In a world that hates and fears them, the X-men are faced with the challenge of needing to use their powers to protect a world that doesn't want them to be part of it. They are determined to be agents for peace, and a counter to intolerance and extremism.
Nonetheless, their latest mission proved to be one that could make or break it for them. It started with an artificial intelligence designed by Hank Pym named Ultron, who went corrupt. Upon designing a "family" of his own, Ultron came to the realization that mutants and humans are truly no different from one another. After turning his back on the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Ultron took his hatred of humanity and mutants to Washington DC, where he infiltrated the MRD headquarters to take control over the Sentinels. He and his "family" kidnapped presidential nominee Senator Edward Kelly, as well as his advisor William Stryker and his other accomplices.
As a result, the X-men and agents of SHIELD came together in order to put a stop to Ultron's reign of terror, but it was Jean Grey who successfully stopped him with help of a mysterious force, as well as assistance of Carly Anne Crocker, Beast's girlfriend who is an expert in computer sciences.
Now, with election day upon them, the X-men await the results and see who becomes their United States president. With the frontrunners being Lilandra Neramani and Edward Kelly, it's a matter of time before mutants' fate becomes in the hands of the government.
Issue 60: Election Day
The New York Plaza Hotel
In the United States Constitution, particularly article two, section one, clause four, it is decreed that every four years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a presidential election is held. While most election days have been historic, some changing the course of history, there was not one that had this high of stakes as this one.
In the New York Plaza Hotel resided the presidential candidates, who were awaiting on the results to come. So far, the highest in the poles were Lilandra Neramani and Senator Edward Kelly. However, just judging from the pole results, Senator Kelly was the front runner.
Ever since being rescued by the X-men, Wanda and Pietro Maximoff, and the agents of SHIELD, the senator found that he was having a change of heart about mutants. The X-men, Wanda and Pietro had gone out of their way to save his life against the corrupted AI, Ultron. They had braved their way into an army of Sentinel robots to rescue the prejudice senator and his choice advisor, William Stryker. This action committed by the X-men led into Senator Kelly feeling as though he needed to reevaluate his course of action when dealing with the mutant problem. He'd had the whole month of October to think it over. And he ultimately concluded that while there were some mutants out there who were dangerous, there were many out there – such as the X-men – who were looking to fight for peace. The X-men were the mutants who were hoping to not start a war. In fact, they were hoping to end it so that all Americans – mutant and human alike – could be free.
Watching the pole results, Senator Kelly remained the front runner, with Lilandra close behind him. As Lilandra observed the results, she knew what this meant. It meant that the citizens of the United States were going to elect Kelly.
"Charles, you do realize what this means, right?" she asked Charles Xavier, who sat beside her.
"Indeed, Lilandra, but I am led to believe that Senator Kelly has got quite the different outlook on mutants. The X-men have saved his life against Ultron and the Sentinels, proving that not all mutants are dangerous. Ultimately, if he wins, it is in his hands, and he will ultimately have to make the decision as far as what his stance is," Professor Xavier said to her. "But we cannot allow that to halt our efforts to fight for peace amongst humans and mutants. If we do that, then we might as well allow Magneto to win and continue with wanting a war."
"If that's what the American people have ultimately decided on, then that's how it is going to be. But that does not mean that I will stop. Evangeline and I will continue to fight for equal rights for mutants across the globe. You going into business with me would only help that further," Lilandra said softly. "However, I do have to say this. What would Mr. Stark's plans be entailing? Ever since he created the Iron Man suit, he's been getting quite the attention."
"I believe that Tony knows exactly what it is that he is wanting to do. And I trust that he will ultimately make the right decision," Charles said.
Lilandra nodded.
Washington, D.C SHIELD HQ
'I wonder what is that Fury needs me, the Maximoffs, Pym, Rhodey and Jan for,' Tony thought to himself as he walked down the halls of the SHIELD HQ to meet with Nick Fury.
Tony thought that that day, he would be home watching the results of the presidential election. But, that morning, he had gotten a call from Nick Fury asking to meet with him, stating that it was serious.
At his side were Wanda and Pietro Maximoff – the two former Brotherhood members who had aided the X-men and SHEILD in taking down Ultron – Hank Pym, Janet van Dyne, and Rhodey. Why Fury wanted to see the rest of them, Tony did not have the faintest notion. But, he did know that he wanted to get back to X-Corporation Tower so that he could watch the election results with his X-Corp employees. He was anxious to see if Lilandra was the winner, since if Lilandra won, Charles Xavier would officially be her presidential advisor.
When they got to the main conference of the SHIELD base, they could see Clint Barton, Natasha Romanoff and Bruce Banner there as well, sitting around the large round table with Nick Fury standing there.
"Mr. Stark," Fury said with a curt nod.
"Fury," Tony replied back in return. "I am still wondering why you called all of us here."
"I called you all here tonight to discuss something of importance. Your actions against Ultron this past month have put all you kids in quite the spotlight," Fury said. "This is why I am requesting you all of this. When Howard Stark first founded SHEILD, he put together something called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to put together the world's greatest men and women, to see if they could become something greater."
"You're asking of us to be part of the Initiative?" asked Wanda as she took a seat beside Jan.
"Yes, Miss Maximoff. All of you proved this past month that you were willing to go out of your way to avenge the wrongdoings committed by something impossible. I think that all of you are more than capable of working under SHIELD's Avengers Initiative," Fury said.
"Fury, are you sure that I am worthy to be part of something like this?" asked Hank. "Because I was the idiot who created Ultron. I created that monster; I paid the price for it."
"And you cleaned the mess up rather well, Dr. Pym," Fury said, crossing his arms as he shared a pointed look with his agents Danielle Moonstar and Daisy Johnson, who nodded in agreement.
"So, you are willing to put your trust in us?" asked Pietro in a serious voice.
"I trust that all of you are the ones who can ultimately make a difference in the world," Fury said. "You especially Mr. Stark. Your old man would have been proud of how you took a stand against Ultron, and that you managed to end a war before it came to be something even more catastrophic. Professor Xavier would tell you the same. So, are you all on board?"
"Agreed," Clint said.
"Yes," said Natasha with a nod.
Everyone else nodded in agreement. From that day on, they were not just agents of SHIELD or former members of the Brotherhood, or even a billionaire philanthropist. They were Avengers.
Magneto's Citadel on Genosha – Throne Room
'I cannot believe this . . . the United States of America might actually elect Kelly,' thought Magneto as he sat there on his metal throne, watching the news coverage.
Ever since the X-men had rescued Senator Kelly from Ultron, things had changed drastically. The presidential-hopeful Senator Edward Kelly seemed to not be on a campaign against mutants. In fact, he seemed to have a change of heart. But that did not mean that Erik Lehnsherr did not have his concerns.
The fact that Ultron had so easily turned against him and went on to try and kill not just humans, but, everyone in the entire world, was something that the master of magnetism found hard to swallow. In fact, hearing that Ultron had planned to use the Sentinel robots for the attacks still sent a shiver down his spine. Magneto did not fear many things in life, but the idea of an AI turning against him was downright disturbing, possibly just as disturbing as the pole numbers on Election Day.
Seeing the pole numbers for Senator Kelly rise as Lilandra Neramani's fell shortly behind was something that made the master of magnetism feel a twinge of anger. The fact that the American people were willing to trust Kelly to protect everyone in the United States boggled his mind. What drove him even crazier was the fact that both his children, Wanda and Pietro, had taken the X-men's side attempting at stopping Magneto from helping the world evolve.
The master of magnetism's gaze hardened as he continued watching the news, noticing Charles Xavier and Lilandra Neramani on the TV. Both were dreamers who wanted nothing more than to see humans and mutants live together peacefully. Magneto had given up on Xavier's dream years ago when he witnessed the heartless killing of his wife Magda. Ever since witnessing his wife being murdered in Sakovia, Magneto's faith in humanity had quickly faded. So, his faith in whoever was selected for the presidency was going to be rather low as well. Even though he had his own country to operate and rule over, Erik still felt that mutants having their own country was not nearly enough.
'It looks as though the American people have made their decision,' pondered Magneto as he continued to watch the news. He knew what this meant. Everyone in America was under the leadership of a man who was known in the past to have prejudice, anti-mutant views. He could hear the commotion outside from several mutants who were especially angered about it.
"THEY'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO ELECT THAT TYRANT KELLY!"
Magneto closed his eyes as he heard the growing yells of anger on the island. Many of the mutant residents of Genosha – particularly those who had been part of the Morlocks – were angered, and rightfully so. For Magneto, knowing that Kelly had William Stryker as his main choosing for advisor. Walking down the halls to the main computer core of Genosha, Erik proceeded to pull up the files on William Stryker that had not been wiped out by Ultron when the corrupted AI came to the island. Observing the files on William Stryker, Magneto stared at them bitterly.
'Stryker . . . knowing him, even if Kelly has got a change of heart about mutants, Stryker is not going to be one to stand behind a president that supports mutants. He is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that mutantkind falls to his mercy,' Magneto thought as he heard several members of the Brotherhood coming into the room.
"Magneto," said Callisto as she came into the room with Calliban and Blink at her side. "It looks as though Edward Kelly is going to be the one elected for the presidency."
"Indeed, Callisto . . . I'm actually anticipating that. But, fact is, he still has William Stryker as his advisor. And Stryker is almost as colorful as his past is," Magneto said.
"What do you mean?" asked Blink.
"Believe me when I say, Blink, that I know more of this man's history than you probably could realize," Magneto said, a bitter smile appearing on his features as he continued to stare at Stryker's files.
X-Corporation Tower – Rec Room
"It looks pretty close," said Jean as she sat on the couch with Scott's arm wrapped around her shoulders firmly. "I actually think Senator Kelly is going to be elected."
"Well, let's hope and pray to God that he has got a change of heart," said Anna-Marie from where she sat in between Kurt and Logan.
"I still don't trust 'im," Logan said softly. "Scum like that will continue to stink. A leopard don't change it's spots."
"Oh really, sugah? Ya said the same about meh, and Ah I think Ah turned out alright," Rogue said with a smile.
"Yer different, kiddo; yer judgement was clouded because ya were used," Logan said firmly. "This asshole made it clear that he wanted to form up a mutant registration. The day I work under his terms is the day I die."
"Well, I can actually somewhat agree with you, Logan, but from my experience of dealing with my father, people do change," Warren said in an assuring tone.
"Look, guys, the results are coming on soon. I would like to hear this," said Scott.
Everyone fell silent at that. They were all anxious to hear the results of who was going to become president of the United States of America. The fate of mutantkind was resting in the hands of whoever was going to become the president. Although the X-men eligible to vote had placed their vote with Lilandra Neramani – given she was a mutant who was willing to fight for their freedom, and she had the professor as her advisor, they were hoping it was going to be her. That was when Tony and Rhodey entered the room with Wanda and Pietro. They were all anxious to see the final results.
For Kitty Pryde, she was particularly anxious. She had been exposed to just how hateful the world could be at just the young age of thirteen years old. It forced her to grow up in ways she never thought that she had to. Seeing how she was treated by Graydon Creed and Alyssa Risman those months back when they had told her they hated her for being born, Kitty found that a heavy weight had been placed on her shoulders. Typically, a regular eighth grader wouldn't have to go through something like that. But Kitty was no ordinary eighth grader; she was the youngest member of the X-men. That meant needing to save a world that hated her and feared her. This was the reason why she was watching the election results. It was not because she wanted to be part of it. She had a responsibility to be part of it. She could feel Ororo pulling her tightly against her side to reassure her.
Finally, the time came. The numbers all added up. Senator Edward Kelly was officially the United States president.
"Mein gott," Kurt whispered.
"Don't think you did not see this one coming, Kurt," said Ororo. "I think that we all did."
"It was the most obvious choice. Almost everyone wanted Kelly," Bobby said as he shook his head.
"Let's just hope that what we did for him last month was enough," Beast said quietly as President Edward Kelly took the stage to make his acceptance speech.
"Thank you, thank you all," President Kelly was saying. "Now, I know that you all are asking yourselves the same question. What is my stance on the mutant issue? I know that I have talked about solving this issue by using the Sentinel robots as well as a mutant registration and the MRD. But, over the course of this past year, and the past months, I have borne witness to several incidents that have taken place. We watched as Cameron Hodge and Obadiah Stane went behind my back to found the now-mutant-friendly island of Genosha to illegally experiment Worthington Industries' now-terminated mutant cure. In the process, Hodge kidnapped and murdered an innocent young woman."
Warren felt himself getting choked up at the mentioning of Candy. He still missed her more than words could ever describe. The fact that President Kelly was acknowledging that that was wrong; it was a big deal to him that someone was taking responsibility for it. Someone was acknowledging that Candy's murdering had caused him such great pain.
"Additionally, we witnessed the MRD taking advantage of their position. We witnessed as they arrested mutants who were – from what I could see – simply defending themselves against violent acts from the Friends of Humanity. It was all pre-calculated, and I can see that now. And just this past month, we watched as the Sentinel program was turned against us by an AI known to the world as Ultron. Ultron attempted to use the Sentinels to kill all humanity as we know it, and that includes mutants. Which is why, my first act as president will be to disband the MRD and issue a full pardon to all the mutants who had been taken prisoner for simply defending themselves against heinous acts of violence. I promise, as president, that I will re-evaluate the mutant issue and take a different approach with it. Of course, there are mutants out there that are dangerous, but we also must bear in mind that while mutants have powers, they are also, in many ways, human too. I promise to make sure that this country is safe for everyone . . . mutant and human alike. Again, thank you. God bless you all, and God bless America."
The X-men sat there, taking it all in. The fact that President Kelly actually had a change of heart was something that greatly surprised them all. It was not the victory that they had been hoping for, but it was at least a start towards something.
"It's not what we wanted," Jean said from where she sat in Cecilia's embrace as the older woman stroked her hair. She snuggled further into the older woman's arms.
"But it's something," Ororo said. "Let's be grateful that it seems as though President Kelly is changing tactics."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Amen to that," whispered Forge as he shared a look with Tony and Rhodey.
"At least it shows that our efforts were all the more worth it," Tony said. "We did it. We managed to achieve taking one more step towards privatizing peace."
Everyone breathed out a sigh of relief at that. However, Tony had one more thing to say to them all as he shared a look with Wanda and Pietro, the two former Brotherhood members who had redeemed themselves.
"Look, guys, I know that we are facing the dawn of a new beginning, but, Rhodey, Wanda, Pietro and I have got some news to share with you guys. You're probably wondering where we were earlier this evening. But I got a call from Nick Fury at SHIELD. He wants us – and by us, I mean Rhodey, Wanda, Pietro and myself – to be part of the SHIELD Avengers Initiative," Tony said.
"Wait, you're retiring from X-Corp and Stark Industries?" asked Bobby in surprise.
"No, not retiring. It's not even a leave of absence. I can operate from here. But I will basically be working with SHIELD, being monitored by them, Fury in particular. Pym and Jan are going to be part of it, too," Tony explained. "It doesn't mean I am leaving. I'm still gonna be here; that's something that is not going to change. This is just a new turn for us, to be able to do good. I'll be able to do more as Iron Man, considering what I had proved I was capable of when I'd helped you all take down Ultron."
The X-men sat there taking it all. It was definitely quite the announcement, considering the fact that Edward Kelly had gotten elected as president. To hear that Tony, Rhodey, Wanda and Pietro had gotten hand-selected by Nick Fury from SHIELD to be part of the Avengers was quite the feet. In many ways, for Jean and Scott, Tony had been not only their employer, but, also their friend. To hear that he was going to be working towards being a hero; it was something that made all of the X-men feel a sense of pride in him. Tony was proving to them just how much he had matured over the past year.
"Well, all I can say is that we wish you the best," Beast said with a smile.
Jean, Scott and Warren couldn't help but grin. Being some of the first few people Tony had given refuge to, they felt as though they had seen their friend and employer change over the course of a year. The fact that they as X-men had made Tony mature and have more compassion made them feel a sense of pride in him. He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore. He was looking to fight for everyone.
New York Plaza Hotel
"So, it looks as though even though I am not elected as president, that the X-men had managed to achieve something," Lilandra said to Charles Xavier from where they were in the main ballroom of the Plaza Hotel.
"Indeed Lilandra. And I'd just gotten a call from Nick Fury of SHIELD that he wants Tony to be part of the Avengers Initiative with Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. At least this way, the Maximoff twins and Tony will be able to do something good in the world," Charles said.
"Either way, I am proud of how much you managed to accomplish in these past couple months, Charles," Lilandra said with a smile.
"Coming from you, Lilandra, that means a lot," Charles told her, returning her smile as President Kelly came over, breaking away from William Stryker, his advisor, and his wife Sharon to speak with them.
"Mr. President," Lilandra said with a smile in his direction, politely.
"Miss Neramani," President Kelly said with a returning nod. "Professor Xavier, I am just coming here to say that I am holding true to my word."
"That's very much appreciated, Mr. President," said Xavier with a smile in return.
"Well, your X-men were the very thing that made me have a change of heart. They went out of their way to save me and protect me against Ultron; to me, that says a lot," President Kelly said.
"And you hold true to your word that the MRD will be disbanded?" asked Lilandra.
"Yes, Miss Neramani," President Kelly said. "That I can promise."
Unbeknownst to the newly named president of the United States, his advisor, William Stryker, was standing there not too far away, watching the exchange between President Kelly and Charles Xavier. Stryker struggled to hold back a glare from appearing onto his face. The fact that President Edward Kelly had decided to disband the MRD and change his tactics was something Stryker did not by nay means agree with. In fact, Stryker had been counting on the MRD staying in tact due to the fact that he wanted to keep mutants in line. No, he did not just want to keep the mutants in line.
'I cannot believe that the president decided to change his strategy like this,' thought Stryker bitterly as he watched the president shake Lilandra's hand in a respectful manner. 'This man . . . as long as he's president, as long as he's taking the side of the muties, we as Americans will be fucked forever.'
Suddenly, that was when his cellphone buzzed with a text message.
Risman: I am here, outside the hotel, sir.
Stryker: Thanks, Risman
Stryker made sure that he slipped away stealthily so that nobody would see him making his temporary leave from the celebration of President Kelly being elected. Sneaking away outside to the back of the hotel, he could see Alyssa Risman, leaning against the wall.
"Risman," he said with a curt nod in her direction.
"Stryker," she replied back with a cold look in her eyes. "Thank you for meeting with me here tonight."
"It's no problem, Alyssa. I understand that you feel betrayal from the Friends of Humanity after Creed was exposed as the son of two mutants," Stryker said.
"I don't care if he's human; I don't buy that he did not know he was the son of two muties," spat Risman in disgust. "However, I have to say this: what Creed was doing with FOH, he had the basic idea. That's why I wanted to approach you about my idea."
"I'm listening," Stryker said with a smile.
"I understand that you are deeply religious, sir," Risman said. "Here's my proposition." She handed him a pamphlet that looked to be an advertisement of sorts. It said "Purifiers" on it. "Would you care to start this little club with me?"
Stryker smiled a bitter smile. "Are you reading my mind?"
"No; I'm not a mutie; I am just that intuitive," Risman said, returning his bitter smile with a hand on Stryker's shoulder. "And, I've already got a little help from the inside, as well. I will tell you more when the time comes."
"Thanks, Risman," Stryker said to her with another bitter smile, before he walked away to head back into the hotel to continue with the celebration of the presidency.
A/N:
And that is a wrap on volume 3! Thank you to the few who left legitimate reviews and not spam. I say this on the behalf of myself and MarvelMaster616, my mentor and editor. It was quite a ride incorporating Ultron, to a point where now, we have the Avengers!
Volume 4 will come in a few weeks, after hopefully, the volume 3 reflections are done.
But I must say, I am disheartened at the lack of legitimate reviews on this story and the lack of an audience it has. At this point, I'm not just throwing in the towel. I decided, even if I'm not getting reviews that I want, I won't stop posting for this series, because I feel this is a story that deserves to be told. I'll post it not for reviews. I'll post it for myself. And anyone who legitimately cares to read the story and actually take time to write well-crafted reviews on my work and not obnoxious spam, then I applaud them.
Also, I encourage all to go to my Archive of Our Own page and check out my newest endeavor, Rewrite the Stars. I would love it if you all checked it out on there and read and review it. With my birthday being Wednesday, please send me some birthday love by leaving comments on Rewrite the Stars.
Volume 4 will come in a month or so. It will most likely be the thirteenth of December, just a week before Christmas, as a Christmas gift from me, to you. I had ambitious plans on doing a Christmas special and reflections for this volume, but since no one seems to care, why should I even bother doing so? So I will only do it if I hear someone wants it or has interest in it. Excelsior everyone!
DC-MarvelGirl 1997