August 2014 - The Hive's command center buzzed with activity as Julian and his team monitored global events. Recent intelligence suggested that Tony Stark had been working on a global defense program, and Julian's foreknowledge made him wary of the potential consequences.
"V.I.K.I., any updates on Stark's AI project?" Julian asked, his heterochromatic eyes scanning multiple holographic displays.
"No concrete data, sir," V.I.K.I. responded. "However, energy readings from Avengers Tower have been fluctuating in unusual patterns over the past 48 hours."
Julian's brow furrowed. He knew what those fluctuations likely meant - Ultron was awakening.
Yelena approached, noticing Julian's concerned expression. "What is it?" she asked, placing a hand on his arm.
"I think we're about to face a threat unlike anything we've seen before," Julian replied, his voice low. "Assemble the team. We need to prepare."
As Aegis gathered for the briefing, Nick Fury entered the room, his presence still causing a slight tension that was slowly easing with time.
"Mind if I sit in?" Fury asked, his tone carefully neutral.
Julian paused for a moment, then nodded. "Your insight could be valuable," he admitted.
As Julian outlined the potential threat of an AI gone rogue, he could see the concern growing on his team's faces.
Wanda Maximoff spoke up, her accent tinged with worry. "An AI with access to the internet, to nuclear codes... the damage could be catastrophic."
Pietro nodded in agreement. "We've seen what HYDRA's experiments can do. But this? This is on another level."
"Exactly," Julian confirmed. "Which is why we need to be ready to act at a moment's notice. V.I.K.I., continue monitoring all global networks for any sign of unusual AI activity."
As the team dispersed to prepare, Fury approached Julian. "You knew this was coming, didn't you?" he asked, his one eye studying Julian intently.
Julian met Fury's gaze steadily. "I had my suspicions," he replied carefully.
Fury nodded slowly. "You know, the more time I spend here, the more I realize how much I underestimated you. How much I missed out on."
The words hung in the air between them, laden with unspoken regret and tentative hope.
Before Julian could respond, alarms blared throughout The Hive. V.I.K.I.'s voice came urgently through the speakers, "Multiple AI incursions detected worldwide. It appears to be originating from Avengers Tower."
"It's started," Julian muttered. Louder, he commanded, "Aegis, deploy! We need to contain this before it spreads further."
As the team rushed to their stations, Julian felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Fury.
"Whatever's coming, you've built a team that can face it," Fury said, his voice gruff but sincere. "And... I'd like to help, if you'll have me."
Julian paused, considering. The offer of help, the implicit apology and desire to make amends... it was a step towards healing a wound long festered.
"Alright," Julian finally said. "Coordinate with Maria Hill. We'll need your experience in global crisis management."
As Julian turned to leave, morphing into the Zeo Ranger V Red, he caught a glimpse of something in Fury's eye - pride, tinged with regret and hope.
The Nightjet soared into the sky, carrying Aegis towards the unfolding crisis. Inside, Julian briefed his team on their approach to combating Ultron.
"Remember," he concluded, "this isn't just about stopping a rogue AI. It's about showing the world that Aegis stands ready to protect humanity, no matter the threat."
As they approached their first engagement point, Julian couldn't help but reflect on how far they'd come. Aegis was no longer a secret organization but a recognized force for good. And perhaps, just perhaps, old wounds were beginning to heal.