Sixteenth

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***

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Exact location unknown.

A month and a half after the events of the previous part.

He woke up early. His unwilling fellow misfit, and at the same time the man who had saved his life, Insen, was still dozing. He lay there for about ten minutes, staring aimlessly at the cave ceiling stained with cinders. For some reason, on this crucial day, he remembered not the moment of his capture, which had already become a nightmare, but a very insolent and clingy young man.

Tony Stark for a long time believed that his life is full, and that to change something in it to anyone, but he certainly should not. After all, he has everything! Attractive appearance, money, which can be especially not to count, popularity that any star showbiz envy. And besides, he also has a remarkable mind. Obviously, Tony had plenty of reasons to consider himself a happy man. But there was always something inside him. Something unseen, forgotten. Being himself, he couldn't dwell on his inner feelings for long. He was made of a different mould. There was no room for any kind of reflection. Maybe he led such a wild way of life that he could never understand what he lacked, so he silenced any doubts with alcohol and the society of the fair sex.

And at some point in his measured, somewhat quiet and peaceful life interfered with someone Peter Parker. Arrogant young man, that not for a second and did not think to be timid in front of the name of the billionaire. Tony liked that kind of man. Parker was undoubtedly a clever chap, that was for sure! Of course, his knowledge of cold fusion was no greater than Stark's. The guy was more at home with technology and engineering, but that didn't matter. A new approach, interesting thoughts, ideas, Peter brought it all, but even that wasn't all that weighty. This guy finally gave Stark a grip on the shadow that had been sorely missing from his existence. While the shadow was not yet clear, blurry, murky, but with each passing day Tony realised what it was he desired. As the son of a brilliant inventor, a gunsmith, he had inherited his father's entire empire. And no one called him anything other than his father's son. His intelligence was not ignored, but first of all he was the son of Howard Stark. Tony had successfully continued his father's work, but now he found himself thinking that if he didn't do something extraordinary, he would remain only a second Stark.

As soon as Tony stood up, Insen turned his head warily, immediately waking up. Living virtually in captivity, they had both quickly learnt to be cautious. After a quick snack of food left over from last night, the captives exchanged a few words and began to make preparations. They had to act carefully and quickly. Several video cameras were vigilantly watching their every move, and it was not easy to find a secluded corner in the cave that was not captured by the lens. The parts of the steel armour that Stark had to put on were quite massive.

- Insen, switch on the power. - Trying to speak calmly commanded almost dressed Tony.

- Now... Speak! - The medic's hands did not tremble, and he performed his part of the job clearly and promptly.

- Key ef eleven. Do you see the load indicator?

- Yes.

- Now press ai and entr. Did you press it? Good, now the clasps.

- Done! - after a couple of minutes, Insen excitedly blurted out.

- Then let's get started! Remember - you leave the cave only when you are sure that it is safe!

The steel mask covering his face lowered, the doctor pressed a couple of keys on another laptop, and there was an explosion in the cave, ripping out the metal doors of the bunker. Tony took a few tentative steps, getting used to the controls of the suit, and stepped into the corridor that separated him from his cherished freedom.

Something was wrong. According to their joint calculations, there should have been more terrorists. Could they not hear the sound of gunfire in the cave? Nonsense! Then why had he only encountered five or so armed men along the way? Tony quickly pushed the bad thoughts out of his mind, now was not the time to think about what happened to those poor souls he had caressed with his steel-clad hand!

Making each movement, he counted his steps in his mind. Despite all the calculations, the armour was consuming a bit more energy than he and Insen had thought! So he was glad that so far the operation of his own rescue had been much easier than Stark had imagined. He stopped in front of a light failure. That's freedom, all you have to do is take a step and switch on the repulsors. Those little things will eat up almost all the energy, but in return they'll give you a few minutes of flight time. At least, in theory, they should. But considering that all the armour he'd collected was made from auxiliary materials, almost almost out of thin air.... It was hard to predict with certainty the outcome of the repulsors switching on. Tony had hoped it would be enough to escape.

Too bad he wouldn't. After all, behind him in the dark cave was the man to whom he owed his life. Which means Stark will try to destroy all the terrorists, their entire base, no matter how big it is. And the repulsors aren't going anywhere, are they?

The metal-clad man took a deep breath and stepped out of the cave complex. The bright sun hit his eyes, and it took him a few long seconds to adjust to the new lighting. Raised arms with inbuilt flamethrowers slowly lowered. Stark watched in amazement the dilapidated camp of the Ten Rings terrorist organisation. It, located in a small mountain valley, bore little resemblance to a place the prisoner had seen once before. Part of the camp was on fire, a dozen people with their hands spread out and weapons clutched, lying on the sand. No, not men anymore, just their corpses. Suddenly a machine gun burst from the left, the helmet of the suit with its characteristic mechanical beeping, turned in that direction. Three sundry-clad terrorists were firing spasmodically at the girl rapidly approaching their position. Tony couldn't get a good look at the warrior from this distance, but the first thing that caught his eye was her thick white hair. The girl somehow managed to dodge the bullets. She swung her left arm sharply, and the two automatons fell on the hot sand. The blonde repeated the motion, but with the other hand, and this time Stark could see how a thin black thread reached out to the remaining fighter. It wrapped around his neck. The girl at that moment was already close to the terrorist, pushing off the rock, she jumped on a thick wooden beam, which was located three or four metres from the ground. A moment and the blonde jumped to the other side of the structure. The rope around the automaton's neck jerked sharply, even from his considerable distance Stark heard the crunch of breaking neck vertebrae.

The girl hesitated in one place for a few moments, and Tony was finally able to get a closer look at the warrior. In her tight leather suit, with a whip in her hand and a large neckline, she looked more like a participant in some kind of role-playing game. But it wasn't just the billionaire of currently uncertain social status who took advantage of the blonde's delay. One eyed member of the Rings, decided to shoot the enemy with a large-calibre gun. But the girl was able to react, it seemed at the last second, she threw her body behind the saving rock. Tony didn't hesitate long to watch the shelter of his possible ally crumble under the onslaught of shells. Quickly activating the rocket built into his arm, he launched it at the machine gunner's position. The glasometer malfunctioned, and there was no precision hit, but the rock that collapsed behind the bandit's back buried his body beneath it.

- Mr Stark. - the BDSM lover approached, rather than speaking. She acted as if she was used to seeing such 'spacesuits' in public every day.

- I was hoping I could stay incognito at this masquerade. - The playboy joked a little strained.

He lifted the mask that covered his face and gave what appeared to be an ally another appraising glance. The strips of white fur on her arms and legs made the warrior look even more sexy. The thin leather mask on her face, apparently not even intended to hide it.

- Oh, I'm so sorry to have disrupted your scheme!

- It's nothing. - Tony smiled charmingly. He hoped that even on his soot-stained face this smile, rehearsed over the years, would impress the blonde. - But may I ask what brings you to this party? Although to be honest, I'm more interested in where you bought your lovely outfit.

- Oh! It's an author's work! - the girl spun round her axis, showing herself in all her splendour. - By the way, do you mind changing the place of our conversation? I'm afraid that fireworks will be set off here soon. - The blonde nodded at the flaming Stark Industries ammunition.

- Good idea. - Stark couldn't hold back the anger in his voice, someone's going to get a lot of heat for selling his weapons to a bunch of terrorists! Let me get home!

- As you may have realised by now, we came to this godforsaken place for you. - Meanwhile, the warrior woman was telling us as she went along.

- We? Who sent you? Rhodes? Or did Obadiah put you up to it?

- I'm here with my friends. - she smiled radiantly. - By the way Mr Stark, we can hardly take your... um...

- costume. - the man suggested.

- Yes, that's right. So think of a way to secure your technology. As for your benefactor, you'll soon see for yourself.

So old Rhodes, Obadiah wouldn't risk his own body and fly to a place like this personally.

- I hadn't thought of the self-destruct system...' Tony muttered thoughtfully, and went into his own head, fascinated by the unexpected cascade of new ideas.

Mechanically, literally and figuratively, he followed the girl. The man did not notice how they were joined by two fighters dressed in the latest military equipment. The eccentric genius woke up only near the helicopter.

- Erm... sorry, I think I got carried away! There's another man being held prisoner here, and I can't leave without him.

- I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me. - from the cabin of the chopper, a familiar short-cropped head peeked out with his glasses pushed up on his nose. Stark noted to himself again that Insen had never learnt to let go of his barbs.

- You've learnt to teleport. The variety of your talents continues to amaze me. I thought I'd come to know you quite well over the past few weeks.

- No, no,' the Afghan shook his head a little too sharply. - I don't know how to do that, but he...

- Who's 'he'...? - Stark hesitated when a young boy, who had been a few metres away a second earlier, materialised out of thin air beside him. - Holy shit.

- Hey, hey! Where's the tony stark i know?! Has a couple of weeks in captivity changed him that much? I don't think he'd have been surprised by anything like this before.

From the direction of the Ten Rings camp, where shells were already exploding, two more people appeared. A girl and, apparently, a guy. They were both deftly jumping from rock to rock, thus shortening their path. Another platinum blonde, but this time with an elaborate hairstyle, on her head. The girl had skin as white as milk, and incredibly large blue-coloured eyes. But all this paled in front of her ears, slightly stretched upwards, pointed elf ears! The picture of the image of the firstborn was completed by green-coloured clothes, and the same cloak with a folded hood. The only thing that strikingly did not match the image of a forest shooter was a modern rifle on his shoulder. A bow and quiver of arrows would have been more appropriate.

The guy was also dressed peculiarly, the black-coloured clothes gave off a certain degree of futurism, but the main touch in the guy's clothes was the scarlet image of a spider on his chest. It made at least someone in this strange company of unexpected saviours recognisable. And if even a second ago he was seriously afraid of getting into the same chopper with a girl of strange tendencies and fantastic elven, now he calmed down a little. Still, Verkholaz had a very positive reputation. The question was, what was a New York superhero doing this far away? And what do his words mean?

- Previously, I had consumed so much alcohol that I wasn't surprised at much on principle. - Tony remarked. - Do we know each other?

- We do. - his voice suddenly changed dramatically. - For some reason, you kept calling me an overly arrogant bloke who doesn't know anything about--

- cold fusion! - exclaimed the billionaire, and gave his unexpected saviour a friendly nudge on the shoulder. But he completely forgot about the fact that he was shackled in several hundred kilos of metal. As a result, Spider was thrown a couple of metres away and his back was pressed into a rock. Before Tony could even realise what had happened, he saw that he was facing the muzzle of a rifle clutched by an elven woman.

A familiar rifle by the way! He remembered designing it. It turned out to be a killing thing in almost all respects, 20-millimetre little thing, with an extended magazine for nine cartridges, the total length of the gun a little less than one and a half metres! And the elf is holding her weight! Hell yes, the rifle, together with the additional armouring and a full magazine weighs about sixty kilograms! And her hands don't shake! Shit!

- Tira, Cat, don't do that! - Exclaimed cheerfully jumping up Spider.

Elfica reluctantly lowered her weapon, the BDSM-loving woman stepped out from behind Tony's back, and Stark noticed with considerable surprise, turning into curiosity, the short lightning bolts between the fingers of her hands. Curious technology, definitely he and Peter had a lot to talk about!

- Sorry,' Tony smiled, 'I completely forgot about my suit. And the increased power, too.

- Interesting suit, by the way.

- We designed it together, and all I had to do was put it together. Too bad it'll have to be destroyed. Are you sure your bird won't put on a few extra kilos?

- Exactly, we'll have to take two extra passengers. - waved his hands at the Spider.

- Two? - Tony was surprised.

- Well, your fellow in misfortune. - nodded towards Insen. - And one of your captors must not be forgotten.

- Why do we need a terrorist on board?

- You see, I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out exactly where to find you. And in the process, some interesting things have come to light. You've seen for yourself that almost all of these guys' weapons are from your company, right?

- I did, and I'm pretty sure I've never sold anything to gangsters. Wait a minute, you're saying that someone at Stark Industries was not only leaking guns to the side, but also-- But who would want that?

- I have a theory, but I'm afraid you're not gonna like it. So you're gonna want to be present for the interrogation yourself.

- All right. - Tony frowned even harder. He had already made a small list of people who would benefit from his death and who would have enough power in the company to organise it. And he didn't like the names on that list, he didn't like them very much. - Help me get out of this suit.

***

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Serdeh Banda Airport.

It was a long flight. I fell asleep halfway through the journey, nestled next to Tira. At first I wanted to wake Stark up and talk to him about a couple of interesting topics. But he just sat there, frowning and almost unresponsive to external stimuli. The captivity must have had quite an effect on him. And I asked him not to fly to that distant and hot Afghanistan! What are you doing there? Send some deputy. Well, tell me, why should arms sales be handled by the most senior manager in the company? No, if we were talking about large wholesale sales! But such deals are not made in the desert! Yeah, well, I hope Tony recovers quickly and goes back to making barbs left and right.

Still, it took me a lot of sweat to pinpoint Stark's exact location. Afghanistan's a big country, and running around looking in every cave I could find was not a good idea. So I had to send the Cat to the office of Tony's chief envy, Obadiah Stein. And here's the funny thing, this individual actually kept almost all of his history with the Ten Rings terrorist organisation on his computer! Yes, yes, on his office PC! Undoubtedly, there was a good, let's say even very good defence system. And to be frank, without outside help, I probably would not have been able to crack it. But I got there just in time to pay a visit to Stark's empty California residence.

Jarvis, the head computer or butler, turned out to be a sane guy. I'm not sure I meant butler, but Miss Potts is doing a good job of it. I had suspected Jarvis of having a will of his own long ago, since my first visit to Stark's villa, which automatically put this marvellous specimen of advanced digital technology in the AI category. He-hehe philanthropist himself, and collected this candy, after another binge, it seems, did not quite understand what he had done. He just used all the incredible range of Jarvis' abilities. Apparently sincerely believing that every American schoolboy's laptop is not much different from his AI.

It was enough for me to lay out to Jarvis my logical deductions, supported by a couple of articles from the Internet, where it was mentioned that it was Stein who traded weapons on the side, secretly from Tony. And that he was the one who benefited from Stark's death. The AI immediately dumbfounded me by telling me that by its calculations, it tends to believe that it was this bald but bearded conniving type who was responsible for his Creator's kidnapping. Jarvis helped break the defences on Stein's computer, and we had ironclad proof of his guilt, and the coordinates of the Rings' base.

We could have just gone to law enforcement with that information. But I wanted to personally save that crazy alcoholic's carcass. So I had to do it again. If with people it was not even a question. The girls wanted to come with me and try out their new abilities in a real case. Shark and a few of his acquaintances gladly agreed, for a reasonable fee, to work in their speciality. Soldiers of fortune, yeah. According to the man, he'd had enough of teaching self-defence to rich and wayward clients. And I'm seriously considering offering him a full-time job. I'll be doing a lot of forceful actions, and Shark is a very skilful specialist, as well as his friends. Of course, age is slowly taking its toll, but it's not a problem I have to worry about, at least not for me.

So, there was no problem with the human resource. But the question of how to get to distant and hot Afghanistan was very acute. Undoubtedly, I solved it, but I did not like the method very much. For some reason I wanted to turn to her help less and less lately. But necessity compelled me.

- Interesting aeroplane. - Stark scratched his beard thoughtfully, looking at the vehicle in which we would be travelling to America. - And that emblem looks familiar to me.

We had already landed about twenty minutes ago in the vicinity of the Serdeh Banda airport. We were now busily hauling gear, aboard a superfast aircraft, courtesy of Nick Fury.

- Since childhood, I presume? - I ask with a touch of curiosity.

- Hmm... maybe. I can't say for sure where or when, but I've definitely seen something similar. What does that have to do with my childhood?

- I can't say, but from what I can tell, your father was directly involved with S.H.I.E.L.D.

- S.H.I.E.L.D.? What's that?

- A secret service whose primary mission is to protect humanity, and America in particular, from threats beyond the comprehension of the general public.

- Can't you be more specific? You know my brain refuses to work without a glass of whiskey and a big hot dog.

- Mutants, psychics, aliens, personalities like me--

- You? Stark interrupted me. - So you're not a mutant? Then who is?

- Genetically altered.

- Funny, funny, funny.

- Hey! Don't give me those eyes! You're an engineer, not a biologist!

- It's not a problem to learn genetics,' Tony muttered thoughtfully, but then he laughed.

- You're joking! - I grumbled offended, it's really not a problem for him to learn!

- The fact that you are interested in genetics, for me, of course, was not a secret, but I did not think that you managed to reach such heights there. And the fact that you also moonlight as a superhero... well, that's a surprise.

- Not really. - I'm scratching the back of my head. - That's not why I had my mutation. And the hero thing, that's just the way it is. If I were you, I'd be worried about me! Expect a visit from S.H.I.T.!

- What about me? I'm not an alien.

- That's true. But if I'm right, your father was one of the actual founders of S.I.T., and the one who basically gave them the initial technical base. I think they'd be looking out for the son of a man like that anyway. And the fact that they agreed to provide me with transport right away is an indirect confirmation of their interest. And when their superiors hear about your new development--

I lied about the transport, of course. Nick was in the dark about the purpose of the operation until the last minute. The pilots will, of course, but it doesn't matter. I'm more frightened by the carnivorous looks Fury's been throwing at me lately, and the remarkable ease with which she's going to meet me....

- Our development. - Tony grumbled, but he looked thoughtful for a few minutes. - But I don't owe them anything, do I? Do I? Right. Then they can go fuck themselves! Heh-heh.

- Why are you laughing? I'm suspicious.

- You'll pay for the transport yourself! You asked for it, you're responsible, hehehe!

- What a bugger! But I'll charge you for the rescue!

- Aye-aye! You call yourself a friend!

- You're one to talk!

I don't remember the flight to the other continent. Once again, I fell asleep shamefully next to Gwen. I wasn't roused until ten minutes before landing. The plane landed at a military airfield near New York. Shark's men and himself said goodbye and went home to rest. According to my coach, clearing the camp did not prove to be an overly difficult task. The terrorists had chosen a small mountain valley for stealth purposes, and it was easy to kill them in it. The guys did a great job, and Gwen had almost no work to do. She, of course, wanted to shoot, but the calibre of her monster rifle was too big and not in demand. The terrorists simply didn't have any real armoured vehicles, against which such guns are mostly used.

Taking under my arms the terrorist commander, whom I managed to capture in a relatively intact state, I also went to get out of the plane. He was a relative commander, by the way. They have such a stupid chain of command there, that it was impossible to figure out at once. So I brought the man Obadiah Stein was negotiating with. He'll be able to point the bastard out when he's questioned.

- Oh! I see I'm being greeted! - Stark followed me, surprised.

A dark-skinned, short-haired army man, standing half-turned toward us, was talking to one of his colleagues. He didn't seem to see us.

- Yes. I thought it was appropriate to call Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes. You're friends, aren't you?

- Well, he probably thinks so, too. - Tony smiled wryly. - I don't know why you saved me and not him.

- Don't grumble. James had his nose in the hot sand of Afghanistan looking for you. I don't know how he managed to get his superiors to scratch their heads and allocate resources to find you. I think you know that a lot of the higher-ups in the army don't like you. There are a lot of people here who were relieved when you disappeared. And you've done a lot of bad things to a lot of people. Anyway, it's not Rhodes' fault he doesn't have the kind of specific abilities that I do.

- He doesn't have the brains.

- Oh, come on! He's a good bloke! You should have heard the way he swore when he was called back home. I told him not to tell him they'd found you. I thought it would be a surprise.

- Anyway, thanks for calling him and not Pepper. By the way, I understand you don't work for S.H.I.E.L.D., but you still manage to use their resources. They used them to get Rhodes here, didn't they? - I just nodded. - I just think it's kind of weird. Don't you?

- Believe me, I wish I could figure it out myself,' I sighed sincerely.

- Well, if you don't want to, don't tell me, I understand.

- By the way, Tony, - I'm changing the subject, - Otto Octavius called me a couple of days ago. He was pretty pissed off that you'd been kidnapped.

- Really? He seemed pretty distracted to me. I didn't think he was interested in anything in life besides work.

- Heh...' I smile. - So you didn't finish listening. He calls and says that everything is ready. The generator has been built, we can conduct tests. I reply to the German that there's no way. Since you are unknown where and who knows when you will appear.

- What about him? - Stark grins in anticipation.

- Oh, I haven't heard that kind of foul language in a long time. Half of it was in German. Wow, it sounded so good! I wish I could repeat it verbatim... German's not my thing. I started learning it after that, but I haven't made much progress.

- That's a shame! I'd listen too.... You really need to learn the language, that's a great idea!

- We're not motivated in the right way. - I lamented. - To learn German just because it sounds great with swearing....

- Please! - Tony snorted. - Well, we'll drop in on that madman one of these days. He's a funny guy, though he's wrong about his reactor. I'll just eat and sleep and then we'll drop by.

After handing over the captured terrorist to James's colleague, I watched the two friends meet from the sidelines, whatever Stark was muttering, he appreciated and respected the Lieutenant Colonel. As much as Tony Stark does, of course! I guess I won't say goodbye. Besides, they're waiting for me, and this walking headache is going to be begging Rowdy for a giant hamburger for a long time to come, and fending off attacks to drive himself to the hospital.

- Guys leave without me, I seem to be visiting...' I said to the girls, and to a crumpling Snake.

About five minutes ago, near the plane stopped a car, obviously arrived on my soul.

- Maybe not? - Gwen peered through my lenses, trying to see the eyes behind them. - We don't like these guys!

We don't? 'We!' That's her and Felicia, respectively. That's a lot of sibling bonding! Sometimes I get confused about who's dating who! Am I with Gwen? Or Felicia? The cat's got a lot of nerve, and some of her innuendos are really creeping me out. And given how much they are friends with Gwen, then about the appearance of any small or large so to speak family secrets, Hardy will invariably find out. And not ahead of me! Because of what I sometimes think that it is girls with each other, and I am their gay friend, with whom you can not be shy and share every little thing... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

- I won't be long. And no, you should not come with me! Snake ported them over.

The guy looked guiltily at the girls, but my authority was stronger so he put his palm on Gwen's shoulder. I wanted to do the same with Felicia, but she slightly recoiled. The guy was not confused and wrapped his long tail around her shin. You cheeky bastard! I wonder who managed to loosen him up like that? Though there's nothing to think about. Petra, and her so-called patronage.... A moment and the trio disappears with a quiet clap. Eh! If only Kurt knew how to port between continents! Wouldn't have to ask Nick for a plane.

- Hello, Agent Coulson. I take it you're here to see me?

- You've never been wrong in my memory, Top Hat. - Phil smiled.

- You and I haven't known each other that long, so don't exaggerate my talents.

- Have a seat. You won't refuse to visit our humble office, will you?

- I wouldn't mind ...

***

New York. Rehab centre.

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York office is a nice disguise. The sign in front of the entrance to the building we were looking for kindly informed us that we were entering a rehabilitation centre for soldiers of the American army. As far as I could see, this base successfully combined both tasks. In any case, we had to wander through the corridors until the classic 'men in black' started to appear on our way. And then, at one point, I spotted HER! A blonde girl (why always blondes?!) stood at the end of the corridor, in front of a massive metal door. She was dressed rather oddly, I'd say even kind of old-fashioned. In her hands she was nervously twirling something large and round, wrapped in a piece of beige cloth. Imagine my surprise, it was the same Sharon Carter! The one the villain Chameleon had pretended to be not so long ago, and in her guise had infiltrated one of the world's most secret organisations!

- Coulson, tell me, are you sure this Agent Carter is real? - I asked the man walking next to me, with a certain amount of apprehension.

- Excuse me? - The blue-eyed girl stared at me questioningly.

- As much as possible. - Coulson smiled, and he loves it! I remembered him from the first time I met him for his enigmatic smile. - Don't mind him, Agent Carter. The spider's joking. Give me that, and you're done for the day. And perhaps tomorrow you have the day off, too. - he said thoughtfully as Carter handed him his burden.

- Agent Coulson, sir! Please, I want to come back tomorrow! - The girl jumped up, a somewhat fanatical light in her eyes. Or was I imagining it?

- Get some rest, Sharon. - Phil said softly, as if to scold her.

The girl jumped up, wanted to object, but when she encountered an understanding smile from her superiors, she shut her mouth. Her cheeks flushed, but it was not embarrassment, her emotions were dominated by annoyance, and even a touch of anger. Sharon lowered her head and left us with a quick, almost jogging stride.

- What's wrong with her?

- Agent Carter takes failures to heart, even if they are only indirectly related to her. - Phil replied curtly. - How long have we seen you Spider? This is, like, the third time. So, I constantly have the impression that your access level is at least as high as mine, if not higher!

- I have no access level. - I shake my head incomprehensibly.

- But then how did you know about the 'fake' Carter?

- Ah, that... You could say that I was directly involved in those events. Didn't you know?

- We're of the opinion that the less you know, the better you sleep. All right, I won't keep you any longer. Here you go. - I was handed first a plastic card and then the round disc that Sharon was holding.

- What's this?

- It's a visitor's pass. - nods at the card, and this is-- look for yourself. - and she smiles again.

I pull back one edge of the beige cloth, and I'm stunned.

- Why do I need Captain America's shield?

- You'll figure it out. - and this strange man leaves me.

Obviously, I'm being invited through that door. Okay. Let's not pull the cat out of the bag.

The barrier gently slid aside, I slowly stepped over the tentative threshold line, and moved forward. Hmm... I thought some secret lab was waiting for me. Advanced technology, a bunch of scientists, hustle and bustle. But in fact it turned out that I was in some kind of sports complex, or rather in its so to speak pre-bathroom. Dressing rooms, showers, behind one of the open doors I found folded sports equipment. It's funny, it's all a bit suspicious. In fact, I'd already realised what was in store for me, but I'd been hesitant to enter the gym. Excitement be damned!

The closer I got to my goal, the clearer I heard the muffled sounds of blows. Someone's beating up the punching bag. A man, tall, blond (Goddamn it! How many times?! Good thing she's not blond!), torso naked, arms wrapped in bandages. Sports trousers on his legs, but somehow they looked about forty years old! No, they looked as good as new! But the fabric itself, the colour, the cut...

Meanwhile, while I was looking at it, the man, with a particularly strong blow, tore the pear from its mount. After flying a few metres away, it crashed into one of the columns that supported the ceiling, and only then stopped.

- Funny, I didn't realise you could get so close to me. - He said in a slightly hoarse voice, hanging the new pear in place of the old one.

- Sorry, Cap, didn't mean to interrupt your training. - realising I'd been discovered, I stepped out from behind my column.

Yeah, I realised what a surprise Nick had in store for me as soon as they handed me the shield. So I wasn't surprised, but I was excited. Why? One part of me is almost indifferent to this man, but the other.... The part of me that grew up in America, she cheers! To her, the Captain isn't just another hero. No! He's one of the first heroes! The one they tell about in schools, the one that is mentioned in every history textbook..... It's hard to explain, but imagine meeting Zhukov in person! Although Cap, with all my respect, is slightly short of a military commander, but only in terms of his ability to manage armies. I emphasise - armies! As a field commander of a small detachment, Cap has few equals. And how can you measure a man's qualities by his talents and abilities?!

In another world, the Captain is just a fictional comic book character, but in this one, he is the man who was not afraid to risk a dangerous experiment. He is someone who was so eager to help both his country and humanity that he was willing to do anything to do so! In this world, World War II was even bloodier, even scarier! Here almost no one could hide behind the ocean or anywhere else. Everyone had a lot to drink! And HYDRA played a very important role in the war, one could say the key role.

- What kind of training is that? - He waved his hand sluggishly. - Just blowing off steam.

- So what did the poor pears do? - I had a funny thought, which I couldn't get away from! - Why don't we have a little sparring?

- That's not a good idea. - sourly replied to me.

- Do you doubt my abilities? - I unroll the cloth that covers his shield under Cap's gaze. I lean it against one of the columns and use the webbing to secure it there. - I should give it to you, but I hope you don't mind if we level the playing field this way.

- It's still a bad idea, but I wouldn't mind stretching my legs. - the man scrutinised my wrists.

I'm going for a classic stance, and I'm inviting Rogers to attack first.

- Nice! - I get a handshake.

I get to my feet and shake off my clothes. Yeah, Cap, this is the ultimate. This fight has given me a lot of experience. Steve is an amazing man. No doubt the super soldier serum has given him a lot. But it didn't make him superhuman. Rogers is at the peak of human ability, but not beyond it. If you take pure, digitised measures of our abilities, I exceed him in almost everything! I'm much stronger! But that fact wasn't an absolute barrier to Cap in our fight. I got knocked around on the floor pretty good!

- I'm afraid to imagine what would have happened with a shield.

- Well, you didn't use everything up your sleeves either. - Steve made a good point.

- You don't have your toys, I don't have mine. - I agree, I didn't really use the web in combat.

- So the scientists were able to recreate the formula for the serum?

- Not exactly. - I took the shield off the column and gave it back to its rightful owner. - Your serum is unique, and I'm not sure anyone's been able to replicate it in detail. There have been attempts, but I can't call it a definite success. In case you're wondering, I got my abilities in a very different way. I'm sorry, I won't go into details.

- The world has changed a lot in these seventy years,' Rogers said sadly. Oh, you have no idea how much...

- Cap, when did you... um... when did you wake up?

- Don't you know?

- No. I'm not part of the Fury organisation.

- Then... sorry, you don't look like a psychologist to me. Who are you?

- I go by many names. The most common is Spider-Man. Or just Spider. I don't know what you've been told.... I don't want to, you know, compromise the secrecy that's so cherished here...

- Nothing, I've been told practically nothing. I woke up this morning and found the world was a different place. Fury mentioned that I'd been in a coma the whole time. They tried to show me some films, and psychologists worked with me... but... it's hard to comprehend... at least not right away....

Hmm... if that's the case. I think I've been given carte blanche. I'm sure we're being watched and listened to. Is Nick interested in hearing my side of the story, too? Oh, I'm sure of it!

- So to hell with secrecy! I think I can shed some light on the situation. - I've got a pair of interested eyes staring at me. - About seventy years ago, I can't tell you exactly, but you should remember, anyway, you fell into the cold waters of the ocean. Again, I can't tell you exactly where. I'm guessing somewhere in the North Atlantic. The miracle serum saved your life again by keeping you from dying of cold. I haven't examined you personally, but I'd hazard a guess that your body has gone into a sort of anabiosis--

- Ana-what?

- A coma, if you don't go into detail. All life processes have been suspended to a degree I can hardly imagine! There are very few species of vertebrates that can go into anabiosis. And man has never been one of them. An ice floe has formed around your body, and that's how you've been all these years. About a month ago, Fury managed to arrange for me to meet an interesting man. Although he's only half human. If you look at it from a--

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Can you keep your language down a little bit? Because you remind me so much of someone I'm--

- I'm sorry. As I was saying, I had an encounter with-' I hesitated, trying to find a definition. - M-ma half-breed. You know Nemore, don't you?

- Nemore? Is he really alive? - The man gave me a wild wave of disbelief and hope.

- What's he going to do? He's half-Atlantean, and they live much longer than ordinary people.

- So it's not all in the past. - Steve smiled faintly as he said it. - I'm sorry, what happened next?

- I told him you were alive and that he was the only one who could find you. And now that I can see you in person, that means the elf found you! - I finished my short story.

- An elf? - Steve asked.

No, definitely an elf! Just look at the shape of his ears, and there is almost no doubt! He was a bit rough for a classic elf, but who knows what the sea subspecies of this people should look like? By the way, Gwen had adjusted her Holograph to look more like an elf just after she saw Nemore. She was very impressed with him.

- Oh, right, 'The Lord' came out after you... I'm sorry. - I interrupted myself as Cap frowned.

- I was saved by Nemore.... Why wasn't he there when I was woken up?

The question wasn't directed at me, it was more of a quiet thought out loud. But I risked answering it.

- You know him better than I do, of course. But from that one meeting it seemed to me that Nemore was not the sort of man who liked big company, words of gratitude, and other sentiments. - Stephen nodded in agreement, seeming to recall his old acquaintance. Why old, though. Seventy years to the world, but to Rogers himself it's probably not even twenty-four hours.

- I'm interested in one thing. - After a brief pause, Rogers spoke. - How did you know I was alive, and what happened to me?

The most uncomfortable question for me, but I expected it to arise. I'll try to give you a long answer.

- Cap, while you were asleep. (a lot of things have changed. You've already noticed a bit of change, but it's nothing compared to the hell that awaits you in the near future. You have a lot to learn, understand and even accept. What I'm getting at is this. Right now, there's a growing pro-mutant and anti-mutant movement in the world. People with amazing innate abilities are coming out of the shadows, and this rightly frightens society. After all, among them are those who can read minds, control the weather, or actually see the future and... the past.

- Nonsense! - Steve shook his head.

- But it's true, though. I have learnt that you are alive in a mystical, perhaps even magical way.

Well, what's not magic about transmigrating a soul to a parallel world? So no lies. That's in case I'm being monitored by some advanced lie detector.

- So, are you a soothsayer, psychic, or what?

- No. - I shake my head and shut up, let myself, or rather themselves think, I don't intend to say anything more.

- Well,' Cap pats himself lightly on the cheeks, 'I should thank you for saving my life. But I don't know how I can express it. Words are nothing, and I have nothing else, everything is in the past. I can't even call this shield my own.

- Come on, Cap, I'm being a little more honest. - They would have found you anyway. It's just a matter of time. Could be a day, could be a month, could be a couple of years. So the only person you have to thank is Nemore. Besides, Captain, make no mistake, the past will show itself, and I'm not sure you'll like it. So long Cap, it's been a pleasure to meet you, and I'd say it's been an honour.

- Wait! - I was called out at the door. - Tell me, what do you mean by the past?

- Are you sure you want to know? - Silence was my answer. I stepped close to Rogers, defiantly activating my newly developed jammer. How am I any worse than Nick? I want one, too. I wanted to build myself one. - HYDRA is alive. All this time it's been lurking in the shadows, hoarding resources, waiting and planning. Find it and crush it, Captain.

One of the agents was waiting for me at the exit of the complex, this time it was a young man I didn't know.

- I'll escort you out. - He addressed me politely.

The man took me in a slightly different direction, from which I deduced that someone else wanted to talk to me. I'm fed up! Honestly! No, I got a good night's sleep on the way back from Afghanistan. But Thor's lightning bolt up their nose! I want to go home!

- Hello, Friendly Neighbour. - The brunette who greeted me smiles, and I feel like I've been electrocuted. I still haven't learnt to suppress my admiration in her presence. - By the way, why do they call you that?

- I wonder myself, like a reason to give no special reason, but in the World Wide Web such a nickname persistently pops up again and again. Hello, Colonel.

- Why are we in a bad mood? Is the heat of faraway lands getting to your head?

- I want to go home. - I answer honestly. - To my little sister and homemade pies.

- All right, I won't keep you too long. I want to give you a little praise, how are you? Do you mind? - and smiles so slyly that my heart skipped a beat or two...

- Who doesn't like to be praised... - I swallowed convulsively and squeezed out of myself.

- So, I'll start in order. You took the initiative to stand up for the poor girl, that's what I call myself. - Nick bent one finger on her left hand. - You, of course, pursued your goals, but nowadays it's silly to reproach it. Anyway, I'm grateful to you. Then you, in good faith, took the Tuskmaster's memory stick. Of course, that was a screw-up, but I can't blame you, and again, I can only thank you. Next, you warned me about Chameleon, and it's my fault for not believing you completely. I mean, I did, but--

- I didn't pay attention. - I prompted the confused woman, but she just shook her head in agreement.

- You and your people helped me to understand the situation, the responsibility for the occurrence of which is entirely on my shoulders. Helped save the Old Man. Again, I realise you didn't care about him, but that doesn't change the fact that you helped. - another bent finger. - When I arranged for you to meet Nemore, I was glad I was starting to pay my debt. But as it turns out, I've only increased it..... You gave the world back Captain America. - I shook my head, as if not believing that fact.

- I think I gave him back not to the world, but to you personally. - I'm smiling crookedly under my mask.

- Working for S.H.I.E.L.D., he'll do the world a favour. - she said calmly. - I don't intend to force him, if that's what you mean. But he's a military man, what's he going to do in the civilian world?

- There are other ways, much safer. - I continued with a touch of irony, ignoring the rhetorical question. Fury didn't seem the least bit embarrassed, just nodded.

- Yes. But I don't have to do anything. You've saved me a lot of headaches, haven't you?

- I won't deny it.

- What did you say to him? - There was steel in her voice, but I just shook my head.

- Intelligence may not be one of his virtues, but Cap's no fool. He'll figure it out on his own eventually.

- But it'd be faster with me.

- I don't know about that. You're too... smart and pushy, those are your flaws.

- Pfft. Did you think you said that?

- If I told you, you'd be digging your nose in that direction, and that's not desirable. I believe you can work carefully, but I'd rather not risk it. In time you'll realise what you're looking for, but until then you'll be doubly careful.

- It's all too vague. - Nick rubbed the bridge of her nose tiredly. - You got a strange prophet.

There! What I thought, she's already made some conclusions after my conversation with Cap! A prophet, huh? Well, it's a good thing.

- They're never not weird. - I chuckle. Turning on my jammer again, seeing my actions Nick activates his device. - Just so you know, I don't have a clear idea of the future. So I just can't tell you anything. I'm afraid I'll lead you down the wrong path. The future is not static, and neither are the past and present.

- I think I understand. But...

- Is it curiosity? A woman's curiosity?

- That's right. - faint smile. - Now, where was I in my ode of praise for you young and handsome?

- Is there anything else? - I wonder.

- Of course there is! Did you think I wouldn't notice?! - And the expression in your voice!

- Surprise me.

- Stark! - and then he stops talking with that meaningful look in his eye. Meanwhile, the fifth and probably last finger is bent.

- Let's say I know one, so what?

- Shit, Spider! Stop playing the fool! You had no reason to come to me about the aeroplane! Your friend, Shark, could have taken care of it, and you knew it. So you wanted to draw my attention to that drunken womaniser. I admit, it worked! Creating a cold fusion reactor in a couple of weeks in captivity, from basically nothing... That's impressive! And I'm interested in his armour, too. To be honest, I was already thinking that we can put a cross on Howard's son....

- I agree, he's controversial, but I'd keep an eye on him if I were you.

- So you have an idea of what I want to offer you?

- I might. But I'd like to be sure.

- The Avengers Initiative. S.H.I.E.L.D. recruits young talent into their ranks, but that's their biggest flaw to date. Despite my shortcomings, I can't throw kids into the fray. I need a team of strong heroes today.

- No, Nick, as you've rightly pointed out, I've helped you enough. I'm not going to work for the service.

- Cap and Stark in exchange for one of yours? You think that's a fair trade?

I'm choking on those words. Is she out of her mind?! I think someone's overestimating me!

- You're not sick, are you? No fever? Are you delirious?

- There's no need to be modest, Spider. You're almost as smart as Stark, you're stronger than Cap. The only thing you lack is experience, but that's a matter of time.

- Two is better than one! - I'm practically screaming in panic. Nick makes a dubious face.

- So what else do you have to offer?

Um, stop! Is it just me, or am I being bullied? I force myself to calm down and turn to my life-saving empathy. Oh, yeah! Nick reeks of fun! She's a hellcat! Though why not suggest a couple of candidates of my own? Maybe I'll learn something interesting. I don't think so, but it's worth a shot.

- Mum, how about Henry Pim? - He was one of the original Avengers, if I'm not mistaken. He had a girlfriend, Wasp, I think.

- What about Henry Pym? - Oh! Really?! Her expression remained unchanged, not a muscle flinching. But you can't fool me like that! Judging by the surprise the colonel felt, it was the first time she had heard the name!

- Forget it. - I smile, it looks like I've set up another person, but this time almost inadvertently. - Tell me, what do you think of Dr Benner? - Well, she certainly knows him. I'll just give you a little nudge.

- It's unreal. Keeping a man around who could turn into a super-strong, violent monster at any moment? No. Let him continue to learn zen in third-world countries.

- Come on, if necessary, he's one of the strongest beings on this planet. And as far as I know, he's not totally evil. He just needs to be approached.

- Okay, who else can you recommend? - Fury asked me directly.

- It's not a bad group anyway. - I shrug. - Put a couple of elite agents on them, for control. If you still want strong creatures, you'll have to wait a little longer. Not all at once.

- And how will I know if this is the one I want? - Nick asked hesitantly.

- I suggest you go through Scandinavian mythology.

- Are you kidding? - The doubt in her voice was palpably added. - Okay, whatever. Can I count on your help? Only under very extreme conditions, of course! - she added hastily.

- If it concerns New York, I'll come anyway. As it is, you have my number. But I still strongly advise you not to bother about nothing!

- Yeah, yeah, or your girls will scratch out the rest of my eye. I know, I know. What did you do to them, by the way? I thought they looked different.

- Oh, when did they get to hang out with you? Don't answer that, I'll ask them. - and I'm going to ignore the last question.

- You scientists are so fond of your secrets.

- You're one to talk! - I'm righteously indignant.

- All right, I'll stay out of your business, just be careful...

- I don't do my own work!

- That's reassuring, Connors is a brilliant geneticist, I've done my research.

As I was about to say goodbye, I suddenly thought, what the Hulk?! If we're having such an enlightening and almost frank conversation, can we stop pretending that I don't care?

- Nick...' I rubbed the back of my head diligently. - Why are you being so... well, so mean to me?

- Wow. I was wondering when you'd ask. I should probably answer it. Especially since I wanted to get this over with tonight. I have a question for you, too. - I just nod weakly. - It's very simple, Peter. The peculiarities of my skin, which you've already noticed, are a by-product of experiments to restore the super-soldier formula. You weren't lying when you told Cap the formula was never restored to its original form. I don't know how you know this, perhaps your familiar prophet again.... Regardless, it doesn't matter. Instead of the super-soldier formula, the scientists that were involved in the time of S.I.Tom managed to recover only one of its components. They called it the Elixir of Eternity. The serum could extend life. How old do you think I look?

- Thirty years, a little more. - I answer thoughtfully.

- A little more. - Fury agreed with a sad smile. - A little over ninety. I see you're not surprised. - says thoughtfully. - But it had one big disadvantage: the serum had to be applied at regular intervals, otherwise the body's aging processes could accelerate to an obscene degree. Perhaps it was fate, years later I tend to believe any tall tales. Anyway, this formula suffered almost the same fate as the previous one. It was lost and the scientists who created it were killed. I had some supplies, so I managed to last quite a while. Until I was lucky enough to meet your father. Richard was a genius, and I took a chance on him with my problem. He exceeded all my expectations! The elixir was restored, not only was the new drug devoid of the flaws of the conditioned parent! I only needed one dose to fix my biological age. Richard complained a lot that the technology of his time didn't allow him to reconstitute the entire super-soldier formula. One word for genius. I think if he'd had more time, he'd have solved that mystery too. - there was so much pain and sadness in her gaze that all the questions I had were stuck on my tongue. I think they'd be redundant now...

- Thank you. - I risked to interrupt the silence after ten minutes, when the emophone Nick more or less calmed down. - I think, now a lot of things become clear. - The colonel nodded gratefully, this conversation can indeed be continued later. - Give me your question, and I went home to squeeze my little sister.

- I've been wanting to ask her a question for a long time. - and she started. - Why are you reacting so violently to me? I've learnt you well, and I know you don't drool over other skirts. Well, except for your blondes.

- Actually, it's just one blonde. - I'm frowning. - The other one's just a friend.

- Yeah, yeah, sure. - and smiling so slyly.