Double Agent

Chapter 8

It was hard to believe that Maura had been at the Tower for just over a year, even though she had only officially been a part of the team for a couple of months. She'd gotten used to working with the different team members and was comfortable enough around them that she didn't feel like an outsider or anything any longer. Maura enjoyed the training sessions; they helped her keep a level head in battle and prevent things from going sideways. Which, given her assignment, was something she needed to keep from giving away anything more than what they already knew.

She had gone on a couple of brief missions sporting her new suit from Tony and looking the part of an Avenger. All the while, she kept a close eye on her teammates so that she could report back to her command with some sort of helpful information. That was put on hold for now, though. The team had a new mission that would need her full attention.

"Thor, what do you know about this Perrikus guy?" Fury questioned.

"Only that he is a god of power and an enemy of Asgard," Thor answered.

"Why does it matter, sir?" Maura asked. Why do I recognize that name?

Fury crossed his arms over his chest. "Because Earth seems to have been lucky enough to have been chosen as his current stop. We were alerted three days ago, though we're not sure just how long he has been here."

"I mean, the Avengers have stopped worse threats, right? Why is this one a big deal?" Maura asked curiously.

"This one is strong enough to defeat even me if I'm not careful, Lady Stark," Thor answered.

Maura frowned. She wasn't sure she liked where this was heading at all. "So, what is the plan then?"

"Well, to keep it simple for now, you, Tony, and Thor will go canvas the area. Make sure there aren't any civilians around that could be caught in the crossfire, as it were. Then we can make a plan for the whole team and take this guy out for good," Fury explained.

The team went about their tasks to get ready for the mission. Maura changed into her suit and met her brother and Thor at the hanger, and got in the Quinjet with them. As soon as they left the tower, Thor spoke up again. "Perrikus is a dark god, the opposite force of those of us from Asgard. He is the god of unlimited power and infinite energy. The last time we did battle, it took a great many of us to defeat Perrikus and the others."

Maura looked at him sharply. "What does he want, exactly?"

"To create war between us. To finally defeat all of Asgard."

"But what does he want with Earth specifically?" Tony interjected.

Thor shrugged. "That I cannot answer. No one has seen him in centuries. The Destroyer wiped out the dark gods, except for Perrikus and Adva, who managed to escape. Why he has chosen to resurface now is a mystery to me."

It didn't seem like much information to go off of, but still, it was better than nothing. After a few hours spent flying, they landed near the edge of an old abandoned town. The trio got out of the Quinjet and walked along the street, Thor scanning the area as they approached. He looked over at Maura, who looked just as curious as he felt. Looking behind her, Thor saw a pair of eyes staring straight at him in the distance. It was Perrikus. "We have company," Thor warned.

Maura turned and stood defensively in front ofThor, facing the figure, her hands out, ready for whatever this may turn into.

"Hello, Thor Odinson," Perrikus said calmly. His voice made Thor shiver involuntarily. Something about it gave him a chill. It seemed like Perrikus was mocking him somehow.

"Who are you?" Maura demanded. "Why are you here?"

Perrikus sighed. "You're too impatient for your own good, little bird," he replied condescendingly. "I am Perrikus. As you well know. My business here is of no concern to you."