Carmen felt like it was only seconds later when she was awakened by Steve.
"It's starting." he said.
He didn't need to say more. Carmen sat up, but hesitated.
"I could be a liability." she said.
"We need all the help we can get. Don't worry, we'll have your back." said a voice behind him.
Natasha Romanov came in followed by Clint Barton, both suited up. Carmen stared questioningly at Barton.
"He was freed from Loki." said Natasha.
Carmen nodded.
"Any sign of Thor or Dr. Banner?" Carmen asked.
"No."
"So, you in? I'd like to get an arrow into Loki sooner rather than later." said Barton.
Carmen looked from Steve to Natasha. She rose, the exhaustion gone.
"Yes."
"All right guys, let's move out." said Steve, smiling.
"Yes sir!" said Carmen.
They strode purposefully through the hall towards the hangar, a team not to be trifled with. Tony caught up with them, ready to fly next to their ship.
"You're not authorized to be on here." said the guard, eying them suspiciously.
"Son... just don't." said Captain America.
"Way to go Captain." smirked Carmen, impressed.
They entered the jet. Hawk Eye and Black Widow strapped themselves in and turned it on. Iron Man started his thrusters, waiting for the jet to lift off. Carmen and Captain America grabbed a strap.
Carmen looked at Captain America. She was still uncomfortable about going into the fighting. What if he was the next victim of her powers? Or Natasha, Barton or Stark? More blood she wouldn't be able to clean herself of. Not to mention none of them really knew what they were up against. She looked away. Better to not get any more attached to any of them should something happen.
This was harder to think when Captain America's hand touched Carmen's shoulder briefly. She tried not to notice. Why did they all trust her? Maybe it was because they hadn't seen her at her worst. She felt so wrong just being there. Even though Agent Romanov had done terrible things, she had once chosen that life and chose to change. It was more complicated for Carmen.
Carmen prayed they could make it through, and save everyone. But even if they did, that wouldn't make her any more a hero. Just a fraud in a group of heroes. She still couldn't think of any other people she would like better fighting with. She'd avenge the earth, or die trying.