Avenging Justice 2:

Caught Between an Ultron and a Doomsday

Part XI

Earth, Delaware, Metropolis

The message echoed around Victor Stone's head. A warning, one coming from his father. The first few times he played it, he almost disregarded it. However, after allowing the cybernetics to analyze it, his voice was highly stressed. The words were the other key, ever since the accident, his father hadn't wanted him out of the apartment.

"Vic, you need to run, they're on their way!" his father's voice played again. "Find Maria, she's got tickets to get you out of the city. I'm sorry, my son, I tried to protect you. It seems you'll need to stand on your own for now."

That was how he found himself rushing up to the rooftop as several black vehicles surrounded the apartment. Being made half of metal didn't help him be stealthy, especially because of the loud crashes he made when he landed. He did his best, as the apartment sensors indicated a breach. He had helped his dad set that up before, well before he was this monstrosity.

Now he watched people in black armor, sporting what looked like military weapons, invade his home. He briefly thought about turning back, fighting them, but he heeded his father's wishes. Now all he had to do was figure out who this Maria was. Just one more thing messing up his life at the moment, he'd stick it with the rest.

Sylas Stone, careened around a corner, and found unmarked cars barring his way. Beneath his breath he said a curse, and hoped his son had gotten his message, more importantly heeded it. He managed to slam on the brakes before plowing into a nearby vehicle, and just as he came to a stop, he was removed forcibly from the car. Men in black armor yanked him forth, and pushed him into the building that was his home.

Manhandled to his apartment, Sylas fought the whole way. He was a scientist, and this was home. Who thought they had the right to invade it, and go after his son, his boy? The answer was soon to be revealed, but the answer wouldn't necessarily fill him with optimism.

Pointing to the lead armored man, "Tell Waller, that this will not go unnoticed, and the government won't stand for this."

"They already have," came the terse reply from the leader. "I've been given an assignment to make a team, and technically your son is dead, well mostly. So, his rights are not in question here, as he falls in a gray zone. What is he, sixty-five, seventy-six percent machine? You don't seriously think you could have hidden him from us for long."

Sylas knitted his brow in confusion, "You're not Waller."

"No, she is a civilian," the figure's name tag above his military medals came into view. General Ross, that was who had brought this down upon him and his son. "We're starting a team, called the Thunderbolts, your son's remains will be part of that group."

Though a man of reason, Sylas felt the sudden urge for violence, "My son is not a piece of property!"

"Really? Are you so deluded that you can't see that what you are protecting is an advanced personality modifier, melded with technology beyond our understanding?" General "Thunderbolt" Ross countered. "You can try to convince yourself otherwise, but that cyborg you made is no more your son than that plant in the corner. It is an unliving thing, melded to his remains, and programmed by you in some vain attempt to absolve you of guilt. I'm sure the shrinks will be able diagnose you better than I. So, let's make this simple, tell me how to find it, and bring it under our control. Your son's remains can still serve his country, once the necessary restraints are put in."

This time, Sylas didn't hold back. "Go to hell!" He screamed that as he threw a very good right hook. Unfortunately for him, the armored people around him saw it as if telegraphed just for them. His reward was a very painful punch to the kidneys, followed by a stun baton to his back. His vision went dark, as he thought about his son, and how these vultures wouldn't get him today.

"He'll be fine, sir," the armored figure said. "Will wake up with a nasty hang over. How long can we actually hold him?"

General Ross thought for a moment, "He has created an unregistered artificial intelligence that could be a danger to the country. We can probably hold him for months before the civilian judicial system catches up. More than enough time to capture this rogue unit."

He marched out, with the armored people carrying Sylas with them. He entered one of the dark vehicles, and moments later the whole block was clear. It was almost as if they had never been there, except for the busted in door of the Stones' apartment. Which to any watching, would have frightened them. It shouldn't be possible for someone, in this society, to be removed from their home and not have any repercussions immediately applicable.

Meanwhile, Victor landed at the sight that had been sent to him by his father. It wasn't a very auspicious meet up, being in the middle of broken down nowhere. The hanger didn't look like it had been used in years, decades probably. Wild grass grew amongst the paved surfaces, except for the runways. Those were the only things pointing to this area having been used any time recently.

He walked amongst the rusting structures that probably had housed aircraft years ago, and a feeling of wear screamed out from them. Wildlife, slowly reclaiming the hangers, were disturbed as he walked about. From one, he could almost see what looked like a crocodilian. Searching the data on the internet, it was a strange thing to find, as crocodilians weren't common in this area. Maybe brought in by someone who had lived here before?

"We've been waiting on you," came a curt feminine voice.

Surprised, Victor turned, his arm starting to form a cannon, but he stopped it. Walking up to him was a woman with the air of military or paramilitary to her. Her hair was cut short, but the uniform conformed to her close, he could see she was more than a pretty face. Her whole feel was powerful, competent and deadly.

"C'mon big boy, we need to get you out of here," she said next. "I'm Maria Hill, your father Sylas has done some work with us in the past. Those odd jobs have earned him a favor or two, and he's called one of those in to get you out of here."

"Who or what are you?" Victor asked, having barely moved. "What work has he done with or for you?"

"We don't have time for this," Maria Hill urged. "We need to get you going now, before General Ross figures out where you are. Considering he's been chasing the Hulk across the world, and keeping up with him, I think it would be best to get far away, quickly. S.H.I.E.L.D. can give you a head start for now, unofficially."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Victor was even more confused, even as his mind started to pull up documents on this S.H.I.E.L.D., even as he asked the question. "Wait, you guys are spies?"

Maria was quickly beside him, and dragging him, "Keep reading on the jet. For now, we need to get moving." Touching a mechanism on her wrist, "Fury, I've got the package, taking the Quinjet now."

"Very good, Hill," the voice of Director Nick Fury came back. "We have a safe house in San Diego set up."

Earth, New Jersey, Gotham City

Felicia Hardy landed with barely a whisper. Her boots silently padding across the balcony, while claws in her gloves extended. Coated with diamonds, she used them to cut into the glass door. The pulse from her belt, temporarily knocked out the security system, which made it easy to reach in and pull the handle. The door slid open, and she found the control box for the security system.

"All too easy," she purred. "Gothamites sure don't put a lot of stock in security. Being a criminal here must be cake."

She continued onward, towards where a huge picture was above a mantle. Carefully pulling around the edges, she found the hinge, and pulled the other side. The portrait opened to show the hidden safe behind it. With a few practiced turns, and hearing granted by a serum, the lock opened like child's play.

Debts, everyone had debts. Hers was a father's debt, called in by a ruthless man, and one who was right to be feared. He had her trained, by her father's mentor, the Black Fox. He had also gifted her these abilities, adding more to her debt. At first she thought it a way to quickly absolve her debts, using these enhanced abilities, but the deal was changed. Then again, working for the Kingpin was always a mistake, and most of the time, a mistake you didn't have a choice in.

This would be one more off the debt, and maybe a little closer to freedom. Why he needed all these people cleared out, she wasn't sure, but when the Kingpin ordered something, you did it. Besides, it wasn't like she was stealing from the poor, these people were the obscenely rich. They could use to be taken down a peg or two.

Now it was Felicia's turn to be surprised, the safe was empty. Not just cleared of valuables, but completely cleaned out, almost like it was new. The information she had been given had claimed there'd be at least four million in cash, and several more in bonds. Not to mention any jewels that might be in the safe, that the family had stored of safe keeping.

"To explain," a sarcastic voice purred out of the night. "Most people around here try, especially those of means. However, I can't tell you how many security companies have clauses for me."

Felicia twisted around, looking for the voice. This wasn't the Batman all the locals wouldn't shut up about. No, this was a woman, and she sounded playful. It was only the briefest of movements in her enhanced eyes that caused her to throw out a little dart. It was coated with a mild sedative, would put anyone to sleep almost instantly.

"Now, robbing from the rich, I approve," the voice came from the other side this time. "Sticking it to those uppity ups, it's fun. Breaking into their little strongholds and showing them that they can lose, like those they turn their noses up at, I endorse."

Felicia mocked, "Well, I'd love to stay, but things to do, people to see, you know." Making her way back to the entrance she had made, she found her way blocked by a shape in the form of a humanoid cat.

"The question is, how did you not expect to gain my attention?" Catwoman stepped out, finally into enough light for Felicia to see her. "I mean, getting caught on camera, which of course made Gotham's finest come and look for me. At least have the decency to do the job well. Your choice in attire is lacking as well. White fur? Haven't you heard that went out in the eighties?"

Felicia shrugged, "I guess the slinky black suit is timeless, you've been wearing it for ages. So uninspired, where is the pizazz?"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Catwoman hungrily smiled. "Functionality beats flash, though I'm fond of both. You can come out now, Detective Montoya!"

Suddenly the lights came on, and temporarily blinded Felicia. Quickly blinking her eyes, she caught the multitude of shapes that were the detective and several patrolmen brought with her. Felicia slashed out at Catwoman, and reached for her belt, where a cat-o-nine-tails rested.

"Really, copying me on that as well," Catwoman reacted fast, drawing her own whip and using it to disarm Felicia. "What do they call you Copycat?"

Quicker than the cops could react, Felicia rolled, grabbing her fallen whip and launched towards the other side of the room. Pulling a smoke pellet from her slinky belt, she threw it towards the cops and changed course again. Coming up, she disarmed one cop with a well-placed kick, and elbowed another in the soft midsection.

"No, they call me Black Cat," she said as she sprinted away, and leapt off the balcony.

In freefall, she aimed her wrist launcher, and shot out a fine filament wire, which would more than carry her weight. It caught, and she felt her momentum change, as she swung down the wire. Near the bottom of her curve, she felt someone slam into her.

Black Cat and Catwoman tumbled to a nearby rooftop, where they both came up fists raised. Felicia went first, throwing a quick jab, and was surprised as Catwoman ducked, rolled and came up with a back kick. This threw Black Cat forward, and she rebounded with a back elbow, that connected, but didn't do much damage. She continued with a slash from her clawed gloves.

Catwoman's handstand on her shoulders caught the other thief off guard, and so she was not expecting the throw that came next. Black Cat rolled with it, feeling the impact on her ribs. Cat-o-nine-tails in hand, she went to use it, only to find a black whip wrapped around her wrist. Using her strength, she pulled Catwoman towards her, and brought up her other hand for a retributive blow. Instead Catwoman parried it, and brought her own elbow to the back of Black Cat's head.

The two women retreated and looked at each other. It was clear to Black Cat, that it wouldn't be wise to continue the fight. Catwoman was as quick as her, and had obviously learned how to fight. The longer this went on, the more likely the cops were able to regroup and entrap her.

"I didn't think you worked with the cops," Black Cat said, her breathing heavy.

Catwoman smirked, "Normally I don't, but when I have an imposter impugning my name. Well, can't let that stand."

"So, if I told you about my sick little brother…" Black Cat started.

Catwoman sneered, "You'd be lying. Come on you can do better, I've heard all the sob stories."

"I need this to pay for my son's life altering surgery," Black Cat tried another.

This time Catwoman laughed, "That may work in New York on Spider-Man, but I'm not buying it."

"Well, guess you'll never know," Black Cat bolted off, and for a brief moment, she was free. Then she felt the ground collide with her, and felt the whip around her feet.

Catwoman landed on her, "Not so fast, we were having such a good conversation."

"Let me go! I have to get back or he won't erase my father's debt," Felicia cried out.

Then surprisingly, the weight vanished. She stood up, and Catwoman was gone. Nowhere to be seen, but gone nonetheless, Felicia wasn't about to question that. Especially as Gotham City P.D. helicopters take up the chase. Not wasting her chance, Black Cat escaped into the night. Behind her, a black clad head peered on, before dropping off to find Detective Montoya.

"You had her!" Renee Montoya nearly screamed. "Why did you let her go?"

Catwoman, unused to dealing with cops like this, tried to hide her rising hackles. She never understood how Batman did this, she preferred staying far, far away from the police. Even the ones she respected, like Montoya, and she had to resist the urge to flee herself. She liked it better when the boundaries were clear cut, she ran, they chased, and she ended up at home successful in eluding them. Normally that would be when Batman showed up. That made her smile.

"There is more going on," Catwoman explained. "She finally told me the truth, and catching her may make things worse. Anyway, you have the warehouse where she's been collecting all the loot."

Detective Montoya tried to stifle the rising anger, "Yes, we recovered about eighty-five percent of what was taken, but not all of it."

"I did my part," Catwoman explained, searching for her exit.

Detective Montoya, put a hand on her shoulder, "Wait!"

"If you want to keep that hand, you'll release the shoulder," Catwoman growled.

Renee stepped back, holding her hands up, "I don't care about the circumstance, she broke the law. Very nearly put in you jail too, it was only because of the Commissioner that I contacted you instead of arresting you on sight."

"That would have ended poorly…for you," Catwoman shot back, and saw her escape.

The detective came forward again, "Someone has to pay for this. We know it isn't you, it has to be her. Batman would agree."

"Maybe, but he'd get to the bottom of it first," Catwoman's tone had become softer. "Once I figure out what's going on, I won't stand in your way, but for now…"

Renee sighed, "For now you're going to do this your way. Just remember, Commissioner Gordon can only give you so much leeway. At some point you go from helping the police to abetting the thief."

"Not my concern, but I'll be in touch," Catwoman leapt way, leaving Detective Montoya with the sudden urge to have a large drink at the nearest bar.

Hours later, Felicia watched as her base of operations was still being cleaned out. Dozens of patrol cars and unmarked cars were filled with everything she had stolen, and she saw her future go down the drain. He would punish her for this, for losing it to the Gotham Police. It would be bad enough to lose to the New York police, but Gotham P.D. was one of the most corrupt in the civilized world.

No matter how much their current commissioner tried, there were still dirty cops on the force. Kingpin had given her names of certain officers, if she ran into issues. However, this wasn't one of those issues where that knowledge would be helpful. Not with the bust under one of the good cops in this city. It was just her luck that Catwoman would have teamed up with Detective Montoya, Bullock she could have charmed.

"Now, we're going to finish our conversation," came Catwoman's voice from behind her. "Who do you owe, and why does he have you robbing these people?"

Felicia actually felt a cold shiver run down her spine, "How'd you find me?"

"Be chased by Batman, around this town, you pick up a few things," came the reply, as Catwoman softly jumped down to Felicia's level. "Now start explaining, before I reconsider throwing Detective Montoya off your trail for a bit."

Felicia sighed, "Ever heard of the Kingpin?"

Catwoman's reply was unexpected, "At least this won't be a boring conversation."