Wolverine's Coolest Ally Just Turned Traitor on the X-Men
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Wolverine #10 from Benjamin Percy and Adam Kubert
In the latest issue of Marvel Comics' Wolverine, one of Logan's coolest allies known as Maverick may just betray him and the X-Men. Despite Wolverine having just saved his life in Wolverine #10, Maverick seems to have motives of his own, which could be geared against Logan and the mutant nation of Krakoa, as he's allied himself with the CIA and their newly created branch known as the X-Desk.
Wolverine and Maverick were once teammates during their horrific days in the Weapon X program (where Logan received his adamantium bones and claws). Together, they managed to retain their individuality in the program, despite the constant mind wipes and brainwashing. Using a shared mnemonic device they created, they were able to remember small elements of their past and core selves, refusing to fully become simple weapons to be used. Thanks to this kinship with Maverick, Logan was eventually able to escape from the program, which began his path towards becoming the hero and X-Man he is in the present. As such, it makes sense that Wolverine would do whatever it took to rescue Maverick who was being sold at an underground auction in Madripoor.
When his cover was blown, Wolverine was able to break through Maverick's brainwashing, and the two of them began to fight their way out of the auction house that had erupted into chaos around them. However, CIA agents led by X-Desk's Special Agent Ramirez were in pursuit, and it was later revealed they had been authorized to bid on Maverick, seeking a mutant operative of their own to assist in their mandate of monitoring mutants and the nation of Krakoa. Once they made their escape, Wolverine eventually brought Maverick to Krakoa, offering him a new home and place to belong as Logan himself has found with the X-Men. Even so, Maverick declined Wolverine's offer, as he was satisfied with his life among his team known as the Mercs. However, the end of the issue revealed that X-Desk offered the very same money that they were going to use to bid on Maverick as a means to instead hire him of his own free will, presumedly to serve as their spy.
Seeing as how non-mutants have no means to enter Krakoa unless expressly invited by a mutant and with the knowledge of the governing Quiet Council, it makes sense that Ramirez and X-Desk are seeking a mutant operative in their employ. Maverick fits that bill, despite having lost his mutant powers during M-Day, as he has the ability to come and go to Krakoa if he wishes without arousing overt suspicions.
In any case, it seems as though Maverick's work as a Merc may trump any loyalty he has to Wolverine. However, it's possible that Maverick could be agreeing to Ramirez's offer in order to work as a double agent for the X-Men. After all, X-Desk's work in Madripoor did put the United States' treaty with Krakoa at risk, and Wolverine might be keen to learn what exactly it is the CIA branch is up to just as much as they themselves want to know the dealings of Krakoa. Here's hoping one of Wolverine's oldest and coolest allies hasn't truly betrayed him as his series continues from Marvel Comics.