Cyclops was not truly afraid of Marcus, nor was he opposed to taking in strong newcomers. What irritated him was simple: Magneto had made a unilateral decision—again.
Unlike Xavier and Magneto, both legendary figures with grand visions, Cyclops was still a young leader trying to assert his authority. With Xavier gone, he needed to demonstrate that he could lead… or risk losing all influence to Magneto. If that happened, any "alliance" between mutant factions would become meaningless.
He hadn't objected because he wanted Marcus expelled; he merely wanted Magneto to respect his opinion. After a brief exchange, the two reached a compromise, and Marcus was officially allowed into the academy.
Phase One of Marcus's plan was complete. Now came the part where he brought chaos to their doorstep.
"Jean, take him around the school," Cyclops instructed after the decision was made. "I need to discuss something with Magneto."
The girl beside him—a graceful young woman with long auburn hair—nodded. This was Jean Grey, the gentle but terrifying host of the dormant Phoenix Force. She had not yet awakened its full power; if she had, she would be the single most dangerous obstacle Marcus would ever face.
"Come with me," Jean said warmly, leading him inside.
Cyclops and Magneto walked in the opposite direction—toward the X-Men's underground command center.
As Marcus followed Jean, she explained, "This academy exists to help those with… special gifts. People who struggle to live safely in society."
Students demonstrated those "gifts" all around them. A girl floated a perfect sphere of water above her palm as if she were in zero gravity. Another student casually walked across the ceiling. On the athletic field, a group of boys played soccer with the destructive enthusiasm of a kung fu movie, explosions of color and energy lighting up the grounds.
Once, Marcus might have been impressed. Now, after fighting armies of superheroes and surviving nuclear fire, it barely registered.
They rounded a corner—and found a large crowd gathered around a screen in the courtyard, whispering urgently.
Jean frowned and stepped forward. "What's going on?"
On the television was yesterday's top fugitive—Captain America, now standing before a sea of reporters… giving an inauguration speech.
"Good evening, citizens of the United States. I am Steve Rogers," he began. "You've heard many things about me these past days. Some were even ordered to hunt me down, calling me a traitor…"
Jean looked around, incredulous. "How is this possible? He was supposed to be arrested as an enemy of the state. How is he suddenly a government spokesperson?"
A student spread his hands helplessly. "We're just as confused as you. Yesterday he was listed as a top-priority fugitive. Today—he's the leading candidate for President. The government even appointed him interim President until the election!"
Another student—clearly a Captain America fan—clenched his fists. "What the hell? I thought he was on our side! Did he really betray us?"
Jean quickly tried to calm the crowd.
"Everyone, don't jump to conclusions. Let's hear what he has to say."
The students fell silent as the speech continued.
"You deserve the truth," Captain America said firmly. "I am not a traitor. My identity was used by someone else. I can't disclose who orchestrated this deception… but the superheroes accused are innocent."
A government spokesperson stepped forward to support him.
"After reanalysis of battlefield evidence, we have confirmed that the 'Captain America' present during the New York conflict was an impostor. We regret our earlier misjudgment. We hope the public will continue to place their trust in Steve Rogers—"
Reporters erupted instantly.
"Why were you so certain he was guilty before?"
"If superheroes weren't the enemy, then what exactly was the military fighting in New York?"
"You continue to hide the truth from the public! We demand full disclosure!"
"QUIET!"
Captain America's roar cut through the chaos like a blade.
Even the most aggressive reporters fell silent. In America, Steve Rogers's authority rivaled—if not surpassed—the government's own.
"Many details about the New York battle remain unclear," he said solemnly. "Even to those who survived it. I ask only that you set aside fear and prejudice, and help this nation weather the crisis we face."
It was a masterful deflection. He had once demanded total transparency—but now he helped bury the truth. The deal was obvious:
Captain America gets reinstated. The government covers up the nightmare.
No mention of the zombie virus.
No mention of the nuclear strike ordered by the U.S. government.
No mention of the millions dead.
Remarkably, the press did not push harder. They understood the mood of the nation. Steve Rogers was the only figure Americans still trusted—and trust was something people in crisis cling to desperately.
Seeing no more questions, Captain America placed his hand on a Bible and recited:
"I do solemnly swear… that I will faithfully execute the office of Interim President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
_____
T/N:
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