Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes:
Chapter 29: Trust & Betrayal
"Look, I really got to go, Miles. Can you help me find my…," said Skye as she opens the bedroom door seeing Cassie Cage standing there with her shirt in her hands.
"Shirt…"
"Get dressed," said Cassie.
Skye looks past Cassie and could see her S.H.I.E.L.D. Team going through everything in the house.
Skye takes her shirt as she turns to look at Miles, who was shocked by the sight of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents in his house.
Once Skye and Miles were dressed, both were put in cuffs and sat down on the couch.
"I know… how this looks…" began Skye.
Coulson holds his finger up as he looks at his tablet over the information they had.
"How long you two been in contact with one another?" asked Coulson.
"I contacted him once the day I joined to tell him I was okay. The other was earlier today," said Skye.
"When you tipped off an active suspect?" said Coulson.
"No, it's not like that," said Skye.
Coulson continues to look at Skye questioning. Skye knew she had to come clean.
"Miles and I… we met when we were both a little screwed up. Scratch that… he was a little screwed up… I was a lot, but we looked after one another. That's why I warned him. Not because we're working together on this, but because we're… friends," said Skye.
Coulson didn't even blink or show any signs of empathy towards Skye's actions or her reason.
"I'm really sorry," repeated Skye.
"Noted. If not you, then who is Mr. Lydon working with?" said Coulson.
"No one, he's an idealist. Believes in freedom of information," said Skye.
"That information has cost a man his freedom and perhaps his life, and you sabotaged our attempts to remedy that," said Coulson in a stern voice.
"No, I came here to find out what Miles knew about Chan," said Skye.
"And?" said Coulson.
"Nothing. Miles is a dead end. He's harmless," said Skye.
"Not anymore. A person capable of hacking into our database and releasing information without considering his actions' concrescence is a threat to the World's Security. He'll be taken to the Box for the rest of his life," said Coulson.
"He's not a threat. I was trying to find out everything I could to try to help. I just… I felt like I couldn't tell you guys everything," said Skye.
"I know. That's why I had Cassie shadow since day one. Seems that wasn't a dead-end," said Coulson.
Skye looked shocked to know one of the people she had gotten close to was really spying on her.
Skye looks at Cassie as she and Jacqui lift her up by the arms. Cassie said nothing to Skye as she and Jacqui escort her out of the house and back to the Bus.
"Where to, sir?" asked Ward.
"Hong Kong. We need to assist in finding Mr. Chan," said Coulson.
"How fast are you processing everything?" asked Simmons to Gabriel.
The T-900 said nothing as he goes through everything regarding Skye's and Miles Lyon had in the digital world. Digital footprints were easy to decrypt for someone like him.
"I have something," said Gabriel.
"What do you have?" said Ward.
The door opens as Cassie walks inside with a piece of paper in her hands.
Cassie didn't even look at Skye as she sits at the edge, looking at Miles.
"She keeps defending you. Saying you're a good guy. So I'm going to give you a chance to…" began Cassie.
"I don't have to listen to you…" said Miles.
"There goes your chance," said Cassie.
Cassie opens the envelope, revealing a bank statement, and presents it to Skye.
"Your boyfriend here… has received some… exciting deposits over the last few weeks at Austin City Bank. Three days before hacking into S.H.I.E.L.D. Database. He received three payments totaling over five hundred thousand dollars. After the hack and the information regarding Mr. Chan, he kept receiving more deposits throughout this week. In total… he has 2.5 million dollars in several bank accounts," said Cassie.
"What?" said Skye looking at Miles.
"I can explain," said Miles quickly.
"Did you sell information?" demanded Skye.
"So much for a belief in 'free' information," said Cassie.
"Did you? Yes or no," demanded Skye.
Miles looks down, a bit guilty.
"Yes, but…" admitted Miles.
"Oh, you are so dead. What the hell were you thinking?!" shouted Skye.
"It was millions of dollars. Millions Skye. It would change my life, our lives. That woman was harmless… I look into her," said Miles.
"No one with good intentions gives that kind of money for information. Did you ever stop to think about that?" said Skye.
"Of course, I did. I wouldn't have done it if…" said Miles.
"Who is the woman you referring to?" said Cassie.
"She's a fan of the Rising Tide. Some rich girl in a flower dress. She knew all about me, said I had a gift. She thought people like us deserved more," said Miles.
"Oh, you deserve more! S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to throw you in prison and throw away the key because of what you've done!" shouted Skye.
Miles looked hurt at what Skye was saying.
"She pointed me to a Chinese S.H.I.E.L.D. Database and wanted me to crack it," said Miles.
"You honestly thought that wasn't harmless?" said Cassie.
"I check the data stream, and it didn't seem like anything we haven't already put out there, Skye. I also traced the account where the money came from. To make sure it wasn't some evil corporation. It was just… an Eco-Research Lab. Otherwise, I would have never…"
"Ecological Research?" said Cassie.
Already Skye could see Cassie finding this very fishy.
"Yeah, insects. Something to do with studies with centipedes. What's more harmless than that?" said Miles.
Cassie and Skye's eyes open wide with alarm.
"Why are you two so freaked out?" asked Miles in confusion.
"Looks like your boyfriend is a puppet of A.I.M.," said Cassie.
"Aim?" said Miles.
"Advanced Ideas Mechanics," said Skye.
"They're mad scientists. What you saw… was their research on the Centipede Soldier Program. They inject an unstable chemical into a person, making them an empowered enhanced. It also turns them into a living bomb," said Cassie.
Miles looks horrified at the thought as Cassie turns and walks out of the room.
"A.I.M. again?" said Kassandra.
"Most likely," said Cassie.
"I don't think so," said Gabriel.
Everyone turns to look at the Terminator.
"The methods may be similar, but the approach is very different. It could be something else, who has very similar methods," said Gabriel.
"What do you mean?" asked Coulson.
Gabriel places his hands on the screen and activates Iron Man's run-in with A.I.M. compare to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s run-in.
"A.I.M. is more focus bent on technological advancement. While this is more bio-chemical advancement," said Gabriel.
"You mean there are two organizations who have mad scientists? said Grant Ward.
"Or they could be working together," said Kassandra.
"Looking at the specs, they are similarities, sir, but also differences," said Dr. Simmons.
"Whatever the case may be, we need to find out who took Mr. Chan and fast," said Coulson.
"What's the fastest route to Hong Kong?" asked Ward.
"Through Imperial Space," said Jacqui.
"We need special clearance to pass through," said Ward.
"Proceed anyway. I'll get on the line with the Imperials," said Coulson.
"Track Mr. Chan, use what information we have to find him before who knows what," said Kassandra.
"I have found him," said Gabriel.
"That was fast," said Ward.
"Cross-referencing the data from Mr. Llyod Banks accounts and facial recognition of Mr. Chan, he is located here," said Gabriel.
They look at the digital map seeing a building.
"Can you access the building's security?" asked Kassandra.
"No. The building maintains an internal security defense, prevent any outside interference. I can only acquire what they send out," said Gabriel.
"Sir, what kind of organization are we dealing with here?" asked Ward.
"International. Well-Finance. Interested in creating Super Soldiers. We can acquire information on them when we take the building," said Coulson.
"I have more," said Gabriel.
Gabriel activates the security camera revealing the image of a woman standing outside, welcoming Mr. Chan.
"Who is she?" asked Ward.
Gabriel activates the news showing Skye's captured footage of Mike Peterson jumping out of the building with a woman in his arms. Their first mission.
She appears later on the news station talking about the 'Hooded Hero.'
"Same woman," said Jacqui.
"Then she knows something," said Ward.
"We need to capture her. She could have valuable information," said Kassandra.
Avengers Island
"How you are holding up?" asked Harry.
Jennifer Walters, or She-Hulk, sets the bar down where she was bench pressing ten tons.
"Better," said She-Hulk.
She-Hulk stands up wearing a female workout outfit specifically designed for her.
Since she was brought on Avengers Island, she struggled to cope with her new appearance but realized she had a remarkable gift. They now had another heavy hitter on the team next to Superman, Wonder Woman, Hulk, and Thor.
"Sorry about this. I know you didn't ask for any of this," said Harry.
"I don't blame you, nor my cousin. He did what he felt was right to save my life. I was on my way home as things were hectic enough as they were. Didn't expect to come across some scavengers. Or expected they would kill me," said She-Hulk.
"The Chitauri Tech is worth a fortune on the black market. There is an estimate of over a thousand Chitauri tech missing from New York and has made its way around the world into countless hands," said Harry.
"That bad," said She-Hulk.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. is working overtime enough as it is, trying to locate all the pieces, but the odds of finding them are slim," said Harry.
"How's Bruce?" asked She-Hulk.
"Still feeling guilty about your transformation," said Harry.
"Will I be able to turn back?" asked She-Hulk.
"I don't know. You can or you can't. I suggest you talk to Bruce more about the transformation as it's more his territory," said Harry.
"Diana is a strict teacher," said She-Hulk.
"That bad?" said Harry.
"She expects me to be on my guard at all times," said She-Hulk.
"Well, Amazon's is an ancient Greek culture. They've been used to war all their lives," said Harry.
"What are we going to be doing?" asked She-Hulk.
"Right now, train… look for new recruits, and keep an eye on the world," said Harry.
"No missions?" said She-Hulk.
"None that require our immediate attention," said Harry.
"A Convergence. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that," said She-Hulk.
"Even your cousin is baffled over these events. He can't explain what happened," said Harry.
"Is there any way to reverse the effects?" asked She-Hulk.
"No. It's been far too long to even make such attempts," said Harry.
Harry's bracelet started glowing.
"What's that?" asked She-Hulk.
"Someone's haling me," said Harry.
Harry places his hands on the bracelet and sees Kingsley on the other end.
"Kingsley, why are you hailing me?" asked Harry in surprise.
"Who are you talking to?" asked She-Hulk.
"Muggle?" said Kingsley.
"Yeah. Sorry, Jen, you can only see or hear if you're magical attune," said Harry.
"Okay. I'll give you some privacy," said She-Hulk turning and leaving the room.
"Why are you calling?" asked Harry.
"Something's come up. You need to return to Avalon," said Kingsley.
Harry was puzzled by this request but disparate, knowing it was urgent if Kingsley's was calling.
Harry Potter appears at the entrance of Avalon, heading towards the Pantheon.
Once he reaches the marketplace, he sees many people gathered, making it difficult to walk through,
Harry was confused as he made his way through the crowd.
Upon reaching the center, he sees many Aurors blocking the area off and Kingsley inside the building.
Seeing this, Harry makes his way through the crowd to reach Kingsley.
Harry attempts to enter the building, wondering why the Aurors were present and why a large crowd was gathered.
"Sorry, Sir, you have to stay behind the line," said an Auror holding his hands in front of Harry.
Harry quickly passes by him and heads into the building.
"Hey, wait, you're not allowed in here," shouted the Auror.
"Let him through," said another Auror.
"Lord Potter," said a senior Auror.
"Why was I called here?" asked Harry.
"There's been a murder," said the Auror.
"Why would that warrant my attention?" asked Harry.
"We're trying to decipher this message. It's addressed to you," said the Auror.
Harry looks confused as he takes the parchment.
"To the Boy Who Lived,
Days of Sins shall come to Light,"
It was a concise message, but one that was perfectly cleared.
"What's 'Days of Sins'?" asked the Auror.
"I don't know," said Harry.
Harry thinks carefully and wonders if this had anything to do with the Pre-Convergence. His days at Hogwarts. Did this something to do with Voldemort?
Bethany Hawke looks at her Master, unsure of why he was pondering by the fire.
Harry looks at the image of the letter trying to see or decipher any hidden message. He could see none.
"What's bothering you?" asked Bethany.
"Did you hear about the murder earlier today?" asked Harry.
"Yeah," said Bethany.
"The murder was nothing, but it a message was left for me," said Harry.
Harry holds up the message showing it to Bethany.
"I don't understand. Why not go after someone close to you?" asked Bethany.
"Most of my friends from Hogwarts I've cut ties with," said Harry.
"Those who are close to you are far too dangerous to even attempt a murder. But why? Random?" said Bethany.
Harry ponders and thinks carefully.
Harry never did have Hermione's brain or intellect. She was far too smart beyond her years, and Harry got lost far too many times whenever Hermione spoke on her intellect.
Harry recalls the lessons he had with Dumbledore, of him learning of Voldemort's past and habits.
"He wants my attention," said Harry slowly.
"He is trying to prove he's smarter and better than me. Trying to get me to stop committing these murders and to see how many murders he can get away with before I capture him."
"That doesn't sound interesting," said Bethany.
"From a certain point, it isn't. Whoever the killer is, he's attacking the image of the magical world. Perhaps there is something he is after that we don't know about," said Harry.
A loud noise could be heard from outside. Harry turns to see a rainbow light in his window. Harry steps outside and sees a woman in black and red armor with a sword and shield.
"Greetings, Seidhr," said the woman.
"Who are you?" asked Harry.
"I am Lady Sif of Asgard. I come on behalf of Thor," said Lady Sif.
"How is Thor?" asked Harry.
"He is well. He speaks well of you," said Lady Sif.
"Can I ask why you are here?" asked Harry, thinking there may be some emergency Asgard needed him.
Lady Sif gives Harry a smile.
"Rest assured, Son of Potter, there is no danger Asgard requires of your aid. Thor held court to speak of the Seidhr Son of Potter. Loki mock you saying you were a failed Mesmer Seidhr who used 'baby magic' as he put it. Thor convinced the All-Father Odin, King of Asgard, to see if you and your people would honor the ancient alliance between our people." said Lady Sif.
"Ancient Alliance?" repeated Harry, as he never heard of any alliance with Asgard.
Then again, Professor Binns only went on about Goblin Rebellions.
"When the Frost Giants invaded your world, Asgard came to repel the invasion. We forged an alliance with your ancestors. The Seidhr was a powerful sorcerer's in this world. For many centuries now, we were led to believe the Seidhr went extinct," said Lady Sif.
"I don't think I'm a Seidhr. With the Convergence, these ancient allies of yours may be dead, and I'm from another universe," said Harry.
"Yes, that thought wasn't lost to the All-Father. Even still, Asgard once shared an alliance with the Siedhr and wish to resume that alliance. Heimdall has spoken that you have forged an alliance with others called the 'Terran Alliance,' am I correct?"
"Yes, it's an Alliance between a couple of powerful nations that are in agreement to defend each other if we're attacked," said Harry.
"Given our Ancient Allies, Asgard would like to sign the Treaty in honor of our ancient alliance," said Lady Sif.
Harry looks at Sif and smiles, realizing this will raise all sorts of hell on Earth.
"I'll call for an emergency assembly," said Harry.
"I also brought you a gift from Asgard," said Lady Sif as she hands him a small box.
Harry accepts the gift and opens it, seeing a strange armor pop out.
The armor was magnificent. It had a similar appearance to Loki's during the Battle of New York.
The leggings had built-in armor platting, so he wouldn't have to worry about taking them on or off.
There was even a spear with a small glaive on end, giving Harry the appearance of a warrior.
"The Dwarves of Nidavellir made this armor for you. Eitri, the Dwarf, put his finest work into this armor and staff. Made of Uru, a rare metal only found on Nidavellir." said Lady Sif.
"This is going to be interesting," said Harry.
Next Day
Daily Planet News
Catherine 'Cat' Grant
'Asgard Joins Terran Alliance'
"In a surprise move, the planet of Asgard has signed and joined the Terran Alliance. This now gives the Terran Alliance three World Powers along with an IngerGalactic Power. We now go live with Lois Lane, who is speaking to the Terran Alliance Representative, Kassandra," said Cat Grant.
"Thank you, Cat, so Kassandra, how did the Alliance convince Asgard to join the Alliance?" asked Lois Lane.
"There apparently was an ancient treaty between our people over two thousand years ago. Asgard sent an ambassador to reforge the bonds between our people and reassume that ancient friendship," said Kassandra.
"How do the citizens of the Alliance feel regarding the alliance with Asgard?" asked Lois Lane.
"Our people are delighted with this Alliance. Already we're seeing great improvement, and the relations between the Asgard and the Alliance couldn't be stronger," said Kassandra.
"Who have you sent as an embassy to Asgard?" asked Lois Lane.
"The Alliance asked our Patron God, Lord Raiden, to Asgard. From what I understand, Lord Raiden and High King Odin are getting along great. They have reached many agreements that have helped forged this Alliance," said Kassandra.
"How will this Alliance respond to the world crisis?" asked Lois Lane.
"We will honor the peace talks we held with the United Nations last month. We will not intervene with the rest of the world, nor will we attack any nation that has been established since the Convergence. As long as nations agree and honor the Paris Treaty, nations have no reason to fear us," said Kassandra.
"There are a lot of concerns that you're Alliance is amassing tremendous amounts of power. Do you have a statement in that regard?" asked Lois Lane.
"There are a lot of unknowns and uncertainties right now. Pre-Convergence, we ruled this world unchallenged as a single nation since the end of World War II in 1945. With the emergence of new countries and the appearance of five known universes merging into one. The Alliance was formed to protect ourselves from any potential threats that have yet to be discovered. Including another potential alien invasion," said Kassandra.
"You heard first on Daily Planet News. This is Lois Lane, Cat," said Lois.
"Thank you, Lois. My guest at this time is Billionaire Bruce Wayne. Renown for his businesses on the international stage. And G. Godrey Gordon, of his talk show, Inside with Godfrey to talk about these latest events and what it means for the United States. Mr. Wayne, please to see you again, and what does this mean not only on the business end but on the political side," said Cat Grant.
"Thanks for having Mrs. Grant. There are concerns regarding the Empire and its Alliance with the Amazons and the Kingdom of Atlantis. These nations were becoming powerful very quickly. With Asgard in the mix, their power could topple N.A.T.O.'s. With that being said, they are correct. They are facing a lot of unknowns in today's era. We have to remember we live in a new world, a universe where five parallel worlds have joined together. In their world, they ruled unchallenged for nearly seventy years.
"The Empire accepted the situation and is seeking out allies to defend and protect themselves from any potential threats that may be lurking," said Bruce Wayne.
"How does that stand on the political side on Capitol Hill?" asked Cat Brant.
"From what I've heard, there are some levels of concern on Capitol Hill. As many Senators are unsure how to handle this course of action. I have spoken with President Ellis. He's in agreement with speaking with the Alliance in signing a Peace Treaty with the Alliance. So we can avoid any potential hostiles and be open to trade," said Bruce Wayne.
"I do think that is the wisest course of action. What do you think of this course of action, Gordon?" asked Cat Grant.
"It's an outrage!" shouted Gordon Godfrey, unable to hold back his disgust.
"They have made a pact with Aliens! Aliens! Did we forget the attack on New York City? I'm telling you, these so-called 'Asgardians' will invade this planet and enslave mankind!"
"So we should treat aliens with hostility?" said Cat Grant with a raised eyebrow.
"Mark my words, alien filth cannot be trusted. The Avengers welcome aliens without taking any concentration into the peoples' concerns!" shouted Godfrey.
"Mr. Godfrey, it's a vast universe. We cannot say that all aliens are hell-bent on invading us," said Bruce Wayne.
"But how do we know?" shouted Godfrey.
"They come here, unannounced and uninvited, and pretend to be our friends! How do we know they are not here to invade us in the long run?" shouted Godfrey.
"The Asgardians have been visiting Earth for thousands of years. They've never made any attempt to conqueror our world in the past. Why would they start now?" asked Cat Grant.
"Do you trust that false-god Thor? His powers are meant for destruction, not salvation!" shouted Godfrey.
"He did come to this world to defend us against the Chitauri Invasion," said Bruce Wayne.
"Oh, please. Are you sure it wasn't to help prepare for an Asgardian Invasion that the Alliance is helping to prepare?" shouted Godfrey.
"There is no logic to support your argument Gordon," said Cat Grant.
"Then why doesn't the Empire allow a United Nations inspection team to their lands and borders? Why do they have a closed border policy?" shouted Gordon.
"They are not members of the United Nations, so they have every right to refuse any demands from the United Nations. Wars are started this way, and there have been many wars that have been started for less," said Bruce Wayne.
"They should join the United Nations and allow inspection upon their country! What are they hiding?" demanded Godfrey.
"But you cannot demand a country like the Empire to open its borders, let alone join the United Nations if they don't want to," said Cat Grant. Looking irritated at Godfrey's baseless rants.
"She's right. We have no authority, let alone the right to demand anything of the Empire. The only way we could make these demands if we're prepared to go to war with the Alliance," said Bruce Wayne.
"We have the Avengers! The Empire should follow these demands, and if not. We go to war with the Avengers taking the fight to the Alliance!" shouted Godfrey, getting irritated at the lack of support he was getting.
"There are members of the Alliance who have joined the Avengers. Aquaman, Namor, Wonder Woman," said Cat Grant looking dull.
Amanda Waller turns off the T.V. frowning as she begins to ponder these sudden turns of events.
Bruce Wayne played the part of information well. Citing the Empire's rights, but also stating the concerns. Bruce Wayne said nothing to incite any potential conflicts, and that was the smart play.
They couldn't afford to incite any conflicts with the Alliance at the present time. The Alliance with Asgard behind them now officially tip the balance in their favors as the new World Powers.
Luthor went ahead and started up Project Cadmus. The Genetics Research Lab would be key in creating the ultimate Super Soldier. Already Luthor hinted at Project Match. Something they could potentially control to defeat the Avengers and any hostile force.
The United States government could finally combat the growing threats that needed to be done against countless threats.
Trident Facility
Harry walks into the facility seeing many automatic machines moving along with workers moving everything into place.
"How are things going?" asked Harry.
"Well, your excellency. The Aegis Project is proceeding faster than we thought," said Liam O'Brien, the head technician.
"Theta Protocol?" said Harry.
"Also on schedule. Thanks to Wayne Enterprise and Stark Industries, we're making excellent progress," said Liam.
"I'm glad everything is going well," said Harry.
"We have S.H.I.E.L.D.'s data on Project Insight. Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne gave us what information they have to improve the Helicarriers," said Liam.
Harry enters the hanger and overlooks the construction.
"Let me tell you this… it ain't easy hiding six Helicarriers," said Liam as Harry steps onto the rail to oversee the construction of five Helicarriers.
"The sixth is at the location as I requested?" said Harry.
"Yes, may I ask what that Helicarrier is going to be used for?" asked Liam.
"The Avengers are going to need more than an island for a base of operations. It's more than large enough to house thousands of individuals should the time ever be needed," said Harry.
"Mr. Stark is adding some of his own personal taste to that Helicarrier," said Liam.
"That's okay, as long as it gets the job done. Now, I'm going to go home to my wife before she decides to kill me," said Harry.
Harry knew Kitana missed him and wanted to spend more time with him. He prayed there wouldn't be anymore sparring lessons. She was incredibly fast. He could barely keep up with her. He had to use magic to match her speed.
Then again, he knew exactly what Kitana wanted.
