Marvel - The Blood God

Early the next morning, Maverick received three urgent messages back-to-back.

The first came from S.H.I.E.L.D.: the Cosmic Cube had been stolen. S.H.I.E.L.D. requested the assistance of Dr. Banner and Ivan to help recover it and advised Maverick to prepare for potential major developments.

The second message was delivered by Blade, the head of the Council of Blood's police division. There had been an incident at the Council's station in California: a large number of vampires had surrounded the station.

The third came via War Machine's pilot, James Rhodes. The military required War Abomination and War Lizard for a classified operation.

"Three crises before breakfast, and each one's a big deal," Maverick muttered, seated in his office.

He instructed Lilith, his trusted aide, "Tell S.H.I.E.L.D. that Dr. Banner and Ivan will assist them."

Lilith nodded. "Understood."

Next, Maverick summoned Rhodes to his office. Getting straight to the point, he asked, "Why is the military deploying War Abomination and War Lizard? Those two are essentially weapons of mass destruction. Where's the alien threat?"

Rhodes shook his head, exasperated. "I'm just responsible for transport. The brass has been tight-lipped, but they've mobilized the Fifth Fleet. Whatever's going down, it's serious."

"The Fifth Fleet?" Maverick's expression darkened. "This could involve Wakanda. Isn't S.H.I.E.L.D. still keeping Wakanda's true capabilities under wraps from the military?"

Rhodes grimaced. "If they are, it's not working. Orders are coming down hard and fast."

Maverick thought for a moment before deciding. "Take War Abomination, but leave War Lizard here—it's not ready. Also, ask if the military wants to hire Frank Castle for this mission."

Rhodes blinked. "Castle? The Punisher? The guy with a temper bigger than his body count?"

"Exactly," Maverick replied. "If anyone can figure out what's going on in the shadows, it's him."

"I'll ask. They'll probably say yes."

"Good. I'll have the War Abomination prepped for you. You can head to the base now."

After Rhodes left, Maverick considered calling Nick Fury but decided Frank Castle was the better option. He quickly dialed Frank's number.

When Frank picked up, Maverick explained, "I need to know the military's true objective. I suspect they're planning an assault on Wakanda."

Frank's voice was skeptical. "Wakanda? That high-tech utopia you've mentioned?"

"Yes. If it's true, this is the worst possible time for a war."

Frank grunted. "I'll see what I can dig up. If it comes to blows, where do you want me?"

"Far from the front lines," Maverick warned. "Wakandan tech is light-years ahead of anything the military has."

"Got it. I'll keep you posted."

After the call, Maverick turned to Lilith. "Get Blade and Melinda here. Now."

When the two arrived, Maverick wasted no time. "What's going on in California?"

Blade gestured for Melinda to explain. She spoke in her usual calm tone. "York, the deputy chief of the California station, was caught conducting illegal experiments on fellow vampires. Last night, other vampires found out. York fled back to the station, but a mob of vampires surrounded it, demanding his handover."

"What did Chief Babu do?" Maverick asked.

"He refused to hand over York," Melinda replied. "The crowd hasn't dispersed. Tensions are rising, and violence could break out at any moment."

"Babu made the right call," Blade interjected. "The police can't cave to mob justice, especially when it's driven by personal grudges."

Maverick nodded. "Agreed. And York?"

Melinda's voice was steely. "Under the Council's internal regulations, his actions warrant the harshest punishment. Especially considering his rank."

Maverick raised an eyebrow. "So, why come to me? This seems straightforward enough."

Blade cut in, his tone serious. "Because someone's using this as a smokescreen to stir up trouble."

Maverick's expression darkened. "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

"California's vampire clans are converging on Los Angeles," Blade said. "They're not just there to protest. They're making a play for the Blood of Hope."

Maverick's eyes narrowed. "The Blood of Hope? The synthetic blood Dr. Stern developed?"

"Exactly," Blade confirmed. "It's cheap, enhances strength when concentrated, and tastes great. But it's only sold in limited quantities to registered vampires. Unregistered ones are furious."

Melinda added, "We believe the Hillick family is behind this. They're a powerful old guard clan with deep roots in California. They're likely inciting the unrest to push for unrestricted access to the Blood of Hope."

Maverick smirked. "If the Hillicks think they can intimidate me, they're sorely mistaken."

He turned to Blade. "You'll stay in New York. Keep the Council's police on high alert. If anything happens, I want to know immediately."

Blade nodded. "What about California?"

"I'm going there personally," Maverick said. "Spread the word that I'm on my way. Let's see if the Hillicks have the spine to face me head-on."

Blade chuckled. "Their necks definitely aren't tougher than my sword."

As Blade and Melinda left, Melinda discreetly reported the situation to Nick Fury.

Fury's voice was sharp. "Stay vigilant. Keep me updated."

Meanwhile, on the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier, Dr. Banner, Ivan, and Betty stepped off their transport. Black Widow greeted them warmly. "Dr. Banner, you're looking well."

Banner smiled. "Life's good. Great fiancée, interesting job, reasonable boss. Only downside is a certain grumpy green tenant."

Betty teased, "Don't talk about Hulk like that. You'll hurt his feelings."

Banner sighed. "Sometimes I think you like him more than me."

At that moment, Captain Steve Rogers approached, introducing himself. The group quickly fell into easy camaraderie, though Ivan's brashness drew a mix of amusement and exasperation.

As they moved deeper into the carrier, Black Widow explained their mission: locating the stolen Cosmic Cube. Tony Stark soon joined the group, sparring verbally with Ivan as usual. Banner worked on calibrating a spectrometer to trace gamma radiation, while tensions simmered over the military's actions in Africa.

Fury eventually revealed the truth: the military was mobilizing against Wakanda, a nation far more advanced than its public image suggested. Videos of Wakandan energy shields left the team stunned, though some, like Tony, remained skeptical. Amid the heated debates, Fury's growing concern was clear.

"Can this team really save the world?" Fury thought grimly. "We can't keep relying on Maverick. He's not always going to be there."

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