Boom, boom, boom...
A towering figure, nearly three meters in height and clad in newly painted black armor, launched a swift, explosive charge across the training floor. A massive metal palm, covered with the light golden shell of the newly named Reditus-Pattern armor, instantly clenched into a fist. It smashed fiercely into the center of a heavy metal dummy.
The impact was immediately followed by the harsh, tearing roar of metal distortion. The heavy, weighted metal dummy didn't just fall; it was launched, flying dozens of meters through the air before hitting the reinforced metal wall with a punishing clang that vibrated through the floor.
Nolan, viewing the scene through the diamond-shaped helmet, used the tactical eyepiece to instantly lock onto the crumpled, broken dummy now embedded in the wall. A rapid series of complex data readouts and impact vectors scrolled across his vision.
Satisfied, Nolan slowly flexed the huge metal palm, raised his hand, and smoothly removed the diamond-shaped helmet. He moved in Terminator armor—which moved with surprising agility—across the floor toward David, who stood quietly near the perimeter of the training ground.
Nolan casually accepted a glass of ice water that David extended. He took a careful sip, the cold water a stark contrast to the effort, and blinked his cyan wolf eyes at the massive tech-priest.
"David, how solid is the information Bucky gave you?"
David shook its large, metal head slowly. Its eye sockets reflected one schematic projection after another as it spoke.
"My Lord, our newcomer doesn't appear to be lying. We've mastered some basic information regarding the core members of Hydra." It paused, the lights in its optics softening slightly. "However, Alexander Pierce, the individual you seem most focused on attacking, is now in a critically high position. The places he frequents are all complex, high-security locations, such as the United Nations headquarters."
David's mechanical voice adopted a cautious tone. "Unless you are prepared to escalate this into a full-blown confrontation with official government forces, I don't recommend launching a direct strike operation against him."
Nolan took another careful sip of the ice water, his eyes narrowed in thought.
"David, what is your suggestion? Pierce is not the only target. I simply chose the one that seemed closest at the time."
"I understand. The situation in Europe is quite chaotic. The battle between S.H.I.E.L.D and Hydra is getting more and more intense. I believe Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D, has processed the critical information you revealed to him... Because two-thirds of the personnel recently deployed to the European battlefield are, in fact, Hydra agents hidden inside S.H.I.E.L.D. In effect, the battlefield in Europe is now a fierce struggle between the different, internally feuding factions of Hydra."
David quickly retracted the multiple projections. Its mechanical voice sounded subtly pleased by the internal conflict.
"Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to capture S.H.I.E.L.D's main communication line. I suspect they have mastered several alien technologies far surpassing current Earth technology, which complicates the matter."
"Therefore, I have comprehensively analyzed the current geopolitical situation. Both America and Europe are not suitable for immediate action. My suggestion is that you should undertake a long-distance journey. The individual known as 'Madam Hydra,' who is entrenched in Asia, may be a very suitable target."
"She has not actively intervened in the war between the two Western factions. If the timing is right, a quick strike operation could easily eliminate her. Of course, this is merely my technical suggestion. The specific target selection still requires your final decision," David concluded, bowing respectfully to Nolan.
Nolan, who had narrowed his cyan wolf eyes, lowered his helmeted head and pondered the data for a moment. He took a deep breath, the air whistling slightly around the helmet's seals, and then stated his decision without hesitation.
"Just choose 'Madam Hydra'! I want to see... how the Hydra will grow back after I personally sever that head!"
David bowed slightly in acknowledgment, the blue light in its eye sockets giving one final flash of certainty.
His expression now set and grim, Nolan wearing the newly Reditus-Pattern Terminator armor quickly walked toward the infirmary. He gently pushed open the heavy metal door.
Inside, Bucky, finally freed from his restraints, was meticulously tidying up his appearance in the small bathroom mirror. His greasy, shoulder-length hair had been completely shaved into a neat buzz cut. Perhaps it was the clean-cut hairstyle, or a deeper shift in his mindset, but Bucky's originally gloomy temperament had become noticeably more capable and alert.
He paused, staring at his reflection, then blinked again as he caught sight of the enormous, three-meter Terminator armor in the doorway. A flicker of genuine shock crossed his eyes before he masked it.
Standing perfectly still, Nolan slightly narrowed his cyan wolf eyes.
"David told me you want to apply to join this operation?"
Bucky quickly ran a hand over his short hair, turned to face Nolan, and raised his chin slightly in a gesture of defiance and determination.
"Considering how long I have lived and what I have endured, my hatred runs far deeper than yours."
Before he could finish, Nolan, encased in the imposing Terminator armor, grinned widely, slowly showing his fangs.
"Bucky, are you sure you can handle the fight?" Nolan asked, his voice low and serious. "You are now a member of the team. I won't allow my team members to go into any battle unprepared, especially not to return to a battlefield that holds this much weight for you."
Hearing Nolan's challenge, Bucky remained expressionless but raised the mechanical arm that Reditus had recently refurbished. On the metal surface, which reflected a cold, clinical luster, a distinct logo—a skull wrapped in gears—was firmly engraved on the side of the shoulder plating.
"Your Tech-Priest said I am suitable to be an Alpha Skitarii. Although I don't know what that means, as long as the mission is to kill Hydra, I am willing to give my life to you. Hydra, blood debt needs to be paid with blood!"
Nolan's expression gradually became serious. He nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on Bucky.
"Perhaps you will think my actions are a little cruel in the future, but my original intention is always for the future of humankind. You will eventually understand the weight of this belief."
"It doesn't matter," Bucky responded without hesitation, taking a deep breath. "If one day I betray you, just follow what the Tech-Priest said and transform me into a combat servitor." He made this promise to Nolan with a profound, solemn expression.
Nolan's serious look instantly melted into a sudden grin. He raised one giant, metallic palm toward Bucky, an offer of kinship.
"Come with me, friend. You need new gear."
In the brightly lit equipment room, Nolan, maneuvering the Terminator armor, handed Bucky a set of cleaned, functional carapace armor and a personal refractor field.
"With this set of carapace armor and the protection of the refractor field, you won't have to fear the enemy's mundane bullets at all," Nolan explained.
Nolan then reached out and picked up a specialized chainsword. He hesitated for a moment, weighing the buzzing weapon in his palm, and then handed it to Bucky.
"This chainsword is too small and light for me, but it should suit you. Just be cautious. Your mechanical arm will not withstand the teeth of a polymer-forged chainblade."
Bucky blinked, then accepted the chainsword with care. The motorized teeth purred lightly as he adjusted his grip. A faint, almost embarrassed smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"As for long-range firepower..." Nolan frowned slightly, glancing at the array of exotic weapons mounted on the equipment racks. He had to open his huge metal palm, empty of weapons, to Bucky, whose eyes showed a flicker of hopeful anticipation.
Nolan spoke with a helpless, slightly exasperated expression. "Damn Reditus has somehow brought disaster upon all the laspistols. Sorry, Bucky, you can only use ordinary weapons for the time being."
"I'll find a way to get you a lasgun as soon as possible."
"It doesn't matter, I only have the confidence to fully control ordinary weapons anyway." Bucky smiled slightly as he picked up the carapace armor. A trace of deep nostalgia seemed to enter his eyes as he looked down at the familiar style of armor.
"Reporting to Captain... Combatant Barnes, ready!"
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