Chapter 12: Just when you thought it was safe to Assemble Again

"Can we turn on the ventilation system in here again, please? You guys are killing me with all this cigar smoking."

"Junior, poker just ain't poker without stogies and beer. Where did you grow up, a monastery? You never got together with your boys and played poker? Swiped smokes from your old man's secret drawer where he kept the nudie magazines?"

"No, I most certainly did not. Are we going to play poker or talk?"

"It's my deal. Gimme the cards."

"I must say I'm especially surprised to see you smoking cigars, Carol."

"Well, my dad taught me to appreciate a good stogie, Miggy. And I've sat in on more than a few of Ben Grimm's poker games. And trust me: if you're going to be in the same room with Hawkeye, The Thing, Nick Fury and Wolverine while they're playing poker you'd best learn how to smoke or else grow another lung."

"And none of you non-smokers worry about second hand smoke?"

"Speaking as one who has spent a significant amount of his life surviving Magneto, The Brotherhood, Factor Three and every other significant mutant menace this planet has to offer I am forced to say no."

"The game's Five Card Stud, gents. Jacks or better to open."

"Aren't we going to order another pizza?"

"Do you live on pizza, man?"

"It was good enough for me when I was with The Warriors. Don't see much reason to change now."

"The reason is that Jarvis is considered one of the finest chefs in the world and makes a eight foot long hero sandwich so good that Hercules used to send Hermes to pick up eight footers Jarvis made special for parties on Olympus."

"You're making that up."

"Am I?"

"I fold."

"You always fold, lady. The point of this game is to gamble and have fun."

"I did not come here to have 'fun'. My Lord Namor sent me here to be of service to The Avengers. So far we have done nothing but imbibe intoxicants, waste time playing this frivolous game and eat greasy foods."

"I'll open. You know like me, lady, you'll take advantage of this downtime. Once things start happening around here they have a way of happening fast and furious. And anyway, this is a form of team bonding."

"We ought to be making plans to go after Captain America and the others. I'll take three cards."

"I already have a plan. Go to Asgard. Kick every ass in sight. Rescue Cap and the others. Return to Earth."

"That's not a plan."

"For our resident master archer and career Avenger it most certainly is, Miguel. And a stratagem I have witnessed him successfully carry out to a satisfactory conclusion on more than one occasion. Two cards."

"I just think that we should be doing something."

"We are, kid. We're following orders and waiting to hear from more Avengers. Trust me, if it turns out that we do have to go to Asgard and rescue the A team then you're gonna be glad if we have another few extra hands."

The intercom on the wall suddenly blared into life as Jarvis's excited voice interrupted the game: "Master Hawkeye! Come outside, quickly! They're back! Dear, sweet Lord, THEY'RE BACK!"

The card table went over with a crash and a blizzard of pasteboards, ashtrays, cups and multi-colored chips as Hawkeye, The Living Lightning, Andromeda, Warbird, The Beast and Nova charged from the library where they had been playing poker for the past five hours. The pounding of their booted feet on the carpeting of the main hallway was thunderous as they ran through the mansion and out to the entrance hall and from there, out onto the front lawn.

Standing there was as welcome a sight as Hawkeye had ever seen. Captain America, Iron Man, The Wasp and Goliath, cradling an unconscious, near naked Bruce Banner in his muscular arms. They were haggard looking; their costumes were ripped and bloodstained. Even Iron Man's crimson and gold armor, which normally looked factory fresh was dented and dull. But they were back. And they were ALIVE.

Captain America stepped forward to firmly take Hawkeye's hand in his own in a powerful handshake. The two men grinned fiercely at each other. There was nothing to say. There was nothing that had to be said.

The Avengers were back.

Fourteen Hours Later

The two-foot thick titanium door split apart into four sections and drew back into their housings in the reinforced walls. Steve Rogers stepped inside the huge laboratory and walked down the gleaming metal ramp towards Tony Stark who was standing with his back to his teammate. This was one of several secure labs in Sub-Basement Level Two. Originally Tony's father, the brilliantly eccentric Howard Stark, had used them for weapons testing and storage. Tony long ago had them refurbished for his own use. Steve was dressed in a fresh Captain America uniform, the chain mail sparkling slightly under the powerful halogen lighting. His cowl was pushed back to reveal a face that looked greatly refreshed. He also sported a brand new haircut, thanks to Jarvis.

Steve stood next to Tony and looked down at the empty suit of Iron Man armor. Tony had cleaned it up and it once again sparkled and shone. The dents were gone. A large number of electronic leads were coming from the inside of the suit where they had been connected to several computers.

"Impressive place. I don't get down here as much as I should."

"You're always welcome, Steve."

"I hadn't seen you since we got back from Asgard. I wanted to check in with you and make sure everything's okay."

Tony laughed and Steve suddenly felt good. It had been a long time since he'd heard such an honest laugh come from Tony. It was a laugh full of genuine humor and not tinged with despair and self-loathing. "What you actually mean is that you came down here to make sure that I kept my word and was putting my Iron Man armor away."

"You are, aren't you?"

"I am. Whatever our differences of late, Steve, I hope you would respect that I'm a man of my word. The Asgard mission is over and as agreed, I'm retired as Iron Man until I get my health back."

Steve relaxed. The last thing he'd wanted to do was have another shouting match with Tony about his health. "It's amazing what a few hours of sleep and a good hot meal can do for a man. You look 100 better."

"You do too. The Asgard mission took more out of us all than I think we'd like to admit. You think Thor's going to be okay?"

"Save your worries for whoever or whatever has Odin. What's going on here with your armor?"

"I'm downloading information from the armor's CPU into the Mansion's main computer core. Information that we'll probably need since there won't be an Iron Man for a while and we can't run down here every time we need to access information from the armor."

"There's nothing in our agreement that says you can't turn the armor over to somebody else, Tony. You've done it before."

"That never works out, Steve. Sooner or later I end up having to climb back into the suit anyway. It'll be here if there's a major emergency and I need to suit up. Otherwise, I'll just be content with working on bringing The Vision back to us. And naturally I'll be staying on in an advisory capacity and provide technical assistance and backup. If that's okay with you."

"Tony, nothing would make me happier than for you to stay. In whatever capacity you see fit to fill. I know we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things-"

Tony held up a hand to cut off his teammate. "Don't go getting all mushy on me, Steve. And don't think my motivations for staying on are completely altruistic. The Avengers spend a helluva lot of my money. This will be a good opportunity to make sure it gets spent right." Tony reached out for his handmade Madagascar rosewood cane with one hand while pressing a button on the console with the other. With a hiss, the slab of metal the Iron Man armor rested on slid smoothly into an alcove within the wall. He gestured to Steve. "And that's that. I guess you'd better get together a press release saying that Iron Man's away on vacation or something equally unbelievable."

Steve grinned. Tony could be as flip as he wanted. Btu as long as he was going to start taking care of his health, Steve didn't care how much he lipped off. "I suppose it's a given that you're staying on?" Tony asked.

"Absolutely. So that means we've still got six active slots and two reservists to fill out."

Tony stopped and fixed Steve with a firm glare. "That's all you got to worry about?"

"I don't follow you."

"We've finally got one of the most dangerous men on the planet in our hands and under our control and you're going to stand there and tell me that we're not going to take advantage of the opportunity?"

"You're talking about Bruce."

"I'm talking about The Incredible Hulk."

"Tony-"

"If you don't take this chance to end the threat of The Hulk once and for all then you're the most irresponsible fool walking the planet right now."

"What do you want me to do? Murder the man in his sleep?"

"I want you to act like the Steve Rogers I thought I knew. The soldier who will do anything necessary to preserve the safety of this country and her citizens."

The two men stood there for a long moment, looking into each other's eyes before Steve finally said in a quiet voice; "Let's go talk to Bruce, then."

Tony held up a hypospray. "This is a neural inhibitor. Once I hit him with it he'll be totally sedated and paralyzed."

"And then what do we do? Keep him in that state for the rest of his life?"

"And you see something wrong with that?"

Steve snorted in disgust and turned to lead the way to the infirmary. "My God, Tony…what's happened to you?"

Bruce Banner quietly made his way through the semi-darkened kitchen. The other Avengers had eaten hours ago and the dining room was empty. It was the easiest and safest way for Bruce to slip out of the mansion, through the delivery/tradesman entrance. Finding clothes had been no problem. Bruce had remembered where the storage rooms were and they contained racks and racks of various items of clothing. He'd not only found serviceable clothes and hiking boots in his size but a sturdy backpack to carry several changes of fresh clothing.

A quick detour was made to one of the three huge refrigerators to secure a hero sandwich Bruce was pretty sure Jarvis had made for Hawkeye or Nova, some granola bars and a couple of bottles of water and he was ready to go. He placed his hand on the knob of the door that would take him out of Avengers Mansion and back to his life as a fugitive.

"Dr. Banner?"

Bruce turned slowly. Jarvis stood a respectful distance away from him, hands folded in front of him. "No need to slink away in such indignity, sir. I would be proud to escort you to the front entrance and see you off in the honorable manner you deserve."

Bruce shook his head, his face in shadow from the brim of the Mets baseball cap he wore. "It's better this way, Jarvis. Trust me."

"But why, sir? From what Goliath and The Wasp have reported, you and The Hulk were instrumental in seeing that they accomplished their mission. I see no reason why you would not be welcomed back into the ranks of The Avengers. And if I might be so bold, Dr. Banner…would not the chances of you finding a cure for your condition be increased by you staying here and working with Drs. McCoy and Foster?"

Again Bruce shook his head. "There's no place here for The Hulk, Jarvis. We tried that once and it didn't work out."

"Then again I must be bold and ask the question as to why you agreed to go on the mission if you had no intention of staying on?"

Bruce smiled sadly and his eyes were wistful and far away as he said softly; "Once upon a time The Hulk was an Avenger. A brief time, yes. But it was a feeling that even that brute recalls with a bit of pride, even though he would never admit it. It made both of us feel good when Captain America and The Wasp came to ask for our help. And we gave it gladly, for our own purposes. But now…it would be no good. The Hulk just simply doesn't play well with others. And as for me…there's too much history between Tony and I. If I stayed here too long it would soon come down to Iron Man and The Hulk trying to kill each other."

"I never understood the animosity between yourself and Master Anthony."

"It was a dark period in both our lives, Jarvis. Let's just say that Tony and I are mirrors of the worse aspects of the other and leave it at that." Bruce turned again to open the door but was stopped by a gentle word from Jarvis.

"Then why not go back to the cabin and the solitude you enjoyed?"

"When Steve and Jan came to get me I hadn't been The Hulk for two years. I knew that if I went with them I would never return to that cabin. I burned it to the ground."

"But why, sir?"

Bruce's eyes were deep pits of despair as he said in a voice thick with emotion; "because there a part of me that likes what I become when I turn into The Hulk, Jarvis. For years I lied to others and myself. Even when I tried to find a cure it was never a cure to completely eliminate The Hulk. I always tried to find a way to control him, use him to my own ends, my own purposes. I've got a gamma-powered monkey on my back, Jarvis. And I don't know how to kick him."

Bruce looked up to see Jarvis approaching him with a long white envelope in one hand. "This is yours, sir."

Bruce opened the envelope and his eyes opened wide. The envelope was filled with crisp $20 and $50 bills. "My God, what did you do, pick Tony's wallet?"

"Avengers are entitled to a weekly stipend of $1500 dollars. I have a certain discretionary authority in such affairs. I would say that you have earned your weekly stipend, Dr. Banner." Jarvis held out his hand. "And be advised that I serve all The Avengers, Dr. Banner. If you ever require my services at any time and any place you have but to call. Even if you simply wish to hear a friendly voice in a time when you need to hear one."

Bruce took Jarvis's hand and shook it firmly. "You're a good man, Edwin Jarvis. A very good man."

"As are you, Bruce Banner. As are you."

Bruce reached yet again for the door but Jarvis held up a hand to stop him. He walked to the side, opened the door and held it open proudly as if Bruce was walking out the highly polished front door of Avengers Mansion. Bruce gave Jarvis a last smile and walked out onto 70th Street. Jarvis stood there for a minute, watching the slim form of Bruce Banner walk away. From somewhere in his memory Jarvis seemed to hear the sad sound of a piano being played very slowly as Bruce Banner crossed the street, turned the corner and was gone.

"Personally, I'm glad he's gone before you had a chance to upset him. He did what we asked him to do. We don't have any right to persecute him." Janet Van Dyne snapped at the glowering Tony Stark. She was dressed in a huge fluffy robe and slippers as she refused to put on a Wasp costume for at least 24 hours. The costume she had worn on the Asgard mission she had given to Jarvis with orders to throw it in the disintegration chute Jarvis threw all their trash in. The stink of troll would never come out of it, she was sure of that.

They were in Tony Stark's second floor office. Long unused even though it was fully functional and furnished, Tony was now using it since he intended to work out of Avengers Mansion, running Stark International as well as Stark Solutions from here when not working on The Vision. Steve Rogers was sitting in a thick comfortable armchair, his chin resting on his interlaced fingers. Janet was sprawled on the low leather couch, a huge mug of Columbian coffee in her small hands while Tony sat behind the massive inlaid kidney shaped mahogany desk of Edwardian design that had once belonged to Jack Kilby, who had patented the first integrated circuit. The cane rested on top of the desk and Tony looked mad enough to pick it up, come around the desk and start beating Jan with it.

"Terrific. Just terrific. Suppose somebody steps on Banner's toe in the subway? A toe he has a corn on? Can you imagine the devastation The Hulk can commit in the subway system?"

"And if that happens The Avengers will be called in and we'll put him down," Jan said. "It's not like we haven't done it before. What is with you, Tony?"

"Me? You and Steve totally baffle the hell out of me. Banner's walking around New York, ready to explode at any time and-"

"If I know Bruce what he did was head for The Port Authority and catch the first bus out of town." Jan said firmly. "As far as I'm concerned, The Avengers and The Hulk have a truce. As long as The Hulk stays off our radar my position is: "Bruce who?"

"Agreed. Tony, give it a rest already." Steve's voice sounded weary but firm. "This bickering back and forth is getting us nowhere and we've got other matters on our plate."

Tony picked up the cane and pointed it at Steve. "Fair enough. The next time The Hulk goes on a rampage and we have to fight him I hope he eats the both of you. Serves me right. I should have gone ahead and done it myself as soon as I thought about it. He could have been in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody by now."

The knock on the door interrupted the three and Tony called out, "Come in!"

The door opened and Bill Foster poked his head in. "Interrupting something?"

"Not at all, Bill! Come on in and have a seat!" Tony waved him in, indicating he should park it in an armchair that was twin to the one Steve sat in. Bill looked relaxed in sweat pants, Puma Ranger high top sneakers and an oversized "Kingdom Of Blood" T-shirt. Bill smiled greetings at Jan and shook hands with Steve before seating himself.

"You guys said you wanted to see me. I'd have been here earlier but I was out walking around the city. After Asgard I felt the need to get my head screwed back on, y'know what I mean?"

Jan nodded. "Happened to me the first time I went to Asgard. Took me three days before I felt like Earth was really real."

"That's okay, Bill. It's not like it was an urgent manner we wanted to talk to you about," Steve said as he took the point in the conversation. "But we're in the process of putting together a new roster and we wanted to find out what your plans are as far as The Avengers go."

"Am I being offered a slot on the team?"

"If you want it. You've earned it."

Bill's wide, handsome face split in a grin. "I can't say I haven't dreamt of this day ever since I first took Hank's growth serum. When I started out I wanted to do so much and I fell short. Despite the good I did I always had the impression that people were laughing at me behind my back, that I wasn't being taking seriously."

"Hank took you seriously, Bill." Jan said softly. "He would want you to stay."

"I know he would. And I want to. I think I can do some good here." Bill extended his hand and Steve shook it. "I guess this means that The Avengers have a new Goliath on the team."

"Terrific. I can start the ball rolling on your security clearances and such and-" Tony stopped and looked around at the others, frowning. "Say, just who the hell is our Government Liaison these days?"

"Now that's a good question, " Jan said. "Where's Duane Freeman and Henry Gyrich anyway?"

"Who knows?" Tony waved a hand. "And who cares? None of us can stand Gyrich and Duane's loyalties to the Triunes rule him out. I think we need a new Liaison. I can start working on that as well."

"We need to reorganize our support staff as well, Tony. I trust you'll be handling that?"

Tony nodded. "Jane Foster's been in Europe on leave. I've got people tracking her down now and asking her to return to active duty as our physician. For the time being I'll have some of my aeronautical staff servicing the Quinjets. That'll take that load off Jarvis. We need to think about a PR person as well."

Steve sighed. "Next we'll be doing one of those horrible E! Channel "True Hollywood Stories"

Tony looked over at Janet in exasperation. "You want to help me out here?"

Janet laugh bubbled merrily around the room as she said; "Steve, I know how much you dislike this aspect of the job but let's face it: The Avengers are celebrities as much as superheroes and we simply can't ignore that. We need a full time PR person to keep our website updated, to write press releases, to organize official functions-"

"As long as I don't have to deal with it, do what you like," Steve grumbled. "Lord knows I've got enough on my plate without having to worry about appearing on Regis And Kelly Live as well. I'll leave the PR up to you and Tony and I'll worry about running this team. Speaking of which," Steve turned in his seat to look squarely at Janet. "You could use some time off yourself, lady."

"That's sweet, Steve. But I'm staying."

"Jan, you've hardly given yourself time to grieve properly. We've been on the go nearly non-stop since Hank's funeral. Nobody would blame you if you took a few months off and got away from here."

Janet's reply was a bit sharper, a bit more brittle as she replied; "There's really no need to keep on discussing this, Steve. I said I was staying and I'm not used to having my word contradicted."

Steve looked over to Tony for backup and caught the subtle gestures that Tony was making in concert with his lips and hands: gestures that Steve accurately interpreted as: let it go for now and I'll talk to her later. Steve nodded and returned to business: "Okay, so that gives us myself, The Wasp, Goliath, Hawkeye and The Beast. There are only two more active slots and two reservists' slots to fill and we're done. I've already spoken to Carol and she's got some sort of top secret mission for The United Nations she's got to carry out. She did ask for one of the reservist slots. Any objections?"

Both Tony and Janet shook their heads in a negative. Steve looked at Bill. "How about you?"

"Me? I get a say in this?"

"You're an Avenger now, mister. You have just as much of a voice as anyone else."

Bill shrugged. "Hey, if she's okay by you guys who am I to say different?"

"Okay, so that's one slot down. Hawkeye also said that She-Hulk asked for a reservist slot as well. She's doing some work with that new team of Champions in California but as soon as that's done she's flying out here to join us."

Tony was nodding in pleasure. "Good. Without Thor and with me warming the bench the team will need the raw power Carol and Jennifer will bring."

"Hey, what am I? Chicken salad?" Bill growled. "I can lift a max of ten tons when I'm at my fifteen foot height. That ain't nothing to pooh-pooh away, y'know."

"And believe when I say that I'm not slighting you in the least, Bill. But the last time I looked, She-Hulk can bench-press 85 tons for giggles. You want me tell you how strong Warbird is?"

Bill held up his hands. "I stand humbled. I gotta admit, I was looking forward to being the powerhouse of the team…"

"And you still may be. People come and go around here so fast that the line-up we end up with today may be completely new by next week." Steve grinned wryly. "So we give Jen the other reservist slot?"

Tony and Jan nodded in agreement. "That still leave us with two open slots to fill." Steve said. "Not that one of them is a surprise. After all, Namor sent Andromeda to fill in for him. Tony, can we ask her to come in for a bit? Just to talk?"

In response, Tony thumbed the intercom on his desk. "Jarvis? Could you escort Andromeda to my office, please?"

"There's something else we ought to talk about," Janet put her mug down and sat forward. "We've received an official request from The Governor of California to reactivate The West Coast Avengers."

"Is it really wise for us to reform a team on the West Coast, given recent events? We've barely been able to sustain this group, and surely aren't in any position to expand at the moment." Tony said in response to Janet's news. With him taking a less active role combined with Thor's remaining in Asgard, he was understandably wary about starting another team.

"Which is all the more reason why a West Coast branch is needed. It serves us well to have a reliable team that can handle matters on the Left Coast when we can't. Tony you heard from Clint the limited response we received from our fellow Avengers during this last crisis. With another branch active, we wouldn't have to worry about that." Janet says allowing her friends a moment to sink this in.

Looking around from Tony to Jan, Steve nodded his head as an indication of his acceptance. "It would be good to not have to over exert our current roster. Though we're definitely not in a position to transfer anyone of us over there at the moment, but I could ask Sam if he's interested."

"I've already spoken to Monica Rambeau about it, and she's more than thrilled to help out. She's definitely someone we can depend on." Janet says with a reassuring smile.

Allowing his peers the chance to talk this over, Tony was still making up his mind on the matter. Despite his own reservations, he knew that it would be in their best interests to go forth with the team. Avengers were needed now more than ever, and the points Janet hade made were correct. They just couldn't afford to not be able to call upon their reserve list in dire situations. Earth's Mightiest Heroes needed people who would rise up when needed the most.

Having made up his own mind on the matter by now, Tony noticed the all too silent Bill Foster. It was obvious that Goliath still felt out of place amongst these other three Avengers. Not unusual, except Bill was an Avenger now, and had as much a right to voice his thoughts as the rest of them.

"Bill, what's your thoughts on this?" Tony asked the size shifter.

Bill quickly scratched his head in out of uncertainty. Though he hadn't known these people personally for only a bit of time, he still had a great admiration and respect for them. Despite being named one of their newest members only moments ago, Bill Foster was still taking all of this in.

"Well actually...perhaps it would be best to enlist members who aren't necessarily affiliated with the Avengers or have a long history with them. I mean to say; there are many heroes out there that could fit in nicely with the team. Guys that should at least be given an opportunity to prove their worth. Guys like me. If it hadn't been for Tony trusting me with backing him up on the Asgard mission would you ever have offered me Avengers membership? There are plenty of hard working heroes who could prove to be just as good as Hawkeye or The Vision. All they need is their chance." Bill looked over the faces of all three Avengers. He had reluctantly voiced his opinion, and hoped that he wasn't overstepping his boundaries so soon.

"Actually...that sounds like a great idea Bill." Janet said, offering him an encouraging smile. "I'm sure Hawkeye could give us an idea of some people deserving to call themselves an Avenger. Personal opinions aside, what Clint tried to do with the Thunderbolts was admirable. Not to mention what he's done as far as rebuilding our numbers here." she said with confidence.

"I wouldn't go as far as the Thunderbolts, but good points from both of you. It wouldn't hurt to let a little new blood in, provided they know what they're doing. The only thing worse than losing a man is having one that's still wet behind the ears. " Steve said

"Then it looks like that matter is all settled. We'll reactivate the West Coast Avengers." Tony said decisively before inadvertently breaking out into a soft chuckle.

"Tony?" Janet asked, curious.

"Heh, it's alright I was just thinking. I just had a new state of the art tower built in Los Angeles, that's currently uninhabited within its upper echelons. Not only would it serve as a place of business, but it was also going to be my secret getaway spot, complete with living quarters. My plans were to convert it into an office for Stark Solutions, but it looks as if it would be best suited for other needs."

"Then I guess this means that The West Coast Avengers is back in operation," Steve confirmed with a grin. "I suppose we should start by asking Jarvis if he'll see to the re-opening and restaffing of the West Coast Compound and-"

There was a knock on the door and Tony said, "We'll pick up that topic later, Steve. That'll be Jarvis with Andromeda."

Meanwhile…somewhere in The Blue Area of The Moon…

"Wendell! Fall back! I'll buy you some time to catch your second wind!"

Powerful blasts of energy exploded from the fists of Jack of Hearts as he pounded enough destructive force to have pulverized a nuclear aircraft carrier into their foes. His multi-colored armor, which made him look like a living playing card, hence his name, glittered and shone from the reflection of energy beams sizzling around him.

The slim blond man behind him leaned against a pearl colored curving wall, breathing in deeply. Clad in a costume of crimson and gold with a midnight black cape that looked as if it had a million twinkling stars captured inside it's inner lining. Two golden bands studded with oval gems that pulsed with energy encircled his slim wrists. The energy beams being fired at the pair suddenly stopped and Jack of Hearts ceased firing as well, smoke curling upwards from his fists. He spared a quick glance at his friend. "You okay?"

Wendell Vaughn, better known to many as Quasar, The Protector of The Universe nodded. "That barrage of anti-matter mines caught me by surprise. I barely was able to teleport them away. Took a lot out of me."

Jack of Hearts nodded. "You're a lot better at using those quantum energy bands than the last time I remember."

"I got a lot of practice. Where are they?"

"Damn if I know, buddy. And for that matter just who are those guys?"

Quasar shook his head. The expression on his long face was far too serious for one so young. "But we've got to get out of here and hit 'em again. They've got Uatu."

"And you think that guys with the power to subdue and capture a Watcher are really going to worry about us?" Jack of Hearts shook his head, which was covered by a blue chain mail headpiece. Half his face was flat black, except for a blood red heart shaped design around the eye. The other side of his face was normal and it was this side that registered emotion. The other side was as immobile as obsidian. "Look, I like the big headed guy as much as you do. I wouldn't have come out here if I didn't. But we've got to face facts here: whoever these clowns are, they're out of our league. In fact, I get the distinct impression they've been toying with us, testing our power levels."

"If so, my trick with the anti-matter mines probably took them aback." Quasar lifted up his wrists and the quantum bands thrummed with the colossal energies contained within. "We've got to take another run at them, Jack. There's no way we can let them leave with Uatu."

"The smart thing would be for you to teleport back to Earth, round up The Avengers and get back here." Jack of Hearts took in their surroundings. They were in a sub-section of the ruined hundred thousand year old Kree city. The firefight between the two Avengers and their foes had taken them across a vast section of The Blue Area, away from the citadel of The Watcher.

Quasar and Jack of Hearts had come to The Moon at the invitation of Uatu The Watcher, who made his home there. Quasar was in the habit of visiting Uatu often and a friendship of sorts had grown between the brash young Earthman who had been granted the task of protecting the universe entire and the solemn Watcher who had developed such a fondness for Earth and it's inhabitants. But this last invitation from Uatu had been darker, more mysterious as The Watcher had hinted of a massive threat that endangered Earth.

Quasar had asked Jack of Hearts to come along with him and his friend had eagerly agreed. Jack of Hearts was no stranger to space travel, having sojourned far and wide in the galaxy by himself and in the company of others such as Moondragon and The Silver Surfer. They certainly hadn't expected to be ambushed by ten warships of alien design that neither one of them could identify.

"I'm not leaving you and I'm definitely not leaving Uatu." Quasar said grimly. "I think I can lock onto his unique energy signature using my quantum bands. Then we can make a run on the ship holding him and get him out. Then we teleport to Earth."

The expression on Jack of Heart's face showed plainly that he didn't think much of that plan. But he accurately read the expression on Quasar's face. The Protector of The Universe wasn't leaving without The Watcher and that was that. If Jack of Hearts had the ability to teleport, he'd have done so himself and got The Avengers. But he couldn't. And under his own power it would take him at least two hours to fly from The Moon to earth and that was too much time.

"Okay, cowboy. Let's saddle up, then." Jack of Hearts led the way, riding two explosive pillars of energy that exploded from his fists, propelling him into the sky. Quasar was close behind him, his quantum bands blazing with golden energy.

Above them were the warships, hovering in diamond shaped positions, their sapphire hulls literally glowing with contained energies. Their weapons surged with power as they all directed a single horrendously massive blast of power at the two Avengers.

Jack of Hearts and Quasar vanished in that anti-matter holocaust that lit up The Moon as bright as day.

Avengers Mansion

Andromeda's regal, proud bearing filled the office with a tangible aura of command. Dressed in a metallic fabric that had been woven from the scales of a Leviathan. Beautiful yet functional shoulder guards of pearl gray coral sparkled in the bright lighting, as did the distinctive tiara that had been presented to her by Prince Namor himself for her bravery. Her auburn hair was severely cut on the sides and top but a gorgeous ponytail hung down her back. Her skin was a healthy blue that Janet always thought of as being just two shades darker than periwinkle. The solid metal trident that was her primary weapon she held in her right hand but a short sword was scabbarded at the small of her back.

Jarvis bowed slightly. "Lady Andromeda, Master Anthony. Is there anything else you or the others require?"

"Not right now, Jarvis. Thanks."

Jarvis bowed again and left the office, silently closing the door behind him. Tony was idly playing with his cane as he leaned back in his high-backed leather chair. "Relax, Andromeda. You're among friends. We're glad to see you again."

Andromeda replied somewhat stiffly; "I must confess that it is good to once again be in the company of warriors such as The Avengers. However, I could have wished for the circumstances of my rejoining your ranks to have been different."

"Oh? How so?"

"My Lord Namor and I had a…disagreement recently. When he received the summons for Avengers, he took this as an opportunity. His intention for me joining The Avengers in his stead was that I learn...discipline."

Tony and Jan burst out laughing and Steve could only shake his head in rueful amusement.

Andromeda looked perplexed and frustrated. "I fail to see the humor in my statement."

"We're not laughing at you, Andromeda. Believe me." Steve stood up and held out his hand. "It's just that the notion of Namor saying that somebody else needs discipline…in any case, welcome to The Avengers. We're proud to have you with us for as long as you want to stay."

Andromeda shook Steve's hand. "I shall remain until called back to Atlantis by my Lord Namor, if that pleases you, Captain."

"I'd be pleased if you could tell us why Namor couldn't come himself," Tony said. "Is there trouble in Atlantis?"

"Lord Namor bade me not to speak of his affairs. And he specifically forbade me to speak of his affairs to you, Anthony."

"Well, aren't I special?"

Steve's expression was one of concerned curiosity as he said; "Andromeda, if there's a situation in Atlantis perhaps it would be best if you informed us of it right now. This way we could be better prepared to lend assistance if needed."

"My Lord Namor said that you would be the first to offer aid, Captain. He said to thank you but that he was more than capable of seeing to the business of his own kingdom. He asks that you respect his wishes in this manner."

"Of course we will," Steve said. "Namor's a proud man. I may not agree with him 90 of the time but I respect him. And I trust him."

"That makes six actives and two reservists," Janet confirmed. "There's one more active slot. Any thought to who's going to take it?"

"Miguel's proven himself to be a solid team member in the past," Tony said. "Even though Hawkeye's given Nova his recommendation. Much as I trust Clint's judgment I'd rather go with someone we know."

"But it's not like Nova's an amateur, Tony," Bill protested. "I think folks forget just how long Nova's been in this business and how much experience he's got."

"The man's got a point, Tony," Steve agreed. "I reviewed our file on him. He's got a lot of experience both on Earth and out in space. He'd be an asset to the team."

Tony reached for the intercom again. "What say we get him and Miguel both in here and put the question to them?"

"So you think I oughta take the job?" Richard Rider asked. He was wearing his Nova uniform but was going helmetless. Somehow it felt almost natural to be walking around Avengers Mansion like this. Carol Danvers was walking next to him, her arm linked with his. She was twirling her mask by one of the eyeholes around the index finger of her other hand. Their booted feet echoed on the Brazilian teak hardwood floor as they headed toward the main doors.

"Hawkeye's got a reputation for spotting Avenger material, Richard. If he says that you got what it takes to be an Avenger, then you do. I don't see what the problem is."

Rich shrugged. "Guess I just never had that burning ambition to be an Avenger that everybody else does. I mean, I respect The Avengers, sure and it's an honor to be asked to join 'em, but-"

"But nothing." Carol stopped and turned to face Rich, affixing her mask to her face as she did so. "You do a lot of good as Nova. You can do even more good by joining up with The Avengers and adding your power and experience to the team. Didn't you tell me that the day we fought The Abomination you were wearing out shoe leather job hunting?"

Rich grinned ruefully. "Yeah…yeah, I was."

Carol waved a gloved hand over her head. "You get to live and hang out here and get paid while risking your life to save the world on a daily basis. Not a bad deal."

"Not when you put it that way. So where's Ms. Marvel off to next?"

"I haven't gone by Ms. Marvel for a good long while now, Richard. I'm Warbird, you know that."

"Yeah, but I like Ms. Marvel better."

"You do?"

"Yeah. Why don't you call me Rich like everybody else does?"

"Because I like Richard better."

"You do?"

"Yeah."

After that it seemed only natural that they draw close and kiss for a long moment, the growing heat between them crackling like unchained energy until a politely discreet cough caught their attention. Jarvis was standing a respectful distance away. "Forgive the interruption Master Richard and Mistress Carol. But The Avengers have requested Master Richard's presence at once."

"That's okay, Jarv! I need to be going anyway. Save a room for me, willya?"

"Certainly, Mistress Carol."

"And do me another favor, Jarv…" Carol winked at Rich as she said, "..tell Tony to change my codename on my files from Warbird to Ms. Marvel." She leaned in and gave Rich a soft lingering kiss on the cheek. "Hope to find you here when I get back…Richard." She opened the double door and in a burst of photonic energy sped up and away into the late afternoon Manhattan sky, arcing over the skyscrapers and was gone.

Rich watched her go, his lips still tingling from her kiss. "Blue Blazes," he mumbled softly.

The Avengers turned as Rich entered Tony's office, his Nova helmet under one arm. "Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I was seeing Carol off." Tony's office was getting quite full. Miguel Santos had arrived just before Rich and he waved jauntily from his seat between Bill Foster and Steve Rogers.

Steve indicated that Rich should take a seat on the couch next to Janet. "No problem, Richard. We've just been re-organizing the team. Clint told me that he'd made you an offer to join up and we'd like to know what you've decided. There's one slot in the active roster left open."

"Wow." Rich placed his royal blue helmet on the coffee table and studied it carefully for a long minute, his right hand resting on top of it. "The Avengers. It doesn't get any more big time than that, does it?"

"You bet your ass it don't," Tony agreed.

"Anthony Stark!" Janet gasped.

"No, that's okay," Rich said. "Mr. Stark's a guy who doesn't believe in sugarcoating the facts. I appreciate that. It's a pretty big step from The Warriors to The Avengers. But I think I'm up to it. I want the opportunity to try, at least." Rich looked over at Miguel. "But what about you, Miguel? Seems to me that if anybody has dibs on the last slot it's you. The Living Lightning was an Avenger in good standing for a long time. I sure as hell don't want to jump your spot in line."

Miguel smiled warmly and waved a hand dismissively. "Don't give it a second thought, man. Hawkeye dragged me back onto the team and while I didn't mind hanging out just in case of an emergency, I'm committed to finishing school and that's exactly what I'm going to do. You'd be doing me a favor by taking that last active slot."

"Besides, we've just decided to reactivate Avengers West Coast," Janet added. "And it makes more sense for Miguel to be out there to lend a hand if they need it rather than him being here."

"In that case, I accept." Rich stood up and walked over to shake Captain America's hand. "For as long as you need me, Nova's your man."

Seven Hours Later

Jarvis entered the ultra secure Main Assembly Room of Avengers Mansion. Located in Sub-Basement One it was the most heavily fortified section of the mansion. The door Jarvis used to enter wasn't the main door but a special entrance for him that led to a private elevator that took him directly from the kitchen/dining room area to The Assembly Room. The door was easily as thick as that of a bank vault. Jarvis pushed a cart that held a number of covered trays as well as a pot of freshly brewed Indonesian coffee that Tony Stark was particularly fond of.

Tony himself was sitting in front of the main computer, entering information and updating the team roster. Jarvis paused and looked up at the huge computer screen. Crisp digital pictures of the current team, their tactical position and their status looked back at him.

Captain America: Chairman and Team Leader/Active
The Wasp: Deputy Leader/Reconnaissance and Air Assault/Active
Goliath: Technical Support/Initial Assault/Active
Hawkeye: Rear Guard and Long Range Attack/Active
The Beast: Technical Support/Initial Assault/Active
Nova: Primary Air Assault/Reconnaissance/Active
Andromeda: Point/Active

Ms. Marvel: Perimeter Assault and Primary Air Support/Reservist
She-Hulk: Point/Reservist

Tony half swiveled his chair around and grinned at Jarvis. "That's the line-up. What do you think?"

"An impressive team indeed, Master Anthony. One worthy of the name Avengers."

"I've got a good feeling about them as well. What's this you've got?"

"I took the liberty of preparing an evening snack for you and a fresh pot of coffee as well."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Jarvis. Look, I'll be here for a while. Why don't you call it a night and turn in?"

"I have some work of my own to attend to, Master Anthony. I'm not familiar with the unique tastes of Master Richard and Master William. I must adjust the weekly menu accordingly."

"Of course. " Tony swung back to the main computer and Jarvis walked back to his private elevator and was about to enter when the soft voice of Tony Stark stopped him.

"Jarvis?"

"Yes, Master Anthony?"

"You know that I reviewed all of the digital recordings made by the mansion's security monitors to find out how Bruce Banner got out."

"I knew full well that you would, Master Anthony."

"I erased the relevant one. If by any chance Bruce had turned into The Hulk and gone on a rampage I didn't want there to be a record anywhere that you knew he had left."

"Most thoughtful of you, Master Anthony but quite unnecessary."

"The hell it wasn't. You know how much time and money I've got invested in you? You think I'm going to break in a new butler now?"

"I should certainly hope not, Master Anthony. You have so many other more important things to do."

"Damn straight."

Jarvis stepped through the ponderously huge door and began to pull it shut. Tony's voice stopped him again.

"Jarvis?"

"Yes, Master Anthony?"

"Bruce Banner and I don't agree that water is wet. But we do agree on one thing: You are indeed a good man."

"Thank you. Good night, Master Anthony."

"Good night, Jarvis."

The door closed with a hiss and Tony Stark leaned back in his seat, his cane lying across his knees as he looked up at the huge screen and the faces looking back at him. The faces of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Captain America. The Wasp. Goliath. Hawkeye. The Beast. Andromeda. Nova. She-Hulk. Ms. Marvel. His soul swelled with pride and he whispered two words:

"Avengers Assemble."