Chapter 31: Aftermath

Under normal circumstances Max would of found himself quite relaxed.

Slowly brimming with consciousness however, he realized that this wasn't one of those times. He felt completely and utterly exhausted (burnt out was a more fitting description). Every single cell in his body seem to ache or cry out in overpowering pain. So Max had no problem indulging the request and lying exactly where he was like a bump on a log. Except, something was definitely off. But he didn't quite know what it was.

Max knew he wasn't in the firehouse base. The mattress beneath him seemed to sterile and hard-pressed for that. Plus every once in a while there would be voices moving in and out. They each carried different sounds, yet Max could identify concern, anxiety, or fascination in the inflections. One in particular seemed very significant, hovering in and out of his ears with an electronic frequency of worry. After a time though, even that vibration seemed to calm down and reach a muted hum.

Finally mustering the needed strength (and realizing now that he must of passed out), Max opened his eyes, his irises wincing at the bright light around him. Eventually they adjusted and he began to make out the surroundings of a futuristic medical bay. The newest and whitest equipment reflected under the harsh glare from bulbs and made it harder to see. Max stretched and realized in relief that he wasn't restrained to anything. However, a noticeable prick of pain appeared after he slightly extended one of his wrists. Eyes shifting in that direction, they widened at an IV line with a needle piercing his skin.

Not mentioning the fact that the armor that usually covered that hand/wrist was nowhere to be seen!

'No...No, No!', Max thought and furiously tried to yank out the needle. He knew it was dangerous for ANY part of the T.U.R.B.O. suit to disintegrate (and out of nowhere of all times)! Who knows what damage he could-

"...ax? Max, calm down!", a voice spoke out and hands quickly grabbed his fingers. Our teen looked up with an exclaimed expression, but then paused as a memorable face came into view.

"...Doctor Banner?", Max croaked out and the older man nodded. "Wha...What are you doing here?"

"Well first, making sure you don't rip out your IV", Bruce stated and gently set the needle back into place. "You're dehydrated and it'll help put fluids back in your system. Secondly, keeping an eye on you. One of us wanted to be here when you woke up since you've been out for a while."

"Oh...", Max sighed and brushed his free hand through his hair. "What about-"

"Steel? He hasn't left your side. I think the little guy wore himself out though. He's...you do realize he's on you right?"

Max glanced down and sure enough, his Ultralink partner was synched on his chest, a bluish glow coming off the android.

"Steel mentioned that he needed to go into sleep mode, but said the IV would be fine. Especially since you're still low on energy right now."

Max gradually nodded and then leaned back against the gurney he was on. Usually the bot didn't need to sleep as much. Although when they both went near the limit, Max did find the automaton resting like this in order to recharge. "Right. Sorry...didn't realize where I was for a second." (Which was obviously back at the Tower)

"You don't have to apologize,'' Bruce said and Max felt an enormous sense of Déjà vu. "It's not the worst reaction I've ever seen. You should see Thor when he's in here."

Max lightly laughed and Banner flicked one of his hands to activate a holographic screen. "What time is it by the way?" The health center had no windows, so the younger male wasn't sure what time it was.

"Around Twelve", Bruce answered, pulling up a detailed medical report.

"That's not so bad then."

"Yes, except that it's around Twelve o'clock at night. And you've been out for over a day."

"Wha-How?!", Max stammered and tried to get out of the bed again. "I've...never been out for that long before!"

"Maybe not. But I bet you've never overextended yourself like that either", Bruce guessed and made him sit back down. "You usually have help so you don't go over."

"Pretty much,'' Max groaned. "I must have been really tired."

"It's...more than that", Banner exhaled. He then pulled up a stool to sit next to him. "Are you feeling stressed out or anxious about something? Anything at all?"

"Do you mean currently?", the teen slightly joked and Bruce shook his head. "Um, maybe a bit."

"You sure?", Banner asked, regarding him with a no-nonsense tone. "Because your charts say otherwise. Your blood pressure rate is extremely high for someone your age. Couple that with the unexpected surprise you had and putting out all your energy to stop it. What do you think that gets you?"

"Let me guess. A one-way ticket to the hospital?"

"More than that", Bruce continued and Max shrunk from the sharp gaze. "Your heart couldn't take that pressure. All the problems added up and your body gave way. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with you. Physically, you're in great health. But you're going to have to make some lifestyle changes or eventually there will be something wrong. You're too young for that Max."

"I...get that", Max confessed, his face at an all-time low. "You're not the first person to tell me. It's just been hard to juggle everything. I do my best, even though I know that I can't do everything."

"Nevertheless you try to", Banner added. "Which results in stretching yourself very thin. And let me guess, are you sleeping more?"

"Actually...Yes,'' the teen noted with a realizing expression. "I'm worn out by the end of the day. Since we've been here it's been more so, but I thought it was because I was on vacation."

"That's the thing about humans as a species. We love to disguise our issues and pin it on something or someone else," Bruce observed and got up to grab a nearby drink. "If we're not careful though, it'll end up causing more harm than we think."

"So...how do you deal with it?", Max asked and Banner gave a thoughtful look.

"Presumably you would be honest with yourself. If there's something bothering you just say so. Make sure you're heard and if there's guilt involved, apologize for it and move on."

"Man, you really do give the best advice Bruce."

Hearing another person from around the corner, Max tilted his head and noted that they weren't alone anymore. Tony and Clint had entered the room unannounced, both of them enjoying a late night ice-cream snack.

"But let me ask", Stark smiled and Banner rolled his eyes. "Where was this kernel of wisdom when I needed it? I was lost once and needed guidance."

"Yes, and now you're found. Dripping Peanut Butter Chocolate all over the floor."

"You act like I'm a savage", Tony muttered and stuck a spoon in his mouth. "I only wanted to see how our patient was doing. Hey Max! You're finally up I see."

"Hi Mr. Stark", the teen slowly waved and gave a look to the person next to him. "And you're Clint right?"

"You're catching on", Barton nodded and walked over. "Granted, I didn't think you would. Or that this was a good idea. Especially with how the subway incident went."

"Clint", Banner warned and Stark gave an equal hint of caution.

"BUT! You kept your word to Natasha and Tony over here", the archer finished, gesturing to the billionaire. "So I suppose I can extend a little bit. Don't take it for granted though."

"...Ok?", Max said and Barton chuckled at his confused face. "So I take it everything worked out after I passed out?"

"Yep", Stark informed and plopped himself on a close work bench. "We got you back to the Tower, fished the A.I.M. weirdos out of the river, your alien friend dipped, then S.H.I.E.L.D. put Dredd in a good-ole prison cell."

"What?!", Max shrieked and Tony shook his head in amusement. "But Dredd never stays put for long! That's why we're always having to put him back."

"Yeah, S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't like N-Tech kiddo", Barton chimed and perfectly tossed his empty carton in a trash can. "He's not getting out anytime soon. Those Elementor things left him hung out to dry and Fury put him in a power-restraining room for one."

"You guys have one of those?", Max asked and Barton gave a thumbs up. "Wow, Berto needs to work on that."

"I'm more interested in this", Clint addressed and picked up Max's free arm to examine the armor around it. "Seriously, how strong is your suit? Tony tried to cut through it earlier and all his tools broke on impact."

"Which I will be billing you for later Max", Stark stated in a teasing tone. "Your Ultralink had to do something and it made the material retract around your hand. That's the only way we could stick a needle in you."

"Yeah, Steel mentioned before that the suit is nearly indestructible", Max explained. "Certain weapons can penetrate it, but it's built to last."

"What happens if it does rip or come apart?", Bruce asked curiously. "He said it could be dangerous, though didn't explain why."

"Um...", Max hesitated and rubbed his arm. "It would pretty bad if that happened, I guess."

"HOW though?", Tony questioned and signaled for him to continue. "Don't leave us in suspense here."

The teen exhaled and sadly stared at Stark's cheerful countenance. "Bad enough...to completely level the Tower. And about a hundred mile radius on a good day."

The room went silent and Max gave notice to the raised eyebrows and slight step-back Clint took. "My powers have always been...unstable. For as long as I've had them. If it wasn't for Steel regulating, I would have blown up a long time ago. You don't come back from that. At least in one piece I mean."

"Well...", Tony finally sighed and placed his empty dessert cup on the table. "You're here now. We wouldn't be here either if we let some unknown irregularities get in the way. Moreover, it's not like we can't handle explosions here or there."

"True", Clint mused and rubbed the back of his neck. "I really should be used to this by now. Nothing is ordinary about our cast of characters. Even if it were, it would be boring."

"Really?", Max wondered with a surprised glimmer.

"Never thought of it that way, but sure. When you live off and on with all these different types of people, you get used to a different standard of normal."

"Which isn't bad,'' Bruce added. "It's always good to meet new people and hear their stories."

"And speaking of stories", Tony beamed and Max braced himself for another round of questions. "Romanoff said you didn't tell her how you got your powers."

"Stark's about as nosy as they come too, so it'd be wise to fess up,'' the archer advised with a smirk. "Otherwise you'll never hear the end of it."

"Ah...", Max stammered and tried to shy away from the interrogation. "It's not THAT big of a deal you guys."

"I don't believe it,'' Tony chuckled while Bruce commented on privacy (and was abruptly ignored). "What do you think Clint?"

"Oh, he's definitely lying", the archer noted mischievously. "Question is, how long before he cracks?"

"You don't have to answer Max", Bruce defended, noticing that the teen was obviously uncomfortable. "The ADULTS should also have the courtesy not to grill a minor who's still recovering."

"Aww, you're no fun tonight", Tony pouted and jumped off the table. "However it is late and there's always tomorrow."

"Better be, there's some hard cash on the line,'' Clint whispered and crossed his arms. Max did a double take at "hard cash" though while Bruce put a hand on his face.

"...Are you two SERIOUS?", Banner slowly condemned. "You're betting on what his origin story is?!"

"Natasha's in on it too,'' Tony defended and put his hands up. "It's only a hundred tops. Double if someone else wants in, hint hint."

Banner said nothing, yet pointed his finger at the exit (and Max could of sworn something emerald flashed across the man's eyes). Barton and Stark took the forewarning and left in a flash, the door closing behind them with a click.

"...Sorry about them", Bruce apologized, taking in a deep breath. Reluctantly he picked up Stark's leftover trash and threw it away. "I warned you before about Tony, but Clint can be just as bad. They don't mean anything by it though."

"It's ok", Max replied, a smile spreading across his features. "My best friends can be the exact same way. Some of the people from N-Tech too."

"Then you'll be fine here", Banner observed and glanced at a clock on the wall. "Why don't you try and lay down for a while? It is late and I bet you could use a few more hours of rest."

"Wasn't going to say it", Max stated and rubbed his eyes. "Except I'm sure it's obvious by now. I'll go back to sleep for a bit. Thanks Doctor Banner."

"Goodnight Max", Bruce said and he flopped back onto the mattress. With another yawn, Max closed his eyes and fell into another black slumber.

A FEW DAYS LATER

At the end of a slim corridor, the Avengers lounge sat busy with its crew going through one of their morning routines. With a mighty skillet and spatula Steve was attempting to make pancakes of all types and sizes (which were actually pretty good). Thor tried to assist him in his own way while Clint was enjoying the fruits of their labor. Bruce was eating as well, yet felt he was giving most of his food to the archer next to him. And Tony had finally waltzed in, diving head first for coffee while giving a sleepy greeting.

Max McGrath just sat there and stared, trying to take in the fact that he was eating with nearly all of his favorite heroes. A SECOND day in a row.

"Max?", a familiar voice said and he smirked at the android next to him. Steel was feeling better as well and was back to his bossy self, but was still a bit set on keeping him engaged. "Stop spacing out and eat your breakfast. I want to play video games and I need a player two."

"Wait, how does that even work?", Barton asked after swallowing another fork full. "You don't have fingers. Or thumbs for that matter."

"Trust me, I make it work,'' Steel remarked with a touch of gloating. "If you want to figure it out, play me instead. Assuming that you COULD beat me."

"So the robot from space thinks he's all that? Ok, I'll take you on. Better than trying to play Thor at least."

"Sweet!", Steel beamed and they both went over to the big screens for a quick round.

"He's finally gone...'', Bruce quietly muttered after the archer left the table. "I swear, sometimes Clint reminds me of a bottomless pit."

"Yeah, I was about to cut him off,'' Steve admitted and slid a few pancakes on Bruce's plate. "It's not that I mind cooking, but not-"

"On an endless loop?", Stark supplied while sipping on a steaming mug. "Plus when Barton chows down, there's not much for the rest of us."

"So you guys usually have breakfast together then?", Max questioned and took a bite out of his own pancake.

"Not always since we're all on different schedules,'' Steve answered. "But if the weeks been slow or there's some free time, we do try and have one meal together at least."

"Spangles here calls it team building", Tony mumbled, a piece of meat between his teeth. "All I know is if he's cooking, I'll show up."

"Hey!", Thor interjected. "It's not as if I just sat there and consumed."

"Yes, your bacon is good too buddy", Tony praised and noted his teammate puffed out his chest at the praise. "We'll definitely assign you to turkey duty when the holidays roll up."

"WHAT? NO!", they all heard from the nearby couches and instantly looked over. Clint has suffering a humiliating loss and was trying to save himself. While Steel taunted in his face and glided in and out.

"Not so tough now!", Steel exclaimed and dealt the finishing blow, a Game Over instantly appearing on the screen. "You lose Spy Guy."

"That was obviously rigged. You cheated!", Barton growled while putting his hands over a quiver and bow.

"PLEASE! Why would I need to cheat?", the android replied and flicked his digits. "It's not like you were much of a challenge anyway."

"You cocky little-"

"Should I take this as a sign that everyone's getting along now?"

Seeming to appear from thin air (or they just hadn't noticed), Nick Fury stood near the lounge's entrance with an inquisitive appearance and a slim briefcase. Natasha was next to him as well, but was on her phone and completely unbothered to the chaos around her. Clint immediately raised his hands and peered at his boss with a sheepish expression.

"Somewhat", Clint confirmed. "Depends on the overall activity."

"...Interesting", Fury mused and then stared down Max from across the breakfast table. "I came to speak with your house guests, if you're not 'busy' that is."

"Sure...", Max replied and motioned for his partner to come over. "Does it matter where or do we need to go someplace?"

"No, that's not necessary", Fury answered and walked on over. "Romanoff said you were willing to answer questions. So we'll do an informal interview."

Max nodded and Fury sat down across from him. Steel took a spot next to him and the Director pulled out a small recording device. "However, even though this is informal, it is on the record."

Max and Steel nervously agreed and Fury ran down his list of questions, asking about the Ultralinks, their leader, and overall knowledge. While both of our heroes were a bit hesitant (having been drilled NEVER to give out any information) they had made a deal. So they answered each inquiry, going over things to the best of their understanding. All the Avengers became immersed in their tales, from learning how their powers worked to battling in the stratosphere. And Fury just hummed at their responses, the man pulling out a tablet to write notes down as needed. However, one of his questions made them pause.

"Now I understand you ARE an Ultralink", Fury continued and gave Steel a hard-pressed look. "How can we be sure you aren't interested in changing sides again?"

"Oh joy, here we go again with the trust issues", Steel stated with exasperation and the Director raised an eyebrow. "I've gotten it from Forge. Now I'm getting it from somebody else."

"Your own Commander has doubted you?", Fury asked and Max put a hand under his chin.

"Not to get into details, but Uncle Ferrus was a bit...reluctant after Steel reactivated."

"Which resulted in a lot of details being completely smeared over", the android divulged with a sigh. "I don't think I could ever go back to my kind or Makino though. Multiple reasons, but overall they're just crazy."

"Regardless, what's the guarantee?", the Director noted with a focused gaze. "What do you get out of it?"

"Aside from living my best life here on Earth?", the bot pondered and pressed a digit on his plating. "Probably the eight hour rule if I'm gonna be honest."

"The eight hour rule?", Natasha eventually spoke from her seat.

"Well I mentioned before that my powers overload if Steel doesn't manage", Max addressed. "The same kinda works for him, but in reverse."

"I'm on an eight hour charge window", the android explained and showed a holographic view of his reserves. "Max is as well with his surges. If his powers aren't suppressed after eight hours, he risks blowing up. And I...risk going kaputski."

"So you shut down?", Tony interjected and Steel bobbed up and down. "For how long?"

"Forever", the bot plainly said and Stark seemed shocked by the reply. "So to answer your question, I suppose that's what I get out of it."

"So this is a type of symbiotic relationship", Bruce commented. "That's...pretty amazing. And the fact that you found each other exactly when you needed it."

"Yeah, Thank God", Max confided gratefully. "Otherwise, we'd be having a completely different conversation right now."

"I suppose we would", Fury acknowledged and slowly put his tablet away. "We're done here. Your explanations were helpful and a bit of my concerns are somewhat eased now."

Max and Steel visibly unwound while the Director dug for something else out of his briefcase. Pulling out a mysterious envelope with the S.H.I.E.L.D. Emblem, he slid it over and gave another serious look. "There is one other thing we need to discuss however."

"...Are you joking?", Barton inquired with a quick glance at the folder. "You wanna offer that?!"

"Why not?", Fury reasoned, gesturing for Max and Steel to open it. "It's not like the higher ups haven't considered the idea. So have I."

"Wait", Max began, his eyes going wide as he looked at the sleeve's contents. "You...want to offer us-"

"Yes", Fury assured and Steel gave a small cry of surprise. "Provided everyone else here agrees. Max, Steel, we want you two to join the Avengers Initiative."

They both stopped dead in their tracks, completely taken off guard by the proposal. Tony briefly waved his hand in their faces and shook his head. "Great Fury. You broke 'em."

"We, uh", Max stuttered and tried hard not to overreact. "It's just...a lot to take in."

"Is this for real?!", Steel blurted and the Director allowed himself to smirk. "Or is this some cruel prank?!"

"No, he rarely does that", Clint advised and swiped the folder to glance over it more closely. "And how is this deal better than the one you offered all of us?!"

"Because we've had time to re-examine this proposal", Fury supplied and swiftly took the folder back with a smack. "The rest of you didn't have that luxury."

"To sum it all up, you two would be a part of our team,'' Natasha explained. "However, since you are still under eighteen Max, we would treat it more like an apprenticeship program."

"Meaning you wouldn't be sent on every mission", Fury continued and handed the folder back. "Higher risk assignments would be on a need to basics. I would argue though that you would be taught by the best and includes a very competitive salary. And when you're ready, then the work would be there."

"So many zeros...", Steel muttered, looking at their earnings in awe. Max inspected the papers one more time and then regarded the rest of the occupants in the room.

"You guys would be ok with this?"

"Course", Stark agreed and shrugged his shoulders. "It would essentially be your T.A. job. Which I would still want you guys to do by the way."

"Not a bad idea,'' Steve smiled and started picking up dirty dishes. "But you both would need to make that decision yourselves."

"Right. We wouldn't force you to join us or anything", Bruce agreed and Thor gave a similar sentiment. "But it could possibly be a good arrangement."

"So, what do you both say?", Fury asked and pulled out a pen to sign. Max peered at his Steel (who shrugged and seemed lost himself) then back at the Director.

"Well, we...um. WE...would say-"

Yet before Max could even respond to the older man's proposal, something else happened.

Red alert signals appeared from every corner of the lounge, throwing everyone back in high teen jumped a little and the folder plopped on the table. "Oh, what now?!", Clint questioned and Max sighed in relief at the distraction.

"Oh you know. Multiple aircraft are headed this way of course", Tony informed, pulling up a virtual screen. "And specifically, they're coming straight to the Tower."

"What? Who would be bold enough for that?", Steve asked and Stark gave a look after double-checking.

"I mean, it's someone Max and Steel definitely know."

Before our duo could even ask, Stark put it on the screen and they gasped in disbelief. An entire armada of green and white ships were quickly tearing through the skies to their target.

"That's...the N-Tech battle fleet. Plus my Uncle. Berto, Jefferson, and Cat."

"Don't forget your Mom", Steel advertised and Max closed his eyes. Right, he most certainly couldn't forget her.

And another Chapter Done! So, what do you guys think? Should Max and Steel join the Avengers (which sounds like a dream come true)? Or, will N-Tech be able to sway them back to their side and back to Copper Canyon? You'll find out in the next Chapter when everybody collides. Until then, purplerobot out! See you later =)