Secret Avengers 2027

-Issue #2–

Lamont's Diner, New Jersey

Molly Hayes stifled a cough, cursing herself for not having called in sick. She could bench press an F-16, but somehow struggled with getting out of bed. Laziness played its part well, though she didn't let it for long. She couldn't.

I'd like to see those crime fighters try juggling two kids and three jobs, she often thought to herself.

Though she was single, she paid little attention to her appearance. She wore her hair up in a bandana and was a minimalist in terms of cosmetics, yet would still garner lingering looks from her customers.

As she finished wiping down a table, one of Molly's co-workers approached her.

"Hey M, there's a black guy out front says he's a friend of yours, I didn't know you had cute guy friends."

"That's because I don't."

"Oh. Well, want me to find out who he is?"

She grew curious, "No, it's OK. Mind covering for me a sec?"

"Sure, just don't do anything sinful."

Molly giggled on her way out. Elijah Bradley was waiting for her outside of Lamont's, she barely recognized him under his black baseball cap.

"You just missed the pancake special, loser," she joked.

"And apparently I'm just in time for the Molly Hayes comedy routine."

She smacked him on the arm before giving him an overdue hug.

"It's been forever Eli. Where's Gina? I thought she wanted to see my new job."

"Well she does, but she said I have to test out the food first. In case it might be hazardous."

"She's so picky with food that I almost believe that."

They both laughed, nearly enough to mask the potency of their attraction for one another. It had never really gone away, even when Elijah married Gina. They simply pretended not to notice it, which was all they really could do.

The brief pause was all Molly needed to spot the intensity in Elijah's eyes. She was a keen enough woman to know that behind his visit lie a motive.

"I need to talk to you about something, when is your shift over?"

"Two-thirty, and then I've got to pick my boys up from school."

"Oh."

"Look, we're both here now, so just tell me what you came for."

For a second Elijah hesitated to make the offer. It was hard to say anything at all; the blue transparency of her eyes grew endlessly hypnotic.

"Well, I'm doing some work for Tony Stark now. I want to recruit you for something."

"No." Her eyes turned to ice.

"Just wait a second," he gripped her arm gently. "M, listen; I'm asking you because if you say yes, you and your sons will receive lawful protection from anti-mutant policies. You'll be able to live wherever and however you want, with no repercussions."

"How is that even possible?"

"Stark's making it possible. He's dying, and he's using what time he has left to help the mutant community."

"I don't believe that."

"He's building a case against anti-mutant groups across the globe, and he's risking everything to make it happen. You can be a part of that, and your boys won't have to grow up being ashamed of who they are."

Molly didn't know what to think, and all she felt was vulnerable. "You don't understand. I've spent my whole life running, not wanting to be a hero."

"But you already are one, and I'm sure a lot of single mothers would agree with me.

She looked up at him, "Why do you want me to help?"

"Over the years you've only gotten stronger. Stark's files estimate that you could match She-Hulk at her prime, though your sense of humor rating isn't so hot."

She rolled her eyes at him.

Elijah grinned, though he felt he owed her a better explanation, "But more than that, I want this for you and your boys. Please, just think about it. If Gina or I don't hear form you by tomorrow night, we'll forget this conversation ever happened."

Molly fought back tears, not knowing why they were there in the first place. She punched Elijah's shoulder and laughed to relieve the tension in her throat. "I should get back to work. Is there anything else you need to ask me, soldier boy?"

"Yeah, is it too early for spaghetti?"

The Brazilian Border

Nightfall. The surrounding cliffs seemed to sway with the wind, stony features of each nook and cavern just vaguely hinted at by starlight. At the least, the cliffs provided a vantage point for spotting incoming soldiers.

Mina Kimura explored the terrain, hoping to repel the cold by keeping her limbs in motion. Flying was out of the question, as was irradiating to stay warm. Both required an energy source, and since Brazil had just lost the sun, her powers would be drained in a matter of minutes.

Keeping Stephanie out of her mind was impossible; she had been waiting for a sign for at least two hours. Had Steph abandoned her? She couldn't help feeling paranoid, but she wanted to know that Steph was alright nonetheless.

Her thoughts were interrupted by an approaching figure. The man was bestial and thickset, wearing gray armor that resembled stony animal hide and crowned with a pair of elongated horns.

"Hi there, little firefly," said the brute. "Pardon me if I laugh, but only an amateur could be this easy to track down."

"I'm no amateur," Mina replied, scoffing. "You may have heard of my old wrecking crew, the X-Men. And for the record, the name's Gamma Girl."

"You can call me Kid Rhino."

"Eek, there's no way that's coming out of my mouth."

Kid Rhino drew near, "I hope that you'll reconsider once I teach you some respect."

"Whatever you say, babe. Can we fight now?"

Mina didn't wait for an answer. Instead she lashed out with an energy flare that struck the brute's eyes. The glaring radiation was both painful and effective; he reeled backwards partially blinded.

Collecting himself, Kid Rhino charged wildly. Mina floated with grace to avoid the attack, but could feel her powers leaving her. Growing desperate, she decided to attempt the trick she had used against the military trucks just hours prior. She seared the rock below Kid Rhino, managing to ensnare his legs in makeshift magma.

Her powers depleted, Mina ran as fast as she could. Kid Rhino's screams became mere echoes as she scaled down the unforgiving clusters of rock. Her labored breathing masked the sound of rotor blades overhead, as armored mercenaries descended from a stealth helicopter. A hellish spotlight focused in on her position, allowing the soldiers to close in.

She was as good as dead.

Continued in Secret Avengers 2027 –Issue #3-