Avengers

For the second part of the PAX DOOM story-arc, read FANTASTIC FOUR #14

Castle Doom
Latveria

The Avengers Quinjet slowly descended behind the high walls of Castle Doom onto one of several landing pads placed at strategic points. This was one of the largest pads and reserved for cargo transport ships. However, Doom had set aside this one to receive The Avengers, as he still was not entirely sure of how his ‘guests’ would behave once they actually arrived in Latveria. There was always the chance that hostilities would break out and if that happened then Doom wanted the battle to be well away from the more sensitive areas of the castle. Any one of The Avengers alone was a formidable enemy and assembled a nigh unstoppable force. If it did come down to a fight, Doom wanted it to take place in a section of the castle that could afford to suffer major damage.

Victor Von Doom stood at the top of a long stone staircase. If any could have looked past that metal mask that he wore eternally, they would seen his lips twisted into a smile of cunning triumph. More satisfying than defeating his enemies was having them acknowledge Doom as their superior. But now was not the time to lord it over The Avengers, as was his right. There was still much to be done and threats to be faced and he would need the power of The Avengers, much as he would wish it otherwise. But he was Doom and this world was his by right and by deed. And if protecting it from whatever horrendous threat was fast approaching meant that he must be patient with these cretins, then he would.

Doom strode down the staircase, metal feet ringing on the stone as a hatch opened in the side of the airship and The Avengers emerged. Doom lifted his hands and his voice boomed; “Welcome to Latveria, honored guests! I extend to you the protection and alliance of Doom and bid you consider yourself honorary citizens of Latveria!”

Captain America stepped forward and even though his voice was easy and relaxed, his every muscle was tensed and ready for anything. “No armed troops? No Doombots? I’m surprised you would meet us alone, Doom.”

Doom placed a hand against his chest in an almost theatrical gesture of shocked surprise. “And why should I meet my allies with weapons? Have I not extended the hand of friendship to The Avengers? Why then would I have my troops at my back?”

Iron Man snorted in derision. “Extending the hand of friendship my shiny metal ass. Anybody who shakes hands with you should count their fingers and make sure they have all five.”

Doom chuckled. “I see that we all have trust issues that we must work on.”

Jarvis stepped forward. “Pardon my presumption, Lord Doom but I would like to inspect the quarters that have been set aside for The Avengers in order that I might insure they are suitable to the level of comfort they are accustomed to.”

Doom nodded. “But of course, Jarvis. You look well.”

“Considering the circumstances, Lord Doom.”

“I have already given orders that you be allowed limited access to the computer systems of Castle Doom and my majordomo is at your service. He has already set aside sixty members of the castle staff to serve at your pleasure.”

“Your kindness is appreciated, Lord Doom.” Jarvis turned to The Avengers. “Sirs and Madam, with your permission I will see to my duties.”

“Of course, Jarvis,” Captain America said. “And again: thank you.”

Jarvis bowed, turned with crisp military precision and walked up the staircase into the castle.

Cannonball said, “You an’ Jarvis seem awfully buddy-buddy there, Doctor Doom.”

“Jarvis has a standing offer to come and serve me as my majordomo. I have long had a respect for his professionalism and competency.” Doom’s gaze swept over The Avengers. “And now I suppose that we should talk. I have prepared a repast for you in the main dining hall. Let us retire there and continue this discussion in more pleasant surroundings.”

PAX DOOM

Part III: This is the One Where Due to a Series of Misunderstandings, the Good Guys Fight Each Other

By Dino Pollard and Derrick Ferguson

“I gotta say one thing about Doom,” Sam Guthrie whispered to Carol Danvers a half hour later. “If he’s fattenin’ us up for th’ kill, he’s doin’ it up right.”

Carol had to reluctantly agree. The main dining hall was a study in elegance and majestic opulence. The Avengers were seated on either side of a polished mahogany table that was large enough to have seated two hundred comfortably. Magnificent giant crystal chandeliers filled the hall with dazzling illumination. The ceiling was a holographic projector capable of simulating the open sky that it now did. Doom himself sat in an ornate hand carved throne whereas The Avengers sat in much simpler chairs, the symbolism which was not lost on them.

Sam had been hesitant to dig into the extraordinary dishes set before them and had mumbled under his breath how he’d rather not be poisoned. A scowling Namor had admonished the younger Avenger, pointing out that it was not Doom’s way to slay his enemies by such a cowardly means as poison. Furthermore, what was the sense of having them land and making such a show of goodwill only to poison their food? Sam was still not sure but he dug into his food, chewing slowly while keeping an eye on Doom. He’d heard and read far too much about the armored monarch of Latveria to completely trust him. Steve Rogers and Tony Stark didn’t seem to be much worried, Sam noticed. Steve sat on Doom’s left and Tony on his right. Steve had promptly shoved back his cowl and Tony removed his helmet and gauntlets and the three men were eating and talking as if they were having a business luncheon.

It freaked Sam out. He was trying to imagine Professor Charles Xavier sitting down with Mr. Sinister or Apocalypse and having lunch with them as calmly and he just couldn’t see it. Doom had tried to kill The Avengers, collectively and separately on so many occasions it was almost an annual event and where Sam came from, one didn’t just so casually break bread with one’s enemy. He had to admit thought that the food was delicious, prepared by the best chefs, trained in the finest culinary academies of the world. So he ate, remember something Captain America had told him once; on the battlefield take any and every opportunity you can to eat and sleep because you never know how long it’ll be before you have a chance to do either.

Steve picked up a jeweled goblet full of orange juice and washed down a mouthful of well-done T-bone steak and mashed potatoes before resuming the conversation; “Okay, Doom. We’ve spent enough time in polite pleasantries. I think it’s time we got down to business.”

Doom sat back in his ornate throne. “I would prefer to wait until we had finished but I understand that you suspicions must be allayed. Very well. Ask your questions. Doom will answer.”

“The main question is what do you have to gain by offering us sanctuary? What are you after?”

“What would be your answer if I told you that there was a menace of catastrophic proportions threatening our planet. A menace that can turn The Earth into a smoldering ball of ash as easily as you or I would step on an ant?”

“I’d say it wouldn’t be the first or the last time.” Steve Rogers cut another piece of steak. “If you’re serious, turn over all the proof you have about this threat and we’ll examine it. If it’s legitimate, we’ll take steps to stop it.”

Doom held up a metal finger. “It is not quite that simple.”

Tony Stark threw down his solid gold knife and fork onto the solid gold plate that held the remains of the three lobster tails he had just finished. “Now here it comes. The realreason why you’re making with the nicey-nicey.”

Doom regarded Tony with a dispassionate eye. “You appear perturbed, Stark.”

“I got a better word for this situation and ‘perturbed’ damn sure isn’t it,” Tony snapped. “Why don’t you just come out and say what it is you want from us and get it over with.” Tony looked across the table at Steve. “We’ve got other pots bubbling over on the stove or hadn’t you noticed? We’ve got to figure out why The United States has declared war on us and Captain Marvel’s still missing. ”

“Which is precisely why I offered you sanctuary here in Latveria,” Doom said. “First off, I believe that your government is being manipulated by the forces behind this global threat. Indeed, if my suspicions are correct, many highly placed officials are actively working to deliberately cause this crisis. And you need a base of operation to locate your missing member.”

The Vision spoke in his hollow voice. He had been sitting quietly, fingers interlaced, his chin lightly resting on his two index fingers. He had not spoken a word since entering Castle Doom, being content to observe. Until now. “Lord Doom, you make serious accusations. I think that if you have proof of what you say, now would be the time to produce it and allow us the time and resources to verify it.”

“I would not have spoken otherwise, android. If my researches bear the fruit I believe they will, I shall have uncontestable proof of what I say. But there are numerous forces right here on this planet that are even now seeking to prevent me from securing that proof. At such a critical juncture I cannot afford to have my attentions distracted. It could mean the difference between life and death for every man, woman and child on the planet.”

“I still don’t get this!” Sam burst out. “Why should you, of all people wanna help The Avengers?”

Namor placed a calming hand on the younger man’s forearm. “Doom has made alliances in the past with those he has fought against. Myself included. Doom wants this world to rule for his own and he cannot do so if it is destroyed. Doom would sign a contract with Satan himself if it served his purpose.”

“And what makes you think I have not already done so?” Doom’s mocking laughing chilled the blood of Sam Guthrie as he turned his unblinking, burning gaze on him. “Listen to your elders, boy. They know Doom.”

“Okay, Doom. Say we buy what you’re selling. What exactly are we talking about here?”

“Nothing except what I have already said: The Avengers are welcome to use the resources of Castle Doom as a base of operations to find your missing teammate and to find out why your government has betrayed you. I will continue my researches into the coming threat and will make my findings available to you.”

Tony Stark sighed theatrically. “And we’ll all go to Heaven in a little rowboat. Steve, you’re going to agree to this?”

“I am.” Steve looked around the table. “We all agreed to it before we came here. Now isn’t the time for second thoughts. We’ve committed ourselves to a course of action and we’re going to see it through.” He turned to look at Doom. “But don’t think for a minute that we’re not going to be watching you, Doom.”

“I would expect nothing less,” Doom said easily. Inside he was laughing silently. Things were working out so much better than he had originally planned. Of course he had neglected to inform The Avengers that Doom himself was holding Captain Marvel prisoner, along with Franklin Richards in a secure sub-basement of the castle. And by the time that The Avengers learned that fact, it would be far, far too late for them to do anything at all…

The Damocles Chamber
The Pentagon; Washington DC

“Colonel Fury is here, sir.”

“About damned time. Show him in.” The President of The United States said this with almost a snarl. Despite having been up for nearly fifteen hours straight, his eyes were clear and full of controlled anger. The members of his cabinet seated around the gleaming, hi-tech conference table were just as tired as he certainly had to be but no one would dare suggest that a break be taken or a recess called. Events were escalating at a frightening exponential rate and the chance that very soon an international conflict would break out was very much a possibility.

Colonel Nicholas Fury strode into The Damocles Chamber, his familiar trademark cigar firmly clamped between his strong white teeth. He had changed into a fresh steel-blue jumpsuit. A handgun was strapped across his chest and another one rode on his hip. He saluted The President crisply. “Colonel Fury reportin’ as ordered, sir.”

“At ease, Nick. You’re not being hauled up on the carpet for this one.” The President waved for the S.H.I.E.L.D. Director to take a seat. “In fact, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate the way S.H.I.E.L.D. has handled things. It can’t be easy and I’m sure it must be straining your resources.”

“That’s what S.H.I.E.L.D. is here for, sir. If you can’t depend on us, then who can you depend on?”

“Precisely why you’re here, Nick.” The President placed a hand on the table and slowly raised it. A three dimensional holographic representation of Doctor Doom’s head seemed to emerge from the table under The President’s hand. He took his hand from the top of the image’s head and placed it on either side and spread his hands open, enlarging the image. “Because it appears that S.H.I.E.L.D. may be the only thing left we’ve got to count on. Listen.” The President tapped the image and it began to speak.

“Greetings and salutations to you, Mr. President. I realize that you are extraordinarily busy with the many horrible events that are currently plaguing your beautiful country and I have no wish to add to your burdens. But there is a matter of which you must be made aware of: The Avengers have sought and been granted amnesty by Latveria. They have been granted honorary citizenships that I do not grant lightly. I am quite aware of the attack and destruction of Avengers Mansion by your armed forces. This is an act which I am certain will be looked upon unfavorably by The United Nations as the grounds Avengers Mansion once proudly occupied was granted sovereign status by The United Nations.

“But this is of no importance to Doom. My only concern is this: that you do not pursue your aggressive feud against The Avengers to Latveria. I say to you this, Mr. President: any aggression towards The Avengers will be considered to be an attack against Latveria and Doom will respond on a level that will cause you to regret the day you took office.

“This is no threat. This is a certainty. Doom bids you good day.”

The President’s hand appeared to mash the image back into the table and he turned to Nick. “Well, Colonel? How does it feel knowing that friends of yours are hiding behind the protection of a despotic madman who has tried to conquer the world more times than I’ve changed my socks? How does it feel knowing The Avengers are now proven traitors to their country?”

Nick removed the cigar from his mouth, blew out a cloud of bluish smoke and regarded it thoughtfully. His one good eye glittered balefully. He replaced the cigar in his mouth, worked it from the left side to the right side. Held it there for thirty seconds while he puffed on it serenely and then worked it again from the right side to the left side. Then he said one word:

“Bullshit.”

The Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs roared: “You secure that, mister! I don’t care who you are, you’re talking to The President of The United States and you will act accordingly.”

“I know exactly who I’m talkin’ to, Admiral. I only got one eye, yeah, but I see perfectly well with it.”

The President was smiling and he sat back in his chair. “So you maintain that I’m wrong in this situation, Nick?”

“Sir, I’ve known most of The Avengers longer than some of you in this room have been alive and I’ve known Steve Rogers longer than that still. Next to my crew at S.H.I.E.L.D. they’re the best people I know. I’m not sayin’ that The Avengers haven’t gone to Latveria because Doom don’t lie. But they went there fer a damn good reason. I’d stake my life it.”

“I see. And what to you propose we do about the situation?”

“Let Rogers and The Avengers deal with whatever is goin’ on in Latveria. We got enough on our plate without having a pissed off Doom standin’ behind us while we’ve got our pants down around our ankles. If you catch my meanin’, sir.”

The President nodded. “Indeed I do, Nick. Indeed I do.”

“C’n I ask what the UN thinks a’ alla this?”

“They’re screaming for international sanctions against The United States, naturally. The General Assembly’s called an emergency session. Avengers Mansion and its grounds were recognized as a sovereign entity. The Secretary General called me personally to ask why didn’t we blow up Canada while we were at it. It amounts to the same thing.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Nick chuckled. “Beggin’ ya pardon, sir…but he does have a point.”

“I have a point as well, Nick. And I made it. And now I have another point to make: I want S.H.I.E.L.D. to go over to Latveria and drag those traitors back here to answer for the crimes they’ve committed.”

Nick removed his cigar, his good eye narrowing slightly as he said quietly: “I have to respectfully suggest that The President carefully reconsider that idea.”

“It’s no idea, Colonel Fury. It’s an order.”

The Chief of Staff cleared his throat nervously. “Now hold on, sir. Colonel Fury’s right. After everything’s that’s happened today, the American people simply won’t tolerate us getting into a war with Latveria and Doctor Doom!”

Nick nodded. “I’ve fought Doom personally more times than I care to remember, Mr. President. He’s not to be underestimated or taken lightly.”

The President suddenly smiled as he titled his chair back. “You’re really serious about this, Nick.”

“I am. How could you tell?”

“Because you stopped talking like an uneducated dockworker. Very well. You have an alternative?”

“Sure I do. Lemme go on over to Latveria. With The Fantastic Four. There’s nobody on Earth knows Doom better than they do and if there’s any man on Earth that can make Doom back down it’s Reed Richards.”

“After The Thing tore up most of midtown Manhattan I’m not exactly inclined to let The Fantastic Four go anywhere except prison.”

“Good luck. We ain’t got a facility left capable a’ holding Slimer much less The Fantastic Four. So ya might as well let ‘em go with me to Latveria. Might be a good idea to get ‘em out of the country for a while. And if they can come back with The Avengers it might give ‘em some good will with the press.”

The Press Secretary was most quick to jump on that point. “Colonel Fury’s hit it right on the head, sir. If I’m going to spin this day favorably then I’m going to need anything and everything I can. It would help greatly if I were able to say that The Fantastic Four were on their way to Latveria to ‘persuade’ The Avengers to return to their true country.”

“Hell, just get ‘em out of Latveria!” The Secretary of Defense snapped. “I don’t want ‘em anywhere near Doctor Doom! Who’s to say that he’s not slapping some kind of mind-control on ‘em right now?”

“In that case, I’d best to get steppin’, then. With yer permission, sir…” Nick saluted smartly and turned to leave but was paused by The President.

“Colonel Fury…”

“Yes, Mr. President?”

“There’s no halfway here, mister. The Avengers either come back with you standing up or lying down. I trust you understand what I mean?”

Nick saluted again. “I serve at the pleasure of The President.”

Castle Doom
Latveria

“What happened to your armor, Tony?”

It was sort of strange to see Tony Stark walking around in regular clothes. It had been so long since he’d been out of his armor. But here he was, looking and smelling as if he had freshly showered and changed. He was dressed in simple yet elegant Ben Gunn slacks, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and Rocafella loafers.

“The Vision’s watching it. I had to get out of the thing for a while. There are some self-repairing systems that work more efficiently when I’m not in the suit. And even though the waste disposal system is terrific-”

Carol Danvers held up a hand. “Little more information than I need or want to know, T.” She closed the issue of The London Times she’d been reading. “I’m surprised you decided to climb out of your tin can and walk around Castle Doom. I’d figure you’d stay in it as long as you were able to.”

Tony grinned. “Much as I love the thing it can get a little claustrophobic after being cooped up in it for 24 hours straight. And besides, I had do some work and it was easier to do it outside the suit.”

“What’s going on?”

Tony sat down and leaned forward. “I had to re-calibrate some of Doom’s satellites to scan The Earth for Captain Marvel’s Avengers ID card. The locator chip in the card will tell us where he is. But it’ll take some time. Doom has only let us use two of his satellites and he’s given us limited access to those.”

“You’re Tony Stark. You’re telling me you can’t reprogram Doom’s satellites to pick up XM radio if we wanted?”

“I could reprogram Doom’s satellites to pick up broadcasts from 1959 if I wanted to but what’s the point? I do it and he shuts them down. We have no eyes to tell us what’s going out in The U.S. and we don’t find Genis.”

Carol sighed and looked around her at the beautiful library they were sitting in. Despite the 16th Century furniture, gleaming mirrors and fresh flowers in crystal vases the room had the oppressive feel of a trap. “How in the hell did we get into this mess, Tony? And how are we going to get out? Has The President been compromised? The whole government? Is there anybody left on our side?”

“We’ll find out what’s going on, Carol. Trust me on that. Don’t think I haven’t forgotten that I was forced to watch my house being destroyed. That wasn’t just Avengers Mansion to me. I was born in that house. I played in its halls. Somebody’s going to pay for its destruction.”

Carol looked into the eyes of Tony Stark and had no doubt at all that he meant what he said. And she certainly didn’t want to be on the receiving end of whatever vengeance he was prepared to deal out.

Deep within the most secure chambers of his vast castle Doom listened to the conversation of Tony and Carol. A metal finger tapped against a metal chin. How typical. The Avengers sat in the fortress of a sworn enemy and they took the time to indulge in such petty worries and concerns. If their positions had been reversed, if it was Doom who had taken refuge inside of Avengers Mansion, he would have been in control of it by now.

Doom swiveled in his chair to a bank of long range tracking monitors. His eyes swept over the instrument boards until he found what he was looking for: one satellite that constantly was trained on Manhattan and the headquarters of The Fantastic Four. If he was right and he always was, The President would be sending Reed Richards and his family to Latveria. So predictable. But this time it was Doom’s desire that The Fantastic Four should be sent. It suited his purposes that they came to Latveria at this critical moment.

Doom leaned forward and tapped a button on the console in front of him. “Captain America? May I speak with you? There is a new development you must be made aware of.”

“Absolutely not. If you think I’m going to order The Avengers into combat against Nick Fury and The Fantastic Four then I’m insulted.” Steve Rogers was dressed like Tony in civilian clothes. Jarvis had insisted on cleaning the various costumes of his charges. Sam Guthrie and Carol Danvers stood slightly behind their leader as he confronted Doom.

“Insulted?” Doom’s voice was plainly puzzled. “I do not understand.”

“I’m insulted that you would think so little of my intelligence. I’m no Tony Stark or T’Challa but I’m far from being a moron. Which is exactly how you’re treating me.”

Doom sighed. “We have no time for your well known superior morality, Rogers. Colonel Fury is on his way with a full S.H.I.E.L.D. strike team as well as The Fantastic Four. Their goal is to either bring you back to The United States to face bogus charges or to leave you here dead.”

“An’ how do you know all this?” Sam challenged.

“I am Doom.”

“Ain’t that th’ truth,” the youth grumbled. Steve waved him to silence.

“For the sake of argument, let’s say I buy what you’re selling, Doom. What exactly do you want us to do?”

“I am not requesting that you fight Colonel Fury and The Fantastic Four to the death. Merely that you hold them off and defend my castle while I complete my research. I simply cannot be distracted at this time and if I am forced to fight both S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Fantastic Four my castle will suffer damage. At this critical junction that cannot happen. If it does we will never have the proof we need that your nation’s leaders are being manipulated and a massively dangerous threat faces this world.”

“The hell with this, Steve,” Carol placed a hand on his shoulder. “This whole set-up stinks worse than a houseguest who doesn’t know when to leave. Let’s go back home with Nick and the others. I’m willing to take my chances.”

“I agree,” Sam said. “Better the fire we know than the fryin’ pan we don’t.”

“We agreed on a course of action and we’re going to stick to it. The two of you go tell the others to get suited up for action. I’ll brief them in ten minutes.”

Carol’s lovely blue eyes were tortured as she stepped forward; “Steve…”

Steve Rogers gripped both her upper arms gently but firmly. “Carol, do you trust me?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then I need you be a good soldier and trust me now. You have your orders.”

Carol managed a thin smile and nodded. “Yessir.” She whirled and strode from the room, motioning for Sam to follow. He gave Steve one final worried look and followed.

Steve had his back to Doom and his right hand slowly tightened into a fist as Doom said; “It has always been your ability to inspire that I have always considered your most dangerous quality, Rogers. By your merest word those with power enough to shake the stars dash to do your slightest bidding.”

Without turning around, Steve said in a low voice; “You play us false, Doom and I’ll show you what my most dangerous quality is.”

The only answer was the clang of Doom’s metal shod feet as he left the room. The thick oaken door boomed shut behind him. Steve took a deep breath and said to the empty room, “You heard all that?”

From a darkened corner, something floated towards him, gaining solidity as it did so. It was The Vision. He had reduced his density so that he had been virtually invisible. Hiding in the shadows, he had eavesdropped on the conversation as per Steve’s request.

“I heard all.”

“What do you think?”

“If Hawkeye was here I think he would say that Doom lies like a rug.”

Steve grinned. “Well put.”

“Are you really going to order The Avengers to fight The Fantastic Four, Steven?”

“I’m certainly going to make Doom think we are. But I’ve got something else I want you to do. Now here’s my plan…”

Captain America, The Sub-Mariner, Iron Man, Cannonball, The Vision and Warbird quickly left Castle Doom, after their briefing from their leader. At least it was the briefing that Captain America intended for Doom to hear, as Captain America was positive that Doom was monitoring them. It was a dangerous game that Captain America was playing but there was no other choice. If there was any chance for them to find out what Doctor Doom was really up to and for all of them to come out of this alive they’d have to walk the razor’s edge. Shortly after they left Castle Doom, Captain America assembled his troops and they quickly conferred in a thick wooded area some miles from the castle. Hopefully Doom would think they were just making last minute battle plans. And they were. Just not the kind that Doom thought they were.

Captain America hunkered down and looked up and around him at the faces that looked down. Iron Man’s chest beam illuminated the patch of ground as Captain America used a twig to sketch in the loose dirt. “The whole thing hinges on that we have to convince Doom that we’re going all out to stop The Fantastic Four. You’ve got make it look good people. Not only Doom but also The FF has to be convinced as well. At least for the first few minutes of the battle.”

“Cap, this is THE FANTASTIC FOUR we’re talkin’ ‘bout,” Cannonball said. “There’s a good chance th’ battle ain’t gonna last more than a few minutes.”

Namor nodded. “For once the boy speaks wisdom. I know better than any here how formidable The Fantastic Four is. None of them are to be taken lightly. Especially Susan Richards.”

“Agreed. That’s why we’re going to throw Iron Man at her.”

“Would I not be a more logical choice?” Namor asked. “I’ve held my own against all of them by myself. I-”

“It’s not that kind of fight, Namor. And anyway, you’re going to have your hands full with Johnny Storm.”

“Speaking of which, Steve. I’d best conserve my power for that fight.” Iron Man gestured at The Vision, who had been silent through their battle plans.

“Agreed.”

The Vision faded away. He had been no more than a holographic image projected by Iron Man’s armor. “You think it fooled Doom, Tony?” Captain America asked.

“Hell, no. But it may have bought The Vision some time. That’s the best we can hope for.”

Captain America looked back at Namor. “You have a problem with taking on Johnny Storm, Namor?”

Amazingly, Namor smiled. “Ah. Ever the traditionalist, eh, Rogers?”

“You’ve had sixty years of experience fighting one Human Torch or the other. That makes you an expert.” Captain America looked up at Cannonball. “Son, you think you’re up to taking on The Thing?”

“Sir, you tell me to whup Galactus an’ I’ll do it.”

Captain America’s voice was full of quiet authority as he continued. “You’ve been through a lot since you joined the team, son. But this is as real as it gets. Ben Grimm is one of the most formidable hand-to-hand fighters I know with decades of experience under his belt. There’s no shame in saying you don’t think you can take him.”

“I’ll do my job, sir. To the best of my ability.”

“Good. Carol, that leaves you with Mr. Fantastic.”

“Swell. Stick the ditzy blonde with the job of outthinking the world’s smartest guy.”

Captain America stood up and adjusted his shield on his arm. “Okay, people. We know our jobs. Let’s do this.”

“Fury… Professor Richards…” Captain America said in that magnificent voice that stirred the soul of his allies and brought fear to the hearts of his enemies “As much as it pains me, I am obliged to give you one opportunity to either leave or surrender. You have invaded foreign soil, an act of war, and by the rights invested in me by the sovereign nation of Latveria and its sole monarch… Lord Victor Von Doom, if you choose to disregard his offer of safe conduct to the border, I am obligated to defend this soil that has offered me and mine sanctuary from incursion in his name…Reed… Nick… Please don’t do this.”

The Invisible Woman stepped forward. Captain America barely had time to get his shield up just before he flew backwards at an incredible speed, smashing far and away into the trees.

“Doom has my son, Captain… Get the hell out of my way!” And the battle was joined…

Cannonball instinctively turned to see if Captain America was okay. Amazingly, The Living Legend Of World War II was already on his feet and racing back to the battleground. An impact such as that one would have shattered every bone in the body of an ordinary man. Namor swooped about ten feet over Cannonball’s head, shouting: “Pay attention, boy! This is war!”

Cannonball looked around for the familiar orange body of The Thing and didn’t see him. Could he have gone on to Castle Doom by himself, leaving his teammates to handle The Avengers?

The ground was shaking as something heavy approached him and Cannonball turned, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw who it was charging him. He barely had time to say; “Elvin?” Before Rage’s huge fist caught him flush on the side of his head and the world disappeared in a burst of mad crimson agony.

Iron Man skimmed low over the ground, heading right for The Invisible Woman, his repulsor rays chewing up the ground in front of her. Protected as she was by her impenetrable and invisible force field, she still needed ground to stand on. Or did she? Sue Richards appeared to levitate straight up into the air about forty feet.

Neat trick, Iron Man thought in admiration. Invisible column to stand on. Not levitation but close enough.

“Sue, we don’t have to do this. You and the others can leave Latveria right now and we’ll forget this ever happened.”

“You go to hell, Stark. Doom has my son and so help me, if he’s so much as red-eyed from crying I swear I’ll kill every last one of you.”

Dear God, she really MEANS it! Iron Man kicked in the turbos and got clear as the ground under him was ripped upwards as if a giant spade had suddenly plunged into the earth and thrown a giant clod at him. Iron Man blasted the dirt to powder with a repulsor ray blast and immediately realized his mistake. Damn! A diversion! And I fell for it!

Sue Richards slammed Iron Man with an invisible battering ram that was fueled by her worry and concern for her child’s safety. Iron Man was smashed into the ground and was held there as if a massive foot was standing on him. He was pinned, totally immobile while the inside of his helmet erupted with all sorts of warnings telltales and signals. Hairline fractures started to appear in the surface of the knitted metallic exterior.

Sue Richards descended to earth, his beautiful face twisted with sheer malice, one hand tightened into a fist. Her voice was not the throaty, cultured tones she usually used. It was a voice filled with raw, ragged rage.

“I don’t know what possessed you to help Doom take my son, Stark. But you’re going to regret it. I promise you.”

“Sue, I swear that we had no idea that Franklin was being held prisoner by Doom! Whatever else you may think of us you can’t believe that we’d knowingly help Doom take your son!”

“I don’t much care at this point, mister! First I’m going to take your suit apart and then we’ll talk.”

Suddenly, Iron Man shrieked in agony and fat dancing sparks chased each other along the surface of the armor. Shocked, Sue stepped back, dissolving the invisible battering ram. Smoke was coming from the eye and mouth slits of the helmet. There was a series of metallic clickings as the helmet unsealed itself. Sue could faintly hear a voice inside the helmet mumbling something. She didn’t catch most of the words save for one: “Franklin…”

“What about Franklin? Talk to me, Stark! Or I’ll-” Sue snatched off the helmet and her beautiful crystal blue eyes widened in astonishment as she looked down at nothing.

The armor was empty.

The helmet she was holding erupted with electrical energy and Sue’s dazzling mane of proud blond hair, which normally fell halfway down her back now stood out straight in all directions as she was flooded with enough juice to knock her out. She crumpled next to the empty suit of armor. The helmet bounced and rolled a few feet away.

Hidden in a grove of trees that hadn’t been swept away by Sue’s power, Tony Stark removed the teleprescence unit from the top of his head. It was a delicate yet sturdy cyberweb that enabled him to operate the suit by remote control using nothing but his thoughts. Seeing as how this was a simple teleprescence unit, he was limited by line of sight. He had to be within line of sight to control the armor. But it had been more than enough. Sue Richards was simply too dangerous to take chances with. Out of all the members of The Fantastic Four, she was the one who had to be taken out of action as soon as possible.

And what was that she had said about Franklin? Held captive by Doom? Tony was grinding his teeth so hard that if one of his teammates had been standing near him it would have sounded like rough sandpaper being rubbed together. He KNEW Doom had been playing them for fools! He just KNEW it! He had told Rogers so but trying telling that sanctimonious, self-righteous know-it-all anything and see where it got you.

It was too dangerous to rush out there and get his armor. The battle between his teammates and the rest of The Fantastic Four was still going on at a high level. Whatever happened next, for better or for worse, The Avengers would have to do without Iron Man…

Cannonball took another hideously powerful blow from Rage and was knocked some fifteen feet, tumbling over and over on the ground. The left side of his head felt horribly swollen and he was sure that something inside of him was broken. He couldn’t see out of his left eye. He had a sudden terrifying feeling that he might not even have a left eye anymore.

Rage was stomping towards him, a massive engine of destruction, the very embodiment of his name. “You wanna stay down, Cannonball. I ain’t gonna tell you twice.”

Cannonball shakily got to his feet, spit out a tooth and stumbled backwards. He needed a moment or two to get ready. Maybe he could buy that time by talk; “Whut th’ hell are you doin’ here, Rage?”

“The Thing couldn’t make it. Lucky for you. He might’ve torn your head off by now. Not that I’m not likely to do it myself. STOP MOVIN’, MAN!”

Cannonball ignored him, continued backing away. “Rage, you don’t understand what’s going on here. I-”

“Yeah, I understand plenty! All I need to! Nick Fury says The Avengers gotta come home and we don’t haveta be gentle about it.”

“Rage, the government, The President…they could all be mind-controlled-”

“Suuuuuuuuuure they could…they ain’t the ones shackin’ up with Doctor Doom, though.” Rage broke off and suddenly leaped at Cannonball, who had been waiting for that.

Most people thought that all he could do was use his thermo-chemical energy bursts to fly through the air. Maybe that was so when he had first discovered his power but after years of practical applications in practice and in combat he had learned how to do much more. Such as release that energy through his hands. Or fist. Which is what Rage got a face full of: the total power of Cannonball’s energy burst delivered in a massive blow that sounded like the eruption of a small volcano.

Rage went flying one way, his twisted; smoking metal mask went flying in another.

Rage flew up into the air in a soaring arc and came down some five hundred feet away, slamming into the ground with bone jangling force. His face was blistered, smoking and he could barely see through the swollen slits of his eyes. But he could see enough. Cannonball was coming right at him like a runaway ICBM, haloed in a corona of fiery thermo-chemical energy and his battered, bloody face was that of a man consumed with murderous anger.

KRAKAKOOOOOM!

Cannonball piledrived into Rage’s chest. He wrapped his arms around Rage’s thick torso as best he could, picked him up and they continued on until Cannonball saw a group of moss covered boulders sticking up out of the ground like misshapen boils. He changed direction and the impact of him slamming Rage into the boulders was deafening.

Cannonball staggered backwards out of a cloud of rock dust, gasping for air, holding onto his side as Rage slowly slumped to his knees in a pile of rubble. Blood dripped from Rage’s ears, nose and the corners of his mouth. Neither one of them looked too good.

“Whut you got against me, man?” Cannonball gasped out. “The way you went after me…that was personal. Whut I done to you that you got such a mad on for me?”

Rage looked up at Cannonball. “Why you?”

“What do you mean, ‘why you’?”

“Why did they make you the newest golden boy of The Avengers? You were a terrorist, man! You did things with X-Force that shoulda got you thrown under the jail! But you join up with The Avengers and all is forgiven, huh? I steal a lousy Quinjet to help out my friends and they kicked me off the team so fast it took my boots a half hour to catch up.”

“Elvin…look, man…I dunno whut to tell you, I-”

“You got NUTHIN’ to tell me! NUTHIN!” Rage came up off his kneeling position with that amazing agility and speed and plowed into Cannonball like a berserk linebacker. They landed on the ground with Cannonball underneath.

The sound of a bone breaking was hideously loud.

Rage rolled off Cannonball and his eyes were wide with panic and horror. “Hey, Guthrie…you okay?…Guthrie!”

Cannonball lay totally still. He didn’t even seem to be breathing.

Rage threw back his head and screamed.

“Seems like old times, doesn’t it, Subby?” The Human Torch taunted as he followed Namor. They were flying above the trees, The Sub-Mariner a little below and ahead of Johnny. The Human Torch was hurling fireballs at the speeding Sub-Mariner but Namor was avoiding them as if he had eyes in the back of his head. The missed fireballs were landing in the trees and starting fires but Johnny didn’t particularly care. If Latveria entire burned to a cinder he would not lose one minute of a night’s sleep.

Namor wasn’t answering, which was strange. In the past Johnny had compared battle notes with other who had fought The Sub-Mariner and the consensus was unanimous: the worst part about fighting The Sub-Mariner was having to listen to him. Johnny remembered battles against Namor in the past where he had prayed mightily that Namor would just shut UP. And now here he was, flying silently.

“I like your new wet suit, Subby! Doesn’t the chafing get to you, though?”

Nothing. No return insult. Now Johnny was beginning to get spooked. Namor never passed up an opportunity to return an insult. Time to stop playing this game his way. The Human Torch swept out an arm and a crackling curtain of orange-red flame sheeted downward, completely covering The Sub-Mariner, obscuring him from sight. A quick flash-fry job was the best. Namor wasn’t at his best out of water and the secret to fighting him was to dehydrate him. The Human Torch swooped upwards to gain some distance in case Namor flew back upwards to try a quick, desperate grab.

But there was nothing. The curtain of flame was dissipating and Johnny drew the last vestiges back into his flaming form. The leaves of the trees had been completely burned away leaving only the naked, smoking black stumps of the trees. But Namor had inexplicably vanished. Now unless The Sub-Mariner had suddenly developed the power of invisibility and Johnny didn’t think he had-

-The Human Torch barely avoided the powerful jet of water that gushed over him. The forceful spray that came from an underground irrigation system soaked half his body. Namor had burrowed under the earth, ripped the pipe loose and waited patiently. Namor squeezed the jagged end of the metal pipe, crimping it shut and in one amazing leap was on Johnny, bearing him back to the ground with a stunning impact that doused the rest of Johnny’s flame.

Namor’s normally severe face was wearing a triumphant smile that along with his pointed ears and arching eyebrows gave him a decidedly demonic cast. “Doom’s irrigation system is vast and runs the length of Latveria, Storm. It is the reason why Latveria enjoys such a healthy farming industry. It was a simple matter to lure you away from your teammates and then douse you with enough water to extinguished your vaunted flame.”

“Big fat hairy deal, Subby. All this time and you finally learned how to think for yourself. I’m impressed.”

The Sub-Mariner shook The Human Torch viciously. “Arrogant pup! How much thought does it take to defeat you? Out of all the members of The Fantastic Four it has always been you who is truly the weakest member! Your sister is worth ten of you!”

“Doesn’t say much for what your teammates think of you if they sent The Prince of Atlantis to take down a pup, does it? I guess Cap hasn’t completely gone round the bend. If he’d sent you up against Sue or Reed they’d have stomped you into crab meat by now.”

Namor roared wordlessly and flung Johnny away, which was exactly what Johnny wanted. The key to fighting Namor was simple: keep him good and mad and the fight was half won. Johnny had been slowly raising his internal temperature as they had been talking and he was now completely dry. “Flame ON!” he shouted and his body burst into blazing fury and he twisted in mid-air to take the fight to Namor.

The Sub-Mariner dug his fingers into the dirt and with a surge of his mighty muscles sent a shower of dirt at The Human Torch, intending to douse his flames again. The Human Torch simply increased the heat of his flames and the dirt disintegrated into powder before reaching him. But by then, Namor was airborne once again, swooping up, around and over Johnny. Namor couldn’t make a grab for the water pipe again. Johnny was too savvy a fighter to fall for that same trick again. Namor dived directly at the youth. His only chance was to overpower The Human Torch with his vastly superior strength before the heat dehydrated him and-

-The Human Torch never even gave him a chance. Johnny sent a battering ram of fire streaking upwards to catch Namor full in the chest. Namor roared in agony as it felt as if he’d been suddenly immersed in an acid bath. He fell to earth heavily, barely conscious. His smoking, burned body struck with a sickeningly loud thump!

The Human Torch landed next to Namor and flamed off, looking down at his vanquished enemy without the slightest shred of pity. “You shouldn’t have messed with my nephew, Namor. I’ve never liked you much but I didn’t think you’d stoop so low as to help Doctor Doom kidnap a kid.”

“Didn’t we do this dance once before, Cap?” Nick Fury asked. The two combat veterans warily circled each other, seeking the slightest advantage. “Back at the old S.H.I.E.L.D. Spy School? Remember?”

“Not likely I would forget that day, Nick.”

“What say you put that there shield a’yours down an’ we sit down an’ talk about this, huh?”

“Can’t do it, Nick.” Captain America’s eyes were plainly and honestly regretful. “There’s a lot more at stake going on here than you can imagine. I’ve got to play this game out to the end if I want to uncover the real truth.”

Nick chewed on his unlit cigar as he continued circling Captain America who continued circling him. The distance between the two men stayed exactly the same. “An’ you expect me to believe that you’re gonna find out the truth playing footsie with Doctor Doom? C’mon, Cap!”

“Is it any crazier than The President ordering The U.S. Army to fire on Avengers Mansion?”

“The yahoo who wuz in charge a’ that operation is goin’ to answer to me personally for that, Cap. Y’got my word on it.”

“Tell that to Tony Stark.”

“This is gonna be difficult, ain’t it?”

“I expect so.”

“Let’s git to it, then.” In one fluid movement as fast as a angry cobra, Nick Fury snatched the cigar out of his mouth and threw it at Captain America, who sprang backwards to avoid it.

The cigar hit the ground, burst apart and a cloud of thick smoke exploded from it. Thinking it was gas, Captain America continued backing up. Nick came flying through the cloud of smoke, feet first, his arm coming downward in a modified muay thai elbow smash.

The smoke from that cigar was just a diversion! I’d forgotten how canny a fighter Nick is! Captain America could only duck and whirl as Nick sailed over his head, hit the ground rolling and came back up once again, his thickly muscled leg lashing out in a devastating straight kick. Once again on the defensive, Captain America was forced to dive and roll out of the way as Nick went sailing over his head.

Captain America tumbled, got some distance and came up with his shield in his right hand. With an ease that came from decades of combat, he sent his shield sizzling through the air at Nick. Almost casually, Nick lifted his left arm and triggered a watch shaped device on his wrist. With a sharp KLACK! A dozen three inch log rods snapped out of the device. Captain America’s shield appeared to strike an invisible barrier in front of Nick Fury and ricocheted back to Captain America’s hand.

He’s got a magnetic repulsor device! Captain America was impressed. Nick had obviously come prepared. He had expected it to come down to a fight between the two of them all along. He flung his shield again.

This time, Nick didn’t resort to using the magnetic repulsor. He dived forward in a one handed somersault, his booted feet striking the shield in mid-flight and sending it arcing away from the two combatants. Nick came to his feet with a fierce grin. “Figgered I’d get ridda that overrated trash can lid a’yours, Cap. Hope you don’t mind.”

Captain America’s answer was non-verbal as he went on the attack, his arms pumping in and out in a series of lightning fast punches that would have taken out any other man except for one who had just as much combat experience as himself. Nick Fury blocked the punches, backing up, taking his measure of Captain America silently while his one good eye stayed focused on his opponent.

“Carol, this senseless battle has no point! We should be trying to calm down the others and find a rational solution to this ridiculous conflict!”

Mr. Fantastic’s pliable body ribboned wildly as he easily dodged the photonic blasts of Warbird, who was growing increasingly more frustrated at how easily Reed Richards was evading her attacks. “Hold still, dammit!” Warbird snarled. Mr. Fantastic’s fist, twice it’s normal size, curved upwards and behind Warbird, slamming into her and taking her totally by surprise. She’s never imagined that Reed Richards was such a formidable fighter. His arms and torso seemed to be everywhere except where her photonic blasts were. He stretched wildly, twisting and turning this way and that, as elusive as water itself. Warbird straightened out her flight and zoomed at Reed’s elongated midsection that whipped out of the way.

“Tell your missus that, Reed! She started it!”

“And what do you expect? You honestly expect us to believe that things have gotten so bad that you found it necessary to steal our son and ally yourself with Doctor Doom?” Mr. Fantastic looped his midsection around Warbird while his hands were quickly diving into the pockets of his battle vest, withdrawing various components and assembling them.

Warbird struggled to free herself from the folds of Mr. Fantastic’s body. Punching was doing no damn good. His elastic form simply gave with the blow. A photonic burst might make him let go-

“We don’t know anything about Franklin, Reed! I swear!”

Reed’s arms stretched a good thirty feet and the device in his left hand hissed an a thick cloud of sticky, coppery foam that smelled strongly of celery engulfed Warbird’s head, solidifying enough to blind her but was porous enough to still allow her breathe.

Sneaky son of a bitch! Warbird thought as she fought to tear it off, whatever the hell it was. But it was too late. Reed’s right hand reached around to the back of her neck and slapped a metallic disc on the back of her neck. Suddenly, Warbird’s body refused to obey her and she fell to earth heavily.

Mr. Fantastic’s body returned to its normal dimensions. “I placed a simple neural inhibitor on the back of your neck, Warbird. It will do no permanent damage. But you will be safely out of action until we can straighten this whole mess out.” Reed turned and saw that Nick Fury and Captain America were still going at it, two magnificent masters of combat, equally matched and neither one apparently able to gain the upper hand on the other.

Along with The Human Torch and Tony Stark, Reed ran toward the two men. Reed’s heart was heavy as he realized that if they couldn’t talk Captain America and Nick out their mortal combat, this horrible battle may just have begun…

The Vision paused in his search and took a moment to take stock of his surroundings. Castle Doom was extremely huge, with many hidden laboratories, private chambers and an extensive underground complex. The Vision knew that he could never search the entire castle by the time the fight between The Avengers and The Fantastic Four was over with. But Captain America was relying on him to find evidence of what Doom’s real plans were. And by this time, Doom certainly knew that The Vision wasn’t helping his teammates fight The Fantastic Four so there was only one other place the synthezoid could be.

The Vision was in a gigantic storeroom. Massive metal crates, numbered and lettered neatly were stacked in rows and rows. The Vision briefly considered turning intangible and sticking his head inside to take a quick look. But no…he had to search as much of the lower levels as he could before Doom turned all his efforts to locating him.

The Vision lowered his density and slowly dropped through the floor, descending through other rooms and chambers until he phased into a large room that was wildly out of place with the rest of Castle Doom. It looked like the playroom of a Midwestern American home. Artificial sunlight streamed in through a huge picture window that was actually a holographic illusion.

“Whurf?”

The Vision turned to see a huge bulldog standing behind him. A fork-shaped antennae on the dog’s forehead crackled with energy. The bulldog sniffed at The Vision and satisfied, licked the synthezoid’s chest with a dark red, very rough tongue that was easily four or five feet wide.

The Vision wiped his chest and said; “I’m pleased to see you as well, Lockjaw. But why-”

“Vision! Am I glad to see you!” Franklin Richards leaped from the bed he had been lying on and ran over to The Vision. He leaped into The Vision’s arms and hugged him tightly. “Did you bring my mom an’ dad? Where are they?”

“They are here, Franklin. Are you well? Has Doom hurt you? Why did he bring you here?”

“Questions best answered by me, don’t you think, android?” Doctor Doom stepped from a hidden alcove where he had be standing quietly, waiting for just the right moment to reveal himself. “I watched your teammates depart from my castle on my monitors. Stark’s pathetic holographic illusion provided me with a few minutes of amusement but that was all. Once I saw that The Avengers were trying to deceive me, I immediate came here as I knew it would only be a matter of time before you arrived.”

“Get behind me, Franklin,” The Vision ordered. “The boy comes with me, Doom. I will return him to his parents. Consider the agreement made between you and The Avengers null and void.”

Doom raised his armored hands, which crackled with seething energies. “Null and void. An extremely apt choice of words, android. Because that is exactly how I intend to render you.”

NEXT: “Pax Doom” continues in the pages of Fantastic Four #15!

 

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