This story begins after Thor: The Dark World, and will continue through the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. However, there will be many changes from the canon stories. One major difference of note: in this story, Tony Stark HAS NOT had his arch reactor removed.
I own all original characters.
Full Summary: Charlotte Gale's world was turned upside down the day her father was asked to work on a top secret S.H.I.E.L.D. project. Taken into protective custody, Charlie is thrust into a terrifying world full of spies, alien artifacts, and superheroes. Alone, and with no clue to who she can trust, she has no choice but to leave her fate in the hands of the very heroes she once idolized.
This story is Rated T. However, later chapters may be Rated M or Rated MA. Chapters with alternate ratings will be clearly marked.
Marvel's The Avengers: Danger Zone
Prologue
"What exactly am I looking at, here?" Dr. Daniel Gale asked, his voice trembling with awe as he studied the glossy photographs in his hands.
Nick Fury's face remained an emotionless mask, "We were hoping you could tell us, Doctor."
Dr. Gale's gaze dropped to the cover of the manila folder on his desk, its black eagle insignia marred with a red 'CLASSIFIED' stamp. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing as he frowned.
"We were hoping that you might be able to give us a clue to its origin," Fury continued, "as we have already determined that it's non-terrestrial."
"Where did you find it?" the doctor questioned, leafing through the documents.
"Egypt," Fury answered, brushing a speck of dust from the knee of his black trousers.
Gale's attention snapped to the director's scarred face, the color draining from his cheeks, "Cairo?"
"You and your family will have S.H.I.E.L.D.'s full protection," he assured him, "We'll keep you safe."
Dr. Gale looked Fury up and down, chewing on the inside of his cheek. He got the expressed impression that the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. would say just about anything to get him onboard his project. Still, it was a very enticing offer.
He looked back at the mesmerizing, puzzling photographs, "Why me?"
Director Fury smirked. "Dr. Gale," he began, "You are the leading mind in cosmology on the planet. A tenured professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Not to mention, your dark matter research has had our attention at S.H.E.I.L.D. for quite a while, now. I believe the more appropriate question would be, 'why not you?'"
Gale stared at Fury over the rim of his glasses, nodding as he held out his hand, "When do we get started?"
The director took his hand as he stood, "Right now."