"This is the number the lab assigned to us," Nancy continued, her voice slightly shaky. However, compared to before, Nancy's condition was clearly improving.
Lance frowned, discomfort creeping into his mind. "Why don't you remove it?" he asked.
"I can't," Nancy replied with difficulty. There was fear in her eyes, like a trauma Nancy had long kept hidden. "This code... has merged with... our genes. I once took the risk... of trying to remove it. But at that time, I almost died, and within less than a day... the code reappeared."
Lance felt a chill creeping up his spine. He touched his own skin with his fingertips, as if he could feel the cold gaze hidden behind those lines.
What kind of organization would dare to do this?
Lance's heart raced as he asked the next question. "What is the name of the lab?"
Nancy looked down for a moment before finally lifting her head. There was hatred, fear, and resignation in her gaze. "I will never forget that name—AIM."
As Nancy spoke that name, her tone turned colder. Yet, beneath the ice that enveloped her voice, Lance could sense something else—a glimmer of fear that could not be completely hidden.
Lance raised an eyebrow. The name sounded familiar. "AIM?" Lance murmured. "Is the director of the lab named Aldrich Killian?"
Killian... that man was supposed to be the one researching the Extremis virus. Could it be that AIM had other projects beyond that?
Nancy shook her head. "I've never heard that name."
Lance squinted. "What about Maya Hansen? Does that name sound familiar to you?"
"No," Nancy replied quickly.
This was getting more interesting, Lance thought. If this lab wasn't owned by Killian or Maya Hansen, then the AIM they were facing might be bigger than Lance suspected. Perhaps Killian and the Extremis project were just a small branch of the true AIM.
AIM, Advanced Idea Mechanics—one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in history.
Formed by mad scientists obsessed with technology and power, AIM once collaborated with Hydra during World War II. They were responsible for developing many advanced technologies used by Hydra before eventually parting ways in the late 1960s due to ideological differences.
However, even though this organization operated under the radar, its influence could not be underestimated. They supplied cutting-edge technology to various government and paramilitary agencies, making them a hidden force controlling more than what was visible on the surface.
Facing Killian might not be a big deal, but AIM as a whole? That was a real nightmare. Even Tony Stark considered them a serious threat.
And now, Lance had to deal with them.
"Max." Nancy's expression slowly relaxed. It seemed the effects of the drug had spread, suppressing the genetic illness that had been troubling Nancy for so long.
Suddenly, Nancy said, "My real name is Max Guevara."
Hiding one's identity is a common thing for someone on the run. Using names like Nancy or Max is just part of that.
"Alright, from now on I'll call you Max, Maxie, or Nancy." Lance smiled as he handed a glass of water to Nancy. "AIM has been a nuisance for long enough. I will help you get rid of them."
Although Lance often acted recklessly, there was a difference between someone who was disorganized and someone who still held onto their principles.
Nancy paused for a moment, took a deep breath, then cleared her throat before continuing, "When the scientists created us, they didn't just use human DNA. To make us stronger than ordinary humans, they added animal DNA into our bodies. Cat DNA fused with mine, giving me incredible agility and balance, but it also brought along some hard-to-control habits."
As Nancy lowered her head slightly, her eyes glinted in the dim light. "I react to catnip, I love tight spaces, I have sharp night vision, and…"
Nancy fell silent, her face slightly flushed. "I go into heat for a few days each year. When that happens, my hormones spike, making it hard for me to control myself."
"…"
Lance tensed, the corners of his mouth twitching involuntarily. As he glanced sideways, he tried to divert his thoughts.
Outside, plum blossoms bloomed over a blanket of white snow, contrasting with the conversation that had just taken place.
Nancy blinked a few times, her gaze appearing vacant for a moment before she continued, "When we escaped from the lab, we managed to bring some drugs to counteract the genetic defects. That helped me survive for two years, but then the supply ran out. I found a substitute, but it was far less effective. It could only suppress the most severe symptoms, not eliminate them completely."
Nancy swallowed, then let out a long sigh. "So every time that period comes, I would ride my motorcycle all night, trying to distract myself. SHIELD gave me and Sidney time to deal with our personal issues. Coincidentally, I was in that period, so I wanted to ride my motorcycle as usual. But New York was under military emergency today, and the police impounded my bike because I was speeding. So… I had no choice but to come to you."
"…"
Lance felt a slight dizziness. The corners of his mouth curved into an awkward expression, feeling that this situation was out of control. Unexpectedly, this opportunity had fallen into Lance's hands just like that.
After thinking for a moment, Lance finally said, "This isn't a long-term solution. I will find a way to help you get rid of this weakness."
Nancy slowly closed her eyes, exhaustion beginning to creep over her. "Good…" Nancy murmured softly.
The side effects of the drug started to take effect, making Nancy appear more lethargic and heavy.
Lance took a deep breath, then whispered, "Sleep well. It's safe here."
"Mm…" Nancy nodded slightly before succumbing to her drowsiness.
Nancy... no, it was Maxie who was sound asleep.
...
...
...
Lance quietly stepped toward the window and pulled the curtain slightly aside.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dancing in the air before touching Lance's face. The golden glimmer occasionally reflected off the strands of hair on Lance's forehead, creating a warm impression that contrasted with Lance's cold mood.
P.S.: Max Guevara from the American TV series "Dark Angel."
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