Rescue in Bahrain

TALK PAGE

The Rescue in Bahrain was a mission performed by S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Melinda May in order to liberate a group of civilians and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents captured while investigating Index candidate Eva Belyakov.

Background
Eva Belyakov was sought out by the Inhumans and chosen for Terrigenesis. After going through the Terrigen Mist, Eva developed superhuman strength. Eva later gave birth to a daughter named Katya, and attempted to have her go through the transformation as well. However, due to Katya displaying several signs of psychopathic schizophrenia, she was denied the chance by Jiaying. Outraged, Eva stole a mass of Terrigen Crystals and used them to put Katya through Terrigenesis, despite not having gone through the mental preparation that most Inhumans did. Through her gift, she was able to feel the emotions of other humans though a single touch, and also control them.

Battle
S.H.I.E.L.D. takes notice of Eva Belyakov's activities and tracks her down to Manama, Bahrain. A team led by Agents Phil Coulson and Melinda May is dispatched to analyze Belyakov for the Index; they are unaware of her daughter's involvement or powers. Eva and Katya assume control of a group of gangsters and hold the entire S.H.I.E.L.D., minus Coulson and May, hostage within a warehouse. May ventures into the warehouse alone and crosses off the controlled gangsters and Eva. Katya reveals herself to May and nearly uses her powers to kill the subjugated S.H.I.E.L.D. team, forcing May to kill her. For her role in saving them, the S.H.I.E.L.D. team gives May the nickname "The Cavalry", a moniker she grows to despise.

Aftermath
"I heard about what happened to that little girl in Bahrain; Jiaying told me the whole story. Did you know ... that she was Inhuman?"

- Skye to Melinda May

Melinda May became emotionally and psychological scarred by the incident. She became withdrawn from her husband Andrew Garner and eventually, they divorced. May no longer wanted to be a field agent and opted to be transferred to desk duty and administrative work. Phil Coulson attempted to help his friend with her emotional issues.

The Inhumans became less trusting of Humans and passed the story of how a human killed Eva Belyakov and her daughter. However their telling of the incident makes Melinda May the antagonist and S.H.I.E.L.D. an evil organization to be feared.