Stepping out of the sleek SUV that Wendy had arranged, you trailed behind Ajak, clad in the lieutenant uniform Wendy had thoughtfully provided. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose as both Wendy and Peggy stood resolute in front of the imposing gate leading to SHIELD's base. A row of individuals donned in flight suits formed a backdrop behind the two commanding women, underscoring the gravity of the mission at hand. To your astonishment, the iconic Howard Stark awaited your arrival, a surprising addition to the gathering. Handshakes were shared among the group, forging a connection that hinted at the collaborative efforts ahead.
"It's good to know you are still around." As Howard acknowledged your presence, a firm handshake sealed the moment. However, your response was measured, your silence stemming from uncertainty about the information Peggy and Wendy might have divulged about your visit with Ajak. Instinctively, your eyes scanned the individuals gathered, and amidst them, the familiar figures of Carol and Maria stood out among the male pilots. The realization struck – they were the prospective fighter pilots partnering with SHIELD on the PEGASUS project.
Internally contemplating their roles, you noted Maria's recognition of you standing behind the enigmatic lady in the business suit. A subtle wink communicated acknowledgement, and with that, you seamlessly joined Ajak, Wendy, and Peggy as they continued on their path.
*****
"Welcome to SHIELD."
They led you and Ajak on a comprehensive tour through the building. En route to Wendy's lab, introductions unfolded, immersing you into the current leading community of SHIELD. Peggy and Wendy stood as representatives of the Peace faction, exuding a sense of equilibrium. Howard Stark, a visionary in technology, embodied the spearhead of the Technology faction. Dr. Hank Pym and his wife Janet Van Dyne championed the Science faction, their expertise commanding respect.
The dynamics became palpable as the final introduction echoed — Mitchell Carson. His role in SHIELD remained an enigma, contributing to an ongoing tug-of-war within the base. The lines were drawn: Peace with Peggy and Wendy, Technology with Stark, Science with Pym and Van Dyne. Carson, however, lingered as an elusive figure, his motives shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer to the intricate balance within SHIELD.
As you followed the group, the pilots dispersed for their daily training, and Wendy, noting your curiosity, explained, "They moved on to their daily training," while adding, "And others went back to the projects they are working on."
Navigating through numerous corridors, you and Ajak eventually arrived at a set of double doors, proudly bearing the inscription:
Doctor Wendy Larson. Director of The PEGASUS Project
Wendy graciously moved aside, allowing you and Ajak entry into her lab. Though the room was already well-lit, all attention converged on a single glowing cube in the corner.
the Tesseract
Ajak, maintaining silence, approached the luminous cube. Her right hand extended towards it, whispering, "It's been too long, friend..." The Tesseract responded, its constant blue glow subtly shifting, as if acknowledging Ajak's presence. Her hand made contact with the icy surface, eyes closed in a moment of communion.
Curious, Wendy whispered, "What's Ajak doing?" To which you responded, "Seeking solace. It's been far too long since the last she felt the essence of our gods. Even if it's just a fragment..." Advising patience, you added.
"Let her do it; she just needs a moment."
*********
You and Wendy patiently awaited Ajak's retreat, observing her refreshed demeanor after the moment of connection with the Tesseract. Turning back to face you and Wendy, Ajak's eyes wandered across the lab until they fixated on a sizable blueprint.
Following her gaze, you approached the blueprint, scrutinizing the Kree glyphs and intricate drawings sprawled across it. Simultaneously, you and Ajak remarked, "Your progress is fast." Wendy acknowledged the pace, standing by her lab table with a hand resting on her design. "Yes," she responded, "But it's not fast enough."
Voicing a poignant concern, Wendy expressed, "I've been on Earth for far too long; I need to know if they are safe." The weight of her words hung in the air, emphasizing the urgency underlying the PEGASUS Project's endeavors.
Before either of you could formulate a response, an urgent knock echoed through the lab. A sergeant's head appeared, urgently reporting, "Doc! There is a brawl happening in the cafeteria right now; we need your help!" Without hesitation, Wendy swiftly passed both you and Ajak, making her way to the cafeteria. Instinctively, you and Ajak followed closely behind, eager to assess the unfolding situation.
Inside the cafeteria, two distinct groups of soldiers stood, their attention drawn to the source of shouting. In the midst of the commotion, two soldiers with blonde hair engaged in a physical altercation. One possessed a slim, well-built physique, while the other appeared more muscular.
A flicker of recognition crossed your mind. Is that... Carol?
Wendy swiftly intervened, stepping forward to separate the feuding soldiers. With open arms, she positioned herself between them, holding Carol on one side and the other soldier on the opposite end. Facing the aftermath, Carol displayed signs of the scuffle—bruised eye, split lip, and labored breath. Wendy, with authority, instructed Carol to go to the infirmary, fix her eye, and submit a report by the following day.
Covering her eyes with her hand, Carol emitted a frustrated hum but obediently left the cafeteria with Maria's assistance. Wendy addressed the remaining soldiers, prompting them to resume their activities. Once they dispersed, Wendy, Ajak, and yourself remained.
In a contemplative tone, Wendy mumbled, "What am I to do with her?" You offered to talk to Carol, surprising Wendy. After confirming with Ajak, you assured Wendy, "I have my way around people."
Following Wendy's instructions, you successfully located the infirmary. Standing by the door, you observed Carol seated, unfazed as the doctor applied medication to her bruised eye. Maria, by her side, applied the ice pack handed to her.
Commenting on Carol's resilience, you remarked, "Wendy's right, you are the headstrong one." Upon entering, they attempted to rise to shake hands, but you gestured for them to remain seated.
"I'm here on Lawson's order," you referred to the doctor, asking for a moment. In silence, you observed the doctor leaving the room before turning your attention back to Carol.
"You want to tell me what that fight was about?"
---
Weeks later, Wendy exclaimed in a friendly yet annoyed manner, "However did you manage to get through that thick skull of hers?" It had been weeks since your conversation with Carol, and Wendy shared observations of a significant change in Carol and Maria's daily training on the base, especially with Carol.
"I told you," you chuckled at Wendy's disbelief, "we have our ways with humans."