SHEPARD
It could go without saying this was a colorful bunch. Shepard understood that by now. Their reactions to the present situation made that abundantly clear. The uncover agent displayed a genuine smile at Scarlet when she offered the food stray to them all. He wasn't a super fan of chocolate strawberries but rather it was the act of offering that impressed him.
It kinda reminded Shepard of a similar custom his homeland had though the treats were vastly different. Swiftly the operative took one chocolate covered strawberry and nodded.
"Thank you kindly." It only took him a few seconds to devour the little snack before returning focus back to the makeshift group. While they were all unique in abilities and background Shepard noticed one thing most had in common.
They're young and inexperienced, growing up in a world that fears and hates them. Bast forgive us.
Of course, Malusi started to notice how many meta-humans/mutants seemed to rely a great deal on their powers to either hide or simply revel in it like Marrow.
Yes one shouldn't be ashamed of having gifts but it must be balanced with self-control. That is something they must learn he concluded.
Shepard looked on as the rest of the introductions played out. When it was Charlotte's turn, the operative while remaining outwardly stoic resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her crocodile tears. It would've been more believable performance if Banshee hadn't attempted to intimidate Jenna earlier. Now his suspicions were raised all the more yet he said nothing. Instead he calmly listened while grasping both hands underneath the backside of the coat, quietly taking out a flash bang from but kept it hidden inside his left hand behind the back from view.
Even if someone noticed they won't know what it is and if they're smart not to provoke a fight.
While Shepard didn't think he can take the shrieker down before letting out another deafening scream but he can make sure she and whoever sides with her will be temporarily blinded. Yes he was aware that would affect the others and wouldn't want to hurt them but if violence does break out there will be no choice.
Subsequently, Jenna spoke up, claiming she's a telepath and revealed her problem with Charlotte. His eyes narrowed as his suspicions of Banshee seemed to be finally confirmed. But, then he realized if the teenager is telling the truth that means she probably read his mind as well.
For one of the few times in his time as an operative Shepard was taken aback. The risk of compromise had just become all too real now. However, he decided to take advantage of the reveal by thinking.
It would be best to keep whatever other secrets you know already to yourself for now Jenna. We have much to discuss after this.
Jenna would know by now that the uncovered Wakandan doesn't want to harm her but talk. Of course, as a precaution Shepard started thinking up random thoughts from sport scores, latest car models and even types of sea shells in an attempt to avoid giving away further hidden information about himself.
It was Carol's turn to speak and it was interesting to say the least. He already had an idea of she is but no identity until now. When questioned by directly he snorted at the decoder ring reference.
Americans and their pop culture. Keeping that thought to himself Shepard instead replied.
"I wouldn't go that far."
Followed up was Warbird going on what almost sounds like an advertisement for the super powered fight club she's part of. Though he respected the fact that the young redhead had a strong passion for it.
The more Shepard absorbed every bit of information given and detail observed he realized something.
We need something like the avengers. I can't say we're ready for such a responsibility. This group feels like a time bomb ready to go off.
Closing his eyes for a moment to mediate Shepard suddenly remembered watching the broadcast of his King's UN address years ago. It was a powerful moment he would never forgot where T'challa appealed to the best of humanity. Inspired the operative looked up and made sure to examine each person and subsequently raised his empty right hand to shoulder level to get their attention.
"We can all agree that is whole meeting is bizarre for all of us. Yet, despite the obvious issues here I do see promise."
Pausing briefly to let that question sink in to collect his thought Shepard continued.
"Have a confession to make. I was there at the Battle of the Avenger's compound as well. We were all different from one another and most cases didn't know each other at all."
To dispel of doubt of the claim Shepard unbuttoned the top of his shirt, revealing the upper dark chest with various burn scars with greenish features. Captain Marvel would likely recognize as the wounds made by Sakaaran blasters. The memories of that fateful day swarmed Shepard's mind as he continued.
"Yet no matter our origins or reasons for a single day we stood united and fought against Thanos and his host who threatened to wipe out this reality."
Glancing over to Carol with a humble nod Shepard's voice grew more solemn and eyes saddened.
"In the end the Mad Titan was defeated but not without great loss and suffering."
Silence followed as Shepard remembered the fallen who can never return. Then he concluded with newfound determination.
"Now our existence is threatened once more. But, by ourselves this time all due to the illusions of division."
Looking toward Banshee he remarked with a stone cold expression.
"If there is any foolish coward who is still determined to start a war or commit mass murder I want them to know something. No matter how far they run or whom they hide behind there will be no escape from the consequences should they persist on such a path.
Done with the veiled warning he concluded to the rest of the group.
"Don't know about the rest of you but I'm not going to sit back and wait for disaster come to me. If someone wants to leave that is your choice. Know though each of you has gifts that can change the world. The question is how will you use them?"