Invisible String

Final mission part 1

Wilson Fisk is definitely not one to be underestimated. It's clear he's poured his time and money into building this place. Tech rooms, lined with computers tracking members movements, keeping close eyes on their targets. Weaponry rooms are loaded full of guns, bombs, tasers and even more lethal equipment belonging to the government. Jules could only imagine would be fatally deadly in a place like this. They continue to explore, more and more of Wilson Fisk's hideout being revealed to them.

Not too far ahead Jules spots a long line of both men and women, leading through a set of lab doors. Jules tugs at Matt's ankle. "Matty, stop a second." Jules reaches into her bag and grabs some binoculars. "You think you've seen something important?" Jules raises the binoculars to her eyes. "Well... I guess I'm about to see."

On the surface they appear to be normal people. From their faces Jules can approximate they are between their mid or early twenties to forties. Their happiness is exuberant, they talk to each other excitedly, buzzing with energy. "What are they saying?" Matt cocks his head to the side and listens intently, following along to the chatter below him. His eyebrows slowly start to pinch together in a deeply set frown. "Shit!" He exclaims quietly. "It seems like Fisk has collected a bunch of pawns to do his bidding. Ex-army vets, ex government officials, people who were unfairly sentenced. Basically, anyone who's been treated unjustly by the government."

"Fuck! Don't they know he's taking advantage of them?" Matt shrugs. "Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but most likely they don't care. He knows who to pick. The ones discarded by society, the people who have no one to listen to them, people who need a purpose. He smells that vulnerability from a mile away. Gets you to trust him, it also doesn't hurt that he pays well." Jules detects a thick sadness in Matt's voice. She could understand how he feels, so many people he didn't manage to save from Fisk's clutches. "Matt, stop blaming yourself."

"I never did I just- "

"It doesn't matter! I can hear you thinking it."

"Fisk is a cancer that keeps coming back and you're just the one who's having to deal with it. But its's not a reflection of you." Matt sighs. "Yeah, yeah you're right." Jules puts the binoculars back into her bag and repositions herself. "Okay, let's see what's happening behind those lab doors."

They continue froward and Jules peers through the slits in the vent. A man in a white coat and blue mask stands infront of man with a wide grin on his face. Dozens of vials filled with a purple blue liquid line the table next to the scientist. Matt tenses. "The vials, I can't... I can't pinpoint that smell."

The scientist instructs the man to roll up his sleeve. Next, he takes a long thin needle extracting the liquid from the vial. He reaches for the man's arm and rests it on the table. He slowly inserts the needle into his wrists and the liquid pours into his body.

In a few seconds his beaming smile starts to fade. Suddenly, he clutches his throat and falls off his chair onto the ground. He jerks unnaturally on the floor, grabbing at his throat, eyes bulging. It's not long before the man is unconscious. The scientists just stands above him. Jules feels her jaw clenching. The man just lays there. The seconds drag and Jules can't peel her eyes away from his motionless body.

Then he opens his eyes, inhaling a large breath. The scientist and the man have an exchange of words, he stands up swiftly like nothing had happened at all. He walks towards a pile of bricks stacked on top of each other, towards the back of the lab, spread out in rows. The man raises his fist and pummels it through the stack of bricks. They crumble instantly. He moves back, not an inch of pain registering on his face. The scientists claps enthusiastically and takes off his mask. Jules eyes widen in horror. Because its him. She knows him. Jameson Banks.

Jules grabs onto Matt's arm. "It's him. Its Jameson." Her throat goes dry.

"He's congratulating that man." Matt explains. "He'll make a great addition to Fisk's army." 

"Army!" Jules exclaims in a choked whisper. Matt sighs. "Yeah, it looks like Jameson and Fisk make quite the duo." Jules scoffs and grinds her teeth together. She goes quiet, assessing the thoughts swirling in her brain. Matt puts his hand over hers. "Jules, I know that look. C'mon talk to me." She raises her head. "You're not gonna like it but okay..."

"I know we said we wouldn't rush into this. That we would scope out the area and come up with a cohesive plan. But honestly, I'm starting to think we don't have the time."

"Jules..."

"Hey hey, you saw that line leading into the laboratory was like. Fisk is ready for war. He wants blood and I'm sure he's not gonna take his time to deliver that."

"Look I know what people say about me. Jules is impulsive. Jules acts first, thinks later. I'm not denying that. But that quality is what makes me good in the field. I can adapt, respond quickly to challenges. Please Matt just listen."

Jules grabs his hand placing her upright palm against his. She then rests her forehead against Matt's. "Matty, do you trust me?"

Matt mulls over the question. He notices how he can pull away from her, quick to shut down her quick thinking. But they were in this together. They would have to do this together for it to work. He needs Jules. So that means embracing all of her.

Matthew licks his lips and nods gruffly. "Okay. Okay. I trust you sweetheart.

-----------------------------

Jules explained her plan. Their most imminent threat is the serum that Jameson is injecting into people. It sets them at the biggest disadvantage. Jules knew that this was an operation. Jameson would have employees helping him manufacture the drug. There must be dozens of them in the building. So, they track one down. Somebody timid and easy to crack. Get them to guide them down to the serum supply, probably heavily guarded but they could disguise themselves. Once they're in, start a fire. Jules fully recognized the callousness and the risks to this plan, but it was their best option at getting a step ahead of Fisk and Jameson. Time was running out.

Matt pointed out that all this wouldn't be possible if they were stuck up in the vents. So, to get to the enemy, they would have to become the enemy. The pair managed to exit the vents near to some restrooms. They waited then attacked. Switched their clothes and stuffed the unconscious bodies into a nearby airing closet.

So here they are. Matt is dressed in combat boots, army trousers and a tight-fitting white tee. Jules is wearing faded ripped blue jeans; black sneakers and she pushes her blonde hair into a baseball cap. She finishes the look with a pair of black rimmed glasses.

Jules looks Matt up and down, admiring his new look. "Are you seriously checking me out right now." He questions. Jules wraps her arms around his neck. "Sorry, I can't help itt."

"We're about to go on a very serious mission and you're checking me out?"

"Ughhh Murdock don't pretend you don't know the effect you have on me." Matt raises his eyebrow. "Hmmm...Tell me more about that." Jules swats at him. "Another time...Uhhh. We need cover stories. We need to blend in. Be one of them."

"How about...I'm Jake. Since I've been discharged, I've been thoroughly disrespected, turned away from jobs. Your Sarah my wife, who's witnessed her husband's mistreatment and wants to support him by joining Fisk."

Jules smiles and slowly nods her head. "Wow, you really thought that through huh."

Matt shrugs nonchalantly. "You know me, Jules." She moves her head upwards suddenly, sporting a curious expression.

"Also, umm. Wife huh?" Matt bites his lip and grins, slightly turning away from her. He chuckles. "Err... You never know, someday." Jules leans in to kiss him. "Yeah, maybe." She brushes her fingertips along his chest. "Maybe."