Cadet [Wattys 2016]

The Man in the Cage

Five Months Later, the Triskelion

I love field trips. In sixth grade, we had gone to a theatre for a writing project. It had been so much fun. Last year, we went to a concert in band, as well as performing at various elementary schools.

This field trip, though, was so much better. I suppose any field trip to the giant headquarters of the biggest secret agency is better than your average school trip.

The Triskelion is kind of like I imagined. Lots of agents are always around. The glass walls allow a lot of light in. I've been here two days and I don't think I could see the whole place in a year, mostly because my security clearance as Level One isn't high enough to see mostly anything.

I'm here for my Operations week with Ward. I'm not quite sure why. Ward probably has an op or something. When we first arrived, I heard whispers of a disaster in New Mexico.

"We've been reassigned." I hear Ward at my door. "Pack up. I want you downstairs in five." It's way too early. I drag myself out of bed. "Alright."

Five minutes later, I'm boarding a giant plane thing. Ward calls it a helicarrier. It's like a aircraft carrier boat, except apparently it flies? Don't ask me. Even I can't figure that one out.

"Is there any particular reason we've been reassigned?" I ask, switching my bag from one shoulder to the other.

"New Mexico. The rest is classified." Ward responds over his shoulder. "Of course." I mutter.

I've got another room on board the helicarrier. It's much smaller, almost cramped. It consists of a bed and that's about it. I guess the helicarrier isn't meant as permanent living. "What am I supposed to do?" I ask Ward.

"Work on any work from Sci-Tech. Consider this a week off." Ward says, then leaves. Everyone is being so secretive. It's quite annoying. I sigh and pull out a stack of essays. Jemma and Fitz graduated last week, so now I'm on my own.

It's about 9 at night by the time I finish my work. Most people should be asleep by now. I decide to give myself a tour of the place.

It's hard to sneak around metal floor, so I take my shoes off. My noise level goes from forte to piano with that simple adjustment. I slip out of my room and head around a few silver metal corners before reaching a door. A control panel is off to the side. I study it for a few seconds, looking for signs of what the code might be before entering a passcode and hoping it's correct.

The display flashes green. I let out a deep breath. My guess was correct. That's what comes with analysis. I just looked at which keys were most worn.

An odd cage sits inside the door. Inside of the cage is a man with dark hair and pale skin. He is dressed oddly, as if he were heading to a very strange Renaissance Festival. I feel the urge to run off back to the safety of my room. Instead, I take another step inside, circling the cage curiously. The man's eyes follow me, as though I were the one caged.

"They really do start training kids young, don't they?" He says finally. I don't reply. "You're an odd girl."

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"Only an observation. You're different from the other humans. It's quite extraordinary, really. Tell me, who are you?" The man asks. I feel a strange compulsion to answer. "Rose." I say. "And I'm completely normal."

"I doubt that." He replies. "No, I doubt ordinary humans have the intelligence you do. It simply radiates off you. As well as something else. Something has been hidden from you." I turn towards the door, slightly creeped out, before realizing he's lying.

"Tell me the truth." I say, but I don't expect an answer. "I suspect you'll know soon enough." The man replies. "What is it they call you? Oh, yes, the Girl Who Survived. Miracle Girl." This sends chills down my spine. The door opens, though not to my touch. The person who walks through the door is Fury.

"What are you doing in here?" He asks. I take a few steps back. "Exploring." I reply meekly.

"And did it ever occur to you that locked room are meant to stay locked?" Fury asks.

"I was curious." I say. "A locked room is a new question, and I like answering my questions."

"Not all questions are meant to be answered, Ms. Brynn. Head back to your compartment, and I trust you won't go exploring again." Fury orders. "Yes, sir." I reply quietly, heading back down the metal halls.