Chapter 52: That’s right, Transformers are mine!
Chapter 52: That's right, Transformers are mine!
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As soon as Natasha's question hung in the air, Wanda's face turned to anger. "Natasha!" she snapped.
Her reaction stemmed from a simple desire: to maintain their current peaceful life without complications. Natasha's direct question threatened to unravel that peace. Whether the answer was yes or no, it would have repercussions. If Lorien denied owning the Transformer, it could bring unwanted scrutiny. If he confirmed it, more trouble might follow.
Natasha's inquiry, while understandable, could disrupt everything.
But before Wanda's anger could escalate, Lorien gently touched her hand. "It's okay, Wanda," he said calmly, his touch soothing her. Wanda took a deep breath and calmed down, though she still glared at Natasha with a hint of hostility.
Lorien turned to Natasha and nodded. "Yes, it's mine."
Natasha's eyes widened in surprise, and Wanda's expression mirrored hers. Lorien took a sip of his coffee, unfazed. "What's mine is mine, and what's not, isn't. There's no need to hide the truth."
Natasha was taken aback by Lorien's straightforwardness, while Wanda's gaze filled with admiration. In some ways, Lorien reminded Natasha of Tony Stark: both men were unafraid to take responsibility for their actions. However, their personalities were entirely different, sharing only the trait of unwavering confidence.
Natasha, processing Lorien's confirmation, took a moment to compose herself before asking, "Is there anything more you can tell me about it? I need to gather as much information as possible for our mission, but feel free to share only what you can."
Understanding the delicate situation within the Avengers, Natasha added, "The Avengers' internal situation is complicated right now. I assure you, whatever you tell me about the Transformer will remain between us."
Wanda's glare softened slightly at Natasha's promise, sensing her sincere intention to avoid disrupting their lives. Lorien nodded, appreciating Natasha's discretion. It was clear she was being cautious and respectful, rather than demanding.
"There's really not much to explain," Lorien began thoughtfully. "It's called a Transformer, and I named it Skyfire. It's not just a machine; it's a living entity with a soul and autonomous awareness. It's not a product of human technology but of alien power. These are two entirely different concepts. Even if Tony studied it, the results wouldn't align with our Earth's technology tree."
As Lorien spoke, Natasha took meticulous notes. The implications of a sentient, alien-powered entity were enormous. She processed Lorien's words, realizing the profound impact such a being could have.
"It's incredible," Natasha finally said, her voice tinged with awe.
After Lorien finished speaking, Natasha put away her notes, a mix of curiosity and respect in her eyes. She hesitated, then asked, "One last question. This is purely out of curiosity, and I promise I won't disclose it to anyone."
Lorien nodded. "Go ahead."
"Can it be replicated?" Natasha asked, her tone serious.
This question carried significant weight. The Avengers' current predicament was partly due to Ultron, an AI created by Tony Stark to control the Iron Legion. Without the advanced AI, even a sophisticated system like Jarvis couldn't manage the vast number of armors Tony envisioned. This led to the creation of Ultron and the subsequent fallout.
Natasha's question struck at the heart of a potential new concern. If Skyfire could be replicated, it might lead to a new era of technological advancement—or another catastrophic event.
Wanda, not fully grasping the technical implications, remained silent. But for Lorien, this question was an opportunity to set clear boundaries.
Leaning back in his chair, Lorien put down his coffee cup and smiled at Natasha. "As long as I want it to, it can keep coming."
Natasha fell silent, absorbing the magnitude of Lorien's statement. An endless supply of Transformers implied unprecedented power. If Lorien ever decided to exert his will, his capabilities could surpass anything currently on Earth.
"I understand," Natasha said finally, nodding in acknowledgment. She concluded the conversation but added a cautionary note, "Tony will likely trace you soon, Lorien. There are very few all-red supercars in New York, and even fewer that can transform. Even if the cameras missed it last night, Tony's satellites could analyze the data step by step."
Wanda looked at Lorien, worry etched on her face. She wondered how he would handle such scrutiny. If things became too difficult, she was prepared to protect him, even if it meant confronting Tony Stark.
But Lorien remained unfazed. He shrugged and said, "It's only a matter of time. I don't mind being known. What I do mind is someone trying to force me into something I don't want to do or disturbing my life."
Wanda squeezed his hand, her eyes filled with affection and agreement. She nodded, silently communicating that she stood by him, no matter what.
Natasha, observing their bond, understood that this was Lorien and Wanda's moment. She rose, paid the bill, and quietly left the café.
Lorien watched her go, then took out his phone and pressed a button. "It's okay," he said, looking at Wanda with a reassuring smile. "I'll have Skyfire come over."
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Some power stones