Act 19.9 IRONS OF WRATH

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" Put in their hands thy bruising irons of wrath,

That they may crush down with heavy fall'

The usurping helmets of our adversaries."


Williams Shakespeare's Richard III Act V, scene 3, line 110.


(FLASHBACK: TWO WEEKS AGO: TREATY OAK AT BAYLOR AVE BETWEEN 5th AND 6th STREET (One Block West Of Lamar, Austin, Texas))


A bright light materialized and a wooden gallows appeared underneath the famous live oak where Steven F. Austin had signed a treaty for the land that would one day become the City of Austin, Texas. A strangely dressed gentleman dressed in an English British army uniform from the American colonial appeared.

" If that's all we have to show, let us proceed with sentence decreed." he announced.

" I guess, if that's it. If there are no more stories to be told, " a handsome young man with long brunette hair pulled back dressed in colonial era suit replied.

A short man in a black mask and suit stood next to a hangman's noose that was suspended at a level to wrap around the neck. On the other side, the young man lamented his fate as the British officer decreed, " I've enjoyed these little tales you've been telling us of the future, but we can't let the sun set on your day of execution. Nathan Hale, you have been found guilty of crimes against king and country and by the orders of the representative of the crown, I sentence you to death for your acts of espinoge. ".

" We hang spies! "the Hangman shouted as he energetically grabbed the nose.

" This is my fate, Provost! " Nathan nodded his head sadly.

" Carry out the sentence, Hangman!" the British officer noted his words and turned to the short man in black. The Hangman turned to tend to wrapping the noose around Nathan's neck, when suddenly he realized.

" Hey! This isn't the tree! And where's the crowd? And look at all those strange buildings! " he exclaimed and felt baffled.

" Odd, this doesn't appear to be Manhattan Island! " the Provost looked about.

" The monster book is back! " a huge book floated down before them and the Hangman cried. A blonde woman of average build walked out of the book dressed in a catsuit like fighting uniform.

" That's because you aren't on Manhattan Island, but in Austin, Texas in the 21st Century, " she explained and heavily sighed. " You guys are practicing for a stage play! "

" Madame! You are dressed in your breeches! " Provost covered his eyes and got annoyed.

" This is what girls wear in this century. We are expected fight, just like the men in this century, " the woman smiled and explained further,

" Fighting women! The very idea! "

" Mister Hale, my Aunt Peggy always taught me to remember the last words you said, " the woman ignored him and turned to Nathan.

" I regret I have but one life to give for my country? " Nathan smiled as he added.

" That's the words! I, Luanne Platter, am here to take my place in the Brotherhood of American Martyrs, if it's alright that I tell my story."

" Please do! "

" My story begins the awful day the tornado turned over the trailer house my parents and I were living in and I had to go live with my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Hank, " Luanne began.


(PRESENT DAY: KNIGHTS STRONGHOLD, AUSTIN TEXAS, 12:30 PM)


" Judge Cooper, they are telling me to relieve you of command because you took that Gravitonium and an unsolicited activity like bringing our allies into your universe, " Luanne Platter told to her fellow KNIGHT Agent being called for a close door meeting related to his recent violations. At the same time discussing for further battle plans, she turned to the others. " But I don't see the point if all we are going to do is stall till we surrender. Most of everyone is going to New York, but I'll stay here with you. "

" They took National Guard soldiers and executed them in cold blood after they surrendered to them. It will mean death to stay here, " Katchoo added.

" So if we stay, we are likely to be executed if we surrender and die if we defend this Stronghold. Then, I'm being called to be relieved or perhaps terminated, " Cooper anxiously thought and took a deep breath to pacify himself. " Then logically, we should defend the Stronghold. It will buy the New York Headquarters time to reinforce their forcefield to resist attack."

The elderly Remnite KNIGHT Judge entered the board room and sternly glared at Dr. Cooper. The young KNIGHT Agent shamefully bowed as he saw his superior.

" Kid, I heard about your exploit from Mr. Blue-Lips, " Qrow said and sighed. " And I need to know why, "

" Sir, I apologize for what happened..."

" Aside from our current situation, we will discuss further about your major violations. "

Then, a loud knock on the door was heard when Luanne opened the door. It was small talking grey mammal who anxiously entered. Everyone glared at him as Qrow Branwen turned to him.

" We are having an important meeting, rabbit, " Qrow seriously said. " You can come later in my office. "

" Sir, the name's Rocket Raccoon! We have an emergency! They are already at the place called Texas State Capital and found few blocks down! "

" Hmmm, I see. They're some disasters, then. The Ancient Kree prophecy will happen. It will not be subject to change."

" Are you saying that we should surrender anyways? Because the odds are hopeless? " Cooper asked and shrugged.

" Dr. Cooper, you never understood the real situation. The rest of the forces are doing their most efforts in two weeks throughout the globe, but our enemies are impossible to be defeated. "

" Remember Goliad, when Fannin surrendered, they executed everyone anyways, " Luanne reminded.

" But it would not be fair to the people of Austin to fight a battle with them caught in the middle," Cooper replied and brought another point. " If we die, it might be better for the civilians to be taken as slaves anyways."

" On Juneteenth? " Luanne added.

" Juneteenth, the day they announced slavery was abolished in Texas. Fascinating. But history changes, I guess it's time our freedom has come to an end. "

" No! I barely got to marry my wife Francine here in Texas. Only to see her and my daughters dragged off as slaves? If staying here can hurt Thanos, we should stay and fight! " Katchoo objected.

" I understood your point, Cooper. " Qrow sternly replied. " But still, you are not supposed to base a battle plan from a movie. Aside from your motive of diversion, Agents Omega and Hangfire have already reported me of your stealing a Gravitonium sample to be delivered to New York. Your actions are bringing everyone to jeopardy and the price of freedom is at stake which you are mentioning."

" I loaded the Gravitonium in Kraken's Enhancer. I was hiding it there. Sorry I substituted liquid Mercury to fool everyone, " Sheldon admitted.

" This is really upsetting, " the Remnite Inhuman KNIGHT Judge sighed and facepalmed in dismay. " Did you have any REASONABLE idea why we have to hear your point in this battle plan? The fact that you are recklessly putting your career into a critical status? "

" Sir, I'm here to support this tactical planning. I suggest we should send a team to dismantle it and take it to New York along with the Tokamak. "

" Sheldon, you could just be sent back to your home Universe. You would be safe there, " Luanne added.

" It's up to Judge Branwen. I will stay and fight. It's my duty as a Knight Agent to defend this facility, and my duty as a Texan to fight. Tell Amy..."

" That you want to fight to save your favorite heroes." a woman also entered the room which Rocket opened the door. Her name was Dr. Amy Farrahfowler as she interrupted.

" I am sorry I want to do this, we just got married! " Cooper exclaimed in surprise.

" No one would blame you if you left, this is my universe anyways, " Luanne suggested.

" I think I have to agree with Miss Platter, " Qrow nodded. " Dr. Cooper, I'm terribly sorry. It is advisable for you to return home in your dimension before something ugly happens here."

" Sir, are you relieving me of command then? " Cooper asked when Luanne looked at her superior in worry.

" Yes. It is because of your disobedience and self-interest. By the way, Mr. Coulson also gave me this letter you have invented earlier. " he showed the letter as everyone carefully read it and indignantly glared at Dr. Cooper. " Your actions are worsening this situation. "

" So I guess we are just surrendering then? " Katchoo looked angrily.

" Understandable, but as my last act of command, I would like it if our desperate situation was made known to the others. I am deeply sorry, this is all my fault. "

" We have our own forces to handle, but we will not surrender. It seems Dr. Cooper is becoming too illogical and unreasonable recently, " Qrow sighed in disappointment at Cooper. " Plus, if you want to redeem yourself then prove it that you will not make any further mistakes. This is your last chance. "

" Good Knight Agents and allies, due to lapses of judgement on my part, we are now in a desperate situation where this base will likely be overwhelmed by the enemy. " Cooper calmly made his statement before he left. " If we hold out, we could give more time to the MIB Headquarters in New York City to resist the enemy with better defenses. I plan to be among those who will try to resist the enemy. But the rest of you can go as you please, there is enough energy in the Bodyslide teleporter to take the rest of you to New York for Safety. I will need a few volunteers to help resist the enemy. Please cross this line over to me to join me in defending this base." Cooper made a line in the ground with his light saber

" Then make sure you won't make any major mishaps. " Qrow sternly replied. " The MIBs are very strict and meticulous when it comes in handling such war strategies. Remember, Cooper, one terrible mistake and you're over. Understood? "

" Understood, Judge Branwen. "

Qrow doubtfully stared at the younger KNIGHT Agent leaving at the board room with his battle plans. Rocket stood-up from his seat.

" Bring on Thanos! I'll chew him up whole and spit out the Infinity Stones! " he cried.

" A woman can die as good as a man! " Katchoo added and stepped across her fellow KNIGHT Agent.

" I'm staying! " Luanne excitedly said.

" Well, I wish to say that one, " Qrow smirked. " But I am hoping that Mr. Jughead Jones has more potential in command than Cooper. That kid is more sensible."

" Oh yeah, Jughead's a good leader! " Luanne nodded in agreement.

" Rocket? Are you sure? " Peter Quill asked.

" I will stay with my sister! I will defend this base " Tambi added.

" Speaking of being spared, " Qrow spoke and presented the holographic copies of Confucius the Kree prophet's ancient scrolls. " I want you to search for eight to ten people based on Mr. Tengfei Wang's findings and notes. If you find them, you must explain to them of their true destiny. Is that understood? "

" Yes, sir. " everyone replied in unison and began to leave the board room.

Three minutes later, Agent Rosina Roegan of SHIELD was sitting in an office set aside for temporarily by the KNIGHT Foundation within the stronghold. She frowned and looked through the papers as she studied them. A pale woman who looked strangely elven in her physical features was dressed in a jester like suit that created of oddly mixed colors. A tattoo of a heart was on her right cheek and a tattoo of lightning bolt was on her left cheek. She looked at Rosina with her oddly large eyes as she sat down on a chair situated in front of the desk where the SHIELD Agent was working.

" You wanted to see me, " she spoke in a boyish voice.

" Miss Wegener, I've been looking at the recruitment file you submitted to volunteer to help SHIELD, and there are some glaring omissions. There is no record of anyone named Jessica Wegener attending school at Lydon Baines Johnson High School or living off of 503 South Lamar here in Austin, " Rosina replied and tapped the pages she was reading on the desk to straighten them up

" I'm sorry, I didn't want to tell anyone. I don't want them to get in trouble, so I ran away from home," the pale woman in the colorful green jester costume groaned.

" No one will get in trouble. Just tell me what's really going on. ".

" T-type in J-Jessup W-Wegener,"

Rosina did as she suggested and was surprised as Social Media page popped up on the screen, " Help Us Find Our Jessie "and a picture of a family with three teenager children popped up.

" There are two girls here, are you one of them? "

" Do you see the boy in front of the two girls? That's me, " the pale woman crossed her legs and sighed.

" Are you that boy?! " Rosina asked and widened her eyes in shock. " Look, my parents didn't like the fact I admitted I was gay... ".

Rosina caught herself and almost blurted out her secret. She was a Knight Agent secretly, who had been assigned by Agent Omega to look after Phil Coulson. But actually his real name had been Kenny O'Neal, and he found out his life was being shown as a television series called The Real O'Neals, about him coming out as a gay man to his traditionally Catholic family. When Kenny's show got cancelled, WITCH Agents kidnapped him till he was rescued by Knight Agents who offered him the chance to pose as a SHIELD Agent if he would change his gender and be willing to watch out for Director Phil Coulson whom the WITCH Agents wanted to take down for eliminating their assets in Hydra.

" Remember your story, Rosina, " she thought. Jessie was taken aback by the strange statement, but she continued, "Look, it's obvious that your family is still looking for you. Whatever you're turning yourself into, I am sure your family will come to realize that you are still their little boy, if you just give them time. "

Jessie pounded the desk as she started weeping strange gelatinous blue tears from her eyes.

" I didn't ask to become this way! I woke up one morning looking like this! You can't begin to understand what happened to me! My parents hate me! They only put up this page so no one would find out that they kicked their own son out of the house for being a mutant! None of those pictures look like me at all! If they wanted to find me, they would put up pictures of... this! ", she said pointing to herself and weeping more gelatinous tears. Rosina's heart broke and she around the desk to hug the weeping mutant, she couldn't imagine what her mom would have done it she had transformed into this, and not just admitting that she was gay.


(UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN GROUNDS NEAR KNIGHTS STRONGHOLD, SAN JACINTO BOULEVARD, 12:40 PM)


" Sheldon Cooper's Log, The Behni and the Cabal have been starting a consistent bombardment of the forcefield. We don't know how long it will hold. " KNIGHT Agent Cooper recorded his audio message in his device as his companions noticed the Cabal Soldiers' Gravitonium powered Slug Throwers were being used to shoot more people and absorb them on the other side of the streets.

" Those semi tractors in the parking lot, they moving towards us, " Milo pointed out.

" There's several heat signatures around the other side. Oliver, scan it please, " Opus took out a large monocle and looked at the trucks, The small African-American boy was on his head set when he got the request.

" Okay, scanning... "

"There's a Force Field Disruptor Generator hidden in each of the trailers. Each one is protected by a kinetic shield and an anti-high energy surrounds them." Oliver read the holographic and replied to Marshall Opus.

" Translation, we can't just shoot them with rockets or lasers, " Agent Bundy explained.

" If we blast the trucks with contact mines, then we can destroy the generators by blowing them at close range, " Agent Dallas suggested.

" We'll have to drop the entire force field to get someone outside to do it... Unless we can use the localized gates operating on the same frequency..." Cooper reminded them,

" Creating our own holes in the force field so we can send raiders to destroy the trucks! "Rocket beamed as he took his blaster gun.

" Show me what to do, and I'll do it, " Katchoo nodded.

" We only have maintenance sized portals for that side of the facility. You'd have to be tiny to crawl through! " Oliver reminded. Milo offered as Micheal Binkley stood by him.

" We can do it, those portals would fit us fine, " he replied.

" I would never want to endanger you guys, " Opus objected.

" It's your decision, Opus. But really if you didn't want us to get hurt, you should have ordered us to evacuate with the others." Milo added.

" I'll watch over them, " Agent Dallas offered.

" We'll go too, we're older than we look, " Hodge Podge Rabbit and Pourtney Ground Hog added to that. Bill the Cat nodded in consent with the others to accompany the rest of The Meadow Gang.

" If I have to sweep up these boy's ashes to show them to Milo's grandfather or Binkley's dad, you better add me holding a bat to bury in your head to your Anxiety closet!" Opus added angrily screeching.

" We'll bring 'em home, Blobbo! Don't get your feathers outta shape! " Agent Dallas assured.

" Team OPSS will go along to cover them, " Oprah Penguin added.

" Apparently they don't have those in Wakanda, " Cooper smiled remembering the final battle of Infinity War. Going to study into the truck, he accidentally dropped a book and saw a large image of a Sumerian Cuneiform tablet that looked upside-down. The ancient Sumerian letterings were seen along with the English translation. Cooper curiously studied the image and the translation. He read three sentences which he couldn't believe from what he had discovered.

'' THE END HAS COME TO DESTROY. A HERALD FROM THE FUTURE WILL HELP THE ENTIRE ARMY TO FIGHT AND OVERTHROW THE OVERLORD AND THE BRUTES. BEHOLD, THE TEN WARRIORS OF THE POWERFUL COLORED STONES ARE COMING AND SAVING THE WORLD! "


" Judge Branwen was indeed right! I wasn't even listening to him before. If only I could apologize further, " he thought. " Wait, a herald from the future? Who could that be? "



(CAMP MABRY, AUSTIN, TEXAS 12:40 PM)


The rest of the SHIELD and MIB agents and other volunteers had entered the Quinjet where they were heading to New York. The tall Remnite MIB Agent named TO thought of leaving Texas along with Agent Coulson, however he

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