Assault!

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***

3 May 15:00 local time.

Berlin. Germany.

Peter Parker.

Logan and I have been hanging around Berlin all day. Not a bad city full of sights, delicious food, although Wolverine is more into tasting local beer. In any case, it was just nice to walk around a new, completely unfamiliar place, and Howlett made a great guide. Firstly, Logan was fluent in German, which, of course, made our journey very easy. Secondly, the clawed mutant really knew the city well, and either he was in such a favourable state because of the soon revenge on an old enemy or there was something else, but Howlett told a lot of stories about his stay in this city, even wondered why so, as Wolverine must have a problem with memory.

I, on the other hand, quickly forgot about the slanted glances people were throwing my way, and behaved like a typical tourist: turning my head, staring at the sights, snagging local delicacies, and just enjoying the walk.

As the hours went by, we continued to explore Berlin, but a beeping noise on the right side of the mask made me realise that nothing lasts forever.

- Come in, I'm activating the line.

- Where are you? - On the other side came the irritated voice of a redheaded spy.

- We are walking around the city, it turns out that Logan knows Berlin very well, and especially the local pubs.

- Agent Dugan is on his way, so please grab Wolverine and return to the safe house, Agent Spider.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Over and out.

I turn to Howlett, who's downed another mug and seems to be hitting on some chicks, what the hell are they doing here?

- Logan, mate, we gotta go.

- Sorry ladies, but me and my mate have to disarm a mad scientist who wants to take over the world, - the Fraulein replied with a laugh.

Let's leave the bar.

- Take over the world?

- Isn't that what they all want?

- That's a good point.

We go down to the Berlin underground.

Half an hour later, we're back at our temporary base.

Rachel met us on the right floor.

- You made it in time, but the bosses will be furious, - Lux turned towards the flats.

All their procession went to the living quarters, which Natasha had chosen.

Inside, the entire squad was gathered.

- Here we are, finally - Romanova noted their tardiness.

- Sorry, commander, we were just out for a walk.

- In uniform.

- It's not as scary as it sounds.

While I was making excuses, Wolverine went to the fridge and opened the door.

- Where's the beer?

- I'm sorry, I didn't stock up on beer.

- I'll forgive you for the first time, but next time don't screw up like that, "commander," Logan had to settle for a soda.

- I guess now that you've sorted it out, I can finally start my report," the man in the corner grumbled.

Just now I turned my gaze to the man who was speaking. He's sturdy for his age, but you can see that time has affected him. Red hair with greying, a bowler hat and a bushy moustache. It's a very familiar image.

- So, I was working on the case of a new project of the Centre for Innovative Ideas, our German colleagues helped and we came to one inventor, with whom beekeepers worked. What was my surprise when I recognised in this technician my former colleague and traitor, who should have been dead for sixteen years.

Dugan shared the information and the whole squad listened.

- We then followed Firs to his country estate. We couldn't find exact blueprints, but we have an idea that it's a sturdy wooden three-storey building. We don't know what's inside, but there's every reason to believe it's an underground secret laboratory.

- Like any typical mad scientist," Logan said, sipping his Pepsi.

- Intelligence reports that the estate is guarded by private enterprise or mercenaries, possibly even CII men. Two men in front of the gate, six on the perimeter of the house. Cameras, alarm systems, but our technicians managed to find a gap," Dugan pulled a small device out of his pocket, "this is an EMP generator, aka invisible pulse, it forms a normal EMP field, but masks it, so that initially the enemy will not notice our presence, and when he does, it will be too late.

- Thank you, Agent Dugan. The mission is simple: infiltrate, neutralise anyone who might get in the way, find Gustav Fierce, capture him and evacuate him, is that clear? 

- Affirmative, - the answer was a discordant chorus of voices.

- Good, be ready, we move out at nine o'clock tonight.

The briefing was over and the team dispersed.

*

This evening.

Operation Chameleon Mystery.

A squad of Shield agents left the safe house in the direction of the target.

Everyone in the vehicle was serious and collected. All but one.

- Here's what I'm thinking, people," began the guy in the black and grey special jumpsuit, "avocado. It has a very strange flavour, but the Mexicans make guacamole out of it and put it just about everywhere. What do you think?

- I think that if you're nervous, Agent Spider, you shouldn't make others nervous," the red-haired woman replied, studying the data on her tablet.

- Come on, Commander Romanoff," Barton said, "everyone handles stress as best they can before a mission," the archer turned to Spider, "I don't like guacamole, not the taste, but the consistency, you know?

Gradually all the passengers began to join in brief, meaningless conversations, only Natasha and Rupert were silent, even Dugan put in a word or two. After a while the conversations subsided, but the atmosphere became noticeably calmer.

Shield's armoured jeep, without the standard markings and identifying symbols, reached the front of the estate and stopped before they could be seen.

The squad left the vehicle in a formation. The agents moved towards the wall fenced with natural shrubs where there was a gap for their penetration.

The fighters took up positions. Agent Volad, Lux and Reds prepared invisibility EMPs while the others scouted the area.

- Three seconds to system activation," Rachel informed them, "two, one.

A slight electronic ripple and the flicker of the destroyed force field made it clear that the fortress had fallen.

- Let's go!

The agents threw over the hooks, Spider jumped over the wall, and Wolverine simply climbed up using his claws.

After overcoming the main obstacle, the squad split into several groups: Black Widow, Falcon Eye, and Rupert in one; Spider, Rick, and Rachel in another. Wolverine and Dugan went together, "to work like old times."

Three minutes later, squads of Shield agents began their assault from different directions.

*

Ibid.

Peter Parker.

My squad was assigned to attack from the East. To the young agents' credit, Rick and Rachel proved themselves to be true professionals: cool, calm, ready to execute orders.

I jump on the ceiling and pull the patrolling mercenary from around the corner.

- You know the orders, we've divided the floors, we'll take the first floor, let's go!

The team began a systematic sweep of the premises. The mansion turned out to be quite large, cosy, but, at the same time, making the right impression - expensive and luxurious. The designers had done a great job on it.

Since Natasha had appointed me leader of the squad, I ordered Rick and Rachel to stay together, while I separated myself and took out the mercenaries alone.

Gradually I got further into the room, taking out four men and breaking four cameras.

In the long corridor separating the passageway from what appeared to be a study, Spidey Sense kicked in.

Machine gun nests extended from the sashes under the ceiling and opened fire.

A trivial security system, but effective enough against people without powers. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

I fire an electric web that overloads the turrets' automation. I get to the door and kick it open.

I find myself in a spacious study: wooden columns, large bookcases, carpets, and a fireplace against the far wall. I observe that the room is also sprawling over several floors.

- I was wondering how long it would take Shield to catch me," said the old man sitting in the chair behind the desk and signing papers. - To my delight, they gave me a head start of sixteen years," the man took off his glasses, "so you'll hold me off.

- Gustav Firs," I said, recognising the old man as our target. - You are being held on charges of treason and working with terrorist groups, I will arrest you.

- Young man, there is no need to use violence," Gustav stood up and raised his hands, "I surrender.

Slowly I approach the subject, listening to my gut. A slight itch hints that it's not that simple, so I stay alert.

There's a creak from upstairs, and I turn round. Doom-Doom and Logan are looking down at me from the first floor.

- Target acquired, people, it's okay.

Wolverine jumps over the stairs.

- It's okay, big guy, Fierce has been neutralised.

But Logan isn't listening. He unleashes his claws, and as he approaches, he pierces the scientist.

- What are you doing?!

But to my shock, instead of blood, Gustav's body sparks and machine oil oozes out.

In the next move, Wolverine blows the false Firs head off.

- The smell of grease and metal, Fierce is not here," the mutant removed his claws.

- I can see why I felt something was wrong with him," I look at the remains of the robot.

- What are the chances that the object has already escaped? - Dugan asked a reasonable question.

- High, but I think we can figure something out.

I go to the computer and switch it on.

- What are you doing?

- Where do the techies keep all their information? - I ask a philosophical question.

I enter the data, but a third-party message flashes on the screen.

- Well, well, well, it turns out that Fury can get more than just dumb dummies involved," a distorted voice with a slight mocking tone comes from the monitor, "Logan, is that you in there?

I glance over at my partners and shift my gaze. The cameras have been activated.

- Firs, just tell me where you are and I won't hurt you too badly," Logan growled into the camera.

- Oh, I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline that dubious honour, old friend, especially after my failed attempt to dissect you, remember?

Wolverine continued to explode angrily, and I hacked into the former agent's system while old friends reminisced so sweetly about the past.

- Wow, your young partner is getting through my firewalls pretty well, oh he's joined from across the estate, two technicians in a squad, have attitudes changed in sixteen years?

- A lot of people have learnt to mix business with pleasure, Doctor," I muttered as I cracked the last file.

- Then it's time for me to bow out," the transmission cuts out. And the tech starts to sparkle.

- Anything?

- No, the bastard burnt the hard drive! - I smack the table angrily, which cracks.

- I'm sure we'll find something else," Dugan tries to regain focus.

- Or already there is something, - I activate the communicator, - this is Spider, Rachel, did you get the data?

- Yes, we found information about Dr Fierce's personal laboratory underground.

- Have you notified the commander?

- I was just about to, Rick's on the frequency.

- All right, give me the coordinates, I'll meet you there.

- The bastard won't get away from us, let's go," said Doom-Doom.

We quickly cover the distance to the supposed entrance to the lab, Black Widow communicating and correcting orders in the process.

Gather the entire squad.

- I hope we got the explosives.

In response, Rick and Roop pull out a few grenades.

- You think that's enough?

- Just enough to scratch the frame? Pretty much. If anything, I'm sure your amazing strength will help finish opening this tin can," Reds says with a wink.

Charges set, timer counting down the seconds. Boom!

- Ladies and gentlemen, we're in," our gun fanatic proudly announces.

- Spider and Wolverine lead the way, Barton and I follow, the rest of you in the centre, do you understand? - announces Nat, reloading his wristbands.

- Affirmative!

- Let's go.

Down the concrete stairs, the lights come on as we approach. No problem getting to the door.

- I have to admit, I expected more from a mad scientist's secret lair," Barton says.

The door opens.

- What was that for, huh?

- What did I say?

- A phrase that always gets you where you want to go. Every fucking time, it's a vicious circle! Everything was going smoothly, and now it turns out Herr Gustav will release poison gas or a robot army or something!

We're going deep into the room. Monitors flashing, several rows of surgical tables. Typical surroundings.

- Come on, Spider-Man, it's gonna be fine.

I'm getting a hunch.

- Contact!

Robots with the face of our good doctor mixed in with the drones start falling from the ceiling.

- Better now, blondie? - Logan releases his claws.

- Much better," Clint aims an arrow and fires it at the nearest robot.

A battle ensues.

The agents draw their pistols and open fire. Widow and Falcon Eye back them up. Logan, like a true berserker, throws himself into the thick of the battle, provoking the mass of the enemy.

I jump up to the ceiling and shoot out a web, the composition slightly augmented with solutions from my father's notes, so the drones are completely unable to damage it.

- We need to eliminate the smaller robots first, then the larger ones.

- Get on it! - Widow commands.

- Yes, ma'am! - I move across the ceiling and entangle the small roboclops with three limbs.

I notice furtively that the others' weapons are of little use against mechanical opponents. If it weren't for Barton's arrows with different effects and the Widow's Sting, they'd be in a bad way. Logan, on the other hand, is a great help, tearing through every enemy that comes his way.

- If I'd known how this was going to go, I would have brought a grenade launcher! - shouts Dugan, shooting the robot damaged by Natasha's darts.

- Likewise! - says Rick, covering Rachel, "Sis, don't hesitate!

- I'm just trying to hack these bots now that we're out of stealth EMPs.

- You do it, we'll cover you," Roop opens fire with his digil.

- ARGHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! - Wolverine is slicing through everything left and right.

And then, Clint's arrow pierces the head of the last false Gustov and the heat of battle subsides.

- It would be sad if this one was real," Barton says ironically.

- Everybody okay?

- I think it would have been a lot worse if they'd had guns," the redhead's moustache replied with a swipe of his shoulder.

- Or their main objective was to hold us off," Logan walks to the door and cuts the lock.

The last obstacle was left behind us and we found ourselves in the core of Fierce's asylum.

The mad doctor himself revealed himself in front of the giant monitors of the computer system. Gustav was entering console commands when all the agents pointed their guns at him.

- 'Gustav Fierce, raise your hands and step away from the monitors,' Natasha dictated.

- 'Of course, Agent Romanoff,' the doctor obediently stepped back and turned around.

The man looked quite alert, a cold, easy smile, serious brown eyes and almost completely grey hair.

Reds walked over and handcuffed Gustav.

- You've been caught, traitor," Doom-Doom said with a frown.

- Well, I've had a whole free sixteen years, Timothy, but you've been working for the rotten and rotten Shield," Fierce said with a wry smile.

- I'll make sure you don't shoot the plane down this time," Logan hissed, moving closer to the ex-agent's face.

- Anything can happen, James.

The squad lined up and began to lead the mad doctor out.

*

An hour later.

Shield's private airport in Germany.

Quinjet.

The transfer to our flight went off in record time. As soon as Dugan and Natasha informed Fury that the mission was complete. Successful completion. the Director ordered us to board the plane and take Fierce straight to the aircraft carrier's holding cell.

The moment I heard that our next stop was Shield's main airbase, I nearly jumped out of my jumpsuit.

"I don't understand at all, Carrier, why are you so excited? I mean, we're talking about a regular huge ship, just flying."

"No, Raj, we're talking about a very cool, no-fucking-ordinary, really huge ship floating through the air."

"If I were you, I'd be more excited about a successful mission."

"Hard to disagree with you, mate. So I guess I'll spend the flight like I did last time."

"Passed out?"

"Right," I get comfortable and pass out.

***

4 May 2013, 5:00 local time.

The sky over New York City.

Shield aircraft carrier.

Fury sat in his office, awaiting news of the return of his squad with the valuable cargo. Nick had carefully prepared for the operation, sent the best agents, the most promising rookie with superpowers, in addition to the chief armourer and two young agents who had demonstrated the best performance in their two years of service in Shield. The very fact that Dugan had been the one to spot the traitor was an indication that this was serious. Even Wolverine had to be involved, and that was a red flag. But it was the least he could do. For Richard and Mary.

- Sir? - The communicator came on.

- Agent Hill.

- The Quinjet with Agent Romanoff's unit has landed.

- Great, I'll meet them on deck.

Nick stood up and adjusting the collar of his coat, walked out of the office.

The Director was moving swiftly towards his target, and dozens of agents trumped as he passed.

Fury climbed onto the captain's bridge and gazed into the tactical monitors of the Aircraft Carrier, waiting for his special unit.

Ten minutes later the entire procession ascended the deck surrounded by an escorting motorcade of agents with special equipment. Special protocol for transporting a prisoner to an aircraft carrier.

- Director Fury," Black Widow levelled herself.

- Report, Agent Romanoff.

- Mission completed successfully, Dr Fierce has been captured and brought here.

- Gustav?

- Sent to the prison ward.

- His lab?

- When we left, Agent Dugan sent German agents to check the files, but three hours later we were told Dr Firs had erased all the data.

- Cleaned up his act, that's for sure," Logan said.

- Anyway, we'll find out," Nick turned to the agents, "good work, you've done well," the director looked at each of them in turn, "all of you, consider this month's bonus to be your reward.

Everyone appreciated the joke, even Wolverine.

- All agents, except for Romanoff and Spider, have a rest, you deserve it, - the unnamed members of the Black Widow's team left. Barton wanted to stay, but remembered that he was late for something. So did Wolverine.

- What? I'm not an agent, so I don't take orders, Nikki.

- What do you want, Logan? You want to pay me back for the mission? I'd love to buy you a beer after I talk to Firs.

- That's the point. I want to be there for the interrogation.

- No way. Even I'll get a negative reaction from him, and you standing next to him, angrily drilling a hole in Firs with your eyes, won't do much good.

- All right, I'll watch from behind the glass.

- Just the screen in my office, I'm afraid. We've abolished the interrogation system after some cases. Especially with ex-agents like Fierce.

- Works for me.

- Were we left for the same purpose? - Spider clarified.

- Romanoff needs to stay and listen as a commander, you almost for the same purpose, - Nick handed Natasha a key card, - go to my office.

The procession of three extraordinary individuals kept to the office of the Shield Director while Fury himself descended to the prison level.

Ten minutes later.

- I see you've been accommodated with all the comforts of home?

- A cosy cell in the carcass of an aircraft carrier, what could be better," Gustav got up from his bed and walked to the glass door of his dungeon, "It's good to see you, Nicholas.

At the same time, Black Widow, Wolverine, and Spider, who hadn't changed out of his tactical suit, were watching the interrogation from various angles from Fury's office.

- I wish I could say the same, Gustav, but I'm not here to reminisce.

- Oh, I see. Good old Shield methods, even you're pretty much the same as you were 16 years ago. Has your scientific staff finally invented the elixir of youth? No, I'd know.

- You would? - behind Fury's easy tone was the cold calculation of a seasoned interrogator.

- Your security systems aren't as good at hiding information as you'd like them to be, Nick. But that's what you're here for, isn't it, to find out what's in here? - Firs pointed to his temporal lobe.

- Sixteen years is a long time, Gustav. Besides, my agents tell me you've covered your tracks perfectly, and I'm curious to know all the details, right down to how you managed to survive.

- You think I'm going to tell you something," Firs said with his trademark cold smile.

- You know I'll accept any method that will get the information you need.

- There's no need for threats and violence, Nicholas," Fierce held up his hands, "and I know you don't like to get your hands dirty. I'll tell you whatever you need to know.

- Fine," Nick was about to activate the tablet.

- But not you.

- Who do you want? You want to see an old friend from the non-traitor agents?

- Not at all. I'd like to meet the younger generation.

- Explain?

- I'd like to meet the son of my old friends, - Firs turned away and put his hands behind his back, - I'll only talk to Peter Parker.

Standing in the Shield Director's office, Spider twitched. Which both Natasha and Logan noticed. But both remained silent.

- I'm sorry, maybe my hearing's gone," Nick stared at Gustav with all his attention. - Who do you want to talk to?

- Peter Parker, Mary and Richard's son. Judging by your file, he's a very promising young man," the defector smiled softly.

- And what do you suggest I do, go to the boy, tell him that his parents were Shield agents and that their former colleague, who turned traitor and from whom I need information, will only talk to him?

- Yeah, that's about right," the man leaned back on the couch, "have a good day, Nick.

*

Later in Fury's office.

- Give me five minutes alone with the bastard and he'll be singing in no time.

- I'm sorry, Logan, but I know Fierce better than anyone, he'll keep quiet until he gets what he wants.

- You're really gonna bring in Richard and Mary's son? - As Wolverine asked the question, he looked very carefully at Spider, who stood as a statue to himself.

- I'm afraid I'll have to take that step, the boy is really capable, a true son of his parents, he'll be able to get Fierce to talk.

- I hope so," Logan walked towards the exit, but stopped right at the door, "you know very well how Richard and Mary helped me, I owed them a favour and until I destroy Fierce's life's work, my debt will not be repaid. Keep me informed.

- I will. Natasha will escort you out.

Black Widow and Wolverine left the director's office.

The room was completely silent.

- I know you're shocked.

- Every molecule in me demands that I hit you as hard as possible Fury, but as you can see, I'm keeping my cool. Explain yourself.

- Your parents really were Shield agents, Peter. Some of the best I've known in my decades of service. They're the ones I sent when I found out Gustav had betrayed us.

- My parents went after Firs?

- Right before their demise.

Spider clenched his fists.

- So the plane crash they told me about when I was a kid....

- Your aunt and uncle didn't know about their service. Mary and Richard most often informed others of their primary purpose - scientific work.

- Well, at least that's not a lie," the boy lifted the lenses of his mask and wiped his eyes.

- When you're a spy, secrets are part of life, kid. You and your secret don't know that.

- He told you about me. Do you think Fierce knows that Peter Parker is....

Fury went to the desk and started entering data into the computer.

- As you know, it's darkest under a candle flame.

On the holographic screens, Peter Parker's and Spider-Man's personnel files popped up.

- So you--

- Two separate files. Following them, Peter Parker is a promising student at New York University, a genius in biology, chemistry and physics, showing excellent promise, enough for Shield to consider him an excellent choice as a future employee. Even about family is the bare minimum. In turn, Spider-Man, a hero who came out of nowhere, a glut of information, a suspicion that he might be a mutant or that he hails from Russia, a whole bunch of facts. It's all designed to make sure that nothing connects these two.

- But that means it's much worse than that.

- That's right. Firs has access to Shield's files and that's just the tip of the iceberg of its secrets.

- What's the plan of action?

- We give him what he wants.

- Should I go change?

- First we prepare Peter Parker to face the predator.

- Homework again?

- Bingo.