Marvel: Xenomorphs

The issue of mutants is one of humanity's most pressing internal conflicts.

The Inhumans, loosely considered descendants of the Eternals, originally emerged among Earth's human population, much like mutants. However, Black Bolt had since led their entire race to reside on the Moon.

This race, capable of extraordinary powers and technological advancements, poses no threat to humanity. On the contrary, they can be seen as a sub-branch of the human species, a potential ally.

In some parallel universes, Black Bolt is even a member of the "Illuminati," a cornerstone in protecting Earth.

Mutants, however, are a different story. While they may be considered distant relatives of the Deviants, they should rightfully be regarded as a crucial branch of humanity—far more integrated into human society than, say, vampires.

Yet, humans and mutants remain locked in endless conflict. In the eyes of many, the situation has become a zero-sum game—one side must eliminate the other. And that is a disaster.

"I understand your concerns," Duncan said. "But the fact is, I don't trust certain mutant organizations, like the Brotherhood. There's no way they're ignorant about the history of the extinct Deviants. They're too focused on proving their supposed superiority over humans. They must have investigated these historical events."

Coulson nodded. "You're right. There's even an academic field called 'Mutant Origin Studies,' which is quite popular among them."

What Coulson feared most was mutants identifying Ikaris, the Eternal, as an ancient Deviant. That would complicate matters immensely.

Unfortunately, what S.H.I.E.L.D. feared was exactly what Duncan hoped to see.

Duncan harbored no particular grudge against the eleven Eternals, but he didn't have any fondness for them either. He held even less regard for the inferior Deviants, whom he saw as little more than tools that Arishem had reused for millions of years.

The Eternals and Deviants capable of procreation and building civilizations on planets like Skrullos and Earth were a completely different breed from the mindless versions seen elsewhere.

Moreover, Duncan had already confronted Ikaris, the strongest fighter among the eleven Eternals.

"With powers like a budget Superman," Duncan mused, "he might be weak, but if I could parasitize him, it'd be great."

Seeing Duncan's expression, Coulson stood up. "Well, that concludes this meeting. I have many other tasks to attend to. But, Mr. Duncan, you don't want to see this world descend into chaos, do you?"

Coulson cast a meaningful glance at the Xenomorphs surrounding them, his eyes filled with deep apprehension.

One of his key objectives in coming here was to observe these terrifying creatures up close.

To see them parasitize Abomination and produce an offspring surpassing its host's combat prowess was enough to send chills down Coulson's spine, despite his extensive experience.

What was their reproductive capacity? What were their limits for parasitism? Could they only infect mammals? Only ordinary creatures? And what about… gods?

This universe wasn't lacking in gods. Many advanced interstellar civilizations had their own pantheons, like the Skrulls, who worshipped Skrull gods.

Coulson now knew these creatures were called Xenomorphs and confirmed their extreme obedience to Duncan, though the reason for this remained unclear.

There were far too many mysteries surrounding the Xenomorphs. And Duncan, who had somehow gained complete control over them, was an even bigger enigma.

As Coulson left, he pointed at Elektra and said, "If you don't mind, I'd be happy to take her with me. The Hand has an infamous reputation and a record of major crimes."

"I do mind. She's staying with me."

"Alright," Coulson replied, not pushing the matter. With a worried expression, he departed.

Elektra, left behind, stood frozen, her face pale and her spirits crushed.

After eavesdropping for so long, she had pieced together many startling revelations. The Deviants seemed connected to the Eternals? That flying man wasn't a Deviant? It was all an incomprehensible mess.

But Elektra didn't care about any of it. She only wanted to escape.

"The problem now, Ms. Elektra, is that you can't escape, nor can you defeat me," Duncan said as he approached her. "Whether you came here to hunt down Kingpin or on orders from the Five Fingers, you've fallen into my hands."

Duncan scrutinized Elektra from head to toe, then remarked, "You've also learned many secrets you shouldn't know—like the Deviants in Alaska. That's beyond your clearance."

Truthfully, Elektra had potential. Properly utilized, she could be of some help.

"If you're going to kill me, just do it."

Elektra stared at Duncan as he approached, her voice defiant, though her eyes gleamed with resolve.

She couldn't defeat the Xenomorphs, but surely she could take down a single human?

When Duncan was within a meter of her, Elektra moved. A dagger shot out from her sleeve, aimed straight at Duncan's throat.

She wasn't trying to kill him, only to take him hostage and use him as leverage to intimidate the Xenomorphs, giving her a chance to escape.

Her speed, timing, and courage were impeccable. As a world-class assassin, she couldn't imagine failing at such close range.

Clang!

Duncan nonchalantly extended two fingers, effortlessly pinching the dagger's tip. His precision and speed were terrifying.

Elektra felt as though her blade had struck adamantium. No matter how much force she applied, she couldn't push it forward even an inch.

"How is this possible?!" Elektra froze, her expression shifting. She blurted out, "You're a superhuman? Otherwise, how could you have such strength?"

"By your standards, yes," Duncan replied. "But don't envy me, miss. Soon, you'll be one too. And then, you won't be so stubborn."

Duncan opened his hand.

A Facehugger crawled forward.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? So obedient. And it likes you."

"Wait, no! Don't!"

Elektra, terrified, tried to resist, but the Xenomorphs swarmed her, pinning her down. She attempted to bite down on the poison hidden in her teeth, but a Xenomorph messenger forced her jaw open.

As something warm and white entered her mouth and slid down her throat, Elektra lost consciousness.

To be clear, Duncan had no intention of letting the Facehugger burst from her chest. Even if the process succeeded, the resulting Xenomorph would merely be a drone, incapable of matching the power of an Abomination-Xenomorph hybrid.

All Duncan needed was the "parasitism" stage.

Few knew the Facehugger had another function: it could implant its genetic material without chest-bursting.

This method allowed the host to gain the genetic strength stored within the Facehugger.

Duncan was the only one capable of controlling the Facehugger to prevent chest-bursting. This was how he had transformed from an ordinary human into a superhuman capable of withstanding a punch from Abomination.

Using this approach, the stronger the Xenomorphs became and the better the genes they acquired, the more Duncan's power would exponentially grow.

Duncan waved his hand, dismissing the Xenomorphs. He left Elektra where she was, knowing she could no longer escape his control—neither in body nor in mind.

Before leaving, Duncan cast an imperceptible glance at a messenger Xenomorph lurking in the corner.

As the Xenomorphs dispersed, a seemingly ordinary messenger Xenomorph in the corner discreetly revealed a signal transmitter. Hidden from Duncan and the other Xenomorphs, it sent out a transmission.

"This is Mystique. I've successfully infiltrated and obtained critical information: the flying man is a Deviant, and the location is Alaska!"