Chapter 3:
[Nick Fury POV]
[One Day Later, SHIELD Headquarters, New York City]
Engaging in a tense and critical conversation with a member of the World Security Council, I find myself confronted with staunch opposition to the decisions I have made. The council member, clearly skeptical of my actions, accuses me of recklessly dealing with forces beyond my control. With great effort, I suppress the urge to roll my eyes and respond with unwavering conviction, "Have you ever been in a war, councilman? Have you faced the chaos of a firefight? In such circumstances, control is a luxury that eludes you more often than not." Annoyed by my straightforwardness, the councilman lets out an exasperated sigh and questions whether Asgard is declaring war on our world. Seeking to clarify the situation, I firmly state, "Not Asgard, but Loki."
The councilwoman, displaying genuine concern, raises apprehensions about potential accomplices of Loki, particularly his formidable brother Thor. Understanding her fears, I provide reassurance by informing them that our intelligence team has thoroughly assessed Thor's intentions, confirming him to be non-hostile and currently at a considerable distance from our present location. I emphasize that we cannot rely on Thor's assistance in this matter; the onus of responsibility rests solely upon us.
Councilman Malick, seizing the opportunity, interjects into the discussion, urging me to divert our resources to Phase-2. However, fully aware of the urgency and immediate threat posed by our enemy, I assert with an unwavering determination that Phase-2 is not yet fully prepared to tackle the imminent danger that looms over us. I underline the pressing need to initiate Project AVENGERS without any further delay, for the fate of our world hangs in the balance, and every moment counts.
[Karai POV]
[Mission Room.] Filled with a surge of anger and frustration, I unleash my fury upon the wall, causing it to crack under the force of my strike. "This is absolute bullshit! Clint would never betray us!" I vent my emotions, the mix of anger and worry still trembling within my clenched fists. Spartan, my trusted friend, and partner, steps forward, attempting to console me in the midst of my rage. "I know, Karai. It wasn't his choice. Loki has done something to him, manipulated him." His words offer a glimmer of solace, but they fail to extinguish the fire burning within me. "It doesn't matter if it wasn't his choice. He's compromised, and the higher-ups will see him as a threat. They'll send a team to eliminate Clint," I express my concerns, the weight of the situation heavy on my shoulders.
Spartan, crossing his arms with unwavering confidence, responds, "They won't." His assurance catches me off guard, and I give him a skeptical look. "How can you be so sure?" I question, searching for a glimmer of hope. He meets my gaze with unwavering determination. "Because we won't let that happen. We will reach Clint first, bring him back, and take down that damn Loki in the process," he declares, his words fueling a flicker of hope within me.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I inquire, "Does Nat know about this?" Spartan nods, confirming, "Yeah, Coulson informed her." Just as we exchange these words, Fury and Cap stride into the mission room, commanding our attention. Fury projects an image of the Tesseract onto the main computer screen, its otherworldly glow captivating our gaze. Cap, ever vigilant, remarks, "HYDRA's secret weapon." Fury proceeds to provide context, revealing the history of the Tesseract. "Howard Stark recovered it from the ocean while searching for you, Cap. He believed the Tesseract held the key to limitless sustainable energy, something the world desperately needs," Fury explains, his voice resonating with a mix of urgency and concern.
With his arms crossed, Cap probes further, "Who took it from you?" Fury's response is direct, "A man named Loki. He's not from around here. We have a lot to catch you up on if you're joining us. The world has become much stranger since your time." Cap, harboring a hint of bitterness, states, "At this point, I doubt anything could surprise me." Fury looks at him, his gaze tinged with a trace of sadness. "Ten bucks says you're wrong," he challenges. Cap lets out a resigned sigh, conceding, "We'll see."
Turning his attention towards us, Cap commands with unwavering authority, "Get your gear together. We're leaving in 30." Spartan and I respond in unison, our voices filled with unwavering determination, "Copy that, Boss," acknowledging Cap's orders. At that moment, a renewed sense of purpose fills my being as I prepare to embark on this perilous journey, knowing that our mission holds the fate of our world and the salvation of our friend Clint in balance.
[Spartan POV]
[Atlantic Ocean]
[Quinjet.] "Sir, we're approximately 40 minutes away from our base," the pilot informs Captain America and Coulson. Coulson disconnects from the communication system and joins Cap and me. "Hey, AC, looks like Fury pulled you into this mission too," Karai remarks. "Yeah, it's a level-7. Everyone is needed," Coulson explains. "Seems like it's pretty serious," I comment. He nods. "Serious enough to bring Stark," Karai says with a touch of bitterness. It's no secret that neither Karai nor I hold a favorable opinion of Stark. Our reasons stem from the destruction caused by his weapons and his lack of accountability. It's ironic how he wasn't always like this; his parents' death changed him for the worse, according to those who knew him well.
As Cap reviews the dossiers of the other Avengers, he inquires about Dr. Banner's attempts to replicate the bio-enhancer used on him. Coulson explains that many individuals were trying to do the same, with Banner believing that gamma radiation held the key. "I guess Howard never informed him that he cracked the code," Cap remarks. "No, they never crossed paths. At the time, Banner was working under General Thaddeus Ross, a less-than-pleasant character. Both Howard Stark and Fury had reservations about him," I explain. Cap looks at the tablet's feed and says, "Didn't turn out well for him, did it?" Coulson describes Banner as a brilliant mind, likening him to Stephen Hawking. Cap appreciates the compliment and responds with a smile.
Coulson reveals his involvement in the operation to retrieve Cap from the ice, leading to a slightly awkward moment for Cap. Karai steps in to clarify Coulson's role, helping to ease the tension. Cap expresses his concerns about being the right person for the job, to which I reassure him, "You are, Boss," with Karai nodding in agreement.
[SHIELD Helicarrier]
As we disembark from the quinjet, Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, greets us. Coulson introduces Cap as the team leader of Fury's new team. They shake hands, and Nat mentions the buzz surrounding our team in recent days. She playfully teases Coulson's excitement and asks if Cap has signed his vintage trading card yet. Cap is unfamiliar with the trading cards, and Nat remarks that Coulson is proud of them.
Just as we cross paths with Stark, Cap calls out to Dr. Banner, who acknowledges our arrival. They exchange greetings and discuss Banner's ability to locate the cube. As the conversation progresses, we receive a notification to proceed inside the Helicarrier as the engines start up. I inform Cap and Banner that it's time to board the Helicarrier since it's about to take off. Banner expresses his concerns about being in a submerged, pressurized metal container, but we assure him it's even more unsettling. The massive rotors of the Helicarrier lift it into the sky as we make our way inside. Nat stays outside, and we continue on.
[Bridge.] I join Karai at a computer station where she's checking for any sightings of Loki or Clint. I inquire about her progress, but she hasn't found anything yet. Karai comments on the resemblance of the Helicarrier to a sci-fi military starship seen in movies. I agree, noting that it's undeniably cool. Cap, Banner, and Nat entered the bridge. Cap's eyes scanned the surroundings, filled with awe.
On the other hand, Banner appeared nervous. "Reflection panels engaged," one of the technicians announced. Fury turned to face Cap and Banner. "Gentlemen." Cap pulled out a roll of cash and handed Fury a ten-dollar bill. 'At least he knows how to honor his bets.' Fury smirked and accepted the bill. He then approached Banner, extending a hand. "Doctor, thank you for coming," he said. Banner shook his hand and replied, "Thank you for inviting me. So, how long am I staying?" "Once we secure the Tesseract, you're free to go," Fury informed him. Banner inquired about their progress, and Fury gestured towards Coulson, who stood nearby. "We're scanning every wirelessly accessible camera worldwide. Cell phones, laptops... If it's connected to a satellite, it's under our surveillance," Coulson explained.
"That still won't locate them in time," Nat remarked, leaning over a technician's shoulder to look at the screen. 'I hate it when people do that.' "We need to narrow down the possibilities," Banner suggested. "How many spectrometers do you have access to?" Fury crossed his arms. "How many are there?" It was a rhetorical question. SHIELD had access to as many as they needed. "Inform every lab you know. Have them set up spectrometers on their roofs, calibrated for gamma rays. I'll work on a tracking algorithm and basic cluster recognition. It might help us eliminate some locations," Banner proposed to everyone. "Is there a place where I can work?" Fury nodded. "Agent Romanoff, please show Dr. Banner to his lab." Nat walked past Banner and said, "You're going to love it, Doc. We have all the cool toys."
I noticed Coulson asking Cap if he could sign his vintage trading card set. It brought a smile to my face. Karai noticed it too. "Well, I never thought I'd see Coulson fanboying," she remarked. "Yeah, it's nice to see this side of him," I agreed. Then Karai surprised me with a rumor. "I heard he has a thing for Agent May." "Wait, what?" I exclaimed, taken aback. "As I said, it's only a rumor," Karai clarified. Just then, the computer tagged a sighting. "We've got a hit on Loki," we both exclaimed. Coulson asked for the location. "Stuttgart, Germany. 28 Konigstrasse," I reported. "Captain, you and your team are up," Fury instructed Cap. Cap nodded, looked at us, and said, "Spartan, Karai, stick with me." "Right behind you, Boss," Karai replied.
[Stuttgart, Germany]
[Rooftop.] The three of us descended onto a nearby rooftop. Karai swiftly readied her sniper rifle, prepared for any threat. Down on the street, civilians poured out of a building, consumed by panic and fear. Loki, the target we were pursuing, trailed closely behind them. Two police cars raced down the street, but Loki effortlessly unleashed an energy blast, flipping the vehicles over. Suddenly, multiple Lokis materialized, surrounding the terrified innocent bystanders. "Kneel before me," Loki commanded. Overwhelmed by panic, the civilians failed to heed his words. Frustrated, Loki forcefully slammed his staff onto the ground, reiterating his command. Gradually, each person in the midst of the chaos dropped to one knee.
A sinister grin played across Loki's face. "Isn't this simpler? Isn't this your natural state?" he taunted. Moving toward the center of the crowd, he continued, "It's an unspoken truth of humanity that you crave subjugation. The promise of freedom diminishes your joy in life, as you scramble madly for power and identity. You were made to be ruled. In the end, you will always kneel." Karai growled, eager to take a shot at the despicable god. "Hold on," I cautioned. Suddenly, an elderly man rose defiantly, rejecting Loki's oppressive words. "Not to men like you," he declared. Despite the confident grin, Loki's eyes flickered with rage. "There are none like me," he snarled. The old man shook his head, responding firmly, "There are always men like you." Enraged, Loki raised his staff, commanding the crowd to look to their elder as an example. He fired a blast, intending to strike the old man.
Reacting swiftly, Cap leaped in front of the elderly gentleman, using his shield to deflect the attack. The blast ricocheted back, striking Loki and sending him hurtling through the air. Karai and I descended to join Cap. "You know, the last time I was in Germany, I saw a man standing above everyone else. We ended up disagreeing," Cap stated. "The soldiers," Loki hissed, "and the man out of time who leads them." "I'm not the one out of time," Cap asserted. Just then, the Quinjet approached, piloted by Nat. "Loki, drop your weapon and surrender," she commanded. Loki retaliated by firing at the Quinjet, narrowly missing his target. Karai and I drew our pistols, firing at Loki's center mass. Unfortunately, the bullets had minimal effect on him. Cap charged forward, engaging Loki in a fierce melee confrontation. Cap landed a solid right-hook punch on Loki, stunning him momentarily but failing to bring him down.
Loki swung his staff at Cap, who skillfully evaded the attack. Cap retaliated with a swift counterattack, landing a series of powerful boxing strikes on Loki. The final blow struck Loki's liver, followed by a spinning back kick to the chest. However, Loki, refusing to be defeated, launched a sneak attack, striking Cap with his staff and sending him tumbling backward. Cap regained his footing, but Loki advanced, his staff at the ready. "Kneel," Loki commanded. "Not today!" I shouted, rushing towards Loki and launching myself into the air, delivering a forceful jump-elbow strike. The blow cracked Loki's lip. "Not looking so pretty now, are you, fucker?" Karai sneered. Loki rose to his feet, ready for another round. Suddenly, our comlink was flooded with a rock musical theme, followed by Tony Stark's voice. "Agent Romanoff. Did you miss me?" In his Iron Man armor, Tony arrived, firing his repulsors at Loki and knocking him to the ground. "Make your move, Reindeer Games," Tony warned, his weapons trained on Loki.
Cap, Karai and I gathered around Tony. "Stark," Cap acknowledged. "Captain," Tony replied. Loki slowly raised his hands in surrender. Cap, Karai, and I exchanged glances, sensing something was amiss.
[Quinjet.] "This was too easy. Something doesn't feel right," Cap voiced his concern to Tony and me. "What, the Rock of Ages?" Tony quipped. I rolled my eyes at his unnecessary antagonism. "I don't recall it ever being this easy. The guy packs a punch," Cap clarified. "Nevertheless, you're pretty agile for an older fellow. Is Pilates your secret?" Tony teased Cap. Annoyed, Cap glared at him and questioned, "What?" "It's like calisthenics," Tony explained. "You might have missed a few things during your time as a capsule." "Do yourself a favor, Cap, and ignore him. It'll keep you sane," I advised, "Or punch him in the throat. That would definitely shut him up." Suddenly, heavy lightning crackled outside. "Where is this lightning coming from? Are we caught in a storm?" Karai wondered aloud. Loki trembled with anxiety. "What? Scared of lightning?" I asked with curiosity. "I'm not fond of what follows," Loki cryptically replied. The Quinjet jerked violently.
Looking up, the heads-up display (HUD) tagged a new target. Tony swiftly donned his helmet and opened the rear door of the Quinjet. A muscular blond man entered, surrounded by crackling electricity. Iron Man aimed his repulsors, but the powerful man swiftly incapacitated Tony with his hammer, causing him to tumble over Cap. The blond man turned his attention to Loki, seizing him by the neck, and took off into the sky. "So that's what follows," I remarked, realizing the source of Loki's anxiety. Iron Man regained his footing alongside Cap. "Another Asgardian?" Nat questioned. "Is that guy on our side?" Cap inquired. "It doesn't matter. If he sets Loki free or kills him, we'll lose the Tesseract," Iron Man stated, walking away. "Stark, we need a plan of attack!" Cap called after him. "I have a plan. Attack," Tony responded, chasing after the two Asgardians. "And people wonder why we don't like him," I remarked. Cap grabbed three parachutes, tossing two to Karai and me. "We're going after them," he declared. "I'd advise against it, guys," Nat warned. "That's not happening. Loki is our responsibility. We need him to bring Clint back," I asserted. "These guys come from legends. They're practically gods," Nat cautioned us. "There's only one god, ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that," Cap retorted. The three of us leaped out of the Quinjet, determined to pursue our adversaries.
[Wooded mountains]
As Cap, Karai, and I descended toward Iron Man's location, we observed Iron Man being thoroughly overwhelmed by Thor in the wooded mountains. Throughout the brawl, Thor effortlessly tossed Iron Man around like a mere plaything. To our surprise, Loki remained nearby, showing no intention of making an escape. It didn't sit well with me. We touched down, and Cap swiftly rose to his feet, hurling his shield at both Thor and Iron Man. "Hey! That's enough. I don't know what you're planning here," Cap asserted. "I've come to put an end to Loki's schemes," Thor informed him. "Then prove it. Set the hammer aside," Cap demanded. "Yeah... No. Bad call. He's quite attached to his hammer," Iron Man interjected. In response, Thor backhanded Iron Man with his hammer, sending him crashing to the ground. "YOU WANT ME TO SET THE HAMMER DOWN?!" Thor bellowed. With a mighty leap, Thor descended upon Cap, bringing his hammer down. Cap managed to block the blow with his shield, but the resulting shockwave sent us all tumbling to the ground.
Gradually regaining consciousness, I struggled to my feet, feeling the repercussions of the impact. "Well, that's going to leave a mark," I muttered to myself. "Is everyone alright?" Karai inquired. As we stood up, facing one another, Cap addressed Thor, seeking resolution. The man regarded the super-soldier with astonishment, realizing that Cap's shield had withstood the force of his hammer. "Aye, we are done," Thor conceded. I glanced upwards to find Loki still motionless. Determined, I fired a grappling line, swiftly bringing him down to our level. Karai activated her comlink, reaching out to Nat. "Nat, we need an extraction," she relayed.