The Thunderbolts' headquarters was nothing like the Avengers' Tower Aurora had glimpsed in her own world. It wasn't gleaming or hopeful. This place was steel and shadow—an old military installation refitted with modern tech, its walls humming with generators and shielded panels.
Aurora kept her arms close to her sides as she, Silvanna, and Miles were led down a corridor lined with watchful agents. U.S. Agent stayed just ahead of them, his shield strapped across his back, while Ghost drifted nearby like a silent wraith.
The air felt colder inside. Heavier.
"So this is your home?" Silvanna muttered under her breath, studying the tactical maps glowing on the walls. "Feels more like a cage than a base."
"Depends on which side of the bars you're on," Yelena replied with a shrug, walking backward to watch them.
They finally reached a wide operations room—an open floor dotted with screens, weapons lockers, and briefing tables. The Thunderbolts spread out naturally, each taking their space like wolves circling territory.
Aurora glanced around, curiosity pushing past her nerves. "Back home, the Thunderbolts were… different."
That drew immediate attention. Bucky froze mid-step, and Red Guardian leaned forward with interest. "Different how?"
Aurora hesitated but pressed on. "Where I come from, the Thunderbolts weren't soldiers or assassins. They were… villains. At least, at first. Songbird, Moonstone, Goliath, Techno, Beetle. They pretended to be heroes—took the place of the Avengers when the world needed them. Some of them even changed for real. Became better."
Her words hung heavy in the air. Ghost tilted her head, eyes narrowing behind the mask. "Villains pretending to be heroes? That's supposed to impress us?"
"No," Aurora said firmly. "It's supposed to remind you that even the worst people can change when the world forces them to. You don't have to like what you are right now. You don't have to stay this version of the Thunderbolts."
For a moment, silence. Then Red Guardian barked out a laugh. "Ah! She thinks we need redemption story. Very American."
But Bucky didn't laugh. His gaze lingered on Aurora, dark and calculating.
Yelena finally smirked, tossing her braid over her shoulder. "Careful, girl. Words like that can either earn you trust—or get you killed."
Aurora straightened her back, refusing to flinch. "Then I guess I'll take my chances."
Miles glanced at her with concern, and Silvanna hid a faint smile of approval. Aurora was treading dangerous ground—but she was also planting seeds.
The Thunderbolts didn't admit it, but the room felt different now.
Like maybe—just maybe—this outsider had struck a nerve.