Chapter 4
The handsome news anchor with the empty smile looked into the camera. He offered his well practiced grin to the camera then an Image of Captain America appeared on the screen. He started to speak.
"American icon, Captain Steve Rogers, A.K.A. Captain America, is now considered Captain Fugitive. After meeting with the president and refusing to sign the new Superhero Registration Act, he resigned his commission and his position in the Avengers. The man who fought for freedom in War World II to be encased in ice for seventy years then thawed out to again fight for freedom has decided to stand against the Government he always stood and fought for," the anchor stated.
Stark muted the TV. He stood up the sofa he sat on and started pacing.
"It's ridiculous. I mean the man is committing treason and they are still making his sound heroic. I grew having to hear about Captain Perfect from my father. He helped Erskine created Spangles and ended up idolizing him. The creator should idolize his creation," Stark ranted.
Natasha stared at the muted TV screen. It was now showing archival footage of Steve from World War II then from the attack on New York. She turned her eyes away then rubbed her temples trying to lessen an oncoming headache.
"My father once said on film that I discovered years after he died that I was his proudest creation. Bullshit - Captain America was his greatest and proudest creation," Stark walked over to the large wet bar and poured himself an aged single malt scotch then took a sip. He held the glass up in a toast. "Congratulations, Cap, you always surprise me."
Natasha grabbed the remote off the table and turned off the TV.
"I'm surprised you haven't started a PR battle to stain Steve's reputation," said Natasha.
"I'll leave that to a few politicians who are dying to beat up on Spangles," said Stark. "What we need to do is getting Rhodey on the line and have him bring the Avengers here. It's time we prepare to take down Captain America and whoever stands with him."
"Rhodey, Vision, the Black Panther, that kid you are protecting from the Registration," said Natasha.
"Spiderman is his code name. And he just turned 17 years old, which means he has a year to consider signing the Registration. I talked to the governing body, the Board as they like to be called, and cleared it. I like the kid. He's a bit of a science genius. I have a soft spot for the type."
"We are short on Avengers," sighed Natasha.
"There's also me and you, Red. That's a strong team," said Stark. "Plus, there are others out there we can approach. There's the Devil of Hell's Kitchen..."
"Daredevil is what the papers and news call him," said Natasha.
"Yeah, yeah. There's Daredevil then there is those guys who advertise themselves as Heroes for Hire," said Stark. "Oh, and mutants. Lots of mutants. We just have to start with Captain Perfect," said Stark.
Natasha nodded then smirked and said, "We start with the hardest and hope it gets easier, huh?"
"Spangles won't be hard. I know how he thinks," said Stark.
Avengers
Teterboro, New Jersey wasn't considered a prime destination by anyone during the day, so it was even less so at night. It was best known for an airport that private planes flew out of, as well as a private airstrip owned by Stark Industries. Steve, Clint, and Bucky sat on their Harley's along a dirt road. The night and trees covered their presence. A black SUV pulled off the main road and headed towards them. There was no panic, though. The SUV stopped and Agent May and Agent Coulson got out of the car and walked towards the men on their bikes.
"Coulson," Clint greeted him.
"Clint, Cap," he greeted them then looked at Bucky. "Sergeant Barnes."
"I haven't been called that in a long very time," said Barnes.
"It's how I like to think of you," said Coulson, who then looked at Steve. "You need me."
"We are waiting on the rest of our team," said Steve. "I have a plan to get Wanda of the helicarrier."
"That's impossible," said Melinda May.
Clint grinned then said, "You haven't worked with Cap, have you?"
"No," she answered.
"He has a plan," said Clint. "Actually, he is the man with the plan."
Coulson smiled broadly. He always wanted to work with Captain America, even under these circumstances.
"Fury will be glad to get rid of her. His fear is that the remnants of Hydra and AIM are making inroads into US government taking advantage of the Registration Act," said Coulson. "SHIELD is being turned into a cop and jailer for super powered beings."
"This has to end sooner rather than later. Somehow we have to expose the pettiness and injustice of this law and rely on the common sense of the American people," said Steve.
"Okay, what's your plan?" asked Coulson.
Suddenly, a black 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 came racing off the roadway and joined them on the dirt road. The car came to a screeching stop and Sam and Scott Lang got out.
"We're here," smiled Sam.
"Hey, Cap," Lang waved at Steve.
"Our team is here," said Steve.
"Now give me the plan," said Coulson.
"It simple. You are going to sneak Ant Man onto the helicarrier for us. Once on the helicarrier Scott will find Wanda, cut off the sedative being given to her, and release her. Once Wanda is out her funk, she should be able to cause havoc on the helicarrier," explained Steve.
"How will they get off the helicarrier?" asked May.
Steve looked at Clint and nodded for him to tell them.
"Easy. Stark has a stealth luxury jet parked somewhere over there. We disengage FRIDAY the AI and steal the jet, fly to the helicarrier, land, and Hawkeye, Captain America, Falcon, and the Winter Soldier kick some but and pick up their teammates. If the Starkjet is unusable we steal a Quinjet and fly away," explained Clint.
"Transponder codes, security codes, ID codes, you have none of them," said May.
Steve looked at Coulson then said, "Agent Coulson, I believe you can help us with those."
Coulson reached into his pocket and then took out a piece of paper that had all the codes written on it. He handed the piece of paper to Steve. Coulson looked at Scott Lang.
"How small can you get?" he asked him.
"The size of a really big ant," smiled Lang.
"I better keep you in my jacket pocket," said Coulson. "I don't want to lose you.
"Not until we get on the helicarrier," said Lang.
"How are you going to disengage Stark's AI?" asked Coulson.
"Tasha taught me how to do it," said Clint.
"When will you be on the helicarrier and what are its coordinates?" asked Steve.
"We'll be on the helicarrier in ten hours," said Coulson.
"Then in nine and half hours we'll steal the Starkjet and be headed your way," stated Steve.
"The agents on the helicarrier will be looking to kill you," said May.
"How many agents are on a helicarrier?" asked Barnes.
May looked at him with doubt then answered, "fifteen hundred."
"Most of them techs and mechanics. We can handle it," said Barnes.
Coulson chuckled then said, "Please don't kill anyone."
"We won't," said Steve.
Lang grabbed his Ant Man gear and followed May and Coulson into the SUV. The car backed up and pulled away. The plan had been set into motion.
"Don't make any promises we can't keep, Punk," said Barnes.
Steve looked over at Bucky and sighed, "Try not to kill anyone."
"Hey, what about me? I'm an assassin, too," said Clint.
"Okay, Clint, please, try and not kill anyone," said Steve.
"Why not?" smiled Clint.
Avengers
The Quinjet landed on the outer deck then was brought into the lower deck. Once it was secured the ramp came down and May and Coulson exited. Associate Director Hill was there to greet him.
"Associate Director Coulson," she said.
"I can't get used that. Can I still be called Agent Coulson," joked Coulson.
"No," replied Hill. "Fury is waiting to talk to you."
"How is the Scarlett Witch doing?" asked Coulson.
"They had to cut back on the sedative for fear of permanent damage," explained Hill.
"Oh, so she still three decks down in the specialized cells," said Coulson.
Hill looked at him as if he was in need of a medical examination then said, "Phil, do you need a vacation?"
"Yeah, a trip to Tahiti would do nicely. I hear its a magically place," said Coulson.
"Okay, I'll leave you alone," said Hill. "Go see Fury."
"I'm on my way," said Coulson.
As he started to walk, Scott climbed out of his pocket and then he summoned a flying ant, as he hung onto the side of the Coulson's pocket. The any flew close to Coulson's pocket. Scott jumped onto its back and started to fly the ant. He now knew where Wanda was being kept, so he had to get her released quickly because Cap, Hawkeye, and Winter Soldier were on their way.
Avengers
Dressed in their battle gear, Hawkeye, Barnes, and Steve went over the fence of Stark Industries private airstrip. It didn't take long for them to neutralize the security force, who were nothing more than high paid mall cops. Next the found the prototype of the stealth luxury Starkjet and broke into it. Hawkeye went to work disengaging FRIDAY, while Steve and Barnes stood guard.
"Tick tock, tick tock," Sam goaded Clint.
He was working on the jet's computer.
"Nat was best at this not me. It's going to take me a little longer than it should," advised Clint.
"Hurry up," Steve said in in his command voice.
Barnes smiled when he heard it, as it reminded him of days long in the past.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm hurrying," said Clint.
Avengers
Scott arrived at the specialized security cells section. There was one agent monitoring the cells. He landed on the man's shoulder and looked at the screens. There was a drugged looking Bruce Banner in one cell, a man that looked to be half machine and half human with the machine part shut down in another cell, and Wanda lying on a cot with an IV drip in a cell. He sent the flying any away then he took a running start and jumped up and kicked the man in the temple knocking him out of his chair and unconscious.
Immediately, Scott grew his body back to full size. Once he returned to normal, he unlocked Wanda's cell door and entered in place of confinement. Next, he undid the IV and took out a needle from his pouch. In the needle was a shot of adrenaline in order to bring Wanda back to normal quicker. He gave her the shot.
Avengers
Clint and Falcon were in the cockpit flying the Starkjet in stealth mode. They were almost at the helicarrier, which was in stealth mode. Steve and Bucky were in the back. While Steve sat and observed his friend, Bucky checked his weapons. He carried a Heckler and Kock MP 7 PDW that he strapped to his back, a Kalashnokov AK-12, and two Glock 23 handguns. Besides the guns he had a tactical knife and plenty clips of ammo.
"You are going to try to not kill anyone, right?" said Steve.
"Stop being so nervous, Punk. I'm the Winter Soldier. I hit what I aim at," said Barnes.
"Okay, Bucky," smiled Steve.
"It's been a long time since we fought on the same side," said Barnes.
"I know, Buck. I missed you," Steve admitted.
"Me, too, Punk. I missed you," said Barnes.
"Hey," Clint called to them, "we are coming up on the helicarrier."
"Hack in and use the codes to let us land," said Steve.
"You got it, Cap," said Clint.
Avengers
Wanda woke up with a start and sent Scott flying against the wall. He got up gingerly and raised his hands.
"I'm here to save you," he said.
"Oh, goody, Luke Skywalker," Wanda said in her thick accent.
"Very funny," Scott replied. "Captain America and his team are on their way here to pick us up. All we have to do is cause some havoc."
"They have kept me a sleep for weeks. I think I can manage that," Wanda stated.
She got up slow. Her legs were a little rubbery. Scott rushed over to her side and steadied her.
"Should you rest for a little bit until you get your legs underneath you?" he asked her.
"No. I should cause the people on this helicarrier a hard time," she replied.
"Okay then. Let's get started," Scott replied.
Avengers
"Master Stark, someone has caused me some distress and stolen your stealth Starkjet," FRIDAY announced.
Pepper, Natasha, Rhodey, and Stark were seated at the dining table having Greek salad with steak cut up in it for their lunch. Stark dropped his fork on the table. Everyone stopped eating.
"Who did this, FRIDAY?" Stark asked.
"I do not know. They did an excellent job of confusing me. I have only started to regain my overall senses. I have lost all contact with the stealth Starkjet," FRIDAY said.
"Clint," Natasha said to herself more than anyone else.
Stark glared at her then asked, "You think Birdbrain did this? He's not smart enough."
"I taught him how to do it," snapped Natasha.
Stark rolled his eyes.
"What the hell would they want with my damned stealth Starkjet?" Stark asked no one in particular.
"You know Captain America, Tony. Why would he want the damned jet for?" asked Rhodey.
"I don't know. I mean he is a tactical thinker, actually, he's a brilliant tactical thinker," admitted Stark.
"Triskelion would be one target," said Natasha.
"Why?" asked Rhodey.
"Steal intel," answered Natasha.
"Also, the helicarrier would be another target," added Stark. "Son of a bitch, I think Cap is attacking the helicarrier. Wanda is onboard it."
Natasha thought about it. Stark was right. Steve would be more interested in collecting his team than in intel, which could be procured later. He was saving the damsel in distress. A tinge of jealousy soured her mood.
Avengers
While Wanda caused havoc three decks below, Hawkeye and Falcon landed the Starkjet and brought it into the hangar. Once the Starkjet was lowered and secured, Steve burst out of the plane along with Bucky. He threw his shield taking out three agents then it returned to him.
"I hate how you do that," smiled Bucky, who shot two more agents in the shoulders.
Hawkeye and Falcon exited the plane in battle mode also. Red hawk, Falcon's drone that he was neurologically connected to, fired off two missiles destroying Quinjets. Alarms went off calling out more agents for the team to fight.
Avengers
Nick Fury was briefing Coulson when the alarms went off. He looked at Coulson, who remained calm in demeanor. Fury commed Hill.
"What in the hell is happening on my boat, Hill?" growled Fury
"Captain America is happening, sir. He and a team are here. I assume they came for the Scarlett Witch," answered Hill.
"Send men to the cell she's being kept in," ordered Fury. He ended the connection. Fury looked over and stared at Coulson, whose face remained passive.
"You have any idea how this happened?" asked Fury.
"Not a clue," smiled Coulson. "Should we check out what's happening?"
"Nay, we'll just sit here and hope that Cap and his crew doesn't hurt our people too badly," said Fury.
"I suspect that there won't be any fatalities," said Coulson.
Avengers
Hawkeye used his arrows judiciously. Once his Taser arrows were used up, he put arrows in thighs and shoulders. Even so, he was starting to run low. Wanda and Scott appeared in the hangar. A red mist surrounded her as she used her powers to either toss men and women about or infuse their minds with their worst dreams. Scott followed behind shaking his head at the impressiveness of her powers.
"Sam, Clint," Steve pointed a Quinjet, "prepare it for flight."
"Aye, aye, Cap," said Sam.
"Sure thing," added Clint.
They made their way to the Quinjet. The Starkjet was slightly damaged and more than likely no longer an asset. Knowing Stark, Steve assumed he'd find a way to get his AI back in charge of it.
Wanda and Scott made it to Steve and Bucky. She was fuming. Steve knew he needed her to calm down.
"Wanda, you're free now and we are leaving. Don't hurt anyone, don't fall to their level," he said.
She glared at him. After a few seconds she calmed down. Bucky changed clips and started to fire at the oncoming agents again. Keeping to Steve's orders he maimed them but didn't kill them.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked then she turned and stopped an incoming electrified net from reaching them.
"Rip doors above that Quinjet off, so we can fly out of here," Steve ordered.
She smiled and walked towards the Quinjet with Scott in tow. Steve noticed a sniper in the rafters. He was aiming at Bucky. Steve had only enough time to push him out of the way. Springing into action, Steve pushed him out of the way and managed to stop the sniper's bullet with his shield. Unfortunately, a stay bullet grazed him along his temple. Steve was suddenly dizzy. He stumbled but still managed to throw his shield and take two other agents out. This time Bucky caught his shield for him.
"I'm not worth getting hurt for, Punk," said Bucky, as he used the shield to protect them.
He shouldered still with his good arm and started running towards the Quinjet. Wanda had removed the doors and the Quinjet was ready to leave. Bucky kept the shield in a position to protect them from gunfire. Wanda came forward and pushed everyone in the hangar against the wall except Bucky and Steve. They got on the Quinjet.
"Buckle up," said Clint, "we are out of here."
Bucky dumped Steve into a seat and buckled him.
"I'm all right. Just a stray bullet. Made me dizzy," said Steve.
Bucky sat down beside and buckled up. The Quinjet took off and headed away from the helicarrier.
"I'm not worth it, Steve," said Bucky.
"You're my brother, Buck. You're worth it," said Steve.
"Where are we going?" Clint yelled back to them.
"Canada. We can land in a rural wooded area and access our situation," said Steve.
Sam came back to check on everyone.
"I turned the transponder off, so they won't be tracking us," said Sam.
Steve nodded then looked at Scott and Wanda, who sat across from him.
"Good job, Scott," said Steve.
Scott's face almost cracked open with a smile, "Thanks, Cap."
"Wanda, I'm sorry it took us so long to get to you," he told her.
"You came, Captain, and that is what counts," she said.
Avengers
Fury looked at he report. He had twenty-four men and twelve women injured and in need of time to heal. But no fatalities. He dropped the tablet on his desk and tried to fight a smile.
"Anything wrong, sir?" asked Hill.
"No fatalities," he said.
"No. Gunshot wounds and broken bones, but no fatalities," said Hill.
"Make sure the press knows that, Hill. I don't care if we have to leak the information, but make sure the press knows that Cap and his crew didn't kill anyone," said Fury.
"Yes, sir," Hill smiled. "Anything else?"
"Stark wants to discuss deploying the Avengers to go after Captain America," she said.
Fury shook his head angrily.
"There's no avoiding it, is there?" he asked her.
"No, sir," said Hill.
"Prep a Quinjet and get me Coulson. We are going to speak to Stark," ordered Fury.
"Yes, sir," said Hill.