Chapter 13 Invasion of Privacy

After meeting Dr Killebrew Michael began meeting up with other scientists from his contacts. Most were useful but none compared to Killebrew in his opinion. Making him really realize that even though this world is full of superheroes and is more advanced it's still not beyond the scope of his understanding.

Not every scientist is making life-changing inventions or creating supervillains on the fly. Some scientists are pretty normal and are equal to the ones from his old world. This revelation was actually reassuring in a way. In his opinion, the less crazy things were the better they were for him and everyone.

Opening his fridge Michael took out a bottle of Coca-Cola from Mexico. Why Mexico you may ask? Well everyone knows Mexico has the best Coke.

Popping it open he took in the fresh sugary air and proceeded to just enjoy himself in his kitchen but this enjoyment didn't last long. Not because his house was attacked or because of something like an alien invasion. No, it had to do with how he felt something was off.

Getting up he set the bottle aside and began looking around cautiously. He wasn't sure what it was but this gnawing feeling caused him to heighten his senses.

Tick… click….tick

The sound sounded like a gear but it was so faint. Impossible for human ears but for him it became loud as he focused on it. Following it he reached his TV and used his X-ray vision. Upon doing so he discovered a small device hidden in his TV.

[A/N Homelanders hearing is actually selective. His super hearing isn't active all the time and has to be used when he wants to hear everything. This is also why a lot of things go on in Vought tower that he's unaware of because he's not actively honing in on it.]

Sadly he had to break his TV to pull it out but when he did he was completely tense. He wasn't the most tech-savvy guy around but even he recognized a recording device when he saw one. He didn't watch Kingsman and 007 for nothing after all.

Holding it between his fingers Michael released an ounce of his strength and smashed it with an annoyed expression. Despite this, the feeling of being watched didn't go away.

"Shit…" Michael cursed in a low tone. His house must be completely bugged by who? He had some ideas, specifically two, SHIELD and HYDRA.

The next couple of minutes were spent with Michael checking every room by any means possible. Whether it was by X-ray or by super hearing he took his time until he found every camera, recorder, and tracker.

"187 Devices" That's the amount he found in his home.

Placing them all in a bag Michael walked outside and tossed it into orbit before walking back inside. Was he mad? No, but he was definitely annoyed.

"Looks like I'm going to have to move soon" He had plenty of properties to do so as well but he quite liked this house so it sucked.

Walking back to his kitchen Michael tried to enjoy his Coke but his mood was already ruined and the soda had sadly lost its fizz. Looking down at the brown drink Michael decided to head out besides it had been a while since he'd last seen Weasel.

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"Sir he took all our devices and threw them… into space" Coulson explained reading off the report he received to Nick Fury. He wanted to think it was some sort of joke but apparently it was not. In his career, he'd seen a lot of things and they've had cameras discovered before but never has someone managed to find every single one. Nor have they dealt with it like this person has.

"Show me the footage" Following Nick's orders Coulson quickly brought out his laptop and showed the camera's points of view as each one was discovered. To when they suddenly got launched into orbit never to be seen again.

Holding his hands together on his desk Fury contemplated something in silence before leaning back in his seat. He thought back to everything they'd learned so far.

It all started with his first appearance in Hell's Kitchen when a boy saw him floating in the sky after the Italians were murdered. At first, it was just written off but it became very real when they got the black box from the harbor.

One man versus over thirty individuals each armed with some of the best equipment not including the multiple sonic cannons. That alone was cause for concern. Especially because such individuals had suddenly appeared and were completely off S.H.I.E.L.Ds radar.

But he treated them like child's play. Yeah, they hurt him at first but he quickly recovered and turned the tables. Leaving nothing behind but this footage in the tower.

Then there was Kingpin… Nick Fury always hated that guy but he was limited on what he could do. The hold he held over New York was too strong and the politicians in his pocket were one too many. But with time things would get handled. Nick was personally building a case to remove him but it seemed like that was cut short because this individual took matters into his own hands and killed him.

With some effort, they were able to learn more about him. First off his name was Michael Beckett and worked as a mercenary. His origins on the other hand were a mystery. Hardly any past and no records besides his ID which could have easily been stolen or fabricated. All they really knew was that he was highly dangerous.

"How's Natasha has she made contact?" Nick Fury asked. She was his best and was what he was really relying on. He needed to know everything about Michael and Natasha would get it done.

"Not yet sir. From her reports he has yet to return to the Mercenary bar and to keep her cover hidden she's refrained from asking too much and has just been completing minor tasks."

"Alright tell her to be careful. He's sure to be more aware of his surroundings after this." This was important but it was in no way worth risking her life. "Also begin calculating his estimated strength with this new footage"

"Will do"

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Entering the familiar bar Michael went straight for the main desk where he found a tired Weasel. Clearly, the busy overflow had begun affecting the guy.

"You look like you went through divorce got remarried and got cheated on"

"Thanks for the compliment," Weasel said in a sarcastic tone. "But what brings you here, didn't I say you had to lay low?"

"You did but… I'm bored so here I am" Taking a seat he relaxed like it was his own home much to weasel's annoyance as his eyebrows twitched.

"Alright risk your own life I'll be back I need to go make your usual"

"Thanks, bud" With Weasel gone Michael had no one to talk to but he didn't mind that. Closing his eyes he relaxed on his arm and tried to take a nap. Well, that was until he noticed a really sweet scent.

'What is that?' Opening his eyes he glanced to the left and found a stunning woman. Bright red hair, and a sexy dress that completely opened the back showing the feminine shoulder blades. But what really caught his attention were her eyes when they looked back at him. They were captivating and practically whispered to him.

'This isn't normal… could it be her smell?' He wasn't sure but he'd never behaved like this before. It was like he was going through puberty all over again.

The woman seemed amused by his struggle and scooted closer lightly leaning as she stroked her hair back releasing more of her sweet scent.

"Hey there, I haven't seen you before. Are you new like me?"

"New but not too new" Michael said, giving a short response. He didn't trust her seductiveness and put himself on high alert. Especially when something about her felt sort of familiar.

She gave a light smile accepting his reply and lightly reached out her hand for him to take "The name Natasha if you have any tips for me I'd appreciate it"

Hearing that name instantly confirmed his thoughts. There was only one Natasha he knew in Marvel with red hair and this had to be her. Now there obviously could be others but the coincidence was way too high. First, his house was bugged then this?

The only thing that made him question himself was her appearance. She didn't look exactly like Scarlet Johansen and only had a light resemblance but in his opinion, this was better because she was unnaturally beautiful.

"Michael and for tips we'll I'd say you should ask the others. I'm still sort of new"

"Hm thank you for the tip I'll definitely ask around" She said in reply before checking her watch "Ah gotta go my target just arrived in the city"

"No problem stay safe"

"Likewise" With that said she quickly got up and left but did so in a way that let her hips sway back and forth.

Michael had to hold himself with pure will upon seeing this and made a notable gulp. He had to admit Natasha was truly impressive in every way. Besides her beauty, he noticed how she kept things short and only at introduction level. Likely to keep him from becoming cautious.

Unfortunately for her he's already aware of her character and won't fall for it but had it been any other guy. They'd most likely slowly get drawn into her web.

"Hoho I see you got to meet Natasha. She is definitely I catch and you'll have some competition" Weasel said while gesturing toward the rest of the room filled with mercenaries lightly glaring.

"You saw that huh and when did you get back anyway"

"A while ago but you two seemed to be hitting it off so I waited" Weasel made a face that said praise me but all it did was make Michael irritated.

"We'll thanks I guess"

"No problem by the way, what have you been up to" Weasel asked curiously. From what he'd seen Michael had only ever taken out gangs and criminals so him having to lay low must've been difficult.

"You know, handling personal business and making contacts."

"That's good but… you should really get a new suit"

"What's wrong with my suit?" Michael said, glancing down at his clothes. He was wearing a high-class black suit with a classy red tie.

"Nothing but you sort of look like a loan shark rather than a mercenary"

Gkk! Now that he said it Michael could see it and he wasn't wrong. Besides he did need something more comicy to wear anyway. It would be weird if he kept arriving in every situation dressed like this.

The only problem is he didn't know where to get something durable enough to handle his flight speed. It was already tough having to slow down to not burn his clothes so that was definitely a must. Then that's when he remembered he happened to be in the presence of weasel. Aka the guy who knows a guy.

"By chance do you know anyone who can make me something custom?"

"Custom? I know plenty but if you want something really good then I recommend Melvin. He makes the best suits. The guy's hands are magic but the word is that he stopped making anything after Kingpin died. I'll still give you his address. Who knows you might get lucky."

Taking out a sticky paper he quickly wrote down the address and handed it over. "But a word of advice, he's a little mentally challenged so don't push him too much alright, it's not cool."

"No problem I won't"

Looking at the note Michael thought about the name Melvin. Almost everyone in Marvel has some sort of importance especially when they are connected to the more active part of their world like suit makers. This guy was no different and Michael was able to recall him but he'd think more about it later first he had a drink to get to.

"Cheers" Weasel said with a smile as he slid a drink over and took out a drink of his own. Clearly intent on joining the fun. If someone needed to distress then it was him.

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Natasha walked through the alleys still creating a facade but her demeanor completely changed the moment she stepped into a van.

"Fury wants to speak to you" An agent said as he handed her an earpiece. Taking it in her hand she adjusted it before placing it on her ear.

"How was the meeting"

"Good but I think I might be compromised," Natasha said leaving Fury quiet on the other end.

"Why do you think so?"

"He was already wary when I started talking to him but something changed slightly mid-way. It felt like he knew me. It could just be my imagination but I trust my instincts" Natasha explained with some tiredness. She didn't expect the meeting to go that way but it did and she can't change it.

"I trust your instincts too" Fury said in response while thinking about Michael. Fortunately, it seemed like he wasn't a straight killer because Natasha returned safely despite becoming compromised. Though this could be a trap of sorts.

"Sigh return to SHIELD we'll leave him alone for now" to many encounters at once may irritate their target and force him to do things they don't want. Sometimes the best approach is No approach.

"Alright I'll he'd back"

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Turning off his phone Nick prepared a new set of documents that he added into a folder that said Michael Beckett. Releasing a deep breath he moved it to the side and revealed another folder with the title.

[AVENGERS INITIATIVE]

The Avengers was a sort of dream of his. A group of amazing individuals coming together to change the world. So far it was still that. A dream but he wondered if this new player could become one of these individuals.

From what he knew Michael had yet to kill an innocent and had only killed scum. His abilities were also impressive, feeling like some sort of Superman. But it seemed like only time would tell.