Action
Three days later, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A modified Quinjet, reminiscent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s advanced aircraft, landed at the airport. Gasco, a former Hydra operative turned rogue scientist, disembarked with his nine genetically enhanced soldiers, each wearing combat gear reminiscent of the Winter Soldier's tactical suit.
During these three days, Kyle, a brilliant biochemist with ties to Oscorp, used the last of his resources to create six more serums, adding another six super-soldiers to their ranks. These serums were similar to the Super-Soldier Serum that created Captain America, but with unstable side effects.
However, one thing was surprising: Gasco, despite his enhancements, would be defeated under the siege of these nine soldiers if he didn't activate his latent abilities, which were rumored to be derived from experiments involving Chitauri technology.
"Manager, it's ready," one of the soldiers reported, their voices modulated by advanced communication devices similar to those used by the Avengers.
After retrieving their carry-on luggage, the nine team members informed Gasco that their identities must be disguised when they ventured out. Now, Gasco posed as the department manager of a small tech company, and the nine members were his employees, conducting a team-building exercise.
"Okay, let's go to our base now. After getting the weapons, we can set off tonight," Gasco said calmly, raising his wrist to check the time on a high-tech watch that resembled Tony Stark's designs.
According to intelligence from the Red Queen, an AI system with capabilities akin to Ultron, the black market here was about to be relocated, and the special forces team had to act quickly.
Agents from a shadowy intelligence organization had already arrived, purchasing a safe house to serve as their base of operations. Combat uniforms, weapons, ammunition, and other equipment were stored there, ready for retrieval.
Boarding a nondescript van outside the airport, the ten set off towards the city's outskirts. After a half-hour drive, they arrived at a small, inconspicuous courtyard that served as their base.
"Okay, let's all eat something to replenish our energy and start preparing for action tonight," Gasco ordered.
The small courtyard contained a modest wooden house, with a large armored vehicle parked nearby, capable of transporting the entire team.
After dismissing the team, Gasco entered the cabin to retrieve the necessary equipment for the night's mission.
"Let me see... it should be you," he muttered, lifting a hidden floor panel to reveal four wooden boxes secured by heavy iron chains, each marked with cryptic labels.
Gasco grabbed the chain, his enhanced muscles tightening as he exerted force, slowly pulling out the heavy wooden boxes.
The first box contained combat uniforms and tactical goggles, similar to those used by S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives. The second box held an array of weapons, including modified versions of Stark Industries' repulsor tech. The third box was filled with ammunition, and the last contained defensive equipment and helmets designed to conceal their identities.
…
Outside Albuquerque, an unmarked black SUV, reinforced with vibranium alloy reminiscent of Wakandan technology, sped down the highway.
In the passenger seat sat Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, her wine-red hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing her signature black tactical suit. In the driver's seat was Clint Barton, Hawkeye, his sharp eyes focused on the road, his bow and quiver of trick arrows within reach.
"Natasha, the target of this mission is the infamous arms dealer Kent Shrell. Intel suggests he'll appear at the black market tonight," Clint explained.
"I really don't understand what Fury is thinking. An arms dealer doesn't usually require our level of intervention, don't you think, Clint?" Natasha replied, her tone laced with skepticism.
"Natasha, don't underestimate this guy. He's indirectly responsible for over 400,000 deaths annually, with ties to various extremist groups in the Middle East," Clint countered, his voice serious.
Natasha sighed, adjusting her gloves. "Fine, but is it just the two of us this time?"
"Yes," Clint confirmed.
"Without any reinforcements?"
"Yes."
"Then can I retreat?"
"Can't."
…
Tonight, the moon was obscured by dark clouds, providing perfect cover for covert operations.
Gasco and his nine team members had reached the outskirts of the black market, taking positions in the surrounding jungle. The black market was housed in an abandoned three-story building, long forgotten by the government and left to decay.
"Captain, according to the drone's reconnaissance, there are only a few armed guards on the first floor, with the second floor serving as the trading area," one team member reported, his tactical goggles linked to the drone's camera feed.
"Very good. Let's begin our infiltration. Avoid detection at all costs," Gasco ordered.
The building was heavily guarded, with over a hundred armed personnel. Gasco knew that a direct confrontation would be risky, even with their enhancements.
Their black, light-absorbing combat suits provided excellent camouflage, making them nearly invisible in the darkness. The team split into pairs, moving silently toward the building.
On the other side, Natasha and Clint had parked their SUV 500 meters from the building and were preparing their gear.
Clint leaned against a tree, watching as Natasha equipped herself with an arsenal of weapons: twin pistols, daggers, and specialized explosives.
"If the mission fails, these will ensure we take them with us," Natasha said, her voice cold.
"I will never do this kind of thing a second time," she added, adjusting her gloves before moving toward the building.
Clint smirked. "Women," he muttered, grabbing his bow and following her. Tonight promised to be a challenging mission.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s objective was to intercept Kent Shrell, while Gasco's team aimed to secure a cache of rare elements. As the two forces converged on the black market, the stage was set for a clash that would alter the course of their missions.