Targets Are Acquired
Sometimes the Past doesn't Die
Military Base, Colorado
May 6, 2013
Matt’s POV
Matt Jenkins was nervous as hell. Today was the day; the day to steal the materials he needed. One he has been planning for months now. He understood the risks that if he got caught, he would end up in jail for a very long time. However, that monster was still out there, and getting rid of that was more important than the possible repercussions.
After witnessing the invasion a few months ago, the event was still swirling around, fresh in his mind. The image of that ‘God’ being praised was darkening his own soul; that ‘God’ was nothing more than a murderer. All he needed to do was time everything correctly in order to get the silicon-carbide vibranium alloy out, unnoticed. If he was successful, they would be able to make the explosive bullets rounds that could go through anything, including monsters and fake Gods.
When the soldier on duty would take his weekly, ‘sneak off his post and hook up with his girlfriend for twenty minutes’ break, which was more than enough time for him to leave with the silicon-carbide vibranium alloy. Matt would be able to make twenty ounces of it, which, according to Frank, would be more than enough to make all the bullets that they would need for testing and doing the job.
Matt hoped it would work and that his coworkers were absent-minded enough to not notice him taking it, when the time came. He walked out of the lab to go to the bathroom at the perfect moment to see the guard sneak away. Matt couldn’t believe his luck, and he knew he could not waste this moment. In his haste, he forgot about the need to use the bathroom and returned to his laboratory to collect his coffee cup. Dumping out the liquid, he felt his heart was beating fast. As he grabbed the alloys, he felt his hands getting even more sweaty. There was a moment of hesitation, making his pause before he stuffed it into the false-bottom of the cup. Once he had screwed it on, he ran his sleeve over his forehead, which was also sweating.
He was a goddamn scientist, not a spy. He could end up going to prison for thirty years for this. ‘Fuck it’, Matt decided finally. Three family members, three beloved friends, were dead. The government wouldn’t do anything about it, so they would.
Matt ignored the doubts and the uneasy feeling in his stomach as he picked up his coffee cup and walked out of the door. He wanted to be quick, without raising suspicion, as he knew that if the guard saw him, he’d be searched on sight. As he stepped further out into the corridor, relief filled him as he discovered it was empty. Without any more hesitation, he made his way through the door, and then immediately through the second security door. He could feel his heartbeat increasing.
Forty yards; one hundred and twenty feet to his car and success would be his. Matt's eyes were looking everywhere, not daring to leave a single stone unturned. There was no one around, but that did nothing to stop the dread forming in his stomach.
He walked about twenty feet, and a light turned on to his right, far enough away that he almost missed it. His heart stopped and he could feel his lunch rising in his stomach. ‘What should I do?’ he thought wildly. Matt realized that if he was noticed he could be searched. The light went out just as quickly as it had turned on. He started walking quickly again, but this time he was almost jogging. Just a few seconds more. He came closer to the car and reached into his pocket to get the keys, the keys to freedom. As his hand went into the pocket, his heart stopped and a heavy stone of dread and fear dropped into his gut.
There was nothing there. He had left the keys in the lab with the rest of his lunch. He wanted to scream out, to free his anger and let the world know, but he knew it wouldn’t be a wise choice. Thinking it futile, but wanting to try everything, he looked at the lock. It was open.
‘A fucking miracle,’ he practically cried in relief. He quickly opened the door and lifted his seat. Matt had made a compartment in the seat that had the exact same coffee cup in it, being paranoid and wanting to be sure nothing could go wrong. He switched the two cups, closed the compartment, and lowered the seat. Matt quickly locked up the car and closed his door. He hurried back to the lab and was almost at the door. Then, he suddenly heard something that almost stopped his heart completely.
“Sir, please stop now!” a marine yelled out firmly.
Matt stopped and turned around, trying to be as compliant as possible. The soldier approached him quickly and with purpose. ‘Fuck, a patrol,’ Matt thought, terrified.
“Why are you out here?” the buff man ordered an answer.
“Um, hi. I forgot my coffee cup, so I went to get it,” Matt stuttered out.
“Can I see your badge, please? Are you okay? You are sweating a lot, Sir.” The previously rude marine showed some concern.
“Of course.” Matt handed it to him, quickly thinking of an excuse. He became very glad it was a hot night. “I must be getting spoiled by the air conditioning.”
The soldier checked the badge and handed it back. ”Dr. Jenkins, did you sign out with the guard on duty?”
Matt was getting nervous-really nervous. With a breath, he decided it would be best to be as honest as possible, but leaving a few things out. “No,” he admitted. “Um, look, I don’t want anyone to get into trouble. I just ran out to get my cup.”
The soldier stepped into the light, and Matt couldn't believe his luck. “Okay, fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut as long as you keep yours shut, cool?”
Matt almost laughed at the words he was hearing. “Yeah, we’re cool,” he reassured.
“Okay, get inside now, before someone sees us,” the marine ordered.
Matt went inside and then back to the lab as fast as he could. He set his cup on the table and took a huge breath of relief. Then he remembered that he had to go to the bathroom, and started to leave to use the restroom.
“Dr. Jenkins, please come here now,” he heard the guard at the desk yell up to him. ‘Fuck, they got me.’ Matt almost started running, but he simply walked up to the desk with shaking hands. The guard handed him a clipboard. “Here, sign this part saying you went out to your car. I already went back and erased the footage. I’ll just write up the gap as a glitch.”
Matt couldn’t believe it. Maybe fate was in play here. With a quick signature, he visited the bathroom and returned to his laboratory. After working for about twenty minutes, to avoid suspicious, he texted both Frank and Cindy. It was a simple, pre-arranged text that would confirm he had accomplished his goal and they were all set to meet up. The text read: ‘Good.’
_____________________________________________________________________
Casa Lever Restaurant
New York City
May 7, 2013
Cindy’s POV
The restaurant was expensive; it was known for it’s amazing taste in food and class. If you wanted to impress an out-of-town client, this is one of the places. She made her way up the stairs with the red carpet and through a glass doorway; it was separate from everyone else and provided privacy. Today it was a little later in the afternoon, so the restaurant was pretty empty as she sat by herself at a table.
Cindy talked to Matt last week, they were making very good progress with the bullet. After their conversation, she immediately contact with her ‘special’ client, but at each appointment, she was greeted with an empty table, or someone who said, maybe next time.
This meeting, she assumed would be no different. Her head lulled to the side as she heard footsteps behind her. “Ms. Allen,” a thick German accent spoke behind her and spun around as the male approached her. He was a bald, older man who had a monocle over his right eye and stood with a firm posture. The confidence boomed off him and one glance into his eyes showed that he was not a man you’d mess with. “May I join you?”
“Yes, please do.” Cindy had her hopes high that she finally was meeting someone of importance.
“I am glad to meet you. You have been successful with helping my associates make profit, and not to be nosy, but I am to understand that you wish for something. I do, thank you and apologize about the other meetings; but we all must be careful,” he said, surprisingly honest.
“Thank you, and of course I understand. I just do what I am paid to do, that’s all.” She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I was hoping you would know some people that can help my family through a grieving process. I have lost two cousins and a brother in the past year to extremely unusual events, and the proper authorities have done nothing to help.”
“Keep going, please,” the man requested, curious at how they could help.
Cindy pulled a folder out of her bag. As she opened the folder, she placed three photos down. “This is Henry Jenkins. He died on June 2nd, 2011 at Culver University because of this green monster.” She placed a blurry image of the Hulk by his photo. “This is Mary Williams. She died the same day in New Mexico, because this man decided to do a battle in the middle of town with a monster instead of fighting it in a safe place.” Although Cindy would never know it, Frank had lied to everyone about the details. He wanted everyone to be believe that the blond-haired man was the reason for the carnage. “Earlier this year, my brother Mike was killed by those fucking aliens, and this man or alien was the leader of them.” She placed the final photo down.
“I am very sorry for these tragic events. You all must be saddened by these,” the man said politely. “But I am confused. Why do you seek us out?”
“I am no fool. I know that your people can do things that…” She hesitated, pausing for a moment; she did not want to seem rude. “...bypass the law. I’m not threatening you, because I am not that stupid. If you don’t want to help; I will look elsewhere.”
“Good, because you would be dead,” he stated, matter-of-factly.
“Exactly. I don’t know who you are, nor do I want to. I am confident you and whoever you work for can get anything done for the right price.”
“I will not disagree. Continue, but I will warn you, our price is quite high.”
“I can afford it,” Cindy commented determined before adding, “or find a way to bargain.”
“Bargain?” A rare smile appeared on his face. “I am interested. How can you bargain?” He seemed amused.
“I know two people that are designing a bullet which can pierce any skin and go through any material on the planet. No armor will be thick enough, strong enough, to resist it. I think that would be something interesting that your people could find very useful,” she stated, hoping she had his focus now.
The left eyebrow of the man twitched, and she now she knew for certain he was interested. “I would agree. Tell me, is this bullet ready?”
“No, but it is being worked on around the clock, and as soon as it is ready, we’ll be ready to demonstrate for you.”
“Very good. We will contact you. You do not contact us. At all. Now, if you are working for anyone and planning on betraying us, you will be dead,” he said, his response once again cold.
“I will not betray you,” Cindy responded, matching his tone.
“Goodbye, Ms. Adams.” He stood up from the table and walked out of the room.
Baron Von Strucker POV.
As Baron walked out to the doorway, he stopped and turned back to look at Cindy for a single moment, and found her was holding the picture of her brother. He turned away once more and walk out of the restaurant. As soon he walked on the sidewalk, he got out his cell and picked out a very specific contact and called them.
Ring. Ring. Click. Baron could hear the sound of someone breathing.
“Was the intel correct?” the person asked.
“Yes, it was completely accurate.”
“So, what do you advise?”
“Full surveillance on everyone. The second that bullet is ready, I want to know,” he replied as he began walking.
“Yes, I agree. We will get the best ones on them. Do you believe them in what they say?”
“Yes, they want blood.” Baron smirked. “We can do that.”
“And then after?”
“They will either support us or drown in their own blood.”
“I agree.” A moment passed before two very important words were uttered. “Hail Hydra!”
“Hail Hydra!” was the answer. Baron ended the call with a heavy finger, before getting out of the street.
May 6, 2013
Matt’s POV
Matt Jenkins was nervous as hell. Today was the day; the day to steal the materials he needed. One he has been planning for months now. He understood the risks that if he got caught, he would end up in jail for a very long time. However, that monster was still out there, and getting rid of that was more important than the possible repercussions.
After witnessing the invasion a few months ago, the event was still swirling around, fresh in his mind. The image of that ‘God’ being praised was darkening his own soul; that ‘God’ was nothing more than a murderer. All he needed to do was time everything correctly in order to get the silicon-carbide vibranium alloy out, unnoticed. If he was successful, they would be able to make the explosive bullets rounds that could go through anything, including monsters and fake Gods.
When the soldier on duty would take his weekly, ‘sneak off his post and hook up with his girlfriend for twenty minutes’ break, which was more than enough time for him to leave with the silicon-carbide vibranium alloy. Matt would be able to make twenty ounces of it, which, according to Frank, would be more than enough to make all the bullets that they would need for testing and doing the job.
Matt hoped it would work and that his coworkers were absent-minded enough to not notice him taking it, when the time came. He walked out of the lab to go to the bathroom at the perfect moment to see the guard sneak away. Matt couldn’t believe his luck, and he knew he could not waste this moment. In his haste, he forgot about the need to use the bathroom and returned to his laboratory to collect his coffee cup. Dumping out the liquid, he felt his heart was beating fast. As he grabbed the alloys, he felt his hands getting even more sweaty. There was a moment of hesitation, making his pause before he stuffed it into the false-bottom of the cup. Once he had screwed it on, he ran his sleeve over his forehead, which was also sweating.
He was a goddamn scientist, not a spy. He could end up going to prison for thirty years for this. ‘Fuck it’, Matt decided finally. Three family members, three beloved friends, were dead. The government wouldn’t do anything about it, so they would.
Matt ignored the doubts and the uneasy feeling in his stomach as he picked up his coffee cup and walked out of the door. He wanted to be quick, without raising suspicion, as he knew that if the guard saw him, he’d be searched on sight. As he stepped further out into the corridor, relief filled him as he discovered it was empty. Without any more hesitation, he made his way through the door, and then immediately through the second security door. He could feel his heartbeat increasing.
Forty yards; one hundred and twenty feet to his car and success would be his. Matt's eyes were looking everywhere, not daring to leave a single stone unturned. There was no one around, but that did nothing to stop the dread forming in his stomach.
He walked about twenty feet, and a light turned on to his right, far enough away that he almost missed it. His heart stopped and he could feel his lunch rising in his stomach. ‘What should I do?’ he thought wildly. Matt realized that if he was noticed he could be searched. The light went out just as quickly as it had turned on. He started walking quickly again, but this time he was almost jogging. Just a few seconds more. He came closer to the car and reached into his pocket to get the keys, the keys to freedom. As his hand went into the pocket, his heart stopped and a heavy stone of dread and fear dropped into his gut.
There was nothing there. He had left the keys in the lab with the rest of his lunch. He wanted to scream out, to free his anger and let the world know, but he knew it wouldn’t be a wise choice. Thinking it futile, but wanting to try everything, he looked at the lock. It was open.
‘A fucking miracle,’ he practically cried in relief. He quickly opened the door and lifted his seat. Matt had made a compartment in the seat that had the exact same coffee cup in it, being paranoid and wanting to be sure nothing could go wrong. He switched the two cups, closed the compartment, and lowered the seat. Matt quickly locked up the car and closed his door. He hurried back to the lab and was almost at the door. Then, he suddenly heard something that almost stopped his heart completely.
“Sir, please stop now!” a marine yelled out firmly.
Matt stopped and turned around, trying to be as compliant as possible. The soldier approached him quickly and with purpose. ‘Fuck, a patrol,’ Matt thought, terrified.
“Why are you out here?” the buff man ordered an answer.
“Um, hi. I forgot my coffee cup, so I went to get it,” Matt stuttered out.
“Can I see your badge, please? Are you okay? You are sweating a lot, Sir.” The previously rude marine showed some concern.
“Of course.” Matt handed it to him, quickly thinking of an excuse. He became very glad it was a hot night. “I must be getting spoiled by the air conditioning.”
The soldier checked the badge and handed it back. ”Dr. Jenkins, did you sign out with the guard on duty?”
Matt was getting nervous-really nervous. With a breath, he decided it would be best to be as honest as possible, but leaving a few things out. “No,” he admitted. “Um, look, I don’t want anyone to get into trouble. I just ran out to get my cup.”
The soldier stepped into the light, and Matt couldn't believe his luck. “Okay, fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut as long as you keep yours shut, cool?”
Matt almost laughed at the words he was hearing. “Yeah, we’re cool,” he reassured.
“Okay, get inside now, before someone sees us,” the marine ordered.
Matt went inside and then back to the lab as fast as he could. He set his cup on the table and took a huge breath of relief. Then he remembered that he had to go to the bathroom, and started to leave to use the restroom.
“Dr. Jenkins, please come here now,” he heard the guard at the desk yell up to him. ‘Fuck, they got me.’ Matt almost started running, but he simply walked up to the desk with shaking hands. The guard handed him a clipboard. “Here, sign this part saying you went out to your car. I already went back and erased the footage. I’ll just write up the gap as a glitch.”
Matt couldn’t believe it. Maybe fate was in play here. With a quick signature, he visited the bathroom and returned to his laboratory. After working for about twenty minutes, to avoid suspicious, he texted both Frank and Cindy. It was a simple, pre-arranged text that would confirm he had accomplished his goal and they were all set to meet up. The text read: ‘Good.’
_____________________________________________________________________
Casa Lever Restaurant
New York City
May 7, 2013
Cindy’s POV
The restaurant was expensive; it was known for it’s amazing taste in food and class. If you wanted to impress an out-of-town client, this is one of the places. She made her way up the stairs with the red carpet and through a glass doorway; it was separate from everyone else and provided privacy. Today it was a little later in the afternoon, so the restaurant was pretty empty as she sat by herself at a table.
Cindy talked to Matt last week, they were making very good progress with the bullet. After their conversation, she immediately contact with her ‘special’ client, but at each appointment, she was greeted with an empty table, or someone who said, maybe next time.
This meeting, she assumed would be no different. Her head lulled to the side as she heard footsteps behind her. “Ms. Allen,” a thick German accent spoke behind her and spun around as the male approached her. He was a bald, older man who had a monocle over his right eye and stood with a firm posture. The confidence boomed off him and one glance into his eyes showed that he was not a man you’d mess with. “May I join you?”
“Yes, please do.” Cindy had her hopes high that she finally was meeting someone of importance.
“I am glad to meet you. You have been successful with helping my associates make profit, and not to be nosy, but I am to understand that you wish for something. I do, thank you and apologize about the other meetings; but we all must be careful,” he said, surprisingly honest.
“Thank you, and of course I understand. I just do what I am paid to do, that’s all.” She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I was hoping you would know some people that can help my family through a grieving process. I have lost two cousins and a brother in the past year to extremely unusual events, and the proper authorities have done nothing to help.”
“Keep going, please,” the man requested, curious at how they could help.
Cindy pulled a folder out of her bag. As she opened the folder, she placed three photos down. “This is Henry Jenkins. He died on June 2nd, 2011 at Culver University because of this green monster.” She placed a blurry image of the Hulk by his photo. “This is Mary Williams. She died the same day in New Mexico, because this man decided to do a battle in the middle of town with a monster instead of fighting it in a safe place.” Although Cindy would never know it, Frank had lied to everyone about the details. He wanted everyone to be believe that the blond-haired man was the reason for the carnage. “Earlier this year, my brother Mike was killed by those fucking aliens, and this man or alien was the leader of them.” She placed the final photo down.
“I am very sorry for these tragic events. You all must be saddened by these,” the man said politely. “But I am confused. Why do you seek us out?”
“I am no fool. I know that your people can do things that…” She hesitated, pausing for a moment; she did not want to seem rude. “...bypass the law. I’m not threatening you, because I am not that stupid. If you don’t want to help; I will look elsewhere.”
“Good, because you would be dead,” he stated, matter-of-factly.
“Exactly. I don’t know who you are, nor do I want to. I am confident you and whoever you work for can get anything done for the right price.”
“I will not disagree. Continue, but I will warn you, our price is quite high.”
“I can afford it,” Cindy commented determined before adding, “or find a way to bargain.”
“Bargain?” A rare smile appeared on his face. “I am interested. How can you bargain?” He seemed amused.
“I know two people that are designing a bullet which can pierce any skin and go through any material on the planet. No armor will be thick enough, strong enough, to resist it. I think that would be something interesting that your people could find very useful,” she stated, hoping she had his focus now.
The left eyebrow of the man twitched, and she now she knew for certain he was interested. “I would agree. Tell me, is this bullet ready?”
“No, but it is being worked on around the clock, and as soon as it is ready, we’ll be ready to demonstrate for you.”
“Very good. We will contact you. You do not contact us. At all. Now, if you are working for anyone and planning on betraying us, you will be dead,” he said, his response once again cold.
“I will not betray you,” Cindy responded, matching his tone.
“Goodbye, Ms. Adams.” He stood up from the table and walked out of the room.
Baron Von Strucker POV.
As Baron walked out to the doorway, he stopped and turned back to look at Cindy for a single moment, and found her was holding the picture of her brother. He turned away once more and walk out of the restaurant. As soon he walked on the sidewalk, he got out his cell and picked out a very specific contact and called them.
Ring. Ring. Click. Baron could hear the sound of someone breathing.
“Was the intel correct?” the person asked.
“Yes, it was completely accurate.”
“So, what do you advise?”
“Full surveillance on everyone. The second that bullet is ready, I want to know,” he replied as he began walking.
“Yes, I agree. We will get the best ones on them. Do you believe them in what they say?”
“Yes, they want blood.” Baron smirked. “We can do that.”
“And then after?”
“They will either support us or drown in their own blood.”
“I agree.” A moment passed before two very important words were uttered. “Hail Hydra!”
“Hail Hydra!” was the answer. Baron ended the call with a heavy finger, before getting out of the street.
