Morning news plays across multiple screens in my office, each channel running different angles of yesterday's confrontation:
"ROSS'S RAID: Military Overreach or Necessary Action?"
"Hulk Helps: Former Menace Assists in Repair Efforts"
"Shift and Hulk: New York's Newest Dynamic Duo?"
Emma enters, her mental presence carrying a mix of satisfaction and concern. 'Ross has been temporarily relieved of command pending investigation. Apparently, his superiors weren't thrilled about unauthorized attacks on civilian buildings.'
"And Banner?" I ask, though I can sense the Hulk's calm presence through Emma's mental link several floors below.
"Still in his lab. He's been working non-stop since he transformed back." She settles into her usual chair. "Though the Other Guy seems... different. More settled."
Social media floods with reactions:
"did y'all see hulk literally helping fix the building??? 😭"
"shift really out here making friends with everyone"
"that moment when hulk called them friends tho >>"
My phone buzzes - Stark: "Banner's already revolutionizing three different research projects. Also, Big Green says hi. Well, more like HULK SAY HI, but you get the idea."
Things are changing. The question though still remains: are we ready for what comes next?
---------------------------------
Fisk's private dining room becomes our impromptu meeting space that evening. Banner sits somewhat awkwardly at the massive table, still adjusting to being a guest rather than a fugitive.
"The military's internal investigation will take weeks," Fisk notes, reviewing reports. "But the public reaction is... interesting."
"People like redemption stories," Emma observes. "A misunderstood force choosing to help rather than destroy? It's perfect narrative material."
"Speaking of helping," Stark adds, entering with his usual dramatic timing, "those gamma radiation theories you were working on, Banner? Again man, game-changing stuff."
Banner shifts uncomfortably at the praise. "It's easier to work when you're not constantly looking over your shoulder."
"And the Other Guy?" I ask. "How's he handling the change?"
"He's... calmer." Banner sounds almost surprised. "Like he knows he doesn't have to fight everyone anymore. Though he keeps asking when 'Shifter' is coming to train again."
Emma's mental voice carries amusement: 'You've made quite an impression on both of them.'
"The Ultimates could use someone with your experience," I say carefully, watching Banner's reaction. "Both versions of you."
"A team?" He looks skeptical. "With the Hulk?"
"Why not?" Stark interjects. "Big Green's already proved he can work with others. Plus, having you both on board would add some serious scientific credibility."
"And military deterrent," Fisk adds pragmatically.
Banner is quiet for a moment, considering. "You really think this could work? Having the Other Guy as part of a team?"
"I think," I reply, "it's time we stopped treating power as something to fear and started seeing it as something to understand. Both of you deserve that chance."
"There's something else we need to discuss," Stark suddenly pulls up a holographic display. "SHIELD's been sniffing around since Ross's attack. Fury's interested in our little arrangement."
"Let him be interested," Emma states coolly. "We're not his assets to collect."
"No," I agree, "but we need to be prepared. Fury's not the type to just watch from the sidelines."
Banner tenses slightly. "SHIELD's not much better than Ross when it comes to trying to control things they don't understand."
"The difference is," Fisk interjects, "SHIELD at least attempts subtlety. They'll want to negotiate rather than attack."
"Besides," Stark adds with a grin, "they've got enough on their plate with Point Break and his brother discovering Earth's cuisine. Did you see Thor's latest review of Starbucks?"
My phone buzzes with the group chat:
Thor: "FRIENDS! THIS BREW CALLED A DOUBLE ESPRESSO COURSES THROUGH MY VEINS LIKE THE LIGHTNING OF ASGARD! ⚡️"
Loki: "Ah yes, just what we needed - Thor, but faster."
"The world's - like I always say - changing fast. Though that it's changing as fast as Thor on a sugar high is possibly... concerning" I note, watching Banner relax slightly at the normal interaction.
"Maybe it's actually time for organizations like SHIELD to change with it." If Hydra doesn't get in the way that is.
"Or get left behind," Emma adds.
"Nevertheless," I begin as I put my phone away, "we should meet him," I state.
"What? Why? The guy's like a dog with a bone, and currently, he doesn't have a bone, so why give him one," Tony states in response
"Because," I lean forward, "Fury's going to keep pushing until he gets what he wants. Better to meet him on our terms than have him show up uninvited again."
Emma's mental presence carries skepticism. "You really think he'll play by any terms we set?"
"No," Fisk interjects, studying me. "But my son's right. Control the engagement, control the outcome."
"Plus," Banner adds quietly, "SHIELD's resources could be useful. If they're actually willing to work with us rather than try to control us."
Stark sighs dramatically. "Fine. But we do this right. My tower, my security, my terms."
"Actually," I counter, "I was thinking here. On our ground." I glance at Fisk. "Show him exactly what kind of united front he's dealing with."
Emma smirks. "Make him walk into the lion's den?"
"More like the king's court," I reply. "After all, if he wants to talk about power and control..."
"Let's show him what real power looks like," Fisk finishes, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Very well. I'll have my assistant arrange a suitable time."
"And if he tries anything?" Banner asks.
"Then he'll learn why crossing this family is a bad idea," Emma states, her expression cold.
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Fury arrives exactly on time - a calculated move, no doubt.
Fisk's office has been arranged precisely for this meeting: Fisk behind his desk, a position of power; Banner and Stark casually positioned near the advanced lab displays, showcasing our scientific capabilities; Emma and I completing the circle of influence.
"Director," Fisk's voice carries that dangerous calm. "I trust you found the front entrance more convenient than my son's bedroom window?"
Fury takes the offered seat, his one eye scanning the room with practiced efficiency. "Mr. Fisk. Quite the gathering you've assembled."
"Indeed," Fisk replies. "Though I'm more interested in discussing your previous... breach of security. Breaking into a teenager's room seems beneath SHIELD's dignity."
"That was an error in judgment," Fury acknowledges, though his posture remains unfazed. "One I don't intend to repeat."
"See that you don't." The threat in Fisk's voice is subtle but clear.
"Now," Fury continues, "about your growing organization-"
"The Ultimates," I interject. "Let's call it what it is."
"The Ultimates," he repeats, testing the name. "Powered individuals operating without oversight tends to make people nervous."
"Like shadowy government agencies operating without accountability?" Emma's mental presence brushes against Fury's defenses, finding them impressive but not impenetrable.
"We're offering a chance for cooperation," Fury states. "SHIELD has resources-"
"That we already have," Stark interrupts, gesturing to the lab displays. "Between my tech, Fisk's networks, and Banner's research, we're not exactly hurting for resources."
"What you're offering," I add, "is control disguised as cooperation."
Fury's eye narrows slightly. "What I'm offering is a chance to work together before the next Ross situation. Or worse."
"Let's be specific," I lean forward. "What exactly are you proposing, Director?"
"Information sharing. Joint response protocols for major threats. A seat at the table when global security is concerned." Fury's eye moves between us. "In return, SHIELD provides additional resources, political cover when needed."
"And oversight," Emma adds coolly.
"Guidance," Fury corrects.
"Control," Fisk states flatly. "Let's not pretend this is anything else."
Banner shifts slightly, drawing Fury's attention. "The last time I trusted government 'guidance,' I spent years running for my life."
"Ross was a loose cannon," Fury responds. "SHIELD operates differently."
"Yes," Stark interjects, "you're much more subtle about your manipulations. Really, it's impressive."
I feel Emma's mental warning: 'He's planning something. His surface thoughts are too organized, too prepared.'
"Here's our counter-offer," I say, catching everyone's attention. "We maintain complete autonomy. If - and only if - a situation requires joint operation, we coordinate as equals. No oversight, no control, no SHIELD agents embedded in our organization." Especially no Hydra spies among them.
"That's not how this works," Fury starts, but I continue.
"That's exactly how this works. Because right now, Director, you're not offering us anything we actually need. But we're offering you something invaluable - allies you don't have to fight."
The room falls silent as Fury processes this. His expression gives nothing away, but there's a new calculation in his eye.
"And if we refuse?"
"Then nothing changes," Fisk answers. "Except perhaps our willingness to cooperate in the future."
Fury stands slowly, his coat doing that dramatic swish he's probably practiced. "I'll take your... counter-offer under consideration."
"Do that," I reply. "And Director? Next time you want to talk to me, use the front door again, like this time. It's safer for everyone."
As he leaves, Emma's mental voice carries amusement: "He's actually impressed. And worried."
"Good," I think back. "He should be both."
I'll change everything, piece by piece.
I'll be the one who will set the rules for this game, not the Mad Titan.