Mentions of Change
*Avengers Mansion, New York City, 50 minutes prior to last chapter
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND!" Viktor shouted as he burst through the sky and suddenly slowed down and landed on the pathway, his boot's skidding the ground as he kept moving. Viktor then pushed the huge double doors to the mansion wide open and spun into a backflip and landed flawlessly.
"FLAWLESS LANDING!" Viktor shouted as he did the 'rock and roll' signs with his hands. He then looked around to see man of the team in the longue with their backs to him.
"OH COME ON! Did no one see that?!" Viktor moaned as he threw his arms into the air.
"…..See what?" Clint Barton, Aka Hawkeye replied casting a glance backwards
"….Nothing" Viktor huffed as his brow furrowed. He walked into the longue and took a seat after he closed the doors behind him.
Gathered in the longue where all the other Avengers: Logan 'James' Howlett (Wolverine) Clint Barton (Hawkeye), Natasha Romanov(Black Widow), Hercules, Thor, Jessica Drew (Spiderwoman), Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk), Wonder-Man, Richard Ryder (Nova), Bill Foster (Goliath), Hank Pym(Yellowjacket), Janet Pym(Wasp), King T'Challa (Black Panther), Namor, Tigra, Betty Banner (Red-She-Hulk), General Ross (Red Hulk, Bruce Banner (Hulk), Luke Cage, Danny Rand (Iron Fist), Sam Wilson (Falcon), Vision, Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver), Bobbi Morse (Mockingbird) and finally Viktor's girlfriend Laura Kinney (X-23) whom Viktor sat down next to.
Good thing the longue was built for so many people.
"So where are Carol and Peter?" Viktor asked noticing that the two were missing.
"Probably enjoying each other's company" Jess smirked causing many of the team to chuckle.
"I still can't believe those two haven't tied the knot yet" Logan chuckled before chugging on a beer.
"To be honest I don't think Pete has the guts…not unless someone gives him one hell of a push" Viktor smirked
"Anyone got any ideas why we're here?" Laura asked
"It's not usual we get full team meetings nowadays" Nova admitted. Within the past 2 years team meetings had become a lot less prevalent due to the fact that with Masters defeated, things were getting quiet and many of the villains that were left in action were either low street level villains or in hiding.
"Might have something to do with our new commander and chief" Ross spoke up, holding his generals hat in his arm.
"I'm sorry but…what?" Viktor asked with a raised brow
"You have been paying attention to the election right?" Laura asked
"….what election?" Viktor asked getting odd looks from everyone around him.
"You….you what?" Clint asked with a raised brow
"I don't pay much attention to American politics…or any sort of politics as a matter of fact" Viktor said wondering when the last time he really gave a shit about politics was.
"You can't be serious" Jennifer asked, gobsmacked
"I just lost interest after a while, 900 years of watching leaders come and go kind of gets old after a while, especially when they don't live up to their promises" Viktor said
"When was the last time you voted?" Janet asked
"Back….when…Uh….hang on a sec….Churchill!" Viktor said snapping his fingers
"The last time you voted….was for Winston Churchill?" Ross asked
"SIR….Winston Churchill, the reason I voted for him was that he was a close friend and I really believed in what he stood for" Viktor admitted
"Well, I guess that reason is as good as any" Jess smiled, agreeing with her fellow Brit. The team then heard the sound of the doors opening and the sound of footsteps into the longue. Then in came Spiderman and Ms Marvel in their full attire, Jess, Logan and Viktor then grinned widely as they noticed the way that they seemed to walk in.
"Hey guys….sorry we're late" Peter said rubbing the back of his head
"….really?" Viktor asked, smirking widely
"Yeah….why wouldn't we be?" Carol said, hoping that they wouldn't discover what the couple did in their 'spare time'.
"Because I don't think you guys were sorry about what you were doing" Jess smirked
"What is that supposed to mean?" Carol asked, trying to keep her soldier like exterior up in front of the team.
"Under analysation of human behavioural and speech patterns I have come to the conclusion that Spiderwoman and Brimstone are suggesting you and Spiderman Mphhhhh!" Vision said before Wanda covered his mouth
"I don't think they need to hear that" Wanda smiled, covering Vision's mouth with her gloved hand.
"I don't think you guys need us to state the obvious, so just sit down" Logan said. Peter and Carol then took their seats next to each other.
"Any ideas why we're here?" Peter asked
"Just what I want to know" Viktor said
"Good to see you guys are still straight to the point" Tony said as he and Steve entered the room, instead of his business suit, Tony was wearing the MK7 minus the helmet with he was holding under his arm and Steve had his shield on his back and his mask was off.
"Good of our esteemed leaders to finally join us" Viktor said with a smirk.
"So any reason why you called us here?" Bruce asked
"Two reasons actually" Steve said
"Oh yippee" Logan said sarcastically
"Do either of the reasons have anything to do with the new president?" Ross asked
"Actually yes General" Steve said
"I'm sorry but, why is the new president such a big deal?" Viktor asked, being completely lost
"His standpoints on Mutants and Metahumans are what make him a big deal Viktor" Tony said
"Wait….don't tell me he is one of 'those types'" Viktor groaned and put a hand to his face
"He doesn't seem as extreme as certain 'other' politicians like Kelly but it still doesn't look very good for us" Tony explained
"What's this guy's name anyway?" Viktor asked
"President Harold Jones, he just moved into office today" Ross explained
"Great, so what are his policies?" Viktor asked
"He has the common belief that we Superhumans aren't held accountable for our actions enough. It probably has something to do with the way we have been handling things recently" Steve said
"What? You mean saving the world?" Viktor said with an annoyed tone
"No, something about how we recklessly damage public property without re-paying the owners, how we may be helping the world but aren't doing enough" Tony explained as he sat down
"To be completely honest we do have a tendency to blow things up whenever we get in a fight" Janet said
"So what's the big deal? If we are causing too much damage then why don't we just promise to be a bit more careful in the future?" Peter asked
"I'm afraid it's a little too late for that, since Jones has been talking about these issues, a lot of other politicians and news reporters have been picking out 'flaws' in how we do things" Steve spoke up
"Flaws?" Logan asked
"Yeah like how we handled Latveria 2 years ago" Tony said
"WHAT! What the hell where the flaws there? We made extra sure not to harm any civilians" Carol exclaimed
"Apparently there isn't a lot of trust for people who invade a foreign country over reasons that ordinary people have a rough time believing" Tony explained further
"So, the people have a fine time believing in Sea monsters and aliens but Dimensional portals are just too outlandish?!" Viktor said with a confused face
"Yay Viktor doth speak truly; the mortals of Midgard mustn't have much common sense if they do not trust the champions of their world" Thor announced making himself heard.
"Couldn't have said it better myself, plus I am pretty dam sure that the UN authorized us to go and take down Doom" Viktor smiled
"Normal people don't see it that way unfortunately. They seem to flock to our new commander and chief's every word, I have to admit the guy is pretty convincing in his speeches" Tony said
"You aren't in love with the guy are you Tony?" Clint asked with a grin causing a lot of the team to laugh and chuckle
"Go to hell" Tony chuckled as did everyone else
"But seriously, the guy doesn't seem that bad, he isn't running a 'fuck all heroes' campaign or anything, he looks like he is genuinely concerned about how we do our thing" Tony said
"How we do our thing? What aren't we saving people's lives good enough or something?" Peter said
Suddenly the Team was interrupted in their discussion by the disembodied voice of Tony Stark's AI bulter JARVIS. Who in his always calm and collected voice said 'Sir if I may, the new president is making a speech, would you like me to show it on screen?'
"Go ahead JARVIS" Tony said as everyone looked towards the large television screen on the lounge wall. As the television screen turned on the team were treated to the sight of a podium set up in front of the White House and by the sounds they were hearing and the flashes they were seeing, the place was full of Reporters who had flocked in droves to interview or get a few words from the president who stepped up onto the podium.
The president looked like he was in his early 30's and had short and well-trimmed black hair, his eyes were blue and we wore a suit befitting his new position as head of the country. His height wasn't going to be obvious in video footage as the tem had nothing for reference, but the way he positioned himself suggested that he was just as powerful as his position. When he spoke he spoke in a loud and clear voice that screamed confidence.
"My fellow Americans, I stand before you today not as a leader or as the latest in the long line of Presidents that have brought peace to this great nation. I come before you as a fellow human being and as a fellow human being I like you can see the dangers that we are presented with in this day and age. In the past few years we have seen things we would have never thought possible, we have seen great alien empires come from the stars to destroy or worse enslave us, creatures from alternate dimensions have tried to slaughter us in droves, and the only things that have managed to stand in the way of our almost certain annihilation have been the heroes of this world, The Avengers, The Fantastic Four and even the X-Men…" Jones spoke with a tone of pride and confidence.
"Well at least he ain't bashing Mutants" Logan said, a bit surprised in his tone
"I won't pull smoke over anyone's eyes; the Meta-Humans of this world have contributed more to the period of world peace we are going through than any soldier in the military and unfortunately every politician in the Senate, Myself included. But we cannot overlook the fact that despite their great acts of kindness and compassion towards us, that they do not realize the consequences of the way that they do their jobs. In the past year alone their reckless actions while battling Street Thugs, Super villains or monsters have cost the US government over 100 million dollars and that has only been the past year…" President Jones went on to say
"….100million? That's how much damage we do a year?" Jess said with a surprised tone
"I simply say to you, my fellow Americans, that the Heroes of our country deserve our upmost respect and gratitude, but we cannot forget that every day they grow more and more reckless to the point where they are hurting our great country more than protecting it, when instead of property or businesses being damaged, the people of this country will begin to pay for their recklessness. I only hope that our great protectors are listening to this right now so that they can learn and hopefully realise the error of their actions….thank you for your time" Jones finished with a reserved and solemn smile. Viktor grabbed the remote and switched the television off and stood to his feet.
"What kind of Bollocks was that!?" Viktor exclaimed pointing at the blank screen.
"Now, Now Viktor, he may have a point" Hank spoke up
"So do Logan's claws but I wouldn't let them run the country" Viktor shot back
"You have to at least admit we do cause a lot of damage whenever we fight someone" Carol said
"Still Carol, he may have good intentions but can you imagine how the public will react to this?" Peter said putting his hand on her shoulder
"I don't see why we are all panicking; all the man did was give a speech, what is so bad about that?" Ross said in defence of the president.
"Ross is right, I don't see what is so bad, and all the guy said was that he hopes we are a bit more careful in the future, what's the big deal?" Jennifer said agreeing with Ross
"You don't hold a big ass announcement the day you are named President without an Agenda, Jen….you should know that" Luke said with his arms crossed.
"Ok then, so what is the best case scenario?" Jess asked
"Best case scenario is that the president's message was a cautionary tale and if we exercise caution then we will not have to deal with anymore backlash" Vision said
"And the worst case scenario is?" Viktor asked
"The government pass a law that restricts Superhuman and Mutant rights in order to suit the needs of the American people, a registration act would seem the most likely, an act that would force Superhumans and masked vigilantes to register and work under the American Government" Vision theorized
"I would like to see the bastards try it!" Viktor exclaimed
"AYE, the son of Odin takes orders from no man!" Thor exclaimed raising his hammer
"If they think they're gonna parade me around like some sort of poodle, I'm gonna give em a reason not to like me!" Logan snarled in agreement
"WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! EASY ALRIGHT!? SETTLE DOWN!" Peter shouted raising his hands to get the others to calm down
"Now, I'm pretty sure that what Vision is saying is that this will only happen if we royally screw up right?" Peter asked the android
"Affirmative Spiderman" Vision confirmed his beliefs
"You see? So all we have to do is be a bit more cautious and wary, so that nothing catastrophic happens, I'm sure that we can manage that right?" Peter said with a smile. Earning nods and calm agreements from everyone in the room.
"Peter's right people, we have to make sure we damage less property than we usually do and be extremely wary of our actions so that we don't get any more of this" Steve said pointing at the blank television
"Great, so I'm guessing that was all you needed us for right?" Clint asked
"Actually there was another reason…you guys may want to pay attention" Tony said before he began to explain to the team what Reed had told him and Steve.
Hopefully the Dimensional rips that Reed mentioned wouldn't do anything to hinder their actions to avoid any more backlash.
Little did they know…the rips were the least of their problems.
Alright everyone this chapter may not have had much except it being a set up for the Registration act and how it may come to pass. And what do you think I mean by the dimensional rips being the least of their problems?
K another note, the next few chapters will be some development of what is happening right now a bit of romance and basically a lot of the stuff you guys will enjoy and will make you cry when the inevitable happens.
What did you like?
Who do you want to see (hero or civilian wise, not Villains)
Now I got two big questions:
WHO WILL GO PRO REG AND WHO WILL GO ANTI REG?
AND
WHICH SIDE WILL VIKTOR CHOOSE?
See you next chapter everyone