MONICA'S BLACK SUV ROLLED TO A STOP OUTSIDE THE SKIRT OF WESTVIEW, NEW JERSEY. She climbed out of her SUV while scanning the surrounding area before fixing her gaze forward, squinting her eyes slightly when the bright sun reflected from the street. Monica spotted three men standing near the Westview sign, almost awkwardly like they were trying to keep their distance from the FBI agent.
The two police officers were leaning against the boot of their patrol car, sipping on their coffee with boredom written on their faces, eyes trailing Monica as she approached the three. It was like Monica and the FBI agent were wasting the sheriff's time, and neither of the officers wanted to be there from the looks of it.
The FBI agent noticed Monica and politely dismissed himself from the officers, making his way to the woman.
"What's the story here, Agent Woo?"
"I've got a witness set down the road in Westview, and this morning, it looked like he flew the coop."
The woman cocked a brow. "Your missing person is in the Witness Protection Program?"
"I have contacted known associates, relatives . . ." Jimmy lists.
"And let me guess, none of them seen him either?"
"No," Jimmy interjects, shaking his head. "None of them have ever heard of him." Jimmy searched for Monica's reaction through the sunlight pouring from behind the horizon. Monica jerked her chin toward her neck with a puzzled expression. "Something seemed hanky to me, so I took the first flight out of Oakland to interface with the local law enforcement, which is when I encountered a new wrinkle."
"What is that?"
Rather than explaining the predicament Jimmy found himself entangled in, he thought he might as well show Monica precisely what he meant. So, he nodded toward the two officers resting against their vehicle as they watched Monica and Jimmy approaching them again. One seemed to have muttered under his breath to his friend, unbothered that the two agents could probably hear them. If they did, then they chose to ignore it for the sake of the case at hand.
"Pardon me, Sheriff," called Jimmy, capturing their attention. "Would you mind repeating your claim about Westview to my colleague here?"
Without hesitation, one of the sheriffs answered. "No such place," he says with certainty.
Monica had to take a moment to digest his response, but it sounded bizarre. "You're saying the town of Westview, New Jersey, doesn't exist?"
"It's what I kept telling your G-Man here, but he won't listen," retorted the sheriff, taking another sip from his coffee.
"I see," Monica nods slowly, trying to wrap her brain around the whole ordeal. "And, I'm sorry, what town are you from?"
"Eastview."
Monica pursed her lips, nodding. It didn't make sense as they were quite literally standing in front of Westview, and there was a sign as clear as day, but the officers were adamant about there being no such thing as a town called Westview. Monica couldn't imagine what was going on in their heads, thinking that the town, populated with thousands of people, was suddenly no more. It was like Westview had disappeared from the face of the earth. Like no one but them knew about it.
"Thank you, Sheriff," Jimmy nods in appreciation, bringing their conversation to an ender. "I'll reach out if we need any further assistance." Then, he and Monica turned away from the sheriffs, retreating to their vehicles as the other two started leaving. "I, uh, pulled phone numbers for all the residents. I'm only through the D's, but so far, I got Diddly Squat."
"So, you can't reach anyone inside, and everyone on the outside has some sort of selective amnesia?"
"This isn't a missing person's case, Captain Rambeau; it's a missing town," Jimmy glanced at the sign, shifting the attention on the green sign until they were both staring with quizzical expressions as they stared out to Westview. "Population three-thousand eight-hundred, and ninety-two."
Monica stared longingly at the sign before her eyes trailed away from it and to the town, noting the eerie silence and empty streets. "Why haven't you gone inside to investigate?"
Jimmy tuns to Monica. "'Cause, it doesn't want me to," he meets the woman's gaze, and for a moment, in the silence, there was a buzzing sensation running up their skin and vibrating within their bones. "You can feel it, can't you? Nobody's supposed to go in."
However, Monica wasn't going to let whatever force stop her from investigating the town any further, not when they're multiple people missing inside--a whole town--and she wasn't going to stop until she found them. So, with that, the motivation sparked a fire in Monica's belly with a heavy drive, filling the woman with a new amount of energy regarding the case. She knew the only way she could really investigate the issue was to get inside Westview and considering there's no one out and about, Monica supposes it would be easy. Backing down wasn't something Monica would call a friend because she grew up around strong women who taught her to strive for what she wanted at a young age.
Inside the case was a drone that resembled a child's toy helicopter, but it was high-tech built by S.W.O.R.D.s best engineers. Monica delicately removed the drone out from the comfort of its case and onto the open street; as she stood back to her feet with the controller in her hands, Monica activated the drone remotely.
Monica turned her back toward Westview and headed toward the back of her SUV, clicking the trunk open to reveal a black case sitting inside. She pulled it out with a mighty tug, lugging it up and over the edge of the SUV and setting it on the street toward Westview. Monica can practically feel a pair of eyes burning a hole in the back of her head, watching her every moment with a spirit of inquiry prickling his mind. Jimmy had stood behind Monica like a lost child, not knowing what to do as he let the woman do her thing.
Inside the case was a miniature helicopter that resembled a children's toy, but it was a high-tech drone S.W.O.R.D. had invested on. Monica delicately removed the drone out from the comfort of its case and onto the open street; as she stood back to her feet with the controller in her hands, Monica activated the drone remotely.
"What about you?" Monica inquired.
"Me?" Jimmy chirped. "Well, I'm from Bakersfield, originally. Growin' up, other kids had Michael Jordan posters on their walls, but I had Eliot Ness."
Monica stepped beside Jimmy, motioning the drone into the air. "No, no, no. I mean, why is that you have an awareness of Westview? Or me, for that matter?" She ponders, concentrating on the drone, and the camera never falters. "Is it because we are outside a certain radius, or maybe because we don't have a personal connection?"
Jimmy hummed thoughtfully at the question, dwelling deeper into the realization of how much sense it made now that Monica had brought it up. The questions never crossed Jimmy's mind at the time, but it would make sense considering the officers of Eastview hadn't a clue what Westview was, but Jimmy and Monica do. The families Jimmy had contact claimed no recollection of a particular family member he found living in Westview, but each one seemed not to know them. It was like they were ghosts and never existed, yet they do.
But Jimmy and Monica, who seemed to have no personal connection that tied them to Westview, were perfectly capable of acknowledging Westview as a whole town. It was like it had gone entirely off the map. Jimmy couldn't even begin to fathom what it must feel like to be a family member of a lost loved one and act like they never existed. However, Jimmy sensed something off about the city ever since he came down to inspect the scene, and still, he wasn't sure if he was equipped to solve this mystery. Stuff like this was out of his league, but Jimmy wasn't going to deny the sheer excitement to solve the issue.
While Monica continued to fly the drone toward Westview, she frowned when the camera warped until the connection was gone, leaving the screen black. Monica furrowed her brows questioningly as she flicked her eyes up toward the area her drone had flown to, searching for it in the sky; however, to her confusion, Monica was staring into the blue sky painted over Westview finding nothing in sight. It was like it had disappeared within a blink of an eye.
"Do you think she can actually help?" Jimmy quizzed, concerned and uncertain.
Monica's posture stiffened slightly, appearing unnerved. "I think so," she rolled her shoulders, trying to deflect the question. "She's our only hope in figuring whatever this is." Monica turns away and focuses on her drone but frowns when it's no longer in view. "Wait, where'd it go?"
"It was right there."
Monica would normally retort some kind of comeback at such an obvious statement, but she was too busy wondering where her drone had disappeared to. She walked forward with Jimmy towing behind with a hint of curiosity, keeping a reasonable distance between him and whatever that weird feeling he was receiving whenever he'd get too close to the town. However, Monica didn't seem to care and wanted to investigate the issue even further; as she got closer to the town, a distinct noise buzzed in her ears in a humming tone, capturing the woman's attention.
It was like a static noise you'd hear from the box TVs, and whenever you touch the screen, you could practically feel the electricity running through the screen. Monica peaked with intrigue as she stared into the quiet town, but her eyes seemed to be scanning something a lot closer than Jimmy. She could practically feel the energy radiating from whatever was in front of her, and Monica was chuckling in sheer awe.
"Whoa . . ."
Jimmy stood afar with a curious but concerning expression on his face. "What is it?"
"Some sort of energy field," answered Monica, a little distracted, raising her hand and reaching out for the wall that blocked them from the outside; the wall hummed with spiking energy, making Monica gasp in disbelief.
"Careful, Rambeau," warned Jimmy, growing anxious every second as he watched Monica getting closer and closer to the field with no precautions. "Captain Rambeau! Watch it." But then Jimmy realized Monica wasn't pulling away from his warnings but digging her hand into the thick energy field. "Rambeau!"
"It looks familiar," Monica furrowed her brows thoughtfully, analyzing the energy barrier. Her fingers moved around inside like she was trying to find something, but there was nothing for Monica to grab and pull out. "Where have I seen this before?"
As if she was blocking out Jimmy's warning pleads, Monica continued to mess with something she'd never seen before, wanting to understand in such a short time. The woman couldn't help herself. Monica was insanely curious, and she was determined to discover what the hell was happening to Westview, and studying up close is what she thought would be best. This toggled her brain with such a force; Monica had never seen anything like this before, and she was itching to know more. It was stuff like this she practically grew up around--her aunt, she used to call her, was practically alien at some point, and it became her reality.
But then, Monica frowned when she found her hand attached to the energy field, refusing to release her from its grasp. The realization struck Monica in a frenzy. The woman began tugging on her arm, hoping it would free her; unfortunately, Monica felt like she was stuck in quicksand because she started feeling the energy pulling her deeper inside.
Worry began to seep in Monica's chest, and her heart was pumping aggressively with adrenaline. She tried with all her might to free herself, but Monica was now sticking to the wall up to her shoulder. There was nothing either of them could do, and Jimmy wasn't going to risk himself as he knew he wouldn't be able to save Monica.
Nevertheless, the energy field grew strong and tugged Monica forcefully, emitting a surprised gasp from the woman as her body was hurled straight through the energy field headfirst.
"Captain Rambeau!"
💜
72 HOURS PRIOR
"Find anything interesting in your little mystery case?" Monica quizzed as she approached Hayward suddenly.
Monica was walking around the S.W.O.R.D. headquarters before she was getting ready to head off for her trip to New Jersey, but she was on a quest of searching for the equipment needed. On her way toward the equipment room, Monica spotted Hayward walking around with Agent Rodriguez, who had taken her tablet and dismissed herself down another hall.
It wasn't that the case Hayward is working on was classified because Monica has an idea of what it is. Still, unfortunately, the woman wasn't lucky enough to tag along with Hayward to investigate. However, Monica could consider their cases intertwined, and although they were both dealing with two different things, it seemed like they were connected somehow. Curious as a cat, Monica wanted to get some kind of information from Hayward that could connect with her own, give her some ideas.
Hayward glanced over his shoulder and found Monica approaching him with a beaming grin, flashing him a toothy smile. He reciprocates the action, a warm welcome present on his face as he slows his pace for Monica to match his own.
"Guess you can say that," answered Hayward. "I've got a couple of people coming in today to do some readings, but one is specialized in a specific field that I need." Hayward turns the corner with Monica following, looking intent. "We found some strange electrical fields coming from Westview, and considering your guy is stationed there, I figured it's fine to let you know."
Monica nods thoughtfully. "What kind of field are we talking about?"
"Astrophysics. She's apparently the best of the best."
"Are you saying I can tag along?" Monica chirped excitedly. Hayward cocked a brow, so she turned back into professionalism. "Count me in." The woman checks her watch. "What time will she be here? I'm meeting the FBI agent in a few hours."
"Soon. She's headed for the base in New Jersey," Hayward turns around, sparing Monica a glance before holding the door open for her. "I'm sure you'll have spare time. We'll meet up in New Jersey. I'll probably need you then."
"You got it, Director."
💜
Darcy Lewis was sitting in the back of a small truck with three strangers; all of them were surrounded by intense silence. There was a reason by they were all specifically chosen for this assignment, and though Darcy hadn't a clue what the hell these people needed, she was damn excited to be here. Maybe a little too excited, but the scientist insider her sparked with intrigue. All these questions swam around in her head, and Darcy wanted to talk someone's ear off for some answers regarding the assignment she was being tasked with.
"Hey," called Darcy, keeping her voice low like she didn't want to be caught talking. "What's your field?"
The man sitting directly in front of Darcy wore square-framed glasses and hair fluffy on the top of his head, dressed in a white button-down with a dark vest sitting over it; a suitcase was sitting protectively in his lap with his arms wrapped around it tightly. He glanced at Darcy with an exasperated expression, like he was one of those goody-two-shoes in school who would tell the teacher on you for cheating--or remind the teacher about the homework assignment, knowing no else had done it.
"We're not supposed to talk to each other," he retorted like a know-it-all.
Darcy hummed. "Boy Scout leader. Got it," she smacked her lips before turning to the woman next to Boy Scout. "And you?"
"Nuclear Biology," answered the woman.
"Artificial Intelligence," the other man answered.
"Astrophysics," Darcy finished, clicking her tongue against the bridge of her mouth. "We got the full clown car. It means whatever the threat is, S.W.O.R.D. clearly has no idea what they're messing with."
After a second of silence, swallowing the bit of speculation given by Darcy, Boy Scout finally decides to include himself in the conversation. "I'm a chemical engineer."
"No one cares."
The drive to S.W.O.R.D. headquarters was bitter silent, mainly because Boy Scout attempted to add himself in a conversation he didn't want to be in, and Darcy's blunt personality was almost awkward. Darcy hated it and wished they were allowed to have their phones; she could be playing the games on her phone and increasing her levels, but S.W.O.R.D. is sworn to secrecy, so Darcy is obligated to have her phone confiscated.
What felt like hours later, the truck finally slowed to a stop until it completely turned off somewhere in an open field. From the looks of it through the windows, Darcy stretched her neck to peek at the view. But then, the back doors clicked until they were swinging open, letting the light of the sun rising flood the dark truck with its warmth. Darcy crawled out as fast as she could, wanting to be free and stretch her legs. She scans the base in awe, realizing more tents and resources surround the open field, surprising Darcy.
Darcy clutched the lonely bag she trudged through the base, feeling like a freshman going to high school on the first day but not knowing where to go. There were so many tents, and Darcy wondered what each of them was for.
"Ms. Lewis?" A man, Agent Monti, called from aside, catching the woman's attention.
"Dr. Lewis," Darcy corrected.
Ignoring her comment, he continued. "We have your gear set up inside," he then led Darcy into the closest tent that resembled more of a building than a tent, like it was built with metal and electricity brightening the place.
Darcy walked inside and took in the giant room, deeming this as the essential part of the base and most likely their central region. But then she looked out the big windows at the front of the building, finding a few army men flying a drone up and into the town, but Darcy gaped as it disappeared into the field like the television was being turned off.
"Those drones you're sending in, what kinda data are you getting?"
"I'm afraid that's highly classified."
Darcy saw through it. "You can't see anything?" She makes a funny face before slipping the strap of her backpack off her shoulder and down near the desk she was residing. "FBI, Army. I saw the Air Force Office of Special Investigations out there." Darcy pulled out her silver case and hauled it on the table, opening it and getting her equipment ready. "Research Lab, Space Command, too. A bona fide, joint, multi-service response. Really looking forward to the commemorative T-shirt."
Agent Monti was meant to assist Darcy stood by with an annoyed expression clearly on his face, trying his best to ignore the woman's rambling, but there was no escaping. He hadn't a clue that Darcy has a way with words and filling the awkward silence with complete nonsense. Darcy's sarcastic attitude and joking personality were enough to make people's day or rid the atmosphere of that tension that she hates.
He merely watched as Darcy was fiddling with her tools, knowing what she was doing.
"Is there somewhere a lady could get a cup of coffee? You guys look like you might get down with those little pod things," commented Darcy, subtly insulting them. "Horrendous for the environment."
Annoyed, Agent Monti unravels his arms. "Make your assessment, please," he cut Darcy off.
"Alright, alright. Sheesh," Darcy turns to face the table, muttering under her breath but making sure the agent can hear. "Don't get your panties stuck in a twist." But then something strange happened. "Whoa," Darcy chirped as her computer and tools were beeping in an alert. "I mean, whoa . . ."
"What are you getting?"
"A colossal amount of CMBR."
"CM . . ."
"Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation," Darcy informs
"We've been told the radiation is within a safe limit," Agent Monti reminded, a bit unsure.
"Uh, it is . . . for now."
"Wait, what do you mean--"
"Shh!" Darcy hushes abruptly, cutting Agent Monti off short as she inspects the wavelengths appearing on her screens. "There are longer wavelengths superimposed over the noise here." She sat there to rack her brain around this strange stuff before she reached beneath her desk, groaning against the weight of the small (but hefty) machinery. "I got it."
It was a vertical and skinny-looking machine, a Physio-Scope, and matches the settings to accommodate her other tools. Darcy twists the knobs here and there, watching the brown screen flutter between statics. Puckering her lips in concentration, Darcy slowly turned one of the knobs once she noticed the picture slowly coming into view. Something was showing, but Darcy couldn't see it as clearly as she hoped, making her think there was something hidden in between those frequencies.
"I need a TV," Darcy promoted. "An old one. Like, not flat."
💜
Hayward walks in the room with a new sense of determination, Monica following close behind with Agent Woo.
"What do we have up?" Hayward calls.
"Radar, lidar," Agent Rodriguez lists as she points to each screen. "Sodar, infrared."
"Cycle through," Hayward orders, initiating the table to process their information. Nothing was happening as everything whirled and clicked at the computer went through the data it currently had, but nothing new. "Will someone get me a useful visual, damn it?"
Suddenly, like someone had answered his questions, a shrill of laughter rang through the room as if someone was watching television during their investigation, catching Hayward's attention. It was like a crowd of people laughing on cue, sounding fake and forced. Soon, everyone was starting to heat it as chatter soon came after, but no one could pinpoint where it was coming from.
Monica didn't recognize the noise, but she spun around on the ball of her heels, turning around to find the source of the noise. She glanced to her side, sharing the same quizzical expression as Hayward. Monica wanted to find the source.
"What is that?" Monica wondered out loud, furrowing her brows in confusion.
Dramatic voices were squealing through the small screen sitting on Darcy's desk, watching as a familiar woman was scurrying around after something disastrous happened to the woman's wedding dress. Darcy had recognized the woman and man on the screen who was playing as characters of themselves but dated in a different timeline; Wanda and Vision were acting out a scene of their wedding, both seeming to be dealing with a disaster situation.
Monica trained her eyes on the box TV as the picture switches between Wanda and Vision, both trying to figure out a solution for their problems, which are classic issues these shows undergo. It was fascinating. Monica couldn't believe her eyes. Was she seeing this right?
Somehow, when transported to the wedding venue, Wanda's wedding dress was ruined, and Vision was looking for the missing wedding rings (he might've misplaced them). It was like the classic sitcoms you'd watch on TV--usually filled with false life expectations and exaggerated bumps in the roads. Wanda was desperately trying to hide from Vision because it was bad luck to see the bride before marriage, but Wanda was more worried that their big day would no longer be great.
The wedding venue wasn't as big as other weddings typically are. This was smaller and intimate, mainly the bride and groom, with the pastor marrying them. It seemed like the wedding was rushed and sudden, spontaneous and quick.
Everyone watched as the scene played out--Wanda trying to fix her dress after each mishap until she poofs herself a brand new wedding dress and then discovers Vision had lost their wedding rings. That was another thing Wanda had to panic about because now, they would get married with no wedding rings. And then they came with a resolution, deciding that they'll merely get married without the wedding rings, which they could probably get later.
Jimmy sat on the desk next to Darcy, wrinkling his brows together as he analyzed what he was seeing. "Is that . . ."
"Yeah," Darcy stuttered for a second, just as baffled. "It looks like her." She watches the scene as Wanda and Vision try to get married, but something would constantly interrupt, which erupted with laughter. "Look, I know it's been a crazy few years on this planet, but he's dead, right? Not blipped, dead."
Monica squints her eyes, staring at Vision. "Not here, apparently."
Hayward cocked a brow. "What am I looking at?" He looked at Darcy. "You. What is this? Where's this coming from?"
"Out there," answered Darcy.
They continued to watch the show.
"Is it authentic?"
"I'm not sure how to answer that."
"Is it happening in real-time? Is it being recorded, fabricated?" Hayward questions.
Darcy's tone clipped. "I don't know. I don't know. And I don't know."
"What do you know?" Hayward tested.
"My equipment registered an extremely high level of CMBR," explained Darcy, catching them up to what she knows. "That's--"
"Relic radiation dating back to the Big Bang," answered Hayward, seeming to know more than Darcy thought.
"Yeah, entwined was a broadcast frequency. So, I had your goons pick me up a sweet vintage TV," Darcy gestures to the TV in front of her, which was still playing in the background. "And when I plugged this bad boy in, voilà, sound and picture."
Finally, at the end of the episode, Wanda and Vision were getting married after hours spent running around in panic; they were smiling at one another and getting listening to the pastor marry them. Their vows were about to happen.
"So, you're saying the universe created a sitcom starring two Avengers?"
Darcy shrugs, not exactly sure how to explain what they're seeing. Wanda and Vision had officially gotten married, and he had swept her off her feet, carrying her bridal style; the now-married couple was heading out of the small building and making their way to the car they left outside. It was painted and decorated specifically for this moment. With the help of Wanda's powers, the car was painted with 'Just Married' on the back window. Empty cans were tied with ribbon and laying behind the vehicle on the floor, secured to the bumper and ready to rattle against the ground.
"It's a working theory."
Hayward stared at the TV as Wanda appeared on screen, grinning from ear to ear like a giddy child over the moon from her wedding. His features hardened a bit as he concentrated on the woman before Vision appeared on the screen; Hayward racked his brain around the concept of the humanoid there. There still weren't enough answers that could explain what he was seeing, but it was more than he had gathered, and for once, Hayward was finally seeing what was happening inside.
"Get me a transport to Georgia now," ordered Hayward, glancing away from the TV screen and meeting Agent Monti's gaze. He knew now what needed to be done, and this was a step closer to figuring out what the hell was happening. "Rogriguez, you're with me. I need a squad in escort." Hayward starts walking away. "Are we recording this?"
"Never stopped," Darcy nods.
"I need immediate analysis," Hayward then turns to everyone else. "Now, people. Let's go!"
Monica frowned, pulling away from Darcy's desk and glancing at Hayward's fleeing figure. "Whoa, wait a minute. We just found out two Avengers are most likely being held hostage," the woman starts, confused. "And you're taking a trip to Georgia?"
As Hayward was leaving with his squad and Agent Rodriguez, Jimmy jumped up from the table and followed the S.W.O.R.D. agents for a second, needing answers. It felt like he was being put into the corner now that the situation was out of his hands, turning the situation into something else. This wasn't Jimmy's particular field of expertise, but there's still a town missing and that he can work with.
"Sir, what could possibly be in Georgia that we need?" Jimmy quickens his pace until he is following the speed of Hayward's stride, but he is slightly shorter than the man, and it gives him a better advantage.
"Not that it's much of your concern anymore, Jimmy, but there's someone out there that could give us any more answers," Hayward says, turning out the door and heading toward the vehicle that Monti got. "Luckily, I know exactly who can help us."
Jimmy stood back as Monica kept her pace with Hayward, being more friendly with the man, the woman wouldn't let the Director down without a bit of explanation. She hadn't known about anything of someone owing Hayward a favor, and she didn't know what was even in Georgia. Monica wanted to go, but her job was working with Jimmy and finding their missing town.
"Hayward, what the hell's in Georgia?" Monica asked again, but then the realization finally registered.
"I'll keep you posted," Hayward barely gives a response, much to Monica's dismay. "Keep at it. I want that holding cell ready for when I get back."
Nevertheless, Hayward used this to end the conversation and pull away, leaving Monica confused and slightly frustrated that Hayward was starting to keep her in the dark. It irked Monica, but the woman wasn't going to shy away from the matter any time soon.
Whatever Hayward is looking for, Monica would be damn sure that she was here when she arrived. She didn't like the icky feeling in her belly, knowing Hayward was searching for something that would supposedly help.
Monica watched him walk away. "Don't do anything stupid, Hayward."
☁︎isabel's thoughts☁︎
❝ tbh, I've been a little excited write this part of the story. I kind of missed sarcastic Eszter lol. Edits are a little slow at the moment and I apologize for that. I feel like I've been having a bit of writers block—or at least sometimes I'm too lazy to write. ❞