Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

Nick Fury stood before the floor-to-ceiling window on the top floor of Stark Tower, gazing at the dazzling Manhattan skyline. His single eye reflected the city lights, but his thoughts had already drifted to the otherworldly realm of that blue figure. Superman—the name echoed in his mind, carrying with it immeasurable threat and opportunity.

"So," Tony's voice came from behind him as he approached with two glasses of whiskey, "what are you planning to do with this...new situation?"

Fury took the glass but didn't answer immediately. His gaze swept over the now-closed portal device in the center of the laboratory, his mind rapidly calculating various possibilities. Chen Haotian sat at a control panel not far away, his fingers tapping rapidly on the virtual keyboard, seemingly analyzing the data collected during his recent journey.

"I need to know all your plans," Fury finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Not just a portion, not a censored version, but the whole thing."

Tony raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his drink: "This is what you call cooperation? Complete transparency?"

“Exactly.” Fury turned to face the two. “You have proven your ability to traverse the multiverse, and you are clearly quite experienced in it. But you also attracted Hydra's attention, nearly causing a dangerous virus to leak into our world. Now, you have connected to a world filled with superhumans…”

Chen Haotian stopped what he was doing and smiled slightly: "Director, if I said that everything we're doing is to protect this world, would you believe me?"

"I don't trust anyone," Fury stated bluntly. "I only believe in facts and evidence. And the fact is, your actions have already caused multiple crises."

Tony put down his glass, a hint of sarcasm in his voice: "So you think S.H.I.E.L.D. could do a better job? I remember the last time you dealt with an alien threat, you almost nuked the entire city of New York."

Fury narrowed his one eye slightly: "It's precisely because we've been through what's happened that we understand the dangers of these kinds of events. Stark, you're not the only one who wants to protect this world."

The atmosphere in the laboratory froze for a moment. Chen Haotian stood up, breaking the silence: "Director Fury, I understand your concerns. But you must understand that the threat we face is far greater than you imagine."

He walked to the holographic projector and pulled up a series of data: "In my original universe, Thanos's collection of the Infinity Stones led to the extinction of half of all life. In this universe, the same threat is looming."

The projection displayed analytical data on the Tesseract and Loki's Scepter, as well as some vague speculations about other Infinity Stones.

"Infinity Stones..." Fury repeated the word in a low voice, "Are you sure?"

"I'm absolutely certain," Chen Haotian nodded. "And time is running out. That's why we need to acquire knowledge and technology from various universes—in order to create power strong enough to fight Thanos."

Tony chimed in, "Think about it, Fury. If we could combine the technologies of multiple worlds, and even gain superhuman abilities, we might have a chance to change that predetermined fate."

Fury paused for a moment, then slowly said, "S.H.I.E.L.D. can provide resources, intelligence, and manpower. But in exchange, I need three guarantees."

Chen Haotian and Tony exchanged a glance: "Please speak."

"First, all cross-border operations must be reported in advance, and S.H.I.E.L.D. has the right to veto them." Fury held up one finger. "Second, all acquired technologies and samples must be shared and studied jointly by both parties."

"And the third one?" Tony asked.

Fury stared intently at Chen Haotian with his single eye: "Third, I want to become a member of the advisory team and have a say in all major decisions."

Chen Haotian gently shook his head: "We can consider the first two points, but the third... Director, your identity is too sensitive. Hydra has infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. like a sieve, and we cannot allow you to directly participate in core decision-making."

Fury's expression didn't change, but Tony noticed his fingers tighten slightly.

"Then let's each compromise," Fury said. "I won't participate in the decision-making process, but I must have the right to be informed. And when you choose a third team member, I must have the right to nominate."

Tony couldn't help but laugh out loud: "You want to add people to our team?"

“It’s not about the Cyborgs,” Fury corrected, “it’s about recommending suitable candidates. After all, I know more about the superhumans and top scientists in this world than you do.”

Chen Haotian pondered the proposal. He understood Fury's intentions—to maintain control of the situation without provoking excessive resentment. This ambiguous cooperative relationship perfectly aligned with his current plan.

"Okay," Chen Haotian finally agreed, "but the final decision rests with us. And we need you to provide a list of... experts in specific fields."

Fury nodded. "That makes sense. So, we've reached an agreement?"

"Temporary," Tony cautioned. "If we discover any wrongdoing by S.H.I.E.L.D.—or by you personally, the cooperation will end immediately."

Fury's lips curled into a slight smile: "I expect you to adhere to the same standards."

Just as the three were about to discuss the details of their collaboration, Jarvis's voice suddenly rang out: "Gentlemen, an abnormal energy fluctuation has been detected. The source is... the teleportation device in the center of the laboratory."

Chen Haotian quickly turned to the control panel, his expression changing slightly: "The rune energy is automatically recharging. Something is trying to connect to us from the opposite direction."

Tony immediately activated the defense protocol, instantly raising Stark Tower's energy barrier to its highest level. Fury, meanwhile, discreetly pressed the communicator on his wrist, signaling that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s emergency response team was on standby.

"Can you confirm the source?" Tony asked.

Chen Haotian quickly analyzed the data: "It comes from the DC universe... but not from the coordinates we just connected to. This signal is stronger, and it carries... a kind of call."

An unfamiliar symbol appeared on the holographic projection—a black bat shape.

Fury narrowed his eyes: "It seems you've attracted attention in that world as well."

Chen Haotian stared at the bat symbol, lost in thought: "Perhaps it's not a sign of attention, but an invitation."

The power readings on the transmission device continued to rise, and blue arcs of electricity leaped around it. Chen Haotian made a decisive move: "Tony, cut off the main power. Director Fury, I think our cooperation should begin now."

When the laboratory lights came back on, the teleportation device had returned to calm. But all three knew this was merely the calm before the storm. The gates to the multiverse had been opened, and the beings behind them were watching them.

Fury straightened his trench coat, a complex light flashing in his single eye: "I will send over the first batch of expert and resource lists within 24 hours. At the same time, I would like a detailed report on your next steps."

He walked toward the elevator, turning back before the doors opened, and said, "Remember, gentlemen, from now on, we're all in the same boat. I hope you understand where this boat is headed."

After the elevator doors closed, Tony turned to Chen Haotian: "Do you really trust him?"

Chen Haotian shook his head slightly: "Trust is too much of a luxury. But we do need his resources. And..." His gaze fell on the bat symbol again, "I think we'll soon need all the help we can get."

On the way back to S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury connected to an encrypted channel: "Hill, activate the Watchmen Protocol. Also, I need all the files on superhumans related to Batman, whether real or legendary."

After hanging up the call, he looked out the window. The New York night sky remained calm, but he knew this calm wouldn't last long. The mysteries of the multiverse were slowly being revealed, and this time, S.H.I.E.L.D.—or rather, him personally—could no longer react passively as before.

Cooperation is just the first step, Fury thought. The real game is only just beginning.