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<blockquote data-quote="knightemplar" data-source="post: 5333258" data-attributes="member: 56260"><p><strong>Forming the Team I</strong></p><p></p><p>Scene 1: Enter Justice</p><p>Scene 2: An Offer You Can't Refuse</p><p>Scene 3: The Decision</p><p>Scene 4: The Answer</p><p>Scene 5: Favors and Compromises</p><p>Scene 6: No Place Like Home</p><p>Scene 7: A Cat in Her Crib</p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 1 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Vance Astrovik's Apartment <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 16:30 on Monday, November 2nd, 1998</p><p> </p><p><em>As Jack and Rose exit the party, they walk along a row of lifeboats on the H.M.S. Titanic. Still gddy, they are singing a popular song, 'Come Josephine in my Flying Machine'. They fumble the words and break down laughing, as they reach the entrance to the First Class section. </em></p><p> </p><p><em>Rose moves to the rail and leans on it. "Isn't it so magnificent? So grand and endless." as she looks up to the stars. "They're such small people, Jack... my crowd. They think they're giants on the earth, but they're not even dust in God's eye. They live inside this little tiny champagne bubble... and someday the bubble's going to burst."</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Jack moves up to her and touches her hand on the rail. "You're not one of them there has been a mistake."</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Confused, Rose looks back at Jack. "A mistake?"</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Jack moves up closer to her "Uh, huh. You got mailed to the wrong address."</em></p><p> </p><p><em>Rose starts laughing. "I did, didn't I.", she says as she points up to the sky. "Look, a shooting star."</em></p><p> </p><p>Across the small screen, the picture freezes. A young man gets up off the couch, while his red-haired girl friend moves over a little underneath her warm and cozy blanket.</p><p> </p><p>"Do you need anything from the Kitchen, Angel?", he asks as he holds up his cup of cocoa.</p><p> </p><p>"No, do you need the cocoa heated up? I can do that right here without you going back to the kitchen.", Angelica answers back as she reaches for the cocoa cup. As she touches the cup, steam rises from the top of the cup.</p><p> </p><p>"I was thinking about that, but actually Angel, I was going to answer the phone.", Vance said as he started to walk towards the kitchen.</p><p> </p><p>"What phone?", she said as in the background the kitchen phone starts to ring. Vance with a smug look points towards the kitchen.</p><p> </p><p>"I really hate when you do that.", Angel said as she throws a pillow towards Vance.</p><p> </p><p>Vance, ducking the pillow, picks up the phone. "Hello, Vance speaking."</p><p> </p><p>"Vance, this is Ethyl for Captain John McGrath at the Liberty Island Guard Station.", the caller on the phone replied.</p><p> </p><p>"Ethyl, it has been a while. What can I do for Guard?", Vance replied while making finger signs at Angel. Angel gets up off the couch and moves closer to him, so she can hear the phone also.</p><p> </p><p>"Captain McGrath would like to set up an appointment with you tomorrow at 0900 hours. He also requests that you wear your tights.", Ethyl replied.</p><p> </p><p>"Are you allowed to tell me what is going on, Ethyl?", he replied.</p><p> </p><p>"Not really, but I love seeing you in your tights. It just makes my whole day.", Ethyl replied. "Now if we are good on the time, there are some other calls for this meeting, I need to make Vance."</p><p> </p><p>"I have it Ethyl. 0900 at John's office and wear my tights. Does Angel need to come?", he asks. </p><p> </p><p>"Not that I am told Vance, but Sheila wanted me to tell you Hi for her."</p><p> </p><p>"Tell your daughter Hi back, and I will see you in the morning. Thanks for calling Ethyl.", Vance said as he hung the phone back up.</p><p> </p><p>"Ok, that was a weird call, John normally just calls me if he needs something. Why is he having Ethyl do it?", Vance says to Angelica. </p><p> </p><p>"I don't know, babe, but I just have a bad feeling about this.", she responded to him, "But, I am sure you will find out in the morning. Let's finish watching the movie." She takes him by the arm, and playfully drags him towards the couch. Just as he sits down and presses play on the VCR remote, she reaches over and kisses him. </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 2 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Liberty Island Guard Station <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 09:00 on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998</p><p> </p><p>"Hi, Ethyl. Here I am as promised in my tights.", he said as he greeted Captain McGrath's personal assistant. </p><p> </p><p>"Vance, and you still look so cute in the tights. Come here and give me a hug, boy.", moving from around her desk, Ethyl gives Vance a hug, and then returns to her desk again. </p><p> </p><p>"Not everyone is here yet, Vance, so I am sorry, but you will have to sit out here for a little bit.", she said to him while whispering low so no one else can hear them. </p><p> </p><p>From behind Vance, he hears the familiar ring of the elevator coming to the floor. As he turns around, he sees a middle-aged, red-haired lady in a business suit, followed by two other gentlemen. One of them also in a business suit, while the other gentleman wore a lab jacket. </p><p> </p><p>"Pepper Stark, here to see Captain McGrath.", she says as she confidently strolls forward. She spends a second looking at Vance in his costume, and then moves towards the office door.</p><p> </p><p>"Yes, Mrs. Stark, you are expected. You can go right in.", Ethyl says as she presses the button for the office door to be unlocked.</p><p> </p><p>As the door closes behind the small group, Vance leans back towards Ethyl. "What's going on Ethyl?", as he thinks to himself this can't be good if the CEO of Stark Solutions is here. </p><p> </p><p>"I can't tell you Vance, I am under orders.", Ethyl replied. </p><p> </p><p>"Can you tell me who else is in the room for this meeting?", he responded back. </p><p> </p><p>"Sorry, Vance, the orders cover that question too. As much as I would like to satisfy your curiosity, John wants to talk to you first."</p><p> </p><p>A chime rings on Ethyl's desk as John's voice comes through the intercom. "Send Justice in Ethyl."</p><p> </p><p>"Guess you get to find out right now, Vance. Go on in.", she said to him, and turned back to her desk. Composing himself for a few seconds, he strode towards the office door as he heard the familiar tone that meant the door was unlocked. </p><p> </p><p>Opening the door, Vance walked into the room, and saw quite a few occupants already. Beyond Mrs. Stark and her Associates, he also saw a black woman dressed in a white costume that he immediately recognized as Photon from the Avengers. There was also an older man in a very fancy executive suit that he did not recognize, but he also had two men behind him that gave off the vibe of being bodyguards. </p><p> </p><p>"Ah, Justice come on in.", Captain McGrath said as he waved him into the room. "Let me introduce you around." John, came around the desk, and put his arm around his shoulder. </p><p> </p><p>"This is Pepper Stark, the CEO of Stark Solutions and the Maria Stark Foundation." John said as he moved Vance in front of the beautiful red haired woman that entered the office a few minutes ago. </p><p> </p><p>"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stark.", Vance said as he took her hand to shake it.</p><p> </p><p>"The pleasure is mine, Justice. I have heard a lot of good things about you lately.", she said, as John moved onto the people behind her.</p><p> </p><p>"This is Myron Judge, one of the board members of the Maria Stark Foundation and Carl Walker, the lead researcher on certain classified projects that Stark Solutions is currently working on for GUARD."</p><p> </p><p>"Gentlemen", he said, as he nodded towards them. </p><p> </p><p>"I think you have already have the pleasure of meeting Photon before.", John said as he moved in front of the black lady in the black and white costume.</p><p> </p><p>"We have met in passing a few times. Friends of friends and all that.", Photon said in her southern drawl as she shook Vance's hand. </p><p> </p><p>"Nice to see you again, Photon.", he replied back to her. </p><p> </p><p>John took him over towards the elderly gentleman in the expensive suit. "This is Secretary-Marshall Everquist, with the United Nations, and he asked me to setup this meeting with you, Justice."</p><p> </p><p>As Vance shook the Secretary-Marshall's hand, "This is a honor, sir. What can I do for you?"</p><p> </p><p>Secretary Marshall Everquist slowly got up out of his chair, "You can do nothing for me, young man, it is what you can do for the world that has brought me here."</p><p> </p><p>Vance looked at him confused, "I don't understand, sir?", he said. </p><p> </p><p>"Here, this is a lot at once, let me explain. Have a seat, young man.", as he motioned for Vance to take his chair. "You have made yourself quite a reputation lately after the Onslaught. I have read time and time again of your good works, whether capturing a super villain or just helping the city clean up the mess from a few years ago. You give so much of yourself, to a country a few years ago that sent you to prison for defending yourself and your mother."</p><p> </p><p>"Sir, I am trying my best to help out the people who never deserved to be put on the front line of a war.", Vance responded back.</p><p> </p><p>"I understand, but it also makes you someone special, and now I need someone special. You may have seen in the papers, young man, that the United Nations is helping to rebuild the Avengers. With the help of the Maria Stark Foundation, and the GUARD, we have built an Avengers base off the coast of New York just in international waters. Now we have to pick the team, since there were no active members that survived the Onslaught. Photon is here, in the capacity of an official member of the previous team."</p><p> </p><p>"Are you asking me to join the Avengers, sir?", he asked the Secretary-Marshall. </p><p> </p><p>"No son, I am asking you to lead the Avengers, specifically the East Coast branch. You are well-liked by the people of this country, you have proven yourself time and time again that you are fair-handed as well as having common sense. These are rare qualities, in which we would like to make use of them to start the team."</p><p> </p><p>"Sir, this truly an honor, but I don't know if I could do that.", Vance said as he looked down towards the floor.</p><p> </p><p>"Son, you aren't going to be alone. We have made sure that you will have a capable staff to help you along with the day to day work. You will also have a former avenger by the name of Tigra to help you with administrative duties. I want you to understand, son, you were our first choice, but not our last. Why don't you go and think about this a while, and give Captain McGrath your answer in the next couple of days." </p><p> </p><p>"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for this opportunity, but I truly need some time to think this over.", Vance said as he left John's office and took off for the skies over Liberty City. </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 3 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Top of the Bank of America Building <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 13:00 on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998</p><p> </p><p>Vance looked off the edge of the Bank of America tower, thinking of the past few years and his life in Liberty City. Then a familiar sight caught his eye. A large orange flight trail that could only be Angelica. Without thinking, he sent out a mental nudge to her, almost like a here I am message. The orange flight trail turned towards the large skyscraper. </p><p> </p><p>"There you are, I have been looking for you for about an hour now.", Angel said with a sense of worry in her voice. </p><p> </p><p>"Sorry, I just need to do some thinking.", he replied.</p><p> </p><p>"Ethyl called me after you left and told me everything. She is also quite worried about you.", Angel walked over to him and put her arms around him, comforting him. </p><p> </p><p>"It's quite an offer, Angel. I don't know if I can handle it, but I don't know if I can refuse it either.", Vance said as his left arm came up to hold her. "You know I have always wanted to be an Avenger, but leading the team is quite a bit different."</p><p> </p><p>"They wouldn't have made the offer unless they thought you were ready, Vance. Also, there is supposed to be another Avenger there to help you out for a little while in case of mistakes."</p><p> </p><p>"Mistakes. I am thinking the biggest one was offering the job to me.", he answered back.</p><p> </p><p>"No one in that room was perfect, Vance. Everyone of them at one time or another has made their own mistakes. No one is expecting you to be perfect either. They understand mistakes happen, but they see something in you that I saw a long time ago. You learn from your mistakes and move forward. They can't ask for anything more than that.", Angel said, as her left hand keeps running through Vance's brown hair. </p><p> </p><p>"What about us? You wanted us to settle down and raise a small family together. Would you be ok with this if I took the job?"</p><p> </p><p>"What I want you big lug, is you. It just means that we will have to change our lifestyle together a little more and make certain concessions. You do realize that we will be in the public eye quite a bit."</p><p> </p><p>"Probably, and I would want you there right by my side, Angel."</p><p> </p><p>"Call John back, Vance, and tell him you will take the job.", she said as she kissed the back of his head. </p><p> </p><p>Vance pulled a cell phone out of his cape, and dialed the numbers back to John's office.</p><p> </p><p>"Hi, Ethyl. It's Vance. Can I speak to John a minute?", he said calmly into the phone. "I am fine Ethyl. She is right here with me. Ok, let me talk to him please."</p><p> </p><p>"John, its Vance. About the offer this morning, I will take it. Alright John, I will see you first thing in the morning at your office." </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 4 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span>Liberty Island Guard Station <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 07:30 on Wednesday, November 4th, 1998</p><p> </p><p>As Vance walked in to Captain McGrath's office, he felt the butterflies in his stomach, as he had felt them the entire night before. Nodding to Ethyl, she waved him on in to the office, and opened the door when he heard the tone of the lock being released. </p><p> </p><p>"Vance, come on in. How are you feeling?", John asked. </p><p> </p><p>"Nervous as hell, John. Couldn't sleep a wink last night.", Vance replied.</p><p> </p><p>With a laugh, John said, "Now you know how I felt when I took this job. Not only am I responsible for all Guard operations along the East Coast, but I also have Colonel Fury breathing down my neck from D.C. You know, it's not the first time that he has made one of those unofficial trips up here, to chew some extra fat off of me. Honestly, I think I am based too close to D.C. If the West Coast position comes up, I may have to transfer over there."</p><p> </p><p>"God, that's a real assuring thought, John. On the bonus side, Angel has said I have been putting too much weight on lately.", moving over to the counter, Vance poured himself a nice strong cup of black coffee. </p><p> </p><p>"Honestly Vance, this is how it works. For a couple of seconds of excitement during the week, you will be filing hours of paperwork to the U.N., Guard, and the Stark Foundation. The best piece of advice I can give you, is to keep all your receipts and just do the paperwork. If you leave the paperwork alone too long, it will overwhelm you.", said John, as he raised his own coffee cup to his lips and took a swig.</p><p> </p><p>"So, you guys aren't looking for a team leader, you're looking for an accountant and a paper pusher.", Vance quipped back. </p><p> </p><p>"Not to hurt your feelings, Vance, but I went from a field command in the Army into the paper pushing job I have now. You get used to it after a while. At least, you still can go out with the team every so often. I just get to read the action reports after the incident happens.", John said as he put the coffee cup back on his desk. </p><p> </p><p>"I see what you mean, John. If it makes you feel better, I will give you an open invitation to come along with us and help define the action report.", said Vance as he raised the coffee cup to his lips again. </p><p> </p><p>"Better watch out Vance or I might take you up on it."</p><p> </p><p>The small commbox on the side of John's desk rang as Ethyl's voice came through. "Secretary-Marshall Everquist for you on the video link."</p><p> </p><p>"Thank you, Ethyl. Go ahead and put him through.", as John stood up and started straightening up his uniform. Vance took the opportunity to give his uniform a good tug to hide any unsightly wrinkles. </p><p> </p><p>The bookcases in John's office slowly slide apart to reveal a large screen video monitor, and the picture of the Secretary-Marshall sitting at his desk in the U.N. appears.</p><p> </p><p>"Good Morning Captain McGrath. Justice, I am glad to see you again. I hope this will be good news.", said the Secretary-Marshall coming over the large screen video monitor.</p><p> </p><p>"Yes, Sir. I have decided to take your offer, sir. Hopefully, I will not give you a reason to regret it.", Vance answered back. </p><p> </p><p>"I am glad to hear that, Justice, or since we will be working rather closely, can I call you Vance?", replied the Secretary-Marshall. </p><p> </p><p>"Vance would be fine, sir."</p><p> </p><p>"Good. You do not have to call me sir all the time, Vance. My name is Bill, please use it. I hope we will become good friends in time, as you have become with John.", replied Bill. </p><p> </p><p>"Thank you, Bill."</p><p> </p><p>"There is one more formality, Vance. I am going to schedule you to be presented to the Security Council on November 5th at 11:00 am. I really don't see a problem with this meeting. Just show up at the U.N. in your costume and ask for me at the front desk. I will send an aide down to escort you to the meeting.", Bill said, as he made some notes on a small piece of paper in front of him. </p><p> </p><p>"I will be there, sir.", replied Vance as he caught himself in his mistake. "Sorry, Bill."</p><p> </p><p>The video screen went dark, then slowly moved back behind the bookcases again. </p><p> </p><p>"How about after your meeting with the Security Council, head back my way and I will take you out to the Island on a quick tour. How does that sound?"</p><p> </p><p>"Sounds good, John. I will see you in a couple of days then.", Vance said as he walked out the door and headed back to tell Angelica the news. </p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 5 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span>The United Nations <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 11:00 on Friday, November 6th, 1998</p><p></p><p>As Justice entered the large conference room, he could see the semi circular desk with a 200" LCD high resolution monitor behind it. He noticed Bill waving him over and pointing to the seat next to him. </p><p></p><p>Justice sat down, as the other members of the security council sat in their positions on the large desk. </p><p></p><p>The elderly gentleman at the microphone started to speak "I hereby call this meeting of the United Nations Security Council to order on the 6th day of November of the year 1998.", pausing for a breath he continued, "Members will please turn their attention to the issue before the security council, referenced in Document Two Stroke Agenda Stroke 1802." "The nomination of the Avengers as a permanently authorized security council agency. "</p><p></p><p>"Unless I hear any objections, I shall considered the agenda adopted.", the older man said, as he banged on the desk with his gavel. "The agenda is adopted."</p><p></p><p>"In accordance with the council's prior consultation the council extends an invitation under rule 39 to Secretary Marshall Everquist and to the superhero Justice, to brief the council on the Avenger's current status, Secretary Marshall Everquist?"</p><p></p><p>"Thank you, Mister President. May I first congratulate you Ambassador Ambrose, on England's assumption of the Security Council Presidency for this month.". Secretary-Marshall Bill Everquist replied to the older man. </p><p></p><p>"Both the Queen and I thank you, Secretary-Marshall, Please continue. "</p><p></p><p>"The Avengers stand ready and willing to assume their duties as described in resolution 1406, that of policing and monitoring global metahuman activity, while providing a diplomatic conduit for super powered conflict resolution.", as Bill shuffled around some of the files on the desk in front of him, " I have selected the man I wish to run the Avengers as their first Chairperson, and that is the superhero sitting next to me known as Justice. "</p><p></p><p>"Secretary Marshall, I have some questions.", the older black man with his pepper grey hair leaned towards the microphone. </p><p></p><p>"The chair will hear Ambassador Trautmann of the United States.", President Ambrose stated.</p><p></p><p>"I have finished reviewing his security record, and I am concerned about this conviction of murder that he was sentenced to the Vault for. Does the United Nations, really want a convicted murderer in such a high profile position?", the Ambassador asked, while moving his glasses up a little bit, reading the security file in front of him.</p><p></p><p>"Ambassador Trautmann, he has served his time for the conviction, and instead of going into hiding or becoming another super-villain, he has done more for the United States than a lot of people have. ", Bill replied, "May I remind you, Ambassador, he was there in the Onslaught, not fighting that monster, but helping rescue people from the damage that monster caused. He also spent a year of his own time helping city and state officials in cleaning up the mess of that disaster. He even held the pieces of the Statue of Liberty together while his fiancée fused them back into place. "</p><p></p><p>"I have a question, President Ambrose." , the older Chinese man turned to look at the elder man in the middle of the desk. </p><p></p><p>"The chair recognizes Ambassador Chi of the Republic of China.", President Ambrose responded. </p><p></p><p>"Secretary-Marshall, you have gone on about his helping New York and the United States, but what has he done for the world. What has he done that he will be an Ambassador himself to the countries of the world?", asked the Chinese man. </p><p></p><p>"Ambassador, what had you done outside of China, before you were elected to this august assembly. I say, let him have his chance to prove his worth to this assemblage and to the world. ", Bill replied. </p><p></p><p>"Are there any more questions?" President Ambrose asked while looking around the desk. "Then esteemed members, I call for a vote on resolution 1406. Please put your votes into the computer."</p><p></p><p>A few seconds later the votes started to appear on the large monitor behind the President. As Justice looked at the monitor, he noticed that the votes for yea were twelve to the votes for nay of two. The biggest problem was that one of the votes for nay, was from the United States Ambassador. </p><p></p><p>"Ambassador Trautman, you have voted nay towards the passing of resolution 1406. As a founding member of the United Nations, does the United States wish to veto the passage of this resolution. ", the english gentleman asked, as he sipped from a cup of tea. </p><p></p><p>"No, we do not Mister President.", the older black gentleman said with a sigh, "We just want it to be on record, that we think this is a bad idea. </p><p></p><p>"As the results of the vote on resolution 1406 passes, the Avengers are to be accorded permanent rights as an agency of the United Nations Security Council, with the Avenger known as Justice assigned to be their first Chairperson. ", said the English gentleman as he put down his tea cup and picked up his gavel and struck the desk. </p><p></p><p>"The Security Council thanks you for your time, gentlemen. And if you will excuse us, we have other matters to discuss. ", said the older gentleman as Bill and Justice, left the room. </p><p></p><p>Outside the room, there was a natural urgency in Vance's feelings, but he did not know why. He reached across to Bill's hand and shook it, while smiling he said "Thank you for all of your help, sir."</p><p></p><p>"Don't mention it Vance, but next time you will be in there all by yourself. ", Bill replied, "So be careful. A couple of them are just waiting for you to fail, so they can push their own selections into your position."</p><p></p><p>"I will try my best not to let you down, sir.", Vance replied.</p><p></p><p>"There goes that sir thing again, Vance. Remember, you don't report to me, your report to the people we just left.", Bill turned away and started to walk towards his own office. </p><p></p><p>"Thanks a lot, Bill.", Vance replied as he watched Bill walk away. </p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: darkred">Scene:</span></strong> 6 <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Location:</strong></span>Avenger's Island <span style="color: darkred"><strong>Date:</strong></span> 14:00 on Friday, November 6th, 1998</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="knightemplar, post: 5333258, member: 56260"] [b]Forming the Team I[/b] Scene 1: Enter Justice Scene 2: An Offer You Can't Refuse Scene 3: The Decision Scene 4: The Answer Scene 5: Favors and Compromises Scene 6: No Place Like Home Scene 7: A Cat in Her Crib [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 1 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] Vance Astrovik's Apartment [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 16:30 on Monday, November 2nd, 1998 [I]As Jack and Rose exit the party, they walk along a row of lifeboats on the H.M.S. Titanic. Still gddy, they are singing a popular song, 'Come Josephine in my Flying Machine'. They fumble the words and break down laughing, as they reach the entrance to the First Class section. [/I] [I]Rose moves to the rail and leans on it. "Isn't it so magnificent? So grand and endless." as she looks up to the stars. "They're such small people, Jack... my crowd. They think they're giants on the earth, but they're not even dust in God's eye. They live inside this little tiny champagne bubble... and someday the bubble's going to burst."[/I] [I]Jack moves up to her and touches her hand on the rail. "You're not one of them there has been a mistake."[/I] [I]Confused, Rose looks back at Jack. "A mistake?"[/I] [I]Jack moves up closer to her "Uh, huh. You got mailed to the wrong address."[/I] [I]Rose starts laughing. "I did, didn't I.", she says as she points up to the sky. "Look, a shooting star."[/I] Across the small screen, the picture freezes. A young man gets up off the couch, while his red-haired girl friend moves over a little underneath her warm and cozy blanket. "Do you need anything from the Kitchen, Angel?", he asks as he holds up his cup of cocoa. "No, do you need the cocoa heated up? I can do that right here without you going back to the kitchen.", Angelica answers back as she reaches for the cocoa cup. As she touches the cup, steam rises from the top of the cup. "I was thinking about that, but actually Angel, I was going to answer the phone.", Vance said as he started to walk towards the kitchen. "What phone?", she said as in the background the kitchen phone starts to ring. Vance with a smug look points towards the kitchen. "I really hate when you do that.", Angel said as she throws a pillow towards Vance. Vance, ducking the pillow, picks up the phone. "Hello, Vance speaking." "Vance, this is Ethyl for Captain John McGrath at the Liberty Island Guard Station.", the caller on the phone replied. "Ethyl, it has been a while. What can I do for Guard?", Vance replied while making finger signs at Angel. Angel gets up off the couch and moves closer to him, so she can hear the phone also. "Captain McGrath would like to set up an appointment with you tomorrow at 0900 hours. He also requests that you wear your tights.", Ethyl replied. "Are you allowed to tell me what is going on, Ethyl?", he replied. "Not really, but I love seeing you in your tights. It just makes my whole day.", Ethyl replied. "Now if we are good on the time, there are some other calls for this meeting, I need to make Vance." "I have it Ethyl. 0900 at John's office and wear my tights. Does Angel need to come?", he asks. "Not that I am told Vance, but Sheila wanted me to tell you Hi for her." "Tell your daughter Hi back, and I will see you in the morning. Thanks for calling Ethyl.", Vance said as he hung the phone back up. "Ok, that was a weird call, John normally just calls me if he needs something. Why is he having Ethyl do it?", Vance says to Angelica. "I don't know, babe, but I just have a bad feeling about this.", she responded to him, "But, I am sure you will find out in the morning. Let's finish watching the movie." She takes him by the arm, and playfully drags him towards the couch. Just as he sits down and presses play on the VCR remote, she reaches over and kisses him. [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 2 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] Liberty Island Guard Station [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 09:00 on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998 "Hi, Ethyl. Here I am as promised in my tights.", he said as he greeted Captain McGrath's personal assistant. "Vance, and you still look so cute in the tights. Come here and give me a hug, boy.", moving from around her desk, Ethyl gives Vance a hug, and then returns to her desk again. "Not everyone is here yet, Vance, so I am sorry, but you will have to sit out here for a little bit.", she said to him while whispering low so no one else can hear them. From behind Vance, he hears the familiar ring of the elevator coming to the floor. As he turns around, he sees a middle-aged, red-haired lady in a business suit, followed by two other gentlemen. One of them also in a business suit, while the other gentleman wore a lab jacket. "Pepper Stark, here to see Captain McGrath.", she says as she confidently strolls forward. She spends a second looking at Vance in his costume, and then moves towards the office door. "Yes, Mrs. Stark, you are expected. You can go right in.", Ethyl says as she presses the button for the office door to be unlocked. As the door closes behind the small group, Vance leans back towards Ethyl. "What's going on Ethyl?", as he thinks to himself this can't be good if the CEO of Stark Solutions is here. "I can't tell you Vance, I am under orders.", Ethyl replied. "Can you tell me who else is in the room for this meeting?", he responded back. "Sorry, Vance, the orders cover that question too. As much as I would like to satisfy your curiosity, John wants to talk to you first." A chime rings on Ethyl's desk as John's voice comes through the intercom. "Send Justice in Ethyl." "Guess you get to find out right now, Vance. Go on in.", she said to him, and turned back to her desk. Composing himself for a few seconds, he strode towards the office door as he heard the familiar tone that meant the door was unlocked. Opening the door, Vance walked into the room, and saw quite a few occupants already. Beyond Mrs. Stark and her Associates, he also saw a black woman dressed in a white costume that he immediately recognized as Photon from the Avengers. There was also an older man in a very fancy executive suit that he did not recognize, but he also had two men behind him that gave off the vibe of being bodyguards. "Ah, Justice come on in.", Captain McGrath said as he waved him into the room. "Let me introduce you around." John, came around the desk, and put his arm around his shoulder. "This is Pepper Stark, the CEO of Stark Solutions and the Maria Stark Foundation." John said as he moved Vance in front of the beautiful red haired woman that entered the office a few minutes ago. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Stark.", Vance said as he took her hand to shake it. "The pleasure is mine, Justice. I have heard a lot of good things about you lately.", she said, as John moved onto the people behind her. "This is Myron Judge, one of the board members of the Maria Stark Foundation and Carl Walker, the lead researcher on certain classified projects that Stark Solutions is currently working on for GUARD." "Gentlemen", he said, as he nodded towards them. "I think you have already have the pleasure of meeting Photon before.", John said as he moved in front of the black lady in the black and white costume. "We have met in passing a few times. Friends of friends and all that.", Photon said in her southern drawl as she shook Vance's hand. "Nice to see you again, Photon.", he replied back to her. John took him over towards the elderly gentleman in the expensive suit. "This is Secretary-Marshall Everquist, with the United Nations, and he asked me to setup this meeting with you, Justice." As Vance shook the Secretary-Marshall's hand, "This is a honor, sir. What can I do for you?" Secretary Marshall Everquist slowly got up out of his chair, "You can do nothing for me, young man, it is what you can do for the world that has brought me here." Vance looked at him confused, "I don't understand, sir?", he said. "Here, this is a lot at once, let me explain. Have a seat, young man.", as he motioned for Vance to take his chair. "You have made yourself quite a reputation lately after the Onslaught. I have read time and time again of your good works, whether capturing a super villain or just helping the city clean up the mess from a few years ago. You give so much of yourself, to a country a few years ago that sent you to prison for defending yourself and your mother." "Sir, I am trying my best to help out the people who never deserved to be put on the front line of a war.", Vance responded back. "I understand, but it also makes you someone special, and now I need someone special. You may have seen in the papers, young man, that the United Nations is helping to rebuild the Avengers. With the help of the Maria Stark Foundation, and the GUARD, we have built an Avengers base off the coast of New York just in international waters. Now we have to pick the team, since there were no active members that survived the Onslaught. Photon is here, in the capacity of an official member of the previous team." "Are you asking me to join the Avengers, sir?", he asked the Secretary-Marshall. "No son, I am asking you to lead the Avengers, specifically the East Coast branch. You are well-liked by the people of this country, you have proven yourself time and time again that you are fair-handed as well as having common sense. These are rare qualities, in which we would like to make use of them to start the team." "Sir, this truly an honor, but I don't know if I could do that.", Vance said as he looked down towards the floor. "Son, you aren't going to be alone. We have made sure that you will have a capable staff to help you along with the day to day work. You will also have a former avenger by the name of Tigra to help you with administrative duties. I want you to understand, son, you were our first choice, but not our last. Why don't you go and think about this a while, and give Captain McGrath your answer in the next couple of days." "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for this opportunity, but I truly need some time to think this over.", Vance said as he left John's office and took off for the skies over Liberty City. [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 3 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] Top of the Bank of America Building [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 13:00 on Tuesday, November 3rd, 1998 Vance looked off the edge of the Bank of America tower, thinking of the past few years and his life in Liberty City. Then a familiar sight caught his eye. A large orange flight trail that could only be Angelica. Without thinking, he sent out a mental nudge to her, almost like a here I am message. The orange flight trail turned towards the large skyscraper. "There you are, I have been looking for you for about an hour now.", Angel said with a sense of worry in her voice. "Sorry, I just need to do some thinking.", he replied. "Ethyl called me after you left and told me everything. She is also quite worried about you.", Angel walked over to him and put her arms around him, comforting him. "It's quite an offer, Angel. I don't know if I can handle it, but I don't know if I can refuse it either.", Vance said as his left arm came up to hold her. "You know I have always wanted to be an Avenger, but leading the team is quite a bit different." "They wouldn't have made the offer unless they thought you were ready, Vance. Also, there is supposed to be another Avenger there to help you out for a little while in case of mistakes." "Mistakes. I am thinking the biggest one was offering the job to me.", he answered back. "No one in that room was perfect, Vance. Everyone of them at one time or another has made their own mistakes. No one is expecting you to be perfect either. They understand mistakes happen, but they see something in you that I saw a long time ago. You learn from your mistakes and move forward. They can't ask for anything more than that.", Angel said, as her left hand keeps running through Vance's brown hair. "What about us? You wanted us to settle down and raise a small family together. Would you be ok with this if I took the job?" "What I want you big lug, is you. It just means that we will have to change our lifestyle together a little more and make certain concessions. You do realize that we will be in the public eye quite a bit." "Probably, and I would want you there right by my side, Angel." "Call John back, Vance, and tell him you will take the job.", she said as she kissed the back of his head. Vance pulled a cell phone out of his cape, and dialed the numbers back to John's office. "Hi, Ethyl. It's Vance. Can I speak to John a minute?", he said calmly into the phone. "I am fine Ethyl. She is right here with me. Ok, let me talk to him please." "John, its Vance. About the offer this morning, I will take it. Alright John, I will see you first thing in the morning at your office." [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 4 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR]Liberty Island Guard Station [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 07:30 on Wednesday, November 4th, 1998 As Vance walked in to Captain McGrath's office, he felt the butterflies in his stomach, as he had felt them the entire night before. Nodding to Ethyl, she waved him on in to the office, and opened the door when he heard the tone of the lock being released. "Vance, come on in. How are you feeling?", John asked. "Nervous as hell, John. Couldn't sleep a wink last night.", Vance replied. With a laugh, John said, "Now you know how I felt when I took this job. Not only am I responsible for all Guard operations along the East Coast, but I also have Colonel Fury breathing down my neck from D.C. You know, it's not the first time that he has made one of those unofficial trips up here, to chew some extra fat off of me. Honestly, I think I am based too close to D.C. If the West Coast position comes up, I may have to transfer over there." "God, that's a real assuring thought, John. On the bonus side, Angel has said I have been putting too much weight on lately.", moving over to the counter, Vance poured himself a nice strong cup of black coffee. "Honestly Vance, this is how it works. For a couple of seconds of excitement during the week, you will be filing hours of paperwork to the U.N., Guard, and the Stark Foundation. The best piece of advice I can give you, is to keep all your receipts and just do the paperwork. If you leave the paperwork alone too long, it will overwhelm you.", said John, as he raised his own coffee cup to his lips and took a swig. "So, you guys aren't looking for a team leader, you're looking for an accountant and a paper pusher.", Vance quipped back. "Not to hurt your feelings, Vance, but I went from a field command in the Army into the paper pushing job I have now. You get used to it after a while. At least, you still can go out with the team every so often. I just get to read the action reports after the incident happens.", John said as he put the coffee cup back on his desk. "I see what you mean, John. If it makes you feel better, I will give you an open invitation to come along with us and help define the action report.", said Vance as he raised the coffee cup to his lips again. "Better watch out Vance or I might take you up on it." The small commbox on the side of John's desk rang as Ethyl's voice came through. "Secretary-Marshall Everquist for you on the video link." "Thank you, Ethyl. Go ahead and put him through.", as John stood up and started straightening up his uniform. Vance took the opportunity to give his uniform a good tug to hide any unsightly wrinkles. The bookcases in John's office slowly slide apart to reveal a large screen video monitor, and the picture of the Secretary-Marshall sitting at his desk in the U.N. appears. "Good Morning Captain McGrath. Justice, I am glad to see you again. I hope this will be good news.", said the Secretary-Marshall coming over the large screen video monitor. "Yes, Sir. I have decided to take your offer, sir. Hopefully, I will not give you a reason to regret it.", Vance answered back. "I am glad to hear that, Justice, or since we will be working rather closely, can I call you Vance?", replied the Secretary-Marshall. "Vance would be fine, sir." "Good. You do not have to call me sir all the time, Vance. My name is Bill, please use it. I hope we will become good friends in time, as you have become with John.", replied Bill. "Thank you, Bill." "There is one more formality, Vance. I am going to schedule you to be presented to the Security Council on November 5th at 11:00 am. I really don't see a problem with this meeting. Just show up at the U.N. in your costume and ask for me at the front desk. I will send an aide down to escort you to the meeting.", Bill said, as he made some notes on a small piece of paper in front of him. "I will be there, sir.", replied Vance as he caught himself in his mistake. "Sorry, Bill." The video screen went dark, then slowly moved back behind the bookcases again. "How about after your meeting with the Security Council, head back my way and I will take you out to the Island on a quick tour. How does that sound?" "Sounds good, John. I will see you in a couple of days then.", Vance said as he walked out the door and headed back to tell Angelica the news. [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 5 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR]The United Nations [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 11:00 on Friday, November 6th, 1998 As Justice entered the large conference room, he could see the semi circular desk with a 200" LCD high resolution monitor behind it. He noticed Bill waving him over and pointing to the seat next to him. Justice sat down, as the other members of the security council sat in their positions on the large desk. The elderly gentleman at the microphone started to speak "I hereby call this meeting of the United Nations Security Council to order on the 6th day of November of the year 1998.", pausing for a breath he continued, "Members will please turn their attention to the issue before the security council, referenced in Document Two Stroke Agenda Stroke 1802." "The nomination of the Avengers as a permanently authorized security council agency. " "Unless I hear any objections, I shall considered the agenda adopted.", the older man said, as he banged on the desk with his gavel. "The agenda is adopted." "In accordance with the council's prior consultation the council extends an invitation under rule 39 to Secretary Marshall Everquist and to the superhero Justice, to brief the council on the Avenger's current status, Secretary Marshall Everquist?" "Thank you, Mister President. May I first congratulate you Ambassador Ambrose, on England's assumption of the Security Council Presidency for this month.". Secretary-Marshall Bill Everquist replied to the older man. "Both the Queen and I thank you, Secretary-Marshall, Please continue. " "The Avengers stand ready and willing to assume their duties as described in resolution 1406, that of policing and monitoring global metahuman activity, while providing a diplomatic conduit for super powered conflict resolution.", as Bill shuffled around some of the files on the desk in front of him, " I have selected the man I wish to run the Avengers as their first Chairperson, and that is the superhero sitting next to me known as Justice. " "Secretary Marshall, I have some questions.", the older black man with his pepper grey hair leaned towards the microphone. "The chair will hear Ambassador Trautmann of the United States.", President Ambrose stated. "I have finished reviewing his security record, and I am concerned about this conviction of murder that he was sentenced to the Vault for. Does the United Nations, really want a convicted murderer in such a high profile position?", the Ambassador asked, while moving his glasses up a little bit, reading the security file in front of him. "Ambassador Trautmann, he has served his time for the conviction, and instead of going into hiding or becoming another super-villain, he has done more for the United States than a lot of people have. ", Bill replied, "May I remind you, Ambassador, he was there in the Onslaught, not fighting that monster, but helping rescue people from the damage that monster caused. He also spent a year of his own time helping city and state officials in cleaning up the mess of that disaster. He even held the pieces of the Statue of Liberty together while his fiancée fused them back into place. " "I have a question, President Ambrose." , the older Chinese man turned to look at the elder man in the middle of the desk. "The chair recognizes Ambassador Chi of the Republic of China.", President Ambrose responded. "Secretary-Marshall, you have gone on about his helping New York and the United States, but what has he done for the world. What has he done that he will be an Ambassador himself to the countries of the world?", asked the Chinese man. "Ambassador, what had you done outside of China, before you were elected to this august assembly. I say, let him have his chance to prove his worth to this assemblage and to the world. ", Bill replied. "Are there any more questions?" President Ambrose asked while looking around the desk. "Then esteemed members, I call for a vote on resolution 1406. Please put your votes into the computer." A few seconds later the votes started to appear on the large monitor behind the President. As Justice looked at the monitor, he noticed that the votes for yea were twelve to the votes for nay of two. The biggest problem was that one of the votes for nay, was from the United States Ambassador. "Ambassador Trautman, you have voted nay towards the passing of resolution 1406. As a founding member of the United Nations, does the United States wish to veto the passage of this resolution. ", the english gentleman asked, as he sipped from a cup of tea. "No, we do not Mister President.", the older black gentleman said with a sigh, "We just want it to be on record, that we think this is a bad idea. "As the results of the vote on resolution 1406 passes, the Avengers are to be accorded permanent rights as an agency of the United Nations Security Council, with the Avenger known as Justice assigned to be their first Chairperson. ", said the English gentleman as he put down his tea cup and picked up his gavel and struck the desk. "The Security Council thanks you for your time, gentlemen. And if you will excuse us, we have other matters to discuss. ", said the older gentleman as Bill and Justice, left the room. Outside the room, there was a natural urgency in Vance's feelings, but he did not know why. He reached across to Bill's hand and shook it, while smiling he said "Thank you for all of your help, sir." "Don't mention it Vance, but next time you will be in there all by yourself. ", Bill replied, "So be careful. A couple of them are just waiting for you to fail, so they can push their own selections into your position." "I will try my best not to let you down, sir.", Vance replied. "There goes that sir thing again, Vance. Remember, you don't report to me, your report to the people we just left.", Bill turned away and started to walk towards his own office. "Thanks a lot, Bill.", Vance replied as he watched Bill walk away. [B][COLOR=darkred]Scene:[/COLOR][/B] 6 [COLOR=darkred][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR]Avenger's Island [COLOR=darkred][B]Date:[/B][/COLOR] 14:00 on Friday, November 6th, 1998 [/QUOTE]
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