The flight back to New York felt surreal.
I'd left the city two weeks ago as a consultant on a routine investigation. I was returning having witnessed a Norse god regain his power, coordinated an evacuation during an attack by an indestructible Asgardian war machine, and earned a sworn friendship with an actual deity.
"You look thoughtful," Darcy said from the seat beside me. She'd wrangled a ride back to New York on the SHIELD transport, claiming she needed "civilization and real coffee."
"Just processing everything."
"Yeah, that's fair. We watched a guy get killed by a magic robot and then come back to life with lightning powers. That's a lot to process." She pulled out her phone, scrolling through photos. "I got some great shots though. For posterity. And Instagram, once SHIELD declassifies this stuff in like fifty years."
"You're handling this remarkably well."
"Poli-sci major. I'm trained to accept that reality is weirder than anyone admits. Plus, I got to meet actual aliens. That's going on my resume." She looked at me more seriously. "You were really good out there. The evacuation, keeping everyone calm. Jane said you're the reason nobody died."
"Just doing my job."
"Yeah, but most people's jobs don't involve Norse gods and death robots. You made it look easy."
"It wasn't."
"I know. That's what makes it impressive." She was quiet for a moment. "Hey, when we get back to New York, want to grab coffee sometime? As friends," she added quickly. "I know you have a scary girlfriend. Just, you know, it'd be nice to know someone else who lived through the weird science stuff."
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RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Darcy Lewis
Affection : 38 → 45/100 [Friend - Potential for More]
Status : Genuinely likes you, respects your competence
Type : Friendly connection, possible future development
Notes:
Shared trauma bonding from New Mexico
Appreciates your groundedness amid chaos
Currently just friendship (she's aware of Natasha)
Could develop into more if circumstances change
Good contact in scientific/Thor-adjacent circles
Warning: She said "as friends" but there's underlying attraction. Navigate carefully to maintain appropriate boundaries while preserving friendship.
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"Sure, coffee sounds good. I know a great place called The Grindhouse. You'd like it."
"Perfect. I'll text you once I'm settled back in the city." She smiled. "Thanks for not being weird about it. Some guys hear 'coffee as friends' and get all offended."
"I'm secure enough to have platonic friendships."
"Good. Because I have enough drama in my life without adding romantic complications. Jane's got the whole 'in love with a god' thing covered for our research team."
The rest of the flight passed with easier conversation. Darcy was surprisingly insightful beneath the sarcastic exterior, and I found myself genuinely enjoying her company.
When we landed at a SHIELD facility outside the city, Coulson pulled me aside.
"Debriefing with Fury tomorrow, 9 AM. He wants a full report on the New Mexico situation." He handed me a tablet. "And this is for you. Access to some new database files. Level 4 clearance."
"I thought I was Level 3?"
"You were. Fury bumped you after New Mexico. Apparently handling a god-level threat without casualties earns promotions." He almost smiled. "Also, Agent Romanoff has been asking about you. Constantly. You might want to call her."
As if on cue, my phone buzzed. Natasha.
"I should take this."
"Go. We'll debrief tomorrow."
I answered as I walked toward the exit. "Hey."
"You're back." Her voice was relief and restrained worry. "I saw the preliminary reports. Asgardian warriors? A giant robot? Alex, what the hell?"
"It's been an interesting two weeks."
"Are you hurt?"
"Not even a scratch. I stayed back, coordinated evacuation, let the actual warriors handle the fighting."
"Good. That's... good." I could hear her take a breath. "I'm at your apartment. I may have been waiting here for three hours."
"I'm twenty minutes away."
"I'll be here."
Natasha met me at the door, pulling me into a tight embrace before I could even set down my bag.
"Two weeks," she said against my shoulder. "Two weeks of radio silence except for brief texts, and then reports about gods and killer robots."
"I'm okay. Promise."
She pulled back to look at me, hands on my face, eyes searching for any sign of injury or trauma. Satisfied I was physically intact, she kissed me—deep, possessive, relieved.
"Don't do that to me again," she whispered when we broke apart. "Two weeks without real contact, knowing you were in potential danger."
"You're in danger all the time with your missions."
"That's different. I'm trained for it, equipped for it. You're supposed to be the safe one in this relationship."
"I am safe. I'm also good at my job. Which sometimes means being near dangerous situations while helping people." I led her inside, closing the door. "But I missed you too. Every day."
She softened, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Tell me everything. Real version, not the SHIELD report version."
So I did. Over wine and delivery pizza, I told her about Thor's arrival, his grief over losing his power, the Warriors Three showing up, and the Destroyer attack. I explained how Thor sacrificed himself, proved his worthiness, and returned to save everyone.
"You met a god," she said wonderingly. "An actual Norse god."
"Technically an alien from a realm called Asgard, but yes. And he's surprisingly decent once you get past the arrogance."
"Only you would make friends with a god."
"He made friends with me. Said I had the heart of a warrior or something poetic like that." I smiled. "Also swore a debt to me. So if we ever need help from an Asgardian prince, I can apparently call him."
"That might actually be useful. Fury's going to want to exploit that connection."
"Probably. But I think Thor and I have a genuine friendship starting. Not just strategic alliance." I pulled her closer. "How was your mission?"
"Classified, boring, and made me miss you constantly." She rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm due for another assignment next week. Something in Eastern Europe. Two weeks minimum."
"We keep missing each other."
"I know. I hate it." She was quiet for a moment. "I talked to Fury about it. About us being on separate assignments constantly. He's considering pairing us more when situations allow."
"How'd he respond to that?"
"Said he'd think about it. Which from Fury means maybe." She looked up at me. "Would you want that? Working together more?"
"Absolutely. You're brilliant in the field, and having you there would make things easier. Plus, more time together is always good."
"Even if it means more dangerous situations?"
"We're both in dangerous situations anyway. Might as well be together when we can."
She kissed me again, slower this time. "I love you."
"I love you too."
We spent the rest of the evening reconnecting, talking about nothing important, just existing in each other's space. It was exactly what I needed after two weeks of chaos.
The next morning, I reported to SHIELD headquarters for my debriefing with Fury.
The Triskelion was impressive—SHIELD's main hub, all sleek architecture and high security. My new Level 4 clearance got me through with minimal hassle, and I was directed to Fury's office on one of the upper floors.
"Carter," Fury greeted me, not looking up from his tablet. "Sit."
I sat.
"You handled New Mexico well," he said, still reading. "Zero civilian casualties during a god-level threat. That's not easy. Most consultants would have panicked or gotten themselves killed."
"Thank you, sir."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm about to make your life more complicated." He finally looked up, his one good eye assessing me. "I'm bumping you to Level 4 consultant. Higher clearance, better pay, access to more sensitive operations. You'll also be on call for Avengers Initiative-related situations."
"The Avengers Initiative?"
"Classified program assembling enhanced individuals and exceptional operatives for large-scale threats. You're not an Avenger—you don't have the power set for that. But you're good at managing the chaos around them. Civilian coordination, crisis management, intelligence gathering. Support role, but crucial."
He pulled up a holographic display showing various files. I recognized some faces—Tony Stark, Bruce Banner (photo from years ago), Steve Rogers with "DECEASED" stamped across it (but I knew better), Thor's image from New Mexico surveillance.
"These are the candidates. Some are on board, some need convincing, some we're still locating. When we start assembling them, you'll be part of the support team. Coulson will be primary handler, but I want you available for civilian interface and crisis situations."
"Understood. When do you expect to activate the initiative?"
"Soon. We're tracking increasing threats—enhanced individuals appearing more frequently, technology advancing rapidly, and now we know aliens exist and can visit Earth." He closed the display. "The world's getting more dangerous, Carter. We need to be ready."
"I'll be ready, sir."
"See that you are. Dismissed."
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LEVEL 4 CONSULTANT ACHIEVED
New Benefits:
Financial: Monthly Retainer: $18,000
Assignment Pay: $8,000-$12,000
Equipment Budget: $10,000/month
Access: SHIELD Database: Level 5 (highly classified intel)
Avengers Initiative: Support role, full briefing access
Secure Facilities: All SHIELD installations worldwide
Direct Contact: Fury, Coulson, senior agents
Authority: Field Command: Can direct multiple agent teams
Emergency Response: Can authorize tactical operations
Recruitment: Can recommend candidates for SHIELD programs
Monthly Income Updated: SHIELD: $28,000 (retainer + assignments) Investments: $9,000 Total: ~$37,000/month
Total Assets: $715,000
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I allocated my new attribute points from leveling up, focusing on continuing my balanced growth:
Attribute Points Allocated: AGI +2 (59/100) INT +2 (48/100) CHA +1 (62/100)
My physical capabilities were approaching the absolute human peak, my mental acuity was excellent, and my social skills were genuinely exceptional now.
Updated Status:
STR: 50/100 (Peak Human Baseline)
AGI: 59/100 (Exceptional)
END: 53/100 (Excellent)
INT: 48/100 (Highly Intelligent)
CHA: 62/100 (Very Charismatic)
LCK: 38/100 (Above Average)
CHARM: 67/100 (Highly Charming)
Combat Prowess: 99/100 (Peak Human)
I was as good as a normal human could be without enhancement. Any further improvement would require external augmentation or supernatural abilities.
Late January brought a sense of normalcy, or at least what passed for normal in my life now.
I completed several SHIELD assignments—nothing as dramatic as Thor, but important nonetheless. Helped negotiate with a teenager who'd manifested teleportation powers. Coordinated response to a chemical spill that required civilian evacuation. Provided intel support for a SHIELD operation targeting an arms dealer.
My reputation was growing. Agents knew my name now. When something required civilian expertise or crisis management, I was the first call.
"You're becoming indispensable," Coulson observed during one assignment. "Fury doesn't say it, but he relies on you more than most Level 4 consultants."
"Just doing the job."
"You're doing it exceptionally well. Keep it up."
My training continued too. Sarah was pushing me to maintain my peak condition, and Natasha's weekly sessions kept me sharp. I couldn't improve much more physically, but I could maintain and refine.
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SKILL IMPROVEMENTS
Practical Combat: Lv.5 → Lv.6 (Mastery Level)
Firearms Proficiency: Lv.4 → Lv.5 (Expert Marksman)
Crisis Management: Lv.4 → Lv.6 (Exceptional Crisis Handler)
Tactical Leadership: Lv.3 → Lv.4 (Experienced Commander)
Note: You've hit soft caps in most combat skills. Further improvement requires specialized training or enhancement. Focus shifting to tactical/strategic development.
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Socially, life was good. I'd reconnected with Jade at The Grindhouse, and she was thrilled to hear (the declassified version of) my New Mexico adventures.
"You helped evacuate a town during a robot attack?" She was impressed. "That's actually really cool. Like, dangerous and terrifying, but cool."
"Just part of the job."
"Your job is way more interesting than mine. I pour coffee and listen to grad students complain about their theses."
"Hey, that's important work. People need their coffee."
"True. I'm basically keeping New York functional, one latte at a time."
Darcy had texted me, and we'd met for coffee a few times. She was settling into New York, working with Jane's research team remotely while taking classes at NYU. Our friendship was easy, comfortable, with none of the complications I'd worried about.
"Jane's still pining for Thor," Darcy told me over coffee one afternoon. "It's actually kind of adorable and sad. She keeps checking the sky like he's going to appear any second."
"He did promise to return."
"Yeah, but when? Gods operate on different timescales. He could show up in a year and think he's being prompt." She stirred her latte absently. "Still, at least she has her research back. Thanks for that, by the way. I know you pushed for it."
"She deserved it. That was her life's work."
"You're a good guy, Alex. Natasha's lucky to have you."
Speaking of Natasha, things were complicated. She was on another assignment—three weeks in Moscow, deep cover work that required complete radio silence. I understood, but I didn't like it.
The apartment felt empty without her random appearances, her leaving coffee cups around, her taking over my bathroom with her extensive collection of weapons and disguises.
I missed her constantly.
It was early February when Coulson called with urgent news.
"Carter, we've got a situation. Can you come to headquarters immediately?"
"On my way. What's the situation?"
"Classified. Just get here."
Thirty minutes later, I was in a secure briefing room with Coulson, Fury, and several senior agents including Barton.
"We found him," Fury said without preamble, pulling up an image on the screen.
It showed ice—deep, glacial ice in the Arctic. And frozen in that ice, barely visible but unmistakable, was a man in a red, white, and blue uniform.
Captain America.
"Steve Rogers," Fury continued. "Crashed in the Arctic in 1945. We've been searching for the crash site for decades. Three days ago, one of our deep-ice survey teams found the Valkyrie—Howard Stark's plane that Rogers used to stop HYDRA's final attack."
"Is he alive?" I asked, though I knew the answer.
"Unknown. But the super-soldier serum might have kept him in suspended animation. The ice, the cold, the serum's properties—it's theoretically possible." Fury looked at me. "We're mounting an extraction operation. Military specialists, medical team, and support personnel. I want you there."
"Why me?"
"Because if we successfully revive a man who's been frozen for seventy years, he's going to wake up confused, disoriented, and potentially hostile. He'll need someone who can talk him down, help him adjust. That's your specialty."
"When do we leave?"
"Six hours. Pack for Arctic conditions. This is classified at the highest level—even Agent Romanoff doesn't know about this yet. She's still on assignment, and this needs to stay compartmentalized."
"Understood."
Barton stood. "I'm leading the tactical team. Carter, you'll stay back with the medical personnel until we confirm it's safe. Then you'll be part of the first contact team if he wakes up."
"Got it."
This was it. Captain America was about to re-enter the world. And I was going to be there when it happened.
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MAJOR EVENT IMMINENT
Captain America Recovery Operation
Your Role:
Support personnel
First contact specialist (if he wakes)
Help Steve Rogers adjust to 21st century
Significance:
Key Avenger being recovered
Major milestone toward team assembly
Your involvement will establish relationship with Steve Rogers
Note: Handle this carefully. Steve Rogers is a legend, a symbol, and most importantly, a good man out of time. He'll need genuine support, not manipulation.
Upcoming: Arctic deployment, potential first meeting with Captain America
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Six hours later, I was on a military transport heading to the Arctic, equipped with cold-weather gear and a strange mixture of excitement and nervousness.
I was about to meet Captain America.
Assuming he was alive.
Assuming we could wake him.
Assuming he didn't immediately punch me when he realized he'd been frozen for seventy years.
This was going to be interesting.