A Chance of Doom

[Doctor Doom]

Doctor Doom sat atop his throne in his high castle in Latveria and plotted. It was mere months since he had reclaimed the Latverian throne and he had spent much of the ensuing time in pursuit of Thor's hammer; an ultimately futile quest, it would seem.

But now things were being set back to the proper way they should be. The government which had replaced him had been far too lax; now Doom undid whole months of debates in a single barked command and lazy wave of an armoured hand.

But he always kept one eye on America. America. Where Richards and the other so-called heroes were. ANd now it seems there was this foolish registration act.

"Hmmm..." he said aloud. "I oppose this act naturally, as it makes it easier for my foes to unite against me. Of course, it provides me with an easy means of getting the identities of Spider-Man and the likes, but that does not help me destroy Richards."

"If I announce that Latveria supports the Act... then that will drive many who are on the edge over to the side that oppose it." He smiled beneath the mask. "But if I announce I am against it, it would have the opposite effect. On the other hand...."

He poured himself a decanter of wine and strode to the massive stain glass windows. "I will announce Latveria's opposing this act shortly." He decided aloud. "This will make more people support it. This will make the contest more even." He laughed aloud. "I keep the embers hot, I continue to fan the flames, and the super-heroes will destroy each other without my help!"

He laughed even louder, his laugh becoming an evil cackle which resounded throughout the stone halls of the castle. "To the future!" he said aloud, and downed the decanter in a single gulp.

[Iron Man]

"Doom."

The greeting was simple, and little mroe than a statement.

Iron Man hovered over the armoured villain's throne, his hands balled into fists and his repulsors emitting a low whine.Benetah his mask, his eyes were shooting daggers at the King, but one had to make sure to hide one's feelings when they were...well, what he was, really. A hero. An Avenger. Doom would, no doubt, jump at the chance of such a possibility of the Act, but most likely would be plotting to use it with unconventional methods.

"I need to know where you - - and Latveria - - stand on this Act. This is not a social visit," he cautioned.

[Doctor Doom]

Doctor Doom did not jump in surprise. He was far too disciplined for that. "Ah.... Mr Stark." he said in a measured tone. "I am surprised... though I suppose I should not be." He turned to face Iron Man. "I have been somewhat busy reordering my realm since my return and have not yet been able to pay you a call."

He held up a hand to forestall a response. "I am not, of course surprised that you got past the guards. Now then, to business. The Registration Act." He toyed with his empty decanter for a moment. "I am afraid, Mister Stark, Latveria opposes the Registration Act." he said. "We cannot agree with your... vigilantes being given legality. Especially when Richards agrees with you." His eyes stared keenly at Iron Man.

Both men knew Doctor Doom was doing Iron man a favour- with the notably twisted Doom and his government in opposition to the Act, more heroes would be likely to support it. The question Doom knew Iron Man would be thinking was... what did he WANT for it?

[wolverine]

Logan had been able to follow Tony. He remained quiet and out of sight. He overheared their conversation. He didn't really know Doom but had heared enough about him. this was some information Captain America would surely want to know.

[Iron Man]

"I would respond, Doom," Iron Man hissed, dropping down with a metallic ring. "But I'm afraid I'd rather do it without anybody spying on us."

Allowing his words to sink in, Iron Man brought his wrist plate up to his face and allowed his fingers to dance deftly across the keys. A schematic of the eavesdropper appeared on the screen, and the Ferrous Gladiator knew its identity before the armour automatically matched it to his database.

"Come on out, Wolverine," he called.

[Doctor Doom]

Doctor Doom's eyebrows raised ever so slightly behind the mask. "It seems I am playing host to representatives from both sides, eh..." he said. He turned to face the shadows. "Oh don't worry, Wolverine, I know you oppose this Act, as do I." He turned to face Iron Man. "Wolverine is an Avenger, is he not? Surely you can say to me anything without fear that the... animal in the shadows will take offence?"

He seemed to be prying into Iron Man's soul. "Or has your group splintered so much that there are things you would rather some of them not hear. I hear rumors you know, whisperings of secret groups and abandoned bases..... Charles Xavier never DID show up again after his disappearance a few months ago, did he?" he asked. He paused a moment and then dropped the bombshell. "And how is the Hulk doing these days?"

[wolverine]

Logan came from the shadows. He had changed over the time, not getting older, the opposite. His healing making him look a bit younger. ((See Signature))
He looked at Doom and then at Iron Man not saying anything yet.

[Iron Man]

Iron Man released a confident chuckle, ringing throughout his armour as well as the hall. He crossed his arms over his chest, letting Doom know that his supposedly harsh, prying words were having no effect...at least on the outside.

"Is this your idea of psychological warfare, Doom?" the Avenger taunted amusedly. "The heroes aren't divided - but you will be if you carry on the way you are."

A complete and utter lie. He and Steve had never been so...aggressive towards eahc other, not even when he had initiated the 'Armor Wars'.

"This Act, if it is passed, will not benefit you specifically. I'll make sure of it. Wolverine, are you ready to go? I'm getting bored. And I'd like to have a word with you."

[wolverine]

Logan shrugged and turned around. If Iron Man wanted a word with him he would have to hurry. He walked out of the room.

[Iron Man]

Iron Man accelerated midly, gripping Wolverine's shoulders and taking to the air with the feral mutant in tow. Speeding away from Doom's castle, he began to reprimand his passenger, his voice as scolding as boiling water.

"This isn't some sort of war, Wolverine," he informed. "And spying is not acceptable. There are no 'sides', so stop acting like it."

[wolverine]

"If you let me go, perhaps I would believe you." Logan replied as he grabbed Iron man's wrists. He knew better then to let his claws slid out in the air. Sure he would survive the drop. But he would feel the pain when he hit the ground untill his healing would patch him up again.

[Iron Man]

Paranoia seemed to be gripping everyone, Wolverine included.

"Logan...I'm carrying you home, not kidnapping you," Iron Man responded, his tone a little sombre. "Would you rather I left you to walk?"

[wolverine]

"You know what I think about being caried in the first place." Logan replied. However his grip relaxed a bit. Sure he would find a way back home, which reminded him, he still needed to speak with Wicked for that matter. He had forgotten baout her.

[Iron Man]

"I'm going back to Stark Tower," Iron Man muttered, irritation lacing his voice. His altitude fell as he glided to only a few metres above the ground, releasing Wolverine from his grip and accelerating once again. "Goodbye, Logan," he bade, his voice resounding behind him as he departed for America.

((Exit: Iron Man))

[wolverine]

Logan landed on his feet and shook his head as he sat off himself. By the time he would get back he would see where Wicked would be, as long as she didn't work herself into trouble, again. Like him she was very good at that. A bit to good some times.