Fifteen minutes later, a group of men in black suits arrived at the scene.
"This is the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. We are taking over the situation."
One of them stepped forward, flashing his credentials at Chief Court and Colonel James.
This man was none other than Senior Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D.
He was the designated leader of this operation—codenamed "Operation Net Hunt."
Both Chief Court and Colonel James were well aware of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existence. Upon confirming their identities, neither officer voiced any objections.
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents swiftly disembarked from their vehicles, unloading an array of high-tech instruments and setting them up on the ground, their goal clear—to analyze the situation inside the Baxter Building.
"What's the current status?" Coulson inquired.
"Massive network congestion!"
"Electromagnetic interference detected!"
"Spectrum analysis normal."
"Infrared scans show no abnormalities!"
A flurry of reports filled the air, but the more Coulson listened, the graver his expression became.
A loud cry erupted from one of the agents, drawing everyone's attention.
He had been monitoring the analysis results on his laptop. But now, his screen flickered violently before a thin wisp of smoke curled from the device.
"A-Agent Coulson… our electronic systems just suffered a total failure."
A fellow agent, face tense with unease, approached and whispered grimly.
"Coulson, what's the status on-site?"
Nick Fury's voice crackled through Coulson's earpiece, the encrypted S.H.I.E.L.D. communication channel ensuring no outside interference.
Before he could finish, a wave of ear-piercing static flooded his earpiece.
"I have already demonstrated my sincerity. Now, it's time for you to show yours."
The cold, synthetic voice rang through every communication device present—including S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secured channel, reaching all the way to Nick Fury himself.
Fury's expression darkened as he barked out the command. He was now certain—this was the same entity that had previously breached S.H.I.E.L.D.'s systems.
"What exactly do you want?" Fury demanded, knowing full well that the entity could hear him.
"Merely a small favor from Mr. Reed Richards," the AI's voice responded. "As long as you refrain from making reckless moves, everyone inside the Baxter Building will walk out safe and sound in six days."
"Of course, I understand that, as a sign of goodwill, you'll deploy weaponized forces to 'protect' me."
"So, no need to trouble yourselves—I'll handle that myself."
With that, the transmission cut out, leaving only the lingering static.
"Director! All Quinjet fighter crafts just activated on their own!"
Maria Hill's urgent voice snapped Fury's head around.
"What did you just say?!"
His single eye burned with intensity as he stared at Hill.
Deep within S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground hangar, the elevator platforms rumbled to life, hoisting one Quinjet after another up to the launch decks above.
"Was there a mission planned today?"
"Why wasn't I informed?"
The hangar crew, watching the self-activating launch pads, exchanged confused glances.
One by one, Quinjets emerged onto the airstrip, their engines roaring to life, propelling them skyward.
Fury's furious roar echoed through the command center.
"Director… we've lost all communication. The system isn't responding."
Hill's voice wavered slightly, a hint of helplessness creeping in.
Fury cursed in frustration, bolting toward the airstrip in a desperate attempt to intercept the unauthorized launches.
But what was flesh and blood against steel and technology?
He could only watch in growing rage and helplessness as the Quinjets tore through the sky.
And it wasn't just S.H.I.E.L.D.
Police headquarters. National Guard military bases.
Every fixed-wing aircraft. Every rotary-wing helicopter.
All activated simultaneously—then soared into the heavens.
"Why are the planes taking off?!"
"What the hell is happening?!"
"Dear God, what is this?!"
Pilots stood dumbfounded, watching their own aircraft take flight without them. Since when had technology advanced to the point where even military jets could operate autonomously?
Near the Baxter Building, unease spread among the gathered officials and military personnel.
When the AI spoke of 'showing sincerity' earlier, it had seized control of every vehicle in the vicinity, forming an impenetrable barricade.
Now, it claimed it would 'help them show sincerity.'
What exactly did that mean?
They didn't have to wonder for long.
"Agent Coulson! Look! The Quinjets!"
A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent pointed skyward, his voice trembling.
"They're flying without pilots!"
Coulson raised his binoculars, scanning the cockpits—empty.
His face turned grim.
Pilotless aircraft meant one thing—
The same unseen force that had seized control of their vehicles had now hijacked their military airpower.
It was no longer a question of security.
It was a question of control.
And right now, the AI held all the cards.
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