Redback Widow V I Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. [16]

Fun & Games

"Kasius is breeding Inhumans to sell. Guy's got his own Cronenburg science division and everything," Coulson told us as we weaved our way through the hall.

"That would explain the sudden influx of ships," I said.

"You think they're here for Daisy?" Mack asked.

"Afraid so," he admitted.

"Still no sign of May?" I asked.

"Normally, she could hold her own against the Kree. But her leg--it's in bad shape," he said as Tess started coming towards us.

"There you are," she said.

"Tess? What is it?" he asked.

"It's the Blues. They've come to harvest the children. Every year, Kasius puts the eighteen-year-olds through Terrigenisis," she explained.

"And today's that day?" he asked.

"No, that was months ago," she said as we entered the cafeteria.

"Most of these kids are barely teenagers," Mack muttered, concerned.

"That's the one in charge. Been working his way up from the lower floors," she said, nodding towards Big Blue.

"I'm guessing this has something to do with Kasius' big party," he said.

"More products, more profit," I muttered.

"That's Flint," Tess said, nodding towards a dark-skinned teenager leaning against a pipe.

"He doesn't have anyone talking him through this?" I asked.

"His parents were killed in a Renewal. Virgil had a soft spot for the kid, was even teaching him to fly. Gave him odds and ends to help him get by," she explained.

"You should go say something," Coulson advised.

"Terrigenisis is scary enough without a bunch of hyenas watching," I commented.

"It's not their fault. These people have all been fed the same lie," Mack said.

"People believe what they want to believe. They're just lambs being led to the slaughter," I countered.

"Let's just hope none of these kids crust over," he said.

"Children, it is time. We seek a great bounty. Hoping that one of the young gathered here today ascends to something greater. Prepare to receive your gift from Kasius," the Terrigen crystal shattered, the smoke flooding the room. Everyone around me started coughing, while I remained normal. We watched, anxious when all of a sudden Flint started to have rock crawl up his hands and feet.

It soon enveloped him, before the rock started to crumble away. As it did, I ran over, invisible and intangible. The Kree weren't going to get him. I was sure of it. The casing burst, going right through me. I grabbed Flint, turning him invisible and intangible. I basically dragged him away, taking him to the workshop.

Grill and his lackeys were out for the day, so we could hide here. "We have to get back to the Exchange," Flint exclaimed as we reappeared.

"It's not safe," I said.

"The guards will be looking for me," he countered.

"So they can sell you," he paused, turning toward me.

"But I get a better life and the rest of the level profits," he claimed.

"You don't get a better life. Those people who want to buy you--they're bad people. They'll only hurt you," I told him.