Widow's Shadow

XIV: Hospitality

January 19, 2027

Zürich, Switzerland

Dirt flew as the Quinjet's engine blades faced the ground, the legs lightly touching the soft flooring of the private forest. Trees towered around them, sealing their location as the jet hummed to a halt. Natasha looked at the screen that lit up on her wrist and scrolled until she found the cloaking feature and watched as the jet disappeared before them.

The sky began to brighten as the sun came up, an ombre that goes from the deepest of blues to the warmest of pinks. Their surroundings were so vast yet so calm and intimate as they headed northeast. Combat boots sunk into their well-vegetated path while the crisp, cool air kissed their cheeks. Natasha smiled to herself. This area, there was something about it that made her feel so at ease. Whenever she was stationed at a remote location it was all caution, missions, planning and no time to breathe but now that she is here alongside James it feels like a sweet escape.

James slid his fingers into hers and grinned ever so innocently.

"Dr. Lehmann isn't really a fan of people. So, this is his solution...buying ten acres on the border."

"Seems...practical."

Natasha chuckled. "It's definitely solving his problem." They continued to walk together, and let the silence take hold.

A few moments later, they noticed something glisten it the distance: a glass roof reflecting from the rising sun. As they got closer, they noticed the extent of its exterior, a whole glass compound stood before them. This architectural beauty built fragile in design but daunting in structure. Security was tenfold, outlined in armored men, no something more intimidating, A.I. These androids competed with the likes and design of Stark himself, however, it is not known to many due to Lehmann's extreme caution and privacy. This little army of A.I. guards weren't meant for worldly usage but for personal protection. Black carbon fiber holding assault rifles positioned themselves at the concrete gates, their numbers and makes giving them identities.

"Didn't think he'd have physical security." James pointed out.

"With all those armed cameras fitted to the trees across the perimeter you'd think that's enough." Natasha added.

James and Natasha approached the android, their stance unchanged. "Name?" It's voice having a little ring to it.

Natasha crossed her arms. "Who's asking?" She asked in a taunting and joking manner.

James smirked. "We notified Dr. Elis Lehmann of our arrival."

The android's eyes switched from white to blue as it did a full body scan of both Natasha and James. A moment later their identification appeared on a holographic screen in front of them; name, date of birth, blood type and everything in between filled the space separating the droid and themselves.

Not asking anymore questions, the droid informed the guests. "Dr. Lehmann is waiting in his office. Security is waiting at the door to take you up."

As they walked through the doors, they noticed the strange and intricate wirings on the hall's ceiling. The interior of the glass estate felt as though they were inside a highly elevated supercomputer, with screens lining the floor, walls, and ceiling. The screens followed the beat and pacing of their movements as they continued down what felt like a never-ending hallway. The droids that walked in front and behind hummed some tunes as they lead them to what Natasha assumed to be Dr. Lehmann's private office; a few buttons and scans were done before the heavy door slowly slid open.

The room was the complete opposite style of what Natasha saw of the house, instead of white and sleek, it was black and gothic with dark walls and furniture that reminded her of a Victorian home.