Update as of June 2020 - this story has been revamped up to chapter 130. Every chapter has been fixed. Some arcs went under a bigger construction process than others that I will explain at the very end once I'm finished. (A lot of it to improve them but now that SHIELD Academy is a story, I plan to tie them together. None of the major plots are changing).

[After 5 years, 8 stories, 828,300 words, and a whole lot of anticipation; we're finally here.

Quick Note - This story will take place seven years after the MAIN events of The Story of Emily Stark, The Enigma of Loki's Daughter, The Princess's Choice, and Antibiosis. However, it takes place right after the events of SHIELD Academy.

If you're new to any of my stories/this series, you don't need to have read any of the other stories to understand this. You could if you like but it's not mandatory or necessary].

Chapter 1: The Team

Location Classified – 21:15 PM

"Council, it's time to start Project: New Generation."

Agent Xavier Rogers never thought he would say those words from standing in the centre of the five holographic screens of SHIELD's Council. He didn't think he could be intimidated by people behind screens but he is when there's no immediate response directed at him. Their eyes are on him as they whisper to one another, discussing Xavier's bold statement. Xavier can't make out what they're saying since they're hushed and talking over each other, but he doesn't feel too good when their faces become skeptical. He begins to prepare himself for their response. He's practised this before. He had to.

After a brief discussion, the five holograms separate and face him again.

Councilman Lausanne: Do you plan on starting this initiative all on your own? The others on file aren't with you.

Councilwoman Ameen: Do you know their locations?

"Not at this very moment but I will find them once I'm clear to go," Xavier responds.

Councilwoman Kwon: That might take a while, Agent Rogers, we have a lot to discuss regarding your team.

Xavier nods. He's prepared for this too. Despite the Council knowing about them since their births, they've grown into more than just names on a file, some needing more commenting on than others. Xavier wonders if he should take a seat in the chair behind him but he figures it's better to stand.

Councilman Lausanne: If we allow Project: New Generation to commence, will you be leading?

"I plan to, sir," Xavier responds.

Councilman Lausanne: Good. You're an excellent tactician. According to you and your sister's psychological examinations during The Academy, you're a better fit. We do think Agent Angela Rogers would be too emotional to think rationally.

Councilman Neilson: But the two of you have been stellar agent candidates from your starting days at The Academy. Why work with your team? You two excel in marksmanship, tactical skills, combat, mixed-martial arts, and piloting. You would be much better off as a duo.

"If I may cut in," Xavier says, "my sister and I are better off in the direct line-of-fire rather than espionage."

Xavier knew the following responses would come: two of the Council members give each other side-eyes. They know where he's steering the conversation.

-o-

Venice, Italy – 20:11 PM

One dark evening, Agent Merida Barton walks to the very edge of a dusty rooftop. She kneels down in the darkness and puts on a pair of night-vision goggles to enhance her sight. As she leafs through the scans of the people outlined below, she pulls out her folded bow and thrusts her arm to form the whole weapon in one swift move. She looks down at the quiver buckled on her waist and pulls out a fresh, standard arrow. Merida slides the arrow in her quiver as she begins to scope the city.

"I'm armed, now looking for my target," she whispers into her earpiece.

Merida looks down at the dark city, trying to find her target in the crowded tourist-filled city. She scans through the people eating gelato, drinking cappuccino, or laughing away with the utmost Italian joy in their atmosphere. She changes her glance towards the canals and focuses her gaze on a gondola driver, knowing he's who she's been looking for this whole time.

Merida points her bow and takes a breath, aiming her arrow at the man.

"I've got eyes on the target," Merida says softly. "I'm taking the shot."

-o-

Location Unknown - 21:32 PM

Councilwoman Ameen: We do have to give Agent Barton credit where it's due, she's the best marksman like her father and her linguistic abilities are a bonus to the team. She also shares the same Academy Operations training as both Angela and Xavier.

Councilman Rosario: But Agent Barton hasn't changed much since she was a child. She's reckless, impulsive, tends to resort to violence first, and has an attitude problem.

"I can handle Agent Barton's attitude," Xavier says. He can't believe he's saying that and isn't sure if he convinced himself but the Council seems too far into their debate to notice.

Councilwoman Ameen: Her so-called attitude isn't a problem. Agent Barton knows when to follow orders and when to rebel.

Councilwoman Kwon: You're pushing on her being Director Fury's goddaughter.

Councilwoman Ameen: You're pushing on her still having the same teenage attitude you saw when she parked in your parking space and refused to move her car.

Councilman Neilson: Moving on, Council members.

Xavier keeps a professional stance but that spat about Merida makes him want to laugh. If only the rest of their comments on his remaining friends will be this light but he knows it will only get worse from here.

Councilman Lausanne: How about Agent Pym?

Councilwoman Kwon: Is he affiliated with Pym Technologies?

"Aside from his parents, not that I'm aware," Xavier responds. He knew that when James would be brought up, they would mention how his father has a love-hate relationship with SHIELD because he wouldn't give them his research. They were surprised and relieved when they found out James was attending the Academy.

-o-

SHIELD Research Laboratory - Harare, Zimbabwe – 6:55 AM

In the humidity, Agent James Pym sleeps on his hard-as-a-rock bed with three electronic fans blowing not-as-hot air on him at top speed. This isn't his best sleep but he still managed to have some sweet dreams. He didn't want to come here, especially since the country's currently going through a terrible inflation crisis so his money, even when exchanged into its many acceptable forms of currency, is literally worth nothing. His only reason for coming here was for work and he regrets taking this job.

He shifts his position and hears a sound coming from outside his room. He shoots up in his bed, sitting right at the edge, as he hears the unfamiliar noise slowly come closer.

"As if this trip couldn't get any worse…" he mutters negatively to himself, throwing his bedsheets onto the floor.

James lights up his fists with his bioelectricity as he stands up cautiously. Whatever is making the noise is suddenly at his door. James stands prominently, ready to attack, just as his door unexpectedly gets blown off. He flips over his bed at the impact of the explosion.

James shrinks and flies above the room to lower his chances of being killed. He looks through the black smoke and sees a man standing behind it all. James grows back and huffs in frustration.

"You know, there was a lock on that door," James says to the man. "You could've just picked it silently and killed me in my sleep."

-o-

Location Classified – 21:49 PM

Councilman Neilson: Agent Pym is one of the most powerful on your team on both intellectual and physical stances. He graduated in the top five in both Operations and Sci-Tech and, thank god, he got both of his parents' abilities.

Xavier nods, expecting the next downfall to those statements.

Councilwoman Ameen: The boy has little to no initiative or responsibility. He didn't accomplish the Ph.D. requirement in The Academy and never demonstrated or trained with his powers.

"None of us did," Xavier tells her, "at least, we tried not to show off but our professors knew better than that. James's abilities are easier to conceal and he was fine without them."

Councilwoman Ameen: He doesn't take anything seriously.

Councilman Rosario: At least Agent Pym did his field-test and passed it. He used his powers during the trial run and the real deal. Do you know who didn't do his field-test?

Xavier nods when Councilman Rosario looks his way. If there was one conversation he practised the most, it was this one. Xavier played through at least five possible discussions because this was the reason why the Council was hesitant on starting Project: New Generation. Admittedly, it's why Xavier was hesitant to call this meeting and get clearance.

-o-

SHIELD Experimentation Laboratory - Suzhou, China – 19:46 PM

Agent Daniel Banner stands in a quiet laboratory holding a test tube up to his eyes. He adjusts his glasses as he reads the measurement engraved on the side. As he proceeds to pour the chemical substance into a beaker, it changes from yellow to green. He takes notes on what he's observing, scribbling them onto a notepad with a pencil and illegible penmanship, also chatting quietly with himself on what's set before his eyes. Daniel puts his notebook down and adjusts his lab coat.

Daniel hears a knock on the door and heads over to open it. When he does, he sees a small package on the foot of the door. Daniel looks at both sides repeatedly, looking for a delivery man, but nobody. Skeptical, Daniel picks up the package, and puts it on a countertop. He notes how shockingly light it is but is careful not to shake it and cause a reaction with whatever contents may or may not be inside.

Curious, he begins to open it.

-o-

Location Classified - 22:02 PM

Councilman Rosario: Agent Banner is a wildcard. Don't get me wrong, he's the smartest and a bragging point towards other agencies. I understand his personal troubles with his Hulk but he didn't even complete the field mission as himself.

Councilwoman Kwon: Because he chose to get a Masters in medicine instead.

Councilman Rosario: It was a reason for the Academy Board to allow him to graduate top of his class and become an agent.

Councilwoman Kwon: The team needs a medic on the field.

Councilman Rosario: But they won't always need a medic.

Xavier takes a breath. He knows Daniel would never forgive him if he let this slide and he doesn't plan on letting it. "I don't plan on using that card. Ever."

Councilman Rosario: You know we can't plan combat, Agent Rogers, not even the brightest and most strategic tactician can. That's what makes us human.

Xavier laughs a little as he reminisces a sudden nostalgia that hit him. "You sound a lot like my father."

Councilman Rosario: Be serious. Bringing a hulk that neither you nor the user knows how to control is a risk to yourselves and the people we vowed to protect.

"Director Fury did that with New York and look at where we are now." Xavier takes a breath. "Council, we have been ready our whole lives, even if our parents weren't aware of it, they were training us. They have exposed us to the real world and raised us like normal children - which is what we all wanted. We were training ourselves in our mundane situations. Now that we've been exposed to a higher routine and predicament, we're more than ready to apply that prior knowledge towards missions. I'm here to ask for your consent … and a quinjet."

Councilman Neilson: There are more members we haven't spoken about who haven't attended The Academy. Where should we start?

Councilwoman Kwon: Princess Iqadi? She's a stellar member. Superior training, weather manipulation, incomparable intelligence? She has it all.

Councilman Lausanne: All that and a country to maintain. Any word on possible participation?

"Not yet," Xavier asks. He didn't think much about Iqadi joining them. He knew it wouldn't be right away because she would always prioritize Wakanda, but she always knows when to show up.

Councilwoman Ameen: And another possible conflict of interest - Emily Stark. She's intelligent as well but she shares similar mannerisms as Agent Pym but at least he has the training.

Councilman Neilson: Last I heard, she was in Sofia.

"I was on the phone with Stark moments before this meeting," Xavier says. All eyes turn to him. "I told her about this and she said she was coming back home soon."

He gets a collective nod. Xavier isn't sure why the Council is going easier on Emily being on the team than Daniel. Daniel went to The Academy and was trained in self-defence but he just didn't do the field-test and refused to think about his Hulk. Emily had no training and maybe pieces of a suit of armour like her father.

Councilman Rosario: And the Asgardians?

Xavier's heart stops but he doesn't dare let that show. "I have no word on them."

Councilman Rosario: When did you last hear from them?

"When they left seven years ago."

No further questions. Xavier's relieved. That conversation might have been his breaking point.

Councilwoman Ameen: Let's circle back to you, Agent Rogers. I'm not belittling your leadership qualities but Project: New Generation isn't a football team or Camp SHIELD cadets or a dormitory floor. These teammates and colleagues are also your longest and dearest friends. They might take that chance to disagree with you on strategies and orders. There's more pressure on the leader even if he isn't the one firing the shots.

Xavier nods. He knows the responsibilities. He's always known them for as long as he can remember. He doesn't lose eye contact with the Council since they will expect him to buckle under the pressure they're putting on his shoulders. If he were to crumble, it would show unpreparedness and the inability to lead. Instead, he clears his throat to show confidence.

"I will be fully responsible for whatever will happen," he states firmly. "Despite what my team may say in times of trouble, they will act under my order so I will take the blame if things are to go south."

-o-

Greyhound Bus Terminal, Tampa Bay, Florida – 1:47 AM

On a rainy night in a bus terminal, a heavily pregnant Agent Angela Rogers speed walks up to the ticket booth and buys a ticket for the first bus leaving to whatever destination. Once she gets her ticket, she puts the hood of her grey sweater over her newly chopped blonde locks and begins walking over to her terminal, calmly, while listening to the televisions blaring above her. She tries her best not to look shady but that she can't help it. Angela lowers her sunglasses to the bridge of her nose to get a better view.

"All police are to be aware of a mysterious blonde suspect who fled from a robbery at the Miami Museum after a fight with the security. She's described to be around six feet tall, Caucasian, well-built, with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes."

Angela eyes the terminal security crew as she puts her hands on top of her baby bump. She loses eye contact, pushes her glasses back to cover her eyes, and continues walking. She takes a deep breath as she side steps travelling people with their families and luggage all while avoiding any camera from the security ones in the corner of the ceilings to even the cellphone camera.

"The blonde suspect is highly dangerous and holds a valuable artifact from the museum with her. Citizens are warned not to approach her and notify local authorities as soon as possible."

Angela brushes her uneven shoulder-length hair under her hood and away from her face. She turns around and sees the terminal security subtly following her, trying to act as if they're doing their usual border patrol on everyone else when they're primarily on her tail. Angela faces forwards again. She picks up her pace, hears the security try to call her over for an inspection, but she breaks into the fastest sprint her legs could manage.

-o-

Location Classified – 21:35 PM

Xavier stands still as the Council returns to a discussion of hushed whispers amongst themselves. Once they're finished, they face Xavier at the same time. He takes a breath, ready to accept the rejection or hear the proposal of him and Angela working as a duo instead. It won't be bad since they've worked together after graduating from the Academy but they both want the full team. The stone-cold faces of the Council hint that he will be getting a "no" right in his face, but the edges of their cheeks unexpectedly soften up.

Councilman Neilson: You have our permission to begin Project: New Generation.

The Council wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt - to believe that they were enough for the world, enough to take the place of The Avengers, their parents.

Xavier smiles brightly and gives a respectful nod. "Thank you, Councilmen."

He turns and starts to walk out, thinking of a way to get his team, but stops when he hears his name being called again - his first name without his rank.

Councilman Neilson: But be warned, Xavier, your teammates are people that you have known since birth and have spent an enormous amount of time with. Over that duration of time, your relationships have evolved from friends to lovers, to even a family. From now on, your bonds with these people will never be the same; especially since the ones who didn't go with you to The Academy have been exposed to a completely different life path than you and will have prior commitments for themselves and not this team or even SHIELD. You also have to know when to expect the absolute worse and make sacrifices that would've never crossed your mind as a teenager. This will be tough and difficult in the long-run. You're no longer in high school, Agent – or should I say Captain Rogers, but the battlefield. Do you understand?

Xavier takes a long and deep breath. "I do."

[Isn't that quite the start?]

[2020: Welcome to Season One of Project: New Generation].