Chapter 187: A Friend
Twenty-five miles. Nineteen miles. Six miles.
With each distance marker, Batman analyzed intelligence transmitted by the spider-robots, issuing commands to units distributed across different sectors.
ROAR!
The moment the Batcycle's engine noise crossed within six miles of the gamma bomb research facility, Batman immediately switched from combustion to electric power. The engine's rumble was replaced by the relative silence of battery propulsion.
Simultaneously, inside the facility, spider-robots continued advancing toward their assigned reconnaissance zones while the first units to reach their destinations began secondary transformation.
One spider-robot stretched its body into a triangular support frame. Others climbed atop the structure, retracting their mechanical claws while flattening into arc shapes.
Seven or eight arc-configured units assembled together, forming a signal receiver resembling a satellite dish antenna.
Facing this physically isolated research facility—identical to SHIELD installations—Batman's infiltration methodology differed completely from his Adirondack Mountains approach.
At the mountain base, Batman had physically infiltrated, sabotaged the cooling systems, then hacked internal networks while extracting. That mission's objective had been pure intelligence gathering—total operation time under twenty minutes.
This time was different. Rescuing Norman Osborn couldn't be compressed to mere minutes. Batman needed maximum stealth.
That's why he'd landed thirty miles out, deploying bat-drones and spider-robots for advance reconnaissance before using the robots to establish a signal relay for system infiltration.
If this step encountered any complications, Batman would alter his operational plan immediately—selecting violent entry or alternative virus deployment methods based on circumstances.
But since the initial phase proceeded without issues, Batman showed no hesitation. He immediately transmitted the Arkham suit's integrated electronic warfare virus toward the facility.
The instant the microscopic signal receiver absorbed Batman's payload, it collapsed, transforming back into individual spider-robots. Each unit carried fragments of the virus, racing through different gaps and conduits to locate electronic equipment for infection.
When Batman reached three miles from the facility, the spider-robots assigned to distant personnel reconnaissance zones completed their missions and joined the virus distribution operation.
At two miles out, virus propagation finished. Batman had successfully seized control of the entire gamma bomb research facility's communications systems, radar networks, and portions of fire control infrastructure.
"Robin, you're driving."
Batman addressed Venom, who immediately complied. Black symbiote material separated from Batman's hands while maintaining grip on the handlebars—making it appear Batman suddenly possessed four arms.
Distance to the gamma facility continued shrinking. Batman leaned down, reaching to extract a weapon roughly two feet long from the Batcycle's side compartment.
The gun's actual mechanism was compact. Most of its length consisted of stock, currently braced against Batman's shoulder with the barrel aimed toward the facility.
Batman would never use lethal firearms against humans. This weapon served a different purpose.
Designated the "Disruptor," it was Batman's tool for neutralizing enemy firearms—capable of firing penetrating but brief laser bursts to achieve that objective.
The Disruptor lacked tactical optics. Batman's enhanced vision combined with Venom's augmentation matched ordinary binoculars.
The moment Batman settled the weapon's position, his trigger finger squeezed without hesitation.
Extremely dim red laser beams lanced outward, streaking toward the facility now less than a mile distant.
Lasers required no ballistic calculation or velocity compensation. Almost the instant Batman pulled the trigger, the Hydra soldiers' firearms were struck precisely at their firing pin assemblies.
Damaged firing pins rendered the weapons incapable of chambering rounds.
"Facility perimeter. Visual confirms seventy-three Hydra soldiers. No heavy machine guns or artillery observed."
In that impossibly brief window, Batman fired seventy-three shots. Every laser pulse struck a soldier's weapon with surgical precision.
Batman knew these Hydra operatives certainly carried backup weapons beyond their primary firearms.
But for him, disabling the assault rifles and combat rifles meant the soldiers' sidearms posed negligible threat.
Theoretically, Batman could simply discard the Disruptor and physically tank rifle fire with Venom-enhanced durability.
He was using his actions to misdirect the enemy—even though Hydra hadn't detected his approach yet.
Even Batman's choice to approach via motorcycle rather than running served primarily as deception beyond the vehicle's electromagnetic pulse payload.
If any complications arose and General Ross learned "a monster faster than sports cars and immune to bullets breached the facility," he might immediately release whatever creatures waited inside as countermeasures.
Despite the spider-robots completing personnel reconnaissance and confirming no monsters present, Batman habitually prepared for worst-case scenarios.
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Unknown waters. The Helicarrier.
Tony Stark and SHIELD Director Nick Fury stood face to face, arms behind their backs, locked in an intense staring contest.
"SHIELD's firewall blocked you, Mr. Stark. Please explain." Nick Fury's tone was ice-cold.
Tony remained fully armored in the Mark III, faceplate still sealed.
This wasn't about playing celebrity. His armor currently required mechanical assistance for removal and installation. SHIELD's Helicarrier lacked the specialized equipment.
More importantly, Tony knew Fury still plotted to extract something from his armor design. He refused to remove the suit and watch Fury immediately dispatch technicians to dissect it completely.
"It means my technology's excellent. Everyone I meet says so." Tony replied.
That SHIELD's firewall could actually stop him was somewhat embarrassing to admit.
Nick Fury stared at Tony's metal faceplate:
"Don't play games with me."
"When I sent Agent Coulson to have you upgrade SHIELD's firewall last time, you weren't actually the one who did it, were you?"
"Who was it?"
Tony's mouth opened slightly. His first instinct was continuing to conceal Peter Parker's involvement. But he quickly thought of Batman lurking around Peter.
If he could connect Peter to SHIELD, having Peter's genius technical skills benefit the organization—maybe that would help extract Peter from Batman's control.
Combined with the Rescue One armor Tony was preparing, Peter would gain another layer of protection.
"A friend of mine. I'll introduce you when there's an opportunity, Fury." Tony said.
***
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