Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

As the battle between the mutated zombie and the Hydra special forces ensued, S.H.I.E.L.D. immediately detected the anomaly.

In the S.H.I.E.L.D. division stationed in Baghdad City, a group of agents sat before screens and instruments, their eyes fixed on the changing readings and visuals.

"Energy fluctuations detected 50 kilometers south of Anbar City."

"Adjust the satellite to get a visual immediately!"

"Laser emissions have been observed," another agent reported.

"The probability of a mutated zombie is over 90%," someone concluded.

"Reports indicate the mutated zombie is engaged in combat. Multiple laser bursts have been detected," another added.

"The satellite is now repositioned. We should be able to view the battle."

Despite the cloud cover hindering clarity, flashes of laser bursts were visible, confirming the presence of a mutated zombie.

One of the agents turned to look at a man standing behind them.

"Commander Pierce, what are your orders?"

The man in charge was none other than Alexander Pierce, the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Alexander's cold eyes scanned the agents before he responded. "Continue surveillance. Confirm the target beyond any doubt, and notify the Avengers on the front line."

It was still 2009—S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't yet been infiltrated by Hydra as it would be in 2014. Even Alexander didn't dare openly act in Hydra's interest at this time.

"Understood, Commander."

Alexander hesitated briefly while observing the intense battle onscreen. Then, he picked up his phone and sent a message to an unknown number. However, as no reply came, and his subordinates continued flooding him with updates, he began to feel the situation slipping out of his control.

"Commander, the laser activity is intensifying! The battle seems to have escalated!"

"Hold on. We need 100% confirmation that it's a mutated zombie," Alexander ordered, wiping sweat from his forehead.

..........

On the frontlines near Rutba City~

Lorna had returned to the camp.

Following Erik's orders, all mutants had gathered in a tent to listen to Lorna's speech.

"Why must we mutants fight for humanity?

"The zombie virus, the disaster humanity created, is now our burden to clean up?

"Are mutant lives worth less than human lives? Tell me, should we risk our lives for them?"

Her words left the dozen or so mutants exchanging uncertain glances. Lorna, known for her kind-hearted nature, suddenly adopting such a radical stance, made it difficult for them to respond.

Seeing the crowd's hesitation, Lorna's expression darkened. She turned to Marcus, hoping for support, but he sat silently with his head down, lost in thought.

Amid the tense silence, one mutant finally spoke up.

"Lorna is right! Why should we act as humanity's enforcers? After everything they've done to oppress us, even passing discriminatory mutant registration laws!"

This sparked murmurs of agreement.

"Exactly! I won't do it. Let them handle their mess!"

"They want us to risk our lives for them? Not happening!"

"Lorna, tell us what to do. We're with you!"

Seeing the crowd's enthusiasm build, Lorna cast a grateful look at the first mutant who had spoken up.

"I have a plan to free mutants from this oppression, but it will require sacrifices," Lorna stated.

The mention of sacrifices caused the once-energized group to fall silent again.

After a brief pause, the same mutant stepped forward.

"Change demands sacrifice. No conflict worth fighting for is without cost!"

The others began nodding and echoing his sentiment.

"True! Change doesn't come without bloodshed."

"We support you, Lorna!"

"All for the mutant cause!"

After about ten minutes, Lorna's first rally came to an end. The group unanimously agreed on a strategy: capture the mutated zombie and turn it to their advantage.

However, one thing continued to irritate Lorna—Marcus had not voiced any support for her, remaining an indifferent observer throughout.

After the group dispersed, Lorna was about to leave when the same mutant who had been rallying the group approached her, his body shifting as he walked.

By the time he reached her, his form had completely changed, revealing blue skin.

"Raven?! Aunt Raven?!"

"You acted recklessly. Had I not stepped in to help, you might've lost control of the group entirely," Raven said sternly.

"Thank you... Aunt Raven. But why are you here?"

"Adam sent me. He instructed me to infiltrate the mutant ranks and support you as needed."

"Adam… he's always so kind to me..." Lorna murmured, her cheeks reddening slightly at the thought.

Thinking of Adam, her disappointment in Marcus grew. "....Marcus is so useless compared to him. I need to end things with him."

As she spoke, an overwhelming sadness suddenly engulfed her. It was inexplicable, as if she were losing something precious. The feeling was so intense it left her heart aching.

"Lorna? Are you alright?"

Raven's voice snapped Lorna back to reality. She looked up to see Raven had reverted to her earlier form and was gazing at her with concern.

"When did you change back?"

"Change back? Lorna, are you okay? What are you talking about?"

Lorna was about to reply when Marcus appeared beside her.

"Marcus? Weren't you with your father just now? Why are you here so soon?"

"I saw you standing here motionless and wanted to check if something was wrong," Marcus said, his tone filled with concern.

His words left Lorna puzzled. Motionless? What had just happened?

Her thoughts turned back to the mutated zombie, which now seemed more pressing.

"Nothing's wrong. What did you need?"

"News from S.H.I.E.L.D. They spotted a mutated zombie 50 kilometers south of Anbar City. We've been ordered to deploy. What should we do?"

"A mutated zombie? Then let's move. We'll capture and control it!"

"Shouldn't we locate Professor Charles first?" Marcus asked hesitantly.

"Professor Charles? Why does that matter now? Capture the zombie first!"

Marcus looked as though he wanted to argue but decided against it, shaking his head instead.

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