Albedo stepped off the unmarked subway station in Lower Manhattan, shoulders hunched beneath the weight of everything that had happened in the last few weeks. He wore civilian attire—black slacks, a simple collared shirt, and a jacket whose pockets bulged slightly with hidden gadgets. Gone were the black-and-white vigilante trappings of "Grey Hero" or the advanced suits he had sometimes worn for official events. Right now, he needed to appear as ordinary as possible, especially since S.H.I.E.L.D. had begun actively hunting him.
He'd come to a decision, however reluctant: he had to speak with Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four in person. For all his conflicts with Tony Stark, Albedo still respected Reed's intellect and once-valued counsel. The last time he had collaborated closely with the Fantastic Four, they had brokered a mass-produced version of Albedo's Healing Chamber—a device that saved countless lives. That memory of altruistic cooperation contrasted sharply with the tensions tearing the hero community apart now. Surely, if anyone could see reason beyond the black-and-white extremes, it would be Reed.
Yet, as Albedo left the subway and walked the final blocks toward the Baxter Building, an unsettled feeling churned in his gut. Rumor had it that Reed Richards was growing more entrenched in the pro-registration camp, working alongside Tony Stark in a behind-the-scenes capacity to refine "enforcement measures." Albedo tried to quell his anxiety by reminding himself that the Fantastic Four were a family first. Susan, Johnny, and Ben might not be as gung-ho about the Act as Reed was. He prayed that goodwill still existed between them—and that they might talk him down from the ledge of complete hostility.
Outside, the wind whipped through the canyons of skyscrapers, buffeting Albedo's jacket. Above, the Baxter Building rose in gleaming spires. He remembered how many times he'd visited in happier days—casual dinners with Reed and Sue, discussing new science, or handing prototypes to Johnny to test. Today, he could only hope they wouldn't slam the door in his face.
Steeling himself, Albedo slipped into the Baxter Building's lobby. The usual hustle of interns and tourists was noticeably subdued. Perhaps the controversies of the Registration Act had diminished public tours. Security gates, installed months ago, beeped as he passed through. A security guard, half-absorbed in his station, gave Albedo a cursory glance.
He approached the front desk. "I have a meeting with Dr. Reed Richards," Albedo said, voice subdued, hoping they wouldn't check any newly minted watch list. He had no illusions that Tony's S.H.I.E.L.D. might have flagged his name. But the desk attendant only nodded politely, tapping some notes on her console.
"Mr. Albedo, correct?" she asked. "Yes, Dr. Richards told me you'd be arriving. Badge, please."
Surprised that Reed had told them in advance, Albedo accepted the temporary visitor badge. A swirl of emotions coursed through him: relief that Reed was still professional enough to arrange this meeting, wariness that it might be a trap. He forced composure. "Thank you," he said, stepping into the private elevator that whisked him up to the upper floors. The hum of the car seemed louder than usual, or perhaps his nerves amplified every sound.
At last, the doors slid open, revealing a polished corridor that led to the Fantastic Four's main living and research areas. Normally, one might see a robotic caretaker gliding around or hear the banter of Johnny Storm echoing from a distance. Today, the hall was eerily quiet. Albedo's footfalls clicked on the polished floor, echoing off walls lined with photos of the Four's victories—cosmic expeditions, awards from philanthropic organizations, even a snapshot with a broad-smiling Albedo after the Healing Chamber launch. He paused at that photo, a pang of nostalgia hitting him. That had been a simpler time.
The main doors to the lounge slid open automatically, revealing Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gathered within. The room was spacious, dominated by a panoramic window that overlooked the city. Albedo paused at the threshold.
"Hey, it's the big brain," Ben said, half-affectionately, half-uneasily. The Thing leaned against a wall, arms folded, rocky brow furrowed. "Been a while."
Susan offered a gentle nod, though her eyes seemed guarded. Johnny paced near a table, arms crossed over his chest, his usually fiery bravado tempered by something heavier. Reed stood at the far side, near the window, hands folded behind his back. The tension was palpable.
Albedo forced a small smile. "Hello, everyone. Thank you for seeing me." He stepped into the room, heart pounding. "I— I know things are complicated right now, but I was hoping we could speak openly."
Johnny nodded curtly. "Sure, man. We can talk. That's what you wanted, right?"
Susan, her expression carefully neutral, gestured to the couch. "Please, have a seat. We can be civil." Her voice held a note of sadness. She was, after all, known for trying to keep her family from fracturing under stress.
Albedo stepped forward, but remained standing. "Thank you. I won't take long. I wanted to hear from you—especially you, Reed—on your stance. We've had differences about the Registration Act, but I hope there's common ground. If we can find a middle path—something that ensures accountability without tyranny—I'd like to help."
Reed turned, and Albedo immediately noticed a tension in his features that hadn't been there before. The brilliant man's eyes were red-rimmed, as if he'd been losing sleep. "Albedo," Reed said quietly, "I appreciate your idealism. But we're past the stage of half measures. The Act is law. Society demands that we adapt or be labeled outlaws."
Albedo heard the steel in that voice and felt a spike of unease. "I know the law passed, but that doesn't make it right. I've seen S.H.I.E.L.D. overreach. Tony's turning it into a fear-driven machine—blackmailing heroes, detaining them without trial."
"That's not how we see it," Reed countered, voice tight. "We see measures to prevent tragedy. We see an opportunity to catalog powers, ensure training, and protect the public from unregulated vigilantes. We know the damage a single rogue superhuman can do—Stamford proved that."
Albedo bristled. "Reed, you're the greatest mind on Earth. You know that data collection can be weaponized. Tony's already storing weaknesses on allies like Spider-Man. He's essentially turning us into pawns. Don't you see the moral hazard?"
Susan drew closer, placing a gentle hand on Reed's arm. "Let's keep calm," she said softly. "We promised to keep an open mind. Albedo has valid concerns."
Johnny, from the sidelines, added, "Look, man, we get you don't trust Tony. We've had our own…disagreements with him. But Reed thinks the only viable approach is to work inside the system, shape it from within. Maybe it's not perfect, but it's reality."
Ben let out a gravelly sigh. "Can't say I like the idea of government watchin' everything we do, but… folks got spooked after Stamford, and maybe they got good reason."
Albedo shook his head, frustration building. "But at what cost? The indefinite detention of good people? Tony's actively hunting me and Peter Parker, twisting facts to make us criminals. This is not the system working. It's tyranny. You said it yourself—fear is driving it. Will you stand by while more heroes are locked away?"
Reed's jaw clenched. "We might prefer a gentler approach. But Tony believes your hacking into S.H.I.E.L.D. was a step too far. And the law is on his side, not yours. If we want to preserve public trust, we can't allow vigilantes to flout that law. If you or Parker have done nothing wrong—besides the hacking—then you can come in peacefully. Let the system vet you."
Albedo stared incredulously. "So you suggest I let Tony dissect my life, possibly imprison me, just to prove I'm innocent? That's madness. Reed, you know me better than that."
A flicker of regret passed across Reed's face. "I do know you, Albedo. That's why this pains me. But you're not seeing the bigger crisis. The world is on a knife's edge. If we show weakness, more tragedies will occur. We must maintain order."
Their voices had grown louder, tension filling the lounge. Susan and Johnny glanced at each other anxiously, while Ben scowled at the floor, clearly hating the discord but unsure how to fix it. Albedo felt his pulse hammering. He'd come hoping for rational discourse, but Reed stood as a firm gatekeeper to Tony's vision, unwavering.
"That's a false dilemma," Albedo said, voice trembling with anger. "Order can't come from oppression. Don't you trust me? Don't you realize Tony's file on Peter—"
Reed's eyes flashed. "Enough. We can't linger on hypotheticals. If you truly believed in due process, you'd submit to the Act's guidelines. Instead, you've chosen to become an outlaw."
Albedo glared. "Because the Act itself is unjust. I'd willingly accept some oversight, but not this. Not indefinite detention, not forced public unmasking, not blackmail. You're smart enough to see the cracks, so why are you ignoring them?"
Susan stepped in, voice strained. "Albedo, please, let's not shout. There has to be a compromise. Reed, maybe we should—"
But Reed raised a hand, cutting Susan off. "I'm sorry, Sue. We can't compromise with someone who broke into S.H.I.E.L.D. and stands with known fugitives. We must enforce the law, or it unravels."
Johnny tried to intervene. "Reed, c'mon, we don't have to turn this into—"
But Reed's posture stiffened. "Albedo forced our hand." Then, with a surprising coldness, Reed reached into his lab coat and tapped a small device. "I've already informed S.H.I.E.L.D. that Albedo is here. They're en route."
A jolt of shock surged through Albedo's system. Susan gasped. "Reed, you what?"
Johnny's eyes went wide. "Are you serious? That's messed up, man!"
Ben let out an exasperated grunt. "Sheesh, Stretch, that's dirty pool."
But Reed stood firm. "It's necessary. Albedo, if you're truly innocent, you'll surrender and let the system judge you."
Albedo's heart thundered. He recalled the chaos Tony had unleashed chasing him and Peter. S.H.I.E.L.D. would likely arrive with a squad of troopers, or worse, some Avengers. Fighting them inside the Baxter Building could cause massive collateral damage. But if he let them arrest him, he'd vanish into a black site.
"You've betrayed me," Albedo hissed, voice laced with pain. "I came here for reason, not to be sold out."
Reed's eyes were distant, as if he forced himself to endure this guilt. "I'm doing what I must."
Susan stepped forward, trying to grasp Reed's arm. "Reed, we should have discussed this with us. You can't just—"
"It's done," Reed said stoically, though his voice cracked slightly. "S.H.I.E.L.D. will be here in minutes."
Albedo swallowed the lump of betrayal in his throat. Then he pivoted on his heel. "Fine," he growled. "I'm leaving."
Reed stiffened. "We can't allow that. The security systems are active."
Albedo glanced around, noticing the subtle hum of a containment field shimmering over the door. So that was why the corridors felt so tense—Reed must have quietly engaged the building's advanced lockdown. Already, Albedo saw a faint glow at the windows, likely an invisible barrier that would lock him inside until S.H.I.E.L.D. arrived.
Susan spread her palms. "Wait, Albedo—please, we can—"
But Albedo's adrenaline spiked. This was a trap. He whipped his phone out, scanning for a signal. As expected, the Baxter Building's security jammer had disrupted external comms. He was sealed off. Gritting his teeth, he glared at Reed. "You won't take me. I won't let Tony or you lock me away."
Johnny rubbed a hand through his hair. "Look, man, I'm not fighting you. This is insane."
Ben rumbled in agreement. "Yeah, I ain't picking a side in this. We're family, but I can't beat up Albedo for some registration nonsense."
Susan nodded vigorously. "Reed, shut down the security. Let him go. This is crossing lines."
Reed, however, shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, but no. If we let him go, we undermine everything we stand for. I can't do that."
Albedo clenched his fists. He was outnumbered—but maybe only Reed was truly committed to stopping him. The others seemed unwilling to help. He might have a chance. "Then you leave me no choice," Albedo said, stepping backward.
Reed spread his arms, which extended elastically to block the room's exit. "Don't do this, Albedo. Surrender. It'll be easier for everyone."
Albedo's mind raced. The Ultimatrix was hidden beneath his jacket. If he transformed into something too destructive, he might destroy half the building. And he didn't want to harm Susan, Johnny, or Ben. He just needed to get past Reed.
He braced himself. "I'm sorry," he murmured. Then, in one swift motion, he tore off the jacket sleeve, exposing the Ultimatrix. The watch glowed with a crimson swirl as he slammed the dial. A burst of red energy enveloped him, shifting him into the quicksilver-limbed form of Grey Matter at first, then flickering—he changed his mind mid-transformation, selecting something more formidable. He emerged as Diamondhead, his body gleaming in a crystalline greenish hue. The shift was instantaneous, a swirl of alien power.
Reed lunged, arms stretching to encircle Albedo. Diamondhead let out a low growl, jagged crystals forming from his arms. He slashed upward, slicing through the encircling limbs. Reed yelped, retracting them with an expression of pain. Albedo pressed forward, determined to find a path out of the lounge.
Ben quickly stepped aside, refusing to engage. "I'm not fightin' you," he muttered, voice grim. Susan hovered by the door, uncertain. Johnny's hands flared with flame, but he hesitated to unleash it. Reed, however, recovered, stretching again to block the passage.
Albedo swung a crystalline fist, aiming to shatter the barrier console near the door. Reed tried to entangle him from behind, but Diamondhead's prismatic spikes forced Reed to recoil or risk laceration. The blow landed with a sharp crash, sparks flying as the console fizzled. Albedo knew from prior visits that this might disable the immediate lock, though probably not the entire building's system.
Reed snarled, flipping a backup switch. A ring of automated turrets descended from the ceiling, each crackling with specialized sonic blasts designed for subduing powerful aliens. "I adapted these for potential threats. Don't make me use them," Reed warned, voice shaking.
Albedo's crystal jaw clenched. "You think we're the threat? You've lost your way, Reed. Let me pass."
The turrets fired, unleashing sonic waves that reverberated through Diamondhead's crystalline form, sending painful shudders down his body. Albedo staggered. The frequency was designed to fracture hardened structures. He felt micro-fissures forming in his crystal exoskeleton.
Ben grimaced. "Reed, shut those dang things off! You're gonna bring the whole place down!"
Susan rushed forward, generating a half-strength invisible shield around Albedo, trying to dampen the sonic waves. Her face was twisted with conflict. "Reed, this is too far!"
For a moment, the turrets' blasts pressed against Susan's shield. Johnny shot a small stream of flame at one turret, scorching it. The device cracked, going offline. Reed's expression was pained as he saw his family sabotaging his containment system.
Albedo used the reprieve to hurl a diamond shard at the overhead turrets. With a shower of sparks, two more turrets collapsed. The final one fizzled under Johnny's second flame burst. The lounge filled with smoke and flickering lights. Albedo, battered, turned to the door.
Reed tried one last time to stretch across the threshold. Albedo snapped off a chunk of crystal from his forearm and heaved it with tremendous force. Reed had to retract his limbs or risk being impaled. That gave Albedo the opening he needed.
"Forgive me," Albedo said, voice echoing in Diamondhead's resonant tone. "But I won't be caged."
He barreled through, shoulder-checking the door, which buckled under his crystalline bulk. Down the hallway, alarms blared. S.H.I.E.L.D. squads might already be in the building. He had to move fast.
Behind him, Susan's voice rang out: "Reed, we need to stop this madness!"
Reed's reply was lost in the alarms. Albedo pressed on, ignoring his cracking exoskeleton. Diamondhead was powerful, but the repeated sonic blasts had weakened him. He switched the Ultimatrix dial mid-run, reverting to his normal form to regain agility. Crimson energy swirled, leaving him once again as Albedo the Galvan-human hybrid. Without missing a step, he sprinted to the elevator bay. The main elevator was locked down, so he dashed to a service stairwell.
Footsteps thundered from above—S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, likely. The building's advanced security system might trap him. He recalled from memory that certain maintenance hatches led to a side ventilation shaft. He found the hatch and pried it open, ignoring the scraping metal. Slipping inside, he crawled through the vent, hearing distant shouts. The vent led to another corridor that overlooked a lesser-used lab. He dropped down, landing in a crouch.
Sure enough, a small S.H.I.E.L.D. squad was fanning out. They spotted him. "Stop!" an agent barked, brandishing a stun rifle. Albedo pivoted, quickly raising the Proto-Tool (concealed beneath his jacket) in baton mode. He flicked a switch, unleashing a short-range concussive burst. The agent reeled, dropping the rifle. Another agent fired a net launcher. Albedo dove, rolling behind a table, net sizzling against the floor.
More footsteps echoed. Albedo cursed under his breath. He glanced around for an exit. A window on the far side. If it wasn't sealed by the building's barrier, that might be his only chance. Steeling himself, he tapped the Ultimatrix again—this time selecting Big Chill, hoping intangible flight might help him slip out. Red energy engulfed him, re-forming his body into the ethereal moth-like alien. The moment he turned intangible, the S.H.I.E.L.D. shots passed harmlessly through.
He soared across the lab, ignoring the startled cries of the agents. Approaching the window, he found a faint shimmer: a force-field. He tried phasing through, but the field crackled, resisting intangible forms. A specialized countermeasure, presumably.
"Great," Albedo muttered in Big Chill's echoing voice. The security was more robust than expected. Albedo realized that Reed must have updated the Baxter Building with intangible-blocking tech after encountering intangible foes in the past. He had to find another approach.
He scanned the lab. A reinforced corridor behind the wall might lead to the roof. If he could reach the roof, maybe he could break free. He pivoted, noticing more S.H.I.E.L.D. agents funneling in from the hallway. They fired sonic bursts, trying to disrupt Big Chill's intangible state. Albedo hissed at the jarring vibrations in the air.
He swooped upward, gliding near the ceiling to dodge the blasts. Then he spotted an emergency ladder in the far corner, leading up to a catwalk that presumably connected to a mechanical area. If he could get there, perhaps he could disable the building's security fields at the source. He soared overhead, intangible wings beating softly. Agents fired, missing as Albedo twisted through the air. He reached the ladder, returned briefly to solidity, and grabbed the rungs. Shots whizzed by. He scrambled up, the catwalk rattling beneath him.
One resourceful agent leaped onto the catwalk, blocking Albedo's path with a stun baton. Albedo reared back, exhaling an icy gust from Big Chill's mouth. Frost enveloped the agent, freezing him in place. Then Albedo's intangible arms phased past, pushing the half-frozen agent aside without harming him further. He continued to the upper hatch, ignoring the agent's muffled curses.
At last, he found the hatch leading to a maintenance shaft. He forced it open, stepping into a cramped vertical passageway that led to the roof. He canceled Big Chill, reverting to normal form to fit through the narrow space more easily. The metal rungs felt cold under his palms. Gritting his teeth, Albedo climbed upwards. The building groaned with alarms. Any second now, more agents might flood the maintenance shaft from above or below.
Halfway up, he heard heavy footsteps below. Agents were climbing after him. He quickened his pace. Eventually, he reached a locked hatch at the top. Straining, he forced it open, scraping the metal aside. He emerged onto a wide rooftop, the wind buffeting him. Overhead, a dome-like shimmering field indicated the building's external security barrier. The city sprawled in every direction. Helicopters hovered in the distance, though not necessarily for him—New York always had some event going on.
He scrambled to the edge of the roof. The shimmering barrier clung close, forming a half-bubble around the top floors. Albedo's heart sank. Even intangible, the barrier might repel him. But he had to try.
"Freeze!" came a voice from behind. More S.H.I.E.L.D. agents—some dropping off a small hovercraft onto the roof. They aimed rifles at him. Albedo turned, fists tightening.
Suddenly, a star-spangled shield soared in from the left, smashing aside two of the rifles. A familiar figure leaped from behind a rooftop structure. "Move!" shouted Captain America, his powerful voice cutting through the chaos.
Albedo's eyes widened. "Cap?"
Captain America landed beside him, catching his ricocheting shield. He glared at the S.H.I.E.L.D. troopers. "Back off, fellas. He's with me."
One trooper aimed. "Stand down, Rogers! We have orders to apprehend Albedo. He's an unregistered vigilante—"
Cap threw his shield again, quicker than the trooper could blink, knocking the rifle away. Another trooper rushed in, but Cap performed a perfect judo flip, sending the trooper sprawling. He then slammed his shield's edge into the roof, cracking the surface in an authoritative display. "I'm done playing nice," Cap growled. "You want him, you go through me."
Albedo wasted no time. While Cap engaged the troopers, Albedo scanned the edges for a control panel. He spotted it near a small spire—a console that might regulate the building's barrier. If he could just reach it and disable the field, he could escape.
Cap parried a baton strike from another trooper, then tossed his shield at a final one who attempted to flank him. The troopers fell back, momentarily overwhelmed. Albedo dashed to the console. Tapping into his knowledge of the building's systems, he quickly bypassed the security prompt. Reed's codes were advanced, but Albedo had partial override from previous collaborations. Sparks flew as he forced the system to accept an emergency shutdown command. The roof barrier flickered, then dissolved.
Captain America pivoted, retrieving his shield. "We need to go, Albedo. S.H.I.E.L.D. reinforcements are inbound."
Albedo nodded, sweat beading on his brow. "Right. Let's get out of—"
A fiery hiss erupted behind them. The rooftop door burst open, revealing Reed Richards in a specialized exosuit he must have cobbled together for containment missions. The suit's arms glowed with an advanced polymer, presumably to replicate his stretching powers at a higher intensity. His face was set in grim determination.
"Rogers," Reed warned, "you're abetting a criminal. Don't do this."
Cap's gaze hardened. "You used to fight tyranny, Reed. Now you're enforcing it. Stand aside."
Reed's eyes flicked between the cracked console and the open sky. "I can't let you go. We need law, or this war tears us apart."
Albedo stepped to Cap's side, raising his fists warily. He had no desire to hurt Reed, but they needed to escape. Captain America lifted his shield. "We do this the hard way, then," he muttered.
Reed lunged, exosuit arms elongating with a mechanical whir. Cap deflected with his shield, but the suit's polymer tendrils wrapped around the shield's edge, threatening to yank it away. Albedo dashed in, slashing with the Proto-Tool baton on a low setting to avoid severe harm. Sparks flew as baton met polymer. Reed hissed, the suit's arms retracting.
"Don't be fools," Reed bit out. "All we want is accountability—"
Cap pressed an offensive, shield-bashing Reed's torso. The exosuit reeled, and Reed stumbled. Albedo took the opportunity to dash around behind, forging a path to the building's ledge. He shouted, "Cap, time to go!"
Cap nodded. With a final thrust, he slammed the shield against the exosuit's control panel. Reed gasped, the suit's limbs twitching erratically. Susan's voice, echoing from below, cried out, "Reed, no!" as she arrived on the rooftop. But she was too late to stop them.
Cap and Albedo jumped from the ledge into thin air. Albedo flicked the Proto-Tool's grappling hook, latching onto a neighboring building. Cap grabbed onto Albedo's waist. They swung across, reminiscent of a certain web-slinger's style, though less graceful. Below, S.H.I.E.L.D. troopers scrambled. A few took potshots, but the range was too great. They landed on the adjacent roof, rolling to absorb impact.
Cap inhaled sharply, recovering. "We gotta keep moving. I have a ride a few blocks away."
Albedo nodded, adrenaline pounding. Glancing back, he saw Reed slump to his knees, Susan rushing to him. Johnny hovered at the door, flames dancing uncertainly. Ben just stood, arms folded, looking torn. The sight tightened Albedo's chest with sorrow. This was not how he'd hoped their meeting would end.
Together, Captain America and Albedo darted from rooftop to rooftop. The Baxter Building receded behind them, S.H.I.E.L.D. pursuit hindered by the building's meltdown. Within fifteen minutes, Cap led Albedo to a disguised van in a back alley. They clambered in, panting from the sprint. Another figure, concealed in the driver's seat, nodded. Albedo recognized them as one of Cap's loyal contacts—perhaps Falcon or someone else in the Resistance.
"Go," Cap ordered. The engine roared, and they sped off into the labyrinth of Manhattan streets. Albedo exhaled, leaning against the van's interior. Relief mingled with heartbreak. Reed, his longtime ally, had tried to entrap him. The Fantastic Four was fracturing under the pressure. Tony's net widened every day. Yet Captain America had saved him—reaching out a hand in Albedo's darkest moment.
Cap sat opposite him, resting the iconic shield against the van wall. "Albedo, I'm sorry it came to that with Reed. He used to stand for freedom. Now fear's twisted him. This war spares no one."
Albedo nodded somberly. "Thank you, Cap. If you hadn't shown up…" His voice trailed off.
Cap's expression softened. "You're welcome. We've been following your case—knew you might approach the Baxter Building. We guessed Reed might try something. We came prepared."
Albedo's eyes flickered with curiosity. "We?"
Cap nodded firmly. "The Resistance. A group of heroes and allies who oppose the Registration Act in its current form. We're not advocating chaos—we want accountability, but not tyranny. We gather in secret bases to avoid Tony's forces. I'm bringing you to meet them, if you're willing."
Albedo hesitated, remembering his own complicated stance. "I— I appreciate that. But I'm not sure if I want to commit to fully resisting. I do believe in some oversight. I just hate how Tony's enforcing it."
Cap smiled wryly. "We won't force you. But you should at least meet everyone, see what we stand for."
A small wave of relief washed over Albedo. "All right. Let's see it."
They drove for over an hour, weaving through city traffic, taking side roads to avoid potential S.H.I.E.L.D. checkpoints. Finally, they reached an industrial zone on the outskirts—desolate warehouses with broken signage, half-forgotten by time. The van rolled up to a locked gate, which slid open after the driver entered a coded signal. Inside, the warehouse proved surprisingly high-tech: a submersible cargo bay disguised beneath rusted panels. After descending a hidden ramp, they arrived in a spacious subterranean facility that bustled with covert activity.
Stepping out of the van, Albedo scanned the surroundings with wide eyes. He recognized a few masked heroes, plus unmasked ones from the old days—people like Daredevil, Luke Cage, some X-Men. Tech stations lined the walls, manned by resourceful individuals analyzing data and communications. This was clearly a hub of the anti-Registration movement.
Cap guided Albedo down a corridor into a makeshift briefing room. Half a dozen heroes waited—some conversing quietly, others studying holographic maps. Albedo spotted faces he recognized from media coverage or prior encounters: Hawkeye (sporting a grim expression), Wanda Maximoff (the Scarlet Witch), Sam Wilson (Falcon), and others. They turned as Cap and Albedo entered.
"Everyone, this is Albedo," Cap announced. "He's been hunted by Tony for hacking S.H.I.E.L.D. data and refusing registration. He believes in some form of regulation but not the extremes Tony has taken. He barely escaped Reed's trap."
Wanda stepped forward, kind concern in her eyes. "Welcome, Albedo. We're sorry about what happened at the Baxter Building."
Hawkeye gave a short nod. "Heard you were once tight with them."
Albedo inhaled. "Thank you. Reed and I used to collaborate. But I guess that's over." A bitter pang flickered in his chest. "Anyway, Captain America said I could meet the Resistance. I want to understand your goals. I'm not sure if I'll join, but I'm willing to talk."
A tall figure in street clothes came forward—Sam Wilson, the Falcon. "We appreciate that. We're not exactly all or nothing. Some of us see a need for reform, but not at the cost of personal freedom or indefinite detention. Tony's methods are too draconian."
Albedo listened intently as the group explained their stance. They recognized that Stamford had changed everything, that the public was terrified. They didn't dismiss the need for accountability or training. But they opposed forced unmasking, indefinite imprisonment without trial, and blanket surveillance that Tony championed. They recounted horror stories—friends disappearing to hidden S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities, families intimidated, data weaponized.
Albedo nodded slowly. "I've seen it firsthand, how Tony compiled data on Spider-Man to exploit his weaknesses. It's horrifying. But if we do nothing, how do we prevent another Stamford?"
Wanda exchanged a glance with Hawkeye. "That's the heart of it," she said softly. "We propose measures that emphasize oversight, yes, but not at the cost of basic rights. We want a seat at the table to craft fair policies, not the ones Tony crams down everyone's throat."
Hawkeye shrugged. "We're not naive. This is a war of public perception, too. We have to be strategic, show the world we're not lawless. That's why we're trying to minimize open conflicts. But Tony keeps pushing."
Cap placed a hand on Albedo's shoulder. "We won't pressure you to sign on. But we hope you'll see that standing up to Tony's tyranny is necessary. For everyone's sake."
Albedo exhaled. The sincerity in their eyes was palpable. "I… I need time. My friend, Spider-Man, was also victimized by Tony. He's now in hiding, trying to protect his family. If I join you, can we help him?"
Cap gave a determined nod. "Absolutely. If Peter wants sanctuary, we'll give it."
Albedo felt some tension ease. "Then maybe I can see a future here. Let me talk to Peter, see if he'll trust the Resistance. For now, I'll keep in touch."
Falcon nodded, offering a handshake. "Deal. In the meantime, we can provide you with a safe place to crash if you need it."
Albedo glanced around the base, noticing an open bunk area. "Thanks, but I have a place upstate where I've stashed some gear. I'll be careful. But keep me updated. If Tony escalates, I want to help protect innocent lives."
Cap gave a warm, grateful smile. "We're glad to have you, even if it's just your voice for now."
Wanda then led him to a small lounge area where coffee and minimal rations were offered. A few other Resistance members came by to greet him, exchanging supportive words. Albedo felt a surge of cautious optimism. This was the side of the hero community that cared about preserving moral boundaries, not just fulfilling government demands.
He spent a couple of hours there, talking strategy. They explained how they used encrypted channels, randomizing base locations to avoid detection. Tony's S.H.I.E.L.D. infiltration was formidable, but the Resistance had skilled hackers of their own—like Daredevil's ally, a certain "Turbo" who specialized in anti-surveillance tech. Albedo contributed some of his own knowledge on infiltration scripts, gleaned from his hack into S.H.I.E.L.D. That synergy impressed the others.
Eventually, they gathered in a communal area featuring a large, battered TV set. Someone flipped it on, citing that Iron Man had scheduled a press conference today—a major announcement from his side. Many of the Resistance members fell silent, anticipating more grim developments. Albedo joined them, tension coiling in his gut.
The screen displayed a podium in front of a S.H.I.E.L.D. emblem, with a row of costumed figures behind it. Tony Stark, wearing the Iron Man armor but with the faceplate retracted, stood center stage. Beside him were War Machine, Ms. Marvel, and others who had sided with the pro-registration faction. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over Albedo as he recognized faces he once admired.
A hush fell over the Resistance watchers. Tony cleared his throat, leaning into a microphone. "Good afternoon," he began, voice resonating with authority. "I speak to you today as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and as one of Earth's protectors. The Superhuman Registration Act is now law—and many of us have complied willingly. We believe this Act is essential to preventing further tragedies like Stamford, ensuring accountability among those with powers. Some individuals resist. They spread fear about government overreach. But we're here to demonstrate our transparency."
Behind Tony, a few recognized heroes nodded in agreement. Ms. Marvel's face was resolute, War Machine's expression stoic. Tony continued, "We will lead by example. Some of you know me as Iron Man. But I've never hidden my identity. Today, many of my allies will unmask as well, to show that we stand with the law and the people. We have nothing to hide."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the press corps. The camera panned to a row of costumed figures. One by one, they removed masks or cowls, stating their names, reaffirming their trust in the system. The press ate it up, cameras flashing. Tony beamed with satisfaction, as if orchestrating the perfect PR moment.
Then Tony shifted his stance, the camera zooming in. "However, one name stands above others in terms of both trust and controversy: Spider-Man. He once supported us, but recently, he's gone silent. The public wonders about his identity, his reasons for stepping away. In the spirit of full disclosure and to quell misinformation, I've decided to reveal the truth."
Albedo's blood ran cold. He stepped forward, eyes locked on the screen. The Resistance members tensed, some cursing under their breath. Captain America's face hardened. They all knew Spider-Man prized his secret identity to protect loved ones. This betrayal was beyond anything Tony had done so far.
"Spider-Man," Tony announced, a solemn tone in his voice, "is Peter Parker—a young man from Queens. For years, he concealed this from the public, but in compliance with the Act's transparency, we confirm it now. Peter Parker is an unregistered vigilante who recently fled the law. We encourage him to come forward peacefully and prove that he has nothing to hide."
Gasps rippled across the press room in the broadcast. Reporters shouted questions. Cameras flashed furiously. Tony raised a hand, as if to appear sympathetic. "I bear him no ill will, but the law is the law. If Mr. Parker continues to hide, we will find him. For the sake of public safety, we ask that he turn himself in."
Albedo felt searing anger and heartbreak. A hush consumed the Resistance watchers. Wanda pressed a hand to her mouth, eyes glistening with tears. Daredevil's fists clenched. Hawkeye let out a muttered curse. Captain America glared at the screen, face set in grim fury.
On camera, Tony concluded, "We do this not to punish, but to protect. This is the new era of heroism—responsible, transparent, and accountable to the people. Thank you."
The feed cut back to studio commentary, but no one in the Resistance base moved. Albedo's heart hammered. Tony had just outed Peter Parker to the entire world, painting him as a lawless fugitive. That meant Aunt May, Mary Jane, everyone close to Peter was in terrible danger. Tony's sweet words about "no ill will" were hollow. This was a threat, plain and simple: come in, or your loved ones pay the price.
Captain America broke the silence, voice shaking with controlled rage. "Tony's gone too far. Publicly revealing Peter's name like that…he's put them all in danger."
Wanda's eyes flickered with scarlet energy. "We have to help him."
Albedo clenched his jaw, memory flashing back to how he'd discovered Tony's file on Peter. This was the final blow. "I know where Peter was hiding upstate—he's probably still there, but Tony's reveal changes everything. They might swarm him in no time."
Cap placed a firm hand on Albedo's shoulder. "Then we move now. We secure Peter and his family before Tony's forces do. Will you help?"
Albedo nodded vehemently. "Absolutely. I'm done wavering. Tony is trampling everything we stand for."
Hawkeye exhaled. "We'll scramble a team, keep it low-profile. No big showy approach that draws S.H.I.E.L.D. heat."
Falcon grabbed his gear. "Count me in. We can't let them crush Parker like this."
Wanda nodded, eyes blazing with fierce resolve. "I'll come too, in case they bring heavy units. We have to stand together."
Captain America raised his shield. "Then let's move. We'll plan en route. Albedo, you lead us to Peter's safehouse. If Tony thinks he can bully us into submission, he's about to learn otherwise."
Emboldened by the group's solidarity, Albedo turned from the flickering TV, the weight of betrayal overshadowed by a renewed sense of purpose. This was war—and the Resistance would fight for heroes like Peter, for families like May and MJ Parker, for all who refused to bow under Tony's iron fist. As alarms sounded throughout the base, the team sprang into action, heading out into the uncertain night with one mission: protect their friend, and prove that heroism could endure even under the shadow of tyranny.
End of Chapter 6