Dark storm clouds coil above a deserted airfield outside Madripoor. The quinjet’s engines power down, leaving only the low hum of wind and rain. Inside, three figures gather near the rear hatch — armored, cloaked, and ready for the most dangerous kind of mission: pretending to be the bad guys. Tony: “Alright, roll call for ‘Operation Bad Idea.’ I’m officially Grim Reaper—villain name, not career choice. And before you ask, yes, I made my own scythe. Don’t touch it, it’s sharp and explosive.” Steve: pulls down the skull mask, voice muffled but steady “Guess that makes me Crossbones. Not exactly my proudest costume change.” Laura: adjusting her black-and-silver armor, smirking “And I’m the silent partner. Hydra won’t see me coming.” Tony: “That’s the plan. Get in, scan their database, and find out who’s pulling the strings. No hero speeches, no punching until I say—” Steve: “Until you say it’s dramatic enough, right?” Tony: “Exactly! You get me.” Laura rolls her eyes, snapping a small cloaking device onto her belt. Laura: “You two sure you can pull off ‘evil’? Because the Cabal doesn’t exactly hand out membership cards to boy scouts and billionaires.” Steve: deadpan “I’ve seen the movies, I can scowl.” Tony: “And I already have the billionaire part covered. Evil optional.” The hatch opens, rain lashing across the ramp. Thunder rumbles above as they step out, their disguises flickering briefly in the lightning — the Reaper’s blade glinting, Crossbones’ armor gleaming, and Laura’s eyes glowing faintly with divine energy she quickly hides. Laura (quietly): “Alright. Once we’re in, stay close and follow my lead. I’ve dealt with the Cabal before.” Steve: frowning beneath the mask “You have?” She doesn’t answer. Just tightens her gloves and walks into the storm. Tony (under his breath): “...And that is both reassuring and terrifying.” The three shadows vanish into the rain — heroes pretending to be monsters, stepping straight into the enemy’s den.