Avenging Shadows - Part 21

Sharon Ventura walked into the library at Avengers Castle, where she was greeted by The Black Widow, The Vision and Dane Whitman, aka The Black Knight..

"Widow, I'm here", Sharon said as she walked into the room. "Hi Dane. Hello Vision", she said to the other two figures standing in the room.

"Sharon, thanks for being so prompt", the Widow said. "As I told you and Hank when I called you, I've discovered some information that I think you may be interested in."

"About Diablo?", Sharon asked.

"Not necessarily Diablo", the Vision injected, "at least we don't think so."

"So what have you got, Natasha?", the Knight asked.

"Well, according to several sources that I contacted, there has been a major effort by an unknown person or persons to take control of the European underworld, attempting to muscle in on several of the major crime leaders and organizatons", the Widow said. "And this person, whoever they are, has been using artificial creatures, much like the Golem-facsimiles that we encountered when we met up with the two of you."

"You think they're the same creatures", the Knight asked.

"Based on eyewitness accounts and descriptions", the Widow said, "I do."

"So is there any way to find out who is the person or persons behind these attacks on the underworld groups?", Sharon asked.

"They've been very careful to conceal their identity", the Widow said. "But we may have found a clue."

"What kind of clue?", Dane asked.

"When Vision did the chemical analysis of the creatures we fought, he discovered a rare compound in the mix. Please, tell them Vision."

"Of course", the Vision said as he joined the conversation. "Among the chemicals my analysis discovered were several dozen common household chemicals. But I also discovered an artifical chemical compound called Maluablegenitis."

"What's that", Sharon asked. "I was pretty good in chemisty, but that doesn't sound familiar to me."

"Me neither", the Knight said. "I take it from the name that it's a bonding type of chemical compound?"

"Exactly", the Vision said. "It's used to hold and bond atoms and cells together in an unique sort of manner. The person who created it is an biochemical genius."

"But you don't think it's Diablo?", Sharon asked.

"Diablo isn't really the corporate sort", the Widow answered.

"The only company that makes this particular chemical is one called Loont Solutions, Inc.", Vision said. "And in researching the company, I could find no mention of Diablo. The company is owned by a recluse millionaire named L. V. Loont."

"That name doesn't ring a bell?, Sharon said.

"It didn't sound familiar to me either ", the Vision said. "Information on this L. V. Loont is very scarce other than that she is Canadian, comes from very old money and is quiet an alchemist."

"That's not much to go on", the Knight agreed.

"But it's a start", the Widow said. "Based on the discovery of her chemicals in those creatures, I think we have anough to warrant a visit to this Loont Solutions company."

"I'd still like to know who this woman is and what possible purpose she might have for sending her creatures after me", Sharon said.

"I suspect that you may have stumbled too close to her operations attempting to gain power in the underworld with your search for Diablo", the Widow said. "She had know way of knowing just exactly what you wanted or may have learned and thought it better to eliminate you before you became a problem."

"No one trying to pull a takeover of the criminal element wants a super-hero, especially a former member of the Fantastic Four, getting involved in their business", the Knight said.

"And then when I contacted you Dane, an Avenger, we really became high up on the food chain list of potential problems.", Sharon added.

"Exactly", Dane said.

"I just received the results of my search for L.V. Loont through our data bases that we share with intelligence outfits all over the world", the Vision said. "And this comes from Department H in Canada."

"Department H", the Knight asked. "Isn't that the home of Alpha Flight?"

"It is", the Vision said. "And the information I'm getting relates to a case filed by Alpha members Sasquatch and Aurora. It seems that they had two encounters with a woman by the name of Lillian van Loont, who also goes by the name of Gilded Lily."

"So what's the deal with this Gilded Lily? What kind of powers did she possess?", the Knight asked.

"She was quite the alchemist. And also essentially immortal", the Vision said. "And here's where it gets really interesting. She was the former lover and protege of Diablo."

"So that's where the Diablo connection comes in", the Widow remarked. "Looking over this report from Alpha Flight, it took the aid of Diablo himself to defeat her after she assumed control of their headquarters."

"So she's the one I've been after?", Sharon asked.

"Obviously", the Vision said.

Glancing at the file, the Knight commented, "It says here that Alpha Flight reported that she died in their battle. Obviously, they were incorrect in their assumption."

"I don't think death is quite as final for this one as it would be for the rest of us", the Black Widow replied. "I suggest we get the group together and pay this woman a visit."

"Sounds good to me", the Knight said. "Even if she's not who Sharon was looking for, she's still far too dangerous to be allowed to allow to run free."

"Agreed", the Widow said. "Let's summon the rest of the team and meet in the Assembly room in one hour. I want to coordinate everything and then we're going to pay this Gilded Lily a visit."

**

"So you think we try a subtle approach at first", Dane Whitman, aka The Black Knight asked.

"Yes", the Widow replied. "If we go busting in like gangbusters, they'll have time to destroy any incriminating evidence and Miss van Loont will have time to cover her tracks and possibly escape. We don't want that."

"So what do you suggest?", Spitfire asked.

"I suggest it's time to do some undercover work", the Widow smiled. "Vision, can you still assume your Victor Shade persona?"

"Of course", the Vision replied.

"I suggest that we send a team of our least familiar faces, Vision, Issac and Union Jack in to snoop around and investigate the premises, and see what they can find out. The rest of us can be on stand-by and move in when needed", the Widow said.

"Why those three and not the rest of us", Sharon asked.

"Because I'm sure that your face and Dane's too are known to our adveseries. Mine, Hercules and Spitfire's are too well known also to be able to safely go undercover. But Union Jack's identity and face is not well known and neither is Vision's alter-ego. And Issac can use an image inducer to look human and should be able to escape detection as well", the Widow answered.

"Fine", the Knight said. "We know who's going in undercover, but we need to establish a reason why."

"I might be able to help with that", Spitfire smiled. "Falsworth Industries regularly meets with other local businesses to help promote various charities and events. I'm sure that it would be simple to arrange for a couple of representatives of Falsworth Industries to visit and tour their facility on a good-will endevour."

"So we'd go in as representatives of your company. I like it", Union Jack smiled through his mask.

"And once we get inside their facility, Issac and Joey can provide a distraction while I use my abilities to connect with machinery to enter their computer system and look for anything suspicious.", the Vision said.

"Wouldn't it be easier just to hack into their system from here and avoid the personal risks?", Sharon asked.

"I've already tried", the Vision said. "And their security is too complex for me to enter their computer system from anywhere, but inside the facility itself. From inside, it should be fairly simple."

"Is this a snatch and grab situation where we are merely to gather info or are we going to confront Gilded Lily directly?", Union Jack asked.

"We're strictly going for information on this trip", the Widow said. "A company like Loont Solutions will have dozens of lawyers waiting to pounce if we don't act carefully. We need to have definite evidence connecting van Loont to those creatures."

"Isn't the chemical compound in the creatures enough?", Sharon asked.

"Maybe to get a warrant, but not enough for a conviction in court", the Knight said.

"So we'll go in and see what we can find, get out and take it from there", Union Jack said.

"I just called my senior V.P. at Falsworth Industries", Spitfire spoke up. "She'll make arrangements for three of our representatives, Joey, Issac and Vision, to tour the facility in the morning. And I told her to see if she can swing a meeting with Miss van Loont as well."

"So we may have a chance to meet this Gilded Lily in person", Issac said.

"Possibly", Union Jack said. "What's the basis for the meeting, if it does happen?", he asked.

"Raising money for several of our charities", Spitfire said. "And maybe suggesting a joint business venture at some possible venture as well."

"Say what?", the Knight asked.

"If we don't attempt to throw in at least the suggestions of possible business ventures, it'll raise suspicion", Spitfire said.

"Joey will have to take the lead then", Issac remarked. "I know politics and old movies, but international business ventures are far beyond me."

"Joey worked for me when he was younger as an intern, before he became Union Jack", Spitfire smiled. "He'll do quite fine."

"Thanks for the confidence, Jackie", Union Jack said.

A buzz went off from the Black Widow's communicard.

"Excuse me", the Widow said as she walked off to answer her card.

The remaining heroes talked among themselves and worked to cement the plans for the next morning until the Widow returned.

"Ok, we've got a change of plans", the Widow said. "That was Allistair Stuart of W.H.O. and he's asking for our help."

"What's up?", the Knight asked.

"A Hydra ring over in Naples", the Widow said. "And they want the Avengers help in taking the group down."

"Their timing sucks", Sharon said. "What about the trip to von Loont's factory?"

"Why can't we do both?", the Knight said.

"What are you suggesting, Dane?", the Widow asked.

"I'm saying that Hydra probably won't require the whole team", Dane said. "So why not have Union Jack, Issac and Vision continue as we've discussed. Meanwhile, I can take Spitfire, Hercules and Sharon and we can take care of Hydra. And Widow can stay here at the castle and coordinate events."

"Sounds fine to me", the Widow said, "Anyone have any objections to Dane's idea?"

"It sounds fair to me", Sharon said. "Better than just sitting around and waiting. But what if Union Jack, Issac and Vision need back-up?"

"I'll take care of that", the Widow said. "I'll be here at the castle and I can ask Barnabas Collins to be on call and provide back-up if needed."

"Plus Hank is here too", Dane said. "And with both Dr. Pym and Barnabas here to back the Widow up, that should be all the back-up that anyone would need."

"Sounds logical", the Vision said, re-entering the conversation. "I suggest that Dane and the others leave as soon as possible to help take care of that Hydra situation while the rest of us continue our planning and prepare to travel to Loont Solutions in the morning."

"I'll go summon Hercules and prepare a quinjet", the Knight said. "Come on Sharon. Jackie, call your company and make the final preparations for our group to visit Loont Solutions in the morning and then meet us at the hangar bay."

"Roger", Spitfire said as she sped out of the room.

"I want you to stay in contact, Dane and keep me informed of the situation", the Widow reminded the Black Knight as he was leaving the room.

"Will do, Widow", the Knight said.

"And now, the rest of us need to get back to work", the Widow said to the Vision, Union Jack and The Gargoyle as they gathered once more around the meeting table and began to plot and plan once more.

**

Several hours later in Naples, Italy.

"We're here, Avengers", the Black Knight said as he piloted the Quinjet and circled for a landing near the coordinates provided to him by Allistair Stuart, of W.H.O.

"Good", Spitfire smiled. "I'm tired of being cooped up and ready for some action."

"As is the Scion of Olympus" Hercules agreed. "Who is it that we are to meet, Dane?", he asked.

"Some local constable", Dane said. "They're supposed to have a bunch of Hydra agents trapped in a local medical office and things are pretty much a stalemate at this point."

"And we're here to what?", Sharon asked.

"Take control and secure the building and the Hydra agents", Dane said.

"Are there hostages?", Spitfire asked.

"Don't know", Dane said, "but I think I see our contact. Let's go find out."

The four heroes exited the Quinjet and walked over to where several uniformed officers stood together.

"Excuse me", Spitfire said to the men. "We're the Avengers and we were asked to come here and help."

"Avengers? Thank God!", a man said, stepping forward. "I'm Constable Martino. I'm so glad to see you heroes."

"What's the situation?", Dane asked as he stepped forward.

"A bunch of nut-jobs in green suits stormed the Research Center several hours ago and took control of the building. We managed to get the building surrounded, but they've got one of the scientists in there hostage. Everyone else in the building managed to escape", the Constable said.

"What kind of research do they do there", Spitfire asked. "Have they shown any signs of agression since taking the building?"

"It's a radiation lab. Not the dangerous stuff, but they research and build x-ray machines, stuff for hospitals, and what not.", the Constable answered.

"Do you have any idea what they were looking for here?", Sharon asked.

"No ma'am", the Constable replied. "The scientist that they're holding, Dr. McKeithan, he's been bragging lately about finding some sort of skeleton, but I don't see why anyone would want something like that."

"'Tis not easy to decipher the minds of such foul creatures as the minions of Hydra", Hercules said.

"So how secure is the building right now?", Dane asked.

"My men have it surrounded", the Constable replied. "No one has gotten out or gone in."

"Have you got blueprints of the building that we can look at", Sharon asked. "We need to find out where they're holding that scientist so we can get him out."

"I'll get 'em", the Constable said and he quickly barked a series of orders to some of his men who had gathered and were standing by.

"Good", Dane said. "Spitfire, try and scope out the situation with your speed. Try not to be seen."

"I'm on it", Spitfire said, quickly speeding off.

"I hope the others are having an easier time with their mission", Dane sighed to himself.

**

Meanwhile, at Loont Solutions...

"Please, come this way", the receptionist said to her three visitors.

The three men followed the young lady into an office.

"We've arranged for a tour of the facilities and then you'll meet Miss von Loont for lunch", the receptionist said with a smile.

"Thank you, luv", Joseph Chapman smiled at the young lady. "We surely do appreciate the hospitality, especially on such short notice."

"Not a problem sir", the lady smiled back. "Miss von Loont seemed very excited at the possibility of doing business with Falsworth Industries."

"Let's hope we can reach some sort of deal then", an older man, introduced as Christian Issacson, stepped forward to say.

"We most certainly hope so", the young lady replied.

"Excuse me", the mysterious third man of this group spoke up.'

"Yes sir, Mr... Williams, was it?", the lady answered.

"Yes", the holographically disguised Vision answered. "Can you possibly direct me to a restroom? The breakfast I had isn't agreeing with me."

"Of course", the lady replied, taking 'Mr. Williams' by the arm and leading him towards a heavy, brown, door.

"I'll be back shortly", the man replied before entering the restroom.

"Is he going to be all right?", the young receptionist asked, clearly worried.

"I hope so", Joseph Chapman smiled at the young lady. "Victor has stomach problems and is supposed to watch what he eats."

At that moment, the door opened and the aforementioned Mr. Williams reentered the room.

"Are you all right", the oldest gentleman spoke to his associate.

"I am fine, but a little weak", Mr. Williams replied. "I hate to be a burden, but would you have a place here that I may lay down for a short while. I have this condition, you see..."

"But what about the tour? And lunch with Miss von Loont?", the receptionist asked.

"Victor can lay down and rest while you give myself and Mr. Issacson the tour", Joseph Chapman answered. "And then, once the tour is finished, we can all reunite and proced to lunch with Miss von Loont."

"That sounds fair", Christian Issacson agreed.

"It's only logical", Victor Williams agreed.

"I don't know", the receptionist started to say, but Jospeh Chapman caught her eye and smiled at the young lady.

"Come on love", he smiled.

"Of course", the receptionist said. "Please follow me, Mr. Williams."

The receptionist led the tall, mysterious man to a small room with a huge couch and small table.

"You may rest here and we'll return to get you after I give your two associates a tour of our facilities" she smiled.

"Of course. Thank you", Mr. Williams replied.

"I'll make sure you're not bothered. We'll return shortly.", the young lady smiled once more.

"Rest well, Vic", the older man smiled. "We'll see you soon."

The door closed and the two men, along with the receptionist left the room.

The man identified as Victor Williams stood there for a few moments and then his image began to fade as he reduced his density to an etheral state and phased through the far wall in search of clues and evidence.