#Former captain of Indian team

[rockislandadultreads]

Read-Alike Friday: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.

Then, one by one, they began to be killed off. One Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, watched as her family was murdered. Her older sister was shot. Her mother was then slowly poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more Osage began to die under mysterious circumstances.

In this last remnant of the Wild West—where oilmen like J. P. Getty made their fortunes and where desperadoes such as Al Spencer, “the Phantom Terror,” roamed – virtually anyone who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered. As the death toll surpassed more than twenty-four Osage, the newly created F.B.I. took up the case, in what became one of the organization’s first major homicide investigations. But the bureau was then notoriously corrupt and initially bungled the case. Eventually the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to try to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including one of the only Native American agents in the bureau. They infiltrated the region, struggling to adopt the latest modern techniques of detection. Together with the Osage they began to expose one of the most sinister conspiracies in American history.

Covered with Night by Nicole Eustace

The Pulitzer Prize-winning history that transforms a single event in 1722 into an unparalleled portrait of early America.

In the winter of 1722, on the eve of a major conference between the Five Nations of the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) and Anglo-American colonists, a pair of colonial fur traders brutally assaulted a Seneca hunter near Conestoga, Pennsylvania. Though virtually forgotten today, the crime ignited a contest between Native American forms of justice―rooted in community, forgiveness, and reparations―and the colonial ideology of harsh reprisal that called for the accused killers to be executed if found guilty.

In Covered with Night, historian Nicole Eustace reconstructs the attack and its aftermath, introducing a group of unforgettable individuals―from the slain man’s resilient widow to an Indigenous diplomat known as “Captain Civility” to the scheming governor of Pennsylvania―as she narrates a remarkable series of criminal investigations and cross-cultural negotiations. Taking its title from a Haudenosaunee metaphor for mourning, Covered with Night ultimately urges us to consider Indigenous approaches to grief and condolence, rupture and repair, as we seek new avenues of justice in our own era.

Return to Uluru by Mark McKenna

A killing. A hidden history. A story that goes to the heart of the nation.

When Mark McKenna set out to write a history of the centre of Australia, he had no idea what he would discover. One event in 1934 – the shooting at Uluru of Aboriginal man Yokununna by white policeman Bill McKinnon, and subsequent Commonwealth inquiry – stood out as a mirror of racial politics in the Northern Territory at the time.

But then, through speaking with the families of both killer and victim, McKenna unearthed new evidence that transformed the historical record and the meaning of the event for today. As he explains, ‘Every thread of the story connected to the present in surprising ways.’ In a sequence of powerful revelations, McKenna explores what truth-telling and reconciliation look like in practice.

Return to Uluru brings a cold case to life. It speaks directly to the Black Lives Matter movement, but is completely Australian. Recalling Chloe Hooper’s The Tall Man, it is superbly written, moving, and full of astonishing, unexpected twists. Ultimately it is a story of recognition and return, which goes to the very heart of the country. At the centre of it all is Uluru, the sacred site where paths fatefully converged.

Yellow Bird by Sierra Crane Murdoch

When Lissa Yellow Bird was released from prison in 2009, she found her home, the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota, transformed by the Bakken oil boom. In her absence, the landscape had been altered beyond recognition, her tribal government swayed by corporate interests, and her community burdened by a surge in violence and addiction. Three years later, when Lissa learned that a young white oil worker, Kristopher "KC" Clarke, had disappeared from his reservation worksite, she became particularly concerned. No one knew where Clarke had gone, and few people were actively looking for him.

Yellow Bird traces Lissa's steps as she obsessively hunts for clues to Clarke's disappearance. She navigates two worlds - that of her own tribe, changed by its newfound wealth, and that of the non-Native oilmen, down on their luck, who have come to find work on the heels of the economic recession. Her pursuit of Clarke is also a pursuit of redemption, as Lissa atones for her own crimes and reckons with generations of trauma.

[icecricnewsupdates]

Who is the Cricket World's Best Player?

The question of who is the greatest cricketer of all time has been a perennial debate among fans and pundits alike. While the answer is often subjective and influenced by personal biases, there are several players who have consistently dominated the sport and made a strong case for the title. Let's explore some of the contenders and the factors that contribute to their greatness.

The Modern Era Dominators: Kohli, Smith, and Kane Williamson

The past decade has witnessed the rise of three exceptional talents who have redefined the standards of batting. Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson have consistently produced match-winning performances across all formats, solidifying their status as the modern era's premier batsmen.

♯1. Virat Kohli: The Indian captain's aggressive style, impeccable timing, and ability to adapt to different conditions have made him a nightmare for bowlers. His record-breaking centuries and his leadership qualities have cemented his place among the all-time greats.

♯2. Steve Smith: The Australian's unorthodox technique and his ability to score runs at will have made him a force to be reckoned with. Smith's consistency and his ability to perform under pressure have earned him widespread admiration.

♯3. Kane Williamson: The New Zealand captain's elegant strokeplay and his calm demeanor have made him a joy to watch. Williamson's ability to anchor the innings and his match-winning performances have solidified his reputation as one of the best batsmen in the world.

➥ Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Schedule 2024-2025

The All-Round Legends: Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, and Jacques Kallis

The all-rounders who have excelled in both batting and bowling have always been held in high regard. Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, and Jacques Kallis are among the most iconic all-rounders of all time.

♯1. Imran Khan: The former Pakistan captain's swing bowling and his classy batting made him a complete cricketer. His leadership qualities and his contributions to his country's success have earned him legendary status.

♯2. Kapil Dev: The Indian fast bowler's ability to swing the ball both ways and his useful batting made him a valuable asset to the team. His leadership in the 1983 World Cup-winning team cemented his place in Indian cricket history.

♯3. Jacques Kallis: The South African all-rounder's consistency and his ability to perform in all conditions have made him one of the greatest cricketers of his generation. His contributions with both bat and ball have been invaluable to his country.

➥ Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Schedule 2024-2025

The Timeless Greats: Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and West Indies Legends

While the modern era has produced some exceptional talents, there are a few players who have transcended generations and are considered among the greatest of all time. Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and the West Indies legends of the 1970s and 1980s are among the most revered names in cricket history.

♯1. Don Bradman: The Australian legend's batting average of 99.98 remains the highest in Test cricket history. His dominance over bowlers and his ability to score runs at will have made him a mythical figure in the sport.

♯2. Sachin Tendulkar: The Indian "Master Blaster" broke countless records during his illustrious career. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his consistency have made him one of the most beloved cricketers of all time.

♯3. West Indies Legends: The West Indies teams of the 1970s and 1980s boasted a formidable lineup of fast bowlers and powerful batsmen. Players like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, and Joel Garner dominated world cricket for over a decade.

➥ Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Schedule 2024-2025

[youremyheaven]

Bestieeeee!!! I need help seducing a Venusian man 😶‍🌫🤭

i absolutely love getting Venus related asks lmao but I feel like Venus men find you and pursue you, not the other way around. they love to pick women and then just submit themselves to her will. so they kind of have to pick you.

which means you can manifest him!!! i recommend writing down the qualities of your ideal partner on your notes app/journal/piece of paper and then letting go

visualization is also a powerful tool. its been proven to work by numerous scientific studies. our minds are very fluid,, the more we impress an idea upon it, the more it believes it to be true and brings forth experiences that convince its truth. neuroplasticity is <333

athletes visualize themselves hitting their goal or achieving their target. and they do!! Virat Kohli (former captain of the indian cricket team) said he visualizes hitting the goal all the time so when he's actually playing he feels like he's already done it 100s of times and his body knows exactly what to do.

neeraj chopra (world champion & olympian in javelin throw) said he also visualized achieving his target 100s of times so when he was on the field, he just naturally did it.

apply the same logic to your life. repeat an image in your mind, 100s or 1000s of times until it feels natural and real. and it WILL HAPPEN. just trust me

forget about astrology for a sec

when u say u want a Venusian man, u basically want a man who spoils you, cherishes you and takes care of u and YK WHAT???? you deserve all that and more AND YOU CAN HAVE IT

in your mind, try to imagine what it would feel like to be loved, cherished and spoiled. make up cute scenarios and play it back in your mind again and again

do it in first person POV tho, bc your brain has to feel like YOURE experiencing it and if you visualize it in 3rd person then it feels like youre watching it happen to someone else???

best of luck bestieee, cant wait for u to bag that man who will give u the whole galaxy and fill u with so much love and light!!!!

[rabyadang]

VIRAT KHOLI:THE UNTOLD STORY

He was on born 5 November 1988) is an Indian international cricketer and the former captain of the Indian national cricket team. He is a right-handed batsman and an occasional medium-fast bowler. He currently represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Delhi in domestic cricket. Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket and the best of the 21st century. He holds the record as the highest run-scorer in T20I and IPL, ranks third in ODI, and stands as the fourth-highest in international cricket. He also holds the record for scoring the most centuries in ODI cricket and stands second in the list of most international centuries scored. Kohli was a member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and captained India to win the ICC Test mace three consecutive times in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

#ViratKholi #Biopic #rabyadang #Lavanyaoberai #DigitalStorytelling

[playermagic23]

AB de Villiers confirms Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s second pregnancy; says, “It’s family time and things are important to him”

AB de Villiers shares Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma set to welcome second child.

Cricket enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the return of Virat Kohli to the cricket field, following his absence from the first two Tests against England. The former Indian cricket team captain's break has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his decision.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) urged the public to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this period, his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers recently shed light on the matter during a YouTube live session. Responding to inquiries about Kohli's condition, de Villiers told fans, “All I know is he is fine. He is spending a bit of time with his family, that is the reason he is missing the first two Test matches. I am not going to confirm anything else. I cannot wait to see him back. He is fine, he is happy.”

The South African cricketer shared snippets of his conversation with Kohli, where the latter expressed the need to prioritize family at this juncture. Confirming the speculation, de Villiers revealed, “Yes, his second child is on the way. Yes, it's family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for. I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that. Yes, we miss him, but he has made the right decision.”

On the film front, Anushka Sharma is gearing up for the release of Chakda Xpress. The film will see her play the lead role of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami. It will release on Netflix. Backed by her brother Karnesh Sharma's production house Clean Slate Filmz, the film also stars Triptii Dimri, Swastika Mukherjee and Babil Khan.

[bulkyphrase]

American Pi: a Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers rec list

A few of my favorite stories from a criminally underrated ship. Or two ships I guess, if you consider Bruce and the Hulk to be different people.

Methodology by throttlegainwell (@throttlegainwell) (Hulk/Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 4,508 words)

Summary: The goal was simply to see what this new Hulk could safely do, what might affect his new state of mind, and—okay, whether it was even possible to fit his comically huge penis in anything short of an industrial-sized artificial orifice. Exactly what it says on the tin. Bruce asks Steve to help him test his new limits.

One More Night by onward_came_the_meteors (Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, General Audiences, 8,339 words)

Summary: After the events of Ragnarok, Bruce returns to Earth, but instead of landing in the Sanctum Sanctorum, he ends up finding the former Avengers... including a former captain. Turns out a lot has changed in two years, but maybe that change can be for the better.

i'd like to check out your card catalogue, if you know what i mean by weatheredlaw (@weatheredlaw) (Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 2,242 words)

Summary: Bruce and Steve are starting a book club -- or they would, if they could stop making out every time they're alone together.

Incognito by Trumpeteer34 (@trumpeteer34) (Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, General Audiences, 7,114 words)

Summary: From the kinkmeme: http://avengerkink.livejournal.com/16524.html?thread=37295244#t37295244 After the battle in New York, there's a renewed flood of public interest in Captain America. Steve's OK doing some publicity here and there, but not really comfortable at all being a "dancing monkey" all the time. Sometimes he'd like to be anonymous again, able to just walk down the street and blend in. He turns to Bruce, who has years of experience blending into a crowd. Bruce helps Steve "schlub up" and teaches him some tricks for not standing out. They start going out into the city together to test it out, and as they do, they end up having a really good time together. Enough that they keep doing "test runs" that start to feel suspiciously more and more like "dates"... eventually Bruce/Steve ensues.

Of Rocky Beaches and Painted Dreams by shaolin103 (Hulk/Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Mature, 8,605 words)

Summary: Hulk gets the guy first, or so it seems.

To Taste by felinefelicitations (Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 15,617 words)

Summary: It isn't that Bruce does not like Steve (quite the opposite). It's that Bruce very much can't have Steve, not the way he would like. After all, Steve is Captain America, and Captain America is a paragon of command and control. In other words, not submissive. (Or how Bruce is sometimes the least observant scientist in the world, Steve is shyly in love and tells this to Bruce with food, and the team mostly just wants to make sure their supply of baked goods doesn't dry up.)

every bell that tolls me by thingswithwings (Bruce Banner/Natasha Romanov, Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 19,899 words)

Summary: Bruce Banner, practical masochist. Or: Bruce gets a dom and a boyfriend, but they're not the same person

Worth It by snack_size (Bruce Banner/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 15,844 words)

Summary: “Let’s recap,” Tony said, handing the blow torch he had been using to Bruce. “Recap what?” Bruce asked - they had just been talking about particle physics, and it certainly wasn’t something either of them needed reminder of. “You’ve gone to the museum, you’ve gone for Indian food, you went to see a movie, and what was it yesterday?” Bruce swallowed, glad that Tony wasn’t facing him and was, instead, using a wrench on the latest version of the suit. “Ugh-” “Oh, that’s right, you went to a concert,” Tony said, almost casually, and Bruce sighed. “It was free,” he tried. Bruce likes Steve, and, as it turns out, Steve likes Bruce - but it's all very awkward, and they agree to take it slow.

Heavy Ordnance by Not_You (Hulk/Steve Rogers, Explicit, 2,609 words)

Note: This is part 6 in a OT6 series. I recommend reading all of them because they're great, but this one can be read alone.

Summary: Hulk is a lot to deal with, even for a Super Soldier.

[infokajalkumari]

Why is DRS called Dhoni Review System

The Decision Review System (DRS) is called the "Dhoni Review System" because it was former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was instrumental in its introduction to international cricket.

Read more:- Click Here

[nitinblog07]

Dhoni review system vs DRS

Cricket is a sport that has always relied on umpires to make decisions on the field. However, with the increasing use of technology in sports, the Decision Review System (DRS) was introduced to assist umpires in making correct decisions. The term "Dhoni Review System" is also used to refer to the DRS system, which is named after the Indian cricket team's former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was known for his excellent use of the review system during matches. In this article, we will explore the Dhoni Review System and the DRS in detail.

What is the Dhoni Review System?

The Dhoni Review System, also known as the DRS, is a technology used in cricket to help umpires make correct decisions on the field. It was introduced in 2008 and has since become an essential tool in the game. The system allows teams to challenge on-field decisions made by umpires using technology like ball tracking, hot spot, and snickometer to review the decision. Each team is given a limited number of reviews, which they can use at their discretion.

The DRS technology has improved the accuracy of umpiring decisions, and the system has been successful in correcting some of the mistakes made by umpires. The DRS has also improved the transparency and fairness of the game, as teams have the opportunity to challenge decisions that they believe to be incorrect.

What is the Decision Review System (DRS)?

The Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology that is used in cricket to assist umpires in making correct decisions on the field. It was first introduced in 2008 and has since become an essential tool in the game. The DRS system allows teams to challenge on-field decisions made by umpires using technology like ball tracking, hot spot, and snickometer to review the decision. Each team is given a limited number of reviews, which they can use at their discretion.

The DRS technology has improved the accuracy of umpiring decisions, and the system has been successful in correcting some of the mistakes made by umpires. The DRS has also improved the transparency and fairness of the game, as teams have the opportunity to challenge decisions that they believe to be incorrect.

What is the difference between the Dhoni Review System and the DRS?

The Dhoni Review System and the DRS are the same technology used in cricket to assist umpires in making correct decisions on the field. The term "Dhoni Review System" originated from the Indian cricket team's former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was known for his excellent use of the review system during matches. However, some people use the term "Dhoni Review System" to refer to a more streamlined version of the DRS system.

The streamlined version of the DRS system, which is sometimes referred to as the Dhoni Review System, is a simplified version of the technology that focuses on the use of ball tracking and the snickometer to review decisions. This version of the system does not use the hotspot technology, which is used in the full version of the DRS system.

The full version of the DRS system uses ball tracking, hotspot, and snickometer technology to review decisions. The system also allows for the use of ultra-edge technology, which can help to detect edges that may have been missed by the on-field umpires. The full version of the DRS system is used in all international matches and is considered the gold standard for umpiring decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dhoni Review System and the Decision Review System are the same technology used in cricket to assist umpires in making correct decisions on the field. The term "Dhoni Review System" originated from the Indian cricket team's former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni

[daddyscore]

Fans get emotional before the potential last match between ViratKohli and MS Dhoni

The excitement for today's match of IPL season 2023 between RCB and CSK is quite high. This match could be the last between Mahendra Singh Dhoni and ViratKohli at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Tickets for the clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings I am no longer available, and fans all over the world are now eagerly waiting to get a peek after the Titanic clash and the much-storied bromance of the two greatest cricketers of the Indian cricket team.

More Info : https://daddyscore.com/news

All the cricket fans have long loved the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and the rivalry between RCB and CSK, which further heightens the intrigue. Both teams have a devoted fan base and are renowned for their explosive performances on the field. But today there is only one thing on the minds of the fans in Bengaluru, and that is the possible last dance of the "MahiRat" bromance on the cricket field.

Every fan's eyes are going to be on the performances of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and ViratKohli in today's clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings. It is sure that both former captains of the Indian cricket team are going to get a thunderous welcome at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

@viratfc

@viratkohlifanclub

@the-glory-of-faf

@msdhoni7781-blog

[laresearchette]

Friday, March 17, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: EXTRAPOLATIONS (Apple TV +) MONSTER FACTORY (Apple TV +) BOSTON STRANGLER (Disney + Star) LEAVE (Shudder) POWER BOOK II: GHOST (Starz Canada) 10:00pm WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? NANNY DEAREST  (TBD - Lifetime Canada) PUT A RING ON IT (TBD - OWN Canada)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA ANGEL FLIGHT CLASS OF ‘07 DOM (Season 2) DETECTIVE KNIGHT: INDEPENDENCE LAST LIGHT THE NIGERIAN TRADE SWARM

CBC GEM FAIT DIVERS (Season 3 and 4) I AM SYD STONE

CRAVE TV THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 DANGEROUS LIAISONS (198) A DOLPHIN TALE JUST FOR LAUGHS 2022: THE GALA SPECIALS — CHELSEA HANDLER THE MAURITANIAN POWER BOOK II: GHOST (Season 3) SEE HOW THEY RUN SPIDER-MAN SPIDER-MAN 2 SPIDER-MAN 3 SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

DISNEY + STAR BONO AND THE EDGE: A SORT OF HOMECOMING WITH DAVE LETTERMAN BOSTON STRANGLER

NETFLIX CANADA AGENT ELVIS DANCE 100 IN HIS SHADOW MAESTRO IN BLUE THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT NOISE SKY HIGH: THE SERIES

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (TSN/TSN5) 12:00pm: March Madness: First Round (TSN)  6:00pm: March Madness: First Round (TSN4) 10:00pm: March Madness: First Round

NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (TSN3) 12:00pm - 10:00pm: March Madness: First Round

MLB BASEBALL (SN) 1:00pm: Phillies vs. Jays

TENNIS (TSN2) 6:00pm: WTA 1000 Tennis: Indian Wells - Semifinals (TSN2) 9:00pm: WTA 1000 Tennis: Indian Wells - Semifinals

WBC BASEBALL (SN) 7:00pm: Quarter-Final #3

NHL HOCKEY (SN1) 7:00pm: Sabres vs. Flyers (TSN4) 7:00pm: Hurricane vs. Leafs (SN1) 10:00pm: Blue Jackets vs. Ducks

NBA BASKETBALL (SN Now) 7:30pm: Warriors vs. Hawks (SN Now) 10:30pm: Mavericks vs. Lakers

MARKETPLACE (CBC) 8:00pm: Retail Tricks / Buzzkill: Balloons: Testing the sizing of jeans; putting the safety of motorcycle helmets to the test; and eco-friendly alternatives to balloons. Reporters: Rosa Marchitelli/Charlsie Agro

STREET OUTLAWS: FASTEST IN AMERICA (Discovery Canada) 8:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): The title of Fastest in America is up for grabs with new teams, new cars and new rules; the eight captains each choose two drivers to compete in a 16-car bracket; the goal is to go fast, stack cash and be the last driver standing.

PUSH (CBC) 8:30pm: Relationship drama finds Bean as the Wheelie Peeps bring it to the runway. Brian says a hard goodbye to a past life.

THE NATURE OF THINGS (CBC) 9:00pm: War for the Woods: Thirty years after historic logging protests on Vancouver Island, the battle to protect old growth forests is still raging.

THE SPENCER SISTERS (CTV) 9:00pm: Darby and Victoria are hired by a former schoolmate of Darby's to investigate acts of vandalism at his winery.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF DURBAN (Slice) 9:00pm: LaConco discusses her high-profile relationship with Mabusi.

THE MAURITANIAN (Crave) 9:00pm:  A defense attorney, her associate and a military prosecutor uncover a far-reaching conspiracy while investigating the case of a suspected 9/11 terrorist imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for six years.

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm: The Hired Hit: When former beauty queen Alexandra Pesic is gunned down in a brazen daylight shooting on a midsummer evening in 1992, a quiet community in a suburb of Vancouver, B.C. is stunned; evidence of a contract killing is found motivated by greed and hate.

[lit-works]

Rocket's Red Glare

As Steve Rogers walked across the plush carpeting in the hallways of Avengers Mansion, he felt more anxious than ever to hit the streets. The Avengers meeting seemed to have drag on that day, probably because of his eagerness for it to adjourn, yet as a long-time member of the Avengers, he realized the importance of those meetings. Due in part to it's militantly organized nature, including it's regular meetings, the band of costumed superhuman vigilantes known as the Avengers had gained official recognition by the U.S. government and many other international government agencies, and also enjoys a positive reputation.

All Steve could think about that day, though, was prowling New York City for possible dangers to the citizens he had sworn an oath to protect. 'it's been a slow week for crime', he reflected. 'I shouldn't be disappointed', but he couldn't shake the feeling that it was only the calm before a storm. 'I wonder if S.H.I.E.L.D. has any information about what's brewing in the underworld?'

In his battles against the world's super foes, Steve and other Avengers have worked many times with the international government organization called S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard & Intervention Logistics Directorate). S.H.I.E.L.D.'S director, former US Army Colonel Nick Fury, was one of Steve's closest friends. 'If I don't turn up anything interesting by tonight, I'll give Nick a call', Steve decided.

Just as Steve reached the mansion's 5th Avenue exit, he heard a voice call out from behind him, "Cap! Wait just a minute, would you please?"

As he turned, he saw the slim figure of Janet Van Dyne, Alias The Wasp, heading toward him through the foyer. The Wasp, as a founding member of The Avengers, was not to be taken lightly. She was also Steve's friend, so he summoned up enough patience to listen cordially to what she had to say.

"The team hasn't had a chance to practice much with our most-famous star-spangled leader recently," she said with a smile as she knocked teasingly on the Vibranium shield strapped to Steve's back. "I was hoping to entice you with a round of mixed doubles with Namor, Captain Marvel, and I."

Steve paused uncertainty. Mixed doubles were not as innocuous as they sounded. It was Jan's name for one of the more challenging and competitive combat simulations developed for the Avengers to practice teamwork.

Steve knew it was extremely important to exorcise with the team, but he had trouble shaking the feeling that outside the security of the Avengers' Mansion something requiring his attention was happening.

"I'm sorry, Jan," Steve said, politely declining the invitation. "Another day, perhaps."

The Wasp gave a little sigh. "Okay. Excuse me, then. I have to see if I can scare up Dane," She said, referring to the Avenger known as The Black Knight. "I need the exercise, even if you don't!"

As Steve stepped out the door, he felt bad about refusing Jan's request. The practice might have been good for him. He decided he was too keyed up to cycle around the city on his Indian Motorcycle, so he headed down 5th Avenue on foot.

Just as Steve was passing one of the entrances to Central Park, he heard a beckoning whisper. "Ppsssstt…Flagman, over here."

Eyeing wearily the bushes where the voice came from, Steve stepped off the sidewalk and onto the lush grass. Captain America made a sudden leap and caught hold of an overhanging tree branch, then pulled himself up. Perched high, he got a view of whoever or whatever was behind the bushes, without making himself a target.

Beneath him, crouched low as not to be seen, was a man in a highly unusual outfit – a blue body suit with orange sections, segmented to suggest a snake's ribs – an outfit Captain America recognized.

"Schlichting! You? What do you want?" Suspicious, Captain America waited for the man to reply. Frank Schlichting, alias The Constrictor, was a dangerous criminal and foe of Captain America. Usually. There had been a few occasions when he had been helpful to Captain America, though mostly for his own selfish reasons.

"Truce," The Constrictor whispered hastily. "I've got valuable information for you."

"All right," Cap agreed. Captain America didn't really trust this hood, but seeing that he was alone and obviously frightened and judged that he could easily outmaneuver him if he had foul play in mind, Cap saw no harm in hearing him out.

"Would you come down from there? I don't want to call any attention to us."

Cap hesitated briefly, then jumped down in front of his would-be informant.

Nervously Constrictor stroked the casings on his forearms. Cap knew Constrictor could eject electrically-charged whip-like cables from the casings if he planned to fight. Instead, he whispered "I wouldn't do this for anyone, but I owe you one. I'm not turning into a fink."

"You, a fink? I wouldn't dream of it. What is it, Constrictor?"

"Only 'cuz you've saved my life before, and 'cuz she's crazy, you know?"

"Who's crazy?" Captain America asked, growing impatient.

"A certain acquaintance of ours with green hair and lipstick."

"Viper? What is she up to?"

"I'm not sure exactly, but if you check out the Curtis Supply Warehouse in Newark at midnight you may see something that interests you, by the rocket's red glare."

"What's that supposed to mean? What will I see?"

"I don't know, exactly…" The mercenary shrugged.

"Well, what makes you think I'll see anything at all?"

"I, uh, can't tell you that."

"Well, this is all very helpful, Constrictor," Captain America replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. "Why so nervous, Constrictor?"

"Are you kidding? If she finds out I've been talking to you, she's gonna know something's up. I already helped you foul her plans before, you know what she's like."

Cap nodded. The Viper was a vicious, ruthless international terrorist. She was undoubtedly one of Cap's most terrifying foes. Her schemes almost always entailed death and destruction on massive scales, for the Viper was mad with desire to annihilate everything Steve held precious, and, most especially she wished to crush the United States government.

"Why didn't you just leave a message on my hotline?" Cap asked. "You could have remained anonymous."

"Can't be too careful. Suppose she was listening in. She'd just change her plans. If she recognized my voice, she'd have me killed for sure. I'm hoping the bitch will just forget me, though I doubt I'll get that lucky."

"Don't you think you're being just a little bit paranoid, Constrictor?"

"No. She hates you. For all the times you've defeated her. Tapping your hotline and monitoring my phone calls is just the kind of thing she might do to get to you."

Captain America didn't argue the point any further. After all, he remembered, a mere high school student had once hacked the hotline system, and though it's security system has been upgraded considerably, Viper was extremely formidable.

"How do I know this isn't some sort of trick?" Cap asked.

"Look, I'm just trying to do you a favor. Take it or leave it." Constrictor hissed and started to walk away.

"Schlichting?" Cap whispered after him. "Where can I reach you?"

"Are you kidding? As soon as I found out she was back in the country, I made arrangements with my travel agent. I'm blowing this coast until it cools off. If I could find a way off the planets I'd consider that. Good luck, Flagman, you're gonna need it."

Captain America let Constrictor walk away without confronting him further. It was possible he had been telling the truth, he had helped Cap against Viper before. Yet, if Viper truly was involved, it was just like her to use Constrictor as a way to set him up. Constrictor could have been in her pay, or an unwitting pawn.

At any rate, any scheme of the Viper's would be insidious, ending in global chaos if it wasn't stopped. "The first question, though" Cap told himself, "Is will I be stepping into a trap or upon her plot?"

Trusting Conatrictor's information, Captain America considered seriously the danger involved. Viper usually had quite a few resources at hand, not to mention soldiers. "I'd better call in some reserves of my own." Cap thought.

Cap did not alert the Avengers, but a group he believed had a greater interest in Viper and her schemes – S.H.I.E.L.D. That morning he had already made plans to contact the intelligence agency, but now he'd be giving information, not seeking it. 

Cap's video-call was forwarded immediately to Nick Fury, the director of SHIELD, a long time friend and associate, but he sounded rushed.

"Don't have time to chat, Rogers." The gruff Colonel informed him. "Is it important?"

"Could be, Nick," Cap answered. "I got a tip that Viper could be up to something tonight."

"The Viper!" Fury's tone was suddenly more excited. "Well, in that case, where have you been? I've been waiting for your call all day," he jokes. "What did you hear?"

"Well, the source is questionable – I met the Constrictor in the park today – but i believe him."

"He certainly isn't on friendly terms with Viper." Fury agreed. "What did he say?"

"That if I was at the Curtis Supply Warehouse tonight at midnight I might see something of interest – something about the rocket's red glare."

"Oh, boy," Fury breathed. "When you stumble onto something, you do it in a big way."

"Then you think Constrictor was on the level?" Cap asked.

"We can't talk about this over a channel, I'll send some agents – Hoffman and Bronder – out to meet you there at twenty-two hundred hours. They'll be in jogging suits. I'll make sure they know you're the boss and to keep their backup out of your way."

"Okay, Nick." Cap agreed.

'It must be big' Cap thought, 'for Fury to be so secretive about it.'

At dusk Captain America drove down to Newark in his customized van and parked opposite the objective of his stakeout. The Curtis Supply Warehouse was a clean, new building and the warehouse yard, which bordered on Newark Bay, was well lit, but the only other security about the building was a high chain-link fence. To avoid being spotted, he observed the scenery from the van's periscope.

Motor traffic was very light, and no pedestrians passed u til just before 10 o' clock, when a man and a woman jogged by in matching warm-up suits. 'must be Nick's agents' Cap guessed as they turned the corner. 'Id better be ready to greet them on their next pass.'

Captain America slipped quickly out of the van. Waiting in an alleyway, he listened for the sound of rubber pounding the pavement. After the joggers passed again, he joined them, running at their pace.

"I thought you said this neighborhood was safe," The woman joked to her companion in a panting voice, obviously meant to be overheard.

"Hoffman and Bronder, I presume," Cap replied.

"I'm Bronder. He's Hoffman," The woman jogger answered.

"You must be Captain America," Hoffman said.

"Well, he isn't spiderman," Bronder snapped as the three of them turned a corner, "Can we stop running now?"

"I know he's not," Hoffman retorted as the three of them slowed to a walk. "Spider-Man doesn't carry a shield."

"He has to show off everything he learned in his advanced training course –SHIELD VIPs 101," Bronder told Cap.

"Is that a prerequisite for field work?" Cap asked.

"No. For field work all you usually need is a field. That's our car," Bronder added, and pointed up the street. "We have to get some equipment out of it."

"We've been trying to get a line on Viper since last month. She's been selling rockets." Hoffman explained. "We caught someone trying to snuggle some of them back home to Ireland, and someone else shipping his order to South America, but the bulk majority of them seem to have been purchased for domestic use."

"So Constrictor wasn't just using a figure of speech when he said I'd see something by the rocket's red glare." Cap commented.

"Unfortunately, no. Someone in Florida took out a communist party HQ with their rocket. One in Chicago hit a Muslim social center. We even found one in an LA street gang hangout. We've managed to keep it under wraps that these incidents were related – so far – but if it gets out that these weapons are available to the home market, we'll have panic."

"Viper's schemes are always insidious." Cap remarked as the two SHIELD agents strapped equipment belts around their waists.

"Tell him about the grandmother – that's my favorite!" Bronder quipped, handing Cap a SHIELD walkie-talkie.

"Some kid reported his grandmother had one in her condominium. She's a daughter of an unspoken of American Revolution. Doesn't want the Japanese to open a car plant in her neighborhood."

"What's that for?" Cap asked Bronder as she drew what looked like a cross between two SCUBA air tanks and a vacuum cleaner.

"That's our Nitro-Buster," Agent Bronder answered. "You see, we know Blacklash is working for Viper– you know him?"

"Yes, we've fought before." Cap replied, remembering Blacklash's painfully effective specialty, cybernetically controlled whips.

"Well, last week, Blacklash helped break Nitro, the Exploding Man, out of a prison infirmary. We suspect he was acting on Viper's instructions. She's going to be needing more muscle to expand her operation. Any way, this little device," Bronder explained, holding up the Nitro-Buster, "Will contain Nitro once be blows up. Most of his gaseous form will be sucked into one tank, and the rest of him into the other."

"So he can't reintegrate," Cap said, and nodded in understanding. Nitro, as Cap knew, could explode and reintegrate his physical form an apparently unlimited number of times. But if he couldn't reform, he couldn't blow up. "But you'll have to get him to blow up first," Cap pointed out. "Won't that be dangerous?"

"Hah! Danger is my middle name," Agent Bronder said, as she tossed her hair back.

"No, it's not," Agent Hoffman corrected in a joke he'd made countless times before. "It's Laura."

Agent Bronder made a face at her partner.

"Colonel Fury said to show you this." Agent Hoffman said, handing Cap a sheet of paper. "It's a search warrant for the warehouse. He said you were particular about this sort of thing."

"Everything appears to be in order," Cap commented after examining the warrant. "Shall we begin?"

The three of them jogged back to the warehouse. Moving as one, they climbed the chain-link fence and snuck across the warehouse yard. Hidden in the shadows, th agents discussed their strategy. "Viper has a teleporter," Cap recalled aloud.

"Yes, we know," Hoffman nodded. "She could come in anywhere with it. We'll have to split up to keep watch. Someone on the bay side of the warehouse, someone inside, and the third one of us here watching the truck yard."

"They'll never do business here in the truck yard." Agent Bronder argued. "It's too open."

"They could just teleport right inside one of those big truck trailers. Then whoever's buying the rocket would only have to hook up a cab to it and drive it someplace safe." Hoffman answered.

"What place could be safer than inside the warehouses, or just launching one from the dock tonight?" His partner argued.

"Look, I'll take the truck yard." Hoffman said. "What do you want?"

"I can't decide," Bronder sighed. "You pick next, Captain." She offered.

"I'll be the one to take the inside of the warehouse," Cap decided, he hoped it would have been the most dangerous place. As brave as Agent Bronder seemed, he would have not liked to have seen her take the brunt of the attack from the supervillains they had been expecting.

"The door is on my side of.the building," Bronder explained. "Don't fall asleep," She teased Hoffman before she led Cap around to the bay side of the yard.

"Where's your back up?" Cap whispered.

"Waiting in reconnaissance, two blocks off, for our signal." She answered, and patted the walkie-talkie at her waist. "Twenty of them, and some of them are nearly as big as you. In Stature, not reputation. I'll be hiding right there," Bronder pointed into the shadow of the loading dock steps. She led Cap up to the loading dock door.

"You're very good at that." Cap commented, as Bronder picked the lock with ease.

"I considered a career of B&E once, but SHIELD came along and offered better health benefits." She replied as she held the door open for Cap.

"How often do you check in with these?" Cap asked, holding up the walkie-talkie he had been given. 

"Every quarter hour, or whenever we see something suspicious." 

"I don't want you trying to make Nitro blow up on you." Cap ordered.

"Don't worry. If I see him first, I'll wait until you arrive and make him blow up on you," She reassured Cap.

"Good." Cap replied, as he slipped past her and ducked behind a stack of crates within the building.

Hidden in the quiet, dark warehouse, Cap felt as if time were moving unbearably slow, but before the midnight walkie-talkie check-in was due, Agent Bronder called in. "Blacklash, Nitro, and a rocket just beamed in. Nitro's heading your way, Captain."

There was a bang at the loading dock door. The doorknob fell off and the door swung open, the criminal Nitro revealed. "He must have exploded the lock off by blowing up only his hand." Cap realized, as he watched the every glow about the villain's fist fade. "We'd better keep this fight outside, where there's more room to maneuver."

Having decided he didn't want his opponent entering the warehouse, Cap charged toward him, Cap hoped to knock him away from the door and off the loading dock.

Cap tackled Nitro hard and both went over the edge of the loading dock, with Cap right on top of Nitro. When Cap got up, Nitro did not.

Nudging the unconscious exploding man with the toe of her boot, Agent Bronder sighed, "now I'll never know if my Nitro-Buster works."

Just as Bronder stooped down to check Nitro's pulse and breathing, Cap saw that Blacklash had crept up on the two of them and was aiming one of his steel whips at the SHIELD agent's back.

"Look out!" Cap warned, grabbed the woman and shoved her out of range of the whip that came slashing down where she stood a moment before. The weapon raised sparks along the pavement, and Blacklash closed in on the two of them, a whip poised in each of his hands.

"I've been waiting for a rematch, Captain America." The villain said.

"Love to lose, don't you, Blacklash." Cap taunted as he whipped his shield in Blacklash's direction.

Cap's shield smashed Blacklash in the legs, and he crashed to his knees with a yelp of pain. Agent Bronder, not to be left out of the action, used the nozzle of the device she intended to capture Nitro with to bash Blacklash on the crown of his skull.

The villain slumped at her feet. "What do you know?" The SHIELD agent commented, "I guess it's a Blacklash-buster too."

Agent Hoffman appeared from the shadows and bent at Nitro's inert form. Rolling up the supervillain's sleeve, Hoffman jabbed him with an automatic hypodermic, "To be sure he stays unconscious until the energy absorbing cuffs get here." He explained to Cap.

"Be sure to collect their teleportation rings," Cap ordered the two agents.

Hoffman complied, found and removed from Nitro's finger a wide band set with a large crystal that could enable him to disappear. "You have Blacklash's?" He asked as Bronder finished tying the whip-wielder up with his own weapon.

Bronder held up an identical ring. "This could be a free trip to Viper's hideout. I wonder if I could take her out with my Nitro-Buster, too."

"I wouldn't recommend it." Cap replied. "She'd probably have an ambush waiting."

"Better put the ring down next to mine, Rambo," Hoffman suggested.

His partner complied with a sigh – not a moment too soon, for the rings both glowed for a moment and then altogether disappeared.

Summoned via SHIELD communicator by agent Bronder, SHIELD's backup pulled up in two SHIELD SUVs accompanied by a truck trailer that was to serve as a base of operations. The backup team took over, guarded the prisoners and started to move the confiscated rocket back into the hands of the US government. In the meantime, Hoffman informed Cap that it wasn't all that dull in the back of the ware, either.

"I caught the owner of the place, Steven Curtis, sneaking around. He claims Viper is trying to frame him."

"Do you think he might have been here to buy the rocket?" Cap asked.

"Not really. He hasn't got any money on him or in his bank accounts. But maybe Blacklash can tell us otherwise."

"Look," Agent Bronder said, and nodded her head in the direction of the gate. "It's Fury."

Nick Fury, dressed in a tuxedo, alit from a limousine and walked toward Captain America. He had an eager, satisfied look on his face. "I just got the news." Fury said. "Congratulations, you three. I hear you took prisoners. Have they been interrogated yet?"

"Um, Nitro is in no condition to talk," Hoffman explained, "but Blacklash has been disarmed and is wide awake and, we hope, is ready to talk. We were just going in to speak with him."

"Carry on," Fury ordered. "I'll be there in a few minutes with Cap."

Hoffman and Bronder saluted and headed for the truck trailer that server as SHIELD's mobile base of operations.

Fury lit a cigar as he watched the flurry around him–some agents lowering the rocket onto a dolly, others moving Nitro into an armored ambulance, and others interviewing an elderly man who Cap guessed must have been Hoffman's prisoner, Mr. Curtis. 

"I hope we didn't spoil your evening, Nick." Cap said, pointing to Fury's formal evening attire.

"Spoil it?! You've just made it! You give me the perfect excuse to get out of a stupid political dinner, and you practically serve me Viper on a platter. I can't thank you enough."

"We haven't got Viper yet." Cap pointed out.

"No, but Blacklash is the perfect appetizer. What did you think of Hoffman and Bronder?"

"They are efficient." Cap answered.

"But a little…unusual?"

"Yes," Cap admitted.

"Hoffman is as methodical as a CPA, and Bronder Is as tenacious as a bulldog. They're the perfect pair. If I only had ten more of them and two more of you…ah, what I could do!"

Cap smiled at the compliment, "I'd like to hear what Blacklash has to say." Cap told Fury.

"By all means," Fury waved Cap towards the mobile SHIELD office.

Inside, Blacklash had been stripped of his costume and gear and only wore khaki overalls. Though the criminal was relatively harmless disarmed, two SHIELD agents stood guard on either side of the table at which he sat. Agent Bronder and Hoffman were seated across from him. As Cap and Fury entered, the two agents rose to salute and offer the two their chairs.

"Hoffman and Bronder have been coordinating the hunt for Viper ever since she got her hold of this rocket and five hundred and ninety-nine others just like it," Fury explained as he took a seat.

"600?!" Cap gasped in astonishment. "How do you know the number?"

"That's how many were hijacked from Uncle Sam's armories within the last month." Fury answered.

"That's where the rockets came from? They were ours? Who were they launching it against?" Cap asked.

"Tell him, Scarlotti," Agent Bronder ordered Blacklash, addressing him by his real name.

"I don't answer to dames." Blacklash sneered.

"You wanna step outside, Scarlotti?" Bronder challenged.

"Down, Laura, we may need him in one piece," Agent Hoffman warned.

"I'd be more polite, if I were you Scarlotti," Fury advised. "I trained agent Bronder myself in interrogation, and my money is on her."

"You took orders from Viper," Cap pointed out to Blacklash. "She's a woman."

"She paid well." Blacklash said, grinning a bloody a smile.

"For what?" Cap asked.

With a shrug, Blacklash sat back and started to talk. "We sell these rockets to political organizations –terrorists mostly. But there aren't enough of them around in this country with the balls to use them, so we've started convincing less extremist groups that they need them, too. If there's one paranoid or violent apple in the bunch, Viper knows how to find him. The group uses a rocket, and then their enemy has got to have one to use in retaliation. Our business increases."

"We're talking civil warfare here, Blacklash!" Cap snapped. "How could you be a part of this madness?"

"I told you already, Viper pays well. Besides, what do I care if a few crazies blow each other up?"

"Tell Director Fury and Captain America what you told me about this rocket!" Agent Hoffman ordered Scarlotti.

"Viper tried to sell it to this guy – Curtis. He owns the warehouse. He also belongs to some Kook activism group called the People's Choice of Latveria that supports Victor Von Doom – that fascist guy in the suit of armor who rules Latveria, you know?"

"Is Doom involved in this, too?" Cap asked in surprise, aware that Lord Doom of Latveria was another would-be conqueror.

"Nah!" Scarlotti answered. "He doesn't have anything to do with American peasants, not even the ones who are for him like this Curtis guy. Anyway, this Curtis won't bite. He insists he's not a violent man. So Viper says to make it look like Curtis's PCL used the rocket anyway – on their rivals – some anti-Doom group called Freedom Flight. Their Headquarters is on Staten Island. We were supposed to launch the rocket from Curtis's warehouse and then blow up his property as a lesson for being such a puss. That was Nitro's job."

"You're such scum, Scarlotti." Agent Bronder whispered.

Unperturbed, the Villain just grinned.

Blacklash sat up straight. "What are you talking about? You got nothing on me but possession of this dumb rocket, and you know it, SHIELD boy."

"Don't be stupid, Scarlotti," Fury advised. "Viper has made clear her intentions to overthrow the US government on numerous occasions. You don't think she's selling these rockets for her health, do you?"

Blacklash seemed unable to reply. He looked confused.

"Think, Blacklash," Cap urged. "If Viper creates enough chaos with these rockets, if the violence gets out of hand, it will be that much easier for her to destroy us. Have you ever seen a city-wide riot in a major metropolis? That's what it's gonna be like all over the country if Viper goes on peddling weapons."

"You don't want to be held responsible for that, do you, Scarlotti?" Agent Hoffman asked. "Tell us where she is!"

Blacklash shifted uneasily. "Pittsburgh," He croaked. "Under the incline."

"The what?" Hoffman asked.

"The Incline," Cap echoed, as he remembered it was the scene of a a battle he once fought in alongside the Mighty Avengers. "It's a cable car that goes up the hill. They've got big hills in Pittsburgh."

"Big snakes, too." Bronder added.

"Hoffman and Bronder will be leading the raid on Viper's hideout. Would you care to give them a hand, Cap?" Nick Fury offered.

"Sure, I'd like that," Cap replied. "And I can think of a special lady who might also like a little bit of adventure."

The military jet commandeered by Fury landed at Pittsburgh's Allegheny county airport at noon exactly. Fury, Hoffman, Bronder, Cap, and Wasp were greeted at the gate by SHIELD's regional director for the area, Sylvia Chansler.

"The mobile units are all stationed and at the ready, sir!" She informed Fury. "All we needed was the extra unit."

"I brought 54 seasoned agents with me. As an added bonus, Captain America will be helping out. Consider him my second-in-command, and assistant-director in rank."

"Pleased to meet you at last, Sir. We hear so much about you, in training." Director Chansler pointed out one of her uniformed officers. "Agent Lamb will see to it that the troops are stationed properly. I'll escort you to mobile unit one."

Cap rode with Director Chansler, Nick Fury, Agents Hoffman and Bronder, and Wasp to mobile unit one – a truck trailer stationed directly across from the lower station of the Duquesne Incline. A dozen of Fury's field agents joined Cap accompanied by Director Chandler's aide, Agent Lamb.

Agent Lamb displayed a yellowing, aged map. "This is the layout of the coal mines under the hill before redevelopment. I can't vouch for how accurate it is now. We've stationed units at likely looking exit points, places where we know the mines open into cellars or being used as garages, that sort of thing." She pointed and added. "We've seen probable candidates for Viper hirelings exit at these two points and noted this secret exit within the incline station itself."

Cap inspected the map carefully, and traced out a path from Viper's hideout to a mine entrance that opened into a factory basement miles away. "Anyone come out from this route?"

"Not that we've noticed."

"That's the one I'll be taking."

"What?" Director Chansler asked in surprise.

"Give me a half an hour, Nick. Once you initiate an attack she'll just use her teleporter. But I may stand chance, if I sneak in alone, of grabbing her first."

"Sir," agent Lamb protested. "Like I said, I can't guarantee the accuracy of this map anymore, and especially not the safety of the mines."

Fury stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Will you take agents Hoffman and Bronder with you?" He asked. "Then agent Lamb wouldn't worry so much."

Cap glanced at the two SHIELD agents' eager faces. They could've slowed him down; on the other hand they could've offered him help. 

"All right," Cap agreed. "let's get going."

With a photocopy of Lamb's map in hand, the three of them were escorted to the factory basement where the entrance Cap selected to the mines was located.

"Sure is dark." Agent Hoffman commented.

"And spooky," his partner added jokingly. "Where are the bats?"

"No bats. The only thing down here is one very large snake." Cap replied.

They proceeded down the passageway until their path was interrupted by an unmarked vertical mine shaft that went down a long way. The hole could not be skirted, and although Captain America could leap over it, it was not likely that the two accompanying SHIELD agents could do so.

"Two man bridge?" Cap suggested to Hoffman.

The man nodded. "You better take the top," He said hoisting Captain America onto his shoulders.

"I hate this maneuver," Agent Bronder muttered. "I can't look." She said as Cap balanced on top of Hoffman and prepared to fall across the gap.

Cap caught the opposite ledge easily.

"Come on, Laura. I don't wanna hang around here all day." Agent Hoffman called.

The female SHIELD agent bounced lightly across the two men's backs and shoulders and once safely across grabbed onto Cap's wrists as her partner climbed up Cap's body. Cap them scrambled up the ledge. Agent Bronder looked quite pale, and not just from the unnatural illumination of the flashlights, as she peered down into the chasm they just crossed.

"You afraid of heights?" Cap asked her.

"Of course not," she snapped. "That would be stupid…" she paused and then added, "I'm afraid of falling down from heights!"

"Come on, let's keep moving." Cap ordered. Soon they came upon a region where the walls were better shored up. They had begun to look smooth and polished.

"Looks like someone's been through here with a laser cannon." Agent Hoffman noted.

"Undoubtedly Viper," Cap said, and nodded. "She always gets a hold of some pretty advanced hardware and technology because of her connections to HYDRA. We'd better keep it down now. These tunnels really carry sound."

They came to a staircase.

Cap paused at the bottom step of the staircase. The SHIELD agents behind him waited patiently.

"If we climb much higher, we'll be above ground."

"What's the map say?" Agent Bronder asked.

"We went off the edge of that several minutes ago." Cap informed her. "We're in Viper's HYDRA territory now, turn off your flashlights and communication devices for a moment." In the dark Cap could see that all the steps from the center of the stairway up glowed in the dark. As he climbed the lower steps, he turned his light back on to investigate more closely. He touched the first glowing step with the edge of his shield. The SHIELD went straight through.

"It's a holographic projection," Cap laid down,and plunged his head through the light image and investigated what lied beneath. It was a smooth, round pit about 15 feet deep.

Agent Bronder's head appeared next to Captain America's. "There aren't any snakes. I thought pits were supposed to have snakes."

"It doesn't always have to be bats or snakes, Laura," Her partner said, sighing.

"It is in the movies."

"Let's keep moving, Indiana Bronder." Captain America chuckled.

The pit was easily skirted once they were aware of where the floor was solid and where it was not. From there, the passage sloped down steadily. Captain America halted suddenly.

"What is it?" Hoffman whispered.

"Shut off your tech again," Cap ordered.

Up ahead of them, there was a different light that spilled out to the passage where they stood, which illuminated the objects of their quest. The rockets. Hundreds of them lined up in the passage! Having heard footsteps, the three of them ducked behind the metal cylinders.

Ahead Cap heard a familiar voice, imperious and harsh – Madame HYDRA's voice. "Keep up the transferences until you are no longer able. Don't you dare stop for such a minor thing as gunfire," The villainess ordered.

Peeping from behind a missile, Cap saw the infamous Viper speaking to two underlings struggling under the weight of one of the rockets. As the three figures headed down the corridor, Cap and his companions stalked behind them, the sound of the villains' footsteps covering theirs'.

At a junction ahead of them, Viper turned to the right and the men with the rocket went left. Captain America motioned agents Hoffman and Bronder to follow the rocket, as he seperate from them, and turned right after the Viper.

The corridors Captain America passed through were empty, and the reason was obvious. Echoes of the noise of battle reverberated through them. SHIELD had begun it's attack!

"It's hard to tell in this maze of passages how close they are," Captain America thought, "But that's not my worry right now–The Viper is."

Madame HYDRA, unaware that Cap stalked herand apparently unconcerned about SHIELD's attack, strides confidently and unhurriedly through her besieged complex. "She doesn't fear capture because she plans to teleport out," Cap realized. "Leaving most of her hirelings to fend for themselves."

Viper entered what appeared to be her information center. Numerous display screens covered one wall. She pressed a button on a control panel. Cap was just about to announce his presence by throwing his shield at her, when he noticed a swirling green green glow on the largest screen in front of him. Something about the pattern disturbed Cap, frightened him even.

Viper turned around from the console, an evil grin spread across her face. "Welcome, Captain Rogers, I've been expecting you. I knew you would try to sneak up on me. Foolhardy fool."

Cap was about to taunt her by asking why she wasn't already fleeing like the mad coward she was, but no words came out of his mouth. It's exactly like he was in a dream where she needed to scream, but couldn't.

"Entertaining little show, isn't it?" Viper asked, pointing to the screen. "People find it hard to tear their eyes away from it. I call it the Serpent's Stare! It's a variation of a hypnosis-ray. I, of course, am immune to it's effects."

Cap suspected that was not the complete truth. Viper must have had some device that kept her from falling prey to her Serpent's Stare. Cap tried to turn away from the screen,and then learned he couldn't move either!

"I knew you were trying to sneak up on me." Viper bragged. "I presume you're also responsible for the SHIELD rabble below us. You refuse to admit that everything you do is in vain."

Wallowing in his inability to reply, The Viper began. To lecture Cap. "I will not destroy your country. In the end, your nation's own weaknesses will be it's downfall. I am just expediting the process. You are so proud of this melting pot nonsense and America's supposed tolerance of ideas and respect for diversity. It's ironic, because that is what will destroy you in the end."

Viper paused to push another button, and a list of names appeared superimposed over the Serpent's Stare pattern. "This is a list of all those petty little factions stewing In distrust and hatred of their fellow man. See how long it is." The villainess held her finger on a button and the list scrolled up the screen.

"You…trick them…with your lies," the words managed to force themselves from Cap's lips.

Viper laughed shrilly. "Oh, you are stubborn! Despite the effort, you must defend your delusions. Don't you love the touch the rockets give this plan of mine? I had you in mind especially when I thought of the codename of my plan –The Rockets Red Glare. All of these people have purchased rockets." Viper said, waving her hand at the list of names on the screen.

"And the list of waiting customers is a thousand times as long. As soon as they've tasted first blood they'll be ready to find their own weapons. The rocket's red glare, bombs bursting in air, we will give proof through the night that your flag and all it stands for will crumble into dust!"

"Viper, you're mad!" Cap insisted through clenched teeth.

"I've just given them what they want. Blood. It's time this precious nation of yours learned what the rest of the civilized world has already known – there is no such thing as liberty and justice for all. That's just a myth your rich and powerful use to control the destitute and the ignorant. There is only chaos and destruction!"

Whether the effect of the Serpent's Stare was finished with the lists of data sharing the screen, or by the anger welling in him from listening to Viper's skewed, distorted, and hateful perspective, Cap didn't know for sure. But something gave him the strength to speak. "Only a few madman will accept your way, Viper. Brave people all over the world struggle for the democratic principles my proud nation was founded upon. The American people will never accept the mindless violence you wish to replace with their freedoms."

"You're a fool!" Viper hissed, sneered and turned away from him,back to the information terminal. She was typing in orders to destroy her data banks.

Cap looked at the list she was about to destroy. Names of all the people who had betrayed their faith in the very principles that sheltered them, and his anger gave way to determination. Suddenly, he felt less anxious, less frightened. As he concentrated on the names, he found that the Serpent's Stare effect was gradually decreasing. "If only I can escape this trap in time to stop Viper," Cap thought.

Cap had to summon all of his willpower to stop the Serpent's Stare.

The spirit of freedom Captain America had fought for all his life filled him with the will to move. He jerked his head around so his gaze was torn from the screen. The effect of the Serpent's Stare took a moment to fade. He carefully kept his eyes on Viper, and aimed his shield at the woman as she struggled against Wasp.

Captain America's shield crashed into the small of Viper's back, slamming her across the control panel, so that she landed across several buttons at once. The Serpent's Stare pattern disappeared, but the incriminating list of rocket buyers remained.

Viper spun about with her laser pistol aimed at Cap's abdomen, but Wasp knocked it from her grasp with a kick.

Cap grabbed Viper's arms and got a firm grip around both of her slender wrists. Even after he had yanked her teleporter ring from her finger, she did not surrender gracefully. She broke free a moment later and attempted to slam Cap in the chest with her spiked heel.

"Enough of this." Cap muttered. He levelled Viper and all her rage with one solid blow to the back of her neck. she slumped to the floor.

Nick Fury came pelting into the room, his weapon drawn and ready. "I don't believe it!"

"Can I borrow your handcuffs?" Cap asked.

"Borrow away. Later I'll have them bronzed for you," Fury replied."After all these years of pursuit, she's really been captured."

"Have you recovered the rockets stored in the mines?" Cap asked, cuffing the villainess to her control panel.

"Yes, and Bronder and Hoffman managed to intercept some of the ones that were being beamed to Viper's new headquarters and sent them to our headquarters instead."

"You should be able to recover some of the sold rockets, too. She had a list of sales and buyers in her computer, and I managed to keep her from erasing the file."

"Jackpot!!" Hoffman cried when he came up from behind Director Fury and saw Cap's prisoner.

Bronder, just behind her partner, glanced from Viper to Cap with a look of awe on her face.

"You don't look to happy," she noted.

"I'm relieved," Cap answered. "I just feel–we've scotched the snake, not killed it."

"Huh?"

"I think what Cap means," Fury explained. "Is that madness like Viper's remains in the world, whether she's in custody or not."

"Precisely." Cap replied. "There are hundreds of people in the country willing to buy from HYDRA to use on someone else. They were ready to move down to her level of insanity to accomplish their own greedy goals, wrong or right. It's that kind of thinking that's infinitely more dangerous than any single super villain."

"You have a good point," Agent Hoffman said. "But, I think we're all better off in America because you caught her."

"And there's always tomorrow to tackle the other problems." Agent Bronder added.

"And furthermore," Fury declared as he held out his hand. "You'll always have your true countrymen battling those problems alongside you."

Cap accepted the handshake with a grin, "What more could a patriot ask for?"

[starbiopic]

Legends League Cricket 2024: Full Details on Matches, Streaming, and Teams

The Legends League Cricket (LLC) 2024 season has begun, bringing with it excitement as former cricket stars take the field once again. This year’s tournament started on September 20 with the opening match between Manipal Tigers and Konark Surya Odisha in Jodhpur, captained by Irfan Pathan. LLC 2024 is bigger and better, with two prominent Indian players, Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik, making…

[infocareer]

10 Leadership lessons from MS Dhoni for project managers

MS Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, is renowned for his calm demeanor, strategic foresight, and exemplary leadership skills. His approach to leading a cricket team holds valuable lessons for project managers in any field.  

Here’s how project managers can apply Dhoni’s leadership principles to navigate their projects to success. 

1. Stay Cool Under Pressure 

Dhoni is famous for his cool and composed nature, even in high-stakes situations.  

For a project manager, maintaining calm during a project crisis can help keep the team focused and motivated. When an unexpected delay threatens your project timeline, instead of panicking, assess the situation calmly to find the best solution. 

 2. Lead by Example 

Dhoni not only directed operations but also took responsibility and led from the front, especially in challenging situations.  

As a project manager, actively participate in critical tasks and show your commitment to the project’s success. This builds trust and respect within the team. 

 3. Empower Your Team 

Dhoni empowered his teammates, giving them the confidence to perform their roles.  

Similarly, Project Manager delegating responsibilities effectively allows team members to grow, enhances their skills, and contributes to the project’s success. Trusting your team with responsibilities can also foster innovation and independent problem solving. 

 4. Adaptability 

Dhoni adapted his strategies based on the game’s context.  

In project management, being flexible with methodologies—whether Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid —can be crucial when dealing with changing project scopes or unexpected challenges. 

 5. Effective Communication 

Dhoni communicated effectively with his team, providing clear instructions and feedback.  

For a project manager, it’s essential to communicate project goals, updates, and feedback clearly and regularly. This ensures everyone is aligned and can contribute effectively. 

 6. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Goal 

Dhoni often emphasized process over results, understanding that good processes lead to good outcomes.  

Project managers should focus on setting up efficient processes and standards, which help in achieving project goals more reliably. 

 7. Use Criticism Constructively 

Dhoni used criticism to improve his strategies and performance.  

Project managers should encourage a culture where feedback is used constructively to improve project outcomes and team performance, rather than taking it personally. 

 8. Stay Grounded 

Despite his success, Dhoni remained humble and grounded.  

Project managers should also remain approachable and open to suggestions from all team members, which can encourage a more collaborative and inclusive work environment. 

 9. Strategic Withdrawal 

Knowing when to step back is a skill Dhoni mastered, allowing others to take the spotlight.  

In project management, knowing when to step back and let others lead can help in nurturing future leaders and can also provide fresh perspectives on the project. 

 10. Celebrate Success and Learn from Failures 

Dhoni celebrated victories with his team and learned from defeats without blaming others.  

Project managers should ensure successes are celebrated and failures are analyzed for learning opportunities, helping to build a resilient and motivated team. 

By incorporating these leadership qualities demonstrated by MS Dhoni, Project managers can enhance their ability to lead effectively, inspire their teams, and drive their projects to successful completion. 

Each principle not only fosters stronger team dynamics but also enhances personal leadership development, essential for managing complex projects in any industry. 

[citizenspoint]

2nd Buddhist Media Conclave on 11th September in Delhi

International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) are set to organise the 2nd International Buddhist Media Conclave on the theme “Mindful Communication for Conflict Avoidance and Sustainable Development”. Shri Baichung Bhutia, the former captain of the Indian Football Team will be the Guest of Honour. This unique event will be held on 11th September…