20 Shield Report - Ionic Knight
June 20th, 1995 - Earth
S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility, Classified Location - USA
It has been a week since the most important event in recent human history—the encounter with extraterrestrial beings. Despite the gravity of the situation, the general populace remained blissfully unaware. Agent Nick Fury found himself immersed in plans for an initiative involving powered individuals ready to intervene when humanity faced its greatest challenges. Seated in his office, he was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," he called out. Agent Coulson entered, bearing a box containing various options for glass eyes. Fury's eye had been lost during a space battle, the real way he lost it was a fact known only to a select few.
"Sir, we've analysed the satellite footage of the subject Ionic Knight's altercation with the alien and conducted a thorough survey of the surrounding area," Coulson reported, unpacking the box. "Despite the widespread destruction within a two-hundred-metre radius of their battleground, our science team managed to recover some alien DNA samples." He paused before continuing, "Regarding the Ionic Knight's abilities, most were familiar to us, but he displayed two new capabilities: manipulating clouds and generating lightning storms. Additionally, he seems to possess some form of plasma manipulation."
"Seal those reports with the highest clearance," Fury instructed, nodding thoughtfully. "And any progress in locating him?" he inquired.
"None, sir," Coulson replied. "After their confrontation, all satellite recording devices malfunctioned for two minutes. By the time they resumed functioning, both the boy and the alien had vanished."
"This world just keeps getting weirder," Fury muttered, a hint of resignation in his voice, "I've got a mission for you Coulson…" he continued.
June 20th, 1995 - Earth
Kamar-Taj, Kathmandu - Nepal
In David's bedroom, a serene ambiance filled the air as he lay peacefully asleep, his expression betraying no hint of the turmoil he had recently endured. His mother, the Ancient One, sat vigilantly beside him, her concern etched into every line of her face. She had scarcely left his side since his return, consumed by worry and a fierce protectiveness over her son.
As the hours passed, Wong, ever the vigilant guardian, entered the room with a gentle yet persistent concern. "Master, you haven't left his side for a week. You also need some rest," he urged, his voice laced with a note of worry.
But the Ancient One shook her head resolutely, her gaze unwavering. "No, I have to stay by his side until he wakes up," she insisted, her tone reflecting her unwavering resolve. "I know that this experience was necessary for his growth, but seeing him in pain for the first time was something I never want to witness again."
Their conversation was interrupted by a stirring from the bed, and both the Ancient One and Wong turned their attention to David as his eyelids fluttered open. Groggily awakening, David jolted into a battle-ready stance, his instincts kicking in as his aura activated. It was only upon recognizing his mother and uncle Wong with smiles on their faces that he relaxed, sinking back onto the bed.
"So I guess I lost," David mumbled dejectedly, his frustration evident in his voice.
"No, honey, you won that confrontation," the Ancient One reassured him, her voice soft but firm. "The only reason you passed out was the exhaustion from summoning that lightning storm just before the battle."
Determination flickered in David's eyes as he made a silent vow to himself. "Hmph, next time I won't let them push me to such an extent," he declared, his resolve shining through despite his fatigue. The Ancient One and Wong exchanged knowing smiles, silently acknowledging the strength of their young charge's spirit.
June 21st, 1995 - Earth
Louisiana - USA
Outside the Rambeau house, Coulson arrived feeling like this mission wasn't that important. He thought of Fury's orders, reminding him of the importance of his mission. "Gather any information about David you can get from Maria and Monica," Fury's words echoed in his mind as he approached the door. He couldn't afford to overlook any potential insights into David's recent activities, especially after Fury had noticed the bond forming between David and Maria's child, Monica.
Knocking on the door, Coulson braced himself for the task ahead. To his surprise, it was David who greeted him with a bright grin, exuding an air of innocence that momentarily disarmed Coulson. "Mum told me you'd come here," David announced cheerfully, his words snapping Coulson back to reality and inviting him in.
"Yes, thank you," Coulson managed to reply as he followed David into the house, his mind still grappling with the unexpected turn of events.
Inside, the atmosphere was relaxed, contrasting sharply with Coulson's internal turmoil. David's carefree demeanour only served to deepen Coulson's confusion as he struggled to maintain his composure amidst the casual setting.
As they settled into the living room, Coulson attempted to steer the conversation toward his mission. "So, what are you doing here?" Maria inquired, her warmth and hospitality putting Coulson slightly more at ease.
"I'm here on official S.H.I.E.L.D. business," Coulson replied, his tone professional yet tinged with a hint of apprehension.
David's playful interjection broke the tension, earning a chuckle from everyone present. "Fishing for info on a minor, huh?" he quipped, his playful demeanour offering a brief respite from the gravity of the situation.
Coulson pressed on, determined to fulfil his mission despite the challenges. "Could you at least tell us what happened to the alien you battled?" he asked, his tone earnest yet tinged with urgency.
"I don't know, my mum dealt with him when she picked me up after my fight," David replied casually, his response providing scant information but offering Coulson a thread to follow in his pursuit of the truth.
"So, David, how's everything been since the, uh, incident?" Coulson began, his tone carefully neutral as he broached the topic at hand.
David shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Saving the world, dodging alien invasions," he quipped, earning a chuckle from Monica.
Coulson raised an eyebrow, masking his surprise at David's lighthearted response. "Right. And how's school been?"
"Same old, same old," David replied with a noncommittal shrug, his gaze drifting towards Monica as if seeking reassurance.
Monica, sensing David's discomfort, decided to intervene. "Hey David, did you see that new movie everyone's talking about?" she asked, her tone light and inviting.
David perked up at Monica's question, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, I heard about it! Looks pretty cool, huh?" he replied eagerly, glad for the change of subject.
As Monica and David launched into a spirited discussion about the latest blockbuster, Coulson seized the opportunity to subtly probe Maria for information. "So, Maria, any updates on, uh, recent developments?" he inquired, his tone carefully casual.
Maria met Coulson's gaze with a knowing look, her expression guarded yet welcoming. "Nothing much to report, just taking it one day at a time," she replied, her words revealing little but conveying an underlying sense of resilience.
Coulson nodded, his professional demeanour unwavering as he filed away Maria's response for further analysis. Despite the lack of concrete information, he remained vigilant, knowing that every interaction held the potential for valuable insights.
Meanwhile, David and Monica's animated conversation continued, their laughter filling the room with warmth.
Later in the afternoon, Coulson and David bid farewell to Maria and Monica, strolling towards the road where Coulson's car was parked. "Aren't you going to fly home?" Coulson inquired, eyeing David curiously. "Nah, my mom's picking me up. My house is pretty far," David replied, flashing a playful grin. Coulson considered pressing for more information but decided against it. Before he could say anything else, a swirling, fiery orange energy materialised, forming a portal. David sauntered through it, and as the portal closed behind him, Coulson stood frozen for a moment, contemplating the bizarre events. "The world keeps getting freakier and freakier," he mused to himself. "At least I'll have something to report to Fury now," he added, feeling a sense of relief.
June 21st, 1995 - Earth
S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility, Classified Location - USA
As Coulson wrapped up his report on the visit to Maria, Monica, and David, Fury nodded thoughtfully. "Looks like he's as friendly as I expected," Coulson remarked. "Judging from the information we received, we can assume his mother is also enhanced and was allowing David to learn from the experience, since she could have intervened at any point with her portalling capabilities," he continued. Fury leaned back in his chair, considering their next steps. "Let's shelve this project for now. David is still too young for me to use him as an asset in good conscience, and his mother is even more of a mystery. I'd rather not provoke a teleporter who could shut down the cameras of satellites in space," Fury concluded. Coulson nodded in agreement as Fury closed and stored the file in a cabinet. As the cabinet door shut, the words "Ionic Knight" could be seen labelling the file.
