Simona gave Lucian a slight nod, then led Fitz and Simmons toward the other end of the corridor. The two young geniuses kept looking back, their eyes filled with helplessness and terror, but faced with the two security guards beside Simona, each over two meters tall with muscles bulging beneath their tactical vests, they did not even have the courage to protest.
"Dr. Banner is already waiting for you in the genetics lab on the third basement level," Simona's steady voice came. "He'll personally arrange your work from here on."
Dr. Banner?
Fitz and Simmons exchanged a glance, each seeing a trace of confusion in the other's eyes... and a barely perceptible hint of excitement.
Bruce Banner, the legendary figure in gamma radiation, radiation physics, and even biology-to work alongside him was like a dream for any young researcher.
Coulson watched the two youngsters being led away, his feelings mixed. He knew Lucian was offering a carrot after the stick, using a top scientist's reputation to soothe these two students who knew little of the world. Still, whatever else, their physical safety was guaranteed for the time being.
He withdrew his gaze and looked back at Lucian, waiting for him to continue with a complicated look in his eyes.
Lucian paid him no further attention and headed straight for the edge of the landing pad. There, the black S.H.I.E.L.D. transport that had been forcibly "invited" over sat quietly, like a beast stripped of its fangs.
The hatch stood wide open, and a figure in a track jacket leaned against its edge, yawning lazily. His striking short silver hair was rather dazzling in the sunlight.
Ever since the great battle with the Eternals, Pietro's days had grown somewhat dull. Apart from taking time each week to return to Sokovia and check