Hey, guys! Yet another addition to the 'Monarchs of Earth' storyline is here!

This story takes place during the 90's. Henry Pym has retired from S.H.I.E.L.D. after an incident with Howard Stark and an attempted recreation of the Pym Particle. Vers (Carol Danvers) has come to Earth to investigate the presence of Skrulls on the planet.

Enjoy, and please R&R!

Chapter N

Residence of Henry Pym, New York City, New York

Henry set down his cup of tea on the coffee table as he quietly stewed in his thoughts.

It had been several years since he lost his wife, Janet, and just shortly after, he sent his daughter Hope to the best boarding school he knew. He knew it wouldn't be the best option for her, but he didn't want to be reminded of her mother. Especially not now.

Henry decided to proceed on his newest invention (he hoped): the insect comm link. If it worked, Hank could communicate with ants of all kinds. It would be especially helpful in getting the nest of carpenter ants out of the kitchen.

Before he could, though, his phone went off. Sighing, he walked over and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" he greeted.

"Hello, Dr. Pym," a voice replied. "This is Agent Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D."

"What do you half-assed clowns want this time?" Hank was getting pretty ticked off: S.H.I.E.L.D. would call him repeatedly, for reasons ranging from asking him to come back to simply making sure he didn't spread any particular rumors.

"We got a message from the United Nations organization called Monarch," Coulson replied. "They found something particularly interesting. They would like your assistance."

"This better not be another attempt to get me back."

"No, sir. You will work on your own time, and all discoveries will be credited accordingly. Best of all, there should be no need for the Little Guy to appear."

Hank sighed at the playful nickname for the Ant-Man, but he was a little intrigued. No need for the Ant-Man? This was definitely not for S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Is there a catch?" he asked.

"Just one," Coulson responded. "Confidentiality. Everything you discuss while working with Monarch will be classified."

"Don't have to tell me twice. Just hope you're not sending me into this blind."

"Oh, trust me, Doctor. It's right up your alley."

Triskelion, Washington D.C.

"You get him up, Coulson?" an African American agent asked the one at the telephone.

"Yes, Agent Fury," Coulson replied.

"Good, because we have a report of a woman dressed for LazerTag breaking out of the local AV store."

"Now that's strange." Coulson got up and grabbed his suit jacket, following Agent Fury.

"Strange is what we do, Coulson. It's part of the job."