I'm Iron Man, And I'm Agent Coulson

Chapter 127 The Professor and Home

"Dr. Smith, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," I said, as I introduced myself to Dr. Michael E. Smith, one of the leading archeologists specializing in Aztec culture. He was in his late forties, but still had a tall, strong, body, rippled with muscle, and had a head full of reddish brown hair. His dark brown eyes were full of excitement, which went hand in hand with his dusty jeans and Megadeth t-shirt. His face held some Hispanic features, but I didn't delve too much in his background, except his degrees, and plethora of information he had collected.
His hand was warm, cracked and calloused, but seeing his office, I knew why. Dust and dirt lay over almost everything. Old books were opened, and strewn everywhere, microscopes, and handling tools were stashed in books shelves, over his desks, and on the bursting shelves of artifacts.
My mouth dropped open once I realized how big his collection was, and recognized some of the symbols written into the pottery.
It smelled like my grandmother, and brought back the inkling of the far off place I was born. For all I knew my history lay in this room, and it was a little overwhelming and scary.
I was actually regretting not bringing Natasha along, like she insisted, but I needed a break from the drinking, sun and the pool. I swear in the three days we were here, all of us were a few shades darker, and probably had more alcohol in our bloodstreams than water, along with a couple hundred dollars worth of new clothes.

"Ms. (Y/l/n), it's nice to finally meet you, and I must say I'm quite impressed that you've read some of my work, and seemingly have some extensive knowledge about my field," he finally replied, and gave me a bright smile, full of straight white teeth, "and that you're an Avenger.."
"Well, I'm looking to expand on that knowledge, and hopefully find some answers for my research," I gushed, and let go of his hand. I straightened my jeans, and fidgeted with my tank top, as he looked around and ushered me towards his desk.
"To what questions, I'm still trying to understand what exactly you're looking for? You haven't exactly been forthcoming with a legitimate reason in your interests," he countered, and tossed me a cold water bottle, "it gets stuffy in here."
"Oh thank you, and you've done some work on the Tehuantepec tribe, that's my main focus, at least for now," I continued, hoping I didn't have to divulge more information.
"Again, may I ask why? I mean it's not everyday I have an Avenger in my office, asking for information on one specific tribe, on top of anything else I deemed important or strange," he implored, as he began stacking a few books, and opened his laptop.
"Uh, how about it's a pet project, one I didn't finish while I was at San Diego," I explained, "and I have family who may be associated with the Aztec, so, it's more my own questions, and need to know."
Dr. Smith looked at me curiously, and tilted his head, "okay, I'll buy that, for now, then where would you like to start," he asked, and wiped his big hands on his jeans. He nudged the chair by his desk, and beckoned me to sit down in front of some books, and his computer, "I really don't know anything about you except what I've seen on the news and in magazines..I do know you graduated from San Diego State, with a degree in history, so I'm gonna assume you have some background with this info, but again, this is all rather strange.."
"Doc, I hear ya, and I can understand your reluctance, but your information may be detrimental to some research I'm doing, I really can't divulge any more than that, at least not until I decide if I can trust you, so how about you pretend I'm one of your students, whose focus is this particular tribe and any other strange findings," I jested, and began flipping through his books. Pictures of Mexico, paintings, and sculptors adorned the pages, along with information what they may mean, and how old they were. I pulled out my phone and layed it down on his desk, and let FRIDAY do the rest. She was going to record everything, transcribe it, and send it to Vision, who was already waiting patiently back at the facility.

"Well, I guess I can't stand in the way of an Avenger looking for info, although some of it can be a little strange," he laughed, but completely lit up, and walked around to his back shelves, "and how long you got? There's quite a bit to sift through.."
"Just lay it on me doc, I've spent the last four months reading your papers and books, along with anything else I can find," I suggested and leaned back, "I'm sure I can keep up."
"Famous last words of some of my students," he chuckled.