Secret CIA Research Base
After the first attempt to capture the Hellfire Club failed, everyone returned to Earth and then headed to the CIA base.
During the journey, Raven asked several questions that, unfortunately, Artoria could not answer in a summarized way.
"How did you do that lightning thing? In the historical records I read, it wasn't mentioned that you could do that. I know very well it's not smart to believe everything comics say, but during the war, you were always portrayed as an unstoppable warrior who raised tornadoes with a flick of your sword and shot golden lightning from your hands. Is it true that you got your powers from an inherited sword? Or are you a mutant like us?"
Raven asked, and Artoria only smiled, puzzled. She didn't know how she had been portrayed in the comics, but it was likely based on her propaganda performances during her early deployments in the war. Now, she really wanted to know more about the comics about her.
"I can do far more than you think, and the origin of my powers is more complicated than you imagine, so I couldn't fully explain it to you, not with the short time we have. I can also assure you I'm not a mutant. Didn't we already have this conversation before?"
Artoria explained, pointing out that she had already answered these questions when Raven first revealed her mutant nature.
"You were very lazy about it."
Raven complained, frustrated that she hadn't received a clear answer then or now.
"Well, let's leave the questions for later. We've arrived."
On the stairs of the CIA compound, the overweight agent who had been following them the whole time presented the place as a research center for paranormal powers and their application in military defense.
"Considering the number of powered individuals who appear and cause havoc, I'm surprised it took them so long to open this division. They've only been operating for four years, right?"
Morgan commented, to which the agent responded with slight embarrassment.
"Well, the proposal was presented in 1954 after several attacks and accidents occurred in Manhattan, but it wasn't approved until much later."
"The efficiency of this government is impressive."
Morgan said sarcastically, making the agent look even more embarrassed.
They continued on until they reached the main hangar, where they were introduced to the scientist in charge, Hank McCoy.
"I present to you these recruits, along with the support staff sent by our superiors. And this is Hank McCoy, our most brilliant scientist."
The agent introduced the young, thin man with glasses. The first to approach and greet him was Charles, who felt comfortable finding another mutant unintentionally revealing this fact, which earned an inquisitive look from the agent.
At first, Hank tried to make excuses, but he gave in to the curiosity of the persuasive Charles and the charming Raven, revealing his mutation: monkey feet.
"This… looks more like something that would result from a human malformation during gestation. It's not the first time I've seen something like this. They're not that strange, but they wouldn't be as functional as yours."
Morgan commented, watching Hank hang upside down from a high speed model airplane, supported only by his feet, while Raven looked on in amazement.
"Congratulations, young man. You have an impressive ability. There's no reason to be ashamed of it. Make the most of it and be proud."
I advised Artoria, giving him a few pats on the back while he hung there, bending slightly so it wouldn't feel like a slap on the rear. Artoria wanted to boost the young mutant's confidence, encouraging him to embrace his uniqueness.
"Oh, really?"
Hank asked, nervous but pleased. No one had ever complimented him for having… feet like his. Raven's confirmation further reinforced his pride.
"Okay, let's continue the tour. There are several things I'd like to show you. You're going to love this place."
The agent guided them through the CIA facilities.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Antarctica, inside a submarine hidden beneath the ice, Sebastian Shaw a well built man in elegant attire, exuding unimaginable arrogance watched television with two of his allies.
One was Jason Wyngarde, known as the Mastermind: a manipulative mentalist capable of creating realistic illusions, altering memories, and transforming the environment. A middle aged Englishman with fox like eyes, brown hair, and a beard.
The other was Shaw's personal assistant, Tessa, also known as Sage: a mutant with analytical skills and the ability to amplify mutant powers. Sharp witted, mentally unstable, with a photographic memory, incredible tracking ability, and mastery of martial arts and marksmanship the perfect assistant for a man like Shaw.
The three watched a live broadcast of a meeting between President Kennedy and a Soviet foreign affairs officer.
"This will be a problem."
Jason commented, noting that the United States had already been incited to place missiles in Turkey. For the plan to succeed, the Soviet missiles had to be moved to Cuba according to their agreement a clear breach of the original accord.
"We'll sort that out. It's not like we couldn't 'reframe' the idea with the higher ups one more time."
Shaw remarked arrogantly, sipping from his glass of liquor.
"And the CIA?"
Tessa asked, pouring more drink into Shaw's outstretched glass. He leaned slightly forward, considering her question.
"They are a problem, but not impossible to solve."
"If the telepath catches you and I'm not nearby, it won't be fun. He's powerful, and Azazel won't be able to stop him. Besides… those two sisters are nearby too."
Jason warned, observing Shaw's casual demeanor, reminding him that this wouldn't be as simple as he thought.
Shaw got up, still relaxed, moving toward a briefcase on the table beside a couple of bookshelves.
"I already have a solution for the telepath."
Shaw said, taking out a Roman style helmet an invention he claimed the Soviets created and placing it on his head. He then looked at his companions.
"So?"
I asked, prompting Jason to interfere with Shaw's mind, but he confirmed he could not.
"Well, that confirms their quality. Leviathan works well in their capacity, and as for the sisters, I've contacted an old friend to handle it."
Shaw said, smiling with a sinister glint in his eyes.
Back at the CIA experimental base, Artoria was investigating Shaw's movements alongside the other agents. She and Morgan were there to support the team, so they worked diligently. Artoria already knew Shaw's location, but she couldn't simply announce, "He's here." No matter how much respect the agents had for her, such a statement without evidence would look suspicious. She needed to build a case. Besides, Shaw didn't stay in one place for long.
While Artoria worked on the research, Morgan stayed in the lab performing quick tests on the devices and keeping up with the CIA's progress.
Hank asked her for help with a formula that would modify the external consequences of mutant powers using Raven's genes, which is why she was present.
"You know, kid, you don't need to alter yourself just to fit in. That won't change who you are. To me, it wouldn't matter; humans all look the same."
Morgan commented, analyzing a test tube containing the first prototype of Hank's suppressor.
"It's possible, but I've been waiting for this opportunity since childhood. I know our mutant nature won't be reversed, but at least this gives people like us a chance to live more normal lives."
Hank said, determination in his gaze.
"And is that why you want my help and the genetics of the girl with toxic frog skin?"
"Rot in hell, old woman."
Morgan's insult prompted Raven to lash out in anger.
"Do you agree with this too?"
Morgan asked, ignoring Raven's outburst.
"…It would be nice to move around without constantly undergoing transformation."
Raven admitted, turning away in embarrassment.
"Well, I'm not interested in your worries, and I don't work on projects that are already finished. You'll have to manage on your own, kid. I might give advice from time to time if I feel like it."
Morgan commented indifferently, signaling that they shouldn't expect her involvement.
"I thought he would be interested in finding a cure."
Hank said, puzzled. Morgan replied without hesitation:
"That's the problem, Professor Hank. What you're attempting isn't a cure, it's an escape. I've met people like that before, and they were the most unpleasant humans I've known. If you want to live normally, you must first accept who you are."
Morgan's words were cold and uncompromising. She wasn't the type to seek approval; that never mattered. She was driven by hatred, resentment, and a desire to reclaim what was hers. Only in the past few years with Artoria had she considered another path, though fleetingly.
Erik, passing by, had overheard the conversation.
"She's right… what good is normality when nobody accepts who you are, not even yourself? I wouldn't change that for anything. I shouldn't have to please anyone else."
After speaking, he turned and left.
"Sigh… You know, I'm not Lily, my sister. I may tell you what you want to hear, or maybe not. I don't really care. Fight for who you are, not who others want you to be."
Morgan said expressionlessly. "She is cruel and wicked, as she was in the past and still is now, but at least she can give some advice to these young people whose path is unclear."
An awkward silence hung over the room until a shout broke it.
"!Aah!"
It was Raven, whom Morgan had grabbed while distracted to inject a needle into her arm.
"At least give a warning!"
Raven exclaimed angrily.
"Don't complain. I'm not stabbing you."
Morgan replied indifferently, collecting the blood sample.
Hours passed, and it was already morning. In the office of the agent in charge of the base, Charles, Artoria, and Agent Francis responsible for the facility gathered to discuss an experimental project recently modified by Hank for Charles to use.
"It's not perfect, but it will help us find more mutants for our division. At least it will be more efficient with more powered individuals on our side."
Francis explained, pointing to a spherical dome in the base's garden: a high capacity radar modified to work with Charles's telepathic abilities.
"It's impressive he modified something like that in such a short time."
I praised Artoria, with Charles nodding in agreement.
"Hehe, he'll be happy to hear that. Now we can start recruiting."
"I don't think they'll be interested in working for the CIA."
In the middle of the conversation, Erik entered the office, interrupting them.
"Erik, you decided to stay."
Charles said happily. Erik nodded.
"If they're going to recruit mutants, they should let them convince each other."
The agent began to object, but Artoria intervened.
"That's a good idea. It will make a better impression and inspire confidence, rather than a group of unknown agents suddenly approaching. That would cause panic."
Artoria explained, and the overweight agent accepted her reasoning.
They all moved to the CIA courtyard, entering the spherical dome where Hank was already waiting.
"Wow, that's impressive! Did you build it?"
Raven asked, looking at the white, open space surrounding them.
"Ah, yes. It wasn't difficult once I had data on Professor Charles's brainwave frequencies. By modifying the radio waves…"
"Professor Hank, I'll explain so you can continue your work later."
"Ah, of course. Sorry."
Artoria hated interrupting him while he was so excited, but if she didn't, they'd still be there all day.
While joking about Charles needing a haircut, they placed a multi connected helmet on his head. The machine activated, and the effects on Charles were immediate: it was as if his mind expanded, becoming part of everyone, every mutant, everything.
As Charles experienced his astral journey, Artoria watched attentively, concentrating her mind to decipher the structure of his powers. Perhaps she could replicate some functions with magic. Though not as talented a mage as Morgan, she had weapons to defend herself though Morgan would likely have done so more easily.
Charles and Erik were eager to find the mutants they had chosen for recruitment; they didn't need to verify addresses or names, Charles already knew.
While the two men searched, Artoria was contacted by SHIELD, specifically Nick Fury.
"What's happening here, Artoria?"
[Fury: I've infiltrated one of Leviathan's cells. We're likely to have a problem.]
Fury's voice sounded tired, as if he'd just been in a chase. The choppy audio suggested he was hiding in a place with poor signal, not dealing with an easy situation.
"Tell me the details."
[Understood. First, it seems that several branches of Leviathan have been weakened and removed from their positions. This has been an ongoing problem for over a year, and they are desperate to prove their worth to the Soviet Union's top brass and prevent further cuts in support. That's why they allied with Shaw, who gave them temporary financial support in exchange for technology and weapons.]
Fury explained the overall situation of Leviathan. He knew why he and his team had orchestrated Leviathan's downfall, condemning its inner circle to suspended sleep, tying down its central command channel, and generating its current desperation to stay afloat.
[Secondly, Sebastián Shaw made a deal with the communists to move nuclear weapons to Cuba. That's still under consideration, so there's time before a final decision, but the problem isn't the nuclear bombs themselves, it's the technology obtained from Leviathan that has been incorporated into the weaponry.]
Fury said this, making Artoria frown.
In the films, Shaw's goal had been to start a nuclear war as a pretext for creating a breeding ground for mutants, believing radiation created them. In reality, this theory was outdated; mutants were known long before World War II. It was more plausible that someone might seek to dominate the world with mutants but with a different approach.
"Do you have any information about the technology they're using?"
[Yes, but it's incomplete. The data indicates it's a type of electromagnetic interference bomb, but its range and purpose are unknown. When I tried to follow up, a well hidden security protocol was triggered, and I was discovered. I had to flee before reaching the crucial information. Now I'm hiding in an abandoned farmhouse outside Moscow.]
"...electromagnetic interference."
Artoria knew what these devices were. She had seen Hydra soldiers use them multiple times to disable tanks, planes, or weapons. The first time she saw them was during the attack on the extermination camp in Poland, but back then, their application never went beyond simple hand grenades unless someone had found a way to extend their range.
"Have you reported this to Principal Carter yet?"
[No. I hadn't thought to tell you first, since you're the most involved. I'm calling her after this.]
"Good. Continue monitoring the situation remotely. Report any meetings between the communists and Shaw's allies. We'll try to interfere with the Soviets' dealings with the Hellfire Club. See you soon."
[Understood.]
With Fury's assent, the call ended. Artoria sank into thought, pondering this version of Shaw, who didn't seem as foolish as she remembered from the movies.
"It's better to leave it like this. I'll act as I go along; knowing the future will only make the present monotonous."
She told herself, then headed to the lab where Morgan was staying. She needed to discuss the possibility of operating separately for a short period.
Days passed, and Charles, along with Erik, brought a group of young mutants intended to confront the Hellfire Club.
Artoria and Morgan intended to introduce themselves to the newcomers but it seemed they already knew them.
"It can't be! They're really them!"
Exclaimed young Alex Summers, quickly approaching alongside Sean Cassidy the future Havok and Banshee, respectively.
Both seemed excited; they were likely fans of Artoria and Morgan, or at least of the stories or comics surrounding them. They must have heard about it somewhere after all, the events of World War II weren't forgotten, and the tales of their exploits still circulated.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Alex. I'm a big fan of yours. My parents always told me about your adventures during World War II, and my little brother likes your comics too."
The young man said awkwardly, extending his hand to greet Artoria, who responded without hesitation.
"Are you sure it's the Silver Saint? He looks the same, but theoretically, shouldn't he be over fifty years old?"
"I ask, young Cassidy," Raven reprimanded him for being rude.
"It doesn't matter. I'm used to the attention."
Artoria's appearance was striking not just for her beauty and height, but because she did not age. She was immortal in every sense; she would not die until the end of everything, being the goddess of the end. This always drew attention, though she and Morgan paid it little mind.
"Well, make yourselves comfortable. This will be your home from now on."
Charles said, somewhat excited. The idea of so many mutants working together as a team fascinated him.
It wasn't perfect, but the team was complete. The first signs of something bigger were emerging, and challenges would follow but that would be decided soon.
The young mutants brought by Charles and Erik were placed under Raven's care and assigned personal rooms, so they could bond. The others went to discuss their next moves against Shaw with the CIA director. At first, the director questioned deploying a group of inexperienced individuals with powers, but he eventually agreed.
Charles was pleased, but Erik argued that they weren't ready to face someone as dangerous as Shaw, and Artoria agreed.
They were young, inexperienced, and undisciplined. They barely understood their powers, which made them a risk to themselves and others something confirmed by the mess they left behind when returning to their rooms.
"They're excited. That's a point."
Morgan commented sarcastically, and Artoria just shook her head, expecting this outcome. Raven tried to downplay it, but the reality was clear: such an important mission couldn't be entrusted to this makeshift team.
It wasn't good. The flight to the Soviet Union was in an hour, and taking the full group would do more harm than good. Only a limited team would go.
"My sister will accompany them this time; an informant is waiting for them. I'll stay and take care of these young people."
Artoria said, drawing the attention of Charles, Erik, and the others.
"Informant?"
"He's someone who works with us, from the same organization. I'll contact him; he'll guide you safely through Moscow. I'll stay with these children, at least to provide guidance in using their powers responsibly."
She finished explaining, waiting for their decision. Moira stepped forward first to accept the plan.
"Okay, we don't have any more time. Let's go to the airport."
She said, turning toward the exit, followed by Charles and Erik. Before Morgan left, Artoria called her over.
"Prevent them from being killed, okay?"
"I promise nothing."
Morgan kissed her on the cheek and left.
"Sigh"
Artoria knew things would be more troublesome than she remembered from the movie, so she decided that she and Morgan would operate separately. It was highly likely SHIELD was also aware of the situation and mobilizing. She just hoped things wouldn't escalate further.
Artoria turned to join the others, only to notice the young mutants hiding in a corner, peeking at her. When they realized she saw them, they quickly retreated.
"Sigh… it's going to be a long night."
She told herself, heading toward the corner where the group had disappeared. She also remembered to inform Carter to evacuate the area; there was no reason to let innocent people die when she knew what was coming.