[HEY If anyone wants to see the picture of the things that are described in this story go to the Scribble Hub version of this fanfic and search for this story. There should be picture or concept art that is embedded into the story. And if you are already here then Thank you and please enjoy this chapter.]
This work is purely fanfiction and doesn't have any relation to the property of Marvel Comics.
I don't own Marvel Comics or any mentioned media in this Fic.
All rights are reserved to those Companies.
Rated M, 18 and Above for Violent and Sexual Content.
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Marvel: Genesis Arcana.
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An excellent man, like precious metal, is in every way invariable; A villain, like the beams of a balance, is always varying, upwards and downwards. —John Locke.
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[Chapter 3: The Dark Metal]
-Vine Journey Entry: 41-
Selene Gallio.
That name feels oddly important to me. Like a name that holds all of the answers that I've been searching for. I've heard about the Hellfire Club before, both in a historical sense and fiction, back in my home universe. But this is the Marvel Comic version, we are talking about. I've read enough to know they're a society of influential individuals, often with dubious intentions. They're known to be a mix of the rich and powerful, mutants, supervillains, and sometimes even superheroes too if I recall correctly.
At the core of the Hellfire Club lies the Inner Circle, a secret council whose members adopt the titles of chess pieces, reflecting their strategic maneuvering and power dynamics. The leadership consists of the Black King and White King, accompanied by their respective Queens, Bishops, and Knights. Membership in the Inner Circle is typically a birthright, passed down through generations of the world's elite. However, not all who inherit this legacy choose to formally accept membership. Some merely attend the lavish parties, unwilling or unready to fully embrace the Club's activities.
Throughout the Hellfire Club's history, numerous individuals have filled the roles within its prestigious Inner Circle. In anticipation of potentially poking the hornet's nest, I am exploring all available resources, including the complete utilization of the notebooks, to improve my chances of successfully navigating any encounters. To this end, I have begun compiling a list of notable individuals who have held positions within the prestigious Inner Circle, drawing from my memories of Marvel media from my younger years. This list includes individuals who could range from being lesser known and prominent (at least to my knowledge) to those who are highly memorable and influential, having significantly shaped the organization's history.
First of all, if we are going to start anywhere, we have to start with Le grand homme lui-même. Sebastian Fucking Shaw, the Black King of the Hellfire Club. This guy is basically the poster child for human greed and ambition. He's got the power to absorb kinetic energy and is practically unkillable—except for that one time he got stabbed through the chest with a sword, but let's not talk about that. He's the kind of person who'd sell his own mother if it meant more power or money. But he's not just a brute—he's smart too, a shrewd businessman who's built his fortune on the backs of the weak and the desperate. He's got a knack for manipulation, a silver tongue that could charm the pants off a saint, and a ruthless streak a mile wide. If he's got his sights set on you, you're either going to end up dead or indebted to him for life.
Donald Pierce, the white Bishop, and a Racist Chrome-out cyborg. Pierce is a dangerous figure who has brought both science and ruthlessness to the Club's goals. Known for his vendettas, he's used his resources to wage war against mutants, pushing the Club's agenda forward through calculated attacks and schemes. If my memory is correct, in the story the man has a personal army of his own, the Reaver, which is composed of cyborgs out of low-life thugs and a few mercenaries in the mix with a taste for mutant extermination. The kind of guy who'd give a Terminator a run for its money in the cold, unfeeling department. And If he's still around, he's going to be a problem. His tech and hatred are a dangerous combo.
Harry Leland. I don't know much about the guy, to be honest, but from what I gather, he's known as the Black Bishop and operates primarily as a Corporate attorney. His frequent involvement in enforcing the Inner Circle's decree suggests a significant role within the organization. As a mutant, his ability to manipulate gravity is quite noteworthy, granting him the capacity to render others powerless by abruptly amplifying their weight—an advantageous tool for contending with adversaries and keeping members in line.
Edward Buckman, I also don't know much about his background, except for the fact that he holds the position of the White King and maintains a clandestine financial association with a government project titled Project: Armageddon. This venture seems to have dual objectives: either to generate a mutant progeny that the U.S. government could exploit for research and development purposes as a genetic weapon or to eradicate mutants through the utilization of an advanced Sentinel model. So overall, another Racist Goddamn prick with too much money and power.
Now finally, we get to the part where I am the most interested, The Queen. I'm referring to both the White and the Black Queen, but more specifically the Black one. Starting with the White Queen, given Emma's current status as a rebellion runaway heiress, she's clearly not in the running for the role at present. However, this doesn't imply that the position is vacant. My bet is on Paris Seville as the current White Queen, if she's even alive in this world. Similar to her lover, Edward, my knowledge of her is limited, except that she and her lover met an untimely end early in the comic's history. Therefore, I'll reserve further discussion on her until Cooper provides more definitive information.
Sidenote, I should definitely tell Cooper to make some minor adjustments to her Avatar. Out of all of the appearances that the UNSC Smart AI could have selected to embody, she chooses to look like Meriem Cooper of all the characters. Now that I think about it, this choice is what likely inspired her name as well, and reflecting on the time of her inception, a month ago, when she was brought into the world, all thanks to my notebook.
Cooper's creation was motivated by the need to support me across all technology-related domains, much like Cortana's function for Master Chief, and indeed, she has outperformed expectations in this capacity, which is only fitting for an AI of such high quality. Initially, she preserved a flawlessly neutral and professional demeanor, adorning a UNSC Navy Service Uniform akin to Commander Miranda Keyes' attire from the game, which she sustained for approximately a week after her activation.
That is until… she suddenly developed an unusual almost obsessed penchant for human entertainment. And wouldn't you know it, everything began to go downhill from that point onwards.
So overall, I'm just going to say that it was my fault partially and moved on, that she has now taken on the form of a busty, scantily clad, cheeky AI, reminiscent of Cortana, yet with a more overtly promiscuous demeanor. Admittedly, I find this new form visually appealing, appreciating the female aesthetic. However, her presence can be quite distracting, so I should consider alternative means of engaging her other than allowing her to binge-watch Baywatch reruns continuously. Perhaps taking her on outings could be an option, but that's a consideration for later. For the moment, back to the topic at hand, Selene Gallio, the Black Queen.
In my opinion, if she was anything like her comic book counterpart, then Selene Gallio is the most dangerous out of the bunch for two things in consideration. Magic and multiple lifetimes of Experience.
You see, Selene Gallio is old, like ancient old. She is considered one of the oldest living mutants on Earth having lived for over 17,000 years. All thanks to her ability to drain the life essence from other beings to extend her own existence indefinitely. This makes her a formidable and terrifying adversary. This woman has seen the rise and fall of civilizations, and with that comes a wealth of knowledge and power that could make even the most seasoned superhero pause before engaging.
And her magic? Let me enlighten you on a lesser-known truth: the Eye of Agamotto once regarded her as a candidate to assume the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. This speaks volumes about her prowess. Selene mystical talents span a spectrum from telepathy and telekinesis to the manipulation of death itself and the conjuring of shadowy beings. Shrouded in an enigma, her abilities stem from obscure and ancient origins that even my extensive comic lore expertise struggles to fully grasp. One thing is certain, however: she is a formidable adversary, not to be taken lightly.
And… she is also my primary focus. The individual I am actively pursuing at present. Based on my deductions, Selene is likely to be found within New York City, possibly in the vicinity of or within the Hellfire Club Building located in Manhattan. That is my intended destination, aiming for a private encounter with Selene to obtain the information I seek. However, I must be ready for all scenarios. Ideally, I would only face Selene herself, but I am also preparing for the possibility of confronting the entire Inner Circle. As the adage suggests: Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
Thankfully for me, I've got a potentially few possible approaches for handling an individual of her nature, or all of them actually, right at the forefront of my mind.
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Boston City, in the state of Massachusetts, of the USA.
"Nth metal… have you ever come across that term, Cooper?" Vine queries casually, his gaze fixed on the New York City map displayed on the monitor, before shifting to the AI donned in a skimpy tiger pattern bikini.
"Nth metal?" Cooper questions, a contemplative expression traversing her digital face as she pivots away from the screen, digitally stroking her chin. "It sounds vaguely familiar. Could it be a sort of extraordinary material?"
Vine smirks slightly without looking away from the map. "Indeed, you're on the right track. But allow me to elaborate, as Nth metal is quite an intriguing topic." He pauses briefly before continuing, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "It's a fictional metal, hailing from the realm of DC comics. Within that universe, if my memory is correct, it's one of the most powerful substances, originating from the Dark Multiverse. Known as the 'ninth metal', it's only one step lower in purity and overall potency than the 'tenth metal', otherwise referred to as Element X."
"Element X? What's that?" Cooper questions, the intrigued tone in her voice piqued by the mention of something outside the usual Marvel-centric knowledge.
Vine chuckles lightly, his gaze briefly meeting the AIs before returning to the map. "Ah, Element X. It's a bit of a show-stopper. Well… simply put, Element X is basically a metallic substance that is made out of pure creation itself, pretty potent stuff. But let's not get ahead of ourselves," Vine started with an amused smile, shifting his eyes to meet the AI's gaze directly before refocusing them on the map laid out before them. "On the other hand, Nth metal is special in its own right. It first appeared on Thanagar, home to the Hawks, and has since spread across the primary DC multiverse, becoming part of legendary artifacts like Hawkgirl's mace and the Helmet of Fate. It's quite the versatile material, with a rich history and a myriad of applications."
"Woah, and just what does this Nth metal do?" The UNSC Smart AI's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her attention fully on the Frenchman as he finally tore his gaze away from the map of New York City to face her. "You make it sound like is the stuff of legends. But I can't imagine what could be so special about a mere material—it's just a metal, right?"
"Really, You still don't get it?" The Frenchman said with a deadpan tone, causing a sheepish smile to appear on Cooper's face. "As I told you before, Nth metal is like one step down from Element X, which you know, is basically pure creation. That alone should tell you how big of a deal this substance is." He took a moment, a new thought popping into his head, and then a knowing smile spread across his lips. "But perhaps, word alone doesn't do it justice. How about a demonstration, Coop?"
"Uh… and how are you going to do that?" The Bikini-clad AI asks skeptically, raising a perfectly manicured digital eyebrow. "Darling… Last I checked, we don't have any Nth metal lying around here for you to show off with."
"Well… it's easy." Vine's smile grew broader as he reached into his bag and pulled out a notebook with 'Scribblenauts' inscribed on the cover. He flipped it open and retrieved a pen. "We are going to bring it into existence. Just like how you were brought to life, Coop." He began to scribble something down on the page, his hand moving swiftly and surely.
Cooper's expression was one of uncertainty. She scrutinized her creator as he wrote. "But are you positive this is a good plan? Can your notebook truly handle the creation of something as possibly intricate and powerful as this… Nth metal. You called it?" Her voice carried a tinge of worry. "It's not exactly the same as conjuring a simple object or creature, you know?"
"Well no… but If it can bring a sophisticated being like yourself into existence, then I am willing to bet that this thing could possibly also summon something even more complex than that," Vine replied with confidence as he continued to scribble. "I probably won't attempt it with Elements X in the near future, as I'd prefer not to risk it, Murphy Law you know? However, the creation of Nth metal is theoretically achievable. Furthermore, I've already envisioned an ideal application for the metal, and it's not merely for the sake of flaunting it around."
"Oh? What do you plan to do with it?" The UNSC AI leaned in closer as her curiosity peaked.
"For one, it serves as a potential countermeasure against a majority of Selene's abilities, mostly anything magic-related. Additionally, it provides a substantial enhancement to my own capability also." Vine said, not taking his eyes off the notebook. Suddenly His hand stopped moving, and he paused as the pen finished its dance on the page. "Alright, let's see if this—AÏ PUTAIN!"
-*THUMB*-
"AHHHHH!!!!"
Out of nowhere, something brick-size suddenly appeared above the Frenchman's desk and fell with a loud thud, causing Cooper's hologram to jump back with a yelp of surprise and dissipate. The room is filled with a strange, electric hum as the object seems to vibrate slightly, a pulsing energy radiating from its core. It's a chunk of metal, shimmering with an otherworldly glow that seems to resist the very laws of physics. The room's light dances off its surface, casting shadows that seem to twist and writhe like living things.
"Fuck… me…" Vine clutches his chest tightly, his heart pounding like crazy and his eyes wide as he stares at the metal chunk. The room's energy had shifted, charged with something he couldn't quite put his finger on—like the anticipation before a storm. Shaking his head, The Frenchman leaned forward cautiously and then reached out, lightly poking it with his index finger. It felt warm to the touch! Almost alive even! And the energy it exudes… "Can't believe that works…"
"Oh… my… goodness…" Cooper's mini holographic form reappeared, her eyes wide with astonishment as she took in the sight of the glowing metal before her. "Is that… Nth metal?"
"Heh…" Vine breathed out, and a slight smile began to form on his face. He picked up the chunk of Nth metal with both hands, feeling the pulse of power within it, the warmth spreading through his palms, up his arms, and into his very core. It was as if he'd just held a piece of a star. The metal felt alive, almost sentient. He studied the shifting patterns of light playing across its surface, the way it seemed to hum with energy, and felt his very being resonate with it. "It would appear so, Coop, It would appear so..."
"WOAH, These energy readings are off the charts!" Cooper exclaimed, her hands hovering over a series of digital screens displaying various data points, her eyes wide with excitement. "It's like nothing I've ever seen!"
The Frenchman could only nod along as the UNSC AI began to rattle off a slew of data points, her excitement palpable even through the digital interface. Both of his hands were clutching tightly on the piece of Nth metal, his eyes still locked on the seemingly mesmerizing patterns playing across its surface. It was like looking into the very fabric of reality, and the longer he stared, the more he could feel his mind stretching to grasp the true potential of this newfound power.
Then as it happened, the piece of what looked like Nth metal began to shift and change before his very eyes. First, the hue of the metallic object started to transform, originally presenting as a gleaming blend of gold and silver, but gradually it morphed into a deeper, more somber purple, approaching the profundity of black. Ultimately, it reached a point where it was entirely black, giving the eerie sensation of holding a miniature black hole in the center of one's palm.
The chuck of metal began to float off Vine's hand, causing the bikini-clad AI to stop mid-sentence and gasp. "What is happening?" She questioned with wide eyes, her digital hands hovering over the screens as she studied the rapidly changing readings. "I am getting unusual gravitic readings here and the sensor on the workshop is going haywire, it's like the very laws of physics are bending around it!"
"Well… that's hardly unexpected, Coop! Nth metal has quite the reputation for that sort of behavior!" Vine said with a chuckle, though the excitement in his voice was clear. He watched the floating chunk of metal with fascination as it grew more and more stable in the air, the vibrations from it becoming less intense. "But what is particularly intriguing, however, is the metal's now black coloration."
"Oh? And why is that intriguing?" Cooper's digital voice was filled with curiosity as the metal continued to hover in mid-air, the purple-black hue darkening to a near-absence of color.
Suddenly the metal object ceased its suspension in midair and descended into Vine's outstretched palm with a resounding thump. The room's energy, once so intense, dispersed as rapidly as it had manifested, leaving in its wake only a faint aroma of ozone and a profound silence filled with anticipation. The metal piece, which had just exhibited an extraordinary feat, now lay altogether innocently within his grasp, its current temperature a stark contrast to its former energetic state.
"Well? If I'm not wrong, the black version of Nth metal, commonly known as 'Dark Metal', has some special properties that set it apart from the typical gold and silver types." The Frenchman spoke in a hushed tone, his gaze unwavering from the metal in question. "It's scarcer, and it's got a bit more oomph to it. Among its notable abilities, it can enhance the user's senses to a remarkable degree, allowing them to see past the membrane of everyday reality. For instance, they could gauge the true intentions of anyone with a mere look, revealing what is generally hidden from view. Or, they might be able to sense threats or irregularities from as near as their vicinity to as far as the edges of our solar system, possibly even beyond. As far as I know, the standard ones don't possess such capabilities."
"So in layman's terms: it's like having… Cosmic level of Awareness…" Then, Vine let out an exasperated sigh, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. " "But hold your horses, there's more to it than that.""
"More?" The astonished AI in a skimpy leopard-printed bikini leaned closer, shaking her head, the disbelief evident. "Darling… you haven't told me about what the standard Nth metal could accomplish, and now you're telling me there's more?"
"Be patient, my dear artificial friends, we'll delve into the general capabilities of Nth metal soon enough, and trust me, there's a lot to cover. But for now, let me try something first before we proceed any further." Vine's grin turned slightly playful as he wrapped his fingers around the chunk of metal, sensing the energy within it pulsing against his palm. He inhaled deeply, concentrated his mind, and channeled his intent into the dark metallic brick.
"Woah…" Cooper murmured, her digital eyes widening in astonishment as something extraordinary began to unfold before her. She leaned in, her holographic form flickering slightly with anticipation.
Then before the very eyes of the Frenchman, the piece of dark metal started to undergo a remarkable Metamorphosis. The Nth metal now resembled black liquid metal, reminiscent of the T-1000 from the Terminator series. The metal flowed and reshaped itself, evolving into the sleek outline of a Wakizashi blade that exuded a sense of danger. The Wakizashi was as black as the abyss of space, yet it had a peculiar sheen that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it. The transformation was captivating, with the metal behaving as if it was alive, reacting to the silent instructions of Vine. Subsequently, it formed a traditional Japanese saya around the blade, which was as dark as the blade itself, and adorned with elaborate patterns that undulated like celestial bodies in the midnight sky.
"Hang on… is there something wrong with my sensor? It seems like the patterns on the saya are… moving?" Cooper narrowed her digital gaze, attempting to discern any anomalies within the complex design of the newly formed scabbard. "It looks animated, is that intentional? It looks… beautiful…"
"Yeah it was, I suddenly had an idea about all of those animated gun skins from the newer Call of Duty game and wondered if this thing could do something similar." The Frenchman explained as he took the now transformed Wakizashi by the handle and slid it partly out of the saya with a smooth, almost ceremonial motion. The ebony blade gleams once again with the same otherworldly sheen as the Nth metal chunk had moments ago, seemingly alive with its own inner light. "You want to wager on the sharpness of this blade? I'd be willing to bet that it could give Captain America's Vibranium Shield or Wolverine's Adamantium Skeleton a run for their money. Sure… I don't think that this thing could potentially slice cleanly through either but it'd certainly leave a noticeable… mark. Anyway, speaking of guns."
Once again like before, Vine then focuses his will and intention on the sword he wields, and similarly to the earlier transformation, it starts to oscillate at an intense rate. Gradually, the saya and Wakizashi separate into a levitating pool of black metallic fluid. The Nth metal commences its morphing process anew, and this time, it forms a sophisticated yet hefty futuristic Assault rifle with an integrated grenade launcher beneath the muzzle. The resulting weapon bears a striking resemblance to the M41A Pulse Rifle from the iconic Aliens series, appearing as if it has been extracted directly from the screen and transported to their world but with a sleek all-black appearance. It emanates a lethal elegance that seems to be the exclusive domain of instruments conceived for the purpose of combat or to challenge the formidable Xenomorphs themselves.
The Frenchman shoulders the M41A Pulse Rifle with the ease of a seasoned special forces operator. It felt surprisingly balanced, despite the added weight of the grenade launcher. He took a moment to appreciate the weapon's aesthetic before speaking, "What do you think, Coop? Pretty Awesome right?"
"Heh… boy and their toys… but yeah. You do give off a strong 80s action-hero vibe now, darling," Cooper remarked playfully with a roll of her eyes, her gaze shifting from the weapon to its wielder—her creator—appreciating his skillful handling. The Bikini-clad artificial intelligence suddenly found herself drawn to the visual allure of the man before her. Beneath her digital facade, a strange yearning for a more tangible connection began to emerge, reminiscent of human desire. She found herself recalling the... explicit… content she had observed, the fluid movements and expressive sounds of the humans. Abruptly, a soft blush began to spread across her virtual features.
Oblivious to the UNSC AI's inner thoughts, Vine chuckled at her comment as he turned to the gun rack beside the advanced workshop. It was stocked with an array of firearms, both real and fictional, each functioning as if plucked straight from their respective universes, courtesy of the Vine notebook. The Frenchman selected another M41A Pulse Rifle from the rack, which was flanked by an MA5C assault rifle and a Godwyn-De'az Pattern Bolter—futuristic weapons from the Halo and Warhammer 40K franchises, respectively. He placed the normal one next to the Nth metal Pulse Rifle on the workshop table.
Vine picked up the standard M41A Pulse Rifle and pressed a button on the side, ejecting the magazine with a sharp metallic click. He removed the 99-round detachable box magazine filled with 10×24mm caseless ammo from the standard rifle and inserted it into the Nth metal variant, the magazine clicking securely into place. He then racked the charging handle, the sound echoing through the quiet stored chamber. The Nth metal firearm was now ready for combat. Satisfied with its compatibility with the standard ammo, Vine ejected the magazine and reinserted it back into the standard rifle, returning it to the gun rack.
"Now, I want to try one last thing, before we resume our discussion on the distinctive capabilities of dark Nth metal in contrast to its conventional variant," Vine says, his eyes glinting with anticipation. He takes a deep breath and again focuses his thoughts on the weapon in his hand. The rifle commences to vibrate gently, preluding its transformation into a liquid state. The dark color Nth metal undergoes another metamorphosis, now coalescing around the Frenchman's hand to shape an unexpected object. It materializes into the semblance of... a watch…? Upon closer inspection, it is confirmed as a minimalist analog piece, flaunting a jet-black strap and a refined purple-hued face adorned with silver hour and minute hands, which currently indicate 6:35 in the morning. "Nonetheless… Back to the topic at hand, the dark variant, like the one that I have conjured here, can also be used to breach inter-dimensional barriers to traverse across the multiverse and beyond."
"Wait wait wait, hold up a moment there, Vine. Breach what now? Multiverse and beyond? What in the blazes does that even mean?" The bikini-clad AI asked, a baffled expression crossing her face. "How is that even possible, how does just a chunk of metal allow you to do that?"
"Well…" Vine began, but then an idea suddenly struck him, causing his eyes to light up with a mix of excitement and mischief. He glanced at the newly formed watch on his wrist, nodding to himself as a plan began to formulate in his mind. "Yeah… I've got the time for this. Hold on, Cooper, I've got an idea." He looked up at the AI, his expression serious yet eager as he began to push his intent into the dark metal. "Let's have a bit of fun, shall we? How about another demonstration? Are you up for a quick in-and-out adventure? I want to test a theory and see if this metal can do what I think it can and if I'm lucky maybe we get something out of it or someone..."
Then a dark-looking portal opened in the middle of the workshop.
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30 minutes later.
A Few kilometers away from an A.R.G.U.S. High-Security Female Detention Facility in the DCU version of the United States.
"Woah so this is what the outside looks like?" Cooper whispers, her voice reverberating faintly through Vine's earpiece as he remains concealed in the tall grass. The casual attire he once donned has been swapped for a sleek black tactical outfit, reminiscent of the covert type of combat gear worn by GIGN operatives, which includes a balaclava and a PASGT-style helmet with a lowered visor that conceals his features entirely. Yet the most striking alteration is the high-tech exoskeleton adhering to his form, akin to the one from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, which also functions as a sophisticated cloaking mechanism, making him almost imperceptible to the naked eye. "It's so... organic and expansive."
The AI's voice had a hint of awe in it, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air around them. The dark Nth metal, now in the form of a tactical belt around his waist was now pulsing with a very faint purple light, matching the unusual glow in his eyes. These eyes, now supernaturally focused, were locked onto the formidable compound a few kilometers ahead. The dark metal allows him to extend his sense beyond that of an ordinary individual and… it was a very strange experience, to say the least.
To Vine, the sensation was akin to a heightened version of Superman's X-ray vision. Within his mind's eye, the entire compound unfolded as a detailed three-dimensional model. He could discern the layout of the structures, the precise locations and activities of both guards and prisoners, the intricacies of the security apparatus, and even the minute fluctuations of air particles. Additionally, the very audible whispers of their conversations and the steady rhythm of their heartbeats reached his auditory senses. The deluge of information was indeed overwhelming, but with practice, he hypothesized, he would be able to isolate the critical data from the cacophony of the irrelevant.
But for now, he got all of the necessary information that he needed and it was now the time to begin his plan. "It is indeed, my dear artificial friends. But can you tap into the local network and detect any sort of COM signal coming from that facility?" Vine queries, shaking his head slightly as his eyes cease to emit light. He then retrieves an object reminiscent of a standard issue M.I.B neuralyzer from a small pouch of his Nth metal tactical belt, verifies its power status, and slightly alters its setting before returning it to its place. "I suspect that the entirety of this installation operates on an isolated network. If we manage to breach it, we'll gain a significant advantage in this whole operation; however, should we fail in that endeavor, we can opt for a swift extraction to preempt any potential response."
"Already did and no, there didn't seem to be any open network for me to tap into. The security here is tighter than a duck's... well, let's just say it's very tight, darling," The UNSC Smart AI replied, her voice a mix of professionalism and playfulness, despite the seriousness of the situation. "I could potentially disrupt their system temporarily, but if you're able to reach the main security hub of the complex, I can connect to their network, granting me a measure of authority over all the defensive mechanisms. This would enable you to proceed with whatever your objectives are unnoticed by the digital surveillance systems and without triggering an electronic alert."
"I know where that is; it's on the ground level of the complex, towards the north. I just need to reach the top of the facility and I'll make my move when the chance presents itself," Vine replied with a steady voice, meticulously observing the security patterns of the compound. He produced what appeared to be a suppressed Glock and P90, checked both weapons and then secured them again. The night was inky black, with only faint moonlight and starlight filtering through the clouds to provide any light. However, with his enhanced senses, the darkness was no hindrance. He could clearly see the guards patrolling the perimeter, their thermal signatures standing out against the cold concrete structures.
"And how are you going to get to the top?" Cooper's digital voice filled his ear, a hint of skepticism laced through her curiosity. "There probably isn't a friendly elevator waiting for you, and unless you've got Batman's grappling hooks in that fancy belt of yours, I don't see how you plan on scaling those walls without alerting the guards."
"Oh, it's quite simple really… We fly." The Frenchman smirked behind his visor as the Nth metal belt around his waist began to lift him off the ground. Suddenly, Vine was airborne, thanks to the gravity-negating properties of the metal. He soared towards the prison like a hawk gliding through the night sky, the cloaking mechanism of his exoskeleton rendering him invisible to the naked eye. His movements were swift and silent, leaving no trace behind.
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The Main Security Office of the A.R.G.U.S. High-Security Female Detention Facility.
"So, did anyone catch the game last night?" Tom asked, breaking the silence, the senior surveillance officer leaned back in his chair and stretched. "Did you see how close the Gotham Rogues were to winning? That Hail Mary pass was insane!"
In a dimly lit security Office, six security personnel were stationed around the perimeter, monitoring an array of screens displaying various parts of the sprawling detention facility. They were all dressed in standard A.R.G.U.S. uniforms, their eyes scanning the feeds with a mix of boredom and diligence that comes with the graveyard shift. The hum of the monitors and the occasional beep from the equipment were the only sounds that filled the room, creating a rhythmic symphony of technology.
"Is this really the time for this, Tommy?" Another surveillance officer, Sarah, replied, her gaze never leaving the monitors. Her eyes scanned through all the feeds showing the female inmates in their cells, each one locked up tight for the night. Some were sleeping, some were reading, and some were engaged in more... personal activities. "I thought we were keeping this shift nice and boring, no?"
Sarah was grateful she had kept the audio low; otherwise, the entire office would have been filled with sounds best left unheard. It was par for the course in a maximum-security penitentiary, where she was responsible for monitoring the nation's most dangerous female metahumans. It was all part of the job, overseeing these formidable villainesses, and it was just another day at work in such a challenging environment.
"Ah, don't be such a killjoy, Sarah." Another woman, Lisa, chimed in beside her. The technician officers were sipping on their lukewarm coffee, their eyes glazed over from hours of staring at screens. "Besides, you know nothing ever happens here. These bitches are all locked down tighter than a bank vault during a blackout. Nothing but a bunch of sleeping beauties, except they ain't got no princes to save them, thank God."
"Yeah, thank god for that." Douglas, the Security Superintendent, chimed in, his eyes never straying from the central control panel before him. His hand hovered over the button that would alert the rest of the facility to any trouble, but it remained untouched, a silent sentinel against the night's potential chaos. "I heard that one of our rookies almost got his nose ripped off because he was caught looking where he shouldn't have been. No fun in that, Tom. Let's keep our heads in the game, folks."
"Oh, Shit Dude! Was that guy okay?" Jacobs, the newly hired intern, leaned in with morbid fascination. Pushing his glasses up his nose, his eyes widened with each word of the gossip. "How did that happen?"
"Well, if you must know, new guy," a man, the only black guy in the room was standing by the entrance of the room interjected. He was the Senior Security Officer, Newman, dressed in a standard riot uniform with his helmet off. He had been quietly observing the exchange between the other officers. "The newbies and another guard were escorting one of our newer residents, a mad clone of... was it Power Girl or Supergirl? Can't tell the difference nowadays. But what's important is that the newbies got a bit too handsy, and he almost got his asses handed to him if it wasn't for the other guard stepping in and activating the inhibitor collar."
"Another one? Jesus… we already have an evil doppelganger of Mary Marvel in here, and now this?" Jacobs murmured, swiveling his chair to face Newman. "What's next, an evil clone of Wonder Woman?"
"Woah… way to jinx us there new guy," Lisa said with a snicker, taking a swig of her coffee, the liquid sloshing around in her mug. "You should be careful with what you say around here. Some of these ladies have got more than just a mean right hook. You never know what kind of mojo they might throw your way."
Tom chuckled, his gaze flickering over the screens as he talked. "Yeah, remember what happened to Jenkins? He got turned into a frog by some crazy witch in Cell Block D."
The room erupted into a round of laughter, the tension momentarily dissipating. But the laughter was abruptly cut short by the sound of knocking coming from the door to the security office. The guards exchanged puzzled glances; no one was scheduled for transfer or visitation at this hour. Newman strode over to the door, his hand hovering over the release for the biometric scanner. But before the Senior Security Officer could begin the process of opening the door, it slammed open with a resounding crash, revealing a figure standing in a doorway, holding some sort of cylindrical object with a red tip.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please!" A voice with a French accent echoed through the room. Before anyone could react, the cylindrical object emitted a bright flash, and suddenly, all six officers fell into a trance-like state, the room returning to silence. The figure standing in the doorway, Vine, swiftly entered, his cloaking mechanism already deactivated. He glanced at the Neuralyzer in his hand, then at the officers, and nodded. "Go home, people! Your shift is over, and your replacements will arrive shortly. Enjoy your day and have a great weekend with either your friends or your loved one…"
"…"
"Well? What the hell are you waiting for? A hug? Chop Chop, Move your donkey people or you're fired!" The Frenchman bellowed, waving his hands dramatically at the exit. This abruptly brought the officers to their senses, breaking the spell they had been under. They exchanged glances as if they were a group of teenagers who had just been ordered to tidy up a mess they had created. With the security officers slowly getting up from their seats and shuffling out of the room, the Frenchman's Neuralyzer had clearly served its intended purpose, leaving not a single memory of him behind. As the room emptied, Vine couldn't help but chuckle to himself. His plan had gone off without a hitch. Once the door to the security hub was securely closed, his focus shifted to the main control panel, where a series of screens flickered with the prison's inner surveillance feeds.
"Alright, Cooper, it's showtime," Vine murmured, pulling up his visor and revealing a pair of Ray Bands sunglasses behind those eyes, his gaze sharpening as he stepped up to the console. He extracted a Data crystal chip from his exo-suit's wrist tablet and inserted it into an available port on the console. Instantly, the screens flickered, displaying a new, non-standard A.R.G.U.S. user interface. Cooper's digital visage materialized on one of the monitors, overlaid with a sleek, professional HUD. "You know the drill."
"And what will you be doing in the meantime then?" The UNSC AI inquired, her digital eyes blinking into existence on the monitor as she took control of the system. The screens around the room flickered again as the system updated.
"Don't worry, Coop. Let's just say I will be going on a little 'recruitment drive' if you know what I mean…" Vine said, his attention turning to the monitor showing the segregated prison section. He began to scan through the options, this area was reserved for inmates considered too dangerous or unsavory to mix with the general population. His gaze paused when he noticed two very eye-catching women, one was a beauty with raven hair, and the other a blonde bombshell, each confined to separate cells that happened to be side by side. He assessed a few more potential options before finalizing his selections. The Frenchman's grin turned wicked under the balaclava as he confirmed his choices. "While you're busy playing god with the systems, I'll make some stops and collect the 'merchandise'. Remember to warn me of any unexpected visitors, alright?" He said with a smug smile, cranking the neuralyzer's power to its highest setting, his eyes gleaming with zeal.
(End of Chapter)
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AN: I am finally done with this chapter, and now it is eepy time for you Boi. Anyway, Please Like if you enjoy this story.