A/N:
I'm thrilled to say that MarvelMaster616 and I are back with another volume of my ongoing series, Peace in Our Time. This being the fourth volume in the series, this is one for you all to look forward to! Volume 3 ended with a bang, and that bang being Ultron – an artificial intelligence created by Hank Pym going rogue. Meanwhile, Edward Kelly is president of the United States, and has seemingly had a change of heart about mutants. Nonetheless, President Kelly's change to his presidential agenda has led to his choice of advisor, William Stryker, feeling betrayal. Now, he's gone into partnership with Alyssa Risman, the sister of Matthew Risman who had been responsible for funding Genosha. What does this mean for our heroes as they face a force they've never seen before?
As usual, reviews are encouraged on this story. Feedback is always great because it lets me know that you all want to see this series continue. So, be sure to REVIEW, follow, and favor on this volume! EXCELSIOR, as the old man would say. –
DC-MarvelGirl 1997
The X-men try their hardest to be a sigil of peace in a world that hates and fears them, simply because they are mutants. Together, they've faced many successes and failures. However, three months prior, they've managed to successfully make President Edward Kelly have a change of heart.
This success stemmed from having put a stop to Ultron – an AI created by Tony Stark's best friend Doctor Henry Pym. Ultron proved to be a threat that brought forth more dangers, as he looked to control the Sentinel robots by means to kill mutants. Luckily, Ultron was ended by Jean Grey, who tapped into a mysterious force of power.
Now, it's Inauguration Day. The X-men find themselves underneath more pressure than ever before to continue keeping peace in the world.
Issue 61: Inauguration Day
X-Corporation Tower – Professor Xavier's Office
The past few months since Election Day faded to the freezing cold of mid-January. Snow heavily pelted down on the streets of New York. The cold, blizzard of the weather outside – the howling winds, heavy snowfall and grey clouds seemed to reflect the anxiety that many mutants were feeling that day.
Professor Charles Xavier sat in his office, journal open and a steaming cup of tea residing on his desk as he prepared to write down his thoughts about what was about to happen that day. It being Inauguration Day, this meant President Edward Kelly was officially going to be in office.
Journal Entry 557
Today is Inauguration Day. Today, President Edward Kelly is going to officially be taking position in the Oval Office. For many mutants across the country, they are still finding that they are in fear over this newfound leadership over the country. However, I would rather stay optimistic.
After the X-men and the Avengers having saved the life of President Kelly three months ago, our new president has proven that he had had a change of heart about mutants. Of course, we still need to find a solution for the mutants who are criminals. But, with Magneto leading the island of Genosha with an iron fist, and his children, Wanda and Pietro looking to redeem themselves by being part of the Avengers team, things have been exceptionally peaceful for what feels like the first time in a while.
However, with it being Inauguration Day, and President Edward Kelly preparing to take office, feathers are bound to be ruffled. Therefore, several of my X-men, as well as the Avengers, happen to be in Washington this morning to keep tabs on the festivities.
But aside from the concerns about Inauguration Day, I am quite worried about my adoptive daughter. Ever since the Ultron incident three months ago, Jean has been struggling with her powers. After having helped her get control of her powers a year ago, I was assured that Jean was in control. But lately, that seems to not be the case. It's been mini power surges, psychic migraines, and nightmares on and off for Jean. Last month, I'd tried to help her the best way that I possibly could. However, with Jean's nineteenth birthday coming up next month, I'm determined to make sure that she gets back in control over her powers. She thinks we have not noticed, but, Scott and I notice the most out of everyone, Logan included.
Additionally, X-Corporation is preparing to go into business with former Libertarian presidential nominee, Lilandra Neramani as soon as possible. Lilandra is hoping to further fight for peace by doing business with Tony and I. But with Tony's duties being fulfilled with being Iron Man and being part of the Avengers, he is proving to get busier and busier, somehow.
It's truly the dawn of a new age today. We have a president who is formerly prejudiced, and just happens to have a change of heart about mutants. The X-men and the Avengers working together to help save his life against Hank Pym's corrupted AI, Ultron, proved to help the president change his heart and mind. I can only hope and pray that it stays this way, and that the president will allow my X-men and I to help wherever it is necessary.
Xavier proceeded to close his journal, folding his hands against his desk as he turned his head to face the television, which was playing the news showing Inauguration Day. Knowing that Scott, Warren, Jean, Beast, and Logan were there with the Avengers, making sure that nothing out of the ordinary happened, the professor could only hope and pray that they were okay. He also knew that Kitty and Bobby were at school; he couldn't help but worry about the treatment that they might be receiving in school from less-than-peaceful classmates.
Marsden Regional Middle School
'Inauguration Day . . . the one day I thought would never give me so much anxiety,' thought an anxious Kitty Pryde as she sat in her first period computer science class.
Kitty nervously typed on the keyboard as she attempted to complete her class project that she had to complete by the end of the weak. Typically, computer science class would help her melt away her fears and her anxieties. But, today, was quite the exception. Since President Kelly was officially going to be taking office, Kitty could not help but feel a sense of apprehension. You were talking about a politician who had one point had been so deeply against mutants. And now, he was promising that he had changed. But, Logan's words about a leopard not changing its spots still hung in the back of Kitty's mind.
"Kitty . . . Kitty!" said the voice of Gwen Stacey, her closest and only friend at Marsden Regional Middle School. "Kit, snap out of it!"
Kitty glanced up from her computer to look towards Gwen. Gwen's blue eyes narrowed in concern towards her friend. Part of the reason why Gwen and Kitty got along so well was because they were two of the smartest girls in their eighth-grade class.
"Kitty, I get it, it's Inauguration Day, but you looked much more spaced out than you typically would be!" Gwen said, pushing a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear.
"No, Gwen, you don't. For me, I am the youngest member of the X-men! Just because President Kelly claims that he has a change of heart about mutants, it does not mean that others out there do not. You know what happened to me nearly three months ago! Those goons from the Friends of Humanity grabbed me while I was at the mall," Kitty hissed.
"Stacey, Pryde, be quiet!" said the stern voice of their teacher, Mrs. Evans.
"My apologies, Mrs. Evans," said Gwen as she and Kitty continued to work on their projects, but, Gwen cast Kitty a look that said, 'We'll talk about this later.'
Kitty breathed out another sigh as she continued to work on her assignment for class. Typically, Inauguration Day would not make her this nervous. But, with some of the older members of the X-men out in Washington, D.C with the Avengers overseeing the whole operation, she could not help but worry.
'I know they know what they're doing, but still . . . I feel I should be concerned,' she thought.
Marsden Regional High School
"So, Bobby, how are you feeling about today, with President Kelly taking office?" asked Peter as he walked down the halls with Bobby and Mary-Jane towards their lockers.
"At this point, I'm going to have to have some sort of faith that President Kelly is going to stay true to his word of protecting the rights of mutants. A big part of why my parents liked him so much, was because he was wanting a mutant registration," Bobby said bitterly, swallowing. He was still hurt over the fact that he and his parents were not speaking. "I haven't spoken to them about it, though."
"Wait, you haven't spoken to them since –?" Mary-Jane asked.
"Since my fifteenth birthday? Yes, M.J. What they did to me that night was extremely insulting," Bobby said.
Mary-Jane leaned a hand onto his shoulder. "You shouldn't hold grudges, Bobby," she said sympathetically.
"I'm calling them inviting them to all my games; that's holding a grudge?" Bobby asked in an exasperated voice. "I even called and asked if they would like for me to come up for Christmas."
"Really?" asked Peter.
"Yes. And when I did not show up, I got a scathing text message from my mother telling me she was so disappointed I did not spend Christmas Eve with her and my family," Bobby further explained.
He felt Johnny's presence near him. He must've overheard, because he felt Johnny's arm coming around his shoulders. "Hey, man, do not worry about it. If you need a place to spend Easter, come to the Baxter Building. I am pretty sure Sue wouldn't mind saving you an extra seat at the dinner table."
Bobby nodded appreciatively in Johnny's direction, grinning. In many ways, Johnny, Peter, Angelica and Mary-Jane were more of a family to him than his own family.
"Yeah I know," he said, continuing to smile, even though he was still hurt over his family. To not know the status of his relationship with his family was hard, considering he was only fifteen years old. It appeared lately, he was leaning on Warren for sympathy and reassurance. Warren had been disowned by his own mother and father, and now, eight years later, he was having a relationship with them again. In a lot of ways, watching Warren rekindle his relationship with his own family just gave Bobby hope.
"Look, I am just nervous, because right now, several members of my team are observing Inauguration Day over in Washington, D.C," Bobby said. "Ever since the Ultron incident, things have been –"
"Bobby, you did something right that day. You saved the life of a man who hated you," Peter pointed out as Johnny broke away from them to go and be with Angelica.
"Yeah, I know. But it just seems as though even though I do good as Iceman, there will always be someone out there who does not appreciate it," Bobby said, his parents coming back into his mind.
Mary-Jane rubbed his shoulder sympathetically. "You can't afford to think like that, Bobby," she said. "Besides, I am pretty sure that your teammates are fine. They can take care of themselves. Plus, President Kelly is promising that the MRD is officially going to be disbanded, and all those mutants who had gotten arrested? They're going to be pardoned. He sees that they did not do anything wrong. They were protecting themselves against the FOH. And better yet, you helped disband the Friends of Humanity."
"I know M.J; I know I did. But I cannot help but be a little cynical. Who knows? Shit might hit the fan, and if it does, it's gonna be bad. It's gonna be nuclear," Bobby said.
"Like Angelica when she loses her temper?" asked Peter, wincing.
"Something like that," Bobby said. "Let's hope to God that that doesn't happen. Because I've seen Angelica lose her shit. She makes a Pitbull look like a beagle."
Peter and Mary-Jane snickered. "Let's be happy Angelica did not hear that," Peter said.
Morlock Tunnels
"Ororo, are you not the least bit worried about the fact that Kelly got elected?" asked Evan Daniels as he strolled through the Morlock tunnels with his cousin.
"I have my worries, yes, Evan. But President Kelly does seem to have quiet the change of heart. Ever since the X-men saved his life three months ago, things seem to be much more peaceful," Ororo said.
"We'll see how long that lasts due to the number of assholes out there who still hate us," Evan said bitterly.
Ever since learning of her younger cousin Evan being part of the Morocks, Ororo "Storm" Munroe found that she was spending quite a bit more time with him, especially over the course of the past two months. Her visits to the Morlock tunnels were weekly, namely to make sure that Evan was sticking to the peace treaty of sorts between the X-men and the Morlocks. Ever since Callisto and Caliban went off to join Magneto, Evan found that he was taking up more responsibility by leading a fraction of the Morlocks in Manhattan. Those who had been loyal to Warren Worthington III such as Leech and Shatter found that they were sticking with Evan.
"I for one like to try and remain optimistic," said Ororo.
"How do you do it?" Evan asked. "How do you stay so optimistic knowing what this could mean?"
"I'd like to think that the X-men and the Avengers' efforts of saving the president had a positive effect," Ororo explained. "And it seems to. If you really think about it, today, the MRD is officially going to be disbanded. The Sentinels are no longer going to be in use. All those mutant prisoners that had been taken by the MRD are going to be released. It's bringing forth a sense of unity between mutants and humans. And this country deserves that."
Evan nodded along, understanding where his cousin was going with this. However, that did not mean he entirely agree. "I still do not know how much better things can get for mutants. At this point, with the way mutants are still being treated, the more deformed ones will have to result to the sewers."
"It's a shame though," Ororo said. "I mean, I had no idea that you were a mutant. But, if I did, I would have come to your aid sooner."
"There really was not much of anything you could have done, Ororo," Evan said. "Mom and Dad . . . they just were not accepting of who I was. I had no choice. I had to flee. When Callisto approached me about being part of the Morlocks when she saw me, I could hardly refuse. Though I have to say, Warren, when he was rolling with us, he was probably the most decent person here."
"I can only imagine," Ororo said. "But, he's got the most golden heart that there is in the world. It doesn't surprise me that he put his all into caring about you down here."
"He did. He truly gave a shit about us," Evan said as they continued to slosh through the sewer waters. "But, I do hope that when it comes to President Kelly that you are correct."
"Only time will tell," Ororo said softly.
St. Peter Catholic Church – Washington, D.C
"Alright, I am surprised that there are no anti-mutant protesters here attempting to cause a shit-show," commented Jean Grey where she sat in St. Peter Catholic Church on Inauguration Day. Noticing the crucifix hanging on the wall above the church, she silently did the sign of the cross on her forehead. "Sorry, Jesus," she whispered. If her parents were alive, they'd scold her for using language like that in a sacred space of worship. Her mom had been especially religious, keeping Rosaries and prayer cards in almost every room of their house.
As with tradition of Inauguration Day, President Kelly and his family had to attend an early morning mass. For Jean, she was in the church keeping watch over the ceremony with Scott at her side. As Jean sat there on the balcony above the room, she felt her third headache coming over her as an overwhelming sensation filled her mind. She could hear voice upon voice filling her mind, with it slowly going from fifteen, to thousands.
'Let's hope that no mutant protesters come here to fuck this up.'
'Knowing an event like this, something is going to happen.'
'President Kelly formerly being known as anti-mutant, he's going to face backlash from both sides . . .'
As the voices filled her mind, Jean found herself rubbing her aching head, clenching her eyes shut as things throughout the room started to move without her permission.
"Jean . . . Jean!" Scott whispered, nudging her slightly. "You alright?"
"Yeah . . . Yeah, I am okay. It's just a headache, that's all," she said, not sounding too convincing.
"Jean, it's not just a headache, is it?" Scott asked her seriously. "Look, Jean, ever since the Ultron incident, you've been different."
"My telepathy's been off," Jean said. "I cannot seem to focus. I am hearing everything."
"Jean, come on, honey, it's not just your telepathy. Christmas Day, you struggled with levitating a book or a chair across the room. And now, whenever you have a nightmare, I can feel that your whole bedroom shakes," Scott told her.
Jean closed her eyes, breathing out a nervous sigh. She was desperately trying to hide how nervous these psychic migraines and nightmares were making her. "The dreams are getting worse," she said softly. "Scott . . . I – I'm afraid that something horrible is going to happen."
Scott just simply looked at her in worry, before pulling her into a very tight, bone-crushing hug. Jean clung to him desperately, clenching her eyes tighter.
"I will never let anything happen to you," Scott promised her gently, kissing her temple. He rubbed his hands up and down her back soothingly to try and calm her down, before pulling away and pressing a loving kiss on her forehead. The young couple turned their attention back to the mass, holding hands tightly.
Jean closed her eyes as she listened to the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. Ironically, that had been the opening prayer her church had always started out with when she would go with her parents and her siblings.
Scott sat there beside his girlfriend, watching her closely. For the past three months, ever since taking down Ultron, Scott had been worried about the well-being of his girlfriend. Sure, nightmares about their pasts were a given, considering all of what they had been through. But these seemed to be worse for Jean. She'd wake screaming at least twice a night, and several times, her bedroom would be in ruins. However, for Scott, he was hoping with Jean's nineteenth birthday coming up in February, that he would be able to do something for her. In fact, he'd had the idea of pooling Tony's resources, including their lawyer, to find Jean's siblings and reunite Jean with them for her birthday.
As the young couple sat there in the church, listening to the mass, Scott noticed that as it continued, Jean seemed to be a lot more relaxed. However, Scott was wondering just how long it would last, because it was Inauguration Day, and with Kelly in office, anything could happen.
Before they knew it, they could hear Tony's voice through the comms. "Is everything okay where you guys are?" he asked.
"Yeah, Mr. Stark, so far, nothing out of the ordinary," said Jean.
"Good; the last thing that we need is for something to go wrong today," said Clint Barton.
"But stay alert. Looking over your shoulder has to become second nature," Natasha Romanoff said.
"Did anyone ever tell you you're a little paranoid?" asked Warren.
"Some people. Why? Did someone tell you something about me?" Natasha quipped. "But still, it's customary of me to be a bit paranoid. Training in the Red Room's Black Widow program has molded me to be this way."
Scott and Jean let out a sigh. "Well, everything looks okay; normal," Scott said.
"But you two should still keep a sharp eye out," Logan said. "Because I've been at a few bars overhearing from a few assholes from the FOH saying that Risman bitch is gonna be starting a new club. If she shows up here, I don't wanna lose her."
"That shouldn't be too hard; she kinda hates us," scoffed Pietro.
"Don't get so cocky, Quicksilver," quipped Scott softly. "And if that Risman woman is starting a new hate group, she'll be sneakier about it than how Graydon Creed was. Because let me tell you, Creed was sloppy."
"But he did inspire Risman," pointed out Wanda. "That's what leaves me worried."
"Understandably so, Wanda," Beast said.
The remainder of the mass went off without a hitch, but, Scott and Jean continued to stay in position as they watched over everything. They could see that President Kelly's security was consisting of William Stryker, his advisor. From what Scott and Jean understood, Stryker was still highly prejudice towards mutants and absolutely hated them. But that did not mean that President Kelly did not have a change of heart. The fact that today, the MRD was officially going to be disbanded and all the mutant prisoners were going to be released, was something that brought all the X-men a sense of relief. However, Bobby, Kitty and Logan were still rather nervous and cynical about President Kelly's viewpoint changing.
Before Scott and Jean knew it, mass was over, and they were walking out of the church to meet up with the Avengers and the other X-men. For most of the day, there was not a single incident taking place. Even the X-men and the Avengers found that they were taking part in the festivities by watching President Kelly give his inaugural speech. As they all stood there watching, Scott slipped away to speak with Tony.
"Tony," he said. "Has Matt had any progress with our little surprise for Jean for her birthday?"
"He has. He's hired a PI; he's found her oldest brother," Tony said. "He's married and has a family and is living in Toms River right now."
"Okay, but, be sure to keep it quiet. Because I know how you are when it comes to blurting out the big secret," Scott said.
"Believe me; I'm keeping my mouth shut and I am making sure that I keep my mental shields up around her. I am not about to let anything slip, considering her telepathy is going bananas," Tony said.
"Yeah, I asked her about that before the mass started. Of course, she's scared over it. I'm seeing how it's affecting her. So, I feel us getting her siblings to New York for her nineteenth birthday; it's going to mean a lot to her," Scott said.
"Probably the best birthday present we can give her; you cannot put a price on that," Tony said with a shake of his head as they continued to watch the inauguration.
For the rest of the day, the inauguration went smoother than the X-men and the Avengers ever could have expected. Hank Pym and Jan were especially shocked that no angry mutants were causing a riot. They could only assume that the mutants that were pissed over Kelly being elected were all on Genosha, considering those were the ones that felt as though they needed their own country.
The X-men and the Avengers continued to stand together, watching the inauguration go on. Considering that they had been the ones that helped President Kelly have a change of heart about mutants, they all couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in themselves.
Up next: Family Reunion