Worthy

Part 11 - Who Are They?

As you and Peter make your way through the Churchill, surprised to be met with silence; the ship seems completely deserted. Working your way through sectors of the ship, you come to where Tony had described the altercation with Ultron. Looking over the rails, you see the lights are on in a small room; and finally can hear some voices. "Get your mask on kid," you whisper to Parker, determined that his identity remained hidden. It was the first rule for a mission.

Now fully in his Spiderman suit, Peter wraps his arm around you and drops you both a couple of floors down, closer to the open door. You can hear Klaue's South African accent echoing from the doorway, before the man himself walks through, making you and Peter shrink back into the shadows. "No!" Klaue yells, "I told you, you don't make a move without me. Once I get those emitters from the space pigs we'll be well on our way. Just make sure you keep an eye out for those Wakandan savages or the Avengers!" He hangs up, rubbing his hand over his face in frustration.

As he turns around, he looks around him, sniffing the air. "I know you're there!" He swivels his head, looking up at the area you and Peter are in, but you're not entirely sure he can see you. "Come out, come out wherever you are!" he sings.

You gesture to Peter to start shuffling along the gangway, backs to the wall; for all you know Klaue is bluffing, but better to be safe than sorry. This was only supposed to be a recon mission; and you didn't want it to escalate before you had gotten any information. Just as you make it to the exit, a bright light flashes to the side of you, before Peter grabs you in his arms and swings you out of harms way.

A gun shot goes off, and Peter on instinct drops you to the ground; you tuck and roll, landing on your side, but getting up quick enough to find yourself surrounded by Klaue and a few of his men, guns all pointed at your head. Your heart is in your mouth as you take a quick look above you, but seen no sign of Peter. "Dammit kid," you curse under your breath, before looking at Klaue.

"Well well well," he rubs his hands together. "I knew the Avengers would make an appearance; but thought they'd send more of a challenge than you girly!" He grins, walking closer to you, taking another sniff. "Been stuck with all these men for so long, I could smell your perfume. Where's Stark? Still licking his wounds after Sokovia?" Klaue looks around him, a slight hint of concern on his face.

"Something like that." You raise your hands above your head; catching a glimpse of something in the corner of your eye. "Bet you're glad he isn't here."

"Yeah well, he's a shitty business partner. He's cost me more money than he's made me." Klaue laughs looking down at his left arm. "He used to know what was best for business, maybe I'll remind him by sending your head back to him in a box!"

Just as Klaue gets close enough to strike you, a cluster of webs comes flying out of the darkness, grabbing all the men's guns and tossing them to the other side of the ship; before Spiderman swings out of the darkness, taking out all of then men, leaving only Klaue standing. As he watches on, he doesn't notice you pull out your gun and a taser baton; a gift from Nat.

Peter walks over to join you, while Klaue follows his movements, mesmerised by the Spiderman suit. Once his back facing you, you strike him with the baton, knocking him to the floor before pointing the gun at him.

"Kate, sit rep please?" Barton asks through your earpiece. "We heard a gunshot." You look over at Peter, noticing a small tear at his shoulder; it's not bleeding heavily but its obviously the reason why he had dropped you. He places a hand on it, and then nods at you.

"All good Barton," You reply. "Ran into a little trouble but nothing the kid couldn't handle!" You smile at Peter. "But maybe the god could come and do a little heavy lifting getting these clowns into custody."

"Got it. On the way."Barton cuts off.

Klaue finally looks up at you. "Guy can't ever have a little fun with all you Avengers running around?" He spits out blood.

"Tell us about the emitters Klaue?" You ask.

"Like it's that simple," He laughs as he stands. "You have no idea who I'm dealing with here. Stark should never have sent a child out to do his work." He scoffs. "Just like the big metal guy said, Stark is a sickness."

"He is an asshole," You smirk, rolling your eyes. "But at least he's trying to make up for his mistakes."

"Then you really don't know him at all, do you girl?" Klaue gives a sly smile before looking over to Parker. "You're another one of his puppets aren't you boy?" You take a step in front of Parker, fixing a stare directly at Klaue. "Ah, and I know who you are of course. Stark's favourite broken toy!" He starts walking closer to you, making you tighten your grasp on your gun. "Did you think you were the only one capable of research huh? I know all about you Miss Brooks, or should I say Miss..."

"Stop!" You yell before he can finish. A maniacal laugh escaping Klaue's mouth as he stops, just as Barton and Thor make their way into the ship. Barton immediately checking on Peter.

"Stark knows doesn't he." He grins, looking you directly in the eye before gesturing to the others. "What about your other team mates? Do they know about your time in the psychiatric ward? Why you changed your name?" You can feel the tears forming in your eyes as you take a step closer to him. "Earth's mightiest heroes," he scoffs. "Made up of broken parts to try and make a whole. Pathetic."

He slowly backs off; you feel the presence of someone at your back as you try and contemplate Klaue's words. You had spent years with SHIELD trying to bury all that information; a fresh start you had promised yourself. A hand gently places itself over yours; it's only then that you notice how bad your hand had been shaking. "Take a step back Kate," you recognise Thor's voice, calm and soothing. He knew.

Looking up at Thor, he notices the pain and fear in your eyes, and is instantly filled with rage. Guiding you behind him, he stands defiant in front of Klaue, while Barton pulls you back towards him and Peter. "Ahh, the almighty Thor!" Klaue rings out. "They said you'd come looking for them; they're looking forward to meeting you!" He winks.

"Who are they?" Barton shouts out as Thor shrugs, letting his anger extend down his arms, gripping Mjolnir with so much force.

"The Children of Thanos," Klaue shakes his left arm a little, before meeting your eyes. "Let me guess, you thought I was giving them vibranium in exchange for the emitters?" He shakes his head. "Nah. They want something more powerful than that."

"Just spit it out Klaue," You roar in frustration.

"They're coming for Stark's vision!" He laughs. "Won't they be glad to find the upgrade instead! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a business lunch to get to and I don't like to keep the customers waiting!" You look on in shock as his left arm starts pulling itself apart to turn into some weapon. Mentally cursing yourself as you suddenly remember that Ultron had cut off Klaue's left arm, as you go to make a move a sudden burst of energy is shot from his arm, knocking you off your feet.

A sudden and sharp pain starts in your head, and your head feels like its about to burst as the sonic pulse that Klaue has let off fills your ears. You feel the ground shaking underneath you; faintly aware of the cracks of lightning surrounding the area before you black out.