Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Marvel Mayhem - Chapter Three (w/ Commentary Notes from the Author, Sean Livingston)

Chapter Three: Too Many Secrets

            Ciciley would never have imagined a physical examination would turn into such a spectacle; of course, the type of examination she requested would call for such a show. In the research lab within the Bus, a specialized Boeing C-17 Globemaster III owned and modified by S.H.I.E.L.D. and a flying command center for Agent Phil Coulson and his team of agents, Ciciley found herself engaged in a challenge of endurance with the woman commonly known as “Mindy,” or “Subject M1986” to the higher-ups. The two women were tested on their levels of endurance via treadmills. The examiners were S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons, two trusted members of Coulson’s team that were undoubtedly the “brains” of the group.

(Marvel Note: This chapter marks the first appearance of characters from the hit Disney-ABC show, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. At the time this was written, the show was close to the end of its first season. Just as with Marvel Mayhem, the show was influenced by the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, thus dramatically shifting its pace.)

            Donned in black yoga pants and sports bras, neither Ciciley nor Mindy broke a sweat or tired in the four hours they ran. This extreme level of durability was the reason Ciciley asked for the examination – to find out how she had gotten to be so “super.” Ever since the “Project Geo” incident, she had not once got sick, injured, or even aged in the two years she had been enjoying living a literally rejuvenated life in her twenties again. At first she loved every second of it, being back in the field and assisting her son on his missions (something that aggravated him to no end, especially with the agents unaware of her “miracle” and thinking they were a couple); however, after getting shot during a recent assignment and healing from the wound in a matter of hours, she needed to get answers.

(Authorial Note: Just as I was inspired by Doctor Who for World of Disney, much of my inspiration for Marvel Mayhem comes from the show's spin-off series, Torchwood, which is - like Mayhem - targeted for older audiences. Torchwood's central character, Captain Jack Harkness, is a former con man who once traveled with the Doctor and gained immortality after being brought back to life by a powerful entity. The aspects of the Harkness character, as well as his gift/curse, were integrated into "Ciciley Livingston.")

            She asked for Mindy to be brought in on account of her history of being just as genetically superior as Ciciley had become. There were still many secrets S.H.I.E.L.D. had been attempting to unlock with Mindy since they discovered her; and with Ciciley now on her level, she felt connected to this unsolved mystery.

            After the first hour of running on the treadmills, it became a competition between the two women to see who could run the fastest, with both eventually reaching the max speed of the machines within the fourth hour. What turned the examination into a spectacle was the audience it garnered from the other members of Coulson’s team – Agent Grant Ward, Agent Melinda May, and a genius-level hacker named Skye. They took bets to see whether Ciciley or Mindy would trip first, since there was zero chance of either woman stopping any other way. But there turned out to be another way with the sudden short circuit that slowed the treadmills, ultimately shutting them and the contest down altogether.

            Ciciley and Mindy slowed and stopped along with their machines. The first thing Skye noticed as their legs stilled was how much they were at ease – not a hint of trembling could have been detected in them. Neither woman was breathing heavy or expressing any other signs of exhaustion, much to Skye’s surprise. “Damn. You two are made of something that’s as durable as the Energizer Bunny. What that ‘something’ is, of course, is the question.”

            “And that is why we’re doing these tests.” Simmons stated, moving to the treadmills to listen to both Ciciley’s and Mindy’s heartbeats. She put the chest piece firmly in between their breasts. The sound she heard resonating from the earphones surprised her. “Remarkable! Your hearts are beating on average paces! It’s as if neither of your hearts has even bothered to recognize the strenuous workout you both just went through! And your breathing is quite normal as well!”

(Character Note: Mindy, being a reincarnation, should have an irregular heartbeat, as it was depicted in the scene between Gigi and Tarzan in Chapter Nine of The Marvelous World: World of Disney 2. However, some reincarnations - like her, in particular - can steady their heartbeats to maintain an internal human appearance.)

            “Well, we could’ve told you all that.” Ciciley remarked. “But can you tell us why neither of us are feeling as pooped as we should?”

            “We’re about to find out,” said Fitz, who proceeded in scanning both women with a handheld “bio-scan” device that reminded Ciciley a lot of a UV light. The device’s functions were connected to the research lab’s Holotable.

            Holographic models of Ciciley and Mindy’s biological structures were suddenly projected above the surface of the table, displaying live readouts of their active physiologies. Ciciley grew very curious and even a bit worried upon seeing their organs glowing in a mix of gold and rainbow colors in the projections. “Is…Is all that glowing part of the displays?”

            Simmons appeared just as disturbed as she looked at the models. “I’m afraid not. The glowing is actually what’s happening in your bodies right at this moment.”

            “What’s making them do that?” Skye asked.

            “I’m not entirely certain.” Simmons replied with a shrug. “I’ve never seen energy like what they are eradiating. But it’s definitely alien in origin.”

            “And it appears to be much stronger in Mindy than in Agent Livingston.” Fitz indicated, pointing to Mindy’s model, which irradiated much brighter luminosity than Ciciley’s. “We would know a little more if we were to have access to all the research notes taken from S.H.I.E.L.D.’s study on Mindy.”

(Character Note: Gold and rainbow hues are commonly associated with the physiology of reincarnations, as it represents the energy that they use to channel their Guardian abilities. Even in their "remnant state," in which they are nothing more than a pile of dust, their remnants glitter in the same gold/rainbow hue.)

            “Those files are all classified.” May informed. “You’d need Level 9 clearance just to breathe on them.”

            “I’ve got that clearance, and I’m not even allowed to have access to them.” Ciciley remarked.

            Skye frowned. “Well, that doesn’t make sense. Why does a Level 9 agent not have access to Level 9 files?”

            “Because there are some secrets that are too much to know.”

            The voice spoke from near the entrance to the research lab and startled a few inside, not hearing any signs of anyone approaching. Heads turned to the speaker, seeing it to have been Coulson himself. Ciciley knew of his return to duty after the events of New York for months, yet she could just not get over seeing him standing there – alive and well – and looking the same as he usually did in that black suit and tie of his. The tone in his voice as he addressed the group was somewhat critical…something that did not get over Melinda May’s radar.

            “Just got an update on the situation in Downtown Manhattan with our friend John Saccheri.” Coulson said – ever the one to get right to business. “He’s been apprehended and will be transferred here. It’s believed that he could be working with Centipede, but we won’t know for sure until we’ve questioned him. But that’s not all – Natasha Romanoff also uncovered his ‘personal museum’ beneath the site of an abandoned meat factory. I’m sending everyone but Skye to accompany Ciciley and Mindy to the site and investigate.”

            “What’s Saccheri been keeping in this museum?” Ward inquired.

            “Among other things, Chitauri body parts, a cryogenically frozen woman, and a baby.” Coulson confirmed.

            “A baby?” Simmons exclaimed in repulsion.

            Coulson nodded in his own disgust over the thought. “You can see why they wanted the best involved in this. We’ll be here when you get back.”

            As soon as everyone departed from the research lab, Ciciley pulled Coulson aside to have a private exchange. “Why aren’t you going with us?”

            “There are more important matters that need my attention.”

            “This has to do with your ‘resurrection,’ doesn’t it?” He didn’t reply, but he didn’t have to in order for Ciciley to know the truth. The hard look he gave her said enough. “I knew all that ‘Tahiti’ talk was bullshit when the stories got more ridiculous. Who the hell can really hold their breath for that long?”

(Marvel Note: Coulson's resurrection was the cause of much interest - and concern - from fans when he was revealed to be seen on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The story behind his resurgence was explained in the Season One episode "T.A.H.I.T.I." as Nick Fury himself authorized Coulson's resurrection following his death at the hands of Loki in The Avengers. As part of the recommended process, Coulson's memory of his resurrection was wiped, in addition to his memories of leading Project T.A.H.I.T.I. The project itself was started with the goal of creating medicine that could save a mortally wounded Avenger, using the blood of a decaying Kree corpse.)

            “Trust me. The less you know about what I’m doing, the better.”

            “Phil, we’ve been friends for years. I owe a lot to you. Whatever you’ve got going on, let me help you on it.”

            He paused and reflected on her offer for a second. Finally, he said, “You want to really help me? Help by reaching Fury. I know how close you two are, and I don’t want to put any rift between the both of you – but I need to know where he is.”

            Ciciley gave a cooperative nod. “Sure, Phil. Sure. I’ll do whatever I can. But, just letting ya know, I don’t even where Nick might be. I’ve been needing to tell him something important – something that he needs to know after 28 years.”

(Character Note: The time span of 28 years reflects in the age of Ciciley's son, Sean.)

            Her urgency on the matter planted curiosity into Coulson. “What’s that?”

            Ciciley smirked. “You’ve got your secrets, and I’ve got mine.”

            Coulson understandably smiled. “‘Too many secrets can kill the morale.’ That was your old saying, wasn’t it?”

            She confirmed this with a nod. “Thank God I’ve just got this one. And the sooner I get it out in the open to the right person, the better I’ll feel.”

            “Gotcha. I’ll see you later.”

            “Ya know, my son is a huge fan of you. He’d be thrilled to know that you’re alive again.”

            Coulson stopped and half-turned towards her, knowing that she was still attempting to make him change his mind about attending the factory investigation. “As flattered as I am to know that I have a fan, I can’t risk exposing himself to an Avenger on the scene. Most of the team still believes I’m dead… and I’d like to keep it that way, until I get my answers.”

(Marvel Note: The Avengers, especially Tony Stark, still have no awareness in the resurrection of Phil Coulson. The only known individuals knowledgeable of this are Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Lady Sif, Coulson's own team, John Garrett, Melinda May, Ciciley Livingston, and Mindy.)

            Ciciley understood this reasoning, yet still persisted. “He named a gun after you.”

            “That’s nice.” Coulson remarked, continuing on his way.

            “He says it’s vintage.”

            “I’ve heard that one before.”

(Marvel Note: In The Avengers, Coulson owned a "vintage" collection of Captain America trading cards. They were later used by Nick Fury, shortly after Coulson's death, coating them in blood that was presumably Coulson's, in order to encourage the team to come together.)

-----------------

            At the request of Sean Livingston, the entire meat factory district – its earlier vacancy now bustling with S.H.I.E.L.D. activity from outside – to be sectioned off, once he received word from Spider-Man that Saccheri was located there. He stood not far from the factory entrance, staring right at it but not actually looking at it, clearly lost in his thoughts. Standing by him was Elendriel, his half-sister, fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and “mistress of disguise.” She removed her latest masterpiece – her “Fred Sanford” cover – starting with the “balding wig” she donned for the role, letting her long, flowing blond hair out. She proceeded on to the phony, skimpy beard before wiping off the brown-colored makeup that covered her peach complexion.

            “Sorry for goin’ all blackface for the cover, bro.” She jested, but he did not seem perturbed or the least bit interested in what she had to say. Taking notice in this, she asked, “Hey, dude. You O.K.?”

            “I was nearly blown up tonight – I’m far from ‘O.K.’” He frigidly remarked.

            “You’ve been ‘nearly blown up’ before, ya know. A few land explosives shouldn’t be fazing you right now.”

            He sighed, realizing there was no covering up his emotions, especially not in front of his highly-observant sister. “O.K. You got me. I’m pissed about Romanoff screwing up the operation and blowing our cover.”

            Confusion overcame Elendriel as she heard this. “Natasha Romanoff…The quintessential Queen of Covertness. She doesn’t know the meaning of ‘screw-up.’”

(Marvel Note: Natasha Romanoff is not the only woman to have taken the "Black Widow" mantle in the comics. Other "Black Widows" include: Claire Voyant - the first costumed, super-powered female, who is unrelated to later versions; Yelena Belova - the second character to officially take on the codename in modern mainstream comics; Monica Chang - the second "Black Widow" in Marvel's "Ultimate" universe; and Jessica Drew - a female clone of Spider-Man/Peter Parker.) 

            “I know. But something was really off about her during the exchange with Saccheri. She muttered the word ‘panda’ when she saw him.”

            Elendriel raised a curious eyebrow that was still bushy, gray, and curly from her disguise. “Seriously? Saccheri didn’t even look like a panda – more like a polar bear with that bright-ass suit.”

            Sean had more to say on the topic but was forced to hold his comments once he and his sister caught sight of a couple of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents wheeling Saccheri out of the factory on a stretcher. They were both surprised to see that the madcap businessman had a strait jacket placed on him, which seemed extensive even to Sean. He and Elendriel approached as the agents wheeled Saccheri close to them. Saccheri mumbled incoherently and his eyes darted left and right rapidly, searching for something.

            “What’s wrong with him?” Sean asked the agents, who stopped once their superior addressed them.

            “Romanoff found him this way in his secret room.” One of the agents informed. “She requested that we cart him out like this.”

            “SHE’S NOT ROMANOFF!” Saccheri bellowed, drawing the attention of every S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel around them with his outburst. “She’s not the real Romanoff! She’s something else! She’s not human! She’s a freak! SHE’S A FREAK!” He continued repeating this after Sean nodded for the agents to continue wheeling the officially insane businessman away.

            Briskly, Livingston headed into the factory with Elendriel catching up behind him. Together, they journeyed to the sub level to see Saccheri’s secret room. The moment they walked in the black-lighted area, Elendriel was immediately caught by surprise from the foul stench that it gave off. “Oh, God! Smells like the inside of a butthole in here!” She soon realized why there was an odor as she saw the various raw alien body parts strung up all around. Between sight and smell, she was nearly on the verge of vomiting.

            S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel crowded the room, confiscating all of Saccheri’s collection. The Chitauri body parts were placed in bio-hazard containers carrying the S.H.I.E.L.D. insignia. Sean and Elendriel passed them to join with the special agents dispatched to the scene that included S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists Fitz and Simmons and operatives Ward and May. Their mother, Ciciley, was there with them as well.

            “You’re safe.” She said with great relief, sharing a hug and a kiss with Elendriel. “I heard how the exchange went down and worried that you ha—” When she went in to hug and kiss her son, she was surprised to see him completely bypass her attempt, walking right by her as if she wasn’t there.

            Seeing how hurt Ciciley appeared to be from this, Elendriel did her best to provide comfort. “It’s nothing personal. He’s just having a rough night.”

(Character Note: There is role reversal in Ciciley and Sean's characters from when we last saw them in The Marvelous World: World of Disney 2. In that story, Ciciley was the more hard-pressed one, whereas Sean was the more compassionate one. Years of working together in the field, as well as Ciciley's rejuvenation/immortality, has mentally changed them.)

            Ciciley nodded understandingly. “I’m just thanking God he’s still here. My heart skips a beat each time I hear you two are out in the field.”

            “You’ve got nothin’ to worry about.” Elendriel assured her. “We’re trained professionals now.”

            “Where’s Natasha?” They heard Sean ask, seeing him address the entire group with this question.

            “We didn’t see her when we walked in.” May replied.

            Ward acknowledged the young agent’s presence in the room with a nod. “Good seeing ya again, Sean. Been a long time since recruit.”

(Spoiler Note: It is ultimately revealed in the Season One episode "Turn, Turn, Turn," which ties directly in with the events of Winter Soldier, that Grant Ward has been a sleeper agent for HYDRA, working under the strict guidance of fellow HYDRA agent John Garrett. The past meeting between him and Sean Livingston will be explored in a future "Marvel Universe Trilogy" installment.)

            In spite of the hell he had gone through that evening, it was undoubtedly welcoming for Livingston to have old friends there in the investigation. “Right back at ya, Grant.” He then centered his focus on May and asked, “How’re you enjoying being out on the field again, May?”

            She gave her usual deadpan response: “Same as always.”

            “So what weird crap was Saccheri up to in here?” Elendriel queried, fighting to keep the foul smell from hitting her tongue.

            “Basically dabbling in Chitauri tech to advance his.” Fitz responded.

            “Could’ve been this tech he used to develop his mind control chip for cats.” Sean deduced.

            Ciciley snickered. “Mind control cats? Sounds like something out of a comic book.”

            “Or a Saturday Morning Cartoon.” Elendriel added with a chuckle.

            The cooing of a baby directed their attention to the adjacent room where the mysterious infant named Karter had been treated by Simmons at the worktable he was found on. After checking his vitals, Simmons smiled at the child and carried him out of his crib. “There you go, sweetheart. That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Karter, seeming to understand Simmons, giggled a reply.

            Ciciley’s heart melted when she and the agents discovered the baby in the disturbing area. The fact he had been kept there for God knew how long, without any supervision, disgusted Ciciley as much as it did Simmons. “Is he O.K.?”

            “He’s more so than that, Agent Livingston.” Simmons said. “He’s perfectly healthy, if not completely normal. There are no abnormalities I can find in him that would excuse his being kept alone in such a dreadful place such as this. I mean, how despicable can one human being be to keep a baby like a human guinea pig! If I had a precious living being like this to care for, I would—”

            “Jemma.” Fitz calmly said, seeing how she almost distracted herself from the tantrum she nearly flew into.

            Embarrassed, Simmons slightly kept her head down. “Sorry.”

            “Can I hold him?” Ciciley requested – a request that astounded Sean nonetheless.

            “Of course.” Simmons granted permission, carefully handing Karter over to her.

            She cradled him in her arms, her face close to his, making kissing sounds with her puckered lips that made him even giddier. It was such a heartwarming moment that brought a smile to those around them, including Melinda May (who rarely ever smiled). Sean was the only one whose face remained low, still surprised by how motherly Ciciley was to Karter. He had not seen her that way since he was a child. The hardened woman he knew in recent years seemed to have faded away that moment. He wasn’t sure what happened to bring out the mother she once was, but he grew more amused as he saw her be more “human” than he had ever seen her.

            The peaceful moment was disrupted by a loud bang that resounded near them, moving their attention away from Karter and to where a few S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel moved the cryogenic chamber in the room out on a trolley. The front of the chamber faced them, allowing them to see the sleeping 1940s redhead inside.

            Ciciley’s eyes widened at the sight. “STOP!”

            The personnel followed her command. She rushed to the chamber to get a closer look at the woman through its window. Sean saw the look of familiarity and growing anxiety she had upon seeing the sleeping woman. “Do you know her?”

            “Sean…this…this is your grandmother…my mother.”

(UP NEXT: True Identities Revealed!)

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