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Athena and Natasha stepped into the elevator, the doors sliding shut with a quiet thunk. Athena leaned back against the mirrored wall, sliding her sunglasses onto the top of her head. "So," she said casually, "are you going to tell me why Fury called a same-day meeting, or is this one of those dramatic eye-patch surprises?" Natasha smirked. "If I told you, it wouldn't be Fury." The elevator descended in silence for a moment before Athena sighed. "That's not comforting."

Back at the compound, Carol sprawled on the floor beside Morgan's bouncer, making exaggerated laser noises with her hands. Morgan squealed, kicking her legs furiously. "You're clearly impressed," Carol said seriously. "Don't worry, kid. I'll teach you how to fly later. Secret lessons." Morgan responded by bouncing harder, her little fists clenched like she was ready to take off. Tony peeked around the corner, coffee in hand. "I leave for five minutes and you're already recruiting my daughter into intergalactic warfare?" Carol didn't look up. "Please. I'm just enrichment." "Uh-huh." Tony turned toward Pepper. "She learned that word from you." Pepper smiled sweetly. "And she's not wrong."

The quinjet touched down at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with a soft jolt. Athena followed Natasha down the ramp, immediately spotting Nick Fury standing with his hands clasped behind his back. "Romanoff. Athena," Fury said. "You're late." "We landed exactly on time," Natasha replied. Fury turned his single eye to Athena. "You always say that."

Athena smiled innocently. "And I'm always right." Fury didn't return the smile. Instead, he gestured toward the building. "Let's walk."They moved through the corridors, agents pausing to stare just a little too long at Athena. She felt it—always did. Being raised by Natasha Romanoff had that effect. "We picked up unusual energy readings," Fury said as they walked. "Old tech. Very old." Athena's expression shifted, her playful edge dulling. "How old?" "Hydra old." Natasha's jaw tightened. "Where?"

"Eastern Europe. A defunct facility we thought was cleared years ago." Fury stopped and turned to face them. "But the signature matches something... familiar." Athena crossed her arms. "You're saying this involves me." "I'm saying," Fury replied carefully, "that whatever they're waking up down there reacted when you activated your abilities last month." Silence stretched between them. Natasha looked at her daughter. "Athena—" "I know," Athena said quietly. "I know what that means."

Fury nodded. "Good. Because we're not sending a team in." Athena raised an eyebrow. "You're sending me." "And your mother," Fury added. "Off the books. Quiet. In and out." Athena exhaled, then smiled slowly—dangerously. "Guess my day just got interesting." Back at the compound, Morgan let out a happy babble as Carol lifted her into the air. "Up you go, spy genius," Carol said. Tony watched from the couch, a strange unease settling in his chest for reasons he couldn't quite place. Somewhere deep down, he just knew Athena was about to do something reckless. And he had a feeling this time, it wouldn't stay a secret for long.