Avengers Mansion

Deep within Avengers Mansion, round metal table with an A engraved on it sits in the center of the war room, surrounded by monitors. Six of the Avengers sit around the table with Namor, the seventh, leaning against a bare wall with his arms folded across his chest. Standing at the front of the room is Duane Freeman, the Avengers’ Federal Security Liason. A holographic projection appears in the center of a map, centered particularly on one country.

“This is Luminstan,” says Duane. “It’s a small, landlocked, Slovak-speaking country in eastern Europe. Luminstan has faced years of civil war, and they’re prepared to inaugerate their first democratically-elected Prime Minister.”

“It’s nice to know democracy’s spreading across the world, but what does this have to do with us?” asks Captain Marvel.

“There are several rebel factions within Luminstan that aren’t very pleased with the nation’s newfound democracy,” replies Duane. “The Prime Minister, Abelovic Kitchstein, has received numerous threats on his life. I know the Avengers have operated independently of the United States for some time now, but the President has requested that the Avengers serve as bodyguards for Kitchstein. Sort of as a gesture of good faith to the rest of the world.”

“Doesn’t he already have some super-powered yes-men on his payroll anyway?” asks Namor.

“Like X-Factor maybe?” asks Cannonball.

“Yes, there are a few candidates the President could give this assignment to,” replies Duane. “X-Factor, for example, are currently in China. But within the international community, there are few who are held in as high regard as the Avengers. And with the U.N. granting you sovereign status, this also shows that the President is willing to reach out to other nations beside the United Kingdom.”

“And Poland,” remarks Namor. Captain Marvel, Cannonball, and Warbird all stifle laughter at his remark. Iron Man cracks a smile beneath his faceplate.

“Yes… well, famous quotes aside…” says Duane. “that is the situation, friends. The President would owe you a debt of gratitude if you accepted this assignment.”

“Absolutely not,” says Namor. “The Sub-Mariner is not at the bidding of a man with delusions of creating an empire.”

“Namor, please,” says Captain America. “This is an important matter. I believe it’s something we should consider. Any other thoughts?”

“I may not like our President, but Cap’s got a point,” says Warbird. “If we can prevent a possible civil war, then I think it’s our job to do so.”

“I don’t like the idea of us working for the government, so we need to be clear that this is just a favor to America,” says Iron Man.

“That’s not a problem, Iron Man,” says Duane. “Do I take it you’re all in agreement?”

“This is what ah signed on for, so yeah,” says Cannonball.

“May not be Kang-level, but it sounds like a plan to me,” says Captain Marvel. “We go there, protect this guy, and we get to go to a party.”

“Vision?” asks Captain America. “Do you have anything to add?”

“At the moment, no,” replies the Vision.

“I have something to add,” says Namor. “I absolutely refuse to… bodyguard detail. I have better things to do with my time.”

Namor moves from his spot against the wall and pushes past Duane to get to the door, almost knocking the man over. Captain America stands from his seat and follows Namor out the door.

“Namor wait!” he exclaims. He catches up to Namor and grabs the Sub-Mariner’s arm. Namor turns and glares.

“Let go of my arm, Captain,” he says. “I won’t say it again.”

Captain America releases Namor’s arm before saying, “this is important.”

“For you, perhaps,” says Namor. “You are the champion of democracy. I joined the Avengers simply because of this supposed threat which is coming. If you require my assistance, then you have the means to contact me. But I will not go along on a simple bodyguard mission. As far as I’m concerned, I’m serving the Avengers on my own terms. My kingdom comes first. You told me we were clear on that, did you not?”

“I did, and we are,” says Captain America. “But I would really appreciate it if you joined us on this mission.”

“I know,” says Namor. He spins on his heel and walks away from Captain America, towards the exit.

THE TARGET

Part I: Abroad

By Logan Polk and Dino Pollard

Luminstan

As the sun begins to set for the evening, a Quinjet touches down on a private airstrip. Several men dressed in suits stand waiting on the airstrip while the Avengers pile out from the craft. One of the man, with short black hair and a beard, steps up to the group.

“Welcome Avengers,” he says, extending his hand to Captain America. “My name is Mikhail Goroso, I’m Prime Minister Kitchstein’s top advisor.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Goroso,” says Captain America, accepting Goroso’s hand.

“This way, please,” says Goroso, motioning to two jeeps waiting for the six members. “We will take you to your hotel, and on the ride, I can fill you in on the details. I’m sure you would all like to rest after your long trip.”

“That would be fine, thank you,” says Captain America. He turns to Iron Man. “You can track us to the hotel, right?”

“Yeah,” replies Iron Man. “I take it you want me to go separately?”

“I’d like an aerial recon,” says Captain America. “Take Genis.”

“Carol is probably better suited for recon,” says Iron Man.

“In most cases, I’d agree with you, but Carol doesn’t have Cosmic Awareness,” says Captain America. Iron Man nods and walks up to Captain Marvel, pulling him aside. The two speak briefly before taking to the skies.

“They won’t be joining us?” asks Goroso.

“They’re going to meet us at the hotel,” replies Captain America.

“It seems like we didn’t really need two jeeps, then,” says Goroso. “I was expecting to transport seven of you, not four.”

“I wanted Iron Man and Captain Marvel to perform a quick recon,” says Captain America.

“And your seventh member, where is he?” asks Goroso.

“Namor, sadly, was unable to accompany us, he had a… pressing matter to attend to,” replies Captain America. “Vision, you ride with Mr. Goroso and myself. Warbird and Cannonball, you two take the other jeep.”

“You getting anything?” asks Iron Man as he flies over Luminstan airspace beside Captain Marvel.

“Cosmic Awareness isn’t picking up any disturbances,” replies Captain Marvel.

“And even if it was, who knows how reliable it’d be?”

“Oh shut up, Rick,” says Captain Marvel.

“Hey, I’m just saying…”

“There’s something about this situation I don’t like,” says Iron Man. “Why does the President suddenly care about international opinion?”

“Sounds like you voted for the other guy,” says Captain Marvel.

“Didn’t you?” asks Iron Man.

“Don’t really pay attention to politics that much,” replies Captain Marvel. “Y’know, what with saving the universe every month. Plus me being an alien and unregistered as a citizen of any country kind of makes voting a bit difficult.”

“And Rick?” asks Iron Man.

“Actually, I think we were off fighting my evil clone from an alternate reality on election day…” replies Captain Marvel.

“Don’t you hate it when those guys turn up?” asks Iron Man.

“Oh, don’t get me started on the evil, alternate reality clones,” says Captain Marvel. “They’re like cockroaches. Radioactive cockroaches. Only more annoying.”

“Hey! That’s what I said! Write your own material!”

Captain Marvel cracks a smile.

In his hotel room, Captain America pulls his mask and gloves off, setting them down beside his shield. He hears the sound of footsteps on the balcony and turns to find Iron Man and Captain Marvel standing in the room.

“How did the recon go?” he asks.

“Just fine,” replies Iron Man. He removes his helmet and sets it down on the table beside the bed.

“Pick up anything?” asks Captain America.

“Nothing,” replies Captain Marvel. His skin changes from its starburst pattern to flesh and blood and his hair reverts from white to its natural blonde. “What’s the story with tomorrow?”

“Goroso says that first there will be a parade in the afternoon,” replies Captain America. “Following the parade, there will be a ball held in Kitchstein’s honor and during the ball, he’ll be sworn in as the new Prime Minister.”

“So that’s why Duane told us to pack our formalwear…” says Genis.

“If you want to get some rest Genis, your room is down the hall with Sam and Vision,” says Captain America.

“Yeah, think I might just do that,” says Genis. “Maybe I’ll switch places with Rick, let him stretch his legs for a little.”

Genis exits the room, leaving Captain America and Iron Man alone. Tony removes the last components of his armor, laying them down as they retract to a more compact size.

“The hotel doesn’t look too good from the outside,” says Tony.

“No, it doesn’t,” says Steve. “But that seems to be on par with the rest of the country, or at least what I’ve seen of it. This entire place has been torn apart by war, Tony.”

“Luminstan has a history of that,” says Tony. “Invading countries, terrorist organizations, rebel factions… war has become a normal part of everyday life for these people.”

“That’s not the way it should be…” says Steve.

“No, it’s not,” says Tony. “That’s why we’re here to see to it that this country doesn’t slip back into those habits.”

“So according to Cap, there’s gonna be some sort of party after this parade thing,” says Rick. “Black tie event and all that.”

“Yah, that’s what Goroso was tellin’ us,” says Sam. “I hate wearing those monkey suits, though.”

“What, you more comfortable in spandex?” asks Rick.

“Been wearin’ it almost every day since I was fourteen,” replies Sam. “Guy tends t’ get used to things like that after awhile.”

“Hey, I gotta ask you, since you used to run with them…” says Rick.

“What’s that?” asks Sam.

“What’s with all the leather?” asks Rick.

“Huh?” asks Sam with a raised eyebrow.

“Y’know, all those X-groups,” says Rick. “They used to wear spandex like all the other superheroes. But recently, they’ve all been wearing leather. It’s like something out of The Matrix.”

“Oh, I dunno,” says Sam. “Guess they just wanted a change.”

“You ask me, I think it looks ridiculous,” says Rick.

“Ah think it’s fine, don’t really mind one way or the other,” says Sam. “Plus, I don’t think it’s any more ridiculous than yellow spandex.”

“So Marv, I bet tomorrow you’ll be dead tired after a long, hard day of playing bodyguard,” says Rick. “I’m just letting you know, I can easily switch places with you for the party.”

“Yeah, in your dreams, Jones,” says Genis.

“Hey man, there might be some nice-looking Luminstan girls out here…” says Rick.

“I’m sure Marlo would love that.”

“Ah, you know I’m just kidding around,” says Rick.

“What d’you think of this party, Vizh?” asks Sam. “Don’t mind wearin’ a tux?”

“I have no objections to it, Cannonball,” replies Vision.

“It’s Sam when we’re not in costume.”

“Very well, Sam,” says Vision.

“Anything you’d rather be called?” asks Sam.

“Vision will do, thank you,” he replies. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think I’m going to go exploring.”

Vision rises a few feet above the ground and hovers there. He turns towards the wall and phases through it.

“Y’know, I went to school with a girl who could do that…” says Sam.

“Psh, who hasn’t?” asks Rick with a smile.

Carol Danvers stands in front of a mirror, admiring the black dress she wears which clings to her curves.

“Hello Carol.”

She jumps slightly and spins around to see the Vision hovering in her room.

“Christ Vision… ever hear of knocking?” asks Carol.

“Yes, I have,” replies Vision. “Is that what you will be wearing to the ball tomorrow night?”

“Yeah, I was just trying it on,” says Carol. “Been a long time since I’ve worn this, I just wanted to make sure it still fits.”

“Yes, it seems to fit very nicely,” says Vision. Carol looks at him and smiles.

“I’ll assume that’s your version of a compliment,” she says.

“It would be,” says Vision.

“So what are you up to anyway?” asks Carol. “Shouldn’t you be getting some sleep?”

“I don’t require sleep,” replies Vision.

“So you’re just exploring?” asks Carol.

“That sounds accurate,” replies Vision.

“Well, I hate to put you out, but I’m feeling pretty tired,” says Carol. “Think I’ll just take a shower and go to bed.”

“Understandable,” says Vision. “I think I will continue exploring.”

“Have fun with that,” says Carol as Vision phases through the door to her hotel room.

In the hotel hallway, a drunk couple returning from the bars stumble through the corridor, trying to make their way to their hotel room. They stop suddenly as the Vision phases through the wall, hovering above the ground. He turns and faces the pair.

“Good evening,” he says. He continues hovering towards them and passes right through them. The man and woman look at each other and then turn and watch the Vision as he continues hovering through the corridor, before rising in the air and phasing through the ceiling.

“…damn, I think I had too much…” says the man.

On the roof of the hotel, the Vision looks out across the Luminstan skyline. He stands there all night, watching as the moon slowly lowers and the sky grows light as the sun slowly comes up in the morning. He listens to the sound of the birds chirping in the morning and he watches as the citizens of Luminstan awake to go about their days.

Several hours after sunrise, around eight o’clock, the Vision returns to his room.

“Would you care for a drink, sir?”

Tony Stark almost chokes on the cracker in his mouth when he hears the waiter’s words. He glances at the waiter, then at the drinks on the man’s tray. He swallows the cracker, coughs slightly, and then shakes his head slightly.

“No, no I’m fine,” he says. “Unless you could get me a Sprite or ginger ale or something.”

“I’ll get right on it, sir,” says the waiter.

Tony watches the waiter walk off as Steve Rogers steps beside him. Tony turns to look at him and sighs.

“You okay?” asks Steve.

“The temptation’s always there…” replies Tony. “It’s something that never really leaves you.”

“You’ve done a remarkable job so far.”

“Thanks,” says Tony. “The parade went off without a hitch at least.”

“Yes, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves,” says Steve. He looks through the crowds and sees Sam and Rick sitting by the bar, laughing. He also sees Carol dragging a somewhat reluctant Vision to the dancefloor.

“Haha, don’t let him get away from you, Carol!” shouts Tony. Carol looks over at Steve and Tony and smiles wide, before going back to trying to teach Vision how to waltz.

“No way am I letting him off that easy, Mr. Stark!” she shouts back.

“You know… I may not see eye-to-eye with Namor, but sometimes I wish I had the crudeness to do what he did,” says Tony. “The President offers us this job and he basically spits on it and walks away. In fact, if the President personally came up to us, I’m pretty sure Namor would have spat on him.”

“You’re probably right,” says Steve. “But it’s not our place. You may not like the man, Tony, but you have to respect him and the office he holds.”

“I don’t buy that, Steve,” says Tony. “Respect is earned.”

“Tony, please,” says Steve. “No politics tonight.”

“For the symbol of America, you always seem a bit reluctant to go into that,” says Tony.

“I don’t like the division in America based on party lines,” says Steve. “I believe people should choose the best man for the job, regardless of what party he belongs to. I don’t want to associate myself with either party. I’ve served many Presidents over the years, Tony — both Democrat and Republican. Some of them I liked, some of them I didn’t. But I respected every single one of them. Do you understand?”

“Yeah, I got you,” says Tony. “No politics.”

“Aha, there you are, gentlemen!”

Tony and Steve look as Mikhail Goroso walks up to him, throwing his arms around the both of them.

“It’s very good to see you both,” he says. He turns to his side and motions to a man with graying hair and glasses.

“Thank you for all your help, Captain,” the man says.

“It was our pleasure, Mr. Prime Minister,” says Steve, taking Kitchstein’s hand.

“And thank you as well, Mr. Stark,” says Kitchstein, turning to shake Tony’s hand.

“Just doing our job, Mr. Kitchstein,” says Tony.

“If you gentlemen will excuse us, it is time for the Prime Minister to give his acceptance speech,” says Goroso. “After tonight, Luminstan will have its first democratically-elected leader.”

“No, no way, not on your life,” says Rick.

“Hey, I think it could happen,” says Sam.

“No way could Wolverine ever beat the Hulk,” says Rick. “The best shortstuff could ever manage was a stalemate, and it’s probably because Bruce was feeling generous.”

“I dunno, Wolverine took on some pretty tough customers in his day,” says Sam. “Ah was there for some of ’em, even.”

“Yeah, and I was there when I saw the Hulk take on his fair share of tough guys,” says Rick. “Trust me, there’s no way.”

Rick picks up his beer and takes a sip from it. He reaches over to the small bowl of peanuts, and finds his hand touching someone else’s.

“Oh, sorry about that,” says Rick, pulling his hand away. The man takes a handful of peanuts and just walks away. Rick looks at the man and then taps Sam on the shoulder and points to the man.

“Look at that guy,” says Rick. “Have you ever seen a worse toupee in your life?”

“Yeah, that is pretty obvious,” says Sam.

“I mean really, who do they think they’re fooling?” asks Rick.

“Rick, you need to switch places with me!”

“Huh?” asks Rick. “What are you talking about, Marv? What’s going on?”

“The Prime Minister is about to be assassinated!” exclaims Genis. Rick jumps to his feet immediately.

“Holy crap, are you sure?” asks Rick.

“I just got a flash, now switch!” orders Genis. Rick slams his wrists together and in a flash of energy, Captain Marvel appears in his place, dressed in full costume. The guests look on in shock, while Sam pushes through the crowd to get towards Kitchstein as he moves towards the stage. Captain Marvel rushes forward towards the stage and pushes Kitchstein away. He reaches his hand out and catches something in midair. In shock, the guests begin pouring out from the ballroom. Captain Marvel stands in the center of the stage as the Avengers rush to his side.

“What happened?” asks Steve.

“What is the meaning of this?!” exclaims Kitchstein.

“I got a flash from my Cosmic Awareness, saw Kitchstein dying onstage just as he was beginning to give his speech,” says Captain Marvel. “And when I pushed him out of the way, I caught this.”

He holds up the projectile for the Avengers to see.

“…is that a peanut?” asks Carol.

“Who would try to kill a man with a peanut?” asks Sam.

Vision looks around the empty room, and his eye catches something on the ground. He kneels down and picks up the object.

“What is it?” asks Tony.

“A toupee,” replies Vision.

“The guy who was wearin’ that… he grabbed some peanuts just before it happened,” says Sam.

“He was going to try and lodge it in Kitchstein’s throat,” says Captain Marvel. “That way, it wouldn’t look like an assassination. I don’t think I needed my Cosmic Awareness to tell me who could do something like that.”

“Agreed,” says Vision. “Although our files indicate that he is currently held in solitary confinement at Riker’s Island, this appears to be the work of the assassin, Bullseye.”