Chapter 103: S.P.E.A.R & S.H.I.E.L.D
"I thought better of you."
"So it's true, you're the Red Hood. What's next, kill me?"
"Oh, the double agent has teeth."
She bristled at my statement, her posture shifting, her presence becoming more like that of a trapped cat than of a mother needing help.
"Surprised? I had thought you better than that. You aimed to use me and mine to dull the spear's tip."
He had many enemies, including those who wanted Jason Todd's blood in his personal life, but he would be a fool to take on the world. His growing enterprises were growing expediently, but the many-headed dragon wasn't something he or anyone could hope to tackle alone.
"Excuse me," she looked around confused, "Have you grown mad? What are you talking about, Jason Todd."
I laughed boisterously.
The .44 Magnum materialized In his hand. "There is no plan you have in place that we were not privy to. The helpless mother, fine, I'll bite, but the snake circling my ankles will not be ignored."
"Perhaps. You're more a nuisance than a threat." He sat the gun between them. Laura's eyes landed on it, her hands twitching.
"If you think you're capable, go for it." He said waspishly.
Laura shifted. Miranda tensed, a hand reaching to stop her. Cole raised a hand, stopping her and leaning back in his plush office chair. All he needed was a feline Pokemon, and the image he was portraying would be set.
"Miranda takes a step back." She looked at him incredulously but took a single step, "Maybe toward the door."
"What did he offer you, your life?" Laura asked Miranda.
Miranda didn't respond, standing in position. Now, Laura was closer and had the chance; his further leaning gave her an advantage, and now, let her take it.
"Contemplating? Let me assuage your mind for a second. If not for the fact the children or, in fact, biologically yours, and I'm sure H.Y.D.R.A didn't orchestrate our meeting, I wouldn't even entertain this meeting. You would have been dead or, worst, subjected to horrors that would pale in comparison to what you and your organization could undertake."
Laura's eyes grew large, "you knew? How long?"
He wanted to lie, but he saw no reason to.
"Recent relationships have grown tensed." Was his answer. The Abbott was slated for termination by The Hand, alongside Red Hood being wanted, the latter of which he assumed was related to The Hand, which H.Y.D.R.A was circumventing.
Laura's hands gripped the arms of the chair. The creaking of wood could be audibly heard inside the quiet room.
Cole had assured himself she would go for the gun, but she surprised him. Just maybe this agent wasn't so far gone; time would tell.
"My ch-."
"Your children are safe. My people have secured them. You can meet them here after we're done."
"Now, why should I help you more than I've done? Laura. What can you offer me?"
Her mouth opened close as the teen stared at her with apathy.
"What must I do to procure your help?"
Cole stared, not speaking.
She swallowed.
"I've seen you recruiting others. Is it possible for me to work for you, my-."
He stopped her with a raised hand. His power was manifesting around him and spreading out in the room.
"Tread carefully, Laura; you're going about this wrong. You're under the impression that I want you, a known agent of Nazi sympathizers. Do you even know what's truly behind that organization?"
She shuddered but declined to answer his question. She wasn't higher up in the organization, and he wasn't sure who or of any knew that was still alive today, but there was a possibility that someone knew.
He sighed. Maybe a history lesson would do. He opens his H.U.D. to broadcast his words.
"It was called Brotherhood of The Spear; its counterpart was called Brotherhood of The SHIELD." The Interface buzzed with comments. All are aware of the SHIELD of today.
"Imhotep was an Ancient Egyptian intellectual and skilled warrior who defended Egypt against a Brood invasion in 2620 BC. He founded the secret Brotherhood of the Shield/Spear to protect humanity. For this reason, I've been allowing our man to assist X-men and other agencies in the know in the field. Admittedly, Imhotep faced a scale that modern wars couldn't even compare to; the Host of Brood is capable of scouring a planet in days if left unchecked."
Angelica: Should we be worried about Juarez, Mexico?
ATC Operative 0101: Should I have access to this…
ATC Operative 2134: I'm here too. Hey Guys.
Angelica: It's company-wide. If you're in the field, you should know the stakes.
Scorch: Troubling News, Boss.
Dr. Stuart Clarke: I'm requisitioning more Operatives. The new Exo-suits should help even the field.
Bullseye: More the merrier; if not for these clueless mutants hindering me, I could be done soon.
Jennifer Watters: So, SHIELD and HYDRA share a common ancestry. And where is this spear and shield now?
...….
He tuned the open chat out and allowed his people to work out everything as he told the tale. He needed to get with Alfred and Reese and see about updating the files faster. The more information he can pump out, the more contingencies he could depend on.
"The Brood?"Laura asked.
"This was explained before, but I might as well touch it again. The Brood are insectoid beings who travel through space to find hosts to infest with their spawn. They are a specialized race that has evolved to reproduce and consume any available resources. They are a race thousands of years old, having been in the Milky Way since at least 2620 BC. They originated in another universe and are reportedly the universe's first natural predators, being experimented on by the Kree and establishing nests on hundreds of worlds across the cosmos. Brood society consists of clans led by queens, with the Empress Brood as the supreme leader."
"Wait, so HYDRA was supposed to be the world's protector," she paused, scrutinizing everything she had heard, "Its blade, or spear." She finished understanding dawning in her eyes.
"So, are they what you mean about demons and entities."
"Them, no, the Brood wouldn't require cloak and daggers. They aren't just savage; they intentionally enjoy the suffering they cause to others, especially the terror their infection causes to their hosts, and as such, they've been compared to Demons."
She opened her mouth to speak, but I raised a hand to stop her.
"Imhotep's legacy can be felt with his Shield and Spear. They inspired the mantles of "The Shield in the West" and "The Spear in the East" used by various groups, the latest of which are S.H.I.E.L.D. and soon to arise S.P.E.A.R.
"So HYDRA will never return to its fold. It's a force of evil and human suffering. The whole organization needs to be destroyed, each head cut off, its roots burned."
Laura swallowed but didn't interject.
"Nostradamus predicted the fall of the spear, yet his words weren't taken to heart, or it was already too late."
"I don't think anyone knows when, where, and how it became corrupted, but the moment it did, everything it stood for was swept away; it became imperialistic at first, which might make the right ideologies. Its counterpart attempted to safeguard the ideologies of the old, but it was inevitable to fail. The two split and became both in a downward spiral to what it is today."
'I'm not sure if this is accurate without Fury's input. If he has Davinci's Infinity Serum, some parallels and conjectures could be drawn. Until then, I will assume a demon or inhuman parasite is in the background. Baron Von Strucker is ideal, but even he's an enemy nobody wants.'
"Imhotep's Spear and Shield are symbolic items that he passed down to his secret brotherhood. The brotherhood was split: the Spear went to the East with the Spear, while the Shield went to the West with the Brotherhood of the Shield.
"If that's true, then-."
"Right. If it's true, and I'm not sure about everything, you willingly worked for HYDRA with its skewered and corrupted ideologies that wanted to rule the earth and could consume humankind until it became personal. You wanted out, what of others, they to had children, love ones, how many have you and you husband dammed."
Laura's eyes twitched, and she fumed, but Cole didn't relent. He continued his tale. Even summarizing the ancient holder of the spear and the shield, drawing comparisons to Captain America's weapon of choice indicates the organization holding on to its origins.
His monologue ended, the stream erupted in conjecture, and Bullseye cursed at the fact that The Brood had been here once and was barely stopped.
"My husband is a scientist. He worked for the Maggia, but that was front.-"
"Maggia is run by a demon, like The Hand." He added.
Laura frowned at that, unaware of the backers.
"It was a front. As you know, HYDRA creates double agents and sleeper cells. Originally, I was a recruiter to watch over Simon. His work in genetics and other areas was sought after by HYDRA."
Laura continued. Explaining her life and the operations, she went on. Cole stopped her, asking clarifying questions, but ultimately listened with rapt attention.
He straightened at the desk and returned the gun before turning it over the barrel facing him.
"I admit I wanted nothing to do with you and the baggage, but you have compelled me to act not out of any form of heroics but vehemence toward the organization and their hand in my parent's demise, even if it wasn't their call, they still facilitated The Hand with workforce and intelligence. Admittedly, I'm sure most aren't even aware of HYDRA infiltration, but that's the chance you take when you operate with forces out of your control. I'm sure you know there will not be a second chance should you betray me and mine; understand, it won't be me that comes for you but your own valueless words.
He stood, and Laura followed suit, his power fluctuating in the room.
"Laura, welcome to the fold. Your mission parameters are the illumination of HYDRA. Understand, I don't mean to destroy them. I lack the manpower at the moment. Physical might alone won't win the war; this is a battle I shall be fighting and most of the free world. If what is to come occurs, and I'm sure most would occur, then a united front is needed. I will leave recruitment to you; I'm sure a woman of your talents can handle that. Remember, those under you are accountable to me and my regulations; anything done to hinder or mislead me will be met with death; take the gun; this is a bonus; remember this moment in the future and endeavor to assist me."
Laura shook as her hand took the offered weapon.
"I offer this as trust between us; be my weapon against not my enemies but enemies of us all." He hadn't been wrong, and the system mission had no rhyme to it, but reason was a strong possibility
"Thank you, I won't forget this."
"There is a child close to your children's age. His name is Leech; he's a Morlock, a form of mutant. I would appreciate it if you would introduce your children to him. But be aware that he's different, and I'm extremely fond of him."
Laura understood his words.
"Miranda, send in the good Dr. Mishimoto and set Laura up with the standard upgrade package."
He looked at them both, mind-changing.
"I've also added the option to take the serum if any of you want it."
Miranda's body thrummed with anticipation.
"Why do all of this?"
Cole turned and faced outside the window as a notification settled upon him.
"What to come for us will be harsh. Even with what I grant, others want what is necessary to survive. At best, I'm giving those under me a small security measure."
Host-Generated Mission-Updated: Your Abbott false guise has become an almost folk hero in Manhattan. Action has consequences; even good deeds bear strange fruits, and yours has led you into the path of a mother trying to escape the entrapment of HYDRA.
Choice-Hero: You could retire the cowl and embrace another mask. The mother has pleaded for you, The Abbott, to help her, pulling at your heartstrings. See to it that the mother is protected and reunited with her children—Reward (s): $2,00,000, x10 Alignment Shift, Persona Upgrade Token.
Two million dollars was a reward he liked. He also felt his alignment shift. It was a minor reality-warping sensation. He had gotten even closer toward Heroic. What Laura being brought on meant to him pale compared to what she meant to the world.
'Just maybe she was the tip of the spear that ended HYDRA.'
Jeremy hated them too, and so did he, but the way The vestiges of Jeremy despised the Hand was another thing entirely.
'Woe be upon them.'
His door opened, and Mishimoto entered. He had another meeting to attend, which was far worse.
It seems the Doctor hadn't controlled his daughter well, and she had brought unwanted attention to him.
Without a thought, he spent the token wondering if it would be a messy percentage, but to his amazement, it brought him to the halfway point.
Name: Cole Stephens
Known Name: Jeremy York
Alias- Red Hood
Race: Updating
Physique: Updating…
Alignment: -Neutral
System-Bank: $9,945,234
Minion(s) Bullseye—Contracted
Anne Weying—Contracted
Kevin Lourdes-Contracted
Legal—Contracted
Angelica "Angel" Jones—Contracted
Dr. Mishimoto-Contracted
Kaecilius- Red Lantern-Holder
Morlocks-Coerced 25%/100%
Leech-Protected
Annalee-Corerced 36%/100%
A.T.C Soldiers- Coerced 12%/100%
Laura Boggan-Contracted
Angelica Bloom-Contracted
Persona(s)Jason Peter Todd- Red Hood 103%|100%
Daniel Kilgore- Priest - Haunt 50%|50%
Kurt Kilgore- Special Agent - Haunt 50%|50%
Baran Flinders- Mammoth 51%|100%
Attributes
Intelligence: +Moderate Tier 10
Strength: Exceptional Tier 2 -> Extraordinary Tier 1
Speed: Moderate Tier 10->13
Durability: +Exceptional Tier 1->3
Energy Projection: +Moderate Tier 10->15
Fighting Skills: Advanced -> Exceptional Tier 4
Gear-Inventory
Red Hood Symbiosis Costume
Mammoth Costume
Roy Mustang Gloves
Atrocious Lantern Ring
Jokers Crowbar
Batman Utility Belt
Clark Kent's Glasses
Clark Kent Cape
Scarecrow Gear
Cloak of Destiny
Amulet Of Anubis
Orichalcum Knives
Nth-Promethium Katana
Dual Pistols [9mm rounds]
Dual Modified| Sniper Mod|M1911 [.45]
Dead shot Wrist Gauntlets
Captain Cold's Gun.
Fear Toxin
Smoke Grenade
Pocket Explosives
High Powered Taser
Ace of Winchesters
Kinetic Hammer
Penguin Umbrella
Super-bike
Nautilus Vll
Blue Beetle Bug
Tumbler Batmobile
Star Trek Comm badge
Desiccated Hand
Smith & Wesson Model 500.
.44 Magnum Model 629.
The Glacier Stone
Abilities
X-Gene: Host mutant factor has awakened.
Thermokinesis, Fear Inducement, Superhuman Strength. [Unexposed]Terrigenesis
Unique physiology: The Host's mutant abilities, alongside your latent human nature and the new ghost-like powers, have caused the Host to develop a unique physiology.
[+1] Holder of the Hero-Villain System.
[+10] Criminology: Deception. Stealth. Infiltration. Demolition. Enhanced Investigation.
—>[+9] Occultism: The Host is knowledgeable about various mystical concepts due to his training with the All-Caste and formal training as a Catholic priest. Force Multiplier-Amulet of Anubis
[+9] Superhuman Senses: The Host has supernatural senses, which allow them to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel better than the average species member.
[+19] Superhuman strength-Class 50: The corrupted energies of the Lazarus pit flow through your unique physiology. Your extraordinary strength grants blow that can deliver devastating damage and are known to shake the Earth.
—> Raging Strength: Berserker, this ability is throttled by the Host's Rage—the potential to lose yourself in the haze of battle. The longer you fight, the more significantly your strength grows.
—> Super-Leaping: The Host can make extraordinary leaps in the air thanks to his strength.
——>Superhuman Stamina: When fighting, the Host appears almost untiring, a force of nature that does not stop until defeated.
——>Superhuman Durability: While not invulnerable, the Host is still challenging to injure.
[+12] Skilled marksman, assassin, and expert tactician, Gadgetry
[+9] Martial Artists: Dim Mak Expert, Rain Taijutsu Specialist.
——> [+10] Mechanical Aptitude: An acute understanding of and utilization of high-tech equipment, robot engineering, and advanced weaponry.
[+2] Bio-engineering: Chemistry
[+8] Business Management: A.T.C., Wayne Enterprises, Lexcorp, Iceberg Lounge.
[+4] Computer Operations: Computer Hacking.
——>[+9] Ectokinesis: The user can create, shape, and manipulate energy unique to spirits and ghosts.
——> [+8] Astral Projection Portal: By manipulating Ectoplasm energies, The Host can project his consciousness, manifest onto the astral Plane, and create portals. However, the Host can only use the astral Plane to port to places the Host haunts.
——> [+14] Thermokinesis: The ability to manipulate and control the motion of molecules, slowing them down or speeding them up, thus changing temperature in the surrounding area with the power of the Host mind. It is an ability on a broader spectrum than simply being pyrokinesis or Cryokinesis. By its nature, this Mutant ability can be affected and altered by other attributes and abilities. This is considered a mutant ability.
[+5] Pyrokinesis: Create and control fire, manipulate heat in your immediate vicinity with your mind.
Force Multiplier: Roy Mustang Glove
——>Heat Vision: The ability to release massive amounts of thermal energy stored within the body through the eyes in focused beams of heat.
[+9] Cryokinesis is the ability to control and manipulate frost, Ice, snow, and cold temperatures.
Force Multiplier: The Glacial Stone-Inactive
——> Cold Vision is the power to emit beams of freezing energy from one's eyes, opposite to Heat Vision.
—> [+10] Transformation: Originally, when Daniel and Kurt's ghost merge, Daniel's body becomes covered in ectoplasm that gives him various superhuman abilities; because of the unique nature of the Host, this transformation involves all personas, significantly increasing Haunt's parameters.
Red Hood Armor Symbiosis: The joining of your ectoplasm|Bio-Electricity and Haunts armor Amplifies Host parameters to an undefined amount.
Red Hood Cowl: Heightened Mental Resistance.
[0] Claws: Haunt has razor-sharp claws on each finger that can easily decapitate enemies.
[0] Metamorphosis: You can manipulate your ectoplasm to create tentacles, cobwebs, spikes, blades, and other appendages.
Adhesion: Haunt can stick on walls.
[+7] Inhuman Optimal Healing Factor: Granted by the system and augmented by Chi and Ectoplasmic energies, you can heal from extreme mental or bodily trauma in minutes.
Red Lantern Mantle: The first Lantern has been chosen; the Host now bears the responsibility of holding the Mantle of the Red Lantern Corps.
The First Ring- Atrocious: You wield the first Red Lantern Ring ever created. The boundless Rage of Atrocious fuels your powers. Furthermore, unlike the more scientific Green Lantern Ring, the Red Lantern Ring uses vast amounts of magic in its construction.
A Red Lantern's ring is one of the most potent weapons in the known Universe. Red Lantern's ring can affect and use fundamental forces of the known Universe, including electromagnetic energies such as gravity, radiation, heat, light, and powerful blasts of concussive force.
The ring can also create fields of power formed from a red energy spectrum. However, such use is limited by the user's skill, knowledge, and imagination.
—>[+16] Rage Suppression: Said to be a rarity among Red lanterns, holders of this power need not the baptism of the blood ocean. You can control all the Red Lantern ring's degrees of intensity; lanterns under you have limited access to your passive suppression.
—>Rage Empowerment: Your new mutant ability, Raging Strength, synergies with your plasmoid blood. Under the influence of the Ring[Activated], Rage itself becomes your strength.
—>[+9] Chi Manipulation: Host's mastery of martial arts and hidden innate parameters have unlocked one of the most sought-after abilities in the Universe. You can wield and manipulate the natural forces of life and control your steadily growing Bio-electrical energy.
—> [+3] Augmentation: The Host Chi can enhance physical and supernatural parameters and significantly boost healing and recovery time.
[+6] Fear Inducement: Your presence has shown itself as a fragment of fear. The physical manifestation of your presence takes the form of an incorporeal bat-like thing. The target of your inducement perception may be altered, causing them to have waking nightmarish dreams pulling taut on their deepest fears. Your presence can now affect the waking and spiritual domain, causing the Host to become ominous, dark, foreboding, or even monstrous. This is considered a mutant ability.