"And so it begins today Nebulon," Proctor said as he looked out over a balcony into the hustle and bustle of New York City. His excitement over the events about to take place burned like the hot flowing lava and magma rising from a volcano. Whitman had been laying the layers of his plan for some time and now all was about to fruition.

"So now you shall seek out Sersi I assume?" Nebulon asked curiously. He was enjoying the lavish place that Proctor had them residing in and he wasn't exactly ready to leave.

"Of course Nebulon. I'll find her and bring the Avengers to me in doing so," Proctor replied.

"Then what?"

"You'll see Nebulon. I promise you quite the show," Proctor smiled.

Avengers Mansion

"Is this the new look Cal?" Scarlet Witch asked as the Morlock walked out of her room. She no longer had her blue and white armor that she had been wearing for some time. Instead she was wearing a dark green wifebeater, black pants, and army boots. Around her wrists were spiked bracelets. She still had her eye patch, but other than that any other scars she might have were gone entirely. Her skin also seemed to be a little more vibrant.

"It's the god form Apollo told me I would receive. I must admit I was expecting something a little…different," Callisto said looking at her new self.

Apollo walked into the dining room surprising the two women. With a smile the Olympian said, "I see you're now in your new god form. I know you must be surprised some by it, but you've grown up in the mortal world your entire life so your god form responds to that. Nonetheless the Olympian blood that runs through your veins has finally been unleashed. How wonderful is that?"

"You could have at least asked me if I even wanted these powers first," Callisto said angered still at Apollo's forcing of these powers on her.

Apollo sighed, "Perhaps I could have, but the situation was dire and I could nay afford to have my granddaughter die before she even knew of her relation to me. That was not something I could ever allow to happen. My heart would decay from shame."

"Besides no harm done. You look like you could go out and kick some serious butt Cal," Wanda smiled trying to ease the tension between the Olympian and the Morlock. Though she could definitely understand Callisto feeling violated. Wanda knew that feeling very well. Her most recent run in with it was when someone she considered the love of her life turned on the Avengers. His name was Vision and in the end he died for his treachery. The death of this formerly heroic Avenger struck everyone who knew and cared about him hard. Some suspected Wanda would leave the team over his death, but Scarlet Witch handled her grief in a different way. By continuing to work in the Avengers she can hold on to some small part of the old Vision she knew and loved so deeply.

As the conversation between the three Avengers died down Sersi entered the room. She was dressed in a long black dress that glittered all over. The Eternal was showing plenty of cleavage and a whole mess of backside. Walking between Callisto and Apollo she pronounced with a very joyful voice, "Suit up ladies! It's time we have a little fun."

"You really think we should be hitting the town after all the junk we've been through as of late. We still got unsolved issues to handle," Scarlet Witch said with a weary look on her face. She liked to have fun as much as the next person, but this was hardly the time for it.

"That's exactly why we need to go out Wanda! Too much drama has happened as of late and we need to let off some steam before we pop. We should be fresh whenever we tackle these unresolved issues we have to handle," Sersi explained hoping her words would sink into Wanda. Besides it would be fun. Of course Satana would just have to mind her manners is all.

"Fine ladies night out then. I'll go wash up."

"You can count me out ladies," Crystal said as she walked down the stairway in a green shirt and some regular old blue jeans. She was wearing a pair of classic Reeboks that Exodus had bought for her.

"Must be Exodus again. Sheesh girl you're falling head over heels for him," Wanda smirked.

Crystal blushed a deep pink, "Nothing of the sort Wanda. He's just good company is all and lord knows I could use a reliable male friend."

"Completely understandable. Well, have fun on your date Crystal. Oh and don't get too frisky," Sersi said playfully as Crystal shook her head weakly. The Inhuman walked out of the door and closed it just enough so it barely made a sound.

"Well, I'll go tell Satana, Binary, and Jennifer while you go and wash up Wanda. This should be quite the interesting night," Sersi winked as she went into the kitchen to grab her a Coke before she went off to Binary's room.

"Did you hear about the U-Foes attacking the United Nations?" Hyperion asked as he walked into the room where Jennifer Kale was eating some popcorn and watching Thirteen Ghosts. She didn't particularly enjoy the movie, but it was the only one she could visibly see in her messy room.

Kale said almost indifferently, "Really. Who stopped them?" She really hated to sound as if she didn't care, but her favorite part of the movie was about to come up. It was when that lawyer punk got split in half by those two glass walls.

The former Squadron Supreme leader crossed his arms, "The New Warriors did. Though I see a dead woman with cut up titties is more important to you."

Jennifer jumped up out of her chair and exploded, "Don't you ever get tired! I'm so tired of hearing about which super hero beat who and what villain attacked the UN this week! Why can't I just watch my damn movie in peace? I just got home from being kidnapped by some aliens! Can't I just watch ONE movie in peace? Just one FREAKIN movie!"

"Sheesh no need to get bitchy about it," Hyperion said as he slammed the door to Kale's room. She obviously was trying to retreat into her own little world or something. How the heck could she be an Avenger if she broke under that little bit of stress they had just undergone?

Satana came around the corner and having heard the entire exchange said softly to Hyperion, "Give her time. She's not use to the type of thing we've just undergone. Besides you should be trying to get a girl and not glued to the T.V."

"That's just what I was trying to do," Hyperion whispered to himself after Satana had walked off.

Thor and Binary stood at the monitor where a representative of S.H.I.E.L.D. was filling them in on some of the current activities of the organization. Binary honestly didn't know why she was here. Thor maybe. He was one of the big dogs when it came to the Avengers, but she was still a newbie. Maybe the guy with the big hammer wanted to give her some experience.

"We've just completed construction of a new Helicarrier. It will definitely increase the effectiveness of our organization as a whole. Forge is quite pleased with the way S.H.I.E.L.D. is moving along," the agent reported. He looked to be a middle-aged man though his hair was already beginning to gray quite a bit. He had a strong jaw, high cheeks, and a bright tan colored skin.

"Honestly why are you telling us this? I can't imagine the Avengers needing updates on what S.H.I.E.L.D. is up to," Binary said quite frankly. She would have let Thor get the first words, but something about this was just too weird for her not to speak up immediately.

Thor nodded, "Thee fair lady hath a good point. Why is thou informing us of S.H.I.E.L.D's affairs?"

The man smiled a wicked smile, "You two have a little more sense than I thought. S.H.I.E.L.D. could care less to tell you about their operations. I only needed to get your attention." With that the features of the man began to change. The graying hair turned black and flowed long. His skin paled some and his green eyes burst into a brilliant violet. Energy seemed to pour out the sides of those eyes. Thor knew this face. It was the face of an old friend, but the Asgardian knew this was indeed not the man known as Dane Whitman.

"Proctor! It burns my heart that thou chest breathes air scoundrel!"

Binary was taken aback. She had read about Proctor in the files of the Avengers. He was an alternate reality version of Black Knight who went around killing every Sersi he could find. His ultimate goal was to rid the Multiverse of all versions of the Eternal, Sersi. He ultimately failed in that goal, but it was obvious he was still kicking.

"Nice to see you too Thor. It's been far too long," Proctor smiled. "I just wanted to let everyone know I was still around and kicking. It won't be long till I pay a visit. Family reunions are so much fun. Make sure to tell Sersi too. I've got this special gift I've been saving just for her.

"Harm her foul demon and I shalt rain my greatest vengeance down upon thee!"

"Really Thor there's no need to get mad. The guy is just a pushover who can't handle a break up anyway. That punk probably would get lost trying to find his way to the Mansion," Binary mocked. Proctor was a like a leaf blowing in the wind. His direction could quickly be changed. She would turn all his confidence into reckless anger.

Proctor's face twitched and he yelled, "You speak boldly now you tramp, but when an army comes crashing down upon Earth you'll change your words quickly!" With that outburst the image of Proctor faded off the screen leaving Binary and Thor to contemplate their situation.

"Our comrades must knowst about this foul ones return most urgently!" Thor exclaimed, but before he could walk out of the door Binary grabbed his arm.

"Telling everybody will only make the situation worse Thor! That's exactly what Proctor expects us to do. I say we bluff him a bit! The ladies are supposed to be going out tonight. Let him come and try to take Sersi then," Binary suggested. She knew what she was suggesting wouldn't exactly fly with Thor, but she had to try.

"Dost thou askst me to use fair Sersi as…bait?" the Thunder God asked. Perhaps he was wrong in listening to Apollo and assembling this team.

"That's exactly what I'm asking you! Hear me out…"

"Let me see you get low! You scared! You scared! Drop that ass to the floor! Let me see you get low!"

Sersi was at the door listening to Binary sing to the Lil Jon song. Nicole was in her underwear jamming to the song with her headphones on. She was getting so much into the song she didn't even notice that Sersi standing in her doorway.

"To the da window! To da the wall!" Binary singed, but she abruptly stopped when she turned around and saw Sersi standing in the doorway. She was so embarrassed she would have blushed except she was of a color that prevented her embarrassment from being noticed too much.

"Go right ahead! I was enjoying your singing actually though I'm far too old to enjoy rap music! So you ready to go?"

Binary giggled a little, "What's it look like? Just let me get some clothes and I'll be right out."

"Glad to see you guys came back from Hong Kong okay," Crystal said as she held Exodus's hand. They were enjoying a little stroll through the park. Normally most people would be heading home from the park at this time, but honestly what did they have to be scared of? Some thugs? A pickpocket?

Exodus looked somber and he asked, "Can we please just leave the topic of Hong Kong alone? I rather talk about something else."

"Okay that's fine with me," Crystal said full of understanding. "So how are the kids adapting to life under du Paris?"

"Better than I thought. That's for sure. It's a joy seeing them start to come together. All of them have so much potential. I bet you see a couple of them on the X-Men in years to come," Exodus said full of pride.

Crystal hugged up close to Bennet just simply enjoying his company. She could never really do anything like this with Pietro. He was always in a rush to do everything. Honestly, she couldn't really blame him but she was still a great deal bitter. Exodus wiped a lot of that away though. He was a great companion to have.

"You know you can see the stars so much better out in…AHH!" Exodus yelled as she suddenly shot square in the chest by a large white beam of energy. Crystal looked back to see that he was out cold.

"Should've worried about yourself Inhuman!" Nebulon yelled as he punched an unsuspecting Crystal straight in the face. "Two out of the way. Now all Proctor has to do is find Sersi. How bold of those foolish Avengers to leave the safety of their mansion."

Next Issue: Proctor goes after Sersi!

AVENGERS LETTERS

Brent,

Just read Avengers #17, and it's nice to see things coming together and beginning to move in one direction again. Spreading the team out as
you have over the last couple issues gives you more room to utilize this enormous cast, but it's also more difficult for the reader to keep track of everything that's going on.

Yeah I realize this so I'm going to be slimming down the cast soon. I'll come out and say it right here in the Avengers letter. The roster I have so far is Thor, Crystal, Scarlet Witch, Sersi, Quoi, and Mantis with Gilgamesh and Callisto as reserves. Some might think I've spoiled some stuff but you still gotta know how the team gets broken down so stay tuned.

I had two problems with this issue: one was the anti-climactic resolution to the Avengers-in-Space plot. Thor shows up, tosses his
hammer around, and the aliens go "Oh alright, go ahead and take them back." It made sense, I guess, but it wasn't much of a payoff after the last issue or two of space fights.

Yeah. That did not go off as well as I had hoped. I was hoping to show just how powerful of a character Thor was, but as you said it came off as anti-climatic.

Second--and this is a problem I've had since your run began--is Crystal. I understand that you're trying to deal definitively with her and Pietro's relationship, but more often than not--especially when she's sticking it to Wanda--she just comes off as a whiny bitch, not somebody you feel any sympathy for at all.

Actually lol that's how I was hoping she would come off as. If you remember right Apollo has been manipulating some of the Avengers members among them Crystal and Scarlet Witch. So the source of her whiny anger is actually from Apollo screwing around with her.

Otherwise, keep it up. One way or another, this is gonna be the year of the Heroes branch.

Russ

You know it man! The Heroes Branch is going to leave all the other branches behind this year. Thanks for the letter Russ!

Our next letter is from the number one fanfic reader…Jason Trenner.

Interesting issue. Proctor..didn't he die fighting the Thunderbolts? Guess not. Wonder if he's also after the Avengers(She-Hulk and Living Lightning) that were with the Thunderbolts when he was defeated last time. On to the questions:

Well, Proctor was always mean t to be alive and kicking. At least that's what Exner told me and I figured I'd honor Mike by using Proctor in Avengers and believe he's going to leave his mark before "A Call to Arms" is over with.

1)Will Captain America have any interaction with the team? Feels slightly weird for the heart and soul of the team not to be there.
Well, I kinda just want to leave Cap in the hands of Gregg and honestly I tried to write Cap once and failed. I don't yet think I'm ready to try my hand at him again.

2) Will there be any friction between the East/ West coast teams?
I wouldn't say so much friction, but there will be differences. That's the best way I can put it.

3) Is there any chance of Hercules rejoining the team?
There's always a chance, but I don't know when it's going to happen. If you want to see Hercules on the Avengers though everybody should check out Tom's Avengers stuff over at Marvel Revolution.

4) Does the west coast team have any role in Apollo's prophecy?
Nope. Not even in the slightest.

5) Is there going to an Avengers vs. X-Men battle?
That would be cool, but come on. We all know who would win. (Man I bet I catch heat for this lol)

6) Will the Avengers fight the a new Squadron Sinister?
I have no plans for it.

7) Is anything the Hulk does matter to the Avengers( after all he is a founding member)?
I'm sure it matters, but other more pressing matters are always in the face of the Avengers.

8) Is there any chance of Quasar rejoining the team?
I would love to see him on the team, but I'd have to find some way to fit him into the scheme of things.

9)What did the Adversary mean by Thor and Apollo not being Thor and Apollo?
Wait and see.

10)Is the Scarlet Witch tied to the 5th Dimension like Cable?
Nope. Wanda is powerful enough as is and she has only scratched the tip of the iceberg. Besides the 5th Dimension is Brad's creation. I'll leave that up to him. Scarlet Witch doesn't need some dimension to enhance her powers anyway. She's powerful enough.

11) Is there any chance of the Avengers fighting Godzilla?
It would be a fun fight to see happen. Who knows? I might try and get around to it.