This appears as FanFic in avengersforever.org, and it was in reaction to the death of Captain America:
In the end, rank was not pulled – but straws were drawn, for it was suggested that the person they would honor this day, would have wanted to make sure things were fair – even in an institution like the armed services, no... more so for an institution like the armed service, whom this man was so long a time a part of.
As the casket was brought down from a plane, the honor guards saluted with extra crisp cadence – this ceremony was, after all, not just about honoring the man . . . it was definitely an honor for them to be here – this was their way of paying respect to this particular person . . . Steve Rogers, Captain America, and even if some politicians frowned upon the fact that they were treating him as a hero... well in their eyes – he was indeed just that . . . a hero worthy of their respect, a leader worthy of their loyalty, a brother in arms, a symbol for what was right... or simply the epitome of an officer and gentleman.
Dignitaries from many nations had likewise shown up, some even had to be turned down when it was realized that the location just was not designed to have too many people without having so many security concerns. It was not to say that security could not be guaranteed, even S.H.I.E.L.D. was politely turned down for suggesting that the ceremony be scrapped due to security reasons.
The armed forces brass - at least, those hodling Steve Rogers in high regard, had told the President that they would personally guarantee everyone’s safety. But this man deserved the honor of such a ceremony, and even the other generals - those who may have had a grudge against the man, could not dispute the reasoning of their colleague... that plus the fact that they would not like to be known in the twilight of their career as the one who did not allow proper respect for America's most decorated soldier.
And so the ceremony was scheduled, and security was provided - even a humbled S.H.I.E.L.D. agreed to do security overwatch, while its newly appointed Director would be part of the VIPs in attendace... and what a list it was. Those who were able to secure a place did not need to RSVP, as they assured - some even threatened, to be there, and that their spot not be given up for a long waiting list of not so lucky ambassadors, lesser royalties and the likes.
A gathering like this, would naturally be a magnet for the news media - though in this instance, security was unanimous in insisting that the major networks only send a token team - while other global stations would just contend themselves with relayed signals - still, no one complained. Slightly delayed or live... the communications execs understood that this was no time for arguing or jockeying for scoops - this news, the world deserved to see... and many corporate sponsors were more than willing to donate for the air time, but the networks also saw this as their public service... so politely declined these offers.
Solemnity and the man's memory would be respected - though news anchors were still contemplating on how to treat this story with balanced views... more so since any detractor for the Captain seemed muted, at their own accord - at least, due to respect for the ceremony.
Eventually, and rather early, the dignitaries started filling in, and since it seemd to be a veritable who's who, many seemed caught up with the seemingly celebrity status of the guest list. Past U.N. Secretary General Anand was representing the United Nations, with the current Secretary General currently stuck in Asia – and beside Mr. Anand, one could find Past President Clinton, who spoke to anyone willing to listen, about how he, at one time, was saved by this man . . . Captain Anerica, though the confidentiality of events leading to said incident prevented him from disclosing too much. Washington insiders - those supposedly in the know, would continue to speculate about this - for it was one of those highly confidential instances. The Royal couple from Japan arrived, as did the Queen of England - accompanied by her son, Prince Charles.
Outside the cemetery, many more people were found just mingling with their radios and portable TV sets, though they wished to be there, it was just not humanly possible due of the high level security . . . still, they hoped that getting a glimpse of the man, or even just the casket would be possible when the dignitaries would have gone... and barring that, there was always the televised coverage. Anyone who broght a portable TV was soon surrounded by fellow mourners wishing to glimpse the event as it prgressed.
For its part, the major stations positioned to cover the ceremony were ready – but until it would officially start, they would be inundating the airwaves with many documented cases involving this man’s past. Veterans of the Second World War were interviewed, together with some dignitaries from around the world.
One announcer commented that the man being laid to rest this particular day may have been the most famous person for several generations, and even went so far as to say that he had never seen such an outpour of people paying their respect, at least . . . not since the death of the last pope. Something however, seemed ominously absent – the presence of heroes, both those who fought with – or against this man in the past week. To many, this was a glaring reminder of the wounds inflicted by the 'Civil War' - and the bill that started it all. A hotly contested issue - and eventually, one that seemed to have cost America the life of this great man.
But the absence of heroes in teh ceremony was not entirely true either, for if closer scrutiny were done, as was being done by some paparazzi, one would recognize King T’chala and his wife Ororo in the crowd - albeit, sans their outlandish working clothes... since they came simply wearing more subdued fashion. Anthony Stark had also arrived, and he was in a somber mode. As reporters tried getting closer to him for an interview, they would realize that he somehow carried with him a localized signal jammer for their equipment.
The more observant reporters also noticed that Mr. Stark was not in speaking terms with King T’chala... a fact known by many who followed news to the effect that T'chala had sided with Steve Rogers in the civil war, while Tony Stark led the opposite side. Still, this little tidbit was played out in the airwaves for as far as they could stretch - superimposed with pictures of the damaged areas affected by said war - and assurances from Mr. Fantastic that repairs and repirations would be done by the government-sided heroes.
In a rival station, film clips – some seemingly old yet newly declassified, were being played, as a leading military analyst offered his expert opinion on what happened back then, whether as a participant or expert in military history. More to the point, discussions led to how the tides of war (WWII) may have been different had the super soldier not been around. For a nation that seemingly took many of their heroes for granted, many were seemingly seeing the life of this man -really, for the first time.
The discussion shifts to when Captain America first appeared in the modern world and how right there and then many people seemed skeptical of this announcement – the reporter’s backdrop shifts to an old news clip of the Avengers stepping out of their submarine ready for an announcement... one aborted by an attack, leading to Captain America's emergence - and the modern world's first glimpse of the long thought dead hero.
Back in Avengers Tower, a somber mode was equally felt amongst everyone observing the program in the wide flat-screened plasma TV in the common area. Ms. Van Dyne looking quietly with arms crossed over her chest, while standing - is approached by Jarvis and she thanks him for the cup of cappuccino offered her in hushed tones.
Jan whispers, “It seems like a lifetime ago, hasn’t it Jarvis? Things were so simple back then , and we really did not know how significant our reviving Cap – Steve would be fro us.” Jarvis, pauses long enough to look at the screen and his eyes moist up - but he keeps his composure, and simply replies, “It was indeed a much simpler, and dare I say, a more innocent time, Madam.” He excuses himself and approaches Ms. Danvers and Mr. Williams seemingly huddled on the sofa, equally transfixed, watching the screen. Jan following him with a glance - she had heard Jarvis stiffle his voice. This day was affecting him as well. She turns back to the TV, whispering to herself "Why did this happen?"
As Jarvis approaches Carol and Simon, offering them both some refreshments, he overhears Carol telling Simon that they should be there – after all, Steve was more than a friend and comrade, he was a vital cog in the Avengers for a long time. It just did not feel right to sit here and watch. Simon tried to tell her that they should keep a low profile, specially since Cap was at odds with them in the issue of registration, and that they may not know just how the crowd would react to seeing them there. Carol gives Simon an incredulous look – and he qualifies the statement, saying its not just his opinion, but Tony’s as well.
Carol points to the screen, as it shifts back to the ceremony which is about to start, pointing out Tony in the crowd of VIPs. “That didn’t stop him, did it?”
It is at this point that the Sentry enters the room announcing the he just made a fly-by across Manhattan and for some reason, traffic has just gone still . . . many people just got off their cars, looking at certain establishments with television screens to just pause for a while and watch the ceremony . . . more surprising would be the fact that no one was complaining. It was as if, everyone understood the need to stop with their life and show their respect for the ceremony about to start.
Jarvis looks at the Sentry and tells him that he has not been around quite long enough to know the man being honored, and that such a move – whether out of curiosity or out of deep respect for the man, was expected by him from all peoples, after all, the man being laid to rest had saved or helped save the world – not just this nation... for the greater part of his – and their lives.
In fact, it should be expected more from them - the people who knew Steve better - not just as an icon, but as a comrade - for no differences of ideals or opinions will ever change those facts that Steve was an Avenger, perhaps the best the team's illustrous history ever had. These last words were stated loud enough for all in the room to hear – then Jarvis excuses himself... as something seemd to have been caught in his eyes - leaving everyone in the room quiet.
Carol suddenly gets up and approaches the balcony, when Simon asks her what she’s about to do, she does not even bother looking back as she says “What do you think?” then leaps out the balcony. Simon sees Bob follow a heartbeat later, then he too jumps to join them . . . Jan seeing the three figures flying away, smiles then presses an intercom to inform Jarvis to help her with the preparation of a quinjet.
Back at Arlington, President Bush has taken his place on the podium, and is addressing the gathered crowd – he talks about how the man behind him, was one of their nation’s greatest defenders, how painful it was to see him go against his administration’s decisions with registration – yet how he respected the man for realizing the mistake of fighting, and giving up.
The President pauses for an awkward moment, then continues – saying that despite this, he recognizes the fact that Steve Rogers, Captain America had dedicated his life to representing the American dream . . . no matter how hard it may seem, no matter how outdated it may look. How, as Captain America, he had been called on several occasions to help the country out of a crisis, not just during his time but even during the time of former Presidents Bush and Clinton.
The President then announces that Cap’s death need not be meaningless, and as his administration will closely watch the continuing the investigation to Steve Roger’s murder, they also offer an olive branch of peace and reconciliation for other heroes who fought with Steve Rogers, by way of an amnesty program to be led by the newly appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Anthony Stark. The Cameras pan to a poker faced Tony Stark, who ignores them all, thus they focus back to Bush who continues his talk.
Bush closes with the usual spiel of how the nation mourns his loss and salutes the casket, and at the background, people hear orders for the usual 21 gun salute, but they also hear jets doing a fly-by . . . as it becomes apparent that other major armed services likewise wish to salute Captain America.
It is at this moment that S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel within the heli-carrier pick up a lone flight coming in fast from the direction of New York, and before they can flag it, Janet Van Dyne’s face appears – greeting deputy director Hill, letting them know that they likewise wish to just pay their respects. Director Hill’s face shows some disapproval of this unorthodox request, but relents, these are - after all, heroes who’d allied themselves with S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark.
Upon the end of the 21-gun salute the crowd is then surprised, including it would seem, Tony Stark – at the fact that a quinjet shoots across the sky escorted by a saluting Ms. Marvel followed by the Sentry and Wonder-man. The announcer who earlier mentioned the seeming ‘absence of heroes’ now remarks that these heroes were probably all waiting for just this moment to show themselves for this particular portion, though he still half expected more of their numbers to show up. Tony then looks reluctantly to the direction of Ororo and T’chala – seeing them look at the receding figures in the sky, they then look at Tony only briefly, and he still sees a hint of accusation in their eyes – or was it just his imagination?
The TV monitor shows the receding figures in the sky then shifts back to the studio for reactions, the scene zooms out to show a teary-eyed Peter Parker looks at the screen, while being comforted by his wife . . . “I should have been there, M.J.”, he then looks at he hospital bed, at his injured aunt, but before he can say anything else, he hears someone opening the room’s door and he jumps out of the window, clinging near the outside window’s upper portion, listening to the doctor talking to MJ.
The television continues talking about how Captain America is being laid to rest, and how many Bush critics are seemingly amazed to agree that even with his seeming awkward pause, this may have been one of his better speeches. The announcer looks to the camera jumping into his closing spiel – that this has been the coverage of a nation’s farewell to Captain America. The screen goes blank and Cage just looks at it . . . very quiet, very pensive.
In the crowd, a man in leather jacket looks on, and he seems to be talking to no one in particular... "Goodbye Steve..." "We'll miss him kid..." a voice interrupts his revirie "...but lets go find who did this to him." As the man turn around, he answers back "We sure will, Nick. And I know who's responsible for all this."
Alternate epilogue:
As he leaves Arlington in a limousine, Director Stark gets a heads-up from Deputy Director Hill. He first ensures that his communications are secure before he speaks. “Director Hill, how is our package?” she looks at him and replies – still on ice and looking the same way, Director Stark.” He pauses for a moment at the reply – he still needs to get used to his new title, after all. His reverie is caught short by a query from Hill – “and the LMD, did it perform sufficiently?” Tony looks at the distant casket – his reflections of the limo window. “Sufficiently enough . . . but then its no challenge to just lie dead. – I’ll see you in an hour, Maria . . . please keep me apprised of the new projects we’ve discussed, specifically ‘rebirth’ Stark out.”
“Its an LMD.” T’chala says in a matter of fact manner as he escorts his wife to their personal transport. “What?” Ororo asks . . . “A Life Model Decoy . . . SHIELD uses it often . . . ” “I know what an LMD is, what I meant to ask was what brought about your comment?”
T’chala looks at his queen with one of those more serious looks she’s know him to use when he is angry but can’t explain things fully – “Later, not here.”
Eulogy
The flags were ruffling through the wind and the first thing one noticed would be the fact that all these flags were at half-mast. To the marines assigned at the ceremony, this was really nothing new – how many times had they, after all been tasked to be honor guards for a dead dignitary? But then, that was not really true for today, was it? After all, if one looked closely, they would realize that the honor guards for that day seemingly consisted of mostly higher than usual ranking military personnel – a colonel, a major, two sergeants and some privates. All had fought for the right to be an honor guard for this day . . . in fact a near whole regiment had wanted to be here.In the end, rank was not pulled – but straws were drawn, for it was suggested that the person they would honor this day, would have wanted to make sure things were fair – even in an institution like the armed services, no... more so for an institution like the armed service, whom this man was so long a time a part of.
As the casket was brought down from a plane, the honor guards saluted with extra crisp cadence – this ceremony was, after all, not just about honoring the man . . . it was definitely an honor for them to be here – this was their way of paying respect to this particular person . . . Steve Rogers, Captain America, and even if some politicians frowned upon the fact that they were treating him as a hero... well in their eyes – he was indeed just that . . . a hero worthy of their respect, a leader worthy of their loyalty, a brother in arms, a symbol for what was right... or simply the epitome of an officer and gentleman.
Dignitaries from many nations had likewise shown up, some even had to be turned down when it was realized that the location just was not designed to have too many people without having so many security concerns. It was not to say that security could not be guaranteed, even S.H.I.E.L.D. was politely turned down for suggesting that the ceremony be scrapped due to security reasons.
The armed forces brass - at least, those hodling Steve Rogers in high regard, had told the President that they would personally guarantee everyone’s safety. But this man deserved the honor of such a ceremony, and even the other generals - those who may have had a grudge against the man, could not dispute the reasoning of their colleague... that plus the fact that they would not like to be known in the twilight of their career as the one who did not allow proper respect for America's most decorated soldier.
And so the ceremony was scheduled, and security was provided - even a humbled S.H.I.E.L.D. agreed to do security overwatch, while its newly appointed Director would be part of the VIPs in attendace... and what a list it was. Those who were able to secure a place did not need to RSVP, as they assured - some even threatened, to be there, and that their spot not be given up for a long waiting list of not so lucky ambassadors, lesser royalties and the likes.
A gathering like this, would naturally be a magnet for the news media - though in this instance, security was unanimous in insisting that the major networks only send a token team - while other global stations would just contend themselves with relayed signals - still, no one complained. Slightly delayed or live... the communications execs understood that this was no time for arguing or jockeying for scoops - this news, the world deserved to see... and many corporate sponsors were more than willing to donate for the air time, but the networks also saw this as their public service... so politely declined these offers.
Solemnity and the man's memory would be respected - though news anchors were still contemplating on how to treat this story with balanced views... more so since any detractor for the Captain seemed muted, at their own accord - at least, due to respect for the ceremony.
Eventually, and rather early, the dignitaries started filling in, and since it seemd to be a veritable who's who, many seemed caught up with the seemingly celebrity status of the guest list. Past U.N. Secretary General Anand was representing the United Nations, with the current Secretary General currently stuck in Asia – and beside Mr. Anand, one could find Past President Clinton, who spoke to anyone willing to listen, about how he, at one time, was saved by this man . . . Captain Anerica, though the confidentiality of events leading to said incident prevented him from disclosing too much. Washington insiders - those supposedly in the know, would continue to speculate about this - for it was one of those highly confidential instances. The Royal couple from Japan arrived, as did the Queen of England - accompanied by her son, Prince Charles.
Outside the cemetery, many more people were found just mingling with their radios and portable TV sets, though they wished to be there, it was just not humanly possible due of the high level security . . . still, they hoped that getting a glimpse of the man, or even just the casket would be possible when the dignitaries would have gone... and barring that, there was always the televised coverage. Anyone who broght a portable TV was soon surrounded by fellow mourners wishing to glimpse the event as it prgressed.
For its part, the major stations positioned to cover the ceremony were ready – but until it would officially start, they would be inundating the airwaves with many documented cases involving this man’s past. Veterans of the Second World War were interviewed, together with some dignitaries from around the world.
One announcer commented that the man being laid to rest this particular day may have been the most famous person for several generations, and even went so far as to say that he had never seen such an outpour of people paying their respect, at least . . . not since the death of the last pope. Something however, seemed ominously absent – the presence of heroes, both those who fought with – or against this man in the past week. To many, this was a glaring reminder of the wounds inflicted by the 'Civil War' - and the bill that started it all. A hotly contested issue - and eventually, one that seemed to have cost America the life of this great man.
But the absence of heroes in teh ceremony was not entirely true either, for if closer scrutiny were done, as was being done by some paparazzi, one would recognize King T’chala and his wife Ororo in the crowd - albeit, sans their outlandish working clothes... since they came simply wearing more subdued fashion. Anthony Stark had also arrived, and he was in a somber mode. As reporters tried getting closer to him for an interview, they would realize that he somehow carried with him a localized signal jammer for their equipment.
The more observant reporters also noticed that Mr. Stark was not in speaking terms with King T’chala... a fact known by many who followed news to the effect that T'chala had sided with Steve Rogers in the civil war, while Tony Stark led the opposite side. Still, this little tidbit was played out in the airwaves for as far as they could stretch - superimposed with pictures of the damaged areas affected by said war - and assurances from Mr. Fantastic that repairs and repirations would be done by the government-sided heroes.
In a rival station, film clips – some seemingly old yet newly declassified, were being played, as a leading military analyst offered his expert opinion on what happened back then, whether as a participant or expert in military history. More to the point, discussions led to how the tides of war (WWII) may have been different had the super soldier not been around. For a nation that seemingly took many of their heroes for granted, many were seemingly seeing the life of this man -really, for the first time.
The discussion shifts to when Captain America first appeared in the modern world and how right there and then many people seemed skeptical of this announcement – the reporter’s backdrop shifts to an old news clip of the Avengers stepping out of their submarine ready for an announcement... one aborted by an attack, leading to Captain America's emergence - and the modern world's first glimpse of the long thought dead hero.
Back in Avengers Tower, a somber mode was equally felt amongst everyone observing the program in the wide flat-screened plasma TV in the common area. Ms. Van Dyne looking quietly with arms crossed over her chest, while standing - is approached by Jarvis and she thanks him for the cup of cappuccino offered her in hushed tones.
Jan whispers, “It seems like a lifetime ago, hasn’t it Jarvis? Things were so simple back then , and we really did not know how significant our reviving Cap – Steve would be fro us.” Jarvis, pauses long enough to look at the screen and his eyes moist up - but he keeps his composure, and simply replies, “It was indeed a much simpler, and dare I say, a more innocent time, Madam.” He excuses himself and approaches Ms. Danvers and Mr. Williams seemingly huddled on the sofa, equally transfixed, watching the screen. Jan following him with a glance - she had heard Jarvis stiffle his voice. This day was affecting him as well. She turns back to the TV, whispering to herself "Why did this happen?"
As Jarvis approaches Carol and Simon, offering them both some refreshments, he overhears Carol telling Simon that they should be there – after all, Steve was more than a friend and comrade, he was a vital cog in the Avengers for a long time. It just did not feel right to sit here and watch. Simon tried to tell her that they should keep a low profile, specially since Cap was at odds with them in the issue of registration, and that they may not know just how the crowd would react to seeing them there. Carol gives Simon an incredulous look – and he qualifies the statement, saying its not just his opinion, but Tony’s as well.
Carol points to the screen, as it shifts back to the ceremony which is about to start, pointing out Tony in the crowd of VIPs. “That didn’t stop him, did it?”
It is at this point that the Sentry enters the room announcing the he just made a fly-by across Manhattan and for some reason, traffic has just gone still . . . many people just got off their cars, looking at certain establishments with television screens to just pause for a while and watch the ceremony . . . more surprising would be the fact that no one was complaining. It was as if, everyone understood the need to stop with their life and show their respect for the ceremony about to start.
Jarvis looks at the Sentry and tells him that he has not been around quite long enough to know the man being honored, and that such a move – whether out of curiosity or out of deep respect for the man, was expected by him from all peoples, after all, the man being laid to rest had saved or helped save the world – not just this nation... for the greater part of his – and their lives.
In fact, it should be expected more from them - the people who knew Steve better - not just as an icon, but as a comrade - for no differences of ideals or opinions will ever change those facts that Steve was an Avenger, perhaps the best the team's illustrous history ever had. These last words were stated loud enough for all in the room to hear – then Jarvis excuses himself... as something seemd to have been caught in his eyes - leaving everyone in the room quiet.
Carol suddenly gets up and approaches the balcony, when Simon asks her what she’s about to do, she does not even bother looking back as she says “What do you think?” then leaps out the balcony. Simon sees Bob follow a heartbeat later, then he too jumps to join them . . . Jan seeing the three figures flying away, smiles then presses an intercom to inform Jarvis to help her with the preparation of a quinjet.
Back at Arlington, President Bush has taken his place on the podium, and is addressing the gathered crowd – he talks about how the man behind him, was one of their nation’s greatest defenders, how painful it was to see him go against his administration’s decisions with registration – yet how he respected the man for realizing the mistake of fighting, and giving up.
The President pauses for an awkward moment, then continues – saying that despite this, he recognizes the fact that Steve Rogers, Captain America had dedicated his life to representing the American dream . . . no matter how hard it may seem, no matter how outdated it may look. How, as Captain America, he had been called on several occasions to help the country out of a crisis, not just during his time but even during the time of former Presidents Bush and Clinton.
The President then announces that Cap’s death need not be meaningless, and as his administration will closely watch the continuing the investigation to Steve Roger’s murder, they also offer an olive branch of peace and reconciliation for other heroes who fought with Steve Rogers, by way of an amnesty program to be led by the newly appointed Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Anthony Stark. The Cameras pan to a poker faced Tony Stark, who ignores them all, thus they focus back to Bush who continues his talk.
Bush closes with the usual spiel of how the nation mourns his loss and salutes the casket, and at the background, people hear orders for the usual 21 gun salute, but they also hear jets doing a fly-by . . . as it becomes apparent that other major armed services likewise wish to salute Captain America.
It is at this moment that S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel within the heli-carrier pick up a lone flight coming in fast from the direction of New York, and before they can flag it, Janet Van Dyne’s face appears – greeting deputy director Hill, letting them know that they likewise wish to just pay their respects. Director Hill’s face shows some disapproval of this unorthodox request, but relents, these are - after all, heroes who’d allied themselves with S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark.
Upon the end of the 21-gun salute the crowd is then surprised, including it would seem, Tony Stark – at the fact that a quinjet shoots across the sky escorted by a saluting Ms. Marvel followed by the Sentry and Wonder-man. The announcer who earlier mentioned the seeming ‘absence of heroes’ now remarks that these heroes were probably all waiting for just this moment to show themselves for this particular portion, though he still half expected more of their numbers to show up. Tony then looks reluctantly to the direction of Ororo and T’chala – seeing them look at the receding figures in the sky, they then look at Tony only briefly, and he still sees a hint of accusation in their eyes – or was it just his imagination?
The TV monitor shows the receding figures in the sky then shifts back to the studio for reactions, the scene zooms out to show a teary-eyed Peter Parker looks at the screen, while being comforted by his wife . . . “I should have been there, M.J.”, he then looks at he hospital bed, at his injured aunt, but before he can say anything else, he hears someone opening the room’s door and he jumps out of the window, clinging near the outside window’s upper portion, listening to the doctor talking to MJ.
The television continues talking about how Captain America is being laid to rest, and how many Bush critics are seemingly amazed to agree that even with his seeming awkward pause, this may have been one of his better speeches. The announcer looks to the camera jumping into his closing spiel – that this has been the coverage of a nation’s farewell to Captain America. The screen goes blank and Cage just looks at it . . . very quiet, very pensive.
In the crowd, a man in leather jacket looks on, and he seems to be talking to no one in particular... "Goodbye Steve..." "We'll miss him kid..." a voice interrupts his revirie "...but lets go find who did this to him." As the man turn around, he answers back "We sure will, Nick. And I know who's responsible for all this."
Alternate epilogue:
As he leaves Arlington in a limousine, Director Stark gets a heads-up from Deputy Director Hill. He first ensures that his communications are secure before he speaks. “Director Hill, how is our package?” she looks at him and replies – still on ice and looking the same way, Director Stark.” He pauses for a moment at the reply – he still needs to get used to his new title, after all. His reverie is caught short by a query from Hill – “and the LMD, did it perform sufficiently?” Tony looks at the distant casket – his reflections of the limo window. “Sufficiently enough . . . but then its no challenge to just lie dead. – I’ll see you in an hour, Maria . . . please keep me apprised of the new projects we’ve discussed, specifically ‘rebirth’ Stark out.”
“Its an LMD.” T’chala says in a matter of fact manner as he escorts his wife to their personal transport. “What?” Ororo asks . . . “A Life Model Decoy . . . SHIELD uses it often . . . ” “I know what an LMD is, what I meant to ask was what brought about your comment?”
T’chala looks at his queen with one of those more serious looks she’s know him to use when he is angry but can’t explain things fully – “Later, not here.”
-End-
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