Chapter 26: Things Can't Last Forever
"Ok Max, just one more sequence and then we'll take a breather."
Said teen yawned, yet nodded his head to Bruce and continued reviewing the algorithms that floated across a holographic screen. After the dinner and an action movie binge watch, he could honestly say that he was feeling better. A few doubts still floated around, but being surrounded by his old and new friends definitely made a difference.
To thank everyone properly for pitching in, Max had finished up cleaning that night while they all continued their motion picture marathon. "But Hazel, shouldn't you be getting home soon?", Max asked and checked a nearby wall clock that was nearing close to eleven. "Darn it, you're right,'' she mumbled and got up from the couch lazily. "If I don't get back soon, my brother's gonna kill me."
"And your Dad wouldn't?", Steel questioned, but she shook her head and started throwing things in a knapsack. "My Dad and all his cooking buddies went off for some important culinary conference. Been gone for almost a month. He's supposed to come back next week though, so you'll probably start seeing him in the shop after that."
Max nodded and was about to offer a ride back to her house, but someone else beat him to it. "It's dangerous to go about this late for anyone", Ven-Ghan stated and sprung up from his position. "Besides, it's been awhile since I've checked the horizon. I can drop you off before that." "So like...in your spaceship?!", Hazel exclaimed excitedly and he nodded. "Wow, ok! Obviously I've never been in one before."
"It's safe", Ven-Ghan assured, gesturing to a door that would lead them to the roof (and the Ven-Geance). "It would also be the quickest route back." She shrieked a "Yes!", said a quick goodbye to our duo, and bounced out the door with the Hunter in tow. And all the while Steel still spotted the same sassy gaze.
"Leave it alone Steel", Max advised and came over to turn off the Flatscreen. "Oh come on, Ven-Ghan NEVER lets anyone inside his ship!", the Ultralink pointed out and floated beside him. "It's like his most prized possession! But he was just feeling generous enough to give her a ride back?"
"Goodnight buddy", Max chuckled and then left Steel with his "shipping" theories.
The next day had been a teaching one, so Max headed to the Tower and spent the day with Bruce giving out lengthy midterms. The teen thought he'd be able to leave as soon as that was over, but Tony showed up after everyone left with a bubbly grin on his face. Steel then reminded him about the extra "research" they signed up to do on Max Steel's T.U.R.B.O. energy.
Which was why he was currently trying hard not to fall asleep as he stared at twirling symbols and data. "I still think this is pretty pointless though", he spoke internally to Steel and watched his fingers type out equations on a virtual keyboard. "Even if they figure out how T.U.R.B.O. energy works, how's that going to help them? They already have a T.U.R.B.O. tracking system, so what's the point?
"You're guess is as good as mine", Steel answered, finishing the calculations and releasing his control over Max's arms. "Maybe they want to make a T.U.R.B.O. powered net to trap us in? Or a siphon like Dredd has? But judging how this is going, it seems more like Stark's brain child and less like Dr. Banner's idea."
Deciding to get a definite answer for himself, Max stood up and walked over to another workbench where Tony and Bruce were working hard. "Already done kid?", Stark inquired, glancing at him and the half-finished work in front of him. "You really do work fast." "And accurately", Banner added, pulling up Max's calculations to compare with his own.
"Thanks", the younger of them replied and shuffled from side to side. "But can I ask...why are we studying T.U.R.B.O. energy anyway? Is it for an alternative power source or something?"
"Well, yes and no", Tony admitted and gave a knowing look to Bruce. "It's true that Max Steel's energy would be a better power replacement, but that's not the only reason." "Let's just say that understanding T.U.R.B.O. energy is a way to find out where it comes from and the best ways to manage it", Banner ended. "Especially if the one who generates it can be...unpredictable at best.
"Ah, they are thinking about us", the Ultralink interjected and Max rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Maybe they'll try to put us in a T.U.R.B.O. proof box and drop it into the Atlantic."
"Don't even joke about that Steel", Max expressed and exhaled. He had never like enclosed spaces and being trapped underwater wasn't a pleasant thought.
"Well, since you're done early Max, why don't we take that break now?", Tony grinned and did a stretch. "I'm starving and you probably are too. Plus in my humblest opinion, our Pizza is to die for."
"It should be, you paid for the most expensive oven you could find", Banner joked with a smile. "And of course it's some weird brick one you found in Italy-"
"Hey! You weren't complaining when you were eating a slice from it last week! And with mushrooms on yours no less", Stark shivered and Max gave a small laugh. "Anyways, let's head on up. We'll let you pick the toppings Max, as long as it isn't fungus."
"I like mushrooms", Max admitted and Bruce gave him a high five while Tony whined at the betrayal. They all then climbed into the elevator and glided to the top floor, the dumb waiter signaling their entrance with a loud ping. Max felt his mouth come open once more at the sheer space of the lounge, observing marble countertops and shiny glass floors. He looked out one of the many windows and gasped, the entire city sparkling like stars from his vantage point.
"I was impressed by the view first time too", Bruce noticed and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Really takes your breath away." "Yeah, no kidding", Max agreed and snapped out of his trance to head over to a nearby table. "Thank you for dinner though. You really don't have to." "Oh please", Stark dismissed and starting typing in commands for a Pizza on a nearby keypad. "I would be a bad host if I didn't offer." "Plus he'd never hear the end of it from Pepper", Bruce added.
"You know, for two of the world's smartest minds, they really do act like...kids together", Steel surmised and observed Stark playfully keep the keypad away from Banner and his Portabella urges. Max shook his head at the antics and sat back, noticing a door suddenly creak open down the hallway.
A familiar brownish-blond man then walked into the kitchen, eyeing the scene in front of him with an experienced gaze. "Can't decide on toppings again?", the man lightly asked and Tony nodded, tossing the device to the new figure. "I won't let Bruce desecrate our meal", Tony grumbled. "Especially not with something that belongs on the nasty ground."
"Sorry about this,'' the man said to Max and sat down. "They're always like this when it involves food. You're Bruce's T.A. right? I'm-"
"Steve!", Max answered, finally remembering where he'd seen the guy before. "I remember you from that other time." "You've met already?!", Tony and Steel echoed in a similar (but slightly unheard) confusion.
"Yeah. I was on a morning run down the street and...he kept me from falling down a hole."
"That's right!", Steve recalled and nodded his head. "You were really focused on something. At least enough not to see the signs." "Well, thanks again", Max nodded and felt his cheeks turn red from the clumsy memory. "I don't think I realized who you were at the time though." "Seriously?", Steel voiced privately and Max shrugged. "You got saved by Captain America and didn't even know? Or tell me?!"
"That's ok", Steve consoled and started going through the device himself. "Usually I'm wearing the helmet, so a good chunk of people don't realize who I am. Plus I'm a bit more low key than some other people I could name." "I heard that and can tell you're judging me", Tony scoffed and crossed his arms. "But I believe it's important to make a statement in life."
"That's also what male Peacocks believe", Banner muttered and Stark rolled his eyes. "Is anyone else joining us for dinner? "Thor is", Steve chimed in with a chuckling smirk. "He just wanted to run down to that donut shop you took him to again. Natasha and Clint won't be back till tomorrow."
"Super spies never get a break", Stark remarked and grabbed some drinks from the fridge. "Oh well, more food for us. You know Clint eats likes he's headed to a deserted island or something." "Tony", Steve and Bruce criticized, but the billionaire just shook his shoulders and chuckled.
"You know, they may act like kids, but they're all super close", Max spoke to Steel and accepted the drink Tony gave him. "Kinda reminds me of us. And everyone back at N-Tech." "Finally feeling homesick?", the bot asked and Max played with the bottle in his hands.
"A little...maybe I should at least give my Mom a call soon. The summer's already halfway over and this isn't gonna last forever."
"Kinda wish it would", Steel confessed with a sigh. "Hanging out with other superheroes, fighting Rhinos, playing video games till dawn-"
"Max? Max! You ok?", Stark questioned and the teen focused on the trio in front of him again. "Don't go all Space Cadet on us."
"Oh, yeah! Sorry Mr. Stark. I was just...thinking about my family back home."
"You miss them?", Steve wondered and Max nodded. "I understand that feeling. I'm sure they're missing you too." "Besides, think of all the cool stories you can tell them when you get back", Stark said and sat on the table. "Especially in that tiny town you hail from. Working in Avengers Tower, one of your bosses being the coolest person on the planet (no offense Bruce), groundbreaking research, Pizza! C'mon, what more could you ask for in a vacation?"
"Pizza? Is that what we're feasting on this evening?", Thor asked, suddenly appearing from the elevator with a large box of donuts in his hands.
And everyone greeted their returned companion with warm hellos and hand shakes. Max just shook his head and watched, kind of in awe that this was his life right now. And yes, it definitely wouldn't last forever. But he would enjoy the ride while he could and a slice of Bacon and Mushroom.
Furthermore, Max was definitely sure of one thing; he wasn't about to let anything or ANYONE ruin the rest of his summer vacation.
MEANWHILE BACK IN COPPER CANYON
In a well-known lair surrounded by the darkest metal, sounds of machines erupting and explosions could be heard. Frustrated screaming and the pulse of lasers rang out to pierce the air, slicing walls and scorching bleak floors. It hit a climax when a "harmless" Dredd bot was catapulted and blasted, turning into bite size pieces upon impact.
And then...absolute silence.
It was at that moment when Jason Naught decided it would be best to come out his hiding hole. Opening the door to his office, he lightly tip-toed down the hallway to finally confront the aftermath of Dredd's displeasure.
Digging up where Max Steel had crawlen was becoming impossible, with the end result like dynamite on his Boss's short fuse. The drones that reported in had detected no T.U.R.B.O. anomalies and nothing suspicious in their zones. That is, if they even reported in at all. A few hundred had already been offlined (for that reason they didn't know) and it wasn't like they could resort to his own plan of busting down N-Tech anymore. Forge Ferrus was also getting stir-crazy, so even more patrols combed the street and the annoying Commander had even resorted to air surveillance.
It was a lose-lose situation.
Quietly opening the door to the main chamber, Naught slowly slid in while Dredd heavily exhaled and spewed wreckage out of his vicinity. "Don't. Even. Start", the villain hissed and Naught tried hard not to flinch. "If you don't have anything relevant to report, leave. Or today will only get worse for you."
"Understandable", Naught shuddered and gulped in fear. "It's just you wanted to know if the Elementors ever checked in with us on their search. And they did...but they haven't found anything either." "Of course those four idiots haven't", Dredd barked and dropped himself down into a chair. "They're probably arguing over who has the better power of nature and haven't even left New Mexico!"
"W-Well, Water Elementor at least has. He checked all of N-Tech's current and abandoned underwear bases. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but you know he can be a bit-"
"Inflexible", Dredd finished and bent his fingers, corrupted T.U.R.B.O. energy dancing on his appendages. "Unimaginative is a more fitting definition." Dredd sighed and sat back, staring at the ceiling in misery. 'This isn't good', he grimaced and checked his own T.U.R.B.O. reserves inside his armor. He had enough power to sustain his life functions indefinitely (and at this point that SHOULD have been enough).
Yet it wasn't.
He craved MORE T.U.R.B.O. energy! Desired power flowing through his veins to make him unstoppable! Nevertheless...without a renewable supply (a.k.a Max Steel unfortunately), he wouldn't get his fix. And he NEEDED a fix right now!
He tightened his fists and then slowly released, seeming to be at a true loss. Dredd knew that he was the best tactician and a mind-blowing strategist. But he couldn't do anything if his target didn't even come out to play. Waving his hand to dismiss his underling (much to Naught's relief), he slumped into the seat to brood.
But before his second in command could exit the door, something happened.
Their virtual mainframe blacked out and then exploded, data and code covering their displays like a bad virus. Naught quickly ran over to one of the screens while Dredd started working as well, wondering what caused this sudden change. "It looks like someone's trying to hack into our network", Jason surmised and began swiftly typing to combat the intrusion. "Who would even dare?!", Dredd seethed, anger quickly returning to fill his chest. However, he would soon get his answer.
One of their screens blinked once and then displayed a hazy image, an unknown figure centered in the middle. The resolution eventually got clearer and more of the picture could then be seen, but the individual still remained hidden. "Miles Dredd I presume?", the shape coldly questioned and said evildoer went closer to get a better look at the character. "And his lackey Jason Naught correct?"
"Now look here", Dredd bellowed and pointed a finger at the monitor. "I don't know who you think you are, but if you don't release your hold on my network I will make your life-"
"A living nightmare?", the character guessed and tilted his head. "I find that threat hard to believe. Especially when you're just squatting in that low-rate cave in the mountains picking up scraps."
"You insignificant-"
"Fool?", the persona taunted. "Hardly. But, we didn't hack into your network just to make small talk. We did it to make a deal."
"And what could you possibly have that we would want?", Naught scoffed and crossed his arms. "We don't need anything from the likes of you."
"Are you sure about that Jason?", the figure mused and the smaller man glared harder at the screen. "Because a little birdy told me you needed information. And specifically on a hero named Max Steel." Dredd and Naught both froze at the revelation and the character laughed cockily. "Oh, I've DEFINITELY got your attention now, don't I?"
"Where...is he?!", Dredd unraveled and T.U.R.B.O. energy crackled from his palms. "You better tell me now or-"
"Or what? You'll blast the screen? Miles, Miles. You've forgotten how to do business", the shape teased and Dredd released the power from his hands. "However, I'm sure you haven't forgotten all the tricks of the trade." "...Indeed. I haven't", the anti-hero mused and sat back down to contemplate.
"So...what is it you want for this information? If it is reliable that is."
"It most certainly is. You could say...a loud-mouthed Rhino told me where to find him. And all we need in return is your cooperation. If you agree to these conditions, Max Steel will be handed over to you upon capture. Provided we 'borrow' him for a short spell."
Dredd thought for a moment with a humm, tapping a finger against his arm rest. "IF I agree...then I want to be part of ensnaring Max Steel."
"Naturally", the figure agreed. "Especially since it looks like you're in need of your little T.U.R.B.O. fix-"
"AND", Dredd thundered, choosing to ignore the jab, "I need to know who I'm working with! I don't need any extra deadweight or double-crosses in my work."
The man (now Dredd and Jason were sure he was male. In a tight body suit?) laughed, placing his hands at his sides. "I assure you, we aren't deadweight at all! And the deal is most certainly truthful."
The individual finally came out of darkness into a dim light, a wicked grin hidden beneath a tall amber helmet. The man's striking attire with durable golden armor was recognizable, yet Dredd really couldn't place where he'd seen it before. However, the symbol on his outfit of four hexagons woven together sent a tremor down his back.
"My name is Andrew Forson, Scientist Supreme. And WE are A.I.M."
And the train has left the station! BTW, welcome back everybody (from my unintended hiatus)! But things are gonna start heating up, especially since the bad guys are finally teaming up. And what plans could A.I.M. possibly have for Max Steel? You guys are just gonna have to wait and see. Until then, see you guys next time. Y 'all know what comes next. I'm out! =)
