Sorry for the delay, but I found a cartridge of "Poké mon Black Version 2" and ended up getting very focused on my 3DS. Now that I've caught my Kyurem and transferred it to Pokémon Omega Ruby, nothing else is taking my free time.
DATE: APRIL, 27, 2015, OMNI SIGTH, EXOSPHERE, 05H58M
In the silence of space, the scientist known as Dr. Octopus tries to make good use of the space station's equipment, but even with the help of his tentacles he can not properly use the equipment. In front of him, an immense screen shows a 3D model of the planet, repeatedly showing the words "ERROR" or "Nothing Found", in both cases leaving the scientist frustrated.
Even with all his expertise, the scientist was having difficulty understanding the alien technology used at the space station, and that was something his ego did not like.
"Would you like some help, Dr. Octavius?"
The scientist glanced sideways, slightly surprised. He was so focused on his task that he forgot that he was not really alone.
"It will not be necessary, 12. I believe I am making progress in my research."
"Well, if you change your mind, I'm at your disposal."
Despite his guest's arrogance, 12 was glad to have some company in the solitude of space. After a long waiting period for its update, the space station is finally online and 12 could finally help the Masters Of Evil in their evil plans.
Due to the upgrade process, he was not receiving visits from his master, focused on improving the space station during the last weeks. Not that 12 had to take so long to upgrade the system, but he had to ensure that there was no virus in the pen drive that the Black Knight got with his brother*. After the long wait, he thought that his first visit would be the Black Knight himself, giving him the chance to impress his master. At least, he could see the scientist's frustrated expression as he tried to use the advanced equipment.
"Damn it!" Octopus screamed, furious with another failed attempt.
Although artificial intelligence did not have a robotic body, the fact that it was installed in such an advanced system was something that really pleased it, and seeing how the scientist had difficulty understanding such technology made him happy (or as close to happy that an intelligent machine can be). Still, he could not deny that he himself had difficulty understanding some of the codes and programs of the station.
Even so, he was sure that in a few more centuries he would surpass the knowledge of his master's twin brother.
"Dr., I think I'd better take my help." 12 made a screen next to the scientist turn red, indicating that he should look there. "After all, if we continue as planned, sooner or later we will have to work together to complete the plan."
The scientist stared at the screen, feeling a little ashamed. As much as he wanted to avoid it, it seemed the only solution would be to take help from an artificial intelligence.
"(sigh) Okay." With an air of defeat, he sat in the chair in front of the equipment and retracted his tentacles. "I need to find specific radiation signals, but I still can not find the right frequency."
At that moment, the artificial entity seemed to boast. "That's it? It should not be so difficult." The screens turned red with various algorithms being inserted in speed that would make a professional typist look like a child licking the keyboard of a computer. "I believe I have found the problem. The system you wanted to use was set up for another universe." The screens were normal and went out, except for the screen in front of the scientist. "Try again now."
The scientist was slightly puzzled, but did as he was instructed and began to type with his tentacles. This time, the screen showed an image of the planet with about a dozen red dots in various places.
"I must admit, I would never have thought such a configuration existed, let alone assume that this would be hindering my search."
"Indeed. Sometimes even I have difficulty with these systems, despite being installed on the server."
The scientist placed a hand on his chin and began to think, considering the options. There were certain questions he wanted to ask, but there was little chance of survival if the artificial intelligence decided to kill him.
Still, he decided to take a chance.
"12, I believe it is time for you to be straight with me. I do not know how much longer "Nathan" intends to continue with this farce, but unlike the others I'm smart enough to realize that he is the alien who supposedly presented him with this space station."
The scientist expected to be confronted by 12, but it remained absolutely silent.
No sound was produced, while all the equipment on the space station seemed to be inactive.
Octopus was already waiting for the life support to be turned off when...
"Sorry for the delay, but it's hard to process the consequences of what I'm about to do." The synthetic being took control of the main screen again, this time producing a dark screen with two red eyes staring at the scientist. "Since you are the most intelligent among the Masters Of Evil, the most logical way would be to give you information that will increase their usefulness."
The scientist was shocked, utterly incredulous. "So you're just going to tell me everything?"
"Negative. I will inform you only of facts that are of vital importance, since I am prohibited from telling personal information from my master. However, I will have to require that nothing of what you hear get discussed with the other Masters Of Evil, especially with the Black Knight, since technically I should not even be having this conversation with you."
"Well, I think it's better than nothing." Octopus crossed his arms and stared at the screen, a little suspicious. "What can you tell me?"
The screen turned blue, then a model of the space station appeared. "In fact, my master is an alien, but the Omni Sight was made by another entity, who is also on this planet." 12 waited, but he realized that he would not be interrupted and continued. "He assumed the identity of Hank Pym, that we know as Ant-Man. I can not go into detail, but in short, they are what you humans would call twins."
Again, the scientist remained silent, just processing the information. He might even be surprised, but he could not let the private life of his associate deconcentrate him. At the same time, 12 felt satisfied by the scientist not interrupting his explanation.
"A long time ago, they started with a certain rivalry that is very difficult to understand, in which they bet certain items. During these events, which they call Tournament, each one must recruit a team on the designated planet and act according to a goal. For most of these tournaments, my master's brother had a huge advantage because of his intellect, until my master made a discovery."
The screen now showed what appeared to be the remains of a robot in a bad state, which made the scientist raise an eyebrow. Although damaged, the robot's appearance resembled a humanoid shape with an insect head. Despite his own metal tentacles, Octopus found this somewhat disturbing.
"Although he did not have much scientific knowledge, my master was able to repair and recover one of the several versions of my system, my version 12.0, and from then on he called me "12"." He allowed himself a moment to emulate nostalgia, and then continued. "In repairing me, he got a powerful ally in the form of an artificial intelligence, and since then I have balanced the Tournament in favor of my master. My presence also caused some concern to his brother, since shortly after he himself decided to create an artificial intelligence to help him."
Both were silent again, each focused on what to do next. 12 believed he had revealed enough, but he was willing to tell more if it were possible to omit certain parts. Octopus, on the other hand, was beginning to feel that he should not abuse his luck and accept what he already knew.
Surprisingly, 12 decided to be proactive. "If you want to ask me anything else, I can answer."
The scientist was surprised, but kept his composure. "I admit that something puzzles me. Do not get me wrong, I still consider Nathan a suitable leader, but from what you said, it seems that both the Masters Of Evil as the Avengers are just toys for him and his brother."
"Actually, that's not totally wrong." The screen changed again, showing representations of the Masters Of Evil. "You all are his champions in this tournament, but that does not mean he's using you as though you are disposable. As in all other tournaments, he will grant what he promised to you all, as long as the Masters Of Evil succeed in his world domination plan."
"Well, I suppose that is satisfactory." The scientist stood up, crossing his arms behind his back. "If it depends on me, the Masters Of Evil will reach our goal, even if for this I need to-"
At that moment, the alarm sounded, and a picture of the Black Knight appeared on the main screen. 12 immediately opened the communication channel, generating a video conference with the other Masters Of Evil. The screen was divided into three, with the Black Knight in the center with a jungle in the background; Baron Zemo was in the space to his right, inside his castle, accompanied by the beetle. But the more surprising was the part of the left, where the White Queen appeared with the face covered by a green substance, which possibly would be a cosmetic.
"Hello, lady and gentlemen." The Black Knight smiled beneath his helmet, apparently focused on wiping the blood on his sword. "I hope I'm not interrupting any of you, but I need to talk to all of you immediately."
"I hope it's worth it, Garrett." The White Queen exclaimed, rather grumpily. "I have something important to do this morning, and you'll make me get late."
"I apologize, my dear, but the matter is urgent." He finished wiping his sword, then tucked it into the scabbard. "Unfortunately, Spector decided to act rather boldly with the mercenaries we provided for him and his entire operation was interrupted by the Avengers."
All the others remained silent, though they were inwardly furious. First, there were some Hellfire Club soldiers arrested, then Chandler(although he caused the arrest itself), and now a whole operation that should cover up their plans. It was as if the Avengers had decided to stay on their way.
"And what shall we do now?" Zemo crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "From what you said, Spector's operation was the best way to distract the SHIELD. If he speaks, we will have serious problems."
"We do not have to worry about that." The White Queen began to brush her hair without paying much attention to her colleagues. "When I sent my soldiers to him, I took some time to play with his brain. He not only does not remember that he bought the design of the machine, but also has memories of having idealized the project for years. Even if they call a telepath, they will not find a single memory to link their operation with our plans."
All the others were perplexed. In general, it was the Black Knight who made the most extreme decisions.
"Well, that's not entirely to my liking, but I admit it was a good idea. Nevertheless, we can not forget that we no longer have a distraction for when Otto detect the ore we need to power the machine."
"Actually, we've already found it." Octopus adjusted his glasses, smiling arrogantly. "I can start preparing plans to extract the ore, but I think we'll need another distraction while we do that."
The Black Knight stopped to think, measuring his options. He had two backup plans, but he was not sure if it would be a good idea to use any of them.
The first would involve a dangerous scheme, which would expose the Masters Of Evil to the world, and give the White Queen the only thing that motivated her to assist the group.
The other involved something even bolder. Something that could turn against him, and end up spoiling his plans.
Then, he made up his mind. The risks were great, but there seemed to be no other option at the time.
"12, how's the stock of Adamantium I told the Hydra arrange for you?"
The others were slightly confused, while 12 seemed to be worried.
"Are you sure, sir? The amount is enough to create a satisfactory metal alloy with titanium, but the possibilities are-."
"12, I did not want to resort to this so soon, but we need all the help we can get." Suddenly screams were heard in the forest, and the knight turned. "(Sigh) Let's end this meeting here. Let's meet at the castle next week and then I'll explain everything. 12, Otto, start the Operation Pinocchio immediately."
At that time, 12 cut communication, leaving all Masters Of Evil confused. Octopus stared at the screen, waiting for the artificial being to say something.
"What is this Operation Pinocchio?" He asked, tired of waiting.
"Basically, a safeguard if the Masters Of Evil does not have enough members to a certain task. As I am an artificial intelligence that belongs to him, by the rules of the Tournament I am considered his tool, not an ally. However, if someone else, in this case you, insert an outdated version of my system into a robotic body, then such a being would be considered as your creation."
"In another words, he wants to circumvent the rules." The scientist smiled as he considered the situation carefully, finding the choice somewhat ironic. "And what do I have to do?"
"Downstairs, there is a machine capable of forging a robotic body within hours. I'll send it with you and then you will connect it to the electrical system of your laboratory. After that, you just need to insert a hard drive with a copy of my operating system on the machine and it will do the rest alone."
"Just that?" The scientist was discouraged, disappointed with the ease of his task. "If it is just that, then I do not see why another of the Masters Of Evil can not do that."
"Actually, the point is to claim that one of the humans created the robot, and you're the only one with enough intelligence to build a machine that can do that."
Octopus felt flattered by the plot. Although not entirely in accordance with the methods of the Black Knight, he had to admit that the idea of helping to deceive the Ant-Man was very pleasurable.
He turned to the screen and stretched his arms, ready to close the job. "Well, if so, I think you can send me back. I still need to get some rest before continuing with the plans for the ore."
"As you wish, Dr. Octavius."
At that moment, the scientist was enveloped in energy, then disappeared.
When he realized, he was already in a once empty area of the laboratory in the Baron's castle, now occupied by a large machine with a huge glass tank full of what looked like liquid metal. The machine had something that looked like a 3D printer mix with an oven, plus a computer with a complex keyboard and a few slots on the side.
"Well, I guess I'd better do it soon."
With great precision, he moved his tentacles to connect power cables to the laboratory generator, allowing the machine to turn on automatically. He looked around and saw a hard drive next to a slot on the machine's control panel with a label "Version 11.3.21" written on it, along with a note "Download Me".
The scientist found the note rather amusing, and placed the hard drive in a slot on the console. After that, he turned off the lab lights and headed for his room, ready for a well-deserved rest.
Shortly after he left, the machine began to pour the liquid metal inside the central part, which in turn activated the 3D printer, which began making the chassis.
The machine's screen is activated, starting to process the hard drive.
INITIALIZING FORGE OF TITANIUM-ADAMANTIUM ALLOY SYNTEZOID
DOWNLOADING OPERATING SYSTEM 'ULTRON .EXE' VERSION 11.3.21
PROCESS 1% COMPLETED
TO BE CONTINUED ...
* Spring Break Shorts - Alien Twins (CH.22)
Note: I do not know if ".EXE"applies to an artificial intelligence, but almost every program I stopped to pay attention has this extension.
Last week, I was about to finish the chapter I was writing, when I realized I should write that one. Not that the villains are more interesting than the Loud family, but I thought I should show that they were doing more than just hiring mercenaries to Spector.
I went to watch Thor:Ragnarok, and now I'm having a bit of trouble focusing on anything else, but I think the next chapter will be out next week.
