Marcus forced himself out of bed despite the protests from the medical monitors. His body still ached from the energy expenditure against the Destroyer, but whatever was arriving from Asgard could not be ignored. Coulson moved to help him, but Marcus waved him off and pulled the IV line from his arm with practiced efficiency.
"I can walk. Let's go see who Thor's people decided to send."
They emerged from the medical facility into chaos. SHIELD agents were scrambling to defensive positions around the perimeter, weapons raised toward the sky where rainbow light was beginning to coalesce in impossible patterns. The Bifrost energy was unmistakable, Marcus had seen it in the movies and recognized the distinctive shimmer of interdimensional transportation magic.
Thor stood in the center of the compound with Mjolnir in hand, his expression torn between hope and apprehension. "It is the Bifrost. My friends must have found a way to reopen the bridge. Heimdall has answered my calls."
The rainbow light touched down fifty yards from the compound's center with a thunderous impact that shook the ground. When the brilliance faded, four figures stood in the scorched circular pattern left by the Bifrost's arrival. Marcus recognized them immediately from his knowledge of the MCU, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, Thor's closest companions and most loyal friends.
Volstagg the enormous, with his great red beard and jovial demeanor that concealed a fierce warrior's heart. Fandral the dashing, resembling a musketeer with his rapier and confident smile. Hogun the grim, silent and serious with his mace and stoic expression. And Sif, dark-haired and deadly, her sword and shield marking her as one of Asgard's finest warriors.
"Thor!" Sif called out, already moving toward him with her companions close behind. "We thought you lost, banished forever. But Heimdall maintained his watch, and when you proved yourself worthy and reclaimed Mjolnir, he saw an opportunity to reopen the Bifrost for a brief moment."
The reunion was emotional, with embraces and laughter that spoke to deep bonds forged through countless battles. But even as they celebrated Thor's restoration, Marcus noticed Sif's eyes tracking the gathered SHIELD agents with professional assessment. She was evaluating threats, measuring capabilities, determining how dangerous these mortals might be.
Coulson approached slowly with his hands visible and non-threatening. "Agent Phil Coulson, SHIELD. I'm going to assume you are friends of Thor's rather than additional threats to Earth's security. Would that be correct?"
Volstagg laughed, a booming sound that carried across the compound. "Threats? We are the Warriors Three, finest fighters in all of Asgard! We have come to retrieve our friend and ensure his safe return home. Though I must say, you mortals seem to have treated him well enough in his time here."
"These people saved my life," Thor said, his tone carrying weight that silenced his friends' casual banter. "They fought beside me against the Destroyer despite having no obligation to do so, and some of them nearly died protecting me from Loki's weapon. They deserve our respect and gratitude, not condescension."
Sif's expression shifted, becoming more serious. "The Destroyer was sent here? Then Loki's treachery runs deeper than we feared. Thor, there is much we must tell you about what has happened in Asgard during your banishment. Your brother has, "
"Wait," Fandral interrupted, his sharp eyes catching something. "Thor, you said these mortals fought the Destroyer. How is that possible? The Destroyer should have obliterated any human who stood against it."
Thor gestured toward Marcus, who was still standing near the medical facility entrance. "Agent Marcus Reid of SHIELD created barriers of pure energy that held back the Destroyer's weapon long enough for me to reclaim Mjolnir and regain my powers. Without his intervention, I would have died, and the Destroyer would have continued its rampage through this realm."
All four Asgardian warriors turned their attention to Marcus with expressions ranging from curiosity to outright skepticism. Sif moved closer, her warrior's assessment even more pronounced now. She walked around Marcus slowly, studying him from multiple angles, her hand resting casually on her sword's pommel.
"This one is not ordinary," Sif said finally. "I can sense power within him, energy that resonates with the magic we know in Asgard but also carries something foreign, something I do not recognize. How did a mortal come to possess such abilities?"
"That is a question we are still trying to answer," Coulson said before Marcus could respond. "Agent Reid's capabilities are being evaluated and documented. What matters is that he used those capabilities to protect lives and prevent greater destruction. Would Asgard view that as something worthy of recognition?"
Hogun spoke for the first time, his voice deep and measured. "Any warrior who stands against impossible odds to protect the innocent earns respect, regardless of their origin. If Thor says this mortal saved his life, then he has earned a debt from Asgard."
"Indeed," Volstagg agreed, approaching Marcus with a surprisingly gentle expression for someone so large. "Though you look like you might fall over at any moment, young warrior. Holding back the Destroyer's power must have cost you dearly. Come, you should rest while we discuss what must happen next."
Marcus allowed himself to be guided to a chair that SHIELD personnel quickly provided. His legs were grateful for the support, and he had to admit that Volstagg was right about his condition. The exhaustion was still profound, and standing had taken more effort than he wanted to acknowledge.
Thor gathered his friends along with Coulson and several senior SHIELD personnel for a briefing about everything that had happened. Marcus listened as the Warriors Three and Sif explained the situation in Asgard, Odin had fallen into the Odinsleep, a periodic rest required to maintain the Allfather's power. In Odin's absence, Loki had claimed the throne and had been acting increasingly erratic, making decisions that endangered Asgard's alliances and stability.
"He attempted to destroy Jotunheim entirely using the Bifrost as a weapon," Sif said, her voice tight with anger. "We barely managed to stop him, but in the process the Bifrost was shattered. The rainbow bridge that connects the Nine Realms is gone, destroyed to prevent Loki from committing genocide. We cannot easily travel between realms anymore, and Asgard is effectively isolated."
"Heimdall used the last reserves of the Bifrost's power to send us here to retrieve you," Fandral added. "But bringing all of us back will be difficult, perhaps impossible without the bridge functioning. You may need to find another way home, Thor."
Thor's expression was troubled. "My father sleeps, my brother has gone mad with power, and the Bifrost is destroyed. I should return immediately to help restore order and ensure Asgard remains protected. But I also recognize my responsibility to Midgard. My actions brought the Destroyer here, endangered innocent people. I cannot simply leave without ensuring no further threats follow."
"Actually, you probably should return to Asgard as quickly as possible," Marcus said, drawing everyone's attention. They had been discussing the situation as if he was not present, but his analytical mind had been working through implications and possibilities. "If Loki attempted to destroy an entire realm and needed to be stopped by destroying the Bifrost, he represents a significant threat not just to Asgard but potentially to all Nine Realms. Earth included. Resolving the situation there would be the most effective way to ensure no additional threats are directed toward Earth."
Coulson nodded slowly. "Agent Reid makes a good point. We can handle Earth's security. You should focus on your home realm and preventing whatever chaos Loki might unleash next."
"There is also the matter of your father's condition," Marcus added carefully. "The Odinsleep is temporary, correct? When Odin awakens, he will need to know what happened during his rest. You should be there to explain and to help him understand both Loki's actions and your own growth during your banishment."
Thor studied Marcus with those penetrating blue eyes, and for a moment Marcus worried he had revealed too much knowledge about Asgardian customs. But then Thor smiled. "You are wise beyond your years, Agent Reid. Yes, my father will wake eventually, and when he does I must be present to account for all that has transpired. Perhaps your time on Midgard has taught you something of diplomatic thinking as well as combat."
"Before Thor departs, there are things we need to discuss," Coulson said, pulling out his tablet. "Director Fury will want assurances about future threats from Asgard. We need to establish some form of communication protocol in case Earth requires Asgard's assistance or vice versa. And frankly, we need to understand more about the Nine Realms and what other potential threats might exist that we should be preparing for."
What followed was several hours of detailed briefing and negotiation. Thor and his companions provided information about the Nine Realms, Asgard the realm eternal, Midgard which was Earth, Jotunheim home of the Frost Giants, Svartalfheim realm of the Dark Elves, and others. They described threats that existed across these realms, creatures and beings that occasionally crossed between worlds, and the general cosmology that Earth's scientists had no framework for understanding.
Marcus participated where appropriate, asking questions that would provide valuable intelligence without revealing how much he already knew. He learned details that the movies had never covered, nuances about Asgardian politics and Nine Realms dynamics that would be useful for understanding future events.
As afternoon turned to evening, Heimdall apparently found enough residual Bifrost energy to attempt a retrieval. The Warriors Three and Sif prepared to depart, gathering around Thor for what might be a one-way journey depending on whether they could successfully make the trip.
"Agent Reid," Thor said, approaching Marcus one final time before leaving. "I meant what I said about owing you a debt. When circumstances allow, I will return to check on your progress and provide what assistance I can with understanding your abilities. The power you wielded against the Destroyer was remarkable, and I believe with proper training you could become a formidable warrior. Perhaps even one worthy of fighting alongside Asgardians."
"I appreciate that, Thor. And if you ever need assistance from Earth, I hope you will remember that not all mortals are helpless. Some of us can stand against supernatural threats when necessary."
Thor clasped Marcus's forearm in a warrior's grip, careful not to apply too much of his divine strength. "I will not forget. Fare well, Marcus Reid. May your path be filled with honor and your battles be victorious."
The Bifrost activated with its characteristic rainbow light and thunderous sound. Thor and his companions were lifted into the sky, their forms becoming indistinct as the interdimensional transportation magic pulled them across space and realms. In seconds they were gone, leaving only the scorched circular pattern and the memory of Earth's first confirmed contact with extraterrestrial deities.
Coulson stood beside Marcus watching the sky where the Bifrost had departed. "Well, that was extraordinary. We have confirmed the existence of alien civilizations, documented beings with godlike powers, and established initial diplomatic contact with a realm beyond our understanding. Director Fury is going to have a field day with the implications."
"It changes everything," Marcus agreed. "Earth is not alone in the universe, and there are threats out there that our conventional military capabilities cannot handle. SHIELD will need to fundamentally revise its threat assessment models and operational protocols."
"Which is where people like you become valuable. If we are going to face supernatural and extraterrestrial threats, we need personnel who can stand against those threats with more than conventional weapons. Your abilities, whatever their source, put you in a unique position to bridge the gap between human capabilities and godlike powers."
Over the next week, Marcus underwent the promised medical and scientific evaluation. SHIELD's best doctors and researchers documented his abilities through extensive testing, measuring energy output, analyzing bioelectric patterns, and attempting to understand the mechanisms behind his powers. Marcus cooperated fully, though he was careful about how much power he displayed and how he described his capabilities.
The results were inconclusive but fascinating. His nervous system showed unusual adaptations that allowed him to sense and manipulate energy fields. His cells demonstrated enhanced efficiency in energy production and storage. His brain activity during power usage showed patterns that resembled both advanced meditation techniques and extreme physical exertion simultaneously.
"You are unique in our database," Doctor Chen told him during one evaluation session. "We have documented enhanced individuals before, super soldiers, gamma mutation victims, individuals with technological augmentation. But your abilities do not fit any existing category. You are something new, something we do not have precedent for understanding."
"Is that dangerous? Does it make me a security risk?"
"Potentially, if you lost control or if your abilities developed in unexpected ways. But your psychological evaluations show remarkable stability and strong ethical foundations. You consistently demonstrate the desire to protect others rather than pursue power for its own sake. That suggests you can be trusted to use your abilities responsibly."
The evaluation concluded with a comprehensive report that was immediately classified at the highest levels. Only Fury, Coulson, and a handful of other senior personnel would have access to the complete documentation of Marcus's capabilities. For operational purposes, his abilities would be acknowledged but not detailed, other agents would know he was enhanced but would not know the full extent of what he could do.
During his recovery period, Marcus also spent time reviewing the intelligence that had been gathered about HYDRA's infiltration. Hill sent him encrypted updates about her ongoing analysis of Project Insight personnel and compromised operations. The pattern was becoming undeniable, HYDRA had systematically positioned operatives throughout SHIELD's command structure, with particular focus on projects that involved surveillance, weapons development, and threat assessment.
"We have identified at least thirty agents who appear in suspicious contexts repeatedly," Hill's latest message read. "But we still do not have direct evidence linking them to HYDRA or any other specific organization. They could be corrupt for personal gain, or they could be part of a coordinated infiltration. We need more concrete proof before we can take action against them."
Marcus understood the challenge. Accusing SHIELD agents of being HYDRA operatives without irrefutable proof would trigger investigations that the infiltrators could manipulate or obstruct. They needed to be strategic about how they exposed the conspiracy, building an airtight case before making any moves that would alert HYDRA to what was being discovered.
Two weeks after the Destroyer incident, Marcus was cleared for return to active duty. Coulson met him in the briefing room with a satisfied expression and a thick folder of operational documents.
"Welcome back, Agent Reid. I have your first official assignment for special operations. We are going to India to find Doctor Bruce Banner and attempt to recruit him for a special project Director Fury is developing. Are you familiar with the Avengers Initiative?"
Marcus's heart rate increased despite his best efforts to remain calm. The Avengers Initiative. The project that would eventually bring together Earth's mightiest heroes to defend against threats no single hero could withstand. This was the beginning of everything.
"I have heard rumors about a program to assemble enhanced individuals for rapid response to major threats. Is that accurate?"
"Close enough. Director Fury believes that Earth needs a team of extraordinary people who can respond to threats like the Destroyer, supernatural, extraterrestrial, or enhanced individuals who pose dangers beyond conventional military capacity to handle. He is recruiting candidates who demonstrate both power and the character to use that power responsibly. Thor is on the list, though obviously he is not available currently. And Doctor Banner, despite his complications, has abilities that would be invaluable if they could be properly directed."
"The Hulk is not exactly known for being controllable. What makes Director Fury think Banner could work as part of a team?"
"Because Banner has been successfully controlling the Hulk for years now, living peacefully in remote locations and helping people through medical charity work. He has learned more about managing his condition than military scientists ever discovered through their attempts to weaponize him. Fury thinks with proper support and resources, Banner could learn to channel the Hulk's power when needed while maintaining control. And given your recent experience with enhanced abilities and learning control, you might be able to relate to Banner's situation in ways that other agents cannot."
Marcus considered this carefully. Recruiting Banner would be delicate work. The scientist had every reason to distrust government agencies and military personnel. He had been hunted, experimented on, and treated as a weapon rather than a person. Approaching him would require empathy, honesty, and a clear demonstration that SHIELD's intentions were different from General Ross's obsessive pursuit.
"When do we leave?" Marcus asked.
"Tomorrow morning. We have intelligence suggesting Banner is currently working at a medical clinic in Kolkata. We will approach him carefully and make our case. If he agrees to meet with Director Fury, we facilitate that meeting. If he refuses, we do not push. The goal is recruitment, not capture. Director Fury is very clear about that distinction."
That evening, Marcus prepared for the India mission by reviewing everything SHIELD had documented about Bruce Banner and the Hulk incident in Harlem. He watched security footage of the Hulk's battle with the Abomination, studying the creature's movements and capabilities. The Hulk was indeed incredibly powerful, strong enough to level buildings and withstand military-grade weapons without significant injury.
But Marcus also noticed something that the military analysts had missed or chosen not to acknowledge. The Hulk had protected civilians during the battle, had specifically avoided causing casualties even while fighting for his life. That suggested Banner's consciousness was present even during transformation, that some part of the scientist's ethics and morality remained active even when the monster was in control.
That would be important for making the case that Banner could work as part of the Avengers Initiative. If the Hulk was simply a mindless engine of destruction, recruitment would be impossible. But if Banner could guide the Hulk's actions even while transformed, then with training and support he could become one of Earth's greatest defenders.
Marcus packed light for the trip, field gear, civilian clothing appropriate for India's climate, secure communication equipment, and a weapon that he hoped he would not need. Coulson had been clear that this was a recruitment mission, not a combat operation. They would approach Banner with respect and honesty, not threats and ultimatums.
He slept fitfully that night, his dreams filled with images of green monsters and purple energy, of gods and assassins and conspiracies that lurked in shadows. When morning came, Marcus was already awake and ready, his analytical mind churning through scenarios and contingencies.
The flight to India was long, giving Marcus and Coulson time to discuss strategy and review Banner's psychological profile. The scientist was brilliant but traumatized, carrying guilt about the destruction his alter ego had caused and constantly fearful of being captured and weaponized. Approaching him would require demonstrating that SHIELD understood his concerns and was offering genuine partnership rather than exploitation.
"Director Fury believes Banner could be one of the most valuable assets in the Avengers Initiative," Coulson explained as they flew over the Atlantic. "The Hulk's power combined with Banner's scientific genius would make him invaluable for both combat operations and research into exotic threats. But only if we can convince Banner that we see him as a person rather than a weapon."
"What leverage do we have to make that case? Why should Banner trust SHIELD when every other government agency has tried to capture or control him?"
"Because we are not offering capture or control. We are offering resources, protection, and the opportunity to use his abilities for genuine good. Director Fury is prepared to provide Banner with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, security that keeps General Ross's people away, and the freedom to pursue his own research while also consulting on projects that could benefit humanity. It is a genuine partnership, not a prison dressed up as opportunity."
They landed in Kolkata and made their way through the crowded city to the neighborhood where Banner was reportedly working. The medical clinic was exactly as Marcus remembered from the movie, modest, serving a poor community, staffed by dedicated volunteers who asked no questions about the large American doctor with anger management issues.
Coulson and Marcus watched the clinic from a distance for several hours, confirming Banner's presence and observing his routine. The scientist arrived early, worked long hours treating patients with obvious skill and compassion, and maintained careful control over his emotions even in stressful situations. This was not the raging monster that military footage suggested, this was a man who had learned to channel his abilities toward helping others.
"We approach tomorrow morning," Coulson decided. "Give him one more normal day, then we make contact before he arrives at the clinic. I want to talk to him alone first, establish that we are not a threat. Then I will introduce you and explain why someone with your unique perspective might understand his situation."
That night, Marcus reviewed the speech he had mentally prepared for meeting Banner. He would be honest about his own enhanced abilities, creating common ground between them. He would acknowledge the fear and isolation that came with being different, with having power that could hurt people if misused. And he would offer the one thing Banner probably wanted most, a chance to be part of something larger than himself, to use his abilities for good rather than constantly running and hiding.
Morning came with heavy clouds and the promise of rain. Coulson and Marcus positioned themselves on the route Banner typically took to the clinic, waiting in civilian clothes that would not immediately mark them as government agents. When Banner appeared, walking with hunched shoulders and eyes down, Coulson stepped forward with his hands clearly visible.
"Doctor Banner, my name is Phil Coulson. I would like to talk to you about an opportunity that I think you will find interesting. I am not here to threaten or capture you. I am here to offer you a job."
Banner stopped, his body language immediately defensive. Marcus could see the man's muscles tensing, could sense the fear and anger that lurked just beneath the surface. This was the moment of maximum danger, if Banner felt cornered or threatened, the Hulk could emerge in the middle of a crowded street.
"I am not interested in jobs from government agencies. I have had enough of being studied and controlled. Leave me alone."
"I understand your concern, Doctor Banner. You have every reason to distrust people like me. But what I am offering is genuinely different. SHIELD is not the military, and Director Nick Fury is not General Ross. We do not want to weaponize you or lock you in a cell. We want to offer you resources and protection in exchange for your expertise and occasional assistance with threats that normal people cannot handle."
"Like the Hulk." Banner's voice was bitter. "You want the monster, not the man."
"We want both," Marcus said, stepping forward for the first time. "Doctor Banner, my name is Marcus Reid, and I have abilities that I do not fully understand or control. I know what it feels like to have power inside you that could hurt people if you lose focus for even a moment. I know the fear of being seen as a weapon rather than a person. That is why I am here, because I understand what you are going through in ways that most agents cannot."
Banner's eyes locked onto Marcus with sharp intelligence. "You are enhanced. I can see it in the way you move, the way you are ready to react if I become a threat. What can you do?"
"I manipulate energy. Create shields, barriers, project force when necessary. I recently held off a weapon designed to kill gods long enough to save someone's life, and it nearly killed me. My abilities are still developing, and I am learning control just like you have been learning to control the Hulk."
Something in Banner's expression shifted slightly, a crack in the defensive wall. "Learning control. Is that what you call it? I have been running for years, hiding in places where I can do the least damage when I inevitably lose control. That is not learning, that is survival."
"But you have learned," Coulson said gently. "You have been living peacefully here for months, helping people, maintaining control even in stressful situations. That demonstrates remarkable progress and discipline. SHIELD wants to support that progress, give you the resources and environment where you can continue developing control while also using your unique capabilities for good."
"And if I say no? What happens then?"
"Then we leave you alone. This is a genuine offer, not a veiled threat. Director Fury believes in giving people choices rather than forcing them into situations they do not want. If you are happy here and want to continue your current work, we will respect that decision."
Banner studied them both for a long moment, clearly trying to determine if this was legitimate or an elaborate trap. Marcus could see the scientist weighing options, calculating probabilities, assessing risks.
Then an explosion ripped through the street three blocks away.
The blast was massive, sending smoke and fire billowing into the sky. Civilians screamed and ran in all directions, panic spreading like wildfire through the crowded neighborhood. Marcus's enhanced senses picked up the sound of automatic weapons fire and shouted orders in a language he did not recognize.
"What the hell, " Coulson was already moving, pulling out his weapon and his comm unit. "This is Agent Coulson requesting immediate backup at coordinates, "
Another explosion, this one closer. Marcus saw armed men in military-style gear emerging from vehicles, firing indiscriminately at civilians and advancing toward their position with clear purpose. These were not random terrorists, this was a coordinated military assault in the middle of a civilian area.
"They are coming for me," Banner said, his voice tight with barely controlled anger. "This is Ross. He found me, and he does not care how many innocent people get hurt in the process."
Marcus's precognition flared with urgent warning. Three vehicles were converging on their location, carrying at least twenty heavily armed soldiers. Behind them, heavier weapons were being deployed, weapons designed specifically to contain or kill the Hulk.
"We need to get you out of here now," Marcus said urgently. "If you transform in the middle of this crowd, the casualties will be catastrophic."
"If I run, they will chase me and hurt more people trying to capture me. I am done running." Banner's eyes were beginning to show traces of green, his muscles swelling slightly as the transformation tried to begin. "Maybe it is time I stopped trying to control the monster and let him do what he does best."
"Doctor Banner, please, " Coulson started to say, but he was cut off as the lead assault vehicle rounded the corner and soldiers opened fire.
Marcus threw up an energy shield on pure instinct, purple barriers materializing to intercept the incoming rounds. Bullets sparked off the shield's surface, and Marcus felt the strain immediately, maintaining this level of protection while covering all three of them was pushing his abilities hard.
"Get Banner to cover!" Marcus shouted to Coulson. "I can hold them off for a few seconds but not much longer!"
Coulson grabbed Banner's arm and tried to pull him toward a nearby building, but the scientist had stopped responding to external stimuli. His eyes were fully green now, his body beginning to expand as the transformation accelerated beyond his ability to stop it. The Hulk was coming, and nothing they could do would prevent it.
The lead soldier in the assault team raised a weapon that Marcus recognized from SHIELD intelligence files, a gamma radiation neutralizer designed specifically to weaken or disable the Hulk. If that weapon fired and hit Banner during transformation, the results could be catastrophic.
Marcus extended his shield, trying to cover Banner while also protecting Coulson and nearby civilians. The strain was enormous, far worse than what he had experienced against the Destroyer because he was trying to protect multiple targets simultaneously while under sustained fire from automatic weapons.
His shield fractured, cracks spreading across its surface. Marcus poured more energy into maintaining the barrier, but he could feel his reserves depleting rapidly. He would not be able to hold this for more than a few more seconds.
Banner screamed as the transformation completed. His body expanded massively, shredding his clothes and growing to over eight feet tall. Muscles bulged with impossible size and definition. Skin turned deep green. And eyes that had been filled with intelligence and fear were now blazing with pure rage.
The Hulk had arrived.
And the gamma radiation neutralizer fired directly at his chest.