Avenging Justice 3:

To Infinity and Anti-Life

Part XVI

Earth, Washington D.C.

There were many things Steve Rogers was good at. Punching Nazis was a real skill back in the forties. Then came punching HYDRA agents, and after that all assortment of baddies in all shapes and sizes. When it came to FLAK and attacks against him, his sturdy shield protected him. In fact on the battlefield, he was most at home.

A thought that made him really worried, but it was what it was. Not that any of those skill would help him in the current predicament that he was in. A rousing speech to the next generation, an inspirational delivery to raise recruitment? Nope, talking to politicians and trying to stave off a coming conflict. In halls of power built on what was said, and more importantly what wasn't, he was at a bit of a disadvantage.

"Captain Rogers, how would you explain the utter lack of the Avengers to stem the chaos?" one really arrogant politician asked. "We give money to S.H.I.E.L.D., and cut Tony Stark tax breaks, yet we have chaos in the streets."

Steve calmly replied back, "Sir, with all due respect, the Avengers have been running nonstop squashing out threats, emboldened by his absence."

"Is that your answer, Captain, excuses?" the politician quickly shot back.

"What the captain is saying," Natasha interrupted. "Is that in a world where the threats are used to going up against an invincible hero, they're striking now because he's absent."

"You're right, Agent Romanov," the politician quickly turned his hawkish gaze at her. "Despite having his cousin, and S.H.I.E.L.D. implementing created heroes using his DNA, we're still in this shitstorm."

Steve stood up, "Sir, I believe that information is classified.."

"I call the shots, Captain. You serve us, remember," the politician said. "You, this turncoat, and all the you so called heroes. You are at out discretion."

Steve's next words were still calm, but there was a steeliness to them, "No, Sir. We may help out the world's governments, but we do not serve you. We help out, we fight the battles you can not."

"One more word, Captain Rogers, and I'll have you held in contempt!" the man's face was growing red. Little did he know, the shade was about to change.

"Don't worry, Steve," Natasha put a hand on his shoulder. "He wants to release information, I think this is a good idea." She pushed a few buttons on her Stark Tech device. "I believe these documents being sent to all your colleagues, they'll want to review. Several of your companies, excuse me, companies that are vaguely linked to you. You'll find their unfiltered financial report. Better send that to the IRS while I'm thinking about it."

"As you said, Ms. Romanov, they aren't connected to me," he shot back. "I don't kindly take to being threatened by a turncoat spy."

She smiled, and instantly Steve felt the room's temperature drop. "Of course, here are the documents linking you to those companies. As well as video files, but those are a more private nature. I'll let your family sort those out. I mean, you did run in a platform of family values. I'm sure they won't mind a few additions, from your less discriminate years." Seeing his face turn a lovely shade of purple, "Oh, and I don't threaten. That's for amateurs, and S.H.I.E.L.D. only brings in the best."

About ten minutes later, both Steve and Natasha were grabbing some drinks from a vendor outside of the capital. Already the news was picking up the story of the disgraced politician. There was another waiting in the wings, as there would always be. Good or bad, that was to be seen. At least with this one, his days in politics was officially over. Of course, he could run things behind the scenes, as some were ought to do. She had a plan for that too, one part that he wouldn't like, if it came to that.

That thought caused her to paused for a moment. Besides Fury, and Barton, Steve had gotten to that level of respect. She couldn't name when it happened, but she knew that for a fact now. Not that this was world shattering, but it did make her concerned. The more people she cared for, the easier it would be for people to use them against her. Of course, anyone trying to hurt Steve was more likely to get hurt themselves. Then again, he had that nature that bordered on being mislabeled naïve.

"You know, Nat," Steve sounded tired. "I don't know why that act keeps getting endorsed over and over again. It's bad enough that the Mutant Registration Act is so close to being passed. Now they're going after everyone who is different."

She shrugged, "With the likes of Magneto, Spider-Man's rogues, even the Flash has some people that could really be heavy hitters if they tried. People are scared, but I think it is more than that. There is a darkness affecting the world's governments."

"We have to stop it," Steve said feeling the years. "Since coming out of the ice, I've had time to look at everything I didn't know, and compare it to what I do. Things like the internment of American citizens, just because of the lineage, can't ever happen again. Experimenting on people without their consent, can't happen again."

She smiled, "You're ready to fight the whole world?"

"Just show them a better way," he smiled back. "When I volunteered for this, I was hoping to help my country win a war against evil. It has changed over the years, but it seems to always be there." He looked at the clouds going by. "I really can't remember the last time I just stopped going from fight to fight, and just had a day to be out in the world. Not that I fit in much anymore. I'm too old fashioned."

She reached around, "Yes, you act like a young geezer. But you're my young geezer. You know there is nothing stopping you from just enjoying this day as it is. I mean beside the fact we broke the sound barrier several times to get back here for our 'summons.' You could, take the rest of the day off. I believe that is the right turn of phrase."

As if on cue, their phones turned on and a hologram of Tony Stark erupted, "I agreed with that. Both of you, take the day off. I'll have Jarvis get you a car, there are several spas.."

"Tony, no, I'm not much of a spa guy," Steve said, feeling even more tired.

Natasha laughed, "Tony, I think I know what he needs. We'll call you back when we need reservations."

"Nat, why?" Steve was about to ask, but the coy look filled him. He was in for an interesting day off.

She answered anyway, "Because we're going to do your fun stuff, and tonight we'll be enjoying the finer things."

"And I take it, I'll lose this argument?" he asked.

She nodded, "Because you're a good man, and you need this. Now let's get you a day to remember."

Earth, Kahndaq, Shiruta

Adriana Tomaz wasn't sure how to feel. The palace was opulent, and she really had no taste for the wealthy lording it over the lower classes. However, she saw prosperity of Kahndaq all around her. That and most of the opulence of the palace mainly consisted of antiques brought back here, to their native country. She also knew, he had employed violence to reacquire some. That she didn't think was right, but neither were those other countries holding Kahndaq's history hostage.

The palace workers went about their duties, looking healthy and taken care of. There was still a sense of fear, as the man in black floated past them. They were scared of his power, but he also protected them. It was a duality that caused her great concern. Were they so in need of someone to keep them safe, that they'd follow any dictator?

"I have asked you to be my guest here, you shall be provided for while you are here," Black Adam said. His voice wasn't soft, probably never could be, but there was something else there now. "I see the look you are giving me. The people are safe, and I do not harm them. I only execute the guilty."

She moved around to make sure she had eye contact, "I believe justice is more than executing criminals. For the worst of the worst, maybe. But a thief stealing to feed their family, that isn't justice."

"To the outsiders, but here people are free and they are prosperous," he countered. "We may not have the latest outsider technology, but our people have their needs being met."

Adriana gave him a curious look, "Our people? You consider yourself one of them?"

"No, I am above them, but that comes with responsibilities," Black Adam answered back. "I do remember a time when I was one of them. I had a wife, and a child. A lot of ways you remind me of her."

Sensing there was more, "What happened to them?"

"The wizard had me away, and an enemy of Kahndaq came and killed them both. His suffering was long and great."

She softened her gaze a little, there was more to him than the iron ruled tyrant. Despite his power, there was sadness that hinted at the truth of his story. She could understand pain, loss, and could see where that might turn you cold and stern. For the briefest of moments, she could see passed the power imbued by Egyptian gods, to the man underneath it all.

She gently touched his hand, despite the shock of electricity, "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad you were able to stop the man who did it. Not all those who break your laws are him. You have the ability to show the world something more than what they think of us."

"I care not what they think," he lowered himself till his feet touched the ground. "I only care if Kahndaq is safe, and they are taken care of."

Their conversation was interrupted by a disembodied voice, "Teth-Adam, Ms. Tomaz, I am Charles Xavier. Excuse the interruption, but I was wondering if I might have a word, in person."

"You invade my mind and wish to just talk?" Already Black Adam was rising into the air, lightning surging around him.

Xavier's voice returned, "Yes, I thought this might be a better ring of the doorbell, than coming into your country without permission. Plus, as Iceman would say, it's not like you have a phone I can call."

"He has you there," Adriana teased Black Adam. "You should really give potential allies a way to contact you. I would say adversaries, but I have a feeling you'd just show up where they are."

Black Adam nodded, "Yes, a more direct way of getting my message across."

"That is why I am asking permission for my team of X-Mean and myself to come into your country and speak on matters most urgent," Xavier continued.

Black Adam snarled, "You may land, but if do not like your words, you will leave. By choice or sent back in ashes."

"I guarantee that will not be necessary, this is a peaceful mission," Xavier's voice seemed amused. "I'm having our pilot enter your airspace now. Thank you for agreeing to this, Teth-Adam."

Adriana didn't give Black Adam a chance to formulate any ideas, "I know of this Charles Xavier, he runs a school for Mutants in America. If anything he's either asking for your help with that, or forming an alliance to protect mutants."

"Any citizen of Kahndaq, mutant or not, is under my protection," he calmly said. "My interests don't extend to America, their people are their own to deal with."

Adriana laughed, "Here I was worried."