Fisk's private conference room feels strange with both him and Tony in it. Two titans of industry, theoretically opposed, sitting at the same table discussing the future while Emma and I watch from our seats.
"The emergence of enhanced individuals is accelerating," Fisk notes, manipulating standard data displays. "Not just mutants now - different types of power manifesting worldwide."
"And some less friendly than others," Stark adds, studying the information. "Banner's situation being the most pressing. Ross won't stop hunting him, and that kind of pressure... well, we've seen how that ends."
Emma's mental presence brushes mine. 'They're both avoiding the real topic - who controls these emerging powers.'
She's right. The tension beneath the civil discussion is palpable.
"I'm going after Banner," I announce, cutting through their careful dance of words. "Alone."
That gets their attention. Fisk's expression tightens while Stark leans back, studying me.
"That's... risky," Stark says carefully. "The Big Guy isn't exactly known for his conversational skills."
"Which is why it needs to be me," I reply. "I can match his strength if needed, but more importantly, I can show him he's not alone in dealing with power that others fear."
"And New York?" Fisk asks, though his tone suggests he's already analyzing potential advantages to this plan.
"I'll handle things here," Emma states firmly. "The city won't lack protection."
"My sources have tracked him to Brazil," I continue. "Remote area, minimal civilian presence. It's the best chance we'll get to reach him before Ross does."
Stark and Fisk exchange looks - a rare moment of alignment between them.
"Take this," Stark tosses me a small device. "Direct line to JARVIS if things go south. And try not to level any rainforests."
Emma rolls her eyes mentally. "Always thinking about the bigger picture."
"Be careful," she says aloud. "The Hulk isn't exactly known for diplomatic solutions."
"That's why I need to go alone. Too many people would make him defensive." I stand, ready to begin preparations. "Besides, I've got something most people don't - the ability to match his strength if needed."
"And his rage?" Stark asks pointedly.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
As the meeting wraps up, I catch both Stark and Fisk making their own preparations - each planning for success or failure in their own way. Emma's concern flows through our link, though she maintains her composed exterior.
Time to find Banner. And hope the Other Guy is in a talking mood.
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Later that evening, in Fisk's private office, he shows me Project Echo's detailed tracking of Banner - patterns of movement, gamma radiation signatures, likely hideout locations.
"My resources in Brazil will maintain distance but provide support if needed," he says, studying the data. "Though I trust you understand the... delicate nature of this information."
"Of course." I memorize the coordinates, noting the patterns. Banner's been careful, but his attempts to help locals while staying hidden have left traces.
Emma enters, her expression concerned. "The media's already speculating about your temporary absence. I've prepared a statement about you investigating threats outside the city."
"Good," Fisk nods. "Maintain the narrative of proactive heroics rather than a specific target."
Through our mental link, Emma adds privately: 'I still think this is risky. Banner's not just dangerous because of the Hulk - he's brilliant, paranoid, and has every reason not to trust anyone.'
"That's exactly why someone needs to try reaching him," I respond silently. "Before Ross or someone worse does."
The Ultimatrix pulses softly on my wrist as I review the final preparations. South America's a long way, even with XLR8's speed. I'll need to plan rest stops, avoid populated areas, and most importantly - approach Banner in a way that doesn't trigger an immediate Hulk-out.
"Remember," Fisk adds as I prepare to leave, "this isn't just about Banner. How you handle this could set precedents for future... diplomatic efforts with enhanced individuals."
Always thinking about the bigger picture. But he's not wrong.
"Try not to let the city fall apart while I'm gone," I tell Emma with a slight teasing smile.
"Please," she rolls her eyes, but I catch her underlying concern. "Just... come back in one piece."
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The journey to Brazil takes several hours, even as XLR8. I make strategic stops, following the route Project Echo mapped out - avoiding military installations and population centers that might report a blue streak racing past.
Dawn breaks as I reach the outskirts of a small village where Banner was last detected. The humidity hits immediately as I transform back to human form, my suit already feeling too heavy for this climate.
Project Echo's intel suggests Banner's been working as an unofficial doctor here, helping those who can't afford proper medical care. Smart - hiding in plain sight while doing some good.
I spot his likely residence easily - a modest shack on the village outskirts, isolated enough for privacy but close enough to help if needed. Basic security measures hidden in the surroundings - early warning systems cleverly disguised as normal debris.
Time for first contact. But how to approach a man who's spent years perfecting the art of running away?
Direct usually works best.
I walk openly toward the shack, making no attempt to hide. If Banner's half as cautious as his reputation suggests, he's already spotted me.
"Dr. Banner," I call out, stopping at a respectful distance. "I'm not here to cause trouble. Just to talk."
Silence. Then a quiet voice from inside: "You're a long way from New York, Shift."
So he knows who I am. Not surprising - anyone monitoring potential threats would keep tabs on new enhanced individuals.
"Had to come a long way to find someone worth talking to."
The door creaks open slightly. I catch a glimpse of tired eyes studying me carefully.
"Ross send you?"
"No one sent me. I came because..." I pause, choosing my words carefully. "Because sometimes people with power need to know they're not alone."
The door opens fully. Banner looks exactly like his photos - unassuming, brilliant, and carrying the weight of constant vigilance.
"You should leave," he says quietly. "Being around me isn't safe."
"Neither is being around me when I lose control," I reply. "But I'm learning to handle it. Maybe we could help each other with that."
His expression shifts slightly - interest warring with caution.
"Come in," he says finally. "But if you make any sudden moves..."
"The Other Guy comes out to play. I know." I step forward slowly. "That's actually part of what I wanted to discuss."
"You don't understand," Banner shakes his head, pacing now. "The destruction he causes... one incident, one loss of control, and entire neighborhoods get leveled."
"I can handle the Hulk if it comes to that."
Banner stops abruptly. "Handle him? You have no idea what he's capable of."
"Actually, I do. And I also know he's not evil."
"Not evil?" Banner's laugh carries an edge of hysteria. "He's pure rage, pure destruction. There's nothing else there!"
"That's not true," I counter, standing my ground. "The Hulk has never deliberately targeted civilians. His actions, even at their most destructive, show patterns of protecting rather than merely destroying."
"Protecting?" Banner's pulse monitor beeps faster. "He's a monster! A mindless beast that-"
"He's a part of you," I interrupt. "And the sooner you stop treating him like an enemy, the sooner you might actually learn to-"
"A part of me?" His eyes flash green momentarily. "You think that thing is some kind of misunderstood aspect of my personality?"
"I think he's more conscious than you want to admit. Every time he's emerged, he's shown intelligence, choice-"
"CHOICE?" The monitor's beeping becomes frantic. "You want to see his choices?"
"Dr. Banner, your pulse-"
"No, you wanted to talk about the Hulk?" His skin starts taking on a greenish tinge. "Let's talk about the Hulk!"
"This isn't what I-"
But it's too late. Banner's form begins to expand, his clothes tearing as green muscle ripples across his frame. The shack's walls creak ominously as he grows.
Time to test my theory about the Hulk's consciousness.
And hope I'm right about being able to handle him.
The Ultimatrix pulses on my wrist as Banner completes his transformation, the Hulk's massive form barely contained by the small structure.
Those green eyes fix on me with raw anger, but also... intelligence.
"PUNY SHIFTER THINK HE KNOW HULK?"
Well, this is...