The world after the Battle of New York was fundamentally different.
Aliens had invaded Manhattan. Heroes had fought them on live television. The Avengers were now household names, their faces plastered across every news outlet, magazine, and website on the planet.
And I was the consultant who'd helped make it happen.
"You're famous," Darcy said, showing me her phone. We were at The Grindhouse, my first visit since the battle. "Look—'Alex Carter, SHIELD Consultant and Avengers Support.' There are articles about you!"
"I'd rather not be famous."
"Too late. You coordinated civilian evacuation during an alien invasion. People want to know who you are." She scrolled through more articles. "Though most of them focus on the fact that you're dating Black Widow, which is apparently the real story."
I winced. Our relationship had been outed during the chaos—some photographer had caught Natasha and me embracing after the battle, and the internet had done its thing.
"How's she handling it?" Jade asked, setting down coffee.
"Better than me. She's used to attention, even if she doesn't like it. I'm just trying to keep my head down and do my job."
"Good luck with that," Marcus said from his usual corner. "You're part of the Avengers story now. That doesn't go away."
He wasn't wrong. Everywhere I went, people recognized me. Some wanted autographs, some wanted to thank me, some wanted to know what the Avengers were "really" like.
It was exhausting.
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PUBLIC RECOGNITION: HIGH
Effects:
Increased attention (positive and negative)
SHIELD security protocols enhanced
Relationship with Natasha now public knowledge
Reputation as "Avengers Consultant" established
Note: Fame is a double-edged sword. Use it wisely or it becomes a liability.
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I allocated my accumulated attribute points, focusing on rounding out my capabilities:
Attribute Points Allocated:
STR +2 (52/100 - maintaining peak human)
AGI +2 (61/100 - enhanced reflexes)
END +2 (55/100 - improved stamina)
INT +2 (50/100 - tactical acumen)
CHA +1 (63/100 - leadership presence)
LCK +1 (39/100 - every bit helps)
Updated Status:
STR: 52/100 (Peak Human)
AGI: 61/100 (Enhanced)
END: 55/100 (Excellent)
INT: 50/100 (Very Intelligent)
CHA: 63/100 (Highly Charismatic)
LCK: 39/100 (Above Average)
CHARM: 70/100 (Very Charming)
Combat Prowess: 99/100 (Peak Human)
I was at the absolute limit of unenhanced human capability. Any further improvement would require external augmentation—super-soldier serum, extremis, alien technology, or similar.
For now, this was enough.
Two weeks after the battle, Tony invited me to Stark Tower.
The building had taken damage during the fighting—the top floors were destroyed when Loki opened the portal. But Tony being Tony, he was already rebuilding, and with a new vision.
"Avengers Tower," he announced, showing me the plans. "Not just my building anymore. Team headquarters, living quarters for anyone who needs them, training facilities, the works."
"That's generous."
"It's practical. We need a base of operations, and I've got the resources. Plus, it keeps everyone close when the next crisis hits." He pulled up holographic schematics. "I'm thinking communal areas on the mid-levels, individual quarters customized for each team member, and the top floors for mission planning and tech labs."
"Sounds impressive."
"It will be. Construction starts next month, should be done by fall." He looked at me. "You'll have quarters here too, by the way."
"I'm not an Avenger."
"No, but you're Avengers-adjacent. Support staff, coordination, crisis management. Plus, Romanoff's going to be here frequently, and I figured you'd want to be close." He smirked. "Consider it a thank you for the smoke grenades and not letting Coulson die."
"I don't need—"
"I know you don't need it. I'm offering anyway. Free apartment in Manhattan, state-of-the-art security, and proximity to Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Say yes, Carter."
I thought about my current apartment. It was nice, but it was also... normal. Part of my old life, before all this superhero craziness.
Maybe it was time to embrace the new normal.
"Okay. Yes. Thank you, Tony."
"Excellent. I'll have JARVIS design something suitable. Bedroom, office space, maybe a small gym. What else do you need?"
"Coffee maker."
"Obviously. Anything else?"
"That's really it. Keep it simple."
"Simple. Right." He looked skeptical. "I'll try. No promises."
Steve was adjusting better than expected.
I found him at a SHIELD training facility, working with new recruits. He was teaching them hand-to-hand combat, and I watched as he demonstrated techniques with patience and clarity.
"He's good at this," an instructor told me. "Natural teacher. The recruits respect him immediately."
"He's had practice leading soldiers."
After the session, Steve joined me in the observation room.
"You're settling in," I observed.
"Trying to. It's still strange, but I'm finding my place." He grabbed a water bottle. "Fury offered me a position as primary field commander for SHIELD operations. I'm considering it."
"That's a big responsibility."
"I know. But it's also purpose. I need that." He looked at me seriously. "I wanted to thank you again. For everything. When I first woke up, I was lost. You helped me find my footing. I won't forget that."
"That's what friends do."
"Friends." He smiled. "Still getting used to having those again. But I'm glad you're one of them."
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RELATIONSHIP MILESTONE
Steve Rogers
Affection : 78 → 85/100 [Close Friend - Trusted Confidant]
Trust Level : 95/100 (Near Maximum)
Status: You've become one of his closest friends in this era. He sees you as a brother in arms and someone he can rely on completely.
Note: Steve Rogers' friendship is rare and valuable. You've earned the trust of Captain America himself. That means something.
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Thor had returned to Asgard with Loki and the Tesseract, promising to return when needed. But before he left, he'd sought me out.
"Alex Carter, my friend!" He'd pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. "You have proven yourself a true warrior. When I return to Midgard, we will feast and celebrate properly!"
"Looking forward to it."
"And if you ever have need of Asgard's aid, you need only call. You are counted among our allies now."
Having the personal friendship of a literal god was surreal, but I wasn't complaining.
Bruce Banner had disappeared again, choosing to remain off the grid for now. But before he left, he'd thanked me for helping coordinate the evacuation.
"You saved a lot of lives," he'd said quietly. "While we were fighting, you were protecting people. That matters just as much."
"So does stopping an alien invasion."
"Maybe. But I'm better at the smashing part than the saving part. It's good to know someone's handling the latter."
Clint Barton was recovering from his time under mind control. Natasha spent time with him, helping him process the trauma of being used by Loki.
"He's doing okay," she told me one evening at my apartment. "Better than I expected. Clint's resilient."
"He'd have to be to do your job."
"Our job," she corrected. "You're part of this world now too."
"I'm support staff."
"You're essential personnel." She cuddled closer on the couch. "Fury's already talking about bringing you in on more operations. Especially anything involving the Avengers."
"How do you feel about that?"
"Mixed. On one hand, I like working with you. On the other, it means more danger for you." She was quiet for a moment. "But I also know I can't protect you from everything. You're capable, you've proven that. I need to trust you to take care of yourself."
"I will. Promise."
"Good. Because I can't lose you. You're..." She struggled with the words. "You're my anchor. The person who keeps me grounded in all this chaos."
"You're the same for me."
We stayed like that for a while, just existing together in comfortable silence. Outside, the city was recovering. Inside, we had each other.
It was enough.
Late May brought unexpected news.
I was at SHIELD headquarters for a routine briefing when Coulson appeared—walking with a cane, still recovering, but alive and mobile.
"Phil!" I stood immediately. "You're up!"
"Mostly." He moved carefully, but his eyes were sharp. "Doctors cleared me for light duty. Thought I'd check in, see how much chaos you've all caused in my absence."
"Surprisingly minimal chaos."
"That's disappointing." He settled into a chair with obvious relief. "Fury briefed me. You've been busy. Avengers Tower, increased operations, coordinating team responses."
"Just doing the job."
"You're doing more than the job. You've become integral to Avengers operations." He looked at me with something like pride. "I knew you had potential when we first recruited you. I'm glad I was right."
"You trained me well."
"I gave you opportunities. You exceeded every expectation." He paused. "Thank you, by the way. For saving my life. Fury told me what you did, how you refused to let me die."
"Couldn't let you go. Who else would keep SHIELD running?"
"Fury, presumably. But I appreciate the sentiment." He pulled out a folder. "I'm recommending you for Level 5 clearance. Highest level for non-agents. Full access to classified operations, direct reporting to Fury, authorization for strategic decisions. Interested?"
"That's a big step."
"You've earned it. Multiple times over." He slid the folder across. "Read it over, think about it. Let me know."
After he left, I opened the folder.
Level 5 Consultant meant unprecedented access and authority. I'd be privy to SHIELD's deepest secrets, involved in strategic planning, and effectively part of the organization's leadership structure.
It also meant more responsibility, more danger, and deeper involvement in events I knew were coming—HYDRA's infiltration, SHIELD's fall, the chaos of the Winter Soldier.
But it also meant I could be positioned to help when those things happened. To protect people, to make a difference.
I signed the paperwork.
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LEVEL 5 CONSULTANT ACHIEVED
Maximum SHIELD Clearance (Non-Agent)
Benefits:
Financial: Monthly Retainer: $25,000
Assignment Pay: $15,000-$25,000
Equipment Budget: $20,000/month
Discretionary Funds: $50,000/year
Access: SHIELD Database: Level 7 (Top Secret)
All Operations: Full briefing access
Avengers Initiative: Strategic planning role
World Security: Threat assessment access
Authority: Strategic Decisions: Can authorize operations
Field Command: Can direct large-scale responses
Resource Allocation: Significant operational control
Personnel: Can recruit and recommend promotions
Monthly Income Updated: SHIELD: $40,000 (retainer + assignments) Investments: $12,000 Total: ~$52,000/month
Total Assets: $825,000
Note: You are now one of SHIELD's most powerful consultants. This comes with great responsibility and great danger.
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"Level 5?" Natasha was impressed when I told her. "Alex, that's... that's incredible. Most people work at SHIELD for decades without reaching Level 5 clearance."
"Coulson recommended me. Said I'd earned it."
"You have. You've done more in eight months than most consultants do in careers." She kissed me softly. "I'm proud of you. But also slightly terrified about what this means for your safety."
"No more dangerous than before."
"Yes it is. Level 5 means deep secrets. Means you'll know things that make you a target." She took my hands. "Promise me you'll be careful. That you won't take unnecessary risks."
"I promise. And I'll have you watching my back."
"Always."
June brought the first team training session at the partially completed Avengers Tower.
Tony had finished enough of the facility to make the training areas functional, and Fury wanted the team to practice working together in controlled conditions.
"We got lucky in New York," Fury said, addressing the assembled Avengers. "You came together when it counted. But you were also sloppy, uncoordinated, and nearly got yourselves killed multiple times. This training is to prevent that in future engagements."
Steve was designated as tactical leader, which made sense. Tony didn't love taking orders, but he respected Steve's combat experience enough to listen.
I watched from the observation deck as they ran scenarios—responding to threats, coordinating attacks, supporting each other. It was rough at first, but they were learning.
"They're getting better," Coulson observed beside me. He'd been medically cleared for observational duties, though not field work yet.
"They are. Give them a few months, they'll be a real team."
"They're already a real team. They just need to refine the execution." He looked at me. "You should be down there."
"I'm not an Avenger."
"No, but you're part of their support structure. You should understand their capabilities, their limitations. How else can you coordinate effectively?"
He had a point.
The next training session, I joined—not as a combatant, but as a command element. Steve would lead the tactical team, I'd handle logistics and coordination from a mobile command position.
It worked surprisingly well. Steve gave orders, I provided intel and resource allocation, and the team executed with increasing efficiency.
"You're good at this," Steve told me after one session. "The command and control aspect. You see the whole battlefield, not just your piece of it."
"That's my job. You fight, I make sure you have what you need to fight effectively."
"It's a good partnership."
"That's what teams are. Everyone playing their role."
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NEW ROLE ESTABLISHED
Avengers Tactical Coordinator
Responsibilities:
Strategic planning for team operations
Resource allocation during missions
Intelligence coordination
Crisis management
Liaison between Avengers and SHIELD
Benefits:
Direct access to all team members
Authority to coordinate Avengers operations
Strategic voice in mission planning
Note: You've found your permanent role in the Avengers structure. Not a member, but essential support.
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Life settled into a new rhythm over the summer.
Training sessions with the Avengers twice a week. Regular SHIELD operations and consultations. Time with Natasha when our schedules aligned. Coffee at The Grindhouse when I needed normalcy.
My apartment at Avengers Tower was completed in August—sleek, modern, with a view of Manhattan that was almost obscene. Tony had ignored "simple" and created something amazing, but at least he'd kept the coffee maker I'd requested.
Natasha started spending more time there than at her own SHIELD quarters.
"It's nicer," she explained. "And closer to you."
"You could just move in officially."
She paused in unpacking a bag of her things. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"
"I mean... you're here most nights anyway. Might as well make it official."
"Alex Carter, are you being practical and romantic at the same time?"
"Is that a yes?"
She smiled, that real smile she only gave me. "That's a yes."
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MAJOR RELATIONSHIP MILESTONE
Natasha Romanoff - Moved In Together
Significance:
Deepening commitment
Domestic partnership established
Shared living space at Avengers Tower
Next step in relationship progression
Note: You're living with Black Widow in a building full of superheroes. Your life is officially insane.
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September arrived with the promise of fall and a sense of anticipation.
The Avengers were a functioning team now. Stark Tower had become Avengers Tower, a symbol of hope and protection for the city. SHIELD was stronger than ever, though I knew storm clouds were gathering—HYDRA still lurked within, waiting.
But for now, things were good.
I was having coffee with Steve one morning when he asked, "Are you happy? With all this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your life. It's completely different from before, right? SHIELD, Avengers, all the danger and chaos. Are you happy?"
I thought about it. Eight months ago, I'd woken up in a different universe with a dating system and no idea what I was doing. Now I had a career, friends who were literal superheroes, and a relationship with the woman I loved.
"Yeah," I said honestly. "I'm happy. It's chaotic and sometimes terrifying, but it's also meaningful. I'm making a difference."
"Good. You deserve that." He smiled. "We all do."
As I left, heading back to Avengers Tower where Natasha was waiting, I reflected on how far I'd come.
I'd survived gods, aliens, and world-ending threats. I'd helped forge the Avengers and saved Phil Coulson. I'd built genuine relationships with some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
And I knew more challenges were coming—HYDRA, the Winter Soldier, Ultron, civil war, Thanos.
But I also knew I wouldn't face them alone.
I had Natasha. I had Steve, Tony, Thor, the whole team. I had SHIELD and all the resources of Level 5 clearance.
Whatever came next, we'd handle it together.
That was enough.