Chapter 3
LOCATION : SOMEWHERE IN NASHVILLE
DATE : 22 DAYS SINCE CHITAURI ATTACK
TIME : 0700 Hrs
Steve woke up to the sound of something singing in unbearable volume. "Quit foolin' around with the radio Bucky and a let a man sleep will'ya", he murmured and tried to go back to sleep. He almost succeed before the memories hit him full force. There is no Bucky, he is in 21st century and his mobile phone is making the noise. Thinking about it made his head hurt. So he picked up the phone. It took time to figure out how to pick up the call but he managed to do so and pressed it close to his ear tentatively.
"Hello?".
"Captain Steve Rodgers?", asked a female voice.
"Speaking Ma'am", he replied.
"This is Agent Hill, captain. We require you at the base immediately", she said.
"Is something wrong?", he asked worried.
"There have been recent developments captain, but it is best to explain them personally. Please come here as fast as you can. We will send you the jet", she replied.
"Yes Ma'am", he replied. He was met with a dial tone.
He stared at the device for some time before standing up to pack. Well, he might as well go there and figure out what is happening than sit here and speculate.
LOCATION : CLASSIFIED
DATE : 22 DAYS SINCE CHITAURI ATTACK
TIME : 1100 Hrs
When Steve entered the base, Black Widow was waiting for him. He was suddenly hit with the memories of the first time he met her. In the make-shift hospital dressed as a nurse. And then the time she was formally introduced as Agent Ramanoff. Steve didn't know why, but despite everything he trusted Natasha. Out of all the Avengers she seemed to be the most level headed person.
"I am sorry your vacation was cut short captain", she said in greeting.
"It is alright Ma'am and please call me Steve. What has happened?", he enquired.
"Chitauri and please don't call me Ma'am", she replied.
Steve stilled. Has he heard correctly or he is so wrapped up in the head he has started hearing things.
"Chitauri? I thought the last of them died when Stark put the missile through the portal", he said.
"That is what we thought until two days ago. Seems that they aren't gone yet. All the Avengers are already here, except Thor", she replied handling him the files.
Steve didn't know how he felt about this. Sure, he wanted to see Avengers again, but this was too soon and emotions were still running raw. But he decided to tough it out and deal with it.
As he entered the familiar conference room, he could see most of their faces showed worry. Well, time to avenge earth has come sooner than he hoped.
"Spangles, you were missed old man", Tony exclaimed from his seat.
"Good to see you too Stark", he replied evenly. He didn't want a repeat of last time. He is going to do his best to get along with the billionaire. Apparently, Tony seemed to have the same idea for he let it go without another comment.
He took a seat next to Dr. Banner and looked around. Stark was sitting on the other side of Bruce and both the scientists were in an animated discussion, well animated on Tony's part. Next to Stark, Agent Barton was sitting straight and tight lipped. Next to him sat Black Widow her stance also tense and poised.
Just then Director Fury came in with Maria Hill right on his heels.
"I trust most you know why you are here", he stated as greeting.
"Nevertheless let me summarize. Two nights ago we received conformation that Chitauri were still at large. They have killed a total of three people. Two civilians and one S.H.I.E.L.D agent. We need to know where they are coming from. Dr. Banner, Stark, I want both of you on that right now. The CCTV feed has already been sent for your perusal".
"You mean you are asking us to determine the events preceding the space-time coordinates change in opening of the portal, analyze the gamma radiation output and possibly solve the mystery behind teleportation and molecule transfer, all by looking at a bunch of grainy video tapes?", Tony asked.
"Why, can you not do that Stark?", Hill asked.
"Of course I can, are you forgetting who you are talking to?", he replied cheekily.
"Right then, get on with that. The rest of you will stay on high alert. This time, I want the team prepared. We will update you of further developments. Any questions?", Fury barked.
"Yes actualy", Tony replied. "Shwarma anybody?".
The team collectively rolled their eyes as they filed out from the room.
LOCATION : UNKNOWN
DATE : 22 DAYS SINCE CHITAURI ATTACK
TIME : 2330 Hrs
The constant drip-drip of a leaking tap from somewhere was the only sound in the otherwise perfectly silent place. Nothing could be seen for miles except the obviously abandoned warehouse. Even the wind was still and the rustling of the leaves or a snap of a twig could not be heard.
In the midst of this unearthly silence, a sole man appeared seemingly out of nowhere. He walked with a definite purpose. His hood was pulled down low either to protect from the cold or to remain anonymous, one can't figure out.
His stride broke in front of the old warehouse as he paused to unlatch the door with practiced ease. He slipped in cautiously and proceeded towards what appeared to be a pile of unwanted metal waste. However, as he flipped the sack open, one could see that it was a pile of what appeared to be sleek and shiny weapons, alien-like weapons. He parted his long coat and took out a similar looking oval metal casket, only smaller and carefully placed it on the top. Then he proceeded to cover the pile back, pausing to re-adjust the casket better so it wouldn't fall. He exited the warehouse as silently as he entered.
Just as he started to re-trace his steps, a shrill noise pierced the night. The man however seemed familiar with the sound. He reached into his coat pocket and retrieved a cell phone from its depths. He flipped it open and answered his caller.
"Hello".
"..."
"Yes, it is done".
"..."
"No, nobody saw anything".
"..."
"Will be there in 10".
As he tried to put his phone back, another shrill noise penetrated through the darkness, one he wasn't familiar with. For the first time a look of alarm crossed his face. He turned back just in time to see a staff glowing with blue light, pointed right at his face. He fell to the ground, burnt crisp before the his scream could even be heard. The figure holding this staff looked around once, before disappearing entirely.
All that could be heard was the drip-drip of the leaking tap.