Chapter Three
"Steve Rogers," the voice on the other end of the line replied. "And to what do I owe this honor?"
Cap took a moment to swallow his pride. It did not sit particularly well with the star-spangled patriot that he was about to ask a known mutant terrorist and supervillain for help. "Mr. Lensherr," Steve said, trying to keep the conversation as formal as possible. "I am calling to request your assistance on a mission of national security. Your country needs you."
The man known as Magneto couldn't help but laugh. "Is that right? I believe, Captain, what you mean is, YOUR country needs me. In case you hadn't noticed, I have taken up residence in Genosha as of late, and I dare say I am quite content to be here. In fact, if I am not mistaken, I believe I am currently placed rather high on your country's Most Wanted List."
"The United States Goverment is aware that you were not the one who committed the recent devastation in New York City, and that it was the act of an impostor."
"Comforting," Erik said. "Though I doubt that absolves me of all of my crimes."
"I can see to it that you are granted amnesty," Steve offered.
"That does not interest me, Steven. I am quite busy at the present time with the rebuilding of Genosha."
"I can get you aid in your rebuilding process from the United States government."
Erik laughed. "My dear boy, that is the last thing we need. That President of yours would be tearing this place apart for natural resources within hours if you sent your people over."
"Magnus," Steve said, clenching his teeth. His patience was wearing thin. "Do you think I would be calling you if this wasn't serious?"
The other end of the line was silent for a moment. Then, the eventual reply. "How bad is it?"
"I can't give you all the details over the phone, obviously. Nick Fury will hold a full briefing once we have the team together. Let's just say, a weapon of mass destruction has fallen into the wrong hands, and if it's not recovered, a lot of people will die." He paused, then added, "Mutants and humans alike."
Again, silence. "All right, Steve. You have my assistance. I will do what I can to help."
He breathed a small sigh. "Thank you, Erik."
Steve Rogers flipped the cell phone shut, ending the connection. Well, that was one down. He stepped out into the street and hailed a passing taxi cab, which pulled over for him. He was sure Logan would be game for this. He'd give him a call and buy the guy a beer later that night and he'd be in. If he was going to keep the team to five, then that left three spots open.
There were not many who could go toe-to-toe with the Hulk on a physical level. Since that was a definite possibility, it would be good to have someone on the team who had traded blows with the green brute in the past and lived to tell the tale. Fury obviously wanted a team that could remain inconspicuous if needed, and would not be recognizable to the public. Well, being large, orange and rocky did not really fit that disposition, but, Fury wasn't picking this team, Steve was, and Fury could go to Hell if he had a problem with it.
"Where to, mac?" asked the cabbie as Steve slid into the back seat.
"Yancy Street, please," Steve replied.
