Natasha is in full serious Black Widow mode as she starts the morning briefing
"Following up on a rumour our agents in Tokyo heard of someone with a Regeneration cradle, we have confirmation that Yashida Biotechnology have developed a medical tissue synthesiser capable of constructing synthetic human tissue and integrating it into a living body. We need to Look into it and see if it's their own tech or if it was stolen from Helen Cho's design. Either way it's on the World Security Councils list of prohibited technologies and we know HYDRA was looking to get one to integrate it into a Centipede augmentation project."
She brings up maps of Japan, showing the Yashida research facility outside Tokyo.
"The problem is going to be getting in without raising suspicions. Yashida are famously secretive. Luckily we know of a Swiss bioengineering group partly made up of ex-AIM scientists. One of them has agreed to help us in return for help with her criminal record for illegally experimenting to make nanotech. I'll assume her identity in Switzerland, fly to Japan as her and contact Yashida about a demonstration."
Steve frowns "Nanotechnology is illegal? How's Tony working with it then?"
"He's licensed, as he's not cracked the energy threshold for grey goo yet." She explains
Sam pulls a worried face "well, that sounds both disgusting and ominous."
Nat turns to Vision, who is silently sat next to Wanda. She notices they're holding hands and worries about how close they're getting "Vision, you know the growth model for this?"
Vision nods and takes control of the screen purely by concentrating "The idea of a 'grey goo' nanotech bomb is the theory that someone could make a nanotechnological device that takes apart whatever it touches and assembles a copy of itself. In ideal conditions, one nanite becomes two, two becomes four, then eight, sixteen, thirty two and so on. Exponential growth, until they take the whole world apart and all that is left is a huge blob of homogenous grey goo."
Everyone is looking at him fearfully.
"The Whole Earth? That's hardly likely? Its huge!" Steve asks.
Vision puts a cartoonish blob on the screen, dividing and growing rapidly "In ideal conditions 1 gram of nanites that double every hour would weigh a kilogram in 11 hours, a ton in 24 and would have consumed the whole earth in 84 hours."
Steve looks shocked "Three and a half days?!"
Nat reassures him "Don't worry; There are some serious limits at the moment."
Vision explains "Not all matter is useful to make more nanites, so it will not always double each generation. Then there are physical limits of surface area, it would not be able to reach enough matter to have each nanite make another."
Steve thinks a moment but is still worried "But surely that just slows the rate of growth down. If it just uses carbon that'd still kill all life on Earth in a matter of days"
Nat takes over the display, pulling up footage of beaker overflowing with grey foam that steams and boils then goes black and charred "The problems they have at the moment are Power and Heat. Making more nanites takes a lot of energy and generates a lot of heat. Tony powers his nanotech directly off his arc reactor, the Wakandas use vibranium room temperature superconductors so the vibranium limits making more – so both are safe from eating the world. But SHIELD had agents all over the world watching for emergent technologies as you need to catch a grey goo event in that first 24 hour period before it becomes a run-away nightmare. Anything that starts was contained and burned out. Hopefully the World Security Council has taken over that duty and is keeping watch."
Steve stands up "let's hope so." He changes the display back to a map of Japan. "So, Nat is going in using conventional channels so Yashida can trace her paper trail, they have a reputation for not letting anyone in without a full background check"
Wanda sits up "What about the rest of us?"
Nat shakes her head "Japan is one of the most high tech countries in the world with lots of phones and cameras so operations will have to be very stealthy. If any of us get spotted we will be all over the internet in seconds and on the news in minutes."
"Pity, I'd like to look around." Wanda curiously asks "Is it true they have cafes where you can play with cats and hedgehogs?"
Rhodey smiles "Yes. Yes it is." Everyone looks at him "What? I was at Yokota Air Base for a few months; there was a place that did a fantastic matcha chocolate cake"
Everyone keeps looking at him "look, it was hedgehogs or the creepy maid place, ok?" he grumbles.
To save him Nat opens a folder and takes out a stack of American passports, putting one in front of each of them.
"This is the old SHIELD passport; it uses smart ink, just think of it like a screen that keeps the image when the power is off. It's designed to link to your mobile you can change the picture and text with ease. Of course, with our faces and equipment we're pretty obvious, so for this mission we'll have to find a new way to travel."
Steve picks up a passport "As long as we're not swimming the Pacific." He turns the passport over in his hands. It doesn't feel any thicker or heavier than a normal passport, which gives him an idea "Say, Could you make a deck of playing cards like this?"
She grins "Way ahead of you"
He laughs and puts the passport down. "Remind me to never play Poker against you"
"So, how are we getting to Tokyo without alerting Yashida, the Government or HYDRA?"
"We have a Hidden landing field. Quin jets are invisible to civilian and military radar, but most can still be seen and heard so we need to land somewhere secluded."
"Most?"
"Some made for Project INSIGHT had active camouflage like the helicarrier but that took up a lot of space, power and computing so it reduces the range and the space you can use onboard. The system works best on larger vehicles"
She turns back to the map. "Now SHIELD had a network of landing sites, properties out in remote areas with concealed landing pads. The minimum set up is just a piece of firm ground with short grass and a covered pit for a camouflage net, a pump and a fuel tank, but most have an agent or friendly ally living there to maintain the place. Most have a locked barn or bunker with extra fuel supplies, spare parts, weapons and ammunition, normally a car fuelled up and ready to go as well.
The legality is pretty dubious; they were technically legal when SHIELD was operational as the signatory countries of the World Security Council gave then blanket permission to operate but most were set up covertly and never declared. We've managed to transfer them on paper to Avengers control as part of the generic "infrastructure" requirements we asked for without having to say exactly what and where they are, but we are going to keep them quiet if we can"
Black widow stepped off the plane from Zurich as Rebecca Wells, phD, lost in thought.
Rebecca had been in the Year below Maya Hansen at MIT, specialising in biotechnology, recruited to AIM and worked on the early stages of Extremis before branching off into synthetic vegetation. Currently working on advanced photosynthesis, making artificial chlorophyll that'd be ideal for making light powered nanotech.
She'd called ahead from Switzerland and expressed an interest in purchasing a Cradle for their 'research group'. Once they'd checked her credentials and funds they were eager to meet, suspiciously so. Were they looking to unload the tech before they were found out?
Either way they were sending a car to meet her at the airport so she could come straight to the Yashida compound to inspect the Cradle
The rest of the Avengers had arrived several hours earlier; the plan was to get in position outside the compound before she arrived. They were keeping complete radio silence so Steve had suggested falling back on some old school espionage tricks and simply tied a white ribbon round a telegraph pole near the compound to let her know they were here and ready.
Looking out of the window she spotted a flash of white on a pole. Her expression didn't change, her heart rate didn't jump, she was sure the car was fitted with all sorts of sensors measuring her biometrics, some sort of TEMPEST rig in the trunk was reading all of her laptop and phone data. The holographic facemask she was wearing was plastic the same density as skin, the wig artificial human hair. She'd even loaded a perfume spray with synthesised skin oil and flakes of faked skin in case they tried a DNA test on her fingerprints.
Of course, all that meant no guns. She had a few small weapons hidden about her person, plus a few deliberately chosen sturdy items that could be pressed into service as a weapon if needed. The pen in her jacket pocket and the one in her case were made with solid titanium alloy bodies stronger than steel, the sort of gimmick a rich geek scientist loves but also makes them very useful stabbing weapons.
They reached the edge of the Yashida compound and the first security check. The wall may be just steel railings but the large flower tubs were reinforced to act as bollards and stop ram attack and truck bombs. The grounds were subtly landscaped to block line of sight to stop snipers or snooping cameras with telephoto lenses.
They were waved through and drove down a short road to a covered carport entrance. No Satellite imagery either.
Another Security check, pad down, scan wand and metal detector arch.
Then finally meeting in person, two well-groomed young salary men, all fawning and bowing.
"Ms Wells, so good of you to come so swiftly. Mr Yashida is waiting, if you would follow us?"
They lead her through a hall displaying the achievements of the Yashida Zaibatsu, lots of brightly coloured corporate feel good stuff against grey concrete and brushed grey chrome.
They go further in, More security checks. This time there are armoured doors and armed guards. All Japanese men, with combat or military experience of some sort, short hair and calm focus. No obvious tattoos, so none of the elements of traditional organised crime you may get if this was illegal.
Through More doors. Into a Compound in a compound. The tone of the building changes, more wood and less concrete, tatami mats on the floor and waxed paper walls.
They go through sliding doors and out into a Courtyard with an ornate Japanese garden, rockeries of stones with pine and cedar, a stream through the middle that they cross on stepping stones
They slide the doors open and gesture for her to enter.
Inside is a hall in a traditional style but the walls are lined with strange and bizarre items in glass cases, some sort of Personal museum of the macabre.
She walks through slowly, looking at each exhibit in turn. It may be disturbing but you can often get insight into someone's psyche from their personal choices
A Samurai war mask and swords
Ancient Tennenbishi Calthrops made from dried water chestnut seed pods
The Pickled body of a dancing cat from Minemata bay.
A Stillborn human foetus, curled up with the whole spine open and the cord exposed.
A Porcelain Uji germ bomb
A small deformed human skull, eyeless with the top open as the plates never joined together.
A gold plated Nambu pistol in 8mm.
A gauntlet of horrors put together by someone who knows their history. Are they deliberately unironically going for an evil super villains lair theme? Or just showing off their wealth and power?
Past the exhibits are more armoured doors. They slide open as she gets close, revealing more guards in body armour with visors and respirators.
Inside is a modern office, behind the desk sits a man she recognises as Shingen Yashida, head of the Zaibatsu. Sitting to the left is a stranger, a well dressed man in a suit with two guards in the olive green camo and back armour of augmented centipede soldiers standing behind him. To the right an empty chair awaits her.
With typical resignation she sighs, of course it's going to get complicated.
She looks round the room. Shingen sits at the desk, four armed guards behind him, two on the side walls and two more behind her. Also behind him is a young woman, in short black robes, stripey knee socks and chunky pink sneakers. Her hair is long and straight and dyed bright red.
Weird to have a teenage girl here. Young. Female. Body language says respectful. Loyal. Was it just an Old man showing off his virility with his young fucktoy? No, the way she's poised says martial arts training, her active awareness says bodyguard. . Why train up a teenage girl? Something special about her.
Great. Just like a shady biotech company to have an unregistered powered individual on the books.
Inhuman? Probably not. Too young. Mutant? Could be. Natural born and found or made in a lab here? None of the wide eyed curiosity you see in lab rats, more ready to fight and insecure around power. Someone they found young and bought. Probably experimented on.
The girls face shifts a moment, a flicker of surprise.
Great. Telepath. Got your number, didn't i? Poor little girl, growing up with all the doctors in white coats, the cold hands? the needles? Natasha watches the girls eyes narrow.
Calm. Mental shutters come down. Behind them she gathers a lifetime of horror, pain and rage. Come on in motherfucker. I've a life of pain in here to share, mind worm.
The girl was rapidly noting points in the room. The sword on the rack behind them seemed to be her weapon of choice. Ready to grab that and then step between Yashida and danger.
Widow palms a Flash bang capsule and tranq gas ready in case she needs to be taken down.
Well, her covers blown, may as well make the most of it
She makes eye contact with the girl and clearly thinks "Stay calm and introduce me politely or I will kill everyone in this room."
Yashida presses a control on his desk and smiles. The doors all close and click shut, locked.
"I'm sorry to say that while HYDRAs offer is most generous we have another interested party. May I suggest an auction? the Good gentlemen of Hydra vs the wise scientists of AIM.
The Hydra man laughs. "AIM is nothing now the Mandarin has fallen."
"We could say the same of Hydra "
"Hah. Cut off one head, two more will grow."
"Well you do know the Mandarin had nothing to do with AIM, right? It was all Professor Killian going off the rails."
Outside, the other Avengers crouch on a rooftop watching the compound.
Falcon is watching through his goggles, he can see guards running about inside the walls, doors closing and armoured shutters covering the windows "Something has gone wrong! The Place is locking down!
Warmachine is monitoring the communications "Alarms are going off but not the direct line to the police."
Steve trusts his gut "Everyone hold position! Nat's in there. Let her do her thing. Just be ready if she signals she needs an extraction."
He turns and asks "Wanda? Can you feel her?"
Wanda concentrates then nods "She is calm. Angry. Calm again. Oh. I think a lot of People are going to die."
"That sounds fairly standard for Nat. Anything odd?"
Wanda cocks her head to the side, frowning "There are augmented people in there. Humans with added things to their bodies. And one nothing like I've felt before."
"That's bad. Falcon, can you get Redwing close enough to get visual?"
In the office the girl leans down and whispers into Yashida's ear.
"Yukio says you are more than you appear, Ms Wells?" he says, gesturing to the guards
Suddenly all the guns in the room are trained on her.
She sighs and deactivates her face mask. "I represent the Avengers. The Auction continues"
Both the Hydra soldiers drop into a combat stance, implants powering up. The HYDRA man bangs his hand on the desk "This is NOT what we agreed!"
Yashida shrugs "Now we have a most interesting situation."
The Black Widow sits back, relaxed. She can almost smell the fear on the corporate guards, it must be a pretty powerful as the young girl looks physically sick, seems she can't shut out other peoples strong emotions.
"Our position is the technology must not fall into HYDRA hands. If this can be done peacefully, all the better."
Yashida nods. "Well, to protect our security and privacy you are both now bidding on exclusive rights to the NanoCradle and the life of the opposing party, as added incentive"
The HYDRA man splutters angrily "But we are offering a joint place in Project Centipede. Full design and schematics in return for integrating into our upgrade program. Your own centipede super soldiers ! A private army! The Avengers will never give you that!"
Widow smiles. "I guess offers of legal protections and money won't be enough?"
With the Smallest of smiles Yashida shakes head. "I think you would agree we are far beyond that"
She puts a Small vial of blood on the desk."10ml of blood from the only 100% successful super soldier made by Project Rebirth."
Both Yashida and the Hydra agent are stunned. "The blood of Captain America?"
She sits back and smiles at the HYDRA agent "I believe the ball is back in your court."
He pales and glances at his soldiers then back at her. "I've reached the limit I am permitted to bid; i will need to contact my superiors."
Yashida gestures to the side, a guard opens a door to a small side room "please, be my guest" The HYDRA agent and his two guards head into the room, the guards never taking their eyes of the Widow.
The Girl in knee socks whispers in Yashidas ear again
He sighs and turns to Black Widow "Apologies. If we may accept your offer of protection and immunity from prosecution? It seems HYDRA plan to take the cradle by force."
She grabs up the vial "Your cooperation will be taken into consideration."
He nods in sad resignation. That's probably the best they'll get in this situation as he had almost sold her to HYDRA. He grabs up the larger sword, the girl takes the smaller and they hurry from the room, the corporate guards covering their retreat.
Natasha calmly walks up to a guard and takes his assault rifle from his hands. "You boys had better go guard your boss, you won't be able to stop these two"
On the rooftop the Avengers can see a convoy of heavy trucks heading to the main gate at speed.
"Looks like they're not slowing down!"
The front truck has an armoured wedge covering the entire front of the vehicle, with no visible cab or windscreen, not even a vision slit. The Front Fender starts to glow a fierce electric blue white and the truck rams its way through the defences, bollards and reinforced gates as if they were matchwood
"Looks like someone brought a can opener especially for this job"
The guards open fire
From the following trucks charge soldiers in olive green body armour, several carrying huge steel slabs as shields in front of them.
Steve frowns as they overrun the corporate guards; those are HYDRA super soldiers with the centipede upgrade alright, and they're leading groups of well-trained mercenaries.
HYDRA troops with solid steel plate tower shields – centipede super soldiers
He snaps into action "Warmachine, Falcon, you're air attack. Rhodey, hit the rear targets first, trap them in here. Sam, need a lift onto the compound roof then hit the troops. Wanda, Vision, Head them off. They may be fanatics or just mercenaries on HYDRAs payroll, accept surrender if given but don't pull any punches.
I'll rendezvous with Widow and secure the cradle."
He doesn't need to say he'll be protecting Nat, they know what he means.
They all chorus agreement and leap into action. Warmachine rockets off at full speed, anti-tank weapons shredding the rear trucks and filling the gateway with wreckage. Falcon ignites his pack and spreads his wings, grabbing Steve by his outstretched hand and carrying him over onto the compound roof.
Wanda gestures downward with both her hands and flings herself forward with a burst of scarlet energy as the Vision rises more sedately. Wanda lands in a crouch, hands outstretched in front of her. A barrier of scarlet force appears in front of her, catching the soldiers bullets just like they had in training. Thankful for the practise she doesn't drop the shield as she attacks, instead forming it into bolts to knock the soldiers down. Over her head Vision fires an incandescent beam from the stone in his forehead, smashing a group of soldiers back, deliberately wrecking their weapons and leaving them concussed and injured but alive.
Steve lands on the rooftop at a run as Sam turns and dives back into the fight, machine pistols chattering.
The roof is decorative tile but the high traction pads on the tip of his boot grip easily as he sprints up and onto the flat roof, shield up as automatic gun turrets rise from their concealed emplacements. He blocks the first burst with the shield, diving forward to dodge the other turrets fire and throws his shield, smashing the first turret and bouncing off to cripple the second, returning so he can catch it just as he reaches the edge of the courtyard.
He jumps down, landing on the path through a lovingly maintained ornamental garden. Redwing at pinpointed Nat in the offices beyond so he keeps going, through a hall of freakish displays towards an open door.
Inside he can see one Hydra trooper on the floor, his face a smoking ruin. The other is seriously injured with one arm hanging limp by his side but the other hand has Nat by the throat pinned up against the wall. A HYDRA agent in a business suit clutches his injured side and hisses "You will pay for that!"
Nat gasps out "You forgot something" and lifts her hand. The trooper and agent both look at her hand just as Steve arrives like a freight train, slamming the edge of his shield into the troopers neck and backhanding the suit with the flat of the shield, knocking him flying. "I'm not alone" She finishes.
Steve can feel the shield crunch vertebrae, it should have killed the trooper in one hit but the reinforced casing on his spine keeps him going. The shock at least makes him loose his grip on Nats throat, she slips down the wall and immediately punches the trooper hard in the side, ramming an explosive spike into the side seam of his body armour. As she drops flat it detonates, staggering the trooper back. He clutches the wound with his one good arm, spinning round to face Steve who punches him full in the face with a solid right hook and knocks him out cold.
Nat sits up, rubbing her throat "New improved model. They removed the mind control linkage and reinforced the neck armour, so it's no longer a weak spot."
Steve offers her a hand up "so someone in HYDRA saw our report to the Security council about the continuing HYDRA threat. You were right, they have leaks".
"Organisation that big is bound to have some" She says, kicking off her one remaining shoe.
"Why risk that blood sample then?"
She holds up the vial "synthetic blood, anticoagulant and gelled plastique"
"So it's fake and can explode?"
"It'll wreck whatever machine they test it with"
"You're always prepared for the strangest things. I'm more straightforward" Steve reaches into his shoulder holster and hands her his normal M1911 pistol "here, use this"
She takes it, feels the heft and checks there is a round chambered "Thanks"
"I want that back later" He grins "Now, let's go find that regeneration cradle before HYDRA do!"
=============================
The Action part of adventures in Tokyo, the smut and talking bit comes next
yes, this touches on Agents of Shield and The Wolverine as well as the MCU.
I've started a Discord server /4u3JKbVg9r where i'll be bouncing ideas around for the stories I'm working on.