Natasha began introducing:
"This is John Wick."
John gave a solemn nod, his face as impassive as ever.
"And this is Smith Doyle — Alexei was rescued thanks to him."
Melina extended her hand gratefully."Thank you for getting this fool out."
Smith smiled and shook her hand.
Melina glanced at the group and said:"Come in, have a drink."
She led them into the house, Natasha following close behind while Alexei inspected the familiar furnishings.
Smith and John sat at the dining table while Natasha watched Melina open a hidden compartment to store her weapons.
"I'd advise you not to try anything," Natasha warned.
Melina calmly replied:"I'm just putting my weapons away."
Natasha pressed:"Any traps around here we need to know about?"
Melina straightened and looked at her."I raised my children not to lead them into traps."
Satisfied, Natasha walked into the living room. The layout here was identical to the house in Ohio she remembered.
Meanwhile Alexei reappeared wearing his old Red Guardian suit — struggling to squeeze into it.
Melina soon brought some vodka and snacks to the table, set them down, and invited:"Drink."
When Alexei emerged fully dressed, he stood proudly."Still fits."
Melina even gave a little whistle while John muttered:"With that gut? You're sure you could match Captain America?"
Clapping, Melina teased:"All these years, I've never once washed that thing. Now sit down and have a drink."
After a few shots, Melina finally asked:"Natasha, even though our little family lasted only three years… what are you really here for?"
Alexei interjected:"That little family was warm. I still remember how beautiful you looked in your wedding dress. But… someone's missing, isn't she?"
Melina froze."You mean… you're here to rescue Yelena?"
Natasha met her eyes."We're not just rescuing Yelena. We're killing Dreykov and destroying the Red Room for good."
Melina shook her head."You can't beat someone who can control people's very will.""You've never seen us at the height of our power in America.""Even with Alexei and S.H.I.E.L.D. backing you, it's impossible."
Natasha retorted:"It's called S.H.I.E.L.D. now. And with Mr. Smith, it's not impossible."
Melina gave Smith an incredulous look. Who was this man, to make Natasha so confident?
Rather than argue, Melina stood and retrieved a tablet."You need proof of the Red Room's power? Watch."
She tapped a few buttons."Come."
The door opened — and a pig trotted in.
"That pig opened the door?" Natasha asked.
Melina nodded."Yes. He did."
She fed the pig and cooed:"Good boy, Alexei."
Alexei froze."You… you named a pig after me?"
Melina smirked."Don't you see the resemblance?"
Smith chuckled quietly. Honestly, given how much weight Alexei had put on, the comparison wasn't too far off.
Alexei grumbled:"After this mission I'm losing weight. My figure will outshine America's ass."
Melina demonstrated further:"See how he sits like a dog? Impressive, isn't it?"
John muttered:"You can control animals…"
Melina's voice sharpened."Stop breathing."
She tapped her tablet. The pig froze, motionless, no longer drawing breath.
Melina turned to them."When we infiltrated the Northern Research Facility — actually a S.H.I.E.L.D. base — we didn't steal weapons or tech. We stole the key to unlock free will."
Natasha looked horrified."You… what are you doing?"
Melina coolly replied:"Explaining how precise science has become. The subject has no choice but to obey."
Natasha finally realized — she'd already crossed paths with S.H.I.E.L.D. back at age 11, and the Red Room had only grown more powerful since then.
"Enough," Natasha said coldly.
Melina reassured her:"Relax. Alexei can go 11 seconds without oxygen."
She tapped her tablet again. The pig gasped and resumed breathing.
Even John was shaken. Only following the boss let him see how deep the rabbit hole went.
Melina dismissed the pig."Go. Back to your safe place."
It plodded out.
Melina concluded:"When the world is controlled, it operates on a higher level. Dreykov used chemistry to conquer agents across the globe."
Natasha's voice cracked:"So Yelena is being controlled like that?"
Melina answered flatly:"That's not my department. But anyone with a brain knows Dreykov wouldn't spare her."
"And you think you can really fight that Red Room?"
(End of Chapter)
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