Washington, DC, throbbed with an undeniable energy as Capitol Hill erupted into a vibrant spectacle, attracting an extraordinary crowd.
News crews set up their cameras, reporters dashed about gathering interviews and sound bites, passionate protesters rallied with unwavering conviction, and engaged citizens from every corner of the nation gathered around the emblematic building, wholly focused on what many declared could be the most watched court hearing in history.
Security forces, police officers, SHIELD, and the National Guard were deployed in full force, their presence a formidable assurance that order would prevail. They stood ready to enforce the law and keep the peace, underscoring the gravity of the situation with their vigilant watch.
Across the United States and around the globe, people were riveted to their screens, eagerly waiting to see if Atomic would comply with the summons. The air buzzed with anticipation and speculation, each individual wondering what shocking revelations might unfold if he chose to appear.
In the heart of New York City, an unusual stillness contradicted the city's typical lively pace. Residents prioritized their attention on televisions and radios, completely immersed in the live feeds from Capitol Hill, consumed by the unfolding narrative.
Opinions ran deep and fierce. Many were utterly convinced of Atomic's guilt, pointing to his week-long disappearance following the devastating destruction of a secret government facility in Nevada as clear evidence of his wrongdoing.
Yet, a steadfast group of supporters refused to waver, asserting that the allegations were nothing more than unfounded rumors and that Atomic remained the heroic figure they always believed him to be.
This day was not just pivotal but a defining moment brimming with the potential to unveil crucial truths.
The world was poised for answers. Was Atomic a terrorist, or did he still embody the valor admired by so many? All eyes fixed on the unfolding drama, ready for the truth to break free from the shadows.
"Look! Look up there!" A loud voice pierced through the din of the crowd, fingers trembling as they pointed skyward. A billowing white cape sliced through the air, catching the light of the day.
Like an unleashed storm, the masses on Capitol Hill collectively shifted their gaze, their breaths hitching as they beheld the figure of Atomic slowly descending from the heavens.
As his boots touched the ground, the atmosphere crackled with tension. The very air felt charged as hundreds of protestors, fueled by fury and passion, erupted into a violent symphony of curses and accusations.
Handmade signs, adorned with messages of hatred, waved like banners of war, their faces twisted in rage and despair. Barricades, police, and military personnel formed a desperate barrier against the tide of anger threatening to spill forth.
"Terrorist!"
"Lock him up!"
"You're a fraud!"
The cacophony of voices surged, drowning out reason, merging into a relentless roar that assaulted Atomic from all sides.
He stood there, stricken by the weight of their ire, yet his expression remained unreadable behind his helmet.
From the overcast sky, a suit of black and grey armor descended, the sound of metal striking the ground resonating with a heavy clang in front of the Capitol building. Standing six feet tall, James Rhodes, encased in his War Machine armor, faced Atomic with a steely gaze.
"Colonel Rhodes," Atomic acknowledged, his voice steady.
"…Atomic," James Rhodes replied, his tone strong from his military upbringing.
Another resounding clang shattered the silence as Tony Stark's Iron Man suit landed nearby. The front of his helmet shifted upward, revealing a confident, if somewhat sardonic expression.
"Well, Red Ranger," Tony said, his words carrying an edge of irony. "Looks like you've found yourself in some hot water."
"Mr. Stark," Atomic responded, glancing back at the Iron Men critically. "Colonel Rhodes makes sense, but you? Are you here on orders as well?"
"I don't really do orders," Tony retorted, his smile understated, almost grim. He gestured toward the imposing Capitol building. "I'm here to hear your side of things."
Drawing in a deep breath, Atomic turned toward the massive structure, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He strode forward, flanked by both armored figures, their presence both shielding and imposing as they moved toward the grand, historically rich building.
As he advanced through the endless hallways, Atomic felt the stares of onlookers—camera crews, officers, military personnel, and SHIELD agents alike. This was no ordinary day; the air was thick with tension. Conversations halted, eyes widened, and whispers filled the space, turning an ordinary workday into an unyielding spectacle.
••o••o••o••
Within the halls of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, a tense stillness enveloped the air as the members of the X-Men gathered to witness Atomic's determined stride through the Capitol building.
His head was held high despite the cacophony of curses hurled at him by the hundreds of protesters gathered outside.
Charles, with his furrowed brow, Logan's tense muscles coiled like a spring, Beast's analytical gaze, Ororo's unwavering strength, and their newest teacher and school Doctor, Robert McPherson, all stood in solemn solidarity, wrestling with their mixed emotions.
Across the large media room, Wanda stood with a confident demeanor, her unwavering confidence in Wyatt's plan left her the calmest of them all. Kitty, Evan, Kurt, Rogue, Jean, Scott, Jubilation, Samuel, and the rest of the freed mutants from Nevada all observed the large plasma television with a mixture of nervousness and hope, their eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation while their uncertain future hung in the balance.
Meanwhile, within the Parker residence, Peter, Harry, Gwen, Ben, and May were glued to the television, their expressions a stark contrast to one another. While Peter and Ben held serious looks, each grappling with the weight of their own thoughts, Harry, Gwen, and May watched with an inquisitive curiosity, trying to make sense of the chaotic unfolding drama.
In the office of Nelson & Murdock, Matt sat in thoughtful silence, his cane cradled in his hands as he absorbed the updates from the radio. His friends and colleagues, Foggy Nelson and Karen Page, flanked him as they listened intently.
At the Baxter Building, renowned for its groundbreaking advancements in science and technology, Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm paused in their respective endeavors, drawn together by the news feed. Their usual banter was replaced with a shared silence as they absorbed the latest developments.
Within the comfort of her home, Serena, Lucille, Daniel, and the elderly Nariyoshi Keisuke Miyagi gathered in the LaRusso residence, their collective attention riveted to the screen. Lucille held Serena's shoulders as the girl clenched her hands tightly in front of her.
Meanwhile, in the bustling science lab of their high school in San Francisco, Gogo Tamago, Honey Lemon, Wasabi, Fred, and Tadashi Hamada huddled around a projector screen, their expressions a blend of curiosity and unease as they watched the unfolding events. The scent of fresh experimental materials lingered in the air, yet all thoughts of science were overshadowed by the drama they were witnessing.
In his newly constructed hideout, Erik and his Brotherhood of Mutants observed the spectacle with vested interest. The master of magnetism was intrigued, his piercing eyes never leaving Atomic's determined form.
Although her investment in the situation was less grand, Zoey sat in her bedroom, captivated by the live stream on her phone. She absentmindedly tapped a pencil against her desk, her focus unwavering as she absorbed every detail of the unfolding narrative. A neatly folded red handkerchief rested over her Sunlight Sisters notebook.
Finally, every person Atomic had ever helped, saved, or interacted with stood watching with bated breath, their hopes and fears intertwined. Each of them carried the weight of their shared history, wondering what this moment might mean for the future of their hero.
While the world held its collective breath, an onslaught of files inundated hundreds of journalists, news stations, and internet forums across the globe simultaneously.
The impending revelation from the files promised to turn the world upside down.
••o••o••o••
All chatter within the hearing room abruptly ceased, a heavy silence descending like a shroud.
Heads snapped in unison, eyes widening with a mix of shock and anticipation as Atomic made his entrance. He strode forward with an air of determination, each step reverberating through the tense atmosphere. The collective breath of the room hung in the air, heavy with expectation.
Tony and James loomed near the main doors, their imposing figures dwarfed by the magnetic presence of Atomic. The buzz of politicians, government officials, military generals, and journalists grew muted, the air thick with the weight of their scrutiny as Atomic paused before silently pushing open the swinging doors before him.
He approached the podium, the microphone looming in front of him like a sentinel, ready to capture the roar of truth about to unfold.
Flashes from nearly a dozen cameras ignited, momentarily blinding, each click encapsulating this pivotal moment. The Senate Judiciary Panel, a formidable congregation of 22 United States Senators, sat in their elevated positions, gazing down at Atomic with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
"With Mr. Atomic joining us today, we shall commence the hearing. The focus of our discussion centers on the recent attack on a top-secret government research facility located in my home state of Nevada. This facility has been dedicated to the important work of researching and developing cures for numerous diseases that have affected humanity for centuries. Notably, the teams of dozens of hardworking and brilliant scientists and researchers were merely weeks away from finalizing and making these breakthroughs available to the public." Senator Francis Finch, representing the state of Nevada, stated in a measured and composed tone.
"The evidence against you is substantial, Mr. Atomic. You are rightly charged with terrorism due to you and your cohorts' attack on the said research facility, resulting in the destruction of millions upon millions of dollars and the tragic deaths of over a dozen of its personnel. In a just world, you would already be in handcuffs, facing life imprisonment for your heinous crimes. However, we operate within the rule of law. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to present your case and be heard." Senator Finch asserted.
Atomic nodded and stepped closer to the microphone. "Thank you, Senator."
"Did you or did you not assist in the destruction of the Nevada top-secret government facility that would have eventually prevented the deaths of thousands upon thousands of lives on June 18?" Senator Wilson Garrison of Kentucky asked.
"…Yes, I did," Atomic replied. "I helped safely dematerialize the walls and defenses the facility had. But that was the extent of my involvement with the damage done to the building's structure."
"Then how do you explain the utter destruction and the massive crater where the facility once stood?" Senator Stern inquired.
Atomic turned to the senator and glared at the secret Hydra agent from behind his helmet. "Unfortunately, the facility ended up in such a state because of the actions of my allies during our efforts to rescue the captives inside at the time. However, the complete destruction of the facility was due to my confrontation with a man named Magneto."
"Now, hold on... What do you mean by rescue efforts? What captives?" Senator Caroline Johnson of Massachusetts asked in confusion, a sentiment echoed by several other senators.
"Let's get back on topic. Atomic is clearly trying to divert from the issue at hand," Senator Stern interjected quickly.
"No. Let's get to the truth. This so-called research facility that the people of the United States and the world have been told existed is nothing more than a lie," Atomic declared, his hands firmly planted on the podium. "In reality, this facility was established solely to imprison innocent people while treating them with blatant cruelty for the sole reason that they have awakened the X-Gene. Moreover, this facility, overseen by Senator Finch, General Grellar, and operated by the government's Mutant Response Division, has conducted inhumane experiments on its captives. I can't speak for my allies at that time, but the reasons behind my actions are unequivocal—I refuse to stand idly by while such egregious acts are done to innocent people."
Atomic's powerful words sent shockwaves through the room, igniting a flurry of conversation and flashes from cameras as everyone reacted to his bold claims.
All eyes turned swiftly to General Grellar and Senator Finch, which resulted in both men looking nervous before turning to glare at Atomic, sweat dripping from their brows. Those in the room looked on, incredulous, grappling with the unsettling possibility that Atomic's accusations might be rooted in truth.
The gathered Senators all looked baffled and unbelieving at what Atomic said. Everyone, except for Senator Stern. Whose face began to sweat with nervousness and fear.
"You're making a mockery of this court! Do you think this is a place to make such wild and preposterous claims?" Senator Finch said, his rage barely kept in check. "What proof do you have to back such words?!"
At that very moment, the room erupted into a cacophony as the phones of everyone present began to blare incessantly. The sharp, staccato ring of calls and the pinging of text messages pierced the air like the relentless fire of a machine gun. In this bewildering chaos, the usual decorum was tossed aside; everyone instinctively reached for their devices, curiosity and dread flashing across their faces as they absorbed the unfolding horror.
"Jarvis… is this true?" Tony's voice was barely above a whisper as he frantically sifted through the overwhelming tide of documents, images, and videos flooding his HUD.
The very same information that had just shattered their reality was now laid bare for the world to see.
"Yes, sir. All of this data is authentic. I've initiated extensive background checks and executed multiple verification protocols, and each one has confirmed the integrity of the information," Jarvis, Tony's sophisticated internal AI, responded with mechanical precision.
"Jesus Christ…" James mused in disbelief, his gaze riveted to the harrowing images that depicted the harrowing, inhumane living conditions endured by the mutant captives imprisoned by the MRD for the past three long years.
The weight of the evidence hit him and everyone else like a blow, a visceral reminder of the cruelty that had been concealed for too long.
Quickly, with the assistance of their aides, each senator seated on the panel was apprised of the dire situation.
As the news broke through every media outlet—television broadcasts flickering with urgency, radio waves crackling, and the internet buzzing with a frenzy—the grim truth of the MRD-run facility in Nevada was exposed under the harsh glare of public scrutiny.
Names of every individual—employee, researcher, scientist, government official, military personnel, and politician—who played a role in the facility's sinister inception were laid bare for all to see, illuminating the shadows of deception that had long loomed over them.
The footage captured from the attack helicopters in Nevada provided a vivid portrayal of Atomic's intense battle with Magneto, highlighting the chaos and destruction that unfolded.
Viewers were treated to a gripping chronicle of the hero's daring attempts to rescue the pilots amidst the fray. Additionally, interviews featuring members of Hughes's team offered profound insights, illuminating the underlying reasons behind the utter devastation that had reduced the facility to nothing but crumbling debris.
In addition to those interviews, recorded testimonies of the facility's guilt-stricken personnel were released as they spoke about the truth about what had truly occurred within the walls of the MRD facility. The horrid and inhumane treatment the mutants that had been brought in received.
Another important detail that emerged was the complete absence of the supposed casualties resulting from the devastating destruction of the facility. The purported figures of injuries and deaths circulating in the media from Atomic's supposed attack were nothing more than fabrications, orchestrated by the government in a calculated effort to depict Atomic as a menacing terrorist. Those who had died from the attack were from the result of infighting, proven true by a highly respected coroner who performed an autopsy on the bodies.
"It was all a lie? Why? Why weren't we told the truth?! How could they do such things?!"
"How can we as people still stoop to such depths? I thought we had evolved as a society!"
"Atomic isn't a terrorist… he acted like anyone with a heart and conscience would in such a tragic situation. We've been lied to by our own government!"
"Talk about a shocking changeover... we went from fighting against the Nazis to becoming them ourselves. It's utterly despicable."
These sentiments echoed around the country and soon enough, the globe, flooding social media platforms with a torrent of outrage and fury as the horrific truths about the brutal treatment of mutants came to light.
"Enough! Stop this madness!" Senator Stern thundered, his voice echoing like a war cry as he surged to his feet, slamming his palm onto the table with a resounding crack. His rage was derived from his own name being plastered all over the documents and forms he had signed. And now all those forms were out in the open for the world to see.
Senator Stern's eyes burned with a volatile mix of fear and rage, a storm brewing inside him as he glared at Atomic, the one undeniably responsible for tearing the lid off this explosive truth. "You bastard! How did you get all of this information?!"
"From that very same facility in Nevada and the classified files you and your colleagues thought were buried under the Pentagon, Senator," Atomic replied, his tone icy and unyielding. He deliberately turned to face the cameras in the room, the silence amplifying the weight of his words. "What you all see now is the result of human fear—fear that has warped our judgment and paralyzed our humanity. Instead of reaching out to understand and support those who awakened the X-Gene, we chose to demonize them. To watch as they're ripped from their homes and families. But let me make this crystal clear: they're not the monsters we've painted them to be. They're just like anyone else. Yes, they may awaken extraordinary abilities, and their appearances might defy the norm, but they are no less human at their core than you or I. A fact we've conveniently buried under a mountain of ignorance and fear since the tragic accident when a young child, Sasha Conner, lost control of her abilities due to her not receiving the help she needed."
Senator Stern's face twisted with fury at Atomic's words. "Tragic accident? There was nothing tragic about what that little monster did that day! Mutants are a threat to humanity! To American lives! If you believe otherwise, you-you're living in a dreamworld!" His voice rose, raw and loud, charging the air with tension as he spat out his conviction and anger in hopes of regaining control of the narrative.
The room was charged with anticipation as eyes turned toward Atomic, eager for his response.
The atmosphere was thick with tension, and viewers tuning in from televisions, radios, and online platforms held their breath in expectation.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Atomic stepped forward. He knew what he had to say.
"Good… Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. And on my soul, I swear... until my dream of a world where dignity, honor, and justice become the reality we all share, I'll never stop fighting. Never." Atomic said as he turned to the cameras. "This is my message for the world: Let it be known that I will fight for those who can't fight for themselves. No matter who or where that may be. That is my promise to you all."
With his message made, Atomic turned back to the panel. "Do you have any more questions?"
Silence filled the room, their expressions a mix of somber reflection and profound discontent.
"No, Mr. Atomic, we do not... You're free to go. This panel has found no wrongdoing on your part," Senator Johnson said after she and the rest of the panel exchanged glances.
Atomic nodded before he turned and strode out of the room. The heavy door swung shut behind him, muffling the tense atmosphere within.
Just moments later, a dozen SHIELD agents burst into the chamber, their sharp uniforms crisp and imposing. They moved with military precision, advancing purposefully toward General Grellar, Senator Finch, and Senator Stern, their expressions serious as they assessed the situation. The air crackled with urgency as the agents prepared to engage.
"W-what is this? Let me go!" Senator Stern demanded as the SHIELD agents put him in handcuffs. Meanwhile, General Grellar accepted his fate with a look of resignation. Senator Finch also showed a similar acceptance as the agents placed handcuffs on him.
"I'm afraid not." With long, confident strides, Mariah Hill walked into the room and showed off her identification. "Senator Stern, Senator Finch, General Grellar, you three are under arrest for your crimes against humanity... get them out of here." She said as the SHIELD agents dragged Stern, Finch, and Grellar out of the room. They were only the first to be arrested on the long list of culprits responsible for what had occurred in Nevada.
Once outside, Atomic took a moment to absorb the scene before him, his gaze sweeping over the throngs of people gathered at Capitol Hill.
The atmosphere was charged with an electric mix of emotions, as he noticed the signs crafted by protesters strewn haphazardly across the ground, bearing messages that criticized or sought to discredit his actions. They fluttered in the light breeze like forgotten reminders of a divided sentiment.
A heavy silence enveloped the crowd, the weight of their emotions palpable in the air, until one brave soul broke the stillness with an enthusiastic clap.
That solitary gesture rippled through the assembly, igniting a wave of applause and cheers that surged through the crowd like a powerful tide, echoing off the marble façades of the historic buildings surrounding them.
Atomic stood tall amidst the rising crescendo, taking a moment to acknowledge the shift in atmosphere with a small nod. Without uttering a single word, he soared upward, leaving behind the cheers of the crowd.
••o••o••o••
Following the historic hearing on Capitol Hill, a wave of outrage surged among citizens across the United States and around the globe. The hearing unveiled shocking revelations about the treatment of mutants, igniting a fervent demand for justice and reform.
In the face of mounting pressure from advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and the general populace, the United States President was compelled to take swift action in fear of facing impeachment. In the aftermath of the hearing, he quickly fired his Press Secretary, who was involved in the horrific incident, and claimed he had no knowledge of what had been occurring in Nevada. A fact that had been proven true by Nick Fury with the help of Alexander Pierce.
Within days, the President signed a series of groundbreaking laws to protect mutants and ensure their rights, a move that sent ripples of change throughout the world as other nations began to adopt similar measures.
Although there remained a vocal minority who justified the previous atrocities committed against mutants in Nevada, their support dwindled rapidly.
With each passing month, the number of individuals espousing hate speech decreased significantly, largely overshadowed by the growing chorus of voices inspired by Atomic.
As the dust settled from this tumultuous period of transformation, the fabric of society had evolved. Mutants, once marginalized and persecuted, were slowly becoming fully integrated into the cultural and social landscape.
No longer seen as outcasts, Mutants participated openly in all aspects of life, contributing their talents and perspectives to a world that had come to value diversity as a strength rather than a threat.
The shift marked a significant turning point in history, as acceptance and coexistence became the new norm, paving the way for a more inclusive future for everyone.
----
AN: I hope you all enjoyed today's lengthy chapter. It was a challenging one for me to write due to my inexperience with how court proceedings work. I did my best to do my research in order to make it feel authentic, but I'm sure I faltered here and there.
With this, the MRD story arc has finally come to an end. While this means that the current drama around mutants has been concluded, their involvement in the story is far from over. But for now, we can turn our focus somewhere else.
Don't forget to comment on your thoughts, and I'll see you all next time!