Marvel: Hi, Black Claw

Staring at row after row of dark heads and even darker gun muzzles, Ed struggled to swallow. Slowly raising his hands above his head, he said, "Brothers, I'm one of you! Don't shoot!"

"Cut off one head, and two more grow back." Hearing the response, Ed slowly calmed his fear. Good, they were checking the code. At least he'd watched dozens of superhero movies: Avengers 1, 2, 3, and 4; S.H.I.E.L.D. 1, 2, 3, and 4. On reflex, Ed called out, "Hail, Black Claw."

They exchanged a confirming look. All one of them.

As the crowd of black-clad men before him silently put away their pistols, Ed finally breathed a sigh of relief. Sure, he'd joined Hydra, but at least he was alive! Wait, Hydra?

Who was Captain America's greatest enemy? Hydra!

Who ordered the deaths of Iron Man's parents? Hydra!

Who did the Winter Soldier hate most? Hydra!

Oh, my God, Hydra! In a...

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.