Hey, guys, it's been a while. Now, there are some things I want to speak (well…write) about. Namely, number one, no I have not seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet, but I plan to see it this weekend :D Secondly, I have contemplated to make a story arc on this story based off of the movie "Lucy," and call it "Natalia" here. It's in the planning stages, and there are some issues I have to work out with it (namely new characters to replace the ones on the movie, and actually having Natalia/Black Widow turning back to her normal self…) but other than that, it all seems to be a work in progress.
Also, if anyone noticed, two of my other stories were also taken down by me: Kill the Spider and When Wonders Strike Back. Kill the Spider…I really had the energy for it, but I had the problem of not having any coherent plot or storyline to get from a beginning to the very end, which was what I had completely ready in my mind. It proved too difficult, so I set it aside…for now. I may be bringing it back later on. As for When Wonder Strike Back (which I doubt anyone ready this was following) a combination of lack of interest by viewers and on my part killed it off. That unfortunately isn't coming back.
Another thing is I'll be disappearing from the publishing world for a bit. The time of college draws near again, and it's time to get things all ready. I'll still be around reading and stuff, and I'll reply to any and all PMs, but updates will be near nonexistent for the rest of August after this week.
And finally, a last note…
I'm pissed.
Why? Let me tell you a funny story…I was searching around on FanFiction, looking for stories that I may enjoy and want to follow. I stumbled across a story entitled "Avengers Assemble," by some guy/girl named phantom00. Naturally, I was like, "Oh, cool, I should check it out," being it promised to be a story similar to what aspiringactor and I are doing with Marvel: Reborn and this story, respectively. So, I checked it out. And I found he had plagiarized a very large and good portion of my story.
…on second thought, not very funny.
From those of you who actually converse with me on this site, you known I'm a relatively nice guy (at least I hope I am). I help out if needed, and I am not afraid to bounce ideas on and off other authors. Prime example: Dakkaman777; we have similar work, because we exchange ideas back and forth and see what we like and don't like. But this…no, this is entirely different. I'm sorry if it seems I'm making a big deal out of this, but I spent many long hours writing this story, I worked with blood and sweat and tears (well really just the sweat) to make this story as good as it can be, and to have some random individual come along and steal my work and use it for their own and actually publish it as their work? That is just wrong. I put a great deal of effort and it's just being stolen. Now, I've alerted said phantom00 almost 2 weeks ago that I've caught on with this and I demanded that he take down his "story" and admit to plagiarizing, but in retrospect, that probably isn't going to happen…besides, he never responded. So, in my anger, I did what any sane man would do.
Reported the story to the Admins, and blocked him from viewership of my profile & stories (at least I think that's what it does…).
Childish? Perhaps. But necessary, because I really had no other option, and I refuse to let my hard work become someone else's profit. I put time and effort into this, and I will not stand for this.
Oh, and cornholio, if you're reading this, I suggest you do the same, since some of that "work" also looks like your own.
And speaking of which, I am quite surprised no one ever brought this up to my attention a while back.
…
Well, that's enough from me. Here's Teamwork for Dummies, Pt 2. Marvel owns everything.
Chapter 10: Teamwork for Dummies, Part 2
*Avengers Mansion*
9:47 June 16, 2012
"Big…" Peter whistled as he entered the Mansion. "Really big."
The Web Head was right-the mansion was very big in its interior. Right upon entry, the Avengers were greeted by a massive entry hall with a pair of solid oak-metallic fused spiral grand staircases leading up to a second floor mezzanine that had a long path, with paintings on the walls, that turned off to lead into another hallway with dormitories. The floors were pure marble, shiny and glistening with each tile. Right in the middle of the floor was a massive imprinted logo of a large capital "A" with a signature arrow in the letter's middle, with the entire "A" encased in a thick circle, all in the color red. Along the walls were large stained color glass windows of various images. There were a few doors that led to various other rooms in the mansion. The ceiling was very high up and held a massive gold-tinted chandelier with unlit candles. Along the walls also were a number of potted plants and some statues.
"Yes, Spider-Man," Tony smirked proudly. "This is pretty big...and this is just the entrance, mind you. We still have a lot of mansion to go through. Now, as you can see here, this is just the entry hall, and up there on the mezzanine, we have a few paintings up there, each with a hidden camera behind each of them…just some more security stuff, guys. Up there in the mezzanine, that hallways leads to a set of dorms, 16 exactly, one for each of us for when we need to stay a night or...seven."
"Wait…" Clint remarked. "Seven nights?"
"Yep, that's another thing that I'll be discussing later on," Stark replied.
"Well, I still gotta say," Logan interjected as he took in the surroundings around him. "Pretty sweet pad you got here."
"And just the beginning I assume," Steve guessed.
"You assume correctly," Stark replied with a smirk. "There is waaaay more where this came from..."
"The mansion had a fully stocked kitchen, with a crew of five star chefs on call 24/7," Stark said five minutes later as the team stood in a magnificent kitchen, complete with chrome steel plated counters and cutting boards, with pots and pans and various utensils hanging from the hooks connected to the cupboards along the walls; there also was a trio of fully stocked fridges, pantries, food cupboards, wine cells & ice boxes...each, along with a stainless steel sink with dishwasher & dryer, and numerous plates & cups.
"...A few conference rooms if we ever need to meet with diplomats or dignitaries, government officials, lower level SHIELD & SWORD guys, that sort of thing," Stark added as they all stared into one room with a large rectangular mahogany table with chairs set for 30.
"...a fully equipped library filled with books and texts on any subject & genre," Stark added a few minutes later, with the team watching as Spidey, Hank, Carol, Wanda, Natalia and even Thor found themselves submerged in all the books.
"A number of lounging areas, completely with plush sofas, HD 80 inch plasma T.V. screens and theater sound system and hundreds and hundreds of channels," Stark continued as he showed off just one of the many lounges.
"...rooms for each of us if we chose to remain here for an extended period of time, if not full time, with maid service and king sized beds and only the best luxuries a room can have," the multi-billionaire yelled out as he stood in the halls, while each of the other heroes were checking out their own quarters.
"The mansion also has its own laundry room, dining room set for 30, massage room manned by JARVIS, a pool on the roof, and this master lounging area with a nice fireplace," Stark finished as he, the rest of the team and Pepper took seats in the sofas & club chairs.
"Well, I need to admit it, I am very jealous of you right now," Peter said with a small smirk and awe in his voice.
"Now there's a shock," Logan chuckled as he took another sip of the beer he grabbed from one of the kitchens.
"I love this setup," Jan added as she relaxed on one of the sofas. "I could get used to this."
"Ok...I'm going to bite," Hank said, with an unimpressed look. "Tony, you said that you were working on an awesome headquarters for the team, one that would be better that state-of-the-art or anything that SHIELD has. From what I'm seeing...did you really spend weeks preparing...this?"
"He's right, Tony," Steve agreed. "I kind of expected...a lot more."
"What, you mean all this?" Stark asked as he whirled his arms around gesturing to the rooms. "Oh, these were all finished in a day, and it's all just for show and our personal enjoyment. I haven't even gotten to the REALLY good stuff. JARVIS, if you please?"
'Right away, sir,' the AI responded as the fireplace, to the other Avengers' shock and surprise, retreated its form into the wall and then was raised into the ceiling, fire and all, to reveal a secret elevator, with enough entry room for all of them, even Hulk.
"Okay, I am officially impressed now," Carol whistled.
"Spankin'!" Jan added.
"Just like the school," Logan smirked.
"Well, I've shown you all the three levels that people see from the outside of the mansion and what they give," Stark said smugly as he motioned for everyone to follow him into the elevator. Once everyone was in, the elevator doors closed and they all began to descend downwards, and since the doors were see through, they could all see just all the work that Stark had said he put. "And now, ladies and gentlemen...I present to you the Avengers Mansion sub-levels, where the real magic begins..."
"First stop, sub-level 1: the training and workout facilities," the Armored Avenger began. "This place has it all-a fully set of regular gym equipment, complete with barbells & dumbbells ranging from 20 to 300 pounds; a gun and archery range, specially for our local SHIELD agents; about 30 regular and superhuman-custom reinforced punching bags that allows for any of us to go all out if we choose; a gymnastics and acrobatic course; an electronic run barbell weight machine that can have its weight adjusted to accommodate for the heavy hitters like Thor, Hulk and Captain Marvel; a number of treadmills; a fully equipped track field; and you see those three entries over there on the far wall? One leads to a fully equipped gymnasium if anyone wants some down time playing basketball or soccer or whatever; the second leads to a 25ft by 40ft ring that meets all standard regulations, except for size obviously, and is fully customized and fit for superhuman use...along with a set of stands should anyone want to watch. The last room is a battle simulation room, equipped with an array of computerized combat levels, handled by JARVIS, and a full arsenal of weapons and other goodies; I designed it to work with each of us individually, and it works by analyzing fighting and combat techniques and responding accordingly. Kind of like the X-Men's Danger Room, actually."
"Wow...didn't think I'd be seeing something like THAT again..." Carol sighed, remembering just how hard a challenge the Danger Room gave her back in her times as Binary with the X-Men. "But regardless, this is...it's..."
"It's like Christmas came early this year," Hawkeye interjected as he took in everything. "The Helicarrier has nothing on this!"
"Stark, you really did it this time," Natalia smirked as she eyed the punching bags and gun range.
"I agree; it is quite spectacular. I am anxious to use the ring, myself," Pietro added with his own smirk, at which Wanda rolled her eyes.
"I want one..." Carol sighed with longing.
"Meh...not like I'll use it or anything," Hulk scoffed.
"Really?" Stark smirked. "I mean, I was thinking of you when I made some of these modifications, Hulk. There are combat simulations that I programmed specifically with you in mind. I didn't think you'd be one to just sit around here in the Mansion with nothing to do or anything. The ring is even set up to resist your level of strength...well, at least the highest documented level of your strength."
"What do I need to use a gym or a workout for?" Hulk replied with a raised eyebrow. "I've never needed it before; the bad guys come, I smash them-end of story."
"There may yet come a day when simple 'smashing' will not be enough, Hulk," Thor interjected. "Even your strength may one day find its match again, as it did against the Destroyer and against Loki. Or do you not remember that day?"
"That was nothing but a fluke...or are you trying to say something, Goldilocks?" Hulk replied, and the air suddenly grew a bit tenser.
"I am," the Thunder God replied. "An occasional opportunity offered to better oneself is nothing to be wasted."
"I'm the strongest thing on this planet; there's no need for me to get any better," Hulk huffed, turning away. "No reason for me to use this place."
"Even to see which of us is the stronger, in the ring?" Thor challenged, immediately regaining the green titan's attention. A cross between a snarl and an arrogant smirk found itself on the Asgardian's face. "I would enjoy seeing if there is truth to your title as the strongest one there is..."
"You wanna go, Goldilocks?" Hulk replied, the same facial expression on his face. "Just name a time."
"...I'm suddenly thinking this was a bad idea," Bobbi murmured while Natalia cursed in Russian.
"Ok!" Stark interjected as he flew in between the team's two most powerful members. "How about we NOT start a massive brawl between teammates that also damages the entire base?! Especially you, Hulk, since you and/or Banner will be one of the Mansion's full time residents."
"Hulk…" Banner said as man and beast looked at each other within the mindscape.
"Hmmph...Not worth it," Hulk grumbled as he turned away from the Thunder God, with everyone else who wasn't one of the two letting out a small sigh of relief.
Five minutes later, the elevator descended and reached what Stark called Sub-Level 2. "This, my friends, is the lab facilities," Stark said proudly as he showed the other Avengers a massive laboratory filled with high tech equipment and software, state of the art computers and a number of Stark Industries patented touch-screen and 3D modeling software projection equipment (A/N: The tech from The Avengers movie, in the Helicarrier and Stark Tower). Off to the far wall was a massive array of network systems and stations, a titanium door which had the work "ARMORY" it, a number of tools hanging on the ways and so much more. There were a large number of lab tools and equipment, enough to make any scientific mind explode in pure joy. "This little room was made with Hank, King T'Challa, Banner, myself and-if you're interested-even Thor & Spider-Man in mind. State of the art equipment at a moment's use, full connection to the Stark Industries network, the best computers and simulators money can buy, and this place is where the free Wi-Fi comes from. Also, there's that door over there that leads to my armory, where most of my armors will be stored from now on; tech that is better than even the tech on the SHIELD Helicarrier, and a few machines and tech equipment. There's also a space set aside for Hank's own portable lab here."
"I think I'm in love," Peter said as he took it all in, feeling like a kid in a candy store.
"Same here," Pym added, so sucked in he didn't even feel Jan swat his arm.
"Banner would love this," Hulk mused.
"Very impressive, I must say," T'Challa remarked.
"Indeed, Iron Man," Thor added. "I believe I may enjoy myself here on an occasion or other."
"Wait, how did you know I would love this kind of thing?" Peter asked with realization.
"Spider-Man, your webbing is based off OsCorp technology, and that particular compound...I happen to know how many minds and months it took to develop that material. Sure, OsCorp stopped development of the material a few years ago, but you kept using your own variant of the material and made it, well for lack of a better term, even better than how Norman Osborn (here, only Logan and Jessica noticed the ever so slight wince that crossed the Webhead's body at the mention of Osborn's name) had developed it originally. That alone tells me of your intelligence, if not genius."
"Oh...well, alright then."
Sub-Level 3, as Stark introduced it as, proved to be a medical infirmary, but unlike anything that hospitals-civilian, private or military-had. 20 medical beds were aligned on the walls, fully equipped and prepared. A surgical area was set aside and also was fully stocked with some of the best equipment any of the Avengers had ever seen. Various medical technology-sonars, x-rays, cat scans, MRIs, PET Scans, med labs, First Aid Kits...the list went on. There were even two pregnancy wards, fully stocked and ready for use. Stark went on to explain how a full crew of doctors and nurses were on call 24/7 if need be, and how all the technology was state-of-the-art and cutting edge, reinforced by Stark Industries Tech and even bits from SWORD tech, in regards to alien physiology (i.e. Captain Marvel and Thor).
Another two minutes later, the team arrived at Sub-Level 4, which at first appearance held nothing but a massive hangar-like room with some sort of large pool in place of the floor. From the elevator, a platform served as a pathway to a port like platform in the exact middle of the large pool.
"I thought you said the pool was on the roof, bub," Logan remarked.
"It is," Stark replied as he worked with a few buttons on his metallic gauntlet's hidden computer. "This is the Mansion's main Hangar area, where the Avengers' main method of transportation is kept. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Avengers Quinjets, MQ-One & MQ-Two at our service." At that moment, the rumbles of hydraulics turning rang out, and the other Avengers looked to the massive pool to find it being pushed aside by two hydraulic metal doors rising and opening, one on each side of the platform. As the doors opened, two more platforms rose up, with each one holding an aircraft that looked like a cross between a small bomber plane and a fighter jet. Each was silver in color with red lining on the edges of the wings, the entirety of the fins, the front tips and the rear with the thrusters. Along the sides of each of the jets was the similar capital "A" style they had seen when they had entered the Mansion. The cockpit window glass was colored dark yellow, and tinted so that it wasn't easy to see within them. The moment the platforms on which they rested upon had risen sufficiently, the two Quinjets activated simultaneously and began to rise & and hover slightly, the roars of their engines and thrusters powerfully showing just what good aircraft they were. "Both Quinjets are prototypes, something I've had in my mind since before my 'stop-making-weapons' enlightenment. They're both powered by miniature versions of my ARC Reactor, making them both green and fast-highest speed is Mach 3, if I'm not mistaken. Anyways, each can hold up to 10 people; they have full access to the Stark Industries network, are equipped with the usual state-of-the-art tech systems, have a GPS locator so we can find it if one is lost or crashed, and have the best comms and communications systems I can afford...so you know it's good," Stark said. The Quinjets suddenly hummed with power as each revealed compartments opening, revealing missiles, energy guns and laser cannon on each of them. "Oh, and each are equipped with some of the best weaponry & cloaking systems I have to offer. They're also waterproof and can function as submarines, as well as having space travel capabilities, like if we ever need to head to the Peak."
"Pretty impressive, Tony," Captain America complimented with a nod.
"Truly," Thor agreed.
"I would like to see how exactly they fare against Wakandan defenses and technology," Black Panther commented.
"Ok...I am officially in love with these things," Carol muttered, going googly-eyed over the aircraft before her, yearning to fly them and engage with them in aerial combat.
"This definitely makes things for those of us who can't fly a lot easier," Wanda remarked. Spider-Man, Pym, Quicksilver, Natalia, Mockingbird, Jess, Clint, Hulk, Cap, Logan and Pietro nodded their agreement.
"I knew you all would like them," Iron Man said with pride. "The Quinjets can be ejected into airspace in two ways: the normal fashion, in which it takes off from the Mansion backyard grounds via a hidden opening, or for emergencies, through a tunnel leading to the Hudson River, and going through there."
"So...what's the water for?" Bobbi asked.
"Eh, just for show. It's pumped and recycled back & forth from the Hudson."
"Well, you certainly have been pretty busy in here, Tony," Jan commented, really psyched about how this was all going. "What else you got to show us?"
"Not much, really," Stark replied as he led them back to the elevator, the Quinjets powering down and returning to their hangers behind them. "The very last two Sub-Levels are just filled with tech stuff that keeps the mansion from falling apart-generators, the ARC Reactor powering the mansion, security systems and the like. But there is one more surprise I got for the team, so if you'll all follow me…"
A minute later, they had descended down one more floor, Sub-Level 5, and upon arriving, they came upon a massive hall with blue colored walls and floor light and roof lights shining the room, and the hall was empty save for a massive red and silver table in the direct middle, with 16 chairs surrounding the table, and three screens along the three walls facing the elevator. The table itself seemed to hold some kind of technological vibe to it, hinted via the large projector-like lens that was located in the exact middle of the table. There were also screens installed into the table in front of each of the chairs.
"This, my friends, is the Avengers Assembly Hall," Stark said as each of them entered the room "This is where we'll be having our team meetings and updates, and where we'll be preparing ourselves for missions and the like. As you can see, there's a seat for each of us. The screens are to show targets, supervillains out there, satellite feeds, infrared and heat images, and all that kind of stuff. The projector lens in the middle of the table is what we'll use to directly communicate to guys like Fury, Brand and others; it also will be our main demonstration user, where we'll get the details of missions or potential disasters, which will also be provided for us on our personal touch screens, located in front of each of our chairs, with each screen equipped with the same 3D virtual aid tech I provided the Helicarrier. And...well that kind of completes the tour, everyone, so...as before, welcome to Avengers Mansion."
"I gotta say, I really like it," Clint remarked. "Makes me not want to get my own place."
"As I said, any one of you is free to take up residence here," Stark replied. "Hulk and/or Banner is, after all."
"I think I just might," Wanda remarked.
"Agreed," her brother added.
"I'm tempted, I'll say," Steve said.
"So, Capsicle," Iron Man said as he turned to the Super Soldier, "anything planned for next?"
"I do actually," he replied, then turned to make sure he was facing the entire team. "Everyone, now that we're a team, I just would like to say that I look forward to working with each and every one of you. I know that there will be challenges up ahead, and they'll be difficult, but I know this: when we work as a unit, as one, as a team, we are a force to be reckoned with. Loki's invasion was a clear example of that. The Avengers are needed in this world, especially now with threats getting more and more dangerous with each day. Together, though, we can make it work. But I also know that to say we're a team is a lot easier than actually being a team. So, I suggest we put this Assembly Hall to good use and have ourselves our first Avengers meeting. It's time we get to know each other and learn to trust each other."
"Which reminds me-at the moment, there are no designated chairs, but I am getting logos done to differentiate and assign our own personal seats here. I'm still working on some for Logan, Thor, Scarlet Witch and Hulk, and others, but I should be done with them by next week," Stark added.
"Well, it seems I'm no longer needed," Pepper spoke up, surprising everyone. Apparently, they had forgotten she was even there. "I'll be headed back to Stark Tower now. And Tony, remember that you have a Board meeting tomorrow at 9; try to show up." And without another word, she went back to the elevator and left.
"I forgot she was even here," Natalia remarked.
"So did I...and I'm dating her," Stark muttered. "Well, anyways…" The Avengers then took seats by at the table; Stark surprised them all as he had even gotten a seat for the Hulk, which actually managed to support his weight thanks to adamantium reinforcement.
"Ok, then," Captain America began, getting everyone's attention. It was clear that both Steve and Tony were the official co-leaders of the team. "As a team, it's important that we trust each other and know that we're all dependable and can be counted on. Each and every one of us here has proven over the course of years that you're just that. Each of you has sacrificed for the greater good, and have gone through extreme hardships, and yet have never abandoned the calling you have been given."
It was at this moment that both Peter and Carol unconsciously twitched their arms, remembering the moments when they actually did abandon the roles of Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel.
"Each of you went above and beyond what was expected when we went up against Loki," Steve continued, not noticing. "For that, I know that you are all worthy to be a part of this team. But just because we managed to succeed in doing it once, doesn't mean we should think it'll always be easy from here on out. We managed a 'spur of the moment' team up, which worked only because we had all spontaneously united for one cause. Most of us haven't worked with each other, and if we have, then in rare instances...unless you're Logan, in which case you somehow know everyone." At that, a few chuckles were released, while Logan simply smirked and relaxed into his chair. "But from here on out, we have to be able to trust in each other, and rely on teamwork. We are Avengers, but without the proper unity of a team, we'll fall apart. So, to start off, I think that to be able to set the foundations of that, we be able to trust each other with our identities and our lives."
"Wait, what?" Peter replied.
"Like, right off the bat?" Jan asked.
"Yes," Steve replied. "If we're going to be able to trust each other, we need to know each other, and to know each other, we need to know our identities. Now, I'm pretty sure that to keep them a secret is something I don't have to explain...well, except for Hulk and Stark and myself...or Thor since he has no identity at all."
"True," the Thunder God agreed. "Donald Blake is very much non-existent now."
"Well, most of us more or less know each other," Stark commented. "The only ones that are kind of in the dark are Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, the only totally secret guy being Spider-Man; at least in my opinion."
"Yeah, that's right," Jess added. "The Pyms and Stark are pretty public with their lives as heroes; everyone knows that King T'Challa is the Black Panther; everyone knows Bruce Banner is the Hulk; Thor is Thor; everyone knows who Captain America is; Logan is a well-known member of the X-Men; and Natalia, Clint, Bobbi and myself are SHIELD agents that most of everyone here has met on at least one occasion."
"But others don't, remember Jessica," Natalia returned. "It'd be best to allow the basics to come out at least. I'll start: My name is Natalia Romanova, a member of SHIELD and the Secret Warriors, and I am a former member of the Russian KGB, and it's obvious I am from Russia, specifically Stalingrad. I'm about 84 years old, and I would suggest not pissing me-"
"Whoa, wait a minute," Peter interrupted. "You're 84 YEARS OLD?!"
"Yes."
"...Wow…" the Web Head whistled.
"But...you look like you're not a day past 25," Wanda added with shock.
"Yeah, that was my reaction, too," Clint smirked. "It's a long story; anyways, I guess I'll go next. Clint Barton's the name, but you all know me as Hawkeye. I'm 30, and I'm committed to this beautiful blonde femme fatale here next to me. Same as Nat, SHIELD agent and Secret Warrior. Hobbies include shooting arrows, sweeping Bobbi off her feet and walking my dog. And...I've always wanted a side kick."
"No," Stark interrupted, memories of squirrels, squirrels and more squirrels flashing in his mind. "Trust me, no you don't."
"Oh, like you would know anything about sidekicks, Mr. Hog the Spotlight."
"Oh, I think you'd be surprised…"
"Well...anyways," Bobbi interjected, her blush from Clint's earlier words now gone. "You all know me as Mockingbird, but my name is Barbara Morse, but I prefer Bobbi. I'm 27, and like Clint said we've been together for almost 3 years now, and I'm also an agent of SHIELD and a Secret Warrior. I'd like to think I'm a nice enough person…so as long as you aren't on the receiving end of my staffs, we should get along fine."
"Well, I guess that just leaves me," Jessica smiled. "Well, I'm Jessica Drew, age 29 and as you can all tell by my gorgeous accent, I'm British and bloody proud of it. I'm currently also a member of SHIELD and their Secret Warriors. Used to be a member of HYDRA due to being a bit brainwashed as an infant, but I broke free of their control when I was 22, about 7 years ago. I'm best friends with Captain Marvel-oh, and now Spider-Man, too….Oh, and I am a very avid fan of football. Not the American kind, I mean."
"Well, that's a start," Cap said before turning to Carol, Wanda, Pietro and Peter. "So, the four of you are the only ones at least some of us know only a bit about."
"Well, there's not much we can say about ourselves," Wanda said. "I'm Wanda Maximoff, and this is my brother Pietro, and we're Magneto's twin children, both 28 years of age. We're former villains who are currently seeking a path of redemption, and we owe that to the X-Men. We've been staying with them in San Francisco for the last year until a month ago, when we came to set up our own lives in New York."
"There's really nothing much else to add besides that," Pietro shrugged.
"That's good for now," Cap said. "Captain Marvel?"
"Right," Carol replied. "Well, to start off, for those of you who don't know, my name is Carol Danvers and I'm 29; and yes, Carol Danvers as in the author...that's me; I used to be a magazine editor and also a columnist for the Daily Bugle. Former USAF pilot and former SHIELD Secret Warrior. Used to be Ms. Marvel, then I was Binary as an X-Man, then I became Captain Marvel about two years ago. I've been in New York for the last 7 years, and I like it here. It's great to be here."
"Wait...YOU were Binary?" Wanda gasped. "Betsy always said you were one of the most powerful members of the X-Men, if not THE most powerful."
"Well, I don't know about that, but-"
"You were," Logan said simply.
"Well, after you were able to handle the Destroyer on your own, I'm sure you'll be one fine addition to the team," Cap said, before turning to Peter. "Now, son, you lead a very secretive life, I have to say; you also are definitely one of the most dedicated heroes I have ever seen. Even with all those insults that the Daily Bugle spits at you, you have never stepped down and you have never run away from a fight. From all the stories and first-hand accounts I've read and heard, I knew that you would definitely be a great help against Loki, and I was right. I am very glad to have you on the Avengers, Spider-Man, and I'm sure the rest are, as well."
"Aye, Spider-Man, I am proud to fight alongside a hero such as yourself," Thor said with a grin and a pumped fist. The other nodded appreciatively, smiled in Logan and Jess' case, and rolled their eyes with a small half smirk in Carol's case.
"Um, well, thanks…" Peter replied sheepishly as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"You are definitely a trustworthy individual, especially if you keep letting that Peter Parker fellow take shots of you; you're definitely helping him keep a job. (Here, Logan smirked) I hope you can reciprocate that trust towards us, being that you're now part of something bigger here."
Peter looked at each and every one of the present heroes he was to now call his teammates…old and new faces. He had seen them all in action at least once, be it TV or live action. They were the best in their field, and were among the most powerful and/or skilled heroes to live. He didn't know many of them personally, pretty much the only one being Logan and, as of recently, Jessica Drew, whom he learned was named. They were all nice enough, and seemed to not want to kill him to shut him up yet, even Captain Marvel, who he had just found out was a famous author he read once in a while. He saw nothing but goodness in these people. At the moment, the only person in the room who knew his identity was Logan, who was sitting right next to him, and that was only because they had known each other since he was 17, when he was dating Kitty Pryde of the X-Men. No one else here knew Peter Parker was Spider-Man.
Something that, despite himself, he wanted to keep as was.
It was a rule and habit drilled into him.
Ever since what happened when an enemy of his found out Peter and Spidey were one and the same…
Flashback Four Years Ago
"OSBORN! Let her go!
"Hmmm...Very poor choice of words…" came the maniacal reply. And his grip loosened, and then a blonde began plummeting to her death.
"PETTTEEEAAAAGGHHH!"
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Flashback end
"Spider-Man?"
Peter looked back, his mind returned as Captain America brought him back to reality. He saw that everyone else was looking at him expectantly, waiting to see just who the heart of New York City really was. Logan, meanwhile, was looking at the young man next in ever so slight concern. Despite how badly he had wanted to gut the kid the moment he met him and heard him speak nonstop for hours, he had grown quite close to Peter, and developed a near brotherly relationship with him. As such, he had helped Peter through a lot of crap in his life, including what he was sure was going through his mind at the moment. Logan was the one who kept Peter from committing suicide after Gwen Stacy died. He knew that Peter wouldn't be the same again since then, and since that night, the kid had developed major issues with allowing people to know who Spider-Man really was. The incident had definitely scarred him in a few ways. And Logan knew that that was going to affect what the words that could come out of Peter's mouth were going to be.
"I...I can't."
Yep, Logan was right.
"What?" Captain America replied, not really sure he heard what Spider-Man just said. He wasn't the only one; all the other Avengers present, minus Wolverine, looked back in either surprise or shock.
"I said...I can't; I'm sorry, I'm not willing to give up my identity...at least not yet," Spider-Man said in clarification.
"...Why not?" Stark asked, surprised at the hero's response.
"Personal reasons," the Web Head replied, the images of that night on the George Washington Bridge vividly replaying in his mind. "The last time someone found out my identity, someone very close to me was hurt. Since then, I have not allowed anyone to know who I am, and I'm sorry, but I'm not changing that anytime soon."
Stark and Steve blinked. The first major obstacle just popped out.
"Ok so let me get this straight," Natalia said with a look of agitation on her face. "Because of something that happened...however long ago, you're not willing to entrust us with your identity or any aspects of your personal life because of the unlikely possibility that we'll either betray you or give up that information to an enemy of yours?"
"A bit of an exaggeration...but yeah."
"So then how are we supposed to be able to trust you if you can't even trust us?!" Pietro exclaimed.
"I said I didn't trust you with my identity! I can definitely trust you guys to have my back in a fight or something-!"
"Spider-Man, I must admit, the Black Widow and Quicksilver have a valid point," T'Challa interrupted, albeit with a patient tone. He didn't understand exactly why the arachnid would act this way, but he did want to understand a bit more. "The foundations of trust for a team begin at being able to entrust your personal information to fellow teammates. It's not like we have someone who can vouch for you."
"Actually, we do," Logan said. "Out of everyone here, I've known Webs here the longest, and I know him best. I've worked with him, and I can guarantee you now that he is one of the best out there, and this team would definitely be lucky to have him. There ain' anyone like this guy, trust me. And I can tell you now that I know where he's comin' from."
"I guess I can understand, as well," Wanda replied, a look of sympathy on her face. "I don't think I have had the same experiences as you have, Spider-Man, but I do feel that I can understand where you come from."
"Ok, so...are you still going to be on the Avengers?" Jessica asked.
"I'm willing to, but withholding my identity is my condition," Peter replied, before turning to Steve and Tony. "It's up to you guys."
"I would say we allow Spider-Man to remain an Avenger," Thor offered. "Even if he does not wish to surrender the identity of the man behind the mask, he has a noble heart and a will that I have rarely seen, even in Asgard. I do not believe we should prevent a hero of his capabilities to join simply because of one request. I would have no issues of trust against him."
"That's you, Thor," Carol replied, a look of frustration and agitation on her face as well. "But I actually have an issue with trusting someone I don't know anything about. Trust is a two way street and it has to be earned. How am I supposed to trust him if he doesn't trust us?!"
"I agree," Natalia and Pietro agreed simultaneously.
"Look, yeah, he has an issue with trust," Hawkeye butted in, "but is that really reason enough to just not let him join? Look at the four of us-we started off as complete strangers, and now look: Bobbi and I are in a loving relationship, Jessica makes us watch Doctor Who reruns together every other Friday night (which you have addicted me to, by the way), and Natalia actually likes us."
"Yeah, he's right," Bobbi added. "Even you, Carol; even after you lost your trust and faith in us because of the Marcus Incident, you eventually were able to trust us again. And you were still able to trust Jessica and Simon."
"Ok, first off, don't mention either Marcus or Simon to me," Carol replied with a hand on her forehead. "Second of all, even with that, it took time to repair that trust; and anyways that has nothing to do with this-this guy won't even trust us at all from the get go!"
"Danvers, I think you of all people would understand the issues of trust," Logan remarked, an arched eyebrow on his face.
"Eh, I don't care," the Hulk gave for his opinion.
"Of course you don't," Clint sighed.
"Ok...um, are you guys going to make the decision?" Peter spoke up.
"Stark, what do you think?" the super soldier asked the Armored Avenger.
"Honestly...I don't know," came the reply. "In all seriousness, I thought the biggest obstacle was going to be fitting everyone's schedule around this. I can see it both ways-yes, the issue of trust is a big component of being a team, and the fact that you're unwilling to trust us with just your name and some personal information definitely puts a damper on the purpose of this team. But...I can also see where you're coming from, myself, thanks to Obadiah Stane…and Logan is right, you are an asset to this team that I don't want to give up, and you have definitely proven yourself to be a very trustworthy individual. Do you have anything to say, Spider-Man?"
"Well," Peter began, "for starters, I understand how frustrated and annoyed some of you may be right now because of my unwillingness to give you guys my name and a few details of my life. Trust me, I would be kind of annoyed too. I want you all to understand that I don't want to not trust you...It's just how I am. If you'd known me four years ago to now, you'd understand; but you haven't, so you won't. I know I'm probably asking a lot from you, but I want you to know that you can trust me with your identities and your personal lives. I'd rather die that let them be exposed, and before I'd betray you all to someone else. Yeah, it sounds very contradicting-"
"Yes, it does," Pietro interjected.
"Look, my point is, you can trust me," Peter finished.
"Like I said, trust is a two way street, Spider-Man," Carol replied.
"You don't like me anyways, so trust between us two really isn't my aim right now," he countered, gaining a look of shock and anger.
"It is if I have to work with you!"
"So then do you trust me?!"
"Of course not! How am I supposed to trust in someone who won't trust in me with their name of all things!?"
"You were the one who said trust was a two way street!"
"And you're not really helping with that at all! Why the hell won't you bother to trust us?!"
"I told you, personal issues!"
"Really, that's the best you got?! 'Personal issues?!' Is that really the best excuse you have?!"
"I'm going to warn you right now: you are seriously crossing a very dangerous line…!"
"Really?! Because you and serious don't seem to mix! You take everything as a joke-!"
"If you dealt with half the crap I've dealt with, you would see why!"
"Oh you want to talk life experiences now?! You have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to life experiences!"
"Oh and I suppose you're the expert?!"
"You don't know half the shit I've been through!
"Oh yeah?! Try me-I'm pretty sure that's-!"
"BOTH OF YOU, ENOUGH!"
Spider-Man and Captain Marvel turned to Captain America the moment his authoritative and commanding voice rang out. The WWII veteran stared at them both, a look of fury on his face. "Both of you need to calm down, and stop arguing. That is not very becoming of teammates. Spider-Man, Carol is right, trust is a two way street; and you, Carol, you escalating things is not helping at all. Both of you need to realize that you are going to be working together on this team, and that requires trust on your part-trust that you'll have each other's back, and trust that your partner is there for you. We already have enough problems with Thor and Hulk looking to throw down every 10 minutes, and I do not need it from you either. Both of you, stand down."
Needless to say, everyone else in the room was looking on at the spectacle in shock; both Peter and Carol were currently standing and facing each other with aggressive body language, and that was saying something, being that Spider-Man didn't seem to be that type; his black costume added the effect very nicely, though.
Both Avengers glared at each other one last time before sitting down again.
"I still find the issue of trust a problem," Carol said in hidden agitation.
"...Anyways…" Stark interjected, trying to take charge of the situation, "the issue with Spider-Man not trusting us with his identity can wait for another time; I personally think at the moment that's not important. Now, there is something we need to get out of the way right now: availability of members. The majority of us have our own responsibilities outside of being a superhero, plus being on another team already. I've come up with a solution to that, of sorts. Now, the Assembly Hall also serves as a control system room, keeping track of events all across the globe. I've come up with a Monitor Duty system, where two Avengers will be here at the Mansion at all times to be ready and on call for any threats. Now, since Hulk and apparently another number of you will be taking up permanent residence here at the Mansion, that kind of helps the selection. The other part of this solution is other Avengers being readily available to respond to calls at a moment's notice. So, I've managed to come up with a system of shifts of what times which Avengers are here in the Mansion, for those of us not staying here as residents."
"How is this going to adjust to those of us who can end up being undercover for months at a time?" Jess asked, concerned about how it fit with her work as a SHIELD agent and a Secret Warrior.
"That...is something you'll have to figure out on your own," Tony replied.
"Well, I have made it clear that I will not always be available to answer the call as an Avenger if I am located on Asgard," Thor pointed out. "And I very much doubt that these ID cards would work in any of the other Nine Realms of the Cosmos."
"I figured on that, and so I planned accordingly; you and Hulk are the most powerful members of this team, followed by Captain Marvel, then myself, then tied between Wanda, Logan and maybe Spider-Man, after what I saw with the Empire State Building. But I've organized a structure so that at any time, hopefully either you or the Hulk will be readily available to respond with threats of your strength level calibers."
"I think I'd be readily available at any time," Hulk mused. "It's not like Banner or I go out anywhere."
"I may not," Logan pointed out. "I'm a teacher, and I run X-Force and work with the X-Men, both which have their own missions at times; it'll be possible I'm in the middle of somethin' and I won' be able to respond to an Avengers call."
"Same here," Pym offered, to which Jan sighed but nodded.
"I have an issue as well, namely running a whole kingdom," Panther mused. "Although, I have been thinking of alternatives...I must confer with my councils, of course; nothing is affirmative, yet, and as such, I will not be readily available at any moment until then. Wakanda comes first."
"And don't you have an entire business to run, Tony?" Steve asked. "Along with your own Rogues Gallery to deal with?"
"It seems we ALL have issues in our own lives that hinder our abilities to work fully as Avengers," Pietro remarked.
Silence for a minute rang out.
"This worked out a lot better in my head…" Stark said, sighing and running his head through his hair as he set his helmet on the Conference table.
XXXXX
TO BE CONTINUED…
Note: The Quinjets in this story are based off the style from Avengers: EMH