Chapter 117
Avengers
Arc 8 - Ch 9: Mojave Facility
Monday, February 20, 2012.
Location: Harry Reid International Airport, Paradise, Nevada
The desert sun beat mercilessly as Tyson watched Maki and Felicia board the plane back to New York. His view of his friends was cut off as they ascended the stairs to the private jet. Turning, he headed towards the nondescript black SUV that SHIELD had provided. His next stop was the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, a top-secret installation hidden in the Mojave Desert. There was no point in returning to New York when he was nearby.
As he approached the vehicle, he noticed the tinted windows were rolled up. Opening the rear door, he was surprised to see Dr. Karla Sofen sitting in the backseat, cool as a cucumber in the air-conditioned interior. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a professional bun, and her crisp white blouse looked impossibly unwrinkled in the desert heat. She smiled at him, her blue eyes bright with amusement at his obvious shock.
"Hello, Tyson," she said warmly. "Are you surprised to see me?"
He blinked, then climbed into the SUV, closing the door behind him. The cool air washed over him.
"Hey, doc. Yeah, you could say I'm surprised. We usually meet back at the RAFT in New York. What are you doing here?"
Her smile widened slightly. "Well, it seems I have you to thank for that."
"Me? What did I do?"
The psychiatrist reclined languidly in the backseat, uncrossing and recrossing her stockinged legs in a slow, deliberate motion that drew his gaze. Her skirt rode up slightly, revealing more of her smooth, toned thighs than was strictly professional. She sat with an air of relaxed confidence.
"Because of my work with you, I've been granted higher security clearance," she replied. "It allows me to accompany you while you're stationed at the facility. You're quite invaluable to SHIELD, you know. It seems I've become your personal support staff."
He let out a low whistle, trying to affect a casual tone. "Wow, Doc. Should I be flattered or worried that SHIELD thinks I need a full-time shrink?"
Her laugh was rich and throaty. "Think of it as SHIELD recognizing your... unique assets. They want to ensure you have all the support you need." Her voice dripped with suggestion.
As the SUV rumbled into motion, leaving the airfield behind, she shifted closer, abandoning any pretense of formality.
"So, how was Vegas?" she asked cheekily.
"Isn't it against the rules to talk about it? I thought what happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas."
"Oh, come now." She leaned forward. The top three buttons of her blouse were undone, revealing the lace trim of a black bra and the smooth skin of her cleavage.
Whether it was the desert heat or the freedom of leaving New York, Dr. Sofen had shed her reserved facade. He had to admit he enjoyed this glimpse of the person lurking beneath the psychiatrist's veneer. While he'd seen it when they touched, she never broke character during their sessions. At least not in any meaningful way. But he welcomed it. The formal discussions always seemed somewhat stilted and forced.
"Was it so naughty you can't share it? Not even with me?"
"Oh, that's what you want to know. Maybe I should tell the adventure part of the story before I get to the spiciness."
Matching his playful tone, she bit her lip saying, "I'm here for the spice, but I like a good story on the side. Do tell."
And so, as the desert landscape passed through the window, he launched into the tale of his Las Vegas adventure. "It started as an innocent wager between me, Maki, and Felicia. We were going to see who could win the most at the casino, and the loser had to go skinny dipping in the Waldorf pool. I was on a hot streak at the craps table, using my magnetism to influence the rolls. Felicia had some uncanny luck at the slots and won fifty grand. She was up a lot, but with my powers, I thought I had it in the bag." His expression darkened. "That's when everything went sideways. The entire casino warped into some infernal tower. Then demons spilled in through the back entrance. We had to fight our way through hordes of hellspawn, all the while hell was spreading beyond the casino and into the city."
He continued, "I confronted the demon behind the invasion and he was strong. Stronger than me, and I couldn't harm him. He created this twisted mirror version of me. The mirror-me was called Void. He could negate powers instead of absorbing them. It was like battling my dark reflection."
He shook his head ruefully. "There were mirror versions of Felicia and Maki too. I managed to defeat Void, and helped Maki defeat her Antithesis, then Maki killed Felicia's. I managed to turn the tables on the demon behind it all, Blackheart, by using his own magical mirror to create an Antithesis of himself. They fought, shattered the mirror, and hell receded. The city returned back to normal afterward."
He gave her a searching look. "So yeah, that's the PG-13 version."
"Fascinating," she murmured. "The manifestation of a dark reflection... it's a common theme in mythology and literature, but to encounter it in reality... Tell me, how did it make you feel to confront this 'anti-you'?"
He leaned back in his seat, gazing out the tinted window of the SUV as he contemplated the psychiatrist's question. "Honestly? I think facing Void should have rattled me more than it did," he said, "Logically, he represented everything I fear becoming. Powerless, defined only by weakness rather than strength."
"But truthfully, when I came face-to-face with him, I felt more amusement than fear. A year ago, encountering that dark reflection of myself might have been devastating. But now, after everything I've endured?" He shook his head. "I've struggled through too many life-or-death trials since unlocking my powers. I trained beyond just relying on my abilities." He turned his gaze back to her. "So when I fought Void, I beat him, not with my powers, but with everything I've developed over this past year. And that made him feel more like a nuisance than a real threat."
She nodded, her pen darting across her notepad. He hadn't even noticed her take it out. "It's common for our deepest insecurities to take shape during intense events. Though in this case, it happened in such a literal way," she said. "Your subconscious may have been projecting your innermost fears, giving them physical form through the mystical mirror's power." She adjusted her glasses. "But you seem to have gained perspective and resilience from all you've endured since acquiring your abilities. And that inner strength allowed you to face this manifestation of self-doubt without letting it overwhelm you."
"Yeah, that makes sense. You summarized it better than I did, doc."
"How did your companions handle their confrontations?"
As he described his friends' battles with their antitheses, he couldn't help but notice the intensity of her interest.
"It's remarkable," she said when he finished. "Each of you faced a version of yourself that embodied your fears or suppressed desires. Maki, always sure of her aim, faced an opponent she couldn't hit. Felicia confronted the temptation to embrace her more selfish, hedonistic impulses. And you had to prove your worth without the powers that have come to define you."
"When you put it like that, it sounds like a therapy session."
Her lips quirked up. "In a way, perhaps it was. These experiences could provide valuable insights into your psyches. It might be worth exploring further."
She chewed on the tip of her pen, the action almost seductive in its deliberateness. "So, how about that spice?" she asked, her voice low and teasing.
He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her forwardness. "Well," he began, "remember that bet I mentioned between Maki, Felicia, and myself over who could win the most at the casino?"
"I know I would've won if it wasn't for the demons. The problem was, Felicia had won her money quickly, got a slip, and deposited it. Maki, too, had quit early once she went up around ten grand."
He shook his head, chuckling. "When the night ended and we made it back to the Waldorf Astoria, I was the only one who didn't have any money and had no proof of my prior winnings."
"It was a shame, but I took it with grace," he said, "I jumped from the balcony naked into the pool a few levels down, then flew back up."
Her breathing quickened slightly. "Sounds like fun," she commented, her voice a touch breathier than before.
He grinned. "Fun, sure. I used illusions to hide my presence. The only people that saw were Maki, Felicia, and Illyana."
She shifted in her seat, uncrossing and recrossing her legs. She leaned forward, her blouse gaping slightly. He could see the flush in her cheeks despite the air conditioning. "Then what happened?" she asked.
"Then we made love."
"You and Felicia?"
He shook his head slowly. "All of us."
Her pen hovered over her notepad, forgotten. She swallowed hard, her professional demeanor slipping further.
"All of you?" she repeated.
"Yes, all of us. Maki, Felicia, Illyana, and me."
Her chest rose and fell faster, her breathing quickening. She licked her lips, drawing his gaze. "I... I see," she managed.
"It wasn't planned, but after everything we'd been through that night... it just felt right."
"Group bonding after intense shared experiences is not uncommon," she said, her voice slightly hoarse, "Especially when there's already a strong emotional connection."
He smiled, a hint of mischief in his expression. "Is that the clinical term for it, Doc?"
She cleared her throat. "Well, I suppose you could call it a foursome," she said.
He chuckled. "I suppose you could."
"So this wasn't just a one-time thing born of adrenaline and stress relief?"
"Who knows?"
She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's not a conventional arrangement," she said carefully. "But if it works for all of you, and everyone is on the same page, then it can be a fulfilling relationship model."
"I want to remind you that what we discuss is confidential," she said, her tone measured. "My reports to SHIELD are about your general health and well-being. Nothing more specific unless it's essential."
"I understand, Doc."
"How do you feel about being involved with those you work with? Natasha at SHIELD, Felicia running House of M, even Maki, who's your bodyguard? Do you ever worry about the potential conflicts of interest?"
He nodded slowly. "Of course. It's something I'm always aware of. But I believe that honesty and open communication are key. We all understand the risks and challenges involved."
"And how do you manage the emotional aspects?" she asked. "Jealousy, for instance, can be a significant issue in polyamorous relationships."
He chuckled. "Jealousy hasn't been an issue for us. We're all pretty secure. Plus, with our lifestyles, we understand that sometimes duty calls. We support each other's missions and responsibilities… Plus, it probably helps that everyone I'm engaged with currently is bi or some variation thereof."
Dr. Sofen laughed. "Probably," she agreed. Leaning forward, she asked, "So no issues with other girls. What about other guys?"
"I don't swing that way, doc. But now that you mention it, there is one guy I have an issue with," he admitted. "My ex-girlfriend, Illyana. We broke up before I started attending Midtown High." He paused, his gaze distant as he recalled the memory. "I found out that she was kinda seeing another guy for a little while. We were broken up, and they didn't sleep together. So I'm not mad about that part, plus I know she was lonely."
His voice softened, tinged with a mix of understanding and concern. "She puts up a strong front, but she latches on to the few people she trusts." His frown deepened. "Anyway, she was in Vegas this week, and I saw him face-to-face for the first time."
She listened intently. "You mentioned Illyana. I was going to ask about her if you didn't bring it up, but I'm glad you did. You've gotten much better at self-assessment since our first session. So, what do you think made you really upset about him?" she probed gently.
His jaw clenched. "He's a bad guy. And I mean that in the truest sense of the words. It's only a matter of time before he becomes a villain."
Her eyebrows rose. "How did he react to you? Did you fight?"
"He didn't even acknowledge my existence."
"That must have stung," she observed, her voice laced with sympathy.
"A little," he admitted. "But I'm not upset. I've won fights against stronger opponents before because they underestimated me or didn't know what I was capable of. If he doesn't want to acknowledge me, that's fine. When we come to blows, I might surprise him later when I need to."
She leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "You said, 'when', not 'if'. If you have a personal grudge against him, and think he's destined to become a villain. Why not settle things?"
"Can I ask you a philosophical hypothetical?"
Dr. Sofen nodded, intrigued. "Of course."
"Let's say there's a third-world country with a corrupt government. A man comes along, a dictator, and he does lots of bad things, kills people, leverages his power, and overthrows the government, raising himself up as the new leader. But shortly afterward, we see he improves the economy. The people are fed and educated, quality of life goes up, everything gets better, but he still rules with an iron fist." He paused, his gaze intense as he looked at her. "Is he the bad guy? Or the good guy?"
She considered the question, her brow furrowed in thought. "That's quite a complex scenario," she said carefully. "It's not as simple as labeling someone entirely good or bad. In this case, the dictator's actions have both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, he's improved the lives of many people, which could be seen as a positive outcome. On the other hand, he's committed atrocities and rules through fear and oppression. Whether the ends justify the means isn't straightforward."
He nodded, encouraging her to continue.
"In ethics, we often discuss the concept of utilitarianism, the idea that the most ethical choice is the one that brings the greatest good to the greatest number of people," she explained. "By that measure, one could argue that the dictator's actions have resulted in a net positive for the country. However, that ignores the moral implications of his methods and the long-term consequences of his rule. A government built on violence and oppression is likely to breed more violence and oppression, even if it initially brings some stability and prosperity."
Her gaze met his, searching. "But I suspect you're not really asking about a hypothetical dictator, are you? How does this relate to the man you saw in Vegas?"
His lips quirked in a humorless smile. "You're right, it's not just a hypothetical." He shifted in his seat, his posture straightening. "The guy I saw in Vegas... he's not a dictator, but he's on a similar path."
She nodded in understanding. "And you're conflicted about how to view him, how to deal with him."
"Exactly," Tyson confirmed.
She leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "It's a challenging situation, no doubt. How do you weigh the potential good he might do against the harm?"
"That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? I don't have an easy answer. But I know I can't just ignore him or write him off as purely evil. I'll keep an eye on him, and wait for the signs that he's turning down the wrong path, where the ends don't justify the means. My only concern is that I know I could stop him now. Once he starts gaining power, really trying to attain his goals, it won't be so easy."
She paused, flipping back a page in her notes. "I'd like to circle back to something you mentioned earlier. You said you saw a pattern in SHIELD's approach. Can you elaborate on that?"
"Well, Doc, it seems SHIELD has a habit of sending attractive, capable women to handle me. First Natasha, now you." Dr. Sofen seemed to be around Nat's age and could rival the spy in attractiveness.
Her eyebrows rose. "Are you suggesting that my assignment to you is part of some manipulation tactic?"
"I'm suggesting that SHIELD knows what they're doing," he replied. "They understand that personal connections can be powerful motivators. Whether it's Natasha as a 'student teacher' or you as my therapist, they're leveraging those connections."
She set her notepad and pen aside and locked eyes with a hint of challenge in her expression.
"Perhaps I was chosen initially because it was noted you respond better to attractive women," she said, "Does that upset you?"
His lips quirked into a half-smile. "Not really," he replied, his tone casual. "If I have to sit here and talk with someone, it might as well be a pretty girl."
Her eyebrow arched slightly in amusement. "I must admit, you weren't what I thought you were when I accepted this assignment. I'm rather satisfied that I've been assigned to you." She confessed. "Well, I should say I'm happy to be assigned to you," she amended, her voice dropping to almost a whisper. "I'm not quite satisfied yet." She shifted in her seat, uncrossing and recrossing her legs yet again, drawing his attention. "What was it that Natasha did to seduce you?"
His eyebrows shot up. He studied her for a moment, taking in her flushed cheeks and the intensity of her gaze. A slow smile spread across his face as he considered her question.
"You know, Doc," he said, his voice low and tinged with amusement, "if I didn't know better, I'd think you were coming on to me. I wasn't going to say anything, but that's three times you pulled a Sharon Stone. And three times you asked about my lovers."
The tension in the SUV seemed to crackle, the air heavy with unspoken possibilities. Her lips parted slightly, as if she was about to respond, but she held his gaze, neither confirming nor denying his observation.
So he answered her question, "We had an attraction that built slowly with little hints in each interaction. Sparring together, small hints of flirting here and there. It was a gradual thing, you know?"
"And then?" she prompted.
"Ultimately, what kicked it off for me was truth-or-strip," he admitted.
"Is that a game? I'm not familiar with it."
"To be honest, I'd never played it before either."
As he spoke, he noticed her face turning a deeper shade of red, and she seemed to be hanging on his every word. "Did you win?" she asked.
"She ended the game before either of us was naked, if that's what you mean. But personally, I think I won. She left her bra and panties on my floor. Kept her dress. It made an impression."
"I'll bet." She swallowed hard. "That's... quite a game," she managed, her voice husky.
"It was," he agreed. "It was a good way to break the tension that had been building between us."
"So, this truth-or-strip game. How exactly does it work?"
"Are you asking out of professional curiosity, Doc?"
Her cheeks flushed deeper. "Let's say... personal interest."
He leaned forward, mirroring her posture. "It was a game for revealing truths, kind of like a truth or dare. It's pretty simple. You ask a question, and the other person has to either answer truthfully or remove a piece of clothing. Then it's their turn to ask."
Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. "It sounds... revealing," she said.
"That was the point. It's about trust and vulnerability. Opening up to someone in more ways than one. We both knew the other was hiding secrets. She'd seen what I could do, and the same night, I saw her following me. It was a game of secrets that we played, which transferred over into an actual game."
She parted her lips, on the cusp of asking another tantalizing question, when the SUV bounced over a rut in the road. The jolt snapped her back to reality. Out the window, she saw they were approaching the gates of the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, a sprawling complex surrounded by chain-link fences and patrolled by armed guards. Dr. Sofen straightened in her seat and smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt, regaining her professional composure.
The SUV slowed to a stop at the security checkpoint. She watched as the driver handed over their identification and clearance paperwork to the uniformed guard. After a brief inspection, the guard waved them through. The vehicle rolled forward, following the winding drive up to the main building entrance.
— Rogue Redemption —
A series of wide steps led up to the entrance of the Joint Dark Energy Mission Facility, flanked by angular pillars that supported an overhanging roof. To either side of the central structure, wings of the building extended, their walls made of concrete with tinted windows. The main entrance featured a grand facade of tan-colored stone and glass, rising several stories high.
Karla emerged from the SUV, her blonde hair whipping in the hot, dry wind. She adjusted her sunglasses and stood beside Tyson. "Impressive, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. "SHIELD doesn't do anything by halves."
He nodded, his gaze drawn to the perimeter of the facility. A high fence surrounded the complex, topped with coils of razor wire. At regular intervals, security cameras swiveled on their mounts.
"Security seems tight," he observed, noting the armed guards patrolling the grounds and the checkpoints at the entrance.
"As it should be," she replied. "The work being done here is highly classified. We're lucky to have clearance."
They began walking towards the entrance. As they approached, he noticed more details of the building's exterior. A series of satellite dishes and antennae adorned the roof. On one side of the building, a large hangar-like structure suggested space for vehicles or equipment too large for a standard garage. The landscaping around the facility was minimal but carefully maintained. Drought-resistant plants and carefully placed rock gardens provided a touch of life to the otherwise austere surroundings.
As they entered the main doors, a stern-faced security guard greeted them. "Dr. Sofen, Mr. Smith. Please present your identification and submit to a biometric scan."
They complied, placing their hands on a scanner while their retinas were tested by another device. The guard scrutinized their credentials before nodding Karla through.
As Tyson looked into the retinal scanner, the machine whirred softly, its blue light flickering across his grey eyes. Suddenly, a harsh beep pierced the air. The screen flashed red, displaying "SCAN FAILED" in bold letters.
The security guard's demeanor shifted instantly. His hand moved swiftly to his holster, drawing his firearm. In a matter of seconds, Tyson found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.
"Hands where I can see them!" the guard barked sharply. Around them, other guards reacted with similar speed, their weapons trained on him. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.
Tyson slowly raised his hands, palms outward. His face remained calm, almost bored, as if being held at gunpoint was a minor inconvenience rather than a potentially life-threatening situation.
"Easy there, fellas," he said, his tone light despite the circumstances. "Let's not do anything hasty."
Karla took a step back. She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by the sound of a door slamming open.
An agent emerged from a nearby room. "Stand down," he commanded.
The guards hesitated, their weapons still trained on him.
"I said stand down," the agent repeated, more forcefully this time. "Agent Mirage's retinal scans have changed since his last visit to a SHIELD facility. This is a known issue."
Slowly, reluctantly, the guards lowered their weapons. The lead guard's face told his lingering suspicion as he holstered his gun.
The lead agent approached. "I'm sorry about that, Agent Mirage. We should have anticipated this issue."
He lowered his hands. "Not a problem, Agent Coulson. It's not like they could shoot me anyway."
The security guard who had first drawn his weapon squinted, his jaw clenching. It was clear he wanted to say something, but Coulson's presence held his tongue in check. Tyson noticed the guard's reaction and couldn't resist pushing a little further. "Looks like we've got a nonbeliever over here," he announced, gesturing at the guard with a nod of his head. Turning back to Coulson, he raised an eyebrow. "Guess I'm not on the threat assessments, and he doesn't watch the news?"
Coulson shrugged. "News is sparse out here. We're pretty isolated."
"Well, then. How about a little demonstration?"
The guard's gun suddenly flew from its holster, hovering in mid-air. The guard's face paled, his hand instinctively reaching for the weapon that was no longer there.
With a flick of his wrist, he opened his hand. The gun began to dismantle itself in mid-air. Springs, pins, and larger components floated independently, creating what looked like a suspended diagram of the weapon's inner workings. The guards watched in stunned silence, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief. Karla observed with keen interest. He closed his fist, and the gun reassembled itself. The pieces flew back together, clicking into place with perfect alignment. The fully reconstructed weapon then floated gently back into the stunned guard's holster.
"Neat trick," Coulson said casually as if he'd just witnessed a card trick rather than a display of extraordinary power.
Blood drained from the face of the guard, whose gun had been the subject of the demonstration. He looked down at his holster, then back fearfully.
Coulson cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself. "Well, now that we've got that sorted out," he said, gesturing towards the facility's entrance, "welcome to Project PEGASUS, Agent Mirage, Dr. Sofen."
As they walked towards the entrance, he could feel the security team watching his back. The demonstration had certainly made an impression, though whether it would make his stay easier or more complicated remained to be seen.
Karla fell into step beside him, her voice low as she spoke. "That was quite a show. Do you always introduce yourself so... dramatically?"
"Only when I'm feeling underappreciated," he joked. "Besides, it's always fun to shake things up a bit."
As they approached the main doors, Coulson swiped his access card and placed his hand on a biometric scanner. The doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a sleek, high-tech interior.
"Project PEGASUS is one of our most advanced research facilities. We're at the forefront of energy research and development here," he continued, leading them towards an elevator. "Dr. Sofen, you'll have access to most areas of the facility, but there are still some restricted zones."
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. As the doors closed, he caught a glimpse of the security team still watching from the lobby. The guard whose gun he'd dismantled was speaking animatedly to his colleagues, no doubt recounting what had just transpired. The elevator carried them deeper into the heart of Project PEGASUS.
It stopped on a lower level, and the doors opened to reveal a vast hangar-like room.
"Agent Mirage, Phase 1 is being headed by people you're familiar with," Coulson said, stepping out first, gesturing for them to follow.
The room was a hive of activity, with scientists and technicians bustling about. In the center of it all stood a raised platform, surrounded by an array of complex equipment. High in the rafters, a familiar figure perched, bow in hand, scanning the room below.
Clint Barton, Hawkeye.
On the platform itself, hunched over a control panel, was Dr. Erik Selvig. The renowned astrophysicist seemed oblivious to the activity around him, his attention wholly focused on the object before him. A perfect cube, glowing with an otherworldly blue light.
The Tesseract.
The Space Stone.
Even from a distance, he could feel the power emanating from it, a subtle vibration in the air that set his teeth on edge.
"Dr. Selvig," he called out, raising a hand in greeting. The scientist looked up, blinking as if surprised. He offered a distracted wave before turning back to his work. He glanced up, catching Barton's gaze. The archer nodded, a barely perceptible movement that spoke volumes. Everything was under control, but the tension in Barton's posture suggested he was ready for anything.
Just then, another figure walked into the room. She wore a plaid shirt and jeans, casual compared to everyone else in the area. Her brown hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she carried a thick file folder under one arm.
"Dr. Foster, it's good to see you," he said, his face brightening with genuine pleasure.
Jane put down her file and walked over to hug him. "I haven't heard from you in months. Good to see you're okay," she said, stepping back to look him over. "I saw what happened on the news."
"Yeah, it's been a wild ride," he replied. "How's your research going?"
Jane glanced around at the bustling activity in the hangar, then back at him. "It's progressing, though not as quickly as I'd like. Without the Bifrost, my data collection has hit some roadblocks." Her expression fell slightly, though she tried to hide it. "I've heard nothing from Thor since the Bifrost was destroyed. Not a single message. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have even known what happened." She crossed her arms, looking toward the Tesseract. "The Bifrost was their only way to travel between realms. Without it, he's stuck in Asgard, and I'm stuck here."
He nodded sympathetically. "That must be tough," he said. "You two seemed pretty close."
"Three days together, and then he's gone for months," Jane said with a forced laugh. "Sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud."
Dr. Selvig looked up from his work. "Jane, don't sell yourself short. What you and Thor shared was real."
"About as real as your hangover… or was it a concussion?" Tyson quipped.
Selvig laughed good naturedly. "Afraid I've hung up my gloves. Can't take a punch like I used to."
Jane smiled. "What about you? What brings you to our little corner of the desert?"
"Fury's orders," he replied. "Apparently, my unique skill set might come in handy. More likely, I'm a weird shit magnet, and me being here will jumpstart something."
"Was that a science joke, since you can control magnetism?" Jane chuckled. "Leave the physics to us. If I need something beat up, I'll let you know."
Karla, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "Dr. Foster, I've read your papers on Einstein-Rosen bridges. Your theories on interdimensional travel are fascinating."
Jane looked surprised and pleased. "Thank you, Dr...?"
"Sofen. Karla Sofen."
"Dr. Sofen is here to keep an eye on my mental state," Tyson explained.
"Someone has to make sure your ego doesn't get any bigger," Karla replied smoothly.
Jane laughed. "Good luck with that. It's an uphill battle with these muscle-heads." She picked up her file again. "I should get back to work, but we should catch up properly later."
"Sounds good," he agreed.
As Jane walked away toward her workstation, Coulson said, "If you're done with the reunions, we should continue the tour. There's a lot to cover." Tyson nodded, but his attention had shifted to the Tesseract. The cube pulsed with energy. Coulson cleared his throat, drawing his attention away from it. "We'll be heading to Phase 3 now. Just for a tour."
As they turned to leave, Karla spoke up. "What about Phase 2?"
Coulson's expression remained neutral. "I'm afraid you don't have clearance for Phase 2, Doctor."
Her gaze narrowed slightly. "Does Tyson?"
"He does," Coulson confirmed.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Why does he have clearance and I don't?"
"A portion of Phase 2 involves one of Agent Mirage's previous missions. And Agent Mirage has a higher clearance level than you do, Doctor."
She opened her mouth as if to press further, but seemed to think better of it. Karla nodded curtly, falling into step behind Coulson as he led them out of the hangar and down a long corridor.
"Phase 3 is where we keep our prisoners," Coulson explained, "All of these prisoners have... unique qualities or capabilities."
Karla's interest was immediately piqued. "What kind of prisoners are we talking about here, Agent Coulson?"
"Dr. Sofen, you'll be having sessions with each of them. However, the rooms are sectioned, so there's a safe area for you to conduct your evaluations."
Tyson raised an eyebrow at this. He'd thought she was just his tag-along shrink, and maybe she'd work with the other soldiers and scientists here. Learning she'd be working with the prisoners added an interesting dimension to her role at Project PEGASUS.
As they continued down the corridor, Coulson began to explain who was imprisoned behind the heavy, reinforced doors they passed. "First, we have Dr. Samuel Sterns," he said, gesturing to a door on their right.
"Sterns. Ugh. That guy."
"That's right. You were there when he was apprehended. He was shot by Agent Romanoff right before the Battle of Harlem. The exposure to Dr. Banner's blood... changed him."
"Be careful with him, Doc," Tyson warned. "Sterns was already brilliant before his transformation. Now, he's not just extremely intelligent, but also incredibly manipulative and megalomaniacal."
"What exactly happened to him?" she asked.
"Banner's blood got into an open wound on his head. That probably doesn't mean much to you. Let me backtrack. Dr. Banner was a scientist working on recreating the Super Soldier Serum that made Captain America. The experiment went wrong, and he was transformed into a monster. Dr. Sterns was experimenting with his blood. The result?" He tapped his own forehead. "Sterns's cranium expanded to accommodate his growing brain. His intelligence skyrocketed, but so did his ambition and his disregard for human life."
Tyson added firmly. "Don't underestimate him, Doc. His intellect makes him a master manipulator. He'll try to get inside your head."
Coulson cleared his throat, drawing their attention to the next door. "Moving on, we have Lloyd Bloch. He possesses an artifact known as the Moonstone. It gives him various abilities."
The name didn't register for Tyson, and neither did the Moonstone. It wasn't part of the MCU that he remembered, and he couldn't place it in his wider Marvel knowledge. Something beyond his metaknowledge was as concerning as it was curious.
"I'm not familiar with Bloch or the Moonstone," he admitted. "What can you tell us about him and this artifact?"
"Bloch was a petty thief, who robbed a NASA site. The Moonstone is an extraterrestrial gem that was found on the moon. Somehow, the shards granted him a variety of superhuman abilities. Flight, super strength, energy projection, intangibility... the list goes on."
Karla perked up at the mention of the Moonstone's capabilities. "Extraordinary," she murmured. "And how did SHIELD capture Bloch and keep him contained if he can become intangible?"
"That's classified," Coulson replied smoothly. "What I can tell you is that Bloch's capture was a joint operation between SHIELD and a... consultant. He's been in our custody for a long time."
Bloch and the Moonstone was a surprise that diverged from his expectations. Sometimes out-of-context surprises work out, like his relationships with Felicia and Jubilee; other times, they bite him in the ass, like running into Omega Red or Kraven. On second thought, with Calypso coming to his side, maybe Kraven worked out.
"What's Bloch's mental state?" he asked.
Coulson answered, "That's part of why Dr. Sofen is here. Bloch's psychological evaluation is a top priority. He's been uncharacteristically cooperative recently, and we need to understand his motivations and mental state."
Karla nodded, her professional demeanor firmly in place. "I understand. I'll approach both Sterns and Bloch with the utmost caution. Their unique circumstances will require careful handling."
The presence of the Leader wasn't surprising. Tyson knew Sterns had survived his encounter with Natasha and had been taken into custody. When the Green Goblin and Kraven were busted out of the RAFT by Kaine, Sterns wasn't released, nor mentioned by Fury. But Bloch and the Moonstone were totally new territory.
"Are there any other prisoners I should know about?" he asked.
"There are a few others, but they're on the upper levels and not a concern for an Agent of your current clearance level or caliber. For now, focus on Sterns and Bloch. They're more than enough to keep you occupied."
As they reached the end of the corridor, Coulson turned to face them both. "Dr. Sofen, you'll be briefed on the specific protocols for interacting with the prisoners later today. Agent Mirage, I'd like you to familiarize yourself with our security measures and assist in monitoring the prisoners during Dr. Sofen's sessions."
She looked eager to begin her work. "When can I start the evaluations?"
"Tomorrow," Coulson answered. "Today, you'll both be getting settled in your quarters and reviewing the necessary documentation. We'll have a full team briefing in the morning."
He led them to another lab and paused outside the door. "This is Phase 4. Agent Barton is tasked with protecting Phases 1 and 2. You are tasked with protecting Phases 3 and 4."
"I understand. Keep the prisoners locked down in Phase 3 and protect Phase 4."
"Alright, you should meet the team then," Coulson said, reaching for the door handle.
As the door swung open, he froze in his tracks. The space before him was another large hangar bay, but what caught his attention wasn't the cavernous room itself. It wasn't even the silver spacecraft that dominated the center of the area, which was a fusion of shuttle and booster rocket that spoke of cutting-edge technology. His gaze was drawn to the people scattered around the hangar.
Phase 4.
"No way," he mumbled.
Coulson's voice cut through his stunned silence. "Agent Mirage, meet the Phase 4 team. Lead scientist Dr. Reed Richards, scientist Dr. Susan Storm, and pilots Johnny Storm and Benjamin Grimm." He turned to address the group. "Phase 4, meet Agent Mirage. He's your protection."
"I'm usually Reed's muscle," Ben Grimm, a wide-framed bald man, joked as he straightened up from inspecting a panel.
Johnny Storm, standing nearby with a cocky grin, chimed in. "Ben, you don't hold a candle against Agent Mirage. Look at him!"
At a workstation cluttered with displays and complex equations, Reed Richards barely glanced up. "Welcome, Agent Mirage," he said distractedly before his attention was recaptured by whatever data scrolled across his screen.
Susan Storm turned from the screen before her and turned to greet the newcomer with a genuine smile. As she approached him with an extended hand, he found himself momentarily captivated. Sue looked just like the first actress who portrayed her in the movies. She possessed a golden-bronze skin tone, yet her eyes were a striking azure blue, and her hair was cornsilk blonde pulled back in a tidy bun. She had the graceful poise of a dancer, yet the keen intelligence in her expression and the crisp lab coat and professional outfit underneath marked her as a scientist.
"It's nice to meet you, Agent Mirage," Sue said with a hint of knowing amusement as she took in his reaction to seeing her. A faint blush colored her cheeks, but her look remained warm and direct. She tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear and waited for him to collect himself.
Realizing he was staring, Tyson cleared his throat and finally took her offered hand. "Tyson Smith," he managed, at last. "Call me Tyson. It's a pleasure to meet you... Sue. Uh, Dr. Storm. Sorry."
Her hand lingered in his a moment longer than strictly necessary. "It's no problem. Sue is fine. I look forward to working with you," she replied in an almost coy tone, yet it still held genuine warmth.
Their moment was interrupted by Johnny's voice. "Hey, Suzie, you gonna introduce the rest of us, or what?"
Sue rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Sorry about my brother," she said with a small laugh. "He's not exactly known for his patience."
"No worries. I look forward to working with all of you." Tyson took in the remainder of the team. They all looked as he expected, the original movie Fantastic Four that he remembered from his metaknowledge. Except Johnny, who was a blonde guy who didn't ping his memories.
As Sue began to lead him toward the others, Karla cleared her throat, reminding everyone of her presence. Coulson quickly stepped in. "Ah, yes. This is Dr. Karla Sofen. She'll be conducting psychological evaluations and providing support for the teams here," he handed her a tablet. "This has all the personnel, and their files."
"Welcome aboard, Doc," Ben called out.
Johnny Storm sauntered over to where Dr. Sofen stood reviewing data on the tablet. His gaze lingered on Karla's professional yet form-fitting attire.
"So, you're the head doctor around here?" Johnny leaned against the workstation, invading her personal space. "I've always had a thing for intelligent women."
Karla glanced up from her tablet, assessing him. "Mr. Storm, I believe you have work to attend to with the spacecraft."
"Johnny, please." He flashed what he clearly considered his most charming smile. "And the bird's all prepped. Just waiting on Reed to finish his calculations." He gestured toward Richards, who was lost in a world of equations. "Could take days or weeks. Who knows? Maybe we could grab coffee in the meantime? I could show you around."
Karla set her tablet down and turned to face him fully. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm here to work, not socialize."
"All work and no play makes Johnny a sad boy," he countered, undeterred. "Besides, getting to know the team is part of your job, right? Psychological evaluations and all that."
"When I conduct your evaluation, it will be in a professional setting," Karla replied coolly. "Not over coffee."
Johnny's smile widened. "Playing hard to get. I like that."
Sue approached, having overheard the exchange. "Johnny, stop bothering Dr. Sofen. She just arrived."
"I'm not bothering her," Johnny protested. "We're having a conversation. Right, Doc?"
"We were discussing boundaries," Karla stated flatly. "Specifically, yours."
Ben Grimm let out a hearty laugh from across the room. "Shot down in flames, and you haven't even taken off yet!"
Johnny's confidence faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. "The mission's still young. Plenty of time to change your mind."
"I wouldn't count on it," Karla replied, picking up her tablet again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to familiarize myself with the psychological profiles of everyone on this project."
"Including mine?" Johnny waggled his eyebrows.
"Especially yours," Karla said with clinical detachment. "Your file flags several concerning personality traits that warrant closer examination."
Johnny's smile froze. "Wait, what? What traits?"
"That's confidential," she replied, walking away. "But we'll discuss them during your evaluation."
Johnny stared after her, momentarily speechless, while Ben's laughter echoed through the hangar. Shrugging, he turned back to the others. "So, Special Agent Mirage," he drawled, "what exactly are you protecting the brainiacs from? In case you hadn't noticed, we've got about a dozen armed suits floating around. I think we're pretty safe already."
"I'm here for the threats those guns might not be enough for."
"Oh yeah? Like what?" Johnny scoffed.
"Mutants, monsters, aliens, gods, vampires. Whatever wants to cause trouble," Tyson replied matter-of-factly.
Johnny let out a dismissive laugh. "You're telling me you're ready to fight all those boogeymen? Hate to break it to ya, but most of those don't even exist outside of comic books. Who are you supposed to be? Superman?"
"Something like that." Tyson allowed himself to levitate several inches off the floor, hovering effortlessly as he looked down at Johnny. "I assure you, they're all real. I've fought them before. But not to worry..." He gave a faint, good-natured smile. "You scientists are in good hands." His outfit changed before their eyes into a Superman costume, complete with underwear on the outside and a flowing cape.
Johnny's grin faltered, but before he could respond, Reed finally looked up from his work, oblivious to the fact that Tyson was dressed like Superman and floating. "Agent Mirage, perhaps you'd like a tour of our ship? We can discuss the specifics of your roles as we go."
Coulson nodded approvingly. "Excellent idea, Dr. Richards. I'll leave you all to it."
As Coulson turned to leave, Tyson found his gaze drawn back to Sue. She was watching him curiously. He offered her a small smile, which she returned before he lowered himself to the ground, dropped the illusion, and turned his attention to Reed.
"Lead the way, Dr. Richards," he said, gesturing towards the impressive spacecraft. "I'm looking forward to learning more about your work here."
As the group began to move towards the craft, and Johnny peppered him with questions about what he just did, Tyson couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with his hesitance. He was now responsible for protecting not just any team but the Fantastic Four, and not just that but the Leader, and another unknown criminal.
Add to all this that he knew Loki was coming.
At least, on the bright side, it was still February. If his metaknowledge held, he had a few months before the trickster would show his face.