Malice from Humanity

"Russell said he wants to hold a match at the White House. He wants to fight outside my office, on the lawn outside my home, right beyond the window I look through every morning at breakfast.

"And he wants the whole world to watch. It's an insult to me, to this country, and to every person in this room."

The conference room fell silent for several seconds. No one dared speak while the President was talking.

"I promised Professor X I wouldn't move against Russell." The President's voice suddenly rose.

"But he killed my people, destroyed my city, and now he wants to make a show of his power on my doorstep. I've had enough."

He stood, planted both hands on the table, and leaned forward. His gaze swept over everyone present, like an old wolf driven into a corner sizing up his pack.

"S.H.I.E.L.D.? Nick Fury? Captain Marvel? A pack of incompetents. That bald man said he could keep Earth safe, but where are his people? Either dead or unreliable.

"When it matters, we have to rely on ourselves."

The President's gaze settled on General Darian. The gray-haired man with the stern face sat in uniform at the far end of the long table, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee.

"General, what has your Mutant research program achieved?"

General Darian's hand went still. He looked at the President, his gray eyes empty of emotion. When he spoke, his voice was low, as though he were discussing something he had considered for a long time.

"Hound No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 are ready. They're strong enough to take on powerful enemies.

"We have enough Mutant-Suppressing Serum to cover the entire East Coast. If Russell dares come to the White House, we have the means to turn him