"Come in." Irani Rael calls behind as she stares out her window. The sun is shining on the city, giving it a golden glow. It's almost too bright to look at. Irani does not seem to mind. One would not be able to tell from her cold expression, but she's really happy looking out her window.
"You wanted to see me, Nova Prime." Carol Danvers says as he approaches the desk at the center of the room.
"Yes, captain." Irani answers. "It has come to my attention that you made a trip to the Kiln."
"Yes sir." Carol answers. "It was a personal matter, sir."
"A personal matter?" Irani asks, turning her head to look at the Captain.
Carol frowns slightly, but tries to hide it. "Yes, commander." He answers, hoping that will be the end of the inquiry.
Irani Rael fully turns away from the window now and completely faces Carol. She studies his face for a long time before stepping forward. She walks toward her desk and places down a hand as if to lean on it, but decides not to. "What's going on in that head of yours Carol."
The use of Captain Marvel's Earth name throws him off, causing him to blink. He was still not used to it. Everyone he knew still called him Vers or by his title. He tries to continue looking ahead, but Irani's gaze wins him over and he turns to look at her. "I'm not certain what you mean, Nova Prime." Carol answers.
Irani takes a deep breath then looks toward her desk. "Let's talk, Captain." She runs her hand across a panel pressing a few icons then slides a finger across.
"Recording off." The panel responds.
Irani steps toward her seat and begins to lower herself. "You can have a seat if you'd like." She tells Carol.
Carol looks at the nearest seat and debates whether he should sit or not.
"At ease, Captain." Imani says, quoting something she'd heard from Earth some time back.
The Captain lowers his eyes briefly, but the order seems to have done the trick. He sits down across from the Nova Corp leader.
"Would you like anything to drink, or eat?" Irani Rael asks.
"No, sir." Carol answers.
"Captain Danvers, I'm going to get straight to the point." Irani says somewhat bluntly. "Normally when someone goes out of their way to visit a high class criminal in prison, it's high-cause for concern." She waits for Carol to respond, which he doesn't. "You, on the other hand. I feel we can trust."
"Yes, commander." Carol responds. "You do not need to worry about me."
Irani has to resist frowning at this response. She is surprised that even under scrutiny Captain Marvel does not feel the need to apologize or explain things. "Still," Irani finally says, "I am concerned about you, and some of your recent..." He pauses to think of the right word, "behavior."
"Sir, I was provoked." Carol says slightly defensively.
"I'm not talking about the prison." Irani answers, which surprises Carol. "We have all that on record."
Carol locks eyes with Irani in silent confusion.
"It seems even being locked up and stripped of his or her power, Thanos is a cocky bastard." Irani says, almost enjoying the opportunity to insult the Mad Titan. "Nevertheless, you did nothing wrong."
"Yes, sir." Carol answers, still feeling nervous.
Iran taps a few icons on her computer before looking back up toward Carol. "Captain Danvers, we've had a few behavioral concerns with you lately." Iran says. Carol tilts his head. Slightly surprised at this comment. "While officially you've done nothing wrong, we believe it still warrants addressing."
"I'm confused." Carol admits. "Why are you telling me this?" He asks.
"It is part of Nova Corps governance to monitor the behavior and mentality of our troops. Stipulation ten, of the health and..."
"That's not what I meant." Carol interrupts. "I mean why are YOU..." He emphasizes the word, "telling me this. Shouldn't it be a commanding officer?"
Irani Rael curls the corner of her lips. "Captain Vers, given the nature of the concern and your recent... upgrades. Your commanding officer, amongst his other... superiors, felt it best for someone with more authority to speak with you."
"So they asked the Nova Prime?" Carol raises his eyebrow, baffled by the absurdity.
"They were concerned with how you'd react." Irani Rael raises her eyebrow and tilts her head to imply that she somewhat agrees.
"They're afraid of me!" Carol states, suddenly realizing the point. He can't help but chuckle and lean back on his chair. "Why does that not surprise me?" He asks mostly to himself.
Irani Rael continues to watch Carol and study his actions without speaking.
Carol notices the Nova Prime's stare and concentrates on looking professional again. He leans forward and intertwines his fingers. "So what is it they wanted to talk to me about?"
Irani squints his eyes slightly to imply that he definitely noticed Carol's shift in behavior. "Captain Vers, are you familiar with Hyper Masculinity?"
"Hyper masculinity?" He asks. "You mean this is about my gender?" He thinks for a second before continuing. "They didn't have any issues with my gender before all the changes. Not that I let them."
"No one is complaining about your gender captain." Irani tells him. "I am merely asking because I believe it pertains to your case." The captain raises an eyebrow and tilts his head, to imply he is listening. "Are you familiar with the term?"
"I can't say that I am, sir." Carol reluctantly admits.
"Captain Danvers, Hyper masculinity is a term that is often thrown around and used a lot when it comes to new recruits." She gives Carol a moment to process the thought, before continuing. "Quite often when we get a batch of new recruits, often from specific races, Terran amongst them, we have to keep an eye out for certain behaviors."
Carol is now feeling a little concerned that something may actually be wrong with him.
"A lot of male species, particularly when young, get a rush of testosterone when placed in a confrontational environment and given authoritative power. This rush can often be a bit euphoric for them and cause them to act in ways that they perceive as powerful. Unfortunately, on most planets, that is often associated with masculinity, often.. toxic."
"Excuse me!" Carol practically shouts.
"That right there!" Irani cuts Carol off, suddenly. "That is exactly what we are talking about."
"So, just because I am a man now, my actions are being questioned?" Carol demands to know.
"Captain Danvers, can you tell me about what happened at the Xanda Barracks?" Irani asks. "Particularly, during training." She emphasizes the point.
Carol stops to think for a moment before trying to calm his nerves. "It was a training exercise." He answers. "I was still getting to know my new strength."
"An exercise that resulted in the use of over twenty healing packs and the destruction of just as many suits, not to mention equipment." Irani tells him.
Carol looks downward. "I may have gotten a little carried away."
Irani lets the thought stew for a moment before continuing. "The armor and equipment is not as much of a concern." She says. "Hurting troops is a bit more worrisome. Despite the wonders that med packs can do, psychological damage can not be undone."
"I'm sorry, sir." Carol answers guiltily.
"Hmm" Irani grunts to imply she is thinking. "My bigger concern, captain, is this." Irani swipes at her screen and turns it around. There are soldiers littered everywhere. Smoke billowing forward and bits of armor and weapons scattered all over. One of the men is screaming and crying like a child while holding onto a twisted leg. Several other soldiers are barely moving around the field due to their injuries. Carol is looking back and forth surveying the carnage. When his face is mostly turned toward the camera Irani pauses the footage and zooms into Carol's face. He is slightly smirking. "You appear to be smiling, Captain." Rael says.
Carol studies the image for a long moment before responding. "I may have gotten a little excited."
"This wasn't the only incident, Captain." Irani says, flicking at the screen and showing a similar scene. "And, I probably don't need to remind you of the poster that's being distributed all over the city." Irani flicks the screen again to an image of Carol smiling as he holds onto Thanos' collar and is about to deal the final blow that knocks her out.
Carol has to resist smiling at the poster himself.
"I heard about the bar fight, as well." Irani blurts out.
"It was an act of self defense." Carol quickly retorts.
"Rumor has it they called you girly!" Irani snaps.
Carol looks down, upset but clearly holding back protest due to rank. "I'm sorry..." He says, hesitantly. "It won't happen again."
"Captain Danvers," Irani says in a calm voice now. "As long as I have known you, you have always been impulsive." Carol looks up at Irani who continues speaking. "But you've always maintained your composure. You've always known your limits and observed them." The Nova Prime leans in to look directly into his eyes. "I just need to know it's still you in there, and not just another macho man trying to prove his worth."
"It's still me... sir." Carol answers, hoping that's what Irani wants to hear. "I'm just still adjusting."
Irani leans back, continuing to study Carol. She takes a big breath that almost sounds disappointed. "I can't say that I don't understand." Iran tells him. "When half the universe goes through what happened to you, it'd be insane not to expect an adjustment period." Carol continued to watch Irani, wondering where the conversation was going. "But people with power, whether it be social or physical, don't have the luxury of time when others are depending on them. Especially when they're a Centurion candidate."
"Centurion candidate?" Carol asks, completely confused now. "But I'm not an official member of the Nova Corp."
"We know." Irani Rael responds. She looks down, taking another deep breath. "But the powers that be, feel like offering you a position would be best for Nova Corp's image, right now."
"Image?" Carol seems a little offended. "You want me to be your poster boy?"
"Oh, a lot more than that." Irani answers. "After Thanos took the power stone, we suffered a huge loss. A loss to morale, personnel, and leadership." Carol frowns slightly, still not convinced. "If it wasn't for your friends on Terra, we would have never gotten it back, let alone all six."
"I don't really know any of them." Carol admits about the Avengers.
"Regardless," Irani interrupts, "That whole incident puts Terra front and center, and nobody knows what to think of them."
Carol wants to interject but doesn't know what to say.
"Nova Corp needs leaders," Irani continues, "and who better than someone they trust... and someone from Terra. It's actually one of the main reasons why you were entrusted with the infinity stone."
Captain Marvel is feeling very confused as he did not expect the conversation to go in this direction.
"Terra would naturally fall under the jurisdiction and protection of the Nova Corp." Irani adds. "Your king seemed open to the idea."
"My king?" Carol had forgotten about the sudden unexpected promotion of King T'Challa. "I don't know what to say? I wasn't expecting this."
"You don't need to answer now." Irani responds rather quickly. "The Nova Corp has agreed to give you a week to decide."
Carol is getting the hint that Irani was not in favor of this decision.
"I think I might take that week." Carol responds, not knowing if he will really need that much time to decide.
"Good, I will keep them informed." Irani turns her monitor back toward herself, taps a few things on the screen, and concentrates on that for a long while.
"Is there anything else, Nova Prime?" Carol interrupts after a few seconds.
Irani Rael looks down as if to think. It is clear she is dodging something. She eventually looks up and says, "Yes." She turns to the side, and opens the top drawer of her desk. "I was instructed to give this back to you."
Carol's eyes light up when he sees the ring recently given to him by Thanos. The power stone is no longer in it as Carol had to separate them. "Thank you." He says holding his palm out, trying not to look too eager.
"Our scientists say it's legit," Irani begins to explain as he hands the ring over, "The Sorcerer Supreme says it's enchanted, but not cursed. As for why Thanos wanted you to have this, I don't understand." Irani grumbles at this last comment.
Carol feels the weight of the metal press to his palm. Before he can close his hand around it, Irani picks it back up and pulls it a few inches away. "You do realize, as a Nova Corp Centurion, you will be required to hunt down and eliminate what remains of Thanos' army?"
Reality hit Carol like a black hole. He looks up and can suddenly see the clear skepticism in Irani's eyes. 'They don't trust me.' He thinks 'This is all a test.' Captain Marvel's thoughts wander back to his last conversation with Thanos. 'How much of what was said was true?' he wonders. It doesn't make sense to him.
"I would expect no less." Carol tells Irani, hiding his suspicions.
"Good!" Irani responds, dropping the ring in Carol's hand. "We look forward to your response. Until then, please enjoy some leisure time, now that this is all settled and things are quiet."
Carol has to resist putting on the ring immediately. So he pockets it. "Thank you, Nova Prime."
"Enjoy the rest of your day, Captain." Irani says dismissively. "And please, try not to cause any trouble." She says this with a playful smile to imply she is joking, but there is a very serious look in her eyes.
"I won't, sir." Carol answers as he stands up. "Have a good day." He excuses himself. Irani continues to work on her computer as the Captain leaves.
A few seconds after Carol Danvers has exited the room, Irani looks up to make sure she is alone. Satisfied, she taps something on her screen and a video begins to play.
"Tell me Carol Danvers." Thanos' voice says over the speakers. "How much do you know about the birth of a Celestial?" She asks.
Irani Raels sneers angrily at the screen which displays the image of Carol Danvers with his hand on the prison glass inside the outline of Thanos' palm. She leans back and crosses her arms as she listens and watches the scene unfold.
*** Back on Earth ***
"Are you sure about this, Captain?" Sam Wilson asks Steve. "You know the Sokovia Accords have not been repealed yet?"
"Rhodey said it should be fine." She tells Sam. "Nobody is going to want to arrest us after we just saved the universe." Captain Rogers is still in a wheelchair, but this one is more equipped for sports and covered in Wakandan designs. She seems to be having no trouble getting around. Except for the occasional tight space.
"I don't know Steve." Sam continues. "Call it a hunch, but I still feel paranoid like something's going to happen."
"Welcome home." A flight attendant says, as Steve Rogers and Sam exit the airport gate.
"Thank you." Steve says politely to the attendant. There is a sign directly in front of them that says "Welcome to New York."
"Relax Sam." Steve says lightly punching her friend in the arm. "Nothing's going to happen. Besides," Sam turns to look at Steve, "I've been personally pardoned by the King of Earth."
Sam can't help, but snicker at the comment.
"Welcome to New York." The attendant says to the person behind them, who doesn't respond. The two friends look back toward Bucky who isn't too far behind.
Sam waits until Bucky is in earshot before asking his next question. "Did you have to bring giggles along? He's bringing down the mood." Bucky frowns. "You know, we could have flown straight to the Avengers compound if he wasn't with us?"
"It's his home, too." Steve says defensively. "He can't stay in Wakanda forever."
"This is Oneida. I thought you guys were from Brooklyn?" Sam asks, playfully skeptical.
"We're here to check on Tony." Steve says. "Then we can go home..."
"Alright, alright. I get it." Sam says. "I'm just joking with you."
"He seemed so angry when we last saw him." Steve continues.
"Who? Tony?I know he was angry." Sam interrupts. "I was there. I saw it. It was rather hilarious."
"It wasn't funny, Sam!" Steve says with annoyance. "He really needs our help."
"I know he needs our help, but how're we going to help him find the stones if we don't even have a space ship?"
"I'm not talking about that." Steve says, catching Sam's attention. Sam tilts his head curiously. "I mean, he needs help. He's going through a lot. He's been through a lot."
Sam has to resist making another joke before responding. "You're really concerned for him, aren't you?"
Steve Rogers has a very sad and pained look on her face. "Aren't you? He's..." She pauses to think for a moment, "our friend."
"I don't know." Sam snickers. "He did fire me, and all." Sam says, before changing tone abruptly. "Of course I'm concerned. Let's go check on him. I'm sure he'll be happy to see all three of us. Especially this guy." Sam points at Bucky.
"I won't be with you." Bucky speaks up. "I'll be here, at the airport hotel, waiting to leave."
Sam looks at Bucky, then does an exaggerated turn toward Steve, then back to Bucky. "Are you sure you're gonna let your girl spend time with Tony? Alone?"
"She's not my girl!" Bucky snaps.
"That's not funny!" Captain America protests almost at the same time.
"It's a little funny." Sam Wilson quips as he moves on ahead.