Sorry for not updating in a while. I was busy with college and now I am busy with work.
I've changed some of the lines for the prologue so it matches with the canon.
Also, I will be keeping the poll open until a week after I have updated "Good and Evil" so please vote if you haven't already.
Okay, onto the chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
The two acquaintances stared at each other wide-eyed in shock. Of all the things they expected, meeting each other here was not one of them.
"Um, I don't want to be rude but are you two friends or something?" Peter asked meekly.
The others were curious about that too.
"Director Fury is kind of a family friend," Monica explained. "He's known me since I was a kid."
That was a surprise to everyone who knew Fury personally. He was not known for being close with others, or a family for that matter.
They tried to picture him interacting with a kid, but the concept was impossible for them.
"I see you haven't changed much," Fury mentioned.
"Whereas you look old as hell," Monica grinned.
"With age, comes experience," Fury retorted. "Along with losing an eye."
"I'm aware," Monica admitted. "Although, mom never told me how you lost it. And I couldn't ask any of the others because, well, you know."
"And she never will," Fury deadpanned.
Fury had made certain to swear her to secrecy. As much as he liked Maria, if his secret ever got out, he would literally die of shame.
Before anyone could ask what Monica was talking about, Goose jumped out of Peters's arms and ran towards her.
"Goose," Monica sang. "Oh, it's been so long. How have you been?"
Goose purred as Monica pet her in her favourite places.
Peter was a little disappointed Goose had left but relented over how happy he looked.
"I'm sorry but, who are you?" Clint asked.
Monica blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Monica. I'm an agent of SWORD, a group that worked closely with SHIELD."
"However, you're more focused on space travel," Natasha interrupted. "I've read the files."
"So have I," Clint added.
"That's right," Monica confirmed.
Steve raised an eyebrow having read about them briefly but did not look into it much. Tony knew who they were but had never approached them. T'Challa knew about them through a War Dog they had stationed there.
"I'm sorry to interrupt but it is time to get back to the viewing," the voice pointed out.
Realizing they were right, everyone sat back down.
Monica sat with Thor and Scott while Goose went back to Peter. Monica was a little ecstatic to be sitting with Avengers but managed to keep it contained.
Right now, she was more curious about what she would see. She was not expecting to see her aunt's origin story, but what she had seen so far surprised her. Even though she knew it was not intentional, it still hurt when Carol did not remember her or her mother. Talos had surprised her a little, but she understood why he was doing what he did.
The roof of the building was a Blockbuster Video store.
A label popped up saying it was Planet C-53, the Terran homeworld.
"Ah, Blockbuster," Sam murmured. "Those were the days."
"Until DVD's and Netflix arrived," Scott muttered mournfully.
Steve frowned. This was just a few years before he resurfaced. It was weird seeing the older methods of entertainment whereas in the forties, the biggest entertainment was the radio. Technology had really come a long way since then.
"Planet C-53? Terran?" Wanda murmured confusedly.
"It's the name other civilisations give Earth, much like how we on Asgard call it Midgar," Thor explained.
That caused the audience to go into thought. They had never given any thought as to how other planets saw them. They have been known in different names to different people.
And Terra was another word for earth, which apparently where Vers was now.
Vers groggily stood up and examined her surroundings. Upon seeing a figure at the window brought to her attention by a passing car she instinctively fired a photon blast and decapitated a cardboard statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"NOOOOO!" Scott cried. "Not Arnie. Anyone but him."
"That monster!" Tony shouted. "How could she?"
Some of the others sweatdropped at their antics.
"You are aware it is not the actual actor?" Vision said pointing out the obvious. "Just a crude imitation."
"I don't care," Scott wailed. "You don't knock off the Terminator like that."
Vers attempted to contact Starforce, but no one answered her. Walking through the building she examined some of the movies only to be confused by them.
"Classic," Peter murmured.
"I wonder if they have Back to the Future?" T'Challa said softly.
"Or the Dick Van Dyke show," Wanda added causing everyone to turn to her. "What? It's a good show."
Walking out onto the street she knocked on the car of a security officer who was surprised to see her. She then introduced herself and her unit before asking if this was C-53, much to the guard's confusion.
"He's not gonna know what that is," Monica chuckled.
"Who would?" Rhodey added. "Right now, she probably sounds like a crazy woman to him."
When he didn't respond, Vers rubbed a device on her arm and asked if he could understand her or if her universal translator was working.
"Universal Translator?" T'Challa questioned. "Is that why we've been able to understand them so far?"
"Most likely," Thor answered.
"So, Google Translate but better?" Peter guessed.
"And more reliable," Fury stated.
The guard admitted he could understand her, much to Vers's relief. She asked if he was in charge of security for the area which he confirmed excluding the movie theatre.
"She's treating it like she would Hala," Thor realized.
"Seeing as how that's the only place she knows you can hardly fault her," Vision said.
Vers asked about communications equipment and the guard pointed towards the Radio Shack. Vers smiled and thanked him before walking off.
It was time to get in touch with her comrades.
"Good luck with that," Tony wished her. "Earth tech has not reached that stage yet."
The sun rose on Terra, symbolizing the beginning of a new day.
On a beach, the Skrulls lead by Talos emerged.
"So, they're on earth as well," Steve realized. "Figures."
"Several escape pods were launched," Tony agreed.
Upon seeing a group of surfers, Talos focused on a particular girl and began shapeshifting into her.
The Avengers stared in awe and concern at the Skrulls shapeshifting abilities. Unlike Loki's, which was a simple glow and transform, theirs was more physical in nature and took longer. It also took more concentration.
Monica was a little in awe. She had only seen that ability once but not in this detail. So, this was what Talos's people were capable of.
Talos ordered them all to spread out and search for Vers. They had all taken forms of surfers however one took on the form Talos was in, much to his annoyance. He told his subordinate that this form was already taken.
Everyone laughed at his reaction. It appeared that Talos did not like it when somebody copied him.
Meanwhile, Vers attached a device resembling a USB to some wires from a phone booth and connecting them to her communications device on her sleeve. Holding the receiver to her ear, an image of Yon-Rogg started to appear.
"Okay, how the hell was she able to do that?!" Tony exclaimed upset. "She's from another planet, yet by connecting a few wires to her wrist she can call someone from outer space at a high distance! She's only been on Earth a few hours. How did she know what to use?"
"Maybe she was given engineering training on Hala," Peter suggested though he sounded a bit unsure.
"That's beside the point," Tony argued. "Shouldn't they be centuries ahead of us in the technology sector? How can Ver do something like this in a short amount of time with old technology."
"Just because it is old, does not mean the principles and teachings would be forgotten," T'Challa pointed out, though he was a little unsure himself. "I doubt she managed it on her first try. It is now morning so it must have taken a few hours at least."
Tony didn't respond. He was still upset about the whole thing. Ultimately, he decided to let it slide for the time being and just watch the movie.
Yon-Rogg asked for her code by saying his, which Vers answered correctly with a sarcastic comment. Vers asked about the situation to which Yon-Rogg explained it was a Skrull ambush. He asked Vers if she found Soh-Larr, but she said it wasn't him because Talos simmed him and even knew his code. This information shocked Yon-Rogg because that code was buried in his unconscious.
"Doesn't he mean subconscious?" Monica frowned.
"Different species, different terms," Natasha suggested.
"Even if that's the case, what was Yon-Rogg talking about?" Clint questioned. "Why shouldn't they have been able to get that code? Couldn't they just interrogate him?"
For that, no one had an answer. Thor had a guess, but he did not think it was possible. Skrulls could only acquire recent memories when they transformed, not long-term ones.
"Perhaps it was the machine they used on Vers," Vision suggested. "It could show memories in a persona mind, so maybe they did the same on him."
Everyone considered it for a moment. Vision had a point.
Vers informed him that the Skrulls messed her mind and that the machine they used was likely how they got Soh-Larr's code.
"Looks like you were right Vision," Wanda said.
Yon-Rogg asked where Vers was and she told him Planet C-53, causing his eyes to widen with surprise.
"Is it just me or does he seem more worried than concerned?" Scott asked.
Being in prison had taught him how to be wary of others and their behaviour. And the way Yon-Rogg was acting was suspicious.
Natasha and Clint had picked up on it as well.
"He's definitely hiding something," Natasha muttered.
'Of course, he is,' Fury internally growled. 'You didn't want her to remember, did you?!'
Vers explained they were looking for Lawson. When Yon-Rogg asked who, Vers at first tried to explain that she was the form the SI took but stopped halfway. How was she supposed to explain to him that the woman they were searching for was the form of the person she admired most when she couldn't even remember her?
Steve looked at Vers with sympathy. He remembered what it had been like for Bucky, struggling with memories that were there yet at the same time not be able to make any sense of them.
Yon-Rogg asked again, and this time Vers just explained Lawson was a scientist who had succeeded in creating lightspeed technology and that she needed to get to her before the Skrulls did, otherwise they would be able to invade other galaxies with their newly developed ships.
Thor restrained himself from gulping. If that happened, the Skrulls would be unstoppable.
They could invade anywhere at any time in the blink of an eye and no one would be able to organize a defence in time.
Yon-Rogg told her not to since she had already been captured once and he didn't want a repeat. He asked Att-Lass how long it would be until the next jump point, to which he replied twenty-two hours. Yon-Rogg ordered Vers to remain where she was until they arrived only for the latter to argue back. It was then that the call got interrupted due to a long-distance access code being required.
Everyone laughed at how something so simple could ruin something so advanced.
Bron-Char suggested that Vers was compromised because the Skrulls got to her which Yon-Rogg argued against by saying she was stronger than he thought.
'You bet she is,' Monica thought.
'Oh, he has no idea,' Fury deadpanned.
Bron-Char asked Minn-Erva if she had ever been to C-53 which she confirmed once, before it adding it was a real shithole.
The residents of C-53 watching took major offence to her comment.
They weren't perfect but their planet was not a shithole.
"Bitch," Monica muttered under her breath.
Vers went back to working on the wires while Law Enforcement arrived and inspected the site.
One officer approached the security guard who called and he pointed where Vers was.
The officer turned and took off his sunglasses, revealing himself to be Phil Coulson.
"Son of Coul!" Thor exclaimed.
The others were excited to see him since it had been years. However, they were also sad because they were reminded of the fact that he was dead.
This was in the past, so it made sense to see him alive, but it still made them sad.
"I'm sorry who?" Sam asked.
"An old friend," Steve answered. "He died just a few hours before the attack on New York. His death sort of brought us all together."
"He was a major Captain America fan," Natasha added. "Even had a full collection of Captain America trading cards."
"Vintage?" Scott asked.
"Absolutely," Natasha responded. "He was very proud."
"Sounds like someone I'd get along with," Scott mused.
He was a Captain America fan too after all.
Steve blushed slightly with embarrassment which Wanda sensed. He had forgotten about the trading cards.
Thor felt guilty because he had been there when the son of Coul had died. He had seen his own brother pierce his heart and leave him for dead. It was one that would forever haunt him.
Fury felt somewhat guilty because Coulson was not actually dead. He was running SHIELD from the shadows and continuing to protect the world from threats. He knew the man wanted to reveal his existence at some point but there was never the right moment.
As Vers continued to work she activated her beacon so her allies would know where to find her. However, her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the window of the phone booth.
She turned and came face to face with a young Nick Fury.
The silence in the theatre was deafening. Everyone turned to the man in question who sighed.
He knew this was coming.
"You know her?" Clint managed to get out.
"Yeah, I do," he confirmed. "We met a long time ago and well, you'll probably see."
No need to spoil anything.
"I don't believe it. You used to have hair?" Tony asked incredulously.
"I used to, yes I had hair Stark!" Fury snapped sounding offended. "I wasn't born bald."
"What happened then, old age?" Tony quipped.
"I am not that old," Fury retorted. "I shaved it off because being bald made more intimidating."
As annoyed as he was with Tony, he was amazed no one had asked the obvious question yet.
"You had two eyes," Steve breathed slowly.
And there it was.
"Yes, I did," Fury deadpanned.
"So then, is this how you lost your?" Steve started.
"No," Fury furiously lied.
He would not say a single word about that. If it sowed him with an eyepatch later he would calmly say it was just a small wound and his eye needed treatment to stop the risk of infection.
He narrowly eyed Goose who was observing the screen along with Peter.
Fury questioned Vers about what happened and mentioned that the suspect was dressed for laser tag (meaning her). Vers tried to blow it off and say she went that way, but Fury didn't buy it.
'As if that would work,' Natasha smirked.
Fury halted her saying he had some questions. He mentioned he could give her the full 11 on the late-night dropbox.
For the people who knew him personally, this interaction was interesting because it was different from what they knew.
He requested to see her ID to which she replied her name, Kree Starforce, and they didn't carry their ID for low-level guards.
"Well, that was rude," T'Challa said.
"You're many things Fury, but low-level is not one of them," Monica said.
Fury repeated the information in an incredulous tone, showing he did not believe her. he asked how long she would be in town. Vers responded by saying she would once she had dealt with the Skrulls invading their planet.
"Out of curiosity, what was going through your mind at that moment?" Steve asked.
Fury shrugged. "I thought I was dealing with a crazy lady or someone who was high."
In an amused voice, Fury asked what Skrulls were. Vers gave a quick explanation on what they were and their capabilities, only for Fury to turn to Coulson who returned the grin. The look on his face told Vers all she needed to know.
"Course they wouldn't have any clue," Wanda said. "Aliens are still a concept at this point in time."
Vers attempted to walk away only for Fury to halt her again and ask how they know she is not a Skrull, causing Vers to congratulate him only finally asking a relevant question.
"I'm pretty sure the previous questions were relative considering she is an unknown at this point," Clint pointed out.
"For her, they weren't," Fury retorted. "Skrulls were the main threat at the time so constant vigilance was necessary."
"He is not wrong," Thor agreed.
Fury congratulated her instead by saying she was under arrest. As the guard moved to handcuff her, Vers looked back and her expression morphed to one of surprise.
"Small spoiler, this is where all hell breaks loose," Fury informed them.
Everyone tensed for what would come next.
A Skrull from the beach fired at them. Vers pushed Fury out of the way to dodge the blast before stepping back and firing at the assailant, destroying a part of the building he was on.
"You weren't exaggerating, were you?" Peter said to Fury.
"Nope," he responded. "And this is only the beginning."
As Vers pursued the Skrull, a shaken Fury started running towards his car while urging Coulson (who was eyeing Vers with suspicion) to get moving. Arriving at the car, Fury asked if he saw her weapon to which he denied.
"Was this your first encounter with an enhanced individual?" Rhodey asked.
"It was," he confirmed. "I had read about Captain America and the super-soldier serum, along with attempts to recreate it, but this was the first time I had ever met someone with superpowers."
That made sense to everyone. Regardless of how strong-willed he was, even Fury would have been surprised the first time seeing anything like that, especially since this was a time before it became common.
Vers continued her pursuit of the Skrull who had just arrived at the train station. Using parkour skills she managed to catch up on time to the train it had just boarded (letting an old lady pass in the process).
Not willing to let it escape, she leapt onto the back of the train as it departed.
"That was intense," Tony muttered.
"Brace yourself then," Fury warned them. "It only gets worse."
The audience focused on the screen while pondering over what they had witnessed.
This woman Vers had come to earth by mistake and met Fury (one who acted very different from the one they knew).
Just what was the connection between them? And why had he not mentioned her before now?
Thor was worried about what the Skrulls were planning. He would need to speak with his father and make a future plan to deal with them.
One thing was for certain, things were not as they seemed.
Hi there! Well, what did you think of that?
I was going to include the fight on the train, but I thought it would be better to leave the fast-paced stuff for the next chapter.
As you can see Fury really does not want anyone to know about what happened to his eye. Unfortunately, things will not be going the way he wants.
By the way, does anyone else find it weird that Carol is able to use wires from earth (whose technology would be considered old by the Kree) to reach out miles into space. I do.
The next chapter follows the train fight. Hope you enjoyed it! Please review!
And if you have not yet voted in the poll please do.