- Location
- Little Rock, AR
Billy idol is an agent of shield?
Also work through the none racist alphabet why don't ya.
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Bronze Mettle (MCU/DC SI)
- Thread starter Xavier Bronze
- Start date
Also work through the none racist alphabet why don't ya.
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
If I stumbled across a racial slur somewhere in there, I apologize. Entirely unintentional.
- Location
- Little Rock, AR
You didnt. you hit the none racist ones. like you did not hit Kike for example.
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
I got lucky then. I had no idea that was a thing.
Hakazin
Serpent Admirer
- Pronouns
- She/Her
South African, I think.
NomDeRNG
This Title Gives Me +3 Dorkitude
- Location
- Seattle
Okay, somehow missed it before. Dike is spelt differently, but pronounced the same way as a slur against lesbians. Not a racial thing, as Larekko said, but just as derogatory. You might want to change it to Spike or Trike or another. Also avoid K.
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It's also a physical structure that holds back water. The reason why it is acceptable to stick a finger in a dyke. Keep the PC nonsense out of this, please.
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
You guys are pretty fucking cool. That is all.
Bored Now
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
It's been two and a half weeks since I came to this safehouse. I'm currently banging my head against a wall. The safehouse has no internet, because that could potentially be traced. It has a few board games. But there's only so many games of Chess and Battleship the same three people can play. Yesterday I disassembled and reassembled every piece of furniture that wasn't bolted down.
What I would give for a Cards Against Humanity deck around now. Or some booze. We emptied the cabinet five days ago.
Mike walks by in his underwear, "Hey Xavier." We gave up on modesty after the first week. Except Ike, that is. He's still a stickler.
Okay, my head is actually starting to hurt. I stop and flop on a couch face down. And groan, as loudly as I can.
OW!
I jerk up to a sitting position and rub my arm. Ike is standing, holding a taser. He looks at me with not a hint of apology, "I've always wanted to do that."
"Tase someone or tase me?"
"Both."
We pause for a few seconds. "...Do you want to do it again?"
He shakes his head dejectedly, "You'd just know it was coming."
Our one-way radio blares to life and the three of us immediately scurry over, eager to hear something from the outside.
"Transport incoming. Please clear the landing area."
I manage to remember to pull a real shirt on. We all pour outside and see a helicopter touching down. It's Jane and Erik, and… Agent Darby? Amazing. People. Real other people.
Darby yells as he steps out, "When I found out where you were I thought you could use some company. Coulson told me about your friends here."
The helicopter noise starts to wane as the engine slows to a halt. Jane walks over to me and smiles, "Hey. So you're a fugitive now? Some sort of witness protection?"
I shrug, "Ten Rings told me to do something. I didn't want to make them gods. How are you?"
"With SHIELD, actually. Since you recommended me, and vouched for them. They have me… doing exactly what I was doing before, now that I think about it." She has a nice laugh, "Hunting potential wormholes around the world."
"That's great! Maybe I can talk them into sending us on a mission together."
Erik and I exchange pleasant nods, "Xavier. I'm glad to see you're well."
"Erik. You working for SHIELD too?"
"Yes, in a different capacity. They have me studying some kind of artifact they found in the ocean. I hesitate to say 'alien', but after these past few months I don't know what else to call it."
How about the Tesseract.
I turn to Darby, "Thank you, Agent Darby. Really."
He smiles, "Everyone needs their friends. And please, call me Jack." Ooh, I'm getting butterflies in my lower tummy. This man is asking for it. And I'm inclined to provide. If only we had booze, I could get him drunk.
Erik reaches back into the helicopter and pulls out… a large cooler.
"Erik, please tell me that's what I think it is."
"Scotch, rum, whiskey, and bourbon." He gives a challenging glance, "I hope you have the stomach for it."
I point at him, "You're on. Also, you're awesome." I look to the group, "You all are. Thank you. This is exactly what I needed. How long are you here for?"
Jane answers, "Three days. Then we have to get back to our various assignments."
"Well then we have three days to empty that cooler. That's how much fun we're gonna have. Got it?"
There's a cheerful glint in Erik's eye, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
I see a few other agents unloading some heavy electronics. "What are they up to?"
Jack answers, "Oh, just installing a new hardline to the nearest base. Should take a week, but once it's done you'll have a safe connection to the outside world."
I pretty much squeal and lift Jack off the ground by his shoulders. Several other superficially vocal sounds of excitement follow.
Once his feet touch the ground he peels me off, "I thought you might say something like that. Three weeks with no internet? I'd be getting pretty stark crazy too."
"I don't know if I'm quite on his level yet."
Mike walks over to Jane and hugs her in greeting. When did they get so chummy?
We all go inside. Some people are already there, tearing the wooden facade off one of the walls to reveal the true bunker-like plating that laces the whole place.
Later that night Erik, Mike and I have already made a dent in the cooler. Jack brought a poker set too, the angel. Jane's surprisingly good at it. Only she, Mike, and Jack are still in the game. I'm standing, watching from behind her chair.
This is one of the highest stakes rounds yet and she's bluffing big time. She pushes in just enough to get Jack all-in. He's sweating, metaphorically. Wondering if she's actually got it or not. I'm carefully controlling my features to avoid sabotaging her poker face.
He folds! And so does Mike. Holy cow. That's the game right there. She has enough chips now to put them both all-in every round for a while. Mike and Jack look at each other and silently negotiate.
Jack stands up and slides his chips over to Mike, "If I get you another drink do you think you can slay the dragon over there?"
Mike shakes his head, "Odds don't look good."
I give Jane a pat on the shoulder, "You got this, girl. Whoop his ass." And I follow Jack over to the fridge.
Jack gets himself a beer and hands me one, "That woman is impossible to read."
I take a swig, "You're pretty tough yourself."
He looks from the table over to me and gives a winning smirk, "You're not."
"I don't usually see much reason to lie about what I'm thinking."
He laughs, "Unusual, for a spy."
"Consultant."
He shakes his head, "Right. And I'm the Director. You know they're just waiting for an excuse to let you skip the Academy, right?"
I deadpan, "Congratulations on the promotion. Sir."
We walk back over to the table and give fresh drinks to our respective horses in the race. Jane doesn't even notice. She's so focused I'm not sure she even noticed that I left.
The cards are against her again, and it looks like Mike won big the rounds I was gone. They're almost even now.
Mike is noticeably nervous, but keeping it together. He can't afford to be bluffed out very many more times. Especially with the anti increasing like it is. Come on Jane. Just a few good rounds.
Jack and I exchange challenging glares, like fans of opposing sports teams.
This is pretty great, I gotta admit. I've got people. Jack barely knows me and he organized this whole visit. I've got a job where I get to help people, even if it is often dangerous. I've got a H.O.M.E. to come back to once the Ten Rings is off my scent. There's a lot about this world that sucks, but I've done pretty well for myself so far.
I wait a few seconds for the explosion and chaos that surely follows thoughts like that. It doesn't come. Just the peaceful sound of cheap plastic chips on a table and the shuffling of cards.
What I would give for a Cards Against Humanity deck around now. Or some booze. We emptied the cabinet five days ago.
Mike walks by in his underwear, "Hey Xavier." We gave up on modesty after the first week. Except Ike, that is. He's still a stickler.
Okay, my head is actually starting to hurt. I stop and flop on a couch face down. And groan, as loudly as I can.
OW!
I jerk up to a sitting position and rub my arm. Ike is standing, holding a taser. He looks at me with not a hint of apology, "I've always wanted to do that."
"Tase someone or tase me?"
"Both."
We pause for a few seconds. "...Do you want to do it again?"
He shakes his head dejectedly, "You'd just know it was coming."
Our one-way radio blares to life and the three of us immediately scurry over, eager to hear something from the outside.
"Transport incoming. Please clear the landing area."
I manage to remember to pull a real shirt on. We all pour outside and see a helicopter touching down. It's Jane and Erik, and… Agent Darby? Amazing. People. Real other people.
Darby yells as he steps out, "When I found out where you were I thought you could use some company. Coulson told me about your friends here."
The helicopter noise starts to wane as the engine slows to a halt. Jane walks over to me and smiles, "Hey. So you're a fugitive now? Some sort of witness protection?"
I shrug, "Ten Rings told me to do something. I didn't want to make them gods. How are you?"
"With SHIELD, actually. Since you recommended me, and vouched for them. They have me… doing exactly what I was doing before, now that I think about it." She has a nice laugh, "Hunting potential wormholes around the world."
"That's great! Maybe I can talk them into sending us on a mission together."
Erik and I exchange pleasant nods, "Xavier. I'm glad to see you're well."
"Erik. You working for SHIELD too?"
"Yes, in a different capacity. They have me studying some kind of artifact they found in the ocean. I hesitate to say 'alien', but after these past few months I don't know what else to call it."
How about the Tesseract.
I turn to Darby, "Thank you, Agent Darby. Really."
He smiles, "Everyone needs their friends. And please, call me Jack." Ooh, I'm getting butterflies in my lower tummy. This man is asking for it. And I'm inclined to provide. If only we had booze, I could get him drunk.
Erik reaches back into the helicopter and pulls out… a large cooler.
"Erik, please tell me that's what I think it is."
"Scotch, rum, whiskey, and bourbon." He gives a challenging glance, "I hope you have the stomach for it."
I point at him, "You're on. Also, you're awesome." I look to the group, "You all are. Thank you. This is exactly what I needed. How long are you here for?"
Jane answers, "Three days. Then we have to get back to our various assignments."
"Well then we have three days to empty that cooler. That's how much fun we're gonna have. Got it?"
There's a cheerful glint in Erik's eye, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
I see a few other agents unloading some heavy electronics. "What are they up to?"
Jack answers, "Oh, just installing a new hardline to the nearest base. Should take a week, but once it's done you'll have a safe connection to the outside world."
I pretty much squeal and lift Jack off the ground by his shoulders. Several other superficially vocal sounds of excitement follow.
Once his feet touch the ground he peels me off, "I thought you might say something like that. Three weeks with no internet? I'd be getting pretty stark crazy too."
"I don't know if I'm quite on his level yet."
Mike walks over to Jane and hugs her in greeting. When did they get so chummy?
We all go inside. Some people are already there, tearing the wooden facade off one of the walls to reveal the true bunker-like plating that laces the whole place.
Later that night Erik, Mike and I have already made a dent in the cooler. Jack brought a poker set too, the angel. Jane's surprisingly good at it. Only she, Mike, and Jack are still in the game. I'm standing, watching from behind her chair.
This is one of the highest stakes rounds yet and she's bluffing big time. She pushes in just enough to get Jack all-in. He's sweating, metaphorically. Wondering if she's actually got it or not. I'm carefully controlling my features to avoid sabotaging her poker face.
He folds! And so does Mike. Holy cow. That's the game right there. She has enough chips now to put them both all-in every round for a while. Mike and Jack look at each other and silently negotiate.
Jack stands up and slides his chips over to Mike, "If I get you another drink do you think you can slay the dragon over there?"
Mike shakes his head, "Odds don't look good."
I give Jane a pat on the shoulder, "You got this, girl. Whoop his ass." And I follow Jack over to the fridge.
Jack gets himself a beer and hands me one, "That woman is impossible to read."
I take a swig, "You're pretty tough yourself."
He looks from the table over to me and gives a winning smirk, "You're not."
"I don't usually see much reason to lie about what I'm thinking."
He laughs, "Unusual, for a spy."
"Consultant."
He shakes his head, "Right. And I'm the Director. You know they're just waiting for an excuse to let you skip the Academy, right?"
I deadpan, "Congratulations on the promotion. Sir."
We walk back over to the table and give fresh drinks to our respective horses in the race. Jane doesn't even notice. She's so focused I'm not sure she even noticed that I left.
The cards are against her again, and it looks like Mike won big the rounds I was gone. They're almost even now.
Mike is noticeably nervous, but keeping it together. He can't afford to be bluffed out very many more times. Especially with the anti increasing like it is. Come on Jane. Just a few good rounds.
Jack and I exchange challenging glares, like fans of opposing sports teams.
This is pretty great, I gotta admit. I've got people. Jack barely knows me and he organized this whole visit. I've got a job where I get to help people, even if it is often dangerous. I've got a H.O.M.E. to come back to once the Ten Rings is off my scent. There's a lot about this world that sucks, but I've done pretty well for myself so far.
I wait a few seconds for the explosion and chaos that surely follows thoughts like that. It doesn't come. Just the peaceful sound of cheap plastic chips on a table and the shuffling of cards.
Ship Wrecked
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
Mike falls asleep in his seat. I guess besides Erik he did drink the most of anyone. And Erik passed out a half-hour ago.
Jack shakes him a little, but can't get him back up. I lean in close to Jane's ear, "I guess that means you win by default." She looks somewhat unsatisfied by that outcome.
Jack rubs his eye, "I think I might follow Mike's lead. I'll see you two in the morning."
He walks back to one of the bedrooms, without me. Damn. I guess I got him a little too drunk.
I turn back to Jane, "What about you?"
She seems like one of those people who gets energy from alcohol. She's tired, but drunk enough to shrug it off, "I'm okay for another hour, if you want to do something."
"Well I don't think I'd do Mike justice taking over his hand." An eyebrow goes up without asking me, "What did you have in mind?"
She looks out one of the windows wistfully, "The stars are visible here. I haven't gotten a chance to really look at them since New Mexico."
So that's how I wind up lying in the grass, stargazing with Jane. I lie down first, and she lies herself right next to me. I don't move, or move her away, so now we're practically cuddling. She's resting her head on my shoulder and one arm over my stomach, making the only comfortable place left for my left arm under her head like a pillow.
I've thought about it, of course. It would be hard not to, with the way I've caught her looking at me. Same way she looked at Thor. I'm not generally opposed. She's Hollywood gorgeous, smarter than anyone on my home Earth, and loyal almost to a fault.
She tilts her head up to look at me. Our faces are now millimeters apart, and I'm very aware of it. I check to make sure my hands aren't anywhere too suggestive.
She kisses me, and I don't stop her. I even kiss back. It's actually really nice. For a second it's even enough to make me forget how drunk she is.
But, then she lets out a tiny little moan, and I realize that she would never be this forward with her judgement intact. Which is a real shame because that was sexy as fuck.
I push her away, and back off myself breaking skin contact completely, "Wait."
She looks hurt. Shit! I didn't want that!
I sigh. I need more brainpower than I currently have to properly explain this, "Jane, you're drunk." That's not it. We're both consenting adults, and she initiated. I know that's not the only thing about this bothering me, "Jane, you don't like me."
She laughs it off, slightly annoyed, "Of course I do."
I sit up, "No, you don't. Because the way you look at me is exactly the way you looked at Thor... in the movies back on Earth Prime. And if you hadn't noticed, I'm not Thor. I don't look like him and I don't act like him. So it has nothing to do with me." She starts to protest but I interrupt, "I think, it's the mystery. You don't like me, you like the scientific…" Come on, where's that term, "Progress, doors that meeting me… provides. Opens. Whatever. You know what I mean."
Her annoyance is getting more pronounced, "I'm not sure I do."
Ugh, the words. This is harder than it should be. I wish I hadn't drunken so much, "I fell out of the sky, and finding me brought you into a whole new world of crazy that you can study, and analyse, and science the shit out of. You're excited, which I get. But you don't like me. You're just getting your wires crossed. And we're both drunk, and I can't let you do anything you'll regret tomorrow. I'm a piece of shit anyway, you deserve better."
She sits up too, "Shouldn't I be the judge of that?"
"No. Because you're drunk, and you have bad judgement right now. And my judgement isn't normally great, so neither of us should be making this decision right now."
She nods, obviously kicking herself, "Right, of course." She flops back into the grass, "What was I thinking?"
"That I'm a sexy piece of ass?" Ugh, terrible time to flirt, Xavier, "We can talk tomorrow."
She starts to get up, "I guess we should both get some sleep then."
I grab her hand before I even know what I'm doing. We both look at my hand, and then at each other trying to figure it out. She does before I do, and sits back down next to me. I'll allow this much, "The cuddling was nice, I guess."
She takes the prompt and we settle back in. And we fall asleep under the stars.
The next morning when I wake up she's still there.
She realizes I'm awake and sits up to look at me without being uncomfortably close. She smiles, "Hey."
I look up, "Hey yourself. Wanna talk now or later?"
She works up what to say. Now, I guess, "You're right." Wait, what was that? "I woke up a while ago, and it's given me time to think about what you said. I've never… gotten this attached to a guy before. At first I figured that I must just be more into girls, but after thinking about it I've never felt like this about a girl before either. Or, anyone really. The closest thing to it is when there's a data set or equation I'm trying to decipher. I do like you. But, I think... I need some time to figure out how, and why, and what that means?" She nervously waits for me to respond.
I nod, "Yeah, of course."
She smiles wider, "Last night was really nice. Thank you for…" She's blaming herself again, damn it, "Thank you for being a gentleman." She moves some hair from in front of my face to behind my ear, and then stands and goes inside.
And I'm left having failed to get laid the entire night. I sigh. "Yup. Because I'm just a hero like that."
Jack shakes him a little, but can't get him back up. I lean in close to Jane's ear, "I guess that means you win by default." She looks somewhat unsatisfied by that outcome.
Jack rubs his eye, "I think I might follow Mike's lead. I'll see you two in the morning."
He walks back to one of the bedrooms, without me. Damn. I guess I got him a little too drunk.
I turn back to Jane, "What about you?"
She seems like one of those people who gets energy from alcohol. She's tired, but drunk enough to shrug it off, "I'm okay for another hour, if you want to do something."
"Well I don't think I'd do Mike justice taking over his hand." An eyebrow goes up without asking me, "What did you have in mind?"
She looks out one of the windows wistfully, "The stars are visible here. I haven't gotten a chance to really look at them since New Mexico."
So that's how I wind up lying in the grass, stargazing with Jane. I lie down first, and she lies herself right next to me. I don't move, or move her away, so now we're practically cuddling. She's resting her head on my shoulder and one arm over my stomach, making the only comfortable place left for my left arm under her head like a pillow.
I've thought about it, of course. It would be hard not to, with the way I've caught her looking at me. Same way she looked at Thor. I'm not generally opposed. She's Hollywood gorgeous, smarter than anyone on my home Earth, and loyal almost to a fault.
She tilts her head up to look at me. Our faces are now millimeters apart, and I'm very aware of it. I check to make sure my hands aren't anywhere too suggestive.
She kisses me, and I don't stop her. I even kiss back. It's actually really nice. For a second it's even enough to make me forget how drunk she is.
But, then she lets out a tiny little moan, and I realize that she would never be this forward with her judgement intact. Which is a real shame because that was sexy as fuck.
I push her away, and back off myself breaking skin contact completely, "Wait."
She looks hurt. Shit! I didn't want that!
I sigh. I need more brainpower than I currently have to properly explain this, "Jane, you're drunk." That's not it. We're both consenting adults, and she initiated. I know that's not the only thing about this bothering me, "Jane, you don't like me."
She laughs it off, slightly annoyed, "Of course I do."
I sit up, "No, you don't. Because the way you look at me is exactly the way you looked at Thor... in the movies back on Earth Prime. And if you hadn't noticed, I'm not Thor. I don't look like him and I don't act like him. So it has nothing to do with me." She starts to protest but I interrupt, "I think, it's the mystery. You don't like me, you like the scientific…" Come on, where's that term, "Progress, doors that meeting me… provides. Opens. Whatever. You know what I mean."
Her annoyance is getting more pronounced, "I'm not sure I do."
Ugh, the words. This is harder than it should be. I wish I hadn't drunken so much, "I fell out of the sky, and finding me brought you into a whole new world of crazy that you can study, and analyse, and science the shit out of. You're excited, which I get. But you don't like me. You're just getting your wires crossed. And we're both drunk, and I can't let you do anything you'll regret tomorrow. I'm a piece of shit anyway, you deserve better."
She sits up too, "Shouldn't I be the judge of that?"
"No. Because you're drunk, and you have bad judgement right now. And my judgement isn't normally great, so neither of us should be making this decision right now."
She nods, obviously kicking herself, "Right, of course." She flops back into the grass, "What was I thinking?"
"That I'm a sexy piece of ass?" Ugh, terrible time to flirt, Xavier, "We can talk tomorrow."
She starts to get up, "I guess we should both get some sleep then."
I grab her hand before I even know what I'm doing. We both look at my hand, and then at each other trying to figure it out. She does before I do, and sits back down next to me. I'll allow this much, "The cuddling was nice, I guess."
She takes the prompt and we settle back in. And we fall asleep under the stars.
The next morning when I wake up she's still there.
She realizes I'm awake and sits up to look at me without being uncomfortably close. She smiles, "Hey."
I look up, "Hey yourself. Wanna talk now or later?"
She works up what to say. Now, I guess, "You're right." Wait, what was that? "I woke up a while ago, and it's given me time to think about what you said. I've never… gotten this attached to a guy before. At first I figured that I must just be more into girls, but after thinking about it I've never felt like this about a girl before either. Or, anyone really. The closest thing to it is when there's a data set or equation I'm trying to decipher. I do like you. But, I think... I need some time to figure out how, and why, and what that means?" She nervously waits for me to respond.
I nod, "Yeah, of course."
She smiles wider, "Last night was really nice. Thank you for…" She's blaming herself again, damn it, "Thank you for being a gentleman." She moves some hair from in front of my face to behind my ear, and then stands and goes inside.
And I'm left having failed to get laid the entire night. I sigh. "Yup. Because I'm just a hero like that."
Order In the House
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
What's Coulson doing here?
Hill steps out of the helicopter next. Okay?
Then Romanoff. Ah. Okay then. Barton should be next.
And there he is. May too? Coulson didn't tell me he recruited her.
Mike and Ike look at each other, obviously wondering what two high-ranking agents and three equally prestigious operatives are doing here at the same time.
Coulson points them toward the helicopter, "Mike, Ike, go for a ride."
Ike's protest is cut short by Mike lifting him with one hand, "My name isn't- Hey!"
Mike walks to the copter, "Don't worry, Coulson. Whatever it is, we'll stay out of your hair."
The helicopter takes off, leaving the Order of the Phoenix to talk unobserved.
May talks first, surprisingly, "I heard you recommended me for the Avengers Initiative."
I nod, "You heard right. Among unenhanced humans you'd be my first choice." Besides Queen. But he's still 'dead'.
She looks decidedly unamused, "I'm flattered, but not interested. I don't do field work anymore."
I decide not to push the issue, even though she's evidently willing to help the Order. Because she's willing to help the Order. We're sorely lacking in allies against Hydra right now and I don't want to risk alienating one of them.
I turn to Natasha, "Romanoff."
She doesn't break eye contact for a second, "Bronze."
Time to try and break that ice wall a little, "You know my middle name when I was created was Natasha, after you. You're one of my namesakes."
She looks a little unsettled by that.
I chuckle, "I was created on Earth Prime, about two years from now."
"And you think that makes it less weird?"
Hill looks impatiently at the group of us, "Can we get inside so we can address the matter at hand, please?"
So the Order shuffles their way inside. Barton, Romanoff, and May sit down. I start pouring everyone drinks. On second thought, maybe not May or Hill. Or maybe one for Hill just to see how she reacts.
To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm here. Or rather, why everyone else came here so I could be here. What do I actually add to the team? I gave Coulson my lists last time. I'm not high ranking or particularly wise. I guess it's nice to be kept in the loop, but it was a risk coming here.
Well, why not ask? "Why did you all come here?"
Hill starts to answer the wrong question, "You told Coulson Hydra has-"
"No, I mean, why do you need me to be here? Why come here to have your meeting when you could do it more inconspicuously without me and catch me up later?"
Barton answers the right one, "We were kinda hoping you had some more intel from Earth Prime you could share with us."
I sigh as I carry a drink tray over, "Sorry. Everything I've got I told you and Coulson on the fourth. I guess there are details. Project Insight is what they called their little attempt at 'survival of the safest' genocide. It involved three helicarriers equipped with satellite targeted auto-railguns. They had a list of anyone who could ever potentially become a threat to SHIELD. They were going to let it run for a few hours. Would've been millions dead. Thanks to Romanoff and Hill here, they targeted each other instead and went down just off the coast of DC."
Romanoff snarks before taking a drink off the tray, "And you wonder why they call you the Clairvoyant." Vodka, Romanoff? Really?
"I don't wonder. I just don't like it. Anyway, Project Insight was only possible because Arnim Zola uploaded his brain to a room full of 8-tracks sometime after World War 2. He's hidden under the base where Steve Rogers was trained, before he got buffed by the serum."
Clint shakes his head and points at me, "See, that's why you're here."
Coulson says, "Zola's alive? How could they have that kind of technology in-"
I raise my hands, "Don't ask me. I don't know. Doesn't make any sense to me. Zola's a genius. Let's leave it at that."
Hill asks, "How did Zola help them build more helicarriers? That doesn't seem like a job someone stuck in a computer could do."
"He didn't. He designed the list of targets. Stark built the helicarriers, actually. But he isn't Hydra. Just a dupe like the rest of us."
Coulson clarifies, "So you know Stark isn't Hydra. He wasn't on your list before. Is there anyone else you know about?"
Oh. Right. I did say outside SHIELD too didn't I. "Yeah. Banner. I said Sharon Carter, didn't I? Um, General Talbot. Hank Pym." Hmm, this is actually harder than I was expecting… "The Koenigs, Colonel Rhodes." Oh right, "Coulson, who did you call for help when the Norse stuff started showing up in New Mexico? The professor." And secret Asgardian.
He's giving me the 'how do you know that?' look again, "Elliot Randolph?"
That name doesn't sound familiar at all, "Professor of Norse Mythology? Somewhere in Europe? Kind of a weaselly guy?"
"Seville, Spain."
"Probably him, sure."
Romanoff asks, "You're gonna stake all our lives on 'probably'?"
"What are the chances that some other professor of Norse Mythology in Europe who Coulson would've gone to would also turn out to be a member of an extremely secretive murder cult?"
She concedes.
Hill gets us back on track, "So how do we bring them down? Who's in charge?"
"Alexander Pierce. But you can't just take him out. Cut off one head, two more take its place, remember? All that does is create chaos by fracturing the leadership. Kill Pierce, you have two mini-Pierces. Kill those, you get nutjobs like Garrett without anyone sensible to hold them back."
May answers immediately, "So we need to cut them down at the roots. Shut their resources, demolish their network."
Barton shakes his head, "Not easy without disrupting SHIELD too."
I empty my drink, "Clint, I think whatever we do is going to disrupt SHIELD. We're trying to take down an integral part of the organization. An ugly part, but one that's been there since it was founded. Things are gonna get worse before they can get better."
We talk for about another hour. They drill me for everything I know, including most of the plots of Winter Soldier and the first season of Agents of SHIELD. I just barely manage to avoid mentioning Rogers' involvement in the whole thing. After a while my part starts to get less and less needed, and the actual strategizing is left to the professionals.
We get a general gameplan on how to proceed and an idea of what our next step is. Basically… recruit more me-approved people and keep an eye on confirmed Hydra members. And try to figure out some way to figure out who's Hydra and who's SHIELD. Even with all the smart people in this room, we still have depressingly few ideas on how to fight this.
Still. At least we're talking about it. Overall a pretty productive meeting. Once we're done Hill calls the helicopter back and everyone clears out.
As the copter gets quieter in the distance, Ike asks me, "So what was all that about?"
I give him an eyebrow, "If I could tell you, Coulson wouldn't've told you to leave."
Hill steps out of the helicopter next. Okay?
Then Romanoff. Ah. Okay then. Barton should be next.
And there he is. May too? Coulson didn't tell me he recruited her.
Mike and Ike look at each other, obviously wondering what two high-ranking agents and three equally prestigious operatives are doing here at the same time.
Coulson points them toward the helicopter, "Mike, Ike, go for a ride."
Ike's protest is cut short by Mike lifting him with one hand, "My name isn't- Hey!"
Mike walks to the copter, "Don't worry, Coulson. Whatever it is, we'll stay out of your hair."
The helicopter takes off, leaving the Order of the Phoenix to talk unobserved.
May talks first, surprisingly, "I heard you recommended me for the Avengers Initiative."
I nod, "You heard right. Among unenhanced humans you'd be my first choice." Besides Queen. But he's still 'dead'.
She looks decidedly unamused, "I'm flattered, but not interested. I don't do field work anymore."
I decide not to push the issue, even though she's evidently willing to help the Order. Because she's willing to help the Order. We're sorely lacking in allies against Hydra right now and I don't want to risk alienating one of them.
I turn to Natasha, "Romanoff."
She doesn't break eye contact for a second, "Bronze."
Time to try and break that ice wall a little, "You know my middle name when I was created was Natasha, after you. You're one of my namesakes."
She looks a little unsettled by that.
I chuckle, "I was created on Earth Prime, about two years from now."
"And you think that makes it less weird?"
Hill looks impatiently at the group of us, "Can we get inside so we can address the matter at hand, please?"
So the Order shuffles their way inside. Barton, Romanoff, and May sit down. I start pouring everyone drinks. On second thought, maybe not May or Hill. Or maybe one for Hill just to see how she reacts.
To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm here. Or rather, why everyone else came here so I could be here. What do I actually add to the team? I gave Coulson my lists last time. I'm not high ranking or particularly wise. I guess it's nice to be kept in the loop, but it was a risk coming here.
Well, why not ask? "Why did you all come here?"
Hill starts to answer the wrong question, "You told Coulson Hydra has-"
"No, I mean, why do you need me to be here? Why come here to have your meeting when you could do it more inconspicuously without me and catch me up later?"
Barton answers the right one, "We were kinda hoping you had some more intel from Earth Prime you could share with us."
I sigh as I carry a drink tray over, "Sorry. Everything I've got I told you and Coulson on the fourth. I guess there are details. Project Insight is what they called their little attempt at 'survival of the safest' genocide. It involved three helicarriers equipped with satellite targeted auto-railguns. They had a list of anyone who could ever potentially become a threat to SHIELD. They were going to let it run for a few hours. Would've been millions dead. Thanks to Romanoff and Hill here, they targeted each other instead and went down just off the coast of DC."
Romanoff snarks before taking a drink off the tray, "And you wonder why they call you the Clairvoyant." Vodka, Romanoff? Really?
"I don't wonder. I just don't like it. Anyway, Project Insight was only possible because Arnim Zola uploaded his brain to a room full of 8-tracks sometime after World War 2. He's hidden under the base where Steve Rogers was trained, before he got buffed by the serum."
Clint shakes his head and points at me, "See, that's why you're here."
Coulson says, "Zola's alive? How could they have that kind of technology in-"
I raise my hands, "Don't ask me. I don't know. Doesn't make any sense to me. Zola's a genius. Let's leave it at that."
Hill asks, "How did Zola help them build more helicarriers? That doesn't seem like a job someone stuck in a computer could do."
"He didn't. He designed the list of targets. Stark built the helicarriers, actually. But he isn't Hydra. Just a dupe like the rest of us."
Coulson clarifies, "So you know Stark isn't Hydra. He wasn't on your list before. Is there anyone else you know about?"
Oh. Right. I did say outside SHIELD too didn't I. "Yeah. Banner. I said Sharon Carter, didn't I? Um, General Talbot. Hank Pym." Hmm, this is actually harder than I was expecting… "The Koenigs, Colonel Rhodes." Oh right, "Coulson, who did you call for help when the Norse stuff started showing up in New Mexico? The professor." And secret Asgardian.
He's giving me the 'how do you know that?' look again, "Elliot Randolph?"
That name doesn't sound familiar at all, "Professor of Norse Mythology? Somewhere in Europe? Kind of a weaselly guy?"
"Seville, Spain."
"Probably him, sure."
Romanoff asks, "You're gonna stake all our lives on 'probably'?"
"What are the chances that some other professor of Norse Mythology in Europe who Coulson would've gone to would also turn out to be a member of an extremely secretive murder cult?"
She concedes.
Hill gets us back on track, "So how do we bring them down? Who's in charge?"
"Alexander Pierce. But you can't just take him out. Cut off one head, two more take its place, remember? All that does is create chaos by fracturing the leadership. Kill Pierce, you have two mini-Pierces. Kill those, you get nutjobs like Garrett without anyone sensible to hold them back."
May answers immediately, "So we need to cut them down at the roots. Shut their resources, demolish their network."
Barton shakes his head, "Not easy without disrupting SHIELD too."
I empty my drink, "Clint, I think whatever we do is going to disrupt SHIELD. We're trying to take down an integral part of the organization. An ugly part, but one that's been there since it was founded. Things are gonna get worse before they can get better."
We talk for about another hour. They drill me for everything I know, including most of the plots of Winter Soldier and the first season of Agents of SHIELD. I just barely manage to avoid mentioning Rogers' involvement in the whole thing. After a while my part starts to get less and less needed, and the actual strategizing is left to the professionals.
We get a general gameplan on how to proceed and an idea of what our next step is. Basically… recruit more me-approved people and keep an eye on confirmed Hydra members. And try to figure out some way to figure out who's Hydra and who's SHIELD. Even with all the smart people in this room, we still have depressingly few ideas on how to fight this.
Still. At least we're talking about it. Overall a pretty productive meeting. Once we're done Hill calls the helicopter back and everyone clears out.
As the copter gets quieter in the distance, Ike asks me, "So what was all that about?"
I give him an eyebrow, "If I could tell you, Coulson wouldn't've told you to leave."
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
The next few chapters are undergoing major rewrites to minimize instances of severe Idiot Ball handling. But also, there's Thanksgiving, where the last of Alex's immediate family are going to learn of my existence. So the next chapter is going to be delayed.
EDIT: I'm gonna stare at these chapters for a few more days before I concede to nonsense. Have some varied supplementary material to hopefully tide you over.
EDIT: I'm gonna stare at these chapters for a few more days before I concede to nonsense. Have some varied supplementary material to hopefully tide you over.
Last edited:
I'm So Screwed 2
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
Alternate Take: I'm So Screwed part 2
How long has it been? Do I even care? I can't remember what it feels like anymore, to not be in pain. There was at least some degree of comfort in familiarity when Loki tore my soul from my body. But as soon as he realized it made things better, he stuffed me right back in.
Wait, this isn't the body I arrived here in, is it? It isn't. It feels like it's been months since Loki put me here, and I only just now bothered to check what body I'm in. It's some kind of golem. Wood, I think. If it can move I don't know how.
Loki's back. Oh god. I just became sentient again! And now he's going to start ripping into me again. How many times has he done this? He comes. He breaks pieces off. He leaves just enough for me to heal back.
I need to stop this before there's nothing of me left but a giant cognitive scar. If there is anything still left to save.
Does this body have lungs? No. Why would it?
I feel the overbearing presence of Loki's mind, like the God he is, coming to cull the sin from the earth. I need to communicate. Show that I'm more whole than I've been since he took me.
I need to think, as strongly as I can. As clearly as it takes.
What do you want?
I feel him hesitate.
Loki, there's nothing left for you to find. Why do you keep coming back?
A thought of vengeful amusement. He's thinking about Thor. They must still not have found him.
Loki, unmaking me again won't bring him back.
More hesitance. He's not doing anything. What is he waiting for? Oh! He's listening!
I can be useful. I can serve you faithfully. But I have to be whole to do it. I need you to let me heal. And then I'll owe you my life.
Whatever happens, whatever choice you make, I'm yours. To do with however you see fit. To serve however you deem necessary.
He leaves.
Elseworlds: Lois Lane, Earth 3
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
Elseworlds: Lois Lane, Earth 3
I nervously adjust the microphone on my collar as the elevator continues to go up. I know for a fact this elevator can go from the ground floor to the roof in under a minute, so they must have set it this way to give people time to sweat. Unfortunately, it's working.
Okay. Pull yourself together. I got an exclusive interview, with Ultraman. The Squadron Supreme doesn't do interviews. But I got one. In part, because I'm the best. In part, probably because he knows me, from before.
Oh Jimmy. What happened to you?
The elevator finally reaches the top, only to wait a solid three seconds before opening. The former James Rhodes is waiting for me. His shoulder gun auto-locks the second I come into view.
I bow my head, "Firepower. I'm here for my interview."
He steps aside. The gun tracks me as I walk past, down a long corridor filled with elaborate paintings of Squadron members in action. Most of them show fearful, helpless civilians, reaching up to their saviors in a very messianic fashion. The biggest one depicts Ultraman's true form in its colossal glory.
This whole corridor, elevator aside, wouldn't look out of place in Hogwarts. The lighting is dim, and doesn't seem to be coming from anywhere in particular. A large set of wooden doors waits for me. I almost don't see Shado standing perfectly still to one side of the door, with her bow in her hands.
I use the large brass knocker, and the door opens on its own. I'm sure the office is spectacular, but that's not where my eyes are drawn.
I have to remember, if I call him by name, he'll kill me. It doesn't matter how close we used to be. He's with the Squadron now. His name is Ultraman.
He gestures to the chair opposite his desk. I sit, keeping my head down.
He's still short and scrawny. But there's a killer behind his eyes now, and his smile is gone. His ginger hair is well combed, in contrast to how I remember him. And of course, he's wearing his signature white suit with red lining.
He reaches across the desk and lifts my chin with one finger. I look up without resistance. He speaks, "Ms. Lane. I was told you had questions."
I take a swallow, "We all do. The Squadron Supreme hasn't given any public statements since Major America joined."
"The Outsider takes security very seriously."
"I realize that, Ultraman." Breath, "But, the people want to know what you're doing. You and The Maker have practically stopped making public appearances, even in times of crisis. Shado and Yellowjacket just aren't as approachable or relatable." And boy isn't that saying something. Stark wasn't exactly cuddly before he turned himself into a cyborg.
"The Maker is working on a new project. I'm busy running our organization. You have to understand, after the Hydra fiasco the Outsider wants S.W.O.R.D. monitored very closely."
I look out the wall of glass to my left, "Yes, but is there any reason the Helicarrier is still over New York? It's been weeks since the last crew transfer."
He dismisses the question, "Where else would it serve us better? Statistically, this tower is the most likely place for our enemies to strike against us. The Helicarrier's most valuable function is its ability to watch over potential threats, and mobilize quickly when needed."
I frown briefly, "I suppose so. But people don't like the idea of a mobile weapons platform literally hanging over their heads."
He puts his hands out diplomatically, "People have to understand, it's all for their wellbeing. We protect them. The benefit of the Squadron is their own benefit as well. Everything we do, is for them."
I lean forward, "Suicide rates are the highest they've ever been in the United States. Up to twenty in every hundred-thousand people as of last year. Is the Squadron Supreme planning to respond to this in any way?"
He hesitates for several seconds, "Yes. Next question." Interesting answer. But it doesn't invite further inquiry on the subject, or give me any useful information.
Next question. Something a little less confrontational, "What's your opinion of Senator Wilson's stated intent to run for office next year?"
He shrugs, "Senator Wilson is as good a man as any to fill the position. Strictly off the record, the Presidency no longer affects the Squadron's operations, whatever the outcome."
Right, so even if I put that bit in the article, there's no way in hell it'll get published. And I'll probably wind up dead. Why would he even say it?
I sigh internally. This world is a mess. I mean, it never wasn't one. But now it's a boring one. The price of peace on earth, some might say. But what have we signed off, handed to the Squadron on a platter just for the sake of security?
"I don't suppose there's any chance you're allowed to tell me how the Outsider found Major America and Shado. They were both officially dead, and in the middle of the ocean. And yet, satellite footage shows the Quinjet going in practically a straight line, both times."
"Like I said. The Outsider takes security very seriously."
Time to push a little more, "Is that why we still know so little? We don't know where they came from, what they can do. We don't know what gender or even species the Outsider is, which is why I have to keep using 'they'. All we know, is that this 'mysterious benefactor' funds the Squadron Supreme, and is irrefutably the single most powerful person on the planet."
"Is that a question?"
I sigh, "Ultraman, is there anything at all that you can tell me that the public doesn't already know?"
He meets my eyes, and very briefly the stone gaze gives way and I see my old photographer again. He leans back, "Alright Lois. Alright. If I give you this, you're going to have to promise to wait six months before publishing, or even telling anyone."
No hesitation, I nod, "Of course. Done."
He pauses, probably deciding if I'm being honest or not, or if it even matters. Personally I'm not sure it does, "That project The Maker is working on? It's for the Outsider. It's a computer, based on the one Zola was found in. Yellowjacket's been helping to make it smaller, and a lot more powerful. I don't know what it's for, but we were planning on making a big announcement Christmas of next year. That's all I can tell you."
I'm going to have to smash the tape in my jacket when I get home. Hell, I might have to smash the recorder, and burn the jacket. I give him a small smile, "Thank you."
I stand up and walk back to the elevator. Once the door closes I slide down into a sitting position on the floor. On the way down, I'm actually glad the elevator is taking its time. I can use the few minutes to decompress and come up with a gameplan.
With This Ring 2
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
Alternate Take: With This Ring part 2
We transition again. I just about manage to keep from throwing up again.
Bruce isn't as lucky, "That was…"
I give him a little pat on the back, "FTL transition. You get used to it." I hope.
Colin walks over and picks up the Power Battery, "Ring, assess this Lantern. Can it be adapted to serve as your charge point?"
"Scanning. Power source compatibility 85 percent. Damage detected."
Well I guess that's that. Something tells me trying to charge off a damaged emotional energy container of the wrong type is a bad idea. I'm not really comfortable even standing this close.
"Damage?"
"Cause of damage unknown."
"Would repairing the damage help compatibility?"
"Full compatibility and repair can be achieved by full core realignment. Realignment is possible due to existing damage."
He holds out his Ring hand, "Ring, realign, repair, and recharge."
Nice alliteration, Colin.
"Avarice insufficient."
Kate is nervously keeping lookout with an arrow strung, "What does that mean?"
"It means I haven't internalized my want for a recharge point enough for the Ring to do what I'm telling it to."
He stares into the yellow glow of the Lantern for a few seconds, and then reaches out again, "Ring, realign, repair and recharge."
"Complying."
A beam shoots out from his Ring and overtakes the Lantern. The Lantern starts to change shape, alien metal flowing like a T-1000, and darkening from yellow to orange. Colin flinches back and I wonder if now is when I should start running. If either he goes psycho or that Lantern goes boom, I'm dead.
"Welcome to the Orange Lantern Corps. You are Agent… error… processing… you are Orange Lantern 2814. Power level at 100 percent."
Aw fuck, I'm probably dead anyway.
Kate looks back at the Power Battery, "That thing's kinda big, isn't it?"
Colin holds out his Ring, "Ring, subspace."
"Avarice insufficient."
"Ring, call Tony Stark."
I hear a ringing sound from the Ring before, "Hello? Who is this? How did you get this-"
Colin interrupts, "It's me, Mr. Stark. I'm dropping off an alien artifact in your lounge in approximately five seconds. I would appreciate if you could look after it until I get back from this mission."
"Hold on there, F-"
Colin hangs up and picks up the Battery, "I'll be right back. Ring, transition."
And he's gone. And a few seconds later, he's back.
Bruce looks at his Ring in awe, "Did you just go to Stark Tower and back?"
I smirk and repeat myself, "FTL transition. You get used to it." I turn to Colin and ask, "Do you really trust Tony Stark to look after a piece of ultra-advanced alien tech without tinkering with it?"
That gives Colin pause, "...I don't think he could do anything I couldn't probably fix.."
Wally comes on comms again, "We're on the 46th level." Explosion, "Do you think some of you could maybe give us a hand?"
Kate nods, "Copy. Colin, drop us off and then take the kid out."
"Ring, transition." Nothing happens. He sighs, "The bottom twelve floors are airtight. I can't get us in."
Bruce walks over to a control panel, "I can. Facilities like this sometimes use a micromesh air funneling system developed by Ray Palmer. If I can… Got it."
Kate looks at Bruce with newfound respect, "Not bad, kid."
Colin raises his hand, "Ring, t-"
"Take me with you."
We all look at each other, making sure we all think it's a bad idea and not just each of us individually.
"I need to see. I have to make sure Blockbuster is destroyed before anyone else gets hurt."
Kate orders Colin, "Take him back to his mansion."
Bruce screams, "NO!"
"Ring, transition."
"Avarice insufficient."
Colin looks sheepishly back to Kate, "It appears I don't actually want to take him away before he's done what he came here to do."
Kate sighs, "Fine. But he's your responsibility. If Gotham's golden boy dies, it's your head on the block."
He nods, "Ring, transition."
And I barely duck in time as Wally is thrown straight through the place where my head just was. And there's an angry Kryptonian running this way!
I put my hands out to try and stop him, and suddenly the whole goddamn world is on fire. The Kryptonian flies backward and hits the far wall.
Fuck! My hands are on fire! Wait, why don't they hurt?
**AAAEURH!**
Colin and I look at each other in panic, "M'gann!"
Colin rises into the air and an orange strobe light passes over the room, putting out all the flames it encounters.
And there's a creature that I can only assume is M'gann huddling on the floor. Did she transform into something more fire resistant? Whatever it is, it's pretty horrifying. Giant and white, with a skeletal face and bat-like tendons attached to mantis-like arms. And she's badly burned. Even if there weren't scorch marks, I can smell it.
Colin flies over, "Ring, can I heal her using the scan from when we first saw her?"
"Affirmative."
He reaches out his Ring hand, "Wholeness rightly assumed." And the scorch marks fade away in an orange strobe beam.
Even with the damage gone, she's still shivering in terror. Oh god. Did I do that? Martians are weak to fire, aren't they? At least she's transforming back to her natural Martian form.
A blood-curtling scream sounds from the corner of the room. The Kryptonian, still on fire, is standing up and running towards us again!
Colin lifts the Kryptonian off the ground with the same orange glow as Bruce and me before. Colin talks to his captive, "Superboy."
Oh. That's Superboy? Now that he's being held still he does kind of look like a young Tom Welling, like from the first few seasons.
Superboy glares at him, concentrating. And then reels back in shock, "I.. don't have heat vision?"
Colin answers, "Because you're half-human."
He starts glaring again, "I am the Superboy. A clone made from the DNA of the Superman. Created to replace him now that he has turned from The Light."
Wally zooms next to me, "He can talk?"
Our captive gets a new target for his continued attempt at heat vision, "Yes. He can."
Kate says, "The telepathic workers taught you."
"They taught me much. I can read, write. I know the names of things." Wow, killer education there.
Bruce asks in barely muted horror, "But have you seen them? Have they ever actually let you see the sky? Or the sun?"
His anger begins to subside, "Images are implanted in my mind, but.. no. I have not seen them."
Kate pushes, "You were created to be like Superman. But like Superman you deserve a life of your own. Beyond this lab."
"I live because of Wayne Enterprises! This place is my home!"
Bruce shakes his head, "No living being should spend their days locked away in a cave like this." Heh. Future Batman, "We can show you the sun!"
Wally corrects, "Ehh, pretty sure it's after midnight. But we can show you the moon."
Kate takes over again, "Superman may be.. unavailable. But we can introduce you to his cousin, Supergirl."
Something just jumped on Colin's shoulder. What's glowing?
We all rise into the air, and Superboy falls to the ground. Ugh. That must be one of the telepathic workers. It's taken control of Colin.
Well, I've seen him restructure his own body to make himself hotter, and I've seen him heal alien burn wounds. Let's hope he can do the same for himself.
I thrust out my hand.
Nothing happens.
...Fuck.
A man with a gravelly voice in a lab coat steps into the corridor we're in, "Orange Lantern, put your friends in pods."
Nothing happens.
"Did you hear me? I said put them away!"
A holy fuck is that with glowing horns comes in the same way as scientist guy, **His power works through desire. He has no desire to lock away his allies.**
Mr. Scientist shakes his fist in a very cartoony way, "Useless! Superboy! Kill them all!"
Well shit.
He hesitates. He's thinking.
The scientist growls, "Don't start thinking now."
Another of those gremlin things hops on Superboy's shoulder. He runs towards Colin at full speed.
And punches the gremlin off his shoulder, before throwing his own into the scientist hard enough to send them both down the hall.
We all fall to the ground. Colin looks up at Superboy, "Thanks."
He turns away and starts walking, "Let's get out of here."
Kate holds a hand up, "Actually, the fastest way out is over here." He looks back and she points at Colin.
I ask, "Can you transition this many people at once?"
He looks unsure, "I'm.. not sure."
Bruce almost yells, "Aren't you all forgetting something? We still have to destroy Project Blockbuster."
Kate sighs, "Right. Alright. Colin, take Superboy and Bruce to take care of Blockbuster. The rest of us will just have to get out the old fashioned way."
Colin hesitates to comply, "That seems.. inefficient. I can drop off a few people and then ferry the rest out and come back to help finish the job."
"Alright. Superboy, Bruce, and Ms. Pyro first. Can you drop the rest of us off in that clearing where we met Arsenal?"
He nods, puts a hand on Superboy and Bruce's shoulders, and blinks away. A second later I'm in a completely different place filled with large bubbling vats and rotating storage cases for test tubes.
God, my life has gotten weird.
Oh well. Time to start burning stuff. Now how does this thing even work?
I try waving my arms in various ways and accomplish nothing except looking like an idiot. Superboy gives me a funny look before he picks up a giant processing machine and throws it into a rack of colored chemicals.
Okay. Focus. Think fire-y thoughts? Ugh! This is stupid! Why won't this thing just work!
And suddenly everything's on fire again.
What did I do? What was I thinking? I was thinking that I didn't like looking stupid.
Fuck it. Just get mad.
I check and see a corner of the room that Superboy hasn't gotten to yet. I burn everything.
A few seconds later Colin blinks back in and strobes the room. All the loose fluids on the walls and floor vanish.
And pretty soon we're all back in the clearing with Arsenal and Artemis.
Superboy looks up at the moon for the first time.
Bruce is staring the ground in front of his feet, "We did it."
Kate smirks back, "Was there ever any doubt?"
Wally is still breathing heavily, "Yeah, there was." He slaps Superboy on the back, "You throw a mean punch, Little Kay."
Superboy doesn't seem to understand the gesture, but he doesn't start attacking us again either.
"Maybe it's time he met Big Kay."
I look up and see Supergirl floating down.
He narrows his eyes, "You're not Superman."
She smiles, "No, I'm not. But I can contact him for you."
M'gann exclaims, **J'onn!** She runs in tears and hugs something that quickly becomes visible.
Barry zooms in from the woods, "Did I miss anything?"
And there's Tony, flying in low over the treetops so as not to be seen or heard. Rhodes and Vision are right behind him.
We've got the whole damn League to greet us. Or arrest us.
Tony lands and talks to the group of us, "Alright. Now that that's done, you're all signing the Accords. Tonight. None of you are going to be doing this again."
There's a moment where our group all look at each other.
Kate laughs a little, "I'm sorry. But I think we will."
Tony isn't amused, "Kate, stand down."
"I'm sorry. Maybe you didn't hear me. I said no. We did good work here tonight. Outside the bounds of the Accords."
Artemis nods, "She's right. Could any of you have done better, with the UN breathing down your necks?"
Wally takes his turn. "Together, on our own, we just made something powerful. Important."
Barry reaches out, "Wally…"
"I'm ready to use what you've taught me."
M'gann backs away from Martian Manhunter to rejoin the group, "We all are."
Superboy talks to the rest of us, "Why should we let them tell us what to do?"
Bruce nods and stands strong looking just for a moment ten years older than he is, "You're right." He looks at the Avengers, "It's simple. Get on board or get out of our way."
Tony sighs, sags, and thinks for a moment. "Okay Doesn't seem like we can stop you." He points, "But if you do this, you do it on our terms. Report back to us, and we'll see what we can do to keep SHIELD off your back."
Kate steps forward, "I'm sorry, boss man. But we don't need you." She points at Colin's finger, "What can you do for us that this Ring can't? And now, he has a recharge point. And Bruce has money, if he's willing to provide."
He confirms, "If you'll help me investigate Wayne Enterprises, I'll get you all the supplies you need."
"And Wally has access to STAR Labs. And M'gann has an alien database. So what can you offer us, really?"
Tony figures it out, "Recharge point. You mean that glowing piece of tech sitting on my bar."
Colin blinks out, and quickly reappears holding his new Battery.
Arsenal gives a highly amused smile, "You were saying?"
He raises a gauntlet, "You're under arrest."
Vision puts his hand on top of Stark's and lowers it, "Tony."
Tony's arm goes back to his side. His head sags, then shakes, then stills.
He blasts off into the sky.
Rhodey tells us, "You understand, next time we won't stop him."
Arsenal gives a mocking grin, "Won't be my first time running from the law."
Barry looks straight at Wally, "Sure I can't talk you out of it?"
"Not a chance. This is it, Barry. This is what I've been waiting for, ever since I got my speed. My chance to make a difference, in ways you can't."
Supergirl walks up to Superboy, "If you ever want to meet him, you know who to call."
She takes off, and Rhodey follows. M'gann and J'onn's eyes are glowing, so I assume they said their goodbyes telepathically before J'onn leaves.
Barry gives Wally a sad smile, "See you around." And he's gone.
Vision is the last one left. This man has the power to likely take on every single one of us.
He nods with not the slightest hint of resentment, "I wish you all the best of luck in your trials to come." And then he follows the rest of his team, and leaves ours alone in the woods.
Well that just happened. Am I on a Young Avengers team now? I think I am…
Wally asks, "So, what now?"
Bruce answers immediately, "Now I introduce you all to my butler." He looks at Colin, "I assume you already know where it is?"
Colin nods, and grabs Bruce and Superboy before transitioning. Then Kate and me. Then Wally and M'gann. Artemis and Arsenal. And we're all standing outside Wayne Manor. Bruce rings the doorbell and within seconds Alfred is there, noticeably distressed.
He sees Bruce, "Master Bruce! Where on God's earth have you been? It's half-past three in the morning!"
He sees the rest of us.
Bruce waves at the group behind him, "Alfred, these are our houseguests. And my friends."
He looks at all of our outfits, and straightens his jacket, "Right then. I'll have to put an extra pot on. Come in, before you catch a cold."
Renegade option
"What is Project Blockbuster?"
Colin pauses as his Ring tells him, "Illegal human augmentation. It's an attempt at revising Bruce Banner's Hulk formula by combining it with another strength enhancing drug called Viper. It's on the 43rd sub-level."
Not having superpowers here sucks. I get an idea, "Does it work?"
"It has some nasty aesthetic side-effects, and increases aggression."
"Anything your Ring couldn't fix?"
He looks at me, understanding vaguely, "That depends on who I'm fixing. Myself? Definitely. A stranger? Probably not."
-|-|-
"Alright. Superboy, Bruce, and Xavier first. Can you drop the rest of us off in that clearing where we met Arsenal?"
He nods, puts a hand on Superboy and Bruce's shoulders, and blinks away. A second later I'm in a completely different place filled with large bubbling vats and rotating storage cases for test tubes.
I carefully swipe a vial while Bruce isn't looking. I watch Superboy smash the whole room to pieces.
A minute later Colin blinks back in and strobes the room. All the loose fluids on the walls and floor vanish.
I reveal and uncork the vial where Colin can see it, "Can you fix me?"
He looks at me nervously, "I.. honestly don't know."
I look around at all the damage Superboy was able to do. This is a dangerous world. I need to survive. I need this.
I drink the vial.
Immediately, I feel the changes begin. It's painful. Good god it's painful. I feel my muscles tearing and repairing themselves into new configurations, like my whole body is transmuting itself into pure scar tissue. My clothes rip off as I grow and great rifts appear in my skin.
But fuck it all, because I feel strong. I see the metal flooring buckle under my new weight and smile.
An orange glow surrounds me, and the Ring starts its work. First, it repairs my skin. Then I feel a little of that adrenaline rush fading away. Something moves inside my brain, and I feel it nudging a few bones and muscles back into their proper human placement.
That's better. I rub the tears of pain out of my eyes. I close my fist in front of me and grin at Colin, "Thank you."
Bruce is looking at me like I'm the Devil incarnate. I try my best not to look back. Superboy only looks vaguely curious and slightly cautious.
Colin transitions me and Superboy to the clearing with Artemis and Arsenal.
Arsenal raises an eyebrow, "Xavier? Do some sampling while you were down there?"
"Yeah, well, not all of us can use a bow and arrow."
Artemis is slackjawed, "God, what did you do?"
- Location
- Russia
Not so tis version
Clint Barton: Second Interlude
Xavier Bronze
The Avatar
- Location
- Metropolis
Clint Barton: Second Interlude
When the helicopter lands at an airbase Nat and I split off from the rest of the Order of the Phoenix. I still can't believe we're actually calling ourselves that. I guess it makes a good cover.
I exchange a brief nod with Fury to confirm my destination, and Nat and I pick a jet at random that isn't scheduled for take off.
Once we're in the air she asks, "So that was the legendary Ms. Bronze."
I know that tone, "Not what you were expecting?"
"I don't know what I was expecting. But no. Not that."
I laugh, "I told you all about her before we went in."
"I read the reports too. Are you sure she wasn't making up the one with the Spirit World?"
"Can't be sure of anything with her. But she died for a day and when she woke up she was the Ten Rings' most wanted. Doesn't matter if it makes sense. It's the only explanation we have."
"It's just, Hydra and magic and alternate universes. We're out of our depth."
I shake my head lightly and look out over the clouds, "The whole world is out of its depth. Has been ever since the guy in blue showed up. But if we can't survive on the front lines…"
"...Who can."
Quiet descends and I fall back into my piloting mode. It's very meditative, being up here, trackers off, all alone with Nat and the sky. I can see everything from up here. I've always liked tall places. Back at the circus I could see everyone who entered or left one of the tents, if I just climbed to the top of it. The Ringmaster used to hate that. But I was always too high up to hear him yelling. Or at least I pretended I was.
Wow. Been a long time since I thought about that.
We land just a mile or so away. Before I can even see the house little Cooper crests a hill, running to meet us. I run to meet him and scoop up my son, swinging him through the air in a circle.
He laughs, that beautiful sound, "Dad!" I never realize how much I miss my family until I come back.
I put him back down and mess up his hair, "Hey Johnny. Still jumping off furniture? Or did your mom get you to stop blazing through the house?"
He giggles, "Yeah."
"Yeah you've stopped, or yeah you're still doing it?"
He laughs again, "Yeah."
I pick him up and put him on my shoulders, and we start walking in the direction of the house, "Oh good. Glad we cleared that up."
Krazyfan1
Worrying for the future.
- Location
- Australia