章 58: Machine Man 56 Terminator vs Black Widow

The Quinjet soared through the night sky, its sleek form blending seamlessly with the darkness as it cruised through the air. Inside, Nick Fury sat in the pilot's seat. The aircraft was in stealth mode, invisible to radar and prying eyes, perfect for the mission ahead.

"It's finally time to meet you, Arasaka," Fury muttered to himself, his voice tinged with anticipation. He had been planning this encounter for weeks, gathering intel and devising strategies to gain the upper hand against the enigmatic tech mogul.

As the Quinjet approached its destination, Fury expertly guided the aircraft towards the towering silhouette of Arasaka Tower. Unbeknownst to him, his presence had already been detected by Skynet, the ever-watchful AI lurking within the building's systems.

With text book precision, Fury easily landed the Quinjet on the rooftop of the skyscraper. "Natasha, meet me at Alex's penthouse. I'll wait for you there," he said into his comms, ending the call not even waiting for a reply, ensuring their arrival went unnoticed. Stepping out of the aircraft, he donned his signature eyepatch and adjusted his coat, ready to recruit the uncontrollable factor.

Using his spy skills honed over years of covert operations, Fury easily bypassed the security measures in place, slipping through the building's defenses like a master spy. But this was all part of Alex's plan, a calculated move to make it appear as though Fury had breached his security protocols without letting the intruder know.

Undeterred by the security in place, Fury pressed on, planting bugs around the penthouse as he went, gathering valuable intel while maintaining complete stealth. With each step, he pieced together the puzzle of Arasaka's operations, trying to learn, grasping his likes, dislike, as to make a complete profile of the man. Unraveling the weakness and mystery that shrouded the tech mogul.

As he reached the heart of the penthouse, Fury shut off the lights, plunging the room into darkness. It was time for the final act of his theatrical play, a confrontation with the mastermind himself.

Seated in a chair which seems ideally place as its right infront of the elevators entrance, Fury waited patiently, his senses sharp and his mind focused. He knew that this meeting would be a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for total control, to secure the uncontrollable factor that is Arasaka and his growing corporation like an Empire.

As minutes stretched into hours, Fury sat in the darkness, his anticipation building with each passing moment. He had meticulously planned this encounter, but it seemed that Alex Arasaka had his own set of surprises in store. Suddenly, mechanical tendrils sprang up, ensnaring Fury and trapping him within their grasp. Trying to free himself prove difficult, as he cannot even move his limbs let alone turn his head. Its like a perfect trap made specifically for him.

Fury cursed under his breath saying "Mother Fucker!", struggling against his restraints as he realized he had underestimated his adversary. Even the damn chair his sitting on seems under the mans control as it moves and turning it self toward the door where Alex seems to be walking from, so he can see him, as if this is some sort of play.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a figure stepped into the room, bathed in the sudden illumination of the lights. "Well hello there, Spymaster," the voice echoed, cool and composed. "Or should I say Director Fury? I've been looking forward to our little tête-à-tête."

Fury's eyes narrowed as he recognized the voice. "Arasaka," he growled, his voice dripping with disdain. "What's the meaning of this?"

Alex Arasaka, controlling a terminator from savage land, regarded Fury with an amused smirk. "Oh… shouldn't, I be the one saying that. Mr. Trespasser? But I must say, I'm quite surprise that the Director of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. Quite a long name I must say, came to personally visit me."

Fury's mind raced as he assessed the situation. He had set everything in motion, but it seemed that he had overlooked a crucial detail, Alexander's knowledge. It seems the man knows more than he should. However, he knew that Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, was tailing Alex and would be prepared to intervene if necessary.

Sure enough, Natasha sprang into action, her quick agility propelling her forward as she aimed a karate chop at Alex's neck. But to her surprise, her blow landed against what felt like metal, rather than flesh.

Alex chuckled, his voice reverberating through the room. "Come now, Natalie, or should I say Black Widow? Attacking someone from behind is rather impolite."

With lightning speed, the Terminator, under Alex's control, seized Natasha's arm and flung her aside. Natasha, however, landed gracefully, poised like a squirrel landing and ready for action.

Alex applauded her, a smirk playing on his lips as his clap reverberated through the room. "Nice, very nice," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with amusement at her superhero landing.

As Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, prepared to confront Alex Arasaka, Fury's subtle nod signaled for her to proceed with their plan. With determination burning in her eyes, Natasha surged forward, intent on incapacitating the man and bring him under question on how he had found about SHIELD.

But Alex was ready for her attack. With a swift motion, he controlled the Terminator to split into two distinct entities. One retained the guise of Alex Arasaka but was composed entirely of nanomachines, while the other transformed into a menacing Edoskeleton.

The Edoskeleton, is constructed from adamantium, loomed over Natasha like a behemoth, its metallic surface gleaming ominously in the dim light. Meanwhile, the humanoid form composed of nanomachines stood before Fury and Natasha, their presence sending a shiver down their spines.

Natasha halted in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. The sight of Alex Arasaka splitting his Skeleton made out of metal with robotic parts for organs, left her speechless. "What in the world?" she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief.

This Terminator is not just a regular Rev-9, its outer shell is a T-3000 made from Vibranium fuse with the Rev-9s Adamantium Endo Skeleton with Cyberware robotic organs and muscle from Cyberpunk 2077, It even have silver like gorilla arms attach as its primary weapon.

The T-3000 is an extremely advanced model Terminator series composed of machine-phase matter. It's made out of billions of nano machines, its nigh invulnerable to physical attacks and this unit can also dispel into mist and reassemble itself elsewhere in frighting speeds, even to the point of appearing to phase through solid objects.

This is the Strongest Terminator Alex have made to date, he calls it Rev-X or model Edgerunner.

Alex's smirk widened as he addressed Fury. "You see, Director Fury, I'm not really a fan of someone breaking into my home. You know you could have just ordered your agent here to talk to me, heck even a simple email would suffice. But breaking into someone's room is a big no-no."

Fury's jaw clenched in frustration, but he remained composed seeing Alex's powers in a new light, he wanted Alex to join SHIELD now more than ever and to see what his capable off. "Natasha, go and test him out," he commanded, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Without hesitation, Natasha sprang into action, her training kicking in as she launched herself at Alex who have split into two. She moved with fluid precision, her movements calculated and precise as she sought to gauge the capabilities of their adversary.

With a swift and calculated motion, Natasha unleashed a barrage of electric shocks from her Widow's Bite bracelets, aiming directly at the humanoid form of Alex composed of nano machines. The blue lights blazed through the air, striking Alex and sending him crashing through the ground with a resounding thud.

For a moment, it seemed as though Natasha had gained the upper hand, her attack appearing to have easily incapacitated her adversary. But to her astonishment, Alex's clothes quickly repaired itself, the nano machines swarming like black ants to close up the tear in his suit looking like its undamaged, it even spit out the metal that carried her electric venom bolt.

"That is not very nice, Natalie," Alex remarked coolly as he stands up in an inhuman way reconfiguring itself like billions of black ants, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. He knows the weakness of Terminators specially the Rev-9 and T-3000 that they are weak to EMP so he made sure to fix that.

Hearing this, Natasha couldn't help but express her disbelief. "What in the world?" she exclaimed, her tone incredulous.

Fury, observing the situation, interjected with a cautious warning. "It must be his powers, the same ones that the Fantastic Four have. Be careful," he urged, his voice tinged with concern.

Alex's smirk widened as he gotten what he wanted to make them believed. "Oh, and you are fired," he declared, his words dripping with contempt.

Natasha wasted no time, assuming an aikido martial art pose as she prepared for the next onslaught. But before she could react, the Endo Skeleton part of the Terminator. Rev-X sprang into action, moving with incredible agility and precision. Like an insect, it leaped from one place to another, closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds.

As the two engaged in combat, Natasha found herself trading blows with the Endo Skeleton, each strike met with equal force and precision to the point that it was vexing. But it soon became apparent that her opponent was toying with her, its movements fluid and calculated as it danced around her attacks.

Natasha lunged forward, her fist aimed for Rev-X's metallic frame, the Endo Skeleton effortlessly dodged, its movements fluid and precise.

Every strike Natasha threw was met with the Endo Skeleton's formidable defense. With each punch, the machine retaliated, its elbow meeting hers blow for blow. Despite Natasha's agility and skill, the Endo Skeleton proved to be a formidable opponent, its adamantium forearm blocking her attacks with ease.

Undeterred, Natasha attempted a high kick aimed at the machine's head, hoping to catch it off guard. But the Endo Skeleton was ready, trading blow for another; it tank her attack by raising its forearm swiftly intercepting the blow. The impact reverberated through the room, Natasha's kick thwarted by the machine's unyielding defense.

Caught off balance by the failed attack, Natasha found herself vulnerable. In a split second, the Endo Skeleton seized the opportunity, delivering a powerful punch to her stomach. The force of the blow sent her flying backward flying into the air..

Before Natasha could regain her bearings, the Endo Skeleton leaped forward with remarkable agility, closing the distance between them in an instant. With a swift motion, it delivered a devastating knee strike, while in midair to Natasha's midsection, sending her hurtling through the air once more.

Having trouble getting up but as a season veteran agent she steeled her resolve and stand up. As the fight continue and despite her best efforts, Natasha struggled to gain the upper hand against the formidable Endo Skeleton. With each passing moment, her frustration grew, knowing that she was up against a foe unlike any she had faced before.

Meanwhile, the nano machines composing Alex's humanoid form quickly compose themselves, allowing him to rise to his feet and approach Fury with an air of calm assurance. "Rest assured, Fury, I don't mean any harm," Alex stated, his voice tinged with an underlying sense of confidence.

Fury's expression remained stoic as he watched the exchange unfold, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew that they were facing an adversary unlike any they had encountered before, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Fury's gaze bore into Alex's, his expression a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Then what do you want? Why tie me up and what is all this?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Alex met Fury's gaze with an enigmatic smile, his eyes gleaming with hidden intent. "You're the one who barged into my home and you're asking why?" he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Anyway, I just want to see the Widow in action. Besides, how could I let my walking atm, I mean my customers come to harm?"

Fury's jaw tightened at the cryptic response, his mind racing to decipher Alex's true motives.

"I know why you're here and what you want," Alex continued smoothly. "I can actually sell you the Militech Robots, but it will be the same price as the military."

Fury's eyes narrowed, his suspicions growing with each passing moment. "Can't you untie me now?" he demanded, eager to regain control of the situation.

With a nonchalant wave of his hand, Alex released Fury from the mechanical bindings, allowing him to straighten himself and regain his composure.

"I also want you to build a firewall, same if not better than the one you are using for your company, something that even you, the Silverhand, will have a hard time cracking," Fury stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

Alex, intrigued by the mention of the Silverhand, secretly communicated with Skynet to inquire about it, the only silverhand he knows is Johnny but that guy is from cyberpunk. "Who is this Silverhand?" he asked.

Skynet replied promptly, "Oh, Silverhand is what the hacker community calls me. When the T-1000 disguised as you was attacked, I tried to figure out who the attackers are and attacked their companies' databases in turn."

Amused by Skynet's response, Alex chuckled softly. "I see," he remarked. "It seems Fury has mistaken me for you then. I'll use this moniker for now; it would be another layer of disguise for SHIELD to mull over."

Skynet hearing this, couldn't help but acknowledge her father's elaborate layer of creating multiple personas. If she didn't know his mental state, she might have thought her father had Dissociative Identity Disorder or worse schizophrenia. She then replied, "As you please, Father."

Meanwhile, Fury's attention remained on Black Widow, who continued to engage the menacing robotic Endo-Skeleton with skill and precision.

As the two clashed, the room was filled with the sound of metal meeting metal, the echoes of their struggle reverberating off the walls. Natasha's Widow's Bite bracelets crackled with energy as she unleashed a barrage of electric shocks, aiming to incapacitate the Alex who have split into two.

But Alex was not easily deterred. With expert control, he maneuvered the Endoskeleton with precision, countering Natasha's every move with calculated efficiency. The fusion of Terminator and Cyberpunk technology proved to be a formidable opponent, matching Natasha blow for blow as they engaged in a deadly dance of combat.

Alex's response to his previous question was swift and assured. "You are right, I am the 'Silverhand'," he confirmed, his tone tinged with amusement. "What gave it away, is it the silver hands on my Skeleton?" he pointed at the silver hand gorilla arm cyberware attached to the Endo Skeleton.

Fury regarded Alex with a mixture of apprehension, even though he is free from his restraints and have confirmed that he was the Silverhand hacker, he still can't be complacent with the formidable opponent before him. "Can you stop that whatever that is from fighting?" he ask, gesturing towards the skeletal mechanical menace.

"That is rude director, that thing is actually a part of me". I said it as half-truth as it could really become a part of me, If I wanted. Maintaining a guise that it's my powers gained through the cosmic storm much like the fantastic four gained their powers. I'm sure for a master spy he can discern when someone is lying even though I'm controlling a machine, you can never be to careful when around spies of Fury's level.

Alex's response was immediate, the Endo-Skeleton halting its movements and merging seamlessly back into his nano machine form making the Rev-X Type Edgerunner complete. "Now, shall we talk business?" Alex proposed, his tone tinged with an air of smug satisfaction.

Fury's mind raced as he considered his options, this is not what he envisioned the scenario would turn out, he envisioned him sitting in the corner and surprising the tech mogul Infront of him peeling his identity layer by layer, but everything went south. Specially with his unknown power to separate a metal skeleton from his body and seemingly heal with ease.

Weighing the risks and benefits of striking a deal with Alex Arasaka, he knew that every decision mattered. "Let's talk," Fury replied, his voice firm with resolve. "But first, I need some assurances."

As the negotiations unfolded, Fury found himself locked in a battle of wits with Alex, each seeking to outmaneuver the other in pursuit of their own agendas.

I understand your position, Fury," Alex began, his tone firm yet with a hint of greediness seeping through. "But the price I offered for the Militech Robots was carefully calculated based on their value and the resources required to produce them. I cannot simply lower it without compromising my companies' own interests."

Fury standing straight not wanting to sit in any more trap chairs, his expression unreadable as he considered Alex's words. "But you must see the benefit of my purchased, this was laid out by the UN. It's in both of our best interests."

Alex nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering. "I see your point, Fury. However, the price I offered is non-negotiable. If you wish to proceed with the purchase, it will be at the agreed-upon rate."

Fury frowned, clearly displeased with Alex's refusal to budge. "What about the firewall?" he pressed. "We need access to your latest encryption technology to bolster our defenses."

Alex leaned forward, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, the firewall," he said, his tone dripping with greed. "It will cost SHIELD alot, Director. You must understand that its designed to withstand even the most sophisticated cyber-attacks, and it's the core of my companies technology, I cannot simply give it away. But everything has a price."

Fury resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Alex's blatant greediness, knowing that he had no choice but to concede to the terms if he wanted to proceed with the purchase. "Very well, Alex," he relented, his tone tinged with resignation. "We'll proceed with the purchase at your terms."

With a satisfied grin, Alex extended his hand across the table, sealing the deal with a handshake that felt more like a victory for his wallet than a mutual agreement. Amidst the tension and uncertainty of this negotiation, a fragile truce began to take shape, born out of mutual respect and a shared understanding of the stakes involved.

As the negotiations for the Militech Robots concluded, Fury seized the opportunity to broach another topic with Alex. Leaning forward, his gaze piercing, he asked, "How did you know about SHIELD? And how did you know my name and that I was the director?"

Alex's response was nonchalant, almost dismissive. "You should know by now, I've hacked into Pentagons database," he replied, a hint of amusement since he actually hack SHIELD and this was basic Meta knowledge.

"That is illegal, you know that," Fury pointed out, his voice edged with a hint of warning. "I could even get you arrested for this."

Alex let out a laugh at Fury's threat, his demeanor unruffled. "And what evidence do you have?" he countered, his tone laced with amusement. "Is it the bugs you planted in this place? They're already disabled, don't bother. All recording devices have been shut down."

Fury's expression tightened at Alex's nonchalant response, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. Despite his best efforts, it seemed that Alex was always one step ahead.

On another note, Fury's mind was preoccupied with more pressing matters. "Do you know about the Avengers initiative?" he inquired, his tone serious.

Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the mention of the superhero team. "Ah, your plan for a superpowered boy band?" he quipped, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"How did you...?" Fury began to question, his curiosity piqued. He wondered if Alex had obtained the information from the UN's database, considering it might have been easier than accessing information from the Pentagon.

"Yes, the Avengers Initiative," Fury confirmed, redirecting the conversation back to the task at hand. "It's a team of extraordinary individuals meant to fight battles where we can't, such as an invasion from the unknown."

But before Fury could elaborate further, Alex interjected, his tone somber. "Are you talking about the aliens that attacked us and how powerless the countries are?" he questioned, his gaze piercing.

Fury was once again baffled by the notion of someone having access to sensitive information not even known by lower-level agents and other country leaders. Alex's knowledge seemed to extend far beyond what should be possible.

Alex nodded solemnly, recalling the events of 1995, a pivotal year in Earth's history. "That was the year Earth learned that we are not alone," he stated gravely. "The Kree, an extreme militaristic civilization, had conquered many planets across galaxies, and they set their sights on our planet. We were almost are at ends when they launch planetary destroying weapons until a superpowered human saved us."

Fury absorbed Alex's words, his mind racing with the implications. "Which is why I'm creating the Avengers," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. "The world is becoming increasingly strange, and we need to assemble a team to fight the unknown."

The Avengers initiative represented Fury's vision for a proactive defense against existential threats, a team of extraordinary individuals united in their commitment to safeguarding humanity.

But Alex remained skeptical, his brow furrowing in thought. "You need an army to fight a war, Director," he remarked, his tone measured. "Taking in superpowered beings is good, you can even put them on a pedestal like celebrities. But they are not soldiers; they're an uncontrollable factor."

Fury's remained undeterred, his gaze unwavering. "You weren't there, and you did not see what I saw," he retorted, his voice carrying the weight of past battles. "One human destroying a fleet. Imagine what a group of people with unique abilities could achieve. They could be more."

Yet, Alex remained unmoved, his skepticism unyielding. "If you want to fight aliens, you need to get the people off this planet first, make them able to achieve the level of a spacefaring civilization," he suggested, his gaze steady and unwavering.

Fury couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty at Alex's words. The idea of humanity venturing into the stars was enticing, but the potential risks and uncontrollable factors weighed heavily on his mind.

"I almost forgot, Director," Alex began, his tone tinged with an air of mystery. "Have you ever wondered why the Kree never came back to attack us again?"

Fury's brow furrowed slightly at the unexpected question. "It's because of a powerful woman who stopped them," he replied confidently, recalling Carol Danvers' heroic actions during the Kree invasion.

But Alex shook his head, his expression unreadable. "That is half correct," he countered cryptically. "There is indeed someone powerful protecting us."

Intrigued by Alex's enigmatic statement, Fury was piqued curiosity. "Who?" he pressed, eager to uncover the truth.

"I've been studying our history ever since the alien attack. Earth's history, in fact," Alex continued, his words weaving a web of intrigue. "I found out that Earth is protected by a powerful civilization—an alien civilization, of all things... The Norse Gods."

Fury couldn't help but scoff at Alex's outlandish claim. "You must jest, Mr. Arasaka," he retorted skeptically. "If there are powerful entities protecting Earth as you said, I would know about it."

But Alex remained unfazed by Fury's disbelief, his gaze steady. "Are you confident because of your alien friends and Danvers who fought with the Kree?" he questioned knowingly.

Fury's demeanor shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his features. This was information far beyond what even SHIELD had access to. "How did you?" he began, his voice trailing off as realization dawned.

Alex's grin widened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "What surprise?" he quipped. "As I said, the information I have has a price."

Fury nodded slowly, his mind racing with the implications of Alex's words. "Tell me what you know, Mr. Arasaka," he urged, his tone serious. "I'll be sure to pay for the information, depending on its importance.

And so, Alex launched into his explanation, painting a picture of Earth's place in the cosmos as one of the Nine Realms under the protection of the Norse god Odin, he even talk about the Beserker staff as proof not caring for the consequences of a mess-up timeline. Fury listened intently as Alex spoke of ancient artifacts and alien records hidden in plain sight, his mind reeling at the implications of such revelations.

Why go through all the trouble and giving Fury some spoilers you might ask. That is to manipulate one of the most paranoid people in the planet, give him a shock, give him information on things which he cannot control. Showing the spymaster a picture that he Alex himself is on humanities side, and the he is doing his own things to protect this planet. That way Alex can use this as sort of leverage in the future.

As the conversation neared its end, Fury leaned forward, his eye fixed on Alex Arasaka. "Alex," he began, his voice firm yet inviting, "I want to extend an invitation to you. Join the Avengers initiative."

Alex raised an eyebrow, considering Fury's offer carefully. He had anticipated this moment, knowing that his unique set of skills and cosmic powers made him a valuable asset to any team. However, he had no intention of joining forces with any organization, especially not one as high-profile as the Avengers. "Sorry, Fury," he replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I'm not interested."

Fury's expression darkened slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. But he quickly regained his composure, pressing on with his pitch. "I understand your reservations, Alex," he said smoothly. "But think about the good you could do with us. Think about the things you could achieve working for shield, we could make a real difference."

But Alex remained steadfast in his refusal, his mind made up. "I appreciate the offer, but our cooperation can only go so far as this transaction," he insisted, his tone unwavering. "And I hate working for someone else."

Fury sighed, realizing that further persuasion would be futile. "I respect your decision," he conceded, though the disappointment was evident in his voice. "But know that the door is always open if you ever change your mind."

With a final nod, Fury withdrew his hand, a sense of determination burning in his eyes. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with the Avengers initiative as their guiding beacon, he felt a renewed sense of hope.

As they parted ways, Fury couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter with Alex Arasaka was just the beginning of a much larger journey. Yet he was ready to face whatever challenges the future held, forging a path forward in an uncertain world.

Note:

Sorry for the weird spacing, I'm having trouble pasting the proper spaces from word document to this site via browser. Sometimes it will remove the spaces and i have to add it manually, and sometimes the spaces gets to weird, its annoying like this one.

On another note: thanks again for Liking this half arse fanfic. Your guys comments are what kept me going. I find them rather entertaining and funny at times, cheers brothers!