A few months before the events in London:
Sitting in the helicopter, Alex watched as it landed on the helipad of one of Russia's most highly secured prisons. Built during the Soviet Union, it was designed for those sentenced to life imprisonment. The prison's mountainous terrain made escape impossible for prisoners, as escape was impossible without outside assistance.
When the helicopter landed, Alex exited the cockpit and was met by a welcoming officer. The prison warden was asked to provide any assistance he could for Alex , but he seemed reluctant, so he sent one of his deputies instead.
"Doctor Ledov, allow me to introduce myself, Captain Gavrilin. I'm here today to assist you with your case," the now-elderly man said.
- Did the captain bring you up to speed?
- Yes sir, you are here to meet with prisoner Shestakov.
- Okay then, let's not waste time, lead me.
The captain didn't hesitate and led him to the designated area. After passing several floors, they reached the general area, where the prisoners were currently being held. The captain offered to take Shestakov to a special interrogation room, but Alex refused and simply walked ahead.
A loud door alarm alerted all prisoners that the passage was open. Many inmates turned their attention to the newcomer. A young man in a well-tailored suit stood out from the crowd, attracting everyone's attention. After looking around, he approached the man he needed, who was sitting at a table surrounded by several other inmates.
Whispers swirled throughout the hall about who it could be. Since the hall was unguarded, some individuals went along with the idea of checking out their guest, even though they knew they might get into trouble with the guards later. Of course, the check quickly ended when water from a glass flew out and turned into an ice shard that struck one of the brutes in the eye. The brute's fall to the floor attracted everyone's attention, and the fact that the guards didn't react calmed everyone down and cleared the way to their target.
A man in his forties, well-built for someone who had spent over fifteen years in prison. With a flowing beard, numerous tattoos all over his body, and a strong gaze, he looked at the approaching guest with an inquisitive and even slightly challenging expression.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Shestakov, my name is Alexander Ledov. I'm here to speak with you and offer you a job if you pass the interview." The former Red Guard looked Alex over seriously, then glanced at the corpse he'd left lying on the floor.
"What exactly do you want, Mr. Ledov?" It was said more with mockery than respect. Shestakov knew it was dangerous to play with such a man, but he had nothing to lose, and here was such entertainment.
- I need information and your skills that can be useful to the country.
"HAHAHA, look around," the prisoner said, gesturing around his surroundings with sweeping movements, "this is where working for the government brought me. I ended up here in this hole. And now you, young suit, want something. What can you offer me?"
"I can offer you everything you lost and more." A calm and confident voice made the former guard calm down and think, and at that moment a photograph appeared before him.
This photo showed Steve Rogers in the Captain America costume.
"Here's a quick summary. Captain America, the image of whom you are, is alive now. He's becoming the new symbol of America. Of course, their scientists can't yet reproduce the super soldier serum, but who knows, maybe one day they will."
"So I'm only needed as a counterweight. And if he hadn't shown up, I'd still be sitting here. Well then, I'd rather stay here, and you give your jacket to your superiors so they can't use me." Having finished his speech, Alexey was about to stand up and end the conversation.
"Before you go, I want to clarify. I don't work for the government. I'm here on my own initiative. No one up there cares about you or what you do, but you can be useful, and I have something else for you."
Two more photographs appeared before Alexey. One was of Natasha, when one of the reporters managed to get a full-length photo of her, and the other was of Elena, captured by one of the security cameras.
No one could call Alexey a decent family man, but he was able to recognize two grown-up little girls.
"And what does that mean?" The guard's gaze said he didn't care about the consequences and would attack his interlocutor no matter the outcome.
"That means if you do what I say, I can make sure they don't kill you the next time you meet them, and if you're lucky, maybe you can go to a bar and pour out your heart to them. How's that for a deal?"
Alexey stared at the photographs in front of him for a long time. The two little girls he tried to be a father to were now grown and beautiful, and judging by the photos, they certainly didn't go on to live a quiet civilian life, which was partly his fault.
"Can you really do what you say?" Alexey's entire demeanor instantly changed from confident to worried, thoughts of family reunification and the countless missed opportunities flooding his mind.
"It all depends not only on me, a lot will depend on you as well." There wasn't much time to watch the former supersoldier ponder, so it was decided to give him a nudge. "Unfortunately, I don't have time to tell you all the pros and cons of our future work, so let's do it this way. For the next two minutes after I leave, security won't bother you. You can follow me or stay here, it's up to you."
After which, Alex stood up and calmly walked straight to the exit. Alexey Shestakov himself , realizing that the moment he'd been thinking about so much while sitting in prison could be his escape, followed.
Alexey, hastily following, left the photographs on the table , to which other prisoners quickly began to gather.
" Uhhhhh, what birds I'm seeing today, buhpvro ," one of them didn't even have time to touch the photos before Alexey simply merged his face with the man's desk. He then took the photos and quickly headed out.
Just a week later, tests were being conducted in one of Alex's labs. Alex ran, jumped, and moved heavy objects. Many of these activities were designed not only to test how much stronger he was than a normal human thanks to the serum, but also to get him into shape. Over the past few decades, the former Red Guardian had lost much of his form. But thanks to the serum and following all the doctors' instructions, the belly he carried around with him had already begun to noticeably shrink, and muscles were beginning to appear in his arms.
Of course, getting back into shape is important, but to compete with Steve, Alexey also needed to get his thoughts in order. During the helicopter flight, they discussed what exactly was going to happen, and the Soviet super soldier didn't like much of it. On the first day of working with a psychologist, he had a breakdown, and the doctor interviewing him managed to save him at the last moment by snatching him from the super soldier's grasp. After that, the measures were tightened.
Work was also carried out on his everyday life skills. He had to refresh his knowledge of history, the new weapons that had recently appeared, the political situation, and new military tactics. Taking him to see some films or just for a walk around the city was also helpful, so he realized he hadn't traded one prison for another.
All this had to be done against the backdrop of news of constant fighting between factions within the country, which only encouraged the guard to put on a suit and go into battle, or sometimes even without a suit.
"Let me go to the field, I'll steamroller them, and they won't even understand what hit them." Of course, Alexey was watching the news, and they couldn't ignore the fighting in the country, so after getting himself in shape a little, he thought he could start doing what they got him out of prison for.
"Alexei, calm down," the conversation took place in the laboratory's gym, where Shestakov was punching a specially weighted punching bag. "I understand everything, but you're not ready. You need to get your mind at least somewhat under control right now. No matter how much you want to, you can't help everyone. But the way you present yourself can make a much bigger difference. Look at me, I don't chase criminals every day, but the moment I show up somewhere, all the conflicts stop, because they understand I'm not the police and won't arrest anyone. A little water compaction and a stream of water works just as well as a saw."
Of course, this characterization didn't sit well with many people. But it was a great help when Alex had to fight gun battles. Once, when there was a call to help free a ship from pirates, those who came to take over the ship after the water manipulator was released were shocked by the bloody carnage that took place on the vessel. Of course, this made the media rounds, but no one was particularly bothered as long as the people involved were pirates or criminals. But those same pirates or criminals remembered what could happen to them.
When the former Red Guardian calmed down, Alex, considering his mission accomplished, decided to leave. But before leaving, he left some final instructions.
"Your eldest daughter is currently working with Captain America. When you're on her radar, she'll have someone to compare you to, so you have to be better than him in every way."
Alex was preparing equipment to stream to an audience, and since the opportunity to attract a sex symbol for a significant portion of the planet's population, who was currently in his house, had arisen, it was an opportunity he couldn't refuse.
He was now in one of the rooms in his house, which had been converted specifically for this purpose. The most sophisticated holographic technology allowed him to do unimaginable things with its computing power, and Yumiko helped with the processing. All of it had been delivered from Stark Industries .
Streaming was never Alex's plan, but it's a good way to engage with an audience, build his name, and express his opinions to influence the masses.
Of course, it's not all that simple, but this kind of interaction with the audience has a positive effect on presenting the characters as ordinary people with their own dreams and problems.
Recently, various heroes have begun appearing around the world. Some of them were mutants, and using their abilities, they helped the residents of their cities. One broadcast raised the possibility that these people could pose a danger, and no one knows who they are, given that they wear various masks.
"These abilities that people are developing will continue to excite the public for a long time. And not all of them will be happy to learn that such people live next to them. It's good when there are those who want to help their neighbors, but it's better to do this in collaboration with the authorities, so I ask everyone who has decided to engage in this kind of activity to try to contact local authorities and find a compromise. At the very least, this will be beneficial because then you won't be declared an outlaw and shot at as soon as you're discovered."
After waiting a bit, he added: "And to those who decide to use their abilities for personal gain or criminal purposes, know this: for your bad behavior, the Hulk will come for you."
These statements sparked a public outcry: after a while, news channels began showing footage of masked individuals working with police and emergency services. Discussions about the responsibility and safety of these individuals became a major topic in the media and public debate.
Such broadcasts had their use in order to be able to smooth over the rough edges between supers and ordinary people, and the next broadcast also had its purpose.
Almost finished with the setup, his future companion entered the room. Natasha, having spent several hours alone, had tidied up herself and her thoughts.
"There you are, we still haven't discussed what needs to be done." She stretched, the black T-shirt she was wearing stretching out, revealing her athletic figure, which was captivating.
"Of course, we'll start right now. The first mission will be to earn several million and kill several dozen people." Natasha's raised eyebrow demanded an explanation.
Without giving time for explanation, Alexander started the broadcast.
"Good afternoon everyone," he said, deciding not to waste any time, calling Natasha over and continuing, "I know you're all already waiting to hear what we're going to do today, but before we begin, I'd like you to welcome our guest today. She's an athlete, a Komsomol member, and simply a beauty, Natasha Romanov . "
At that moment, Natasha appeared on camera and the entire audience erupted. Alex himself didn't read the comments because there were too many people and he couldn't see them, so he simply left everything as is and occasionally glanced at the chat.
Natasha wasn't prepared for such a confession, but thanks to her preparation, she kept her composure and greeted everyone on camera with a charming smile. She saw the statistics of people connected to this broadcast and was amazed by how many were currently sitting and watching the two of them, and the number of viewers was growing with each passing minute.
"I know Natasha is our interrogation specialist, but today we'll be interrogating her together. You know how to ask questions. I'd like to remind you that all donations that come here go to charity, so don't worry, your money will go to a good cause." "Of course, due to the large number of people who wanted to talk to the Avengers, we had to raise the bar higher, but on some streams, other streamers raised money so that everyone could ask a question together." "I'd also like to say that we have our own secrets and some signed documents, so we won't be able to answer some questions, so we ask for your understanding and forgiveness."
Thanks to Tony and Jarvis's help , the broadcast was quickly translated into many languages, allowing people around the world to understand the conversation. The conversation covered a variety of topics, almost all of them addressed to today's guest. The questions ranged from her birthday to her favorite positions or requests to reveal a state secret. Although Natasha herself didn't show it , she was clearly shocked by the people who wrote such questions.
"Well, that's how it happened. I'm sitting tied up in a chair, this general was interrogating me, and then one of his subordinates gets a call—this "interrogation" has been going on for almost an hour, and she's given many answers to questions, and to many, she just smiled sweetly into the camera and remained silent—they tell me I'm urgently needed elsewhere, so I quickly finish with him and his guys and head off to the next mission."
- Wait, wait, so what kind of fruits you like is classified information, but this mission doesn't fall under that section - of course, the question about fruits was one of the most innocent that was voiced.
- At the moment, this is not secret information, but whether I like tangerines or - a slight play of the eyes and a change of intonation for the audience - bananas, of course, is secret information.
- Okay , I think we're done with the interview for today, but we have a follow-up. Natasha, how do you rate yourself as an assassin?
Such questions are not usually asked to an audience of millions, and the super spy understood that this was all for a reason.
- There are many factors in my work that cannot be properly taken into account, so it is difficult to evaluate myself without bias.
- I understand. So you can show us your skills right here and right now.
While they might not have been reading the messages sent to the general chat while sitting in front of a monitor, special programs did show the general mood of the people who sent the messages. So it wasn't surprising when the graph showed a surge in interest.
"I hope you know what video games are and how they work," he continued, seeing Natasha's skeptical look. "If not, consider it just an unexpected complication. Your goal is to do what you're told."
After launching the game, everyone saw the main screen on the monitor, which showed a bald man in a suit with a gun.
"Now you're looking at one of the most professional killers on screen." Natasha snorted, but did so with a smile. "Your main task is to eliminate the target as discreetly as possible, which I'm sure you can do, and to avoid drawing attention to yourself, which you can't."
- Ha ha, no need to flatter, but now I understand better what you meant before the broadcast, well, let's try.
It all started with the tutorial. The gamepad felt awkward in Natasha's hands, and the actions themselves were unfamiliar to her. However, after completing the tutorial mission twice in different ways, she did so simply because it was possible, and to get used to the controls.
After training, the spy entered her combat mode and began to show off her skills. Of course, not everything went according to plan, and sometimes missions had to be restarted, but her comments like "Oh, Enrique, your greed got you!" when she drowned one of the guards in the toilet or "Samantha, I'm so sorry!" when she poisoned one of the thugs were priceless, as if she were remembering her own goals or simply playing to the crowd. Of course, the spy played missions twice, once messily and noisily, and the second time quietly and discreetly. During the game, she, like a professional, offered expert opinions on various issues, but without delving too deeply into them, as she understood that they were fiction and fantasy. Overall, it was interesting, and people were delighted with it all.
- You know, that's not bad, I would never have thought that I could learn something new from the game.
"For many, games have become the biggest problem in the world, even though there are wars and alien invasions all around , they're the number one problem." Natasha listened as Alex expressed his opinion to the audience and noticed that the question seemed to offend him. "I think games are a new form of entertainment, like books or movies, because they can be evaluated in the same way..."
This continued for another couple of hours. Natasha played, and in between missions they simply chatted, occasionally answering incoming questions.
- Thank you to everyone who was with us today, because we will answer one more question and then finish for today.
The last question that came to them was very specific and made Natasha and Alex look at each other trying to figure out what to answer.
" Natalie, kiss on camera . " The audience that watched them was large, and among them were people who are wealthy and are fans of the Avengers, and Natasha in particular.
"It wasn't me!" Alex quickly raised his hands, making it clear it wasn't his doing, responding to Natasha's serious gaze. "But before you make a decision, I want to remind you that all proceeds go to charity, and this user has already donated ten thousand dollars, so think about your answer."
the spy began after a short thought , looking straight into the camera. "To fulfill your request, I want you to make a generous reward, and if that satisfies me, then I will fulfill your request."
After a few minutes of waiting, the answer that came amazed Natasha.
- Dear viewers, we received a donation of ten million dollars from this user. Natasha, what do you think?
"Is this money really going to charity?" What was happening now didn't fit any of her familiar patterns, so she needed to find time to think.
- I give you my word, but Alex didn't give her that time.
"Then there's only one thing left for me," Natasha stood up from her chair, turned Alex's chair around so people could see better, and sat on his lap. "Then I want to take part in this." Afterwards, she kissed him in front of an audience of millions.
For several dozen seconds, the kissing couple paid no attention to their surroundings. Alex didn't resist much, simply placing his hands on her waist and enjoying the kiss with the beautiful woman. The spy herself, though she was fulfilling an unsigned contract, couldn't say that all this evoked any ill feelings within her. The whole day had been very emotional, and she, too, needed an emotional release.
What should have ended quickly lasted about a minute because both participants got carried away. They finished when they were already out of breath.
a small, sly smile appeared on Natasha's face, which she showed to the camera.
- Yes, but they still didn't see it - in response to Natasha's questioning look, Alex simply indicated that his account had been blocked for inappropriate content - I was even wondering if they would do it or not.
Still sitting on her partner's lap , Natasha smiled mysteriously before leaning over and whispering her proposal into Alex's ear.
"I don't see any reason for us to stop now— people who often live for the moment and who could die tomorrow don't have time for long flirtations, so Alex saw no harm in spending the night with a beautiful woman, even if she's a spy for another country." They grabbed her by the hips, continued the kiss, and headed to his room.