itself Freedom Force and works for the government..."
---Marvel Girl and Cyclops, X-Factor 9
"You're not reading us, Mystique. We're sick of dancing to the government's tune."
---Blob, Incredible Hulk 369
"I still can't believe it. Sean, you say these Reavers tried to wipe out everyone on Muir Isle?"
"Hard f'r me t' accept, lass, an' I was there. But that was the way of it. Would've succeeded, too, if Forge an' Freedom Force hadn't saved the day."
"Freedom Force --- actually doing some good??"
"That's right, Ms Grey. With the casualties to prove it. Two dead, one crippled."
"I'm sorry, Forge. I guess it's just that X-Factor's seen a different side of them."
---Jean Grey and Banshee and Jean and Forge and Jean, UXM 262
"Feds are Freedom Force. Mystique leads `em. She an' her partner, Destiny, they pretty much raised me, they're more my folks than my natural parents. Destiny 'reads' timelines, she can foretell the future. According to her...the X-Men don't have any."
---Rogue, UXM 224
"Meteorite! I've just tapped their minds! It's a trap! Quicksilver's not there! They are all government agents! Freedom Forcers!"
"As much as I hate to war against fellow mutants, we must destroy the Freedom Force, or they will surely destroy us!"
---Think-Tank and Meteorite, Captain America 346
"You know me, Frank. I've always been tough ta kill. Been layin' low, lickin' my wounds, bidin' my time. When I heard about you an' Freedom Force...I figured I'd come bust you loose, or join up myself."
---Super Sabre, UXM 223
"Thank you, Pyro. You saved us."
"That I did, an' in fine style, too!"
"But how--?! Who are you people?!"
"I'm part o' Freedom Force, little miss....an' my mate's an X-Man."
---Longshot and Pyro and a child and Pyro, UXM 226
"It's interfering jerks like them who should have to register under the Mutant Registration Act as dangerous!"
"They did. They were the first to sign up. Sure made the world a safer place for all of us, didn't it?"
---Rictor and Cannonball, on FF, New Mutants 78
"I don't much like the idea of tracking down one of our own kind, Mystique..."
---Avalanche, X-Factor 8
"So Commando...Freedom Force thinks they can take us. Why bother? We're kids. We should be beneath your notice."
"The witch kid came at Forge with her sword. We're law abiding citizens. Maybe we just wanted to stop a murder."
---Mirage and Crimson Commando, New Mutants 65
"Our only certainty is that, if Rusty Collins reaches their Ship, the course of our own history will be changed...and the dark times that are coming will overwhelm Freedom Force...and destroy us."
---Destiny, New Mutants 78
"You get it? Freedom Force! Highest government clearance! I'm your boss!"
---Blob, Daredevil 269
"Meanwhile, in the headquarters of the United States mutant law enforcement agency, Freedom Force..."
---narration, MCP 82
"Full pardon --- conditional on performance. If a single member of your group breaks our agreement, you all hang."
---Val Cooper, UXM 199
"Yeah! We're the good guys now! That's why we don't cream ya....at least in front of witnesses!"
---Blob, X-Factor 8
"We won! Way to go, Freedom Force!"
---Avalanche, UXM 206
"Freedom Force is composed of known criminals recruited to serve out their time as government agents."
---Hank Pym, Avengers 312
"Ms Cooper, how do you explain the fact that all the members of Freedom Force are criminals? Isn't that a bit like setting the fox to guard the chickens?"
"I prefer to say, set the fox....to catch other foxes. Yes, they're criminals. Earning a pardon. But, you know, this country was founded in large measures by convicts and outcasts...who came here seeking a second chance. That's what is offered here, a second chance."
---reporter and Val Cooper, press conference, UXM 224
"In the name of the United States government, I order you to incarcerate all of them!"
---Pyro, Avengers 312
"Yeah, it's gettin' pretty nasty here, too. We're holdin' 'em [the crowd] back so far, but they're all pretty upset. Lot of 'em have been millin' 'round since them muties attacked."
---Police officer, Avengers 313
"The lumbering oafs of Freedom Force did well enough here...but it is time for a more skilled hand to exercise its influence in these matters. Then, perhaps, we shall see more than Iron Man's statue lying in broken ruin!"
---The Mandarin, Avengers 313
"The computer readout identifies a close friend of hers [Firestar] --- Meg Fallon. She'll make an excellent disguise --- to ensure that Firestar uses her power for the greater good of Freedom Force...or not at all!"
---Mystique, MCP 82
"But the government's specially appointed mutant watchdogs Freedom Force..."
---Skids, New Mutants 87
"How is it you're working with the X-Men, considering that one of Freedom Force's primary missions is to take those outlaw mutants into federal custody?"
"Listen, lady, if the X-Men were the crooks everyone likes to figure us for, we wouldn't even be here!"
---Manoli Wetherell (to Mystique) and Havok [his comment can be applied to both the X-Men and FF, I think ;)], UXM 226
"Hi, Marshie. The cavalry's here!"
"So that's what that smell is."
---Blob [along with the rest of FF] and Truman Marsh, A:D:tV
"These creeps may have been enlisted as a special task force in response to the mutant situation..."
---Captain America, Avengers 312
"No! We've survived Inferno --- beaten Freedom Force, the Sentinels and Magneto! But how do we beat *gasp* the M Squad!"
---humourous cover of UXM 244
"I'm surprised to see you worry so much over her [Mystique]. From my understanding, she and her Freedom Force are responsible for your friend's condition, am I right? Seems you're less than careful where you place your loyalties."
"Mr Cross, my loyalties are with my friend --- not some demon mutant lady intent on my joining her stupid team."
---Cross and Firestar, MCP 86
"Havok, what is happening outside?"
"Nothing. Mystique's Freedom Force goons are just standing around."
---Colossus and Havok, UXM 226
"I hope they [MLF] teach Freedom Force a lesson! I hope they---"
---Wolfsbane, New Mutants 88
"What would be the worst that could happen if I went along with the Commission's mandate? As a high profile representative, they couldn't ask me to do anyting too...un-American --- could they? They'd undoubtedly want me to quit the Avengers...they're not officially approved of. Would they assign me to Freedom Force? Or maybe send me to Nicaragua to help the Contras?"
---Captain America, CA 332
"Mystique is but the latest in a string of tragic losses that have struck Freedom Force in recent weeks. Most noticeable being the deaths in Scotland of Stonewall and Destiny --- along with an Air Force flight crew --- in a battle with a band of cyborg terrorists called the Reavers."
---newscaster, UXM 269
"What a joke this is! We're riskin' our fool necks --- for a world that's always gonna think of us as villains, anyway."
---Blob, A:D:tV
"But the Blob echoes what we all feel. We work for the government now...in return for amnesty...but our loyalties will be sorely tested down there."
---Mystique, A:D:tV
"Y'know, it doesn't seem fair. We have this great adventure in Asgard...and Rusty and Skids are stuck on Earth, surrounded by Freedom Force."
"Yeah, the absolute worst dolts in existence. But I figure they got away."
"I hope so, Boom-Boom, but Mystique can be a dangerous foe."
---Rictor and Boom-Boom and Wolfsbane, New Mutants 87
"What's up?"
"Simple. You need a new employer --- and the Commission needs a job done."
"Something you can't blackmail those Freedom Force bozos into doing for you, huh?"
---US Agent (John Walker) and Mike Clemson and US Agent, Avengers West Coast 71
"Responsibility is a hard and heavy thing. As leader of Freedom Force, Mystique knows how it can crush hope, leaving only the barest, stark reality. With two lives in her hands, she knows she must leave Firestar to the tender mercies of the victor, though it irks her warrior's soul."
---narration, MCP 87
"Unfortunate that I never told Freedom Force about this last secret elevator. Their fates are sealed now, too."
---Truman Marsh, A:D:tV
"I don't like drug dealers, Muerte --- they destroy the lives of humans and mutants alike. If you do find us --- you had better hope that Freedom Force still works for the good guys."
---Mystique, MCP 41
"We won't have to wait that long. Just till morning, when the tourists arrive...we'll tell them all about Freedom Force...and the mutant children you've kidnapped. Probably get a lot of media coverage, too, "mutants imprisoned on Liberty Island"...that kind of thing. We'll blow your nasty little conspiracy sky-high."
"You've got it all wrong, mate...you misunderstood what the Blob said earlier."
"But we can't allow even a hint of that kind of scandal to be associated with Freedom Force."
---Rusty and Pyro and Mystique, New Mutants 80
"You're at the post office. I assume you've come here to register, like good mutant citizens. Here are the forms. Sign them. We'd hate to have to arrest you, too."
"That shows some judgment, as such an attempt would prove extremely unprofitable...and embarrassing...to Freedom Force. We of X-Factor serve the people of this country, unofficially. Unlike Freedom Force, we are not employees of our government, paid to serve, subject to the whims of various administrations."
---Mystique and Beast, X-Factor 33
"Why in heck don't the bleedin' rebel mutants go on an' register up and get it over with?"
"Who cares, Pyro? Capturing `em gives us good work, good bucks, and some get-down fightin' too! I'm happy!"
---Pyro and Blob, Daredevil 269
"An amusing band, this --- glad I am I joined them. They're providing a most efficient --- and entertaining --- means of learning about this orb and its inhabitants while I wait for the proper confluence of astral forces to enable me to rejoin Mojo...and continue our hunt for the runaway!"
---Spiral, UXM 199
"Captain, we are the Commission, a specially appointed task force operating under the direct command of the president. Our specific purview is the nation's 'special operatives', namely those who the media have dubbed 'super-people'. We were the ones who instigated the formation of the Freedom Force team when your Avengers proved less than cooperative..."
"The Freedom Force...the Avengers have had a run-in with those dishonorable ex-convicts."
---Commission member and Captain America, CA 332
"Perfect. Just what we need, a pair of over-the-hill, second-string, retread, World War II 'heroes'. I must say, Val, this selection's on a par with the last recruit you sent us, Spider-Woman."
"Spider-Woman was my mistake. That's why the rest of you weren't penalized when she deserted the team. It won't happen again."
---Mystique and Val Cooper, UXM 223
"AVENGERS --- and Freedom Force --- ASSEMBLE!"
---Captain America, A:D:tV
"Anybody the Freedom Force hates must've had something going for them!"
---Captain America (John Walker), Captain America 339
"Spiral! Dispatch him and help Firestar! We've got to get to the civilians..."
"I'll help her, Mystique --- get your charges out of here."
---Mystique and Spiral, MCP 87
"Hear me, Freedom Force! That was just the first thing I shall hurl at you."
---Hercules, Avengers annual 15
"Captain, I'd like to introduce you to three of our Freedom Force operatives...code-named Avalanche, Pyro, and the Blob..."
"Now wait --- I've heard of these fellows! They're criminals!"
"Ex-criminals, Captain. They've all been pardoned for as long as they continue to work as special government agents."
---Val Cooper and Captain America (John Walker) and Val, Captain America 333
"As a 'reward', Val stuck me in a group she'd put together called Freedom Force --- a collection of mutant ex-hoodlums."
---Spider-Woman, Avengers West Coast 84
"What's those creeps' problem anyway?"
"Aw, they probably just feel threatened with us around. If they can provoke us into fighting, they figure it'll make us look bad."
"Can't believe the feds would have anything to do with those mutie crooks."
"Ex-crooks, they say. Well, maybe once we get combat-worthy, they'll be sent on a suicide mission."
---Bucky and Cap (John Walker) and Bucky and Cap, Captain America 334
"Boys...please try to behave like the respectable --- though reluctant --- federal agents that you are."
---Mystique, MCP 41
"We're Freedom Force, villain --- and we work for the United States government!"
---Mystique, UXM 199
"Well, well...Mystique, witch-leader of Freedom Force! Your thugs are real tough, Mystique, against a couple of kids."
---Skids, New Mutants 87
"Okay, get dressed. We're going to have you back up Freedom Force for a while!"
---Commission member to Captain America (John Walker), Captain America 346
"Maybe I was wrong when I objected to a conditional pardon for you mutants. The five of you can no doubt defeat Muerte and destroy his drug empire!"
"Hardly. We're not the Avengers...our mission was to rescue you. If it were up to Freedom Force, we'd have left you and your anti-mutant bigotry to face that firing squad!"
---Senator Kelly and Mystique, MCP 41
"This is a heaven-sent opportunity for Freedom Force to establish some serious credibility among the mutant community...by going to the rescue of people who used to be your bitter foes. You can't afford to pass that up."
---Val Cooper, UXM 254
"This isn't the way I wanted it! I came here to save their [X-Men] lives, not see two teams turn themselves into punching bags!"
---Mystique, UXM 225
"Ah...don't get it."
"Me neither, Cannonball. Freedom Force are supposed to be bad guys..."
"....but they sure seem ta have th' world's best interests in mind."
"If you believe them [...] I think it's some kind of scam."
"I think that Sunspot is right! Their goal is to protect Forge...and they will say... do...anything, to accomplish it!"
---Cannonball and Mirage and Cannonball and Sunspot and Magik, New Mutants 65
"Freedom Force!"
"Of the United States government!"
"If you official types feel so strongly about vigilantes, Mystique...maybe you should've stepped in a little sooner...like before we finished the fight!"
"These scum aren't worth dirtying Freedom Force's hands. They call themselves the Alliance of Evil."
"Too close to our old name, before we reformed. We don't like that. An' Uncle Sam's gonna make `em real sorry!"
---Beast and Mystique and Iceman(?) and Mystique and Blob, X-Factor 33
"One touch and this information will be fed --- untraceably --- into Freedom Force's computers. Firestar will be the next target of the government's private mutant hunters. They'll destroy her semblance of normalcy, or she'll be forced to destroy them. Either way, I win."
---White Queen, MCP 82
"Cyclops, you cretin --- we are the police!"
---Mystique, UXM 199
"But this is a crew of L.M.D.'s --- criminal L.M.D.'s! You can't remove the Freedom Force for them!"
"You're very quick to call the kettle black, woman! Your 'Freedom Force' was the 'Brotherhood of Evil Mutants' until very recently --- and an inferior 'Brotherhood of Evil Mutants' at that!"
"Mystique! Come on now! You know how greatly we value your services --- just as you know you're still proving your obedience to us! I think Quicksilver can be accommodated here --- don't you? You needn't worry --- my report will give you full credit for the original capture! Take the back way out!"
---Mystique and Quicksilver and H.P. Gyrich, West Coast Avengers annual 1
"Who are you?"
"Freedom Force!"
"Freedom Force? Ha! They're the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, people!"
---Marvel Girl and Mystique and Cyclops, X-Factor 8
"We thought, after what happened with Destiny, you wouldn't be back."
"I know what you thought, Crimson Commando. And you all thought you'd go off on your own, for good. In which case you all go straight back to jail where we got you from."
---Crimson Commando and Mystique, Incredible Hulk 369
"Some of us...have even worked as the government's special Mutant Force --- that is until the committee that organized us lost its funding and the so-called Freedom Force took our place!"
---Meteorite, Captain America 346
"So there's a ton o' cutthroat villains loose in there...all itchin' to get out and break heads...most of `em over-ridin' the dampers the feds put on `em...and all us Freedom Force folks gotta do...is waltz in and make `em go back to their cells?"
"That bloody well says it, Blob, old boy."
"Nothin' we can't handle."
---Blob and Pyro and Crimson Commando, A:D:tV
"But, Warren...the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants is working for the government?"
"Hard to credit, isn't it...though I fear they were telling the truth!"
"Ya know, Scott, if the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants are the good guys, maybe being one of the bad guys wouldn't be so bad!"
---Marvel Girl and Beast and Iceman, X-Factor 8
"Cut it out, creeps, or I'll tear ya apart!"
"No, Blob, you will not! You are a federal officer and will behave accordingly!"
---Blob and Mystique, as the mob attacks FF, X-Factor 9
"That does it! I'm gonna break yer heads!"
"Blob, stop! Our deal with the government says we play by the rules! If one of us steps out of line, it's all off!"
"So whadda we do? Let `em bury us in eggs?"
---Blob and Mystique and Blob, as the mob attacks FF, X-Factor 9
"Would you look at that! They're stoning those goons!"
"Scott...we can't let this go on!"
"Why not? They're doing a good deed!"
---Iceman and Marvel Girl and Iceman, as the mob attacks FF, X-Factor 9
"...coulda trashed `em? Why'd they let `em go?"
"...no choice, they're working for the government!"
"...conservative administration!"
"...makes sense for the feds to have tame muties --- the Ruskies do!"
"Tame or not, muties is freaks...no matter who they work for..."
---various comments from the mob as FF walks away, X-Factor 9
"Remember, Scott...earlier, when we saved Freedom Force from the mob? I wish we'd let those people stone them!"
---Iceman, X-Factor 9
"Blob, you fool, you have revealed secret information vital to our national security, and have forced us to take action to protect ourselves...and our superiors!"
---Mystique, New Mutants 78
"X-Men! Why are you fighting?! You and Freedom Force are both supposed to be heroes, for Heaven's sake! They're here as friends!"
---Mystique (as Storm), UXM 225
"We came here for answers, Commando....answers from Freedom Force."
---Marvel Girl, X-Factor 31
"Tell us the location of Cyclops' missing son...or I will rip that information from you!"
"What son? How would we know about his son?"
"Freedom Force was with the X-Men...right up until they died. You were the last to see Madelyne...Cyclops' wife...alive."
---Marvel Girl and Stonewall and Marvel Girl, X-Factor 31
"Silver [sic] Sabre! Stop! There's a wire! If you hit it at that speed, you'll lose your head!"
"Thanks, Blob. You saved my life! That...that rogue [Cable] tried to kill me!"
"Nah! He set me up to see the wire. He's toyin' with us, Sabre. He's a cocky son-of-a-gun...but he knows we're Uncle Sam's mutant cops...and he's no cop killer. Last thing he wants is for one of us ta die and bring the government down on his head!"
---Blob and Super Sabre and Blob, New Mutants 88
"They may have benched the Mutant Registration Act, but the N.S.C. still demands that all dangerous mutants be registered!"
"Why is that, Mystique? Don't you ever question authority?"
"I can't afford to, little girl..."
---Mystique and Firestar and Mystique, MCP 84
"Well...Walker almost blew that for us! We wanted some of the Resistants to escape so they would lead us back to their stronghold! Fortunately, operative Mystique was able to salvage the situation!"
---Val Cooper, CA 347
"Lieutenant --- Freedom Force's assignment is to take these mutants into custody."
"Never heard of you. Or your 'assignment'. I assume you have a warrant."
"We're feds. We don't need one."
"Guess again, tubbo. The X-Men have committed no crimes in San Francisco --- quite the contrary, they're civic heroes. On the other hand, Blob, you, Pyro and Avalanche are posted felons."
"We been pardoned. Check with the White House, they'll set you straight."
---Spider-Woman and Lt. Morrell and Blob and Lt. Morrell and Blob, UXM 206
"Boom-Boom, look! The largest wave I've ever seen!"
"Probably Avalanche and Freedom Force attacking us again...just what we need!"
"I don't think so, Boom-Boom...'less his dudes have taken ta ridin' surf-boards!"
---Wolfsbane and Boom-Boom and ?, NM annual 5 [it was actually some Atlanteans]
"Freedom Force was established as a direct consequence of such incidents...as this recent battle between the X-Men and the Marauders. The one are self-proclaimed "heroes", the others terrorists --- yet when they clash, it is invariably the innocent bystanders who suffer. As the ruins of this hospital most eloquently testify. Miraculously, no one was killed. Freedom Force exists to make sure there won't be a next time."
---Val Cooper, press conference, UXM 224
"I have a proposition, Valerie --- an offer I strongly advise you not to refuse. Namely, the services of my group. We wish to change our 'evil' ways...and work for you."
"Very funny. I'm expected to believe this --- and trust you?!"
"We're switching sides for the most human of reasons --- self-preservation. Life is getting increasingly dangerous for mutants and I have no intention of spending the rest of mine in prison --- assuming I'm even that lucky."
---Mystique and Val Cooper and Mystique, UXM 199
"If the muties try to escape..."
"We have our orders."
"Freedom Force won't like it."
"Tough. Orders come from higher up. Any escape attempt will result in termination...."
---conversation between two guards watching Rusty and Skids at FF headquarters, New Mutants 87
"I've got Marsh. He says Freedom Force's en route, too."
"This is not entirely good. I compute a 25% chance they could side with the inmates."
"Really. I don't believe those leopards will ever change their spots."
"Hey, we're going to need all the help we can get today."
"With friends like them, Simon --- we've got enemies."
---Iron Man and Vision and Wasp and Wonder Man and Wasp, A:D:tV
"Enough, Angelica...Freedom Force is on your side. They want you to register --- maybe become one of them."
---Mystique (impersonating Firestar's father), MCP 85
"Because we are America's heroes...and we serve you all!"
"A regular red-white-and-blue paeon [sic] to the patriotism and heroism of Freedom Force. If I didn't know better, I'd probably believe them too! Isn't there anything else on?"
---Crimson Commando (on tv) and Skids, New Mutants 87
"Ours is an alliance of necessity. For only in unity is there true strength. Alone, we can be eliminated one by one --- by X-Factor, the government's Freedom Force, that robot Nimrod."
---Sebastian Shaw, UXM 210
"Yours is a life rich with time, girl. If I stole it, I could remain young and vital almost forever! But as one of the Freedom Force, I must play by their rules. And spare you. For the moment."
---Spiral, UXM 206
"Also, they [FF] are acting on their own initiative. Unlike the other trouble [sic] which have lately vexed the Avengers and other super-heroes, this conclave in [sic] not behind their actions."
"Nor would we be likely to be. Never have I seen such pathetic fighters."
---Loki and the Red Skull, Avengers 312
"We are the federal enhanced powers strike team: Freedom Force!"
---Mystique, UXM 225
"You stupid...! You led Freedom Force right to us!"
"I'm not sure I'm happy about it, either --- even though they may have saved my life!"
---Cross and Firestar, MCP 86
"You know, we're sure to have hassles with Freedom Force, but it can't be as bad as the fight in Asgard."
"Whatever happens, we'll handle it...and make sure right is served."
---Cannonball and Sunspot, New Mutants 87
"Like all of us, the New Mutants must go where the winds of fate blow them. Freedom Force's presence here...our conflict with those children...my warning...has already made a difference. I only hope that, little as it seems, it has been enough."
---Destiny, on the upcoming Inferno, New Mutants 65
"I'd never have thought I'd be going out on a mission with this bunch again. I thought Freedom Force was all but dead. Still can't believe Mystique pulled it all together at our last meeting..."
---Crimson Commando, Incredible Hulk 369
"You knew, didn't you Destiny? You told me parts of what would happen, before....you said that one day soon, Firestar would prove essential to a team that would make a difference to the entire world. I thought you meant she'd be on this team. I guess I hoped we'd play that important a role. No --- I know we will."
---Mystique, MCP 87
"S'much for Freedom Force, oy?"
"Not a bad scam while it lasted."
---Pyro and Blob, X-Factor annual 6
"I've spoken to Jamie Madrox about this already, it's about the re-creation of Freedom Force..."
"There is no way I'm getting involved with a group that had the Blob and those guys as members."
"The name isn't important. The concept is."
---Val Cooper and Polaris and Val, X-Factor 70
"It's an excellent opportunity, Alex. With the breakup of Freedom Force, the government is in the position of having their first publicized association with mutants blowing up in their faces."
---Charles Xavier, X-Factor 71
"After the Freedom Force debacle, it's important we head off any possible negative press."
---Val Cooper, X-Factor 72
"As you may or may not know, Freedom Force has been disbanded. While the group had laudable goals, they ultimately proved too unstable to function well."
---Val Cooper, at press conference, X-Factor 72
"The government team all of you recently replaced was called Freedom Force. It was made up of convicted felons that we were trying to reform. A mistake, I'll grant you --- not to reform, but to have used those particular felons."
---Val Cooper, X-Factor annual 7
"Reports indicate that one member [Spiral] of my former team has been causing some nasty trouble."
"You seek absolution from us, Val Cooper?"
"No, Pietro --- absolution for her!"
---Val Cooper and Quicksilver and Val, X-Factor annual 7
"No! She can't be trusted with such a responsibility!"
"But you trusted me enough to act the part of your pawn in Freedom Force! Who is to judge whom, Cooper?"
---Val Cooper and Spiral, X-Factor annual 7
"Ah, Pyro! X-Factor is still cleaning up the PR mess that you and your fat Freedom Force chum left behind."
---Quicksilver, X-Factor 82
"I'm sorry, Johnny, about leaving you guys behind in the Mid-East like we did."
"I'm not going to pretend it didn't hurt, Dom. An' here I thought we were mates and all."
"We were --- we are --- but Commando was dying! An' at that time, the army was not about to engage in hostilities for the likes of a few mutants trying to get early parole by doin' the government's dirty work."
"I know, but it's one thing to get sent on a suicide mission---it's a whole other matter to find out the cheeky buzzards meant it!"
---Avalanche and Pyro and Avalanche and Pyro, X-Men annual 2
"As leader of Freedom Force....I tried to bring about change by working through the system! I was stupid."
---Mystique, X-Men Unlimited 4
"Aside from being a member of X-Factor's predecessor --- the government-sanctioned Freedom Force..."
---Val Cooper, X-Factor 108
"This is a government matter. Mystique is a wanted murderer...she violated the terms of her agreement with the federal government that led to the creation of the Freedom Force. The feds don't take kindly to being double-crossed."
---Val Cooper, X-Factor 108
"Valerie Cooper...I'm not surprised to see her here. She's good. I wanted my 'Freedom Force' diversion to keep her and X-Factor occupied for a bit longer. As it is, they wouldn't take the bait with Avalanche --- and the Blob didn't even get out of the airport..."
---Mystique, X-Factor 108
"It used to be so easy...everything seemed to be so clear --- first in the Brotherhood, then with Freedom Force --- we were going to do something --- we were going to have some power! The world was going to be ours! Now it seems like it's all just falling apart, doesn't it, Raven? The government keeps me like a dog on a leash, Johnny's got the Legacy virus, Sabre, Stonewall and Destiny are all...dead...."
---Avalanche, X-Factor 109
"...but you still must be held responsible for your crimes, as well as breaking your agreement with the U.S. government..."
---Val Cooper, X-Factor 109
"I had such high hopes for the Freedom Force project --- and when it all went bad, I fought hard to keep you out of lockup. Everyone said you were unredeemable. I hate being wrong."
"Is that what this is all about, Val?! Why you're so driven so driven to put me away?! To repair your damaged ego because your pet project --- Freedom Force --- was a failure?! This isn't about you, or Freedom Force --- Irene is dead!"
---Val Cooper and Mystique, X-Factor 109
"Ya might as well start screamin' and get up t'date! `Cause I ain't part of no Brotherhood no more...no more Freedom Force, either..."
---Blob, X-Force 52
"His companion is a woman called Mystique. She's a metamorph. Not much is known about her past --- except for scattered reports of her brief affiliations with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and the now defunct Freedom Force."
---Cypher [not Doug Ramsey!], Sabretooth and Mystique LS #1
"So tell me, Fred --- your two-bit career's certainly taken a dip for the worse since your Freedom Force days, wouldn't you say?"
---Maverick, Maverick 5
"But who'd be after Pyro that could scare him into wanting Charles Xavier? They've got no history together. Why not someone from Freedom Force? Or the Brotherhood of Mutants he used to run with?"
---Wolverine, UXM 362
