Quick AN: Get ready for a beefy chapter today. I had wanted to split it in two but couldn't figure out how to make it flow. So you get it all. Lucky bastards.
Anyways, I saw the new Superman movie and I can't help but be… mixed on it. I love this new Superman and how he operates. But the overall story felt chaotic and unfocused. But it was still very enjoyable. I'm excited to see what else is in store for the new DCU, because after Endgame, I checked out from Marvel. They really dropped the ball, at least, I think so.
Let me stop yapping so you all can get to reading.
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"…the city's crime rate has impressively decreased by 9% with the surge of Atomic's heroic appearances. His presence has woven a sense of safety throughout the streets of New York."
"…a massive inferno engulfed an apartment building in North Manhattan, leaving five brave firefighters trapped amid the chaos of flames and smoke. Fortunately, Atomic appeared in a flash, utilizing his powers to quickly subdue the fire and orchestrate a daring rescue, ensuring the firefighters and any trapped residents made it out safely."
"… Atomic's persistent refusals to comply with court summons have state officials raising eyebrows and questioning his true motives."
"…New York's newest masked vigilante, Spider-Man, was spotted enjoying lunch with the heroic figure of Atomic on a rooftop overlooking the vibrant neighborhood of Queens."
"…all attempts to secure an exclusive interview with the elusive Red and White superhero, Atomic, have ended in disappointment. Is there anyone who can break through his careful guard and reveal the man behind the helmet?"
"…breaking news: the heroic figure of Atomic was seen making another generous drop of supplies at the FEAST homeless shelter this week. This marks the third consecutive month of his weekly visits, delivering essential items like nutritious food, warm clothing, medical supplies, and more—a true testament to his commitment to the community."
As time flowed on, a flood of headlines inundated the media, each one chronicling Atomic's latest noble deed or daring escapade. His likeness and reputation blossomed daily, permeating every corner of the city. Even those who had once eyed him with skepticism began to shift their perspective, slowly coming to believe in his genuine desire to do good, but a small minority still question his intentions.
Police officers, once wary of Atomic and his powers, found themselves gradually warming to the hero's presence. They exchanged excited glances and sighed in relief whenever the familiar sight of the red and white figure appeared on the horizon. Atomic's knack for remembering the names of many first responders only added to his growing stature among those who engaged in selfless acts of bravery without supernatural abilities.
As time passed, the citizens of New York embraced a newfound comfort in knowing they were under Atomic's vigilant watch. The atmosphere was charged with a tangible sense of safety, as though the mere sight of a blur of red and white streaking across the sky promised that everything would be alright.
••o••o••o••
…4 Months Later...
Tell me there's something better.
"Yee-haw!" Spider-Man whooped as he swung through the skies of New York. His red and blue costume was a fast-moving blur over the pedestrians below.
Go ahead. Try. Spider-Man thought as he flipped and leaped off building after building. The sensation of traveling at fast speeds and falling filled him with adrenaline.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Peter Benjamin Parker. I can sum it up in one glorious, hyphenated word. Spider-Man. I am the Spectacular Spider-Man. Spider-Man monologued to himself and landed on a building's ledge, staring down at the lively streets below. Only one thing missing. It's my last night before school starts, and I could really use some action.
Off in the distance, a loud ring from a jewelry store's alarm rang through the night, which was easily picked up by Spider-Man's superhuman senses.
"Thank you, universe!" Spider-Man said as he launched off the roof and launched a web to the building across the street.
Two men could be seen exiting the bulkhead on a rooftop, bags full of jewelry in their hands. These men were Flint Marco and Alexander O'Hirn.
"Did I tell you? One getaway jump to the next building and we're a million bucks richer." Flint said as he and Alexander walked to the rooftop ledge to see the distance they would have to leap to make it across.
"This ain't no million-buck haul. Not after the Big Man takes his cut." Alexander said, annoyance in his voice.
"Ah, shut up and jump," Flint muttered.
Alexander moved to leap over the ledge but was suddenly pulled back by white webbing. Flint quickly spun around and lifted an arm to block the harsh red light from above. He looked down and saw a glowing large logo that filled him with dread.
"Oh, no. Not again." Flint said.
"Yep, again. What is this, Marko, the third time this summer?" Spider-Man said with his fists on his hips as a bright light shone from his belt, displaying a large Spider-Man logo over Flint. He stuck to the side of a radio tower as Alexander tried to escape from his webbed bindings behind the masked hero.
"Just wait till I get my hands on you, you skinny little creep," Alexander growled as he uselessly fought against the webbing. Spider-Man ignored him and leaped down.
"Okay, so, Marko, now tell me. The new Spider-Signal. Too much? It's my first night trying it out. And I'm just not sure it screams Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," Spider-Man said as he dodged, weaved, and leaped over all of Flint's attacks. "Be brutal. I mean, as a guy with a lot of experience getting thrashed by, well, me... I really value your opinion."
Deciding to end the fight, Spider-Man webbed Alexander's dropped bag of jewels and slammed it into Flint's back. Knocking him down. Like a spider, Spider-Man webbed up Flint quickly, leaving the repeat thief trapped in webbing like his partner.
"So? What would you rate it? 1 out of 10 or 10 out of 10?" Spider-Man asked.
"Let me go, you insect!"
"A common misconception, but spiders are actually arachnids. Still, think about it. I'm expecting a full review next time I web you both up!" Spider-Man said and began the process of securing both men for when the police eventually arrived.
As he was about to leave the scene, Spider-Man paused and turned to the spilled jewels. He stared at them, the thought of taking one filled his mind. Shaking his head, he leaped off the roof and swung away.
"Ah, the temptation. I wonder when that part of the gig will disappear?" He asked and entered a free fall.
Harnessing his extraordinary intellect, Spider-Man focused intently on the variables at play: the distance to the nearby skyscraper, the optimal speed needed to build his momentum, and the crucial timing for his launch. With a swift, practiced motion, he unleashed a sharp thwip, sending a gleaming web line streaking out into the night sky.
As he swung forward, the world around him blurred with the thrill of velocity, and he arched low to the ground, feeling the rush of air whip past him like a wild tempest. In a breathtaking moment, he launched himself into the air, soaring upward with a powerful surge, the cityscape unfolding beneath him like a vibrant tapestry of life and color.
After another hour of patrol, he was about to call it a night, but stopped when he heard the wails of sirens. With a web zip, he flew over several buildings and landed in a crouch to watch a high-speed police chase through the streets of Manhattan.
"Okay, Universe. I know I asked for more action, but let's cut it back," Spider-Man said and was about to swing in to help when a brilliant flash of red light zoomed down the street. Overtaking the chasing police vehicles. "Ah, there he is."
Excited to see his friend work, Spider-Man decided to follow at a distance. As he swung from building to building, he watched as Atomic used his reality warping powers to ensure no pedestrians were hurt and minimize any damage to the streets. It didn't take long for Atomic to reach the cause of the chase. With seeming ease, he lifted the sports car into the air with large glowing arm constructs.
The police cars came to a stop, and officers stepped out to observe as Atomic pulled the two joyriders from the vehicle. After creating handcuffs on the men, Atomic dropped them off in front of the officers and set the sports car down. He then gave a quick salute to the officers and excited onlookers before flying away.
Spider-Man watched all of this from a rooftop. Beneath his mask, he was grinning as he observed his fellow vigilante and friend work. Everything Atomic did was quick, efficient, and calculated.
"That was awesome," Spider-Man said, but jumped when his phone began to buzz. Pulling it out, he saw his alarm blaring, causing him to panic. "Ah, man! It's that late! Gotta get home!"
With a mighty leap, he jumped away and swung through the city to get home and get some sleep. He didn't want to start the new year at school sleep deprived.
Floating above the city, Atomic watched Spider-Man swing away with a slight chuckle.
"…10-31. Burglary in progress on-" The intergrated police radio in Atomic's helmet buzzed in. After hearing where the burglary was taking place, Atomic turned and zoomed over the city.
••o••o••o••
Wyatt's fingers flew across the keyboard as his eyes remained fixed on his monitor, where unending lines of code came to life. He sat in a plush gaming chair at a wide desk, several monitors positioned in front of him. Empty Starbucks cups were scattered around his work area, and a half-eaten bagel lay forgotten.
Behind him loomed several towering bookshelves, their dark wood gleaming under the soft glow of the overhead lights. Each shelf was meticulously organized, filled with an impressive array of books that spanned a broad spectrum of subjects. Prominent titles on coding languages—ranging from Python and Java to C++ and Ruby—were prominently featured, their spines showcasing the colors and designs of various publishers.
Adjacent to these programming tomes were comprehensive textbooks delving into the intricate world of computer science and advanced algorithms, complete with diagrams and flowcharts that promised to unravel complex concepts. The shelf also harbored a collection dedicated to artificial intelligence, where volumes explored both foundational theories and cutting-edge developments in machine learning and neural networks.
Not limited to just programming, the bookshelf offered a glimpse into the world of mechanical engineering, with texts outlining design principles, dynamics, and thermodynamics, reflecting a deep understanding of the physical world. Next to these, books on advanced robotics presented a fascinating exploration of automation and the future of technology, filled with case studies and practical applications. There were also books covering different languages such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean.
Wyatt had immersed himself in these subjects over the past few months, absorbing all the information until it was firmly instilled in his memory, ready for application.
Thanks to his high-processing quantum computer brain, Wyatt had effectively become one of the world's greatest programmers and designers. For him, writing code and understanding the intricate workings of various machines had become as effortless as breathing.
With his exceptional coding skills, Wyatt could hack into any highly classified and secure system globally to obtain secrets and sensitive information. However, he wasn't interested in pursuing such activities that would ultimately attract unwanted attention. Instead, Wyatt focused on using his programming knowledge to prepare for the future.
"…almost there," Wyatt said as he completed, debugged, and tested his newest software. "And done."
Once he completed and compiled his work, Wyatt transferred the intricate code through his advanced servers and thick fiber optic cables that snaked into another room. Standing up, he navigated through his expansive, high-tech laboratory, filled with an array of cutting-edge tools and equipment.
All of these pieces of technology were powered by the powerful clean energy provided by Ivan Vanko's own Arc Reactor. While it wasn't on the same level as Tony Stark's Arc Reactor, Ivan's design would still offer Wyatt an unlimited source of clean energy for his future inventions and bases. Still, once Wyatt had the opportunity, he also planned to scan Stark's Reactor.
This second room was a stunning sight—brightly lit and remarkably spacious, with high ceilings that conveyed a sense of boundless potential. Before him stood a formidable assembly of dozens of Hammer drones, organized with military precision, resembling a small army poised for action.
Each drone had undergone a radical transformation, thanks to Wyatt's visionary redesign, which stripped them of their original Army, Marine, Navy, and Air Force aesthetics.
The task of overhauling such complex technology would have presented an overwhelming challenge for most engineers, but for Wyatt, endowed with a formidable intellect and unique abilities, it was merely an opportunity to innovate. He re-engineered the old Hammer drones into powerful, streamlined machines, infused with enhancements that made them not only tougher and more resilient but also faster and more agile. His ability to create with pinpoint precision enabled him to manipulate materials and design features that were previously unthinkable.
Additionally, the blueprints he had carefully collected during his visit to the Stark Expo with Peter, Gwen, and Harry were essential to this project. They offered him invaluable insights and advanced technologies that enhanced the capabilities of the drones beyond their original specifications. With Ivan's Arc Reactors added in, they had more than enough power to support any actions they needed to take.
The Army drones had been meticulously engineered to resemble the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam. Primarily tasked with defense, search, and rescue missions, these highly advanced units were not outfitted with traditional weaponry like assault rifles or rockets. Instead, they proudly bore large red and white shields, reminiscent of their illustrious predecessors, symbolizing protection and defense. To ensure they possessed a means of offense while navigating perilous situations, each drone was armed with an imposing adamantium sword, capable of cutting through barriers and obstacles with ease.
The Marine drones, on the other hand, boldly embodied the powerful aesthetics of the Buster Gundam. Engineered for mid-to-long-range combat, these drones were equipped with a formidable arsenal designed for versatility and control. Each unit featured two shoulder-mounted machine guns that offered rapid-fire capabilities, while chest-mounted missiles provided devastating long-range firepower. This combination allowed the Marine drones to engage targets effectively from a distance, ensuring they remained a force to be reckoned with.
In stark contrast, the Navy drones adopted the menacing design of the Gouf Custom Zaku, embodying a fierce approach to close-quarters combat. Built for rugged terrain and intense engagements, these units carried two large adamantium battle axes on their backs, enabling them to deliver powerful melee attacks. Additionally, they sported a refined version of Whiplash's whips integrated into their arms, allowing for both offensive strikes and agile maneuvers that could disarm and disable opponents in the heat of battle.
Lastly, the Air Force drones were modeled after the sleek and agile Strike Freedom Gundam, crafted for superior air defense and aerial combat. These drones featured expansive wings enhanced with several additional thrusters, granting them exceptional speed and unparalleled agility in flight. Equipped with machine gun turrets and missile launchers strategically positioned on their heads, shoulders, and forearms. These mechas could engage multiple aerial and ground-based targets with precision, ensuring they dominated the skies during critical operations.
In total, Wyatt had twenty-five of each unit now downloading their specific code base into their systems. The mecha designs and paint schemes differed slightly from each other, but they all shared a red and white color scheme with large, plain-to-see Atomic logos on their armor, making it straightforward for anyone to see that they were his creations.
Wyatt's primary motivation for building an army was to better protect the city in case Loki brought the Chitauri army into Manhattan. Despite the Avengers' efforts in the film, the city suffered significant destruction and casualties. With his new army, Wyatt hoped to reduce both.
However, his preparations extended beyond simply building an army. He dedicated himself to reinforcing all the buildings at the epicenter of the anticipated invasion, making each structure tougher and more resistant to destruction and collapse.
When he wasn't actively fighting crime every night, Wyatt moved from building to building to strengthen their materials while carefully considering structural integrity. Currently, he has completed about 35% of the reinforcement for all of Manhattan and expects to finish by late 2011, just in time for the potential invasion in 2012. This timeline assumes that everything proceeds as planned and that his future contributions do not affect the outcome of events.
Wyatt turned to a monitor on his right and checked the progress of his code download. It was currently 6% complete. By tomorrow, each mecha should be fully functional and operational. From there, he planned to position each drone throughout the epicenter of the incoming attack in strategic locations. Thanks to his abilities, no one would be able to find the 15-foot-tall mechas hidden in plain sight.
Wyatt exited the room with a proud smile, his mind still lingering on his recent achievements. He strode purposefully through the brightly lit corridors of his secret underground bunker, the walls lined with reinforced steel and the faint hum of machinery echoing around him. He took a deep breath as he approached the door at the end of the hall.
Swinging the door open, Wyatt's expression shifted instantly from pride to seriousness. Before him lay a vast board meticulously covered with a mosaic of maps, photographs, and meticulously gathered data. Each piece of paper told a story—a chilling narrative of the human trafficking and money laundering operations being perpetrated by various Russian factions in the bustling streets of New York City.
Red lines crisscrossed the maps, marking routes of illicit transport, while photographs captured the faces of known traffickers and their victims. Detailed notes jotted in the margins outlined connections and patterns, revealing a complex web of criminal activity that Wyatt was determined to unravel.
Over the past four months, Wyatt had steadily chipped away at the vast network of the Russian Empire. His efforts were marked by substantial achievements—he had successfully incarcerated 75% of their operatives and dismantled operations worth millions of dollars thanks to the help from the NYPD and another of his newest allies, a certain blind lawyer.
The rate of kidnappings in the city had seen a remarkable decline, plummeting by an astonishing 65%. This drastic drop could largely be attributed to Atomic's unwavering and relentless raids throughout the city on various fronts, no matter who was running the operation. Russian, Chinese, Mexican, and any other groups who thought they could sell someone's life away.
Yet, despite these significant victories, Wyatt's ultimate goal remained elusive. His focus had been to track down two key figures—Reznov and the Russian's elusive head boss—who lay at the heart of the Empire's operations.
However, after months of searching, fighting, and strategizing, all he had managed to glean were their full names: Reznov Antonov, known as the ruthless enforcer who never hesitated to pull the trigger and Luigi's killer. Maksimilian Zhukov, the cunning mastermind orchestrating the Empire's nefarious activities from behind the scenes.
Though he now possessed these identities, Wyatt was acutely aware that understanding their whereabouts was the next critical step in his mission. Not even with his incredible hacking abilities, Wyatt was unable to find anything on the two men. Whether that be due to them working offline and using only paper, or if there was some other force hiding their identities from the online world.
The clock was ticking, and every moment spent chasing their shadows felt like a step further from achieving justice for Luigi and everyone else they had hurt.
During his raids on their warehouses, hideouts, and gang meetings, Wyatt had grown close to apprehending both men several times. But each time, they slithered out of his grasp. Wyatt was sure that both men knew that he, Atomic, was looking for them at this point, resulting in them acting with extra caution to avoid him at all costs.
Wyatt had debated asking Coulson for another favor, but he quickly dismissed that idea. He had to do this on his own.
With slow steps, he walked up to the board and glared at the blurry picture of Maksimilian and Reznov entering a black Mercedes.
"Keep running. Eventually, you'll make a mistake… and I'll be there to catch you." Wyatt said. He checked the time and left the room at the sound of his phone's alarm and headed to the base's exit.
In a brilliant flash of crimson—no longer the soft reddish-pink of his earlier days—Wyatt was now donned in his Atomic suit, a testament to his newfound mastery, enhanced abilities, and skills.
With a powerful thrust, he launched through the opening panel of the base. Once he departed, the panel closed swiftly, leaving no sign of the secret underground facility that lay beneath. Below him, the Mianus Reservoir shimmered like a mirror under the sun, its expansive surface reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky. As he soared higher into the clear blue expanse above, the familiar landscape gradually faded from view.
Checking the time on his helmet's newly integrated advanced heads-up display, Atomic upped his speed. His suit flashed red before two large glowing thrusters and sharp wings attached to his back, replacing his cape. Drawing inspiration from Iron Man, thick armored gauntlets and knee-high boots appeared over Atomic's arms and legs, further enhancing his speed. In an instant, he shot through the sky with incredible velocity, reaching up to 3,600 kilometers per hour, or a little over Mach 2.83.
Normally, the human body wouldn't have been able to handle such speeds, but Atomic was protected by his suit and an aerodynamic glowing construct he had formed around himself, which allowed air resistance to wash over him. Additionally, he implemented a neck and spinal brace to prevent any potential whiplash.
Why was Atomic in such a hurry that he decided to fly at speeds comparable to a MiG-31 fighter jet?
He didn't want to be late for today's training session with Logan. Again.