Meanwhile, in the command center.
Nick Fury stared at the few surveillance screens that were still lit. Loki's cell door had opened, then closed again, but the person locked inside had changed from Loki to Thor.
He raised a hand to his earpiece and switched to a private channel. "Romanoff, Clint is in the passageway beside the command center. You know what to do."
In the laboratory, Natasha heard Nick Fury's voice through her earpiece.
Clint Barton—her partner, her friend—was now being mentally controlled by Loki, doing things against his will.
Natasha glanced at Banner beside her. Banner sat on the floor with his hands resting on his knees. His breathing was steady, his eyes clear. Lin Hai's treatment and reassurance had worked even better than expected.
Natasha's lips moved, but no words came out.
After all, Banner's situation—
"Go. I'll be fine." Banner's voice was gentle as he gave Natasha a slight nod. "Besides, didn't Dr. Lin say he had a way to handle it even if I turned into the Hulk?"
Everything Banner had gone through after being exposed to gamma radiation had made him lose faith in the very word "trust." He would not easily trust anyone again.
But Lin Hai was different.
When that dark green glow had poured into his body, he had felt more than physical healing. He had also felt a profound sense of reassurance. If he had to find a word for that feeling, it would probably be "security."
Someone who could make a man who might turn into a green monster at any moment feel safe was worth trusting.
After hearing Dr. Banner's words, Natasha finally made up her mind. She gave Banner a firm nod, then turned and left.
On the elevated corridor outside the command center, Clint was hurrying