“We now have it, America. Undeniable proof.” Todd Keller removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He released an exasperated sigh, as if trying to prevent himself from crying. “We allowed this–this traitor to serve as the symbol of America–our symbol–and now, he’s revealed his true colors.”

Keller reached for something on the desk and raised it for the camera to see. It was a photograph of Josiah X in his Captain America uniform standing in front of an Arab in a red and black uniform. The photograph appeared to be the two men shaking hands.

“This man, right here,” said Keller, pointing at the man in red. “Calls himself ‘The Colonel’ and he is the man who has taken responsibility for the cowardly terrorist attack on the First Baptist Church. And here he is. With Captain Affirmative Action. Although now we should probably change his name to Captain Benedict Arnold!”

Keller tore the photograph into two pieces. His face was twisted into a mask of rage. “Do you see, America? Do you see what happens when we stand idly by? This is all a stepping stone to their agenda! The Avengers flaunt our national sovereignty every chance they get, waging their battles on our land!

“America goes to war to protect her interests, to combat terrorism, and the progressives in this country, liberal elite they call us imperialists. But the Avengers invade America at least once a month! Soon, they’ll come after us, too.”

Keller breathed and put his glasses back on. “As I said before, tomorrow I will hold a demonstration at New York Harbor to protest the Avengers. I ask that all you patriots out there join me! Because–”

“–it’s time for us to take back our country from these foreign invaders!”

The wall-mounted television set was turned off. Gathered in front of it were a few dozen young men, all clad in green uniforms, all wearing green helmets that included a snake symbol on the forehead. Between them and the television was a small dais with a podium on it. Standing at the podium was an old man in green robes with a red trim that resembled snakeskin. In his hand was a long staff topped with the head of a cobra.

“My brothers, the time is now,” said the Supreme Serpent. “The time to take back our country from this impostor who plays at being Captain America. The time to–”

“The time to rise up? To stop cowering behind fancy slogans and politicians who haven’t a prayer of success?”

“Who said that?” asked the Supreme Serpent. There were murmurs among the Sons of the Serpent, heads turning to try and find the source.

“I said it.”

The group parted and now there was a direct line of sight between the Supreme Serpent and the man who spoke up. And when the Serpent Supreme laid eyes on this man’s face, he nearly gasped. “You!”

The stranger approached the podium. He could hear the whispers of the Sons of the Serpent all around him, not sure what to make of his presence here. And he stepped up to the dais, staring down the Supreme Serpent. The older man was a good deal shorter than him, and stepped aside, offering him the podium. He was curious to see where this man was going with his approach.

“I’m here to pledge myself to your cause. And I know how together, we can drive the foreigners from this land, and oust this traitor who plays at being Captain America!”

The Sons of the Serpent shouted and pumped their fist in agreement. Their chant echoed out amongst their ranks: “As the original serpent drove Adam and Eve from Eden, so shall we drive all foreigners from this land!”

HOLY WAR

Part II

By Dino Pollard

The Next Day

“We’ve got another one!” shouted Sharon Carter.

Josiah and Sam ran to her side. Both were wearing their uniforms, although their masks were absent. The three had gone to a SHIELD safe house following the release of the photograph linking Josiah to the Colonel. Sharon felt it was best to stay out of sight while they try and determine how to find the Colonel. Since then, he’d been interrupting the airwaves, releasing broadcasts.

This latest one showed the Colonel standing with his hands behind his back, images superimposed all around him. They were images of bodies lying amongst the rubble. And then he began to speak.

“These bodies were once someone’s son. Someone’s brother. Someone’s friend. Someone’s husband. But no longer. They have all been victims of America’s drone warfare program. The administration’s official stance is that these were known militants, the classification used by the President of the United States is all military-aged males in a strike zone are militants. These are not considered acts of terrorism, but rather necessary measures to protect the nation against militants.”

“Can you pinpoint his location?”  asked Josiah.

Sharon scrambled at the computer as she tried to trace the signal. She shook her head. “He’s rerouted it through a number of proxies. Proxies all over the world, in fact.”

“If the President wishes to play such a game, the Colonel shall play along. I shall abide by your rules, Mr. President. What I do now, I do only to protect the Arab world from the imperialistic aggression of the United States.”

“Getting closer–” said Sharon.

“You have labelled all young Arab men as militants who deserve nothing less than death, Mr. President. Therefore, I shall treat all young American men as militants who deserve nothing less than death.

“Your symbol has fallen, America. He is our brother. And soon, America shall fall as well.

“The Colonel has spoken.”

The transmission ceased, as did Sharon’s trace. She balled her hand into a fist and pounded the keyboard. “Goddammit!’

Josiah turned away from the computer, folding his arms. He could feel his blood boiling over. He wanted nothing more than to find the Colonel and end him permanently. Sam walked over to his partner. “Look, he’s trying to rile you up. We’ll find this guy, trust me.”

“He’s managed to implicate me. Despite the flimsiest of evidence, people believe him,” said Josiah.

“People also believe that the moon landing was faked,” said Sam.

“First Stark gets implicated in Syria, and now this,” said Sharon. “Makes you wonder if this is some concerted effort to close the fist on the Avengers.”

“What do you mean?” asked Sam. “You think Control might be involved?”

Sharon shook her head. “Could just be coincidence. But everything that’s been happening lately? I get the feeling there’s a big, stinking Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, and that horse’s hair is starting to look a little strained–”

“Never knew you to be the poetic type,” said Sam.

Sharon shrugged. “I’ve got my moments. So what’s this mean for us? Josiah?”

“The demonstration,” said Josiah.

Sharon and Sam exchanged glances. “What demonstration?” she asked.

“Todd Keller’s Avengers protest at New York Harbor,” said Josiah. “Think about who is likely to turn up to such a thing. Think about who is likely to be among his viewership.”

“Patriot movement,” said Sam. “Anti-immigration, anti-taxation, anti-government types. They’re his bread and butter.”

“And what are the demographics of those people?” asked Josiah.

“Oh sonnuva bitch–” muttered Sam. “Men. Military-aged men, specifically.”

“The militia movement is already at a boiling point with the current administration,” said Sharon. “If something was to happen to them at this demonstration, they might feel like the government deliberately allowed it to happen, maybe even arranged for it to happen. It could be the spark needed to finally light the fuse.”

“You do realize that if you turn up at that rally, they’ll probably start attacking you,” said Sam.

“Do I have a choice?” asked Josiah. “What time does that protest begin?”

Sharon turned back to the computer and quickly brought up Keller’s website. “Damn, it’s supposed to begin in about an hour. Think you can get there fast enough?”

“Couldn’t bring that flying car, could you?” Josiah pulled the mask over his face and swung the iconic shield onto his back.

“You said you wanted us to stay off the radar, every single SHIELD vehicle is low-jacked,” said Sharon.

“Sam, you can probably get there faster by air. Go on ahead, I’ll meet you there,” said Josiah. “Sharon, I want you to get on the Avengers frequency, see if we can find anyone nearby who can help.”

The Falcon had donned his mask and through the cybernetic circuitry weaved within, activated the emitter array on his back to project red, hard-light wings under his arms. “Sure you can make it there in time?”

“That’s why you’re going on ahead.” Captain America went over to the motorcycle and hit the kickstand, wheeling it towards the entrance. Sharon opened the safe house’s door, which slid up and revealed a suburban neighborhood. Captain America climbed aboard the bike, started it up, and hit the road, with Falcon taking to the skies overhead.

Steve Rogers couldn’t help the wide smile on his face as he rocketed through the clouds in the red, white, and blue Starktech armor. It was originally developed to keep his body alive when the Super Soldier Serum was killing him. After faking his death, Steve managed to locate the armor with the help of some contacts within the Department of Defense.

Now, christened the Iron Patriot by the media, Steve had returned to the world of crime-fighting. As far as the rest of the world was concerned, though, Steve Rogers was dead. He planned to keep it that way for now. Although he knew his enemies would no doubt get suspicious about this new figure in a suit of patriotic armor.

Something popped up on his HUD. An incoming transmission on the Avengers frequency. He heard Sharon Carter’s voice discuss the situation at New York Harbor, and Steve knew what he had to do. He changed direction in mid-air, rocketing towards the waterfront.

Josiah had been making good time on his bike, weaving in and out of traffic, trying to get to the Harbor as fast as possible. He didn’t know when the Colonel planned to strike, or even if. But the chance was there, and he didn’t think the Colonel would miss an opportunity for such a perfect target.

Unfortunately, though, fate had other ideas.

His bike was equipped with a built-in radio to listen in to the police band, transmitted via the earpiece he wore under his mask. And now it was reporting on a superhuman attack not far from his location. Someone else could handle it, surely. There was no shortage of superheroes in New York. Besides, what he was off to was more important. A way to clear his–

Josiah swerved on his bike, taking a sharp right turn down another street and heading in the direction of the disturbance. As he did so, he mentally berated himself for his selfishness. The Falcon was en route to the Harbor, he could monitor the situation and Sharon was putting out a call to other Avengers. They would certainly be able to handle it. But this other attack? Josiah was the closest, as far as he knew, and if people were in danger, there was certainly no question about what his responsibility was to them, his image be damned.

As he approached, he could see clearly what the cause of the disturbance was. A hulking beast was tearing apart the downtown area, clad in green clothing. He had brown hair hanging loose around his head, and his face was physically deformed.

Calvin Zabo, or Mr. Hyde as he’d taken to calling himself. Once he caught sight of the approaching hero, raised a parked car over his head and hurled it forward. Captain America swerved and pulled the bike down low, allowing him to just barely skid beneath the car before it hit the asphalt and rolled. He righted his vehicle and continued forward, jumping off it and swinging the shield onto his arm.

The bike flew towards Mr. Hyde, who grabbed it and hurled it back. Captain America bounced off the bike and in mid-air, hurled the shield at the man-monster. The shield struck Hyde’s head, ricocheting off it and landing on the street. Captain America landed beside it and grabbed the shield, bringing it to his defense just as Hyde recovered and threw a punch.

Josiah crouched behind the shield, its Vibranium properties absorbing the impact of Hyde’s fist. But still, he could feel the force behind it, so strong was the hormonally-altered scientist. Hyde continued to pound on the shield. “I wondered when I would have the honor of facing you in combat, Captain! I’ve longed to see how you fare against your predecessor!”

When one of his fists was about to strike, Captain America side-stepped, and Hyde’s continued momentum caused him to stumble. Captain America circled around, climbing onto Hyde’s back. He raised the shield above his head and drove it against the beast’s neck.

Hyde bucked, throwing his back into the wall, but Captain America flipped off before he struck, landing on his feet in front of the scientist. He readied the shield once more, prepared for another strike. “I hope I live up to your expectations, Hyde.”

“Heh, I believe you just might, good sir.” Hyde interlocked his fingers and extended his arms outward, turning his palms away from him. His knuckles cracked and he stretched his body out. “Now, shall we truly begin?”

Captain America ducked another strike, and Hyde’s fist hit the side of the building instead. Josiah lunged upward with his shield, hitting Zabo beneath his chin. He struck again, backhanding Hyde with it. And one final strike, directly at Hyde’s throat, caused the villain to gasp for breath. Captain America struck there a few more times, before Zabo was finally down for the count.

Josiah paused to catch his own breath. His bike was now damaged, and he didn’t have time to waste. He broke out in a run towards the harbor.

The Falcon landed on a nearby building overlooking the demonstration. The protestors were indeed, just as Josiah predicted, the perfect target for the Colonel to make an example of. But where was the Colonel? More than that, where was Josiah. Sam’s cybernetic link with his costume activated a set of lenses that slid over his eyes. He activated the suit’s infrared vision, scanning the area, seeing if there was some indication of a bomb planted somewhere nearby, but he found nothing.

He switched off the infrared and returned to his remote imaging sensors to give him a 360-degree view. The demonstrators had signs with various slogans on them. Most were anti-Avengers, specifically focused against Josiah:

HEY AVENGERS, WHY HAVEN’T YOU AVENGED CAP?

KEEP YOUR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OFF MY LIVING LEGEND!

CAPTAIN AMERICA, LIKE AMERICA, SHOULD BE CHRISTIAN!

Others were photographs. One had an image of Josiah with a Hitler moustache. Another had Josiah strangling Uncle Sam, while another had him beheading Steve Rogers with a scimitar. There were also some displaying the logo of the Sons of the Serpent, and that worried the Falcon even more than the run-of-the-mill extremists. The Sons of the Serpent were well-known as a domestic terrorist organization, and seeing sympathizers here was frightening.

Someone was coming up behind the Falcon, and his sensors picked that up. A double-bladed energy sword was brought down on the Falcon. He saw it coming and raised his arm, one of his hard-light wings activating and acting as a shield. The Colonel pulled away, swinging his weapon by the handle in the center. The Falcon stood and faced him.

“Someone saw The Phantom Menace one too many times,” he said.

“I see that traitor didn’t have the nerve to come here himself, perhaps too frightened by public = opinion,” said the Colonel. He charged forward and the Falcon’s magnetic drive enabled him to quickly fly to avoid the strike. The Colonel jumped towards him, and the Falcon used his wings to deflect the Colonel’s strikes.

The Colonel fell back to the roof, producing a round device from his belt. He activated a switch and threw it into the air and turned away. The Falcon didn’t have a chance to do that, and the device activated, blanketing the rooftop in a bright, blinding light.

The Falcon fell down to the roof and the Colonel stood over him, activating his weapon, holding it at the Falcon’s neck. “You gave a valiant effort, but it’s of little use.”

“Who said I was finished?” asked the Falcon.

The Colonel could hear a flapping noise. Accompanied by squawks. He looked up and saw a legion of birds descending upon him. Moving away from the Falcon, the Colonel swung his weapon, trying to take out as many of them as possible.

The Falcon stood and fired the talon attached to his gauntlet. It snagged the Colonel’s staff by the handle and he yanked it away, freeing the Colonel from the device. The Colonel jumped away from the birds, moving towards the edge of the rooftop and diving off.

The Colonel fell through the air and gripped a flagpole on his descent. He swung around it and flipped down to the ground level, none the worse for wear. He reached for his belt, drawing an explosive device

The Falcon tried to focus his sight through one of the birds, trying to get a bead on the Colonel. He was doing something, but the Falcon had no way of reacting to it, his own eyes still recovering from the light. The Colonel threw the explosive device towards the protestors, but a burst of energy knocked it from the air into the sea, where the explosion sent a column of water rocketing towards the sky. The Colonel barely had a second to react before the Iron Patriot descended upon him, quickly ending his threat, much to the cheer of the protestors.

The Falcon stood at the edge of the roof, his eyesight returning just in time to see the Iron Patriot hovering with one hand holding up the unconscious Colonel by the collar of his uniform. The Falcon himself couldn’t help but smile. “Saved my butt again, Steve.”

“Look! Did you see that? Here we have a real patriot!” shouted Keller as the Iron Patriot flew off with the Colonel in tow. “The Iron Patriot stands for us, while the so-called Captain America is a traitor!”

The crowd went nuts at those comments, screaming out a refrain of, “NO MORE CAP! NO MORE CAP!”

And the Falcon sighed at this, a feeling of dread setting in. “This is gonna get ugly–”

Next: Divided States