Bab 82: Chapter 82: The Truth Of The Fortress
Somewhere in Antarctica
"It's definitely one of the most well-built, highly advanced, and secure prisons I've ever seen," Phil Coulson remarked, his voice echoing slightly in the sleek control room of the Fortress of Solitude. His eyes roamed over the vast array of screens and blinking panels that surrounded him, each displaying real-time data and surveillance feeds of the facility. "I'm genuinely impressed."
At that moment, one of the automated doors of the state-of-the-art room slid open with a soft hiss, and an Atomic Robot glided in, its metallic frame catching the overhead lights as it approached. With a fluid motion, it extended a polished arm, presenting Phil with a steaming cup of coffee, its rich aroma filling the air. "Thank you," he said, accepting the cup with a nod of appreciation, the warmth radiating through his fingers.
"Thank you. I spent several months carefully designing it," Atomic said casually as he turned to Nick Fury. Nick was intently focused on the intricate video feeds cycling through images of each prisoner in Atomic's impressive prison. "What about you, Director? What are your thoughts?" Atomic asked, patiently awaiting Nick's assessment of the facility's advanced security measures.
"This Fortress of yours provides round-the-clock supervision, secure holding cells, and ample space for the inmates. It is equipped with some of the most highly advanced robotic systems and artificial intelligence I've ever seen. Not only that, the premises are fortified with advanced defense units—what did you call them? Gundams?—which are strategically positioned to counter any near impossible escape attempts," Nick listed off. "As Coulson mentioned, this facility is one of the most impressive prisons I've ever seen. Access is nearly impossible without your abilities, solidifying it as the most formidable prison in existence."
"Hell, we thought the Big House was the pinnacle of prison design," Maria Hill remarked, her voice resonating with both admiration and disbelief as she studied the expansive blueprint schematic glowing on the monitor.
With her short black hair framing determined brown eyes, she leaned closer, analyzing the intricate details that showcased a blend of security and sophistication. "But this?" Her tone shifted to one of genuine admiration as she gestured to various sections of the plan. "This is nothing short of a masterclass in design and execution. I can't imagine anyone else having the capability to create and maintain something like this."
"What's the current maximum capacity?" Nick inquired, his voice steady but curious as he glanced around the starkly lit facility.
"Currently… 2,000," Atomic replied, crossing his arms.
Maria whistled softly, a sound of genuine surprise escaping her lips, while Phil raised an eyebrow in astonishment. Nick nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting upwards to the expansive 3D schematic suspended above them, illuminated by the soft glow of overhead lights.
"All the individuals currently confined here are normal humans. But how does your facility handle enhanced or mutant individuals?" Nick pressed, a serious undertone accompanying his words.
"Depending on the unique abilities of each individual, I can modify the structure of the prison cells to best accommodate their powers," Atomic explained.
Nick nodded again, his posture shifting as he clasped his hands behind his back, deep in thought. "I see… and how well would your Fortress be suited to containing someone like the Hulk?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying a weight of concern.
Atomic blinked in surprise, straightening his posture as he considered the implications. "The Hulk hasn't been sighted since the Harlem incident. I've traveled the globe, and there have been no reports of his reappearance. There's really no reason to confine Doctor Banner," he stated with a hint of finality.
"I'm not suggesting that you should imprison him," Nick replied, his tone measured and firm. "I just want to ascertain your capabilities. So, the question remains: can you contain the Hulk if necessary?"
Beneath his helmet, Atomic's expression shifted to one of contemplation as he pondered the enormity of the question. After a moment, he let out a resigned sigh and glanced back at Nick. "The Hulk is an individual of extraordinary power and unparalleled strength. Frankly, I doubt there's any prison on this planet that could truly hold him. But…," he paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the challenge, "If there ever was a prison on this planet that could hold him, I believe I could do it." His voice was laced with equal parts confidence and apprehension.
Satisfied with his response, Nick nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Alright then," he began, his voice steady but contemplative. "I'll reach out to the World Security Council directly. I'll do my best to persuade them that your Fortress of Solitude is legitimate and operates within the boundaries of international law, especially regarding human rights. He paused, gauging the reaction of his companion, then continued, "From there, Maria will act as my primary point of contact for all matters concerning this situation. She'll serve as my representative in discussions with the Council, addressing any further questions or concerns that they might raise in the future. Does that work with you?"
Atomic turned to Maria and nodded. "Yeah, that's fine. I'll add you to the Fortress's biometrics database and give you the proper permissions to access whatever you need."
Maria returned his nod with a small, professional smile. "Thanks, that'll make things a lot easier and faster," she replied.
"And Atomic?" Nick interjected. "Don't ever tell anyone else where the Fortress is located. It's best to keep this information limited to as few people as possible."
Atomic nodded, his gaze shifting to the large monitor mounted on the wall that displayed a live feed of the prisoners' faces, marked by fear and anger. "Yeah, I know," he replied, feeling the weight of his role pressing down on him.
Nick's expression grew annoyed. "Good," he said firmly. "Now, get me out of here. I have to calm down a lot of powerful people demanding that Atomic hand over all his secrets and technology."
"Sorry about that," Atomic said. "Sometimes… I wonder if I made the right choice. Maybe it would have been simpler to hand these people back to their own governments to deal with."
"Maybe it would have been…" Phil interjected, his voice calm and reassuring. He offered a warm smile that seemed to cast away lingering shadows of doubt. "But it's too late for regrets now. All you can do is keep moving forward and put forth your best effort," he said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. "Because sometimes, that's all any of us can do."
••o••o••o••
New York City, USA
Namora stared intently at the soft, golden croissant that sat enticingly before her, its flaky layers glistening in the warm light of the coffee shop. She reached for it, her fingers gently squeezing the delicate pastry, savoring the contrast of its crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.
"Fascinating… so this is bread," Namora remarked, lifting the croissant closer to her face, inhaling deeply. The rich, buttery aroma wafted up to her nostrils, mingling with the sweet scent of fresh coffee. "It smells delightful!"
Greg, a bewildered barista who had worked at the coffee shop for years and was also a proud graduate of ESU, blinked in confusion as he observed Namora tentatively lick the croissant, as if she were trying to decipher its secrets. "It… does. I'll, uh, be back with the rest of your orders," he stammered before quickly retreating, an incredulous look on his face.
"Namora, while I'm not one to question your judgments… why are we here?" Shivonas, an Atlantean with long, cascading pink hair, adjusted her turtle neck, discomfort evident in her furrowed brow. "And why do surface dwellers wear such restrictive clothing? It's so… stuffy."
"It's quite simple, Shivonas," interjected Rikart, one of Namora's trusted soldiers. Tall and broad-shouldered, with swept-back black hair gleaming in the light, he donned both regular attire and traditional Atlantean armor. "It has been said that our target frequents this dingy little shop, so we must wait for him here."
"I understand that," Shivonas replied, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But why disguise ourselves? We should be wearing our Atlantean armor with honor! Not blending in with these humans!" Her voice rose slightly, the urgency of their mission weighing heavily on her heart. "We've been searching for Atomic for weeks! I do not want to fail my king!"
"We won't fail," Namora assured, taking a hearty bite of the croissant, crumbs cascading onto her plate. "We will find Atomic and bring him to my cousin… but he didn't exactly give us a timeline."
"That may be true, but it doesn't mean we should spend all our time acting like children, exploring the surface world!" Shivonas exclaimed, exasperation lacing her words.
"Uh… your coffees are ready," Greg announced as he approached the trio, balancing their orders precariously. He placed a beautifully crafted caramel macchiato in front of Rikart and a tall, frosty strawberry milkshake—topped with whipped cream and a cherry—before Namora. "Enjoy!" he added cautiously, quickly walking away.
Rikart nodded appreciatively and took a sip of his drink, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "That's good. Say what you want about the surface dwellers, Shivonas, but they have some delicious food and drinks. Speaking of which, could we perhaps order more of that delightful, what did they call it? Ah, right! Pizza! I wouldn't mind devouring another serving!"
Namora's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That sounds amazing!"
Shivonas groaned, laying her head on the table, utterly drained of her will to convince Namora to focus on their mission rather than indulging in the delights of the surface world.
"WOW! This strawberry milkshake is incredible! Shivonas, you absolutely must try this!" Namora exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.
"…okay," Shivonas conceded, a small flicker of interest breaking through her frustration.
••o••o••o••
The question regarding Atomic's alleged secret prison for the truly evil reverberated through the streets of major cities across the globe, prompting a wave of responses from a diverse array of voices.
"What do I think? Well, if it keeps the real bad guys locked away, then I can't complain," a man in a business suit replied, adjusting his tie as he hurried to catch the train.
"He does? That's incredible! …right?" a young teenager exclaimed, gripping his skateboard tightly, his eyes wide with excitement and uncertainty.
"I'm not so sure," an elderly woman commented thoughtfully while walking her golden retriever. "If it means fewer killers and dangerous individuals roaming free, then maybe it's necessary. But still, it's a heavy burden to place on one person."
"It's not right at all. No matter the good that Atomic has done, he's not the law," interjected a law student from Harvard, passion evident in his tone. "We have a legal system for a reason, and it's dangerous for one person to unilaterally decide who gets locked away and who doesn't."
"Didn't he say it's not for your average criminals or petty thugs? If they're only locking up the truly awful people—like warlords and serial killers—I don't see how that's a bad thing," argued a teacher as she walked out of the grocery store, arms full of bags.
"Atomic has done a tremendous amount of good for society. If he thinks this Fortress of his is justified, then I'm inclined to trust his judgment," said an New York firefighter, taking a sip from his steaming coffee cup while stationed at a busy intersection.
"Since when did we allow superheroes to operate outside the law? Atomic can't just decide to imprison people! True, it may start with the most heinous offenders, but where does it end? What if he begins snatching away everyday people simply because they've crossed him in some way? This situation feels like a powder keg, waiting for a spark to ignite," warned a disgruntled man with a bushy mustache, gesturing emphatically as he strolled through the neighborhood.
"Atomic seems to genuinely believe in the righteousness of his actions. I want to have faith in him, I really do. But who knows what we're dealing with regarding this secret prison? Is it safe? Is it humane? The lack of transparency makes it impossible for me to form a solid opinion just yet," mused a retired lawyer, now a stay-at-home mother as she cradled her daughter in her arms, her brow furrowed with concern.
As global news outlets reached out to the public, a wide range of opinions surfaced regarding Atomic's groundbreaking revelation. Hundreds of voices chimed in from every corner of the world, sharing their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
Initially, the vast majority supported Atomic's initiatives. However, many others expressed skepticism or outright criticism, uncertain about the implications of such a privatized approach to incarceration.
Everything took a dramatic turn when world leaders unveiled a comprehensive collection of compelling facts, videos, and images showcasing Atomic's Fortress of Solitude.
These visuals presented a markedly different narrative about the facility, revealing that the living conditions for the prisoners were not only humane but, in many cases, exceeded the standards typically found in prisons across developed nations. The images depicted spacious living quarters, access to recreational activities, and high-quality meals, challenging the idea that the facility was actually a harsh and unforgiving environment.
In conjunction with a stunning array of revealing visuals, government officials released a comprehensive series of statements formally designating Atomic's Fortress of Solitude as an official institution dedicated exclusively to the incarceration of the world's most dangerous criminals. This landmark announcement underscored a pivotal transformation in the narrative surrounding the previously clandestine facility, highlighting its essential function within the broader justice system.
Moreover, Atomic and the world's governments promised to maintain complete transparency by making an updated list of all individuals imprisoned within the Fortress publicly accessible. This list would include not only the names of the inmates but also detailed accounts of their heinous crimes, ensuring that the public remains informed about the nature of the threats posed by these individuals.
As a result, public opinion began to evolve, prompting discussions about the ethical implications of incarceration and the treatment of individuals considered the most dangerous in society.
Public perception shifted significantly as the truth about the Fortress came to light. Many who had previously expressed doubts began to view the facility differently, recognizing that its stringent criteria for incarceration meant that only the most serious offenders were housed within its walls. This change in perspective resulted in a notable decrease in criticism, as trust in Atomic started to grow among the population once again.
As time went on, the global community continued to see Atomic as a symbol of hope. People grew more accepting of his unconventional methods for protecting society and the world as a whole, firmly believing that his intentions aimed to uphold justice while ensuring everyone's safety.
This change in public sentiment eased the burden on Wyatt's shoulders. He found a renewed sense of peace, no longer weighed down by the pressure of his past decisions. He could finally breathe easier, knowing that he might not have been wrong in making that choice.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone