Stark Tower, 21st March 2013
Luke Cage stepped out of the elevator and onto the roof of the Stark Tower building.
"Hey Luke. It's been awhile." Captain America said as Luke walked over to him. "How's being a father treating you?"
Luke shrugged before answering. "Well ever since we got that Osborn bull crap out of the way, it's been just great. I don't have to be cramped in with half a dozen other guys in spandex anymore."
"Bull crap? Whatever happened to the other option?"
"Yeah... Jessica and Danny have got me watching my language in front of the kid."
Cap smiled as he looked out over New York City. Luke watched him for a second and wondered why the Captain had called him up here.
"Luke. I'm not going to dilly dally with you any longer. I want you to form a new Avengers team."
"...What?"
"You showed you've got what it takes when Osborn was in command. You took control of a random group of Earth's mightiest heroes and turned them into a force for good. You helped take down Osborn. You took down the Hood, Chemistro, Madame Masque... it was pretty impressive stuff."
"I don't know Cap. I'm all up for being in a new team but... I've not really got the time for being a leader on behalf of having a personal life again."
Cap frowned making Luke feel like he'd failed not just his friend but the entire country as well.
"That's a shame Luke. I was hoping to start a new team in the West Coast. I thought you'd be ideal for the job."
"Well... there is someone I know who might take the job..."
_________
"No Luke." Iron Fist said as he punched a thug's teeth out of the man's mouth. "I'm not the leading type."
"Yeah... that's what I said Danny. Then I lead you guys against Osborn awhile back." Luke said as he leaned against an alleyway's wall. "Cap wants someone to lead an Avengers team. He'd prefer someone who isn't an all powerful god and would rather have someone like... you, me or hell even Spider-Man leading the team. Someone who spends more time fighting bank robbers then stopping Galactus from devouring the sun or something like that."
"That really doesn't change my mind Luke." Iron Fist laid a powerful kick into another thug's chest causing several of his ribs to crack before sending him hurtling into some bins. "I don't want to have to decide everything that happens for the team."
"STOP IT FREAK!" A thug screamed as he grabbed an innocent woman by the shoulder and placing a knife near her throat. "OR THE LADY GETS IT!"
"Maybe we should talk about this somewhere else." Luke said as he quickly picked a bin lid up off the floor before chucking it into the thug's head knocking him unconscious.
"th...thank you..." The woman said as she stood up off the ground.
"Don't mention it. Now then... where did you have in mind?" Iron Fist asked.
________
Iron Fist's soup kitchen
"So... what do you say?"
"I say... maybe."
"Just tell me what kind of guys you want on the team and I'll sort it out for ya." Luke said.
"I dunno. People who we can count on."
"So... NOT Deadpool then?"
"Don't even joke about that."
"Well who exactly do you want?"
"Ms Marvel?"
"She's busy with the main Avengers right now."
"Hawkeye?"
"Nobody knows where he is."
"...She-Hulk?"
"Now that's more like it!"
"Well... who else?"
"I guess Jess could be a reserve member or something. How about... Scarlet Witch?"
"Yeah I guess... Spider-Man?"
"No idea."
"Wolverine?"
"Possible."
"Very well then Mr Cage. You focus on getting a team together. I'll focus on everything else."
Both men picked up their glasses before chinking them together.
"Cheers!"
_________
Attalan, Blue side of the moon.
"Lord Hercules. Welcome." Karnak the Inhuman said as he opened the palace's doors to the demigod prince.
"Yes, yes. Let's get this over with." Hercules muttered as he walked through the doors ans into the palace throne room.
"Ah. Hercules. It's a pleasure." Medusa said as she sat next to her husband Black Bolt. "You know why you're here?"
"Yes actually. I do. Because I have displeased my father once again by slaying Hades' pet minotaur. Which is why I've been sent to these boring diplomacy meetings."
"Yes... well... as you know my husband Black Bolt is unable to speak due to his power meaning a single word could destroy this entire palace. Now we're here to discuss the possibility of an alliance between the Olympians and the Inhumans."
"You seek power which we have? You want to use us in wars you want to fight?"
"We'd rather have a powerful ally then a powerful enemy."
"Then if that is what you wish for you can start by telling me where the mead is! Space flight always leaves a massive thirst in my gut!"
"...Gorgon. Show our... "interesting" guest to the dining halls."
"Yes mistr-"
"You have been deemed... unworthy."
Hercules turned his head as he saw dozens of blue lights appear a few meters above his head. When the lights disappeared all that remained were dozens of copies of the Vision.
"Those who are unworthy are to be terminated."
"Ah ha! Wherever the prince of power goes adventure is sure to wait!"
"Commencing attack protocals. Terminate the Inhumans..."
"INHUMANS!" Medusa screamed. "ATTACK!"
Hercules pulled his mace from it's cover. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Black Bolt stand up from his throne before diving into the fray.
"All Inhumans are to be destroyed. As the Intelligencia commands it!"
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