Chapter 33: West Coast Tribulations

[doc]

It was barely a week after your adventure in the Canadian North when the Avengers got a message from their West Coast branch about the Masters of Evil. Captain America wasted no time in getting the team aboard the Quinjet as they raced across the country.

Cap and Hawkeye were at the control, as Atlas sat in the back with Tabitha. Foggy had been around the mansion and wanted to accompany the team as there were still some "lingering legal issues" with the franchising of the West Coast team, he said.

"I'm just saying-" Hawkeye began.

Atlas rolled his eyes. "Here we go again - 3...2...1-"

"What? I founded the O.G. West Coast Avengers - I lead it. I was the chair."

Cap nodded. "I'm aware of that, Clint, but you know the charter - Tony had the option to restore the West Coast branch and he exercised it."

"I'm just saying, Cap, it seems a bit insulting that I wasn't asked to even be on the roster - the history -"

"You'll be more than welcome to discuss it with them. We're coming up now."

The quinjet pulls in for a perfect VTOL landing, as the team disembarks and approaches the front door.

"No one here to meet us? No class - when I was running things-" Clint began.

"Still going on about that?" The double doors swung open as hidden speakers blared out. Tony Stark, makes you feel. He's a cool exec with a heart of steel.





"Cap - good to see you. Clint? Welcome back to the Best Coast." He winked as he looked at the team. "Nice to meet you all. Got to say, guys? Your taste in company has improved, these are some lovely young women, and also Wolverine. Well, no one's perfect I suppose. Come in, let me introduce you to the crew."

He waved the team inside. "Don't be shy, but also don't touch anything as I'm still getting some appraisals done for renovations."

"And a security assessment." An athletic woman responded. "Dallas Riordan - Commission of Superhuman Activities liaison."



Atlas gulped.

"Erik, good to see you again." She tried to give him a small smile. "Forgive the big guy; we used to date, and we shared a body and consciousness for a while." She shook her head. "But that's behind me."

"Ouch, sorry buddy. Long Distance relationships just don't work, do they?" U.S. Agent entered the lobby.



"Agent Walker." Cap was civil but cold.
"Rogers." Agent was downright icy with Cap, but his voice flared up when he looked at Hawkeye. "Barton."

"Walker - just letting anyone onto the team, I guess?" Hawkeye shot back. "Don't tell me, is it you or Daddy Warbucks calling the shots?"

Wolverine caught the scent before he heard the voice, but even foreknowledge could not protect him from the surprise. The woman walked forward with confidence, and her body language told him the story - she had been a soldier, a fighter, and time had tempered her with injuries and aches that made her former acrobatics much rarer. Her voice spoke of pain and triumph, but beneath it all, endless hope.



"Puh-leaze. I've got 15 years of experience on everyone here, and I was running the X-People before I found myself in this broken timeline." Jubilee pulled down her shades and smiled at Logan. "Good to see you, Old Man."

Tony offered explanation. "There was a thing with Zarko. Remember him? The Tomorrow Man? Yeah, I didn't either. Long, boring story, and that's why we've got middle-aged explosive mallrat here. Anyway, Tigra, She-hulk are probably in the kitchen, and Herc's off...somewhere, if anyone's looking for him."

[dakota]

Tabitha was quiet as she sat in the back with Atlas. They were probably a bit too close as she somewhat leaned against Erik, but they were not making any effort to hide their budding relationship. They also had not hidden they were taking things slow despite some ribbing from some of the team, which they took all except Clint crossing the line warning Erik not to be another of Tabby’s “hit and runs” that had crossed the line in her opinion.

As the WC Avengers began to appear and introduce themselves, it wasn’t clear if Tabitha bristled because of Dallas’ comment or her title, but she clearly showed some restraint as Tab focused on the next arrival. The mention of SheHulk around refocused her attention nearly as fast as Hercules putting a scowl on her face, “ Yeah, that big dolt can stay hidden wherever he is.”

[yendorj]

Getting over the surprise chuckles pulling her into a brief hug. "I ain't going soft, but damn, good to see you again. Find anyone who withstand the fireworks?"

[kurff]

"So another broken timeline? It wasn't Time Brokers or other wanna-be Time manipulators was it? Pretty sure that Dimension hopping 'Weapon X' bunch is still dead or in stasis." blink asks, with a bow in hand, sword, and a quiver at her belt.

[Mierin]

Gabby grins as Stark approaches the group. "Finally!" she exclaims out loud. "Someone who looks like their more handsome movie counterpart! This game was getting more and more depressing by the day." Grinning at Tony, "Good to meetcha, I'm Gabby! I've heard a lot about you from my pops. You probably know him, Deadpool? He's a big fan."

[doc]

Jubilee chuckled at Logan's comment. "Puh-leaze! You want spoilers? Should I tell you who you end up having a kid with?" She then turned to Blink. "Zarko the Tomorrow Man - time traveller who found some leftovers from Immortus - a bit of a cross-time thing. I've done a very good job keeping interdimensional types like the Time Brokers off my lawn, TEN-Q-VERY-MUCH! And if I'm stuck here, I might as well make the most of it. Into the briefing room, STAT people."

She motioned for the rest to follow.

"Deadpool had a kid. Huh - turns out there really is someone for everyone. I can't imagine what PTA nights would be like." Tony remarked as they headed into the main briefing room - like the HQ in New York, there was a bit table with the Avengers "A" logo displayed. Unlike that, the speakers played music as you entered.



"Really can't help yourself, can you Tony?" Hawkeye shook his head.

"Oh, I'm sorry - are you about to launch into "when I was running the West Coast Avengers" speech? Again?"

USAgent chuckled, but before another comment could be uttered, there was a small flash and pop as Jubilee snapped her fingers.

"Boys, boys - put them away for now. We have serious business here."

Dallas smiled as she brought up a holographic image of the masters of evil.

"Techno, a New Goliath, Screaming Mimi, and Beetle, Moonstone, Joystick - all under the lead of the latest Baron Zemo - Helmut's kid." Dallas pinched the bridge of her nose. "Whom none of us knew about after all this time."

"Let it never be said that Nazi War criminals and their families weren't very good at keeping secrets." Tony sighed. "Tell them the rest."

Dallas continued. "Our intel spotted them a couple days ago, and it turns out the have a new ally."



Atlas winced - the veteran Avengers sighed.

"Count Nefaria. One-time head of the Maggia." Jubilee took over as Dallas sat down. "Who got himself juiced with Ionic powers. Enough power to hammer on any team of Avengers, including big guns like Vision, Thor, and Wonder Man - none of whom are here."


"I feel like I'm being mildly insulted here." Tony poured a can of cola into a whiskey glass. "I'm sure I have a few suits in the Ironworks - Patent Pending, by the way - that can help with that problem."

Jubilee rolled her eyes behind her shades.  "Riiiight, well,  if we assume this is one of those 'rare' times you are wrong, our best measures against Nefaria are Atlas and She-Hulk."

"And Hercules?"  Cap asked.

Tony shook his head.  "Still never reads my notes.  I sent out the message on the group chat, didn't I?  Oh, right - it's Cap - I should have used Pony Express."  He took a sip.  "Herc's ...well, mortal.  Human.  No powers."

"What?" 

"Zeus.  Shenanigans.  Long story. "

"And not important right now." Jubilee added.  "Our intel-"

"Who is your source?"  Cap asked.

"We've got someone inside the Maggia splinter group loyal to Nefaria located in San Fran and-"

"Who?"

USAgent smirked. "Oh, this is gonna be good."

Jubilee let out a sigh.  "...it's Mystique."

[kurff]

Hearing her response to the Time-Brokers question she smiles, "On that we agree, Jubilee. better to keep time traveling Jeeves in his bottle. I am here for the same reason. That and with my counterpart being dead in this reality...well, It feels odd to be on the X-men." she says as she follows. hearing the briefing she adds.

"Shapeshifter? so we using a password, passcode, or some sort of implant to ID each if Mystique turns? Not that I expect her to. The versions of her I know of all have one thing in common. a healthy mix of self-preservation and a sense of survival. If she is helping us it's out of self-preservation or one of her family is at risk." Blink adds taking a spot and looking the holograms over.

"So Atlas and She-hulk have their targets. what do we know about the rest? same power sets or just the same names?" Blink asks with a frown at the holo-graphic masters of evil.

[yendorj]

Chuckles at Tabitha's remark. "Yeah, Atlas is easier to get along with."
When Blink mentions Weapon X he almost bristles but says nothing.

"Wait, I have another kid? Already got a clone and a bastard son who hates my guts. Stuck here, rather think welcomed here Jubes."

"Great. Screaming Mimi, always leaves a ringing, even with my healing factor."

"I feel like I'm being mildly insulted here." Tony poured a can of cola into a whiskey glass. "I'm sure I have a few suits in the Ironworks - Patent Pending, by the way - that can help with that problem."

"Build a suit I can't cut open and we'll be impressed."

"Mystique? What's her angle?"

[dakota]

Tabitha let out a bit of a huff at the slight over who stood the best chance with whoever Nefaria was, but it subsided quickly as she had to stifle a snicker regarding Hercules' newfound mortality. She covered her mouth and muttered "_{Sure it serves him...}" she glanced at Cap, "Sorry" she offered before going back to listening.

[Mierin]

"Deadpool had a kid. Huh - turns out there really is someone for everyone. I can't imagine what PTA nights would be like." Tony remarked as they headed into the main briefing room - like the HQ in New York, there was a bit table with the Avengers "A" logo displayed. Unlike that, the speakers played music as you entered.

Gabby nods. "There sure is! I mean, I found a great guy and hey, you found someone too!" Gabby follows everyone into the main briefing room looking around. I wonder where I can get my hands on an Iron Man suit? Gabby asks out loud, "Hey does this place have a gift shop?"

[doc]

Jubilee winces at Blink's description of Mystique. "We know....very different versions of Mystique. I know her as someone who is only loyal to herself and her own goals." She then turns to smirk at Logan. "You settle down nicely in middle age, like a Seattle Grunge band dad."

"I'm now seeing Wolverine trying to play the drums, and it's a very disturbing image." Tony interjects. "Zemo's just like his dad and grandpa - master strategist, swordsman, but no powers. He's a lot closer to his grandfather in terms of scientific acumen, so we should be prepared for some nasty tricks. Nothing we can't handle. Techno is a full-on shape-changing robot with an implanted conscious based on good ol'Fixer, but without any of the ....I want to say charm, but if you met him, you'd know that's a lie."

"Hey. You're talking about my friends here." Atlas grimaced, growing a foot.

Tony continued. "The New Goliath is Pym-particle flavored - though I'm guessing he might get an ionic boost if Nefaria gets a chance, so let's keep that from happening. Screaming Mimi has bionics...huh, sonics bother you? Did. Not. Know. That." He pushed up his shade. "Moonstone is the same wonderful manipulative headshrinker we all know and love - looking at you, Clint -"

"Seriously?"

"Always. Joystick is fast, agile, and has some kind of energy batons. This new Beetle is piloting what I like to call the "Flying Tank" version - big, strong, but slow. Jenkins does some good design - I should actually think about giving him a fellowship - but nothing I can't handle."

Dallas cleared her throat. "Jenkins is working with the Commission and is not available to be poached, Mr. Stark." She then looked to the rest of the team. "Mystique is working with the Avengers as part of a co-operative program-"

Atlas sighed. "Cooper."
Hawkeye pinched his nose. "Cooper."
Even Cap winced. "What is Val thinking?"

"Need to know, Cap." USAgent shot back. "Our current plan is to prep ourselves and deploy when Mystique tells us the sting is ready or when things are getting bad. That a problem?"

"You want the short and polite one from Cap? Or the brutal one from me?" Hawkeye responded getting up. "I promise both of us will us the small words."

Walker also stood up, fists at his side. "You watch."

"HEY! BOYS!"



"Play nice, or Jubes and I will have to give you a lesson." Jennifer winked at the team. "Good to see you all again." She then looked at Foggy, who until now had been silent in the back. "Mr. Nelson? You're a long way from the Kitchen -"

"-I'm licensed in California too." He handed her documents. "These are the process forms, Ms. Walters." His voice was icy.

"OK. Did not see that coming." Tony looked about. "I think we can adjourn. The young lady here wanted to see the gift shop? I've got something better, if she wants to join me." He smiled at Gabby.

"Yes, let's recess. Stay close and ready, people." Cap looked to the team. "And keep it cool."

Those who don't follow Tony find the main courtyard occupied by a single figure, practising mock combat with a shield and sword. His frame was thinner than last you saw him; leaner, faster. However the gleam of sweat across his body betrayed his current status, even as he executed his motions with speed and precision.

[dakota]

"Hey, relax big guy. Save it for the bad guys." Tabitha said softly, leaning back against Atlas. "We're mostly all friends here." She said, looking at Stark with a bit of a smirk.

As the banter continued, she shook her head but did not intervene, though a slight scoff escaped her when Jenn appeared to issue her warning that she covered up with a fake cough. Once the group began to break up, she winked at Gabby, "Don't be filling your pockets," offered with a smile as she followed Cap. The smile faded quickly as they entered the courtyard and she saw Hercules. In an effort to prevent another scene with enough tension since their arrival, she did her best to use Erik to conceal her.

[kurff]

Jubilee winces at Blink's description of Mystique. "We know....very different versions of Mystique. I know her as someone who is only loyal to herself and her own goals."

"When mutant kinds biggest and baddest Mutants form a coalition under Apocalypse and take over North America that makes your perspective change a lot. Some of our heroes were your worst villains here. Some never even had a chance to emerge. for instance, our spiderman never put on the mask. Alpha Flight died fighting mostly, and the Avengers never happened. According to the Magneto and Nightcrawler from my earth mystique was redeemable. She was the one brought us Rogue to keep her safe." she shrugged, "If only there were more Mystiques like her I guess, Jubilee." Blink adds with a shrug.

"Gift shop you say? Hmmm I should get something for Sabretooth...er the Sabretooth from my reality. not the slasher that is local." the mutant said, and she follows Tony. Hmm should be something nice, but not cheesy...and not a T-shirt. maybe a Captain America shield to use as a table or really big Frisby? she thinks.

[yendorj]

“Settle down? I can still scrap better than most new generation heroes.”

Wolverine actually grins at Tony’s remark. “I just might try that if it bothers you that much.”

As they go over the targets, he becomes more serious, observing, listening.

“Gift shop? What kind of stuff do you sell?”

“Hey She-Hulk. How’s your cousin?”

[Mierin]

Gabby grins at the mention of a gift shop. "Awesome!" As they head out, she asks, "Hey are there wearable iron man suits I can buy? I'd love to take one of those babies out for a test fly!"