Chapter Text
Peter Parker had been tricked into handing Stark's sophisticated security system over to a self-centered, psychopathic, and unstable individual like Quentin Beck.
With nothing left to lose and with the support of his friends, Spiderman had managed to thwart the fraudulent actions of the supposed imaginary hero, but now his life was at risk and the boy's fate hung in the balance.
Talos had called in the cavalry.
Even though he feared doing so, she had to know.
The conclusion was to take the situation into the hands of Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange in an almost unimaginable partnership.
Stephen would take care of Peter while Carol had to get Quentin Beck out of the system, literally.
His accomplices spread across the world, but that would be a task for the authorities on Earth.
Now Danvers had to have the best of policies for dealing with a... fairground psychopath?
Killing him would mean unbalancing the timeline and all those boring questions about destiny, so the best option was to take him off-planet.
—And then what?— Carol asks.
They had set up a personal prison inside a Skrull ship, and while observing the human behind the invisible crystal Talos, Carol and Soren debated what to do next.
—It's impossible to trust him. He fooled us all without us even realizing it. We're a specie that's intuitive to disguise, and Peter Parker is quite intelligent.— Soren explains about the experience on Earth.
—He's a bastard. How can he want to be a hero, terrorizing and deceiving the rest of humanity? He has no honor or moral codes.— Talos complains, crossing his arms.
—Nick doesn't want him on Earth. We can't kill him because time would be distorted, irrevocably affecting Peter's reality. This is the first time I've had to do something about it, but I don't know what.— she sighs, trying to understand the purpose of the existence of such an unpleasant living being.
—The viable option is to keep him imprisoned for his entire mortal life; it's the only way to keep reality from being distorted.— Soren opines, approaching Carol.
—Yes, it would be easy to keep him on some desolate planet for a while, but... I don't understand why I have to be the one in charge of that mission.— the hybrid snorts.
—Maybe it's because you're the only one who can understand these things. They're just as bad as the Kree or worse than the Kree.— Talos assures, referring to humans.
Danvers took a deep breath, searching for the inner patience she must have somewhere.
Quentin had no idea where he was or what had happened.
After the fight with Spiderman in London, everything turned dark. That brat had achieved his goal, and the worst part was that he no longer had Edith in his power.
They'd handcuffed him to a table very similar to the one in prison, but there was something unusual about these handcuffs.
It seemed to be a much more advanced system; perhaps he'd gotten into trouble with some important organization.
It was a mockery to continue wearing the stupid green inner suit.
Beck tried to move his hands without success; the weight was incredible, as if a ton were strapped to his wrists.
The automatic door opened, revealing the unsympathetic figure of a woman he thought he knew from somewhere.
—Quentin Beck, you are accused of multiple crimes, including the attempted murder of Peter Parker, collateral damage at various locations around the world, illegal use of Stark security systems, among many others. I can say you're a Level 2 threat on Earth.— Danvers explains, sitting opposite.
—Well, I'm sure many other heroes' operations have caused the same amount of damage, but there are no complaints against them.— the man mocks with a cynical smile.
—You're forgetting that you're not a hero; you're a self-centered psychopath who seeks the approval of the entire world. Those are details that don't concern me in the job I've been assigned.— Carol reaffirms, leaving the paperwork on the table.
—And who do you work for? FBI? Maybe something more sophisticated?— Quentin tries to guess.
—It's good that you don't know where you are; it'll be much easier to handle you.— she nods.
—Hasn't anyone told you that suspense is an instrument of the past? If you're trying to keep me interested, you're doing a terrible job.— Quentin whines.
—I have no reason to do this. I'll tell you straight: My name is Carol Danvers, and I'm in charge of the case against you. The authorities on Earth agreed with Nick Fury to make you understand what happens when you try to play in the major leagues without the necessary talent.— She introduces herself, crossing her arms.
—Oh, I get it now.— the man laughs —You work for Fury.—
For some reason, Carol couldn't help but smile at the suggestion. If only Nick heard that, he'd torture her with the same joke about the time someone mistook her for his secretary.
—Not exactly. I'm Carol Danvers, but most people know me as Captain Marvel.— she reminded him again.
Quentin kept silent for a few seconds, searching for the exact memory until he finally recognized her.
—Why am I in the presence of one of the many heroines who saved the world?— the fraud hesitated.
—I think you deserve more than prison. If you were going to get a sentence, it would be several life sentences in a row. Something tells me you wouldn't stay there for long.—
Carol's certainty is the same reason she and Nick decided to make the move.
—Of course I wouldn't stay within four walls, waiting day after day to die. I'd find a way to escape and find Parker to kill him.— Beck agrees with apparent joy.
—You may have your personal reasons for hating Tony Stark, but Peter is a boy. I find it dishonorable that you wanted to kill him.— the woman whispers.
It's a personal thought she should keep to herself, even though half of her nature is also human.
—Look, blonde, if you're going to execute me, do it now. I've heard too many moral codes.— Beck denies, twisting his neck in circles.
—I would do it if something changed Parker's reality, but unfortunately for everyone, you have to stay alive. Things of the timeline, destiny, as a scientist on human Earth, I'm sure you understand. Stephen Strange asked me to keep an eye on you, that's what I'll do.— the hybrid informs.
—Great, now I'm a experimental guinea pig.— the man murmurs.
—Exactly, don't bother struggling with the handcuffs, you wouldn't be able to get them off. It's alien technology. You're doing very well in your science classes, but I must inform you, Mr. Beck, this is not home.— Carol warns.
Quentin struggled once more before reconsidering what she'd said.
—What do you mean, 'not home'?— he asks slowly.
—Let me open the window for you.— Marvel said, raising the inner blind to reveal the spectacle outside.
They weren't even on Earth. A colossal, half-destroyed planet was causing a constant wave of debris that scattered like aimless meteorites. An ancient sun was illuminating what remained of another lifeless planet.
—Fuck.— Quentin exclaims.
—Yeah, that... sounds exactly like what I'd say being in an unfamiliar place.— the soldier states next to the window.
—You messed with the wrong reality. I'm surprised humans are so limited in some ways.— "Fury" speaks, entering with Agent Hill.
—Why they're here?— Beck tries to find out.
—You're not the only master of disguise. Other worlds are real. The presence of other species has always been right under your nose, but you prefer to play soldier rather than scientist.— "Maria" recalls.
Talos and Soren return to their original forms, proving they weren't entirely sincere on this mission.
—Martians and an abducted woman with superpowers... What now?— the human questions.
—I'm still deliberating with my companions about what I should do with you. For now, you'll be under my command.— Danvers argues.
Talos activates the handcuffs with both hands, revealing an advanced tactile system without the need for a nearby device.
The human rubs both of his wrists with no apparent way out.
—Let it be clear, you're not on Earth. I'm not going to treat you delicately; you're in no position to make demands. Follow me.— Carol orders, leaving the small room first.
Quentin has no solution. Until he finds a way to escape, obeying the sharp words of "Captain Marvel" seems the only option that can keep him alive.