Survivor's Guilt ~ A Marvel Story

~21~

Bruce made quick work of tracking down the man known as Ulysses Klaue. He was in a salvage yard on the African Coast. Bruce had even managed to hack into the computer system and find out exactly what ship he was stationed in.

The team suited up and quickly got onto the ship in less than an hour. The ship was very similar to the one Loki and I were in after getting taken in Germany. 

Steve had everyone stand around as he briefed us on the plan and updates with Ultron. Apparently, he had recruited two siblings with powers. The boy was unnaturally quick and the girl could control people with her mind and could move things with her mind. 

I silently cursed Odin for keeping my powers on a leash. Now, there was a threat that was definitely better trained than I. 

Steve had said that he wanted to rush in and take the ship quickly. "I disagree," I spoke, holding my breath. "Respectfully."

Steve crossed his arms and shifted his stance, looking towards me but there was no malice in his gaze. "What would you change?"

"We should sneak in, find them, and take in our surroundings. We know that Ultron might be there with the twins but we should understand our vantage points before charging in," I said, hopefully with confidence but I'd said the words so fast I was out of breath.

Natasha looked at me. "I agree with Astrid, actually," She nodded. "Clint and I will separate from you four and take the high ground."

"I like it," Steve responded. 

Bruce shouted from the cockpit that we would be landing in ten minutes. Everyone decided it best to keep the Hulk hidden for this mission because of the tight spaces. He would stay on the ship and guard it. 

The ship slowed down quickly and Bruce piloted it down into a patch of dead grass. The ship was nearly silent so they wouldn't hear us coming. 

"Astrid," Steve said from behind me. I turned to face him. "Neutralize the girl."

Panic flooded through me.  "She's stronger than me," I responded.

A slow smile crawled onto his sharp features. "You're a God."

---

Adrenaline pumped through my veins as Thor, Steve, Tony, and I all crouched behind some shipping containers. The man from the picture with the brand on his neck stood in fear in front of Ultron.

He was grasping at his arm... or what was left of it. 

"I mean look at me, do I look like Iron Man?" He shouted right before he cut his arm off. "Stark is nothing!"

I turned to the dark-haired man who was shaking his head, his jaw twitched before his red and gold helmet covered his features. 

I looked back to the scene as Ultron gave an unconvincing apology. "I'm sure that's gonna be okay. I'm sorry," He sighed, his mechanic voice echoing. "It's just that I don't understand. Don't compare me with Stark!" He kicked Klaue down the stairs and I heard his pained groan from the stairwell. 

My eyes met Steve's and I gave him a nod. We'd been staking out for long enough. The twins had been spotted and the ship's crew had been accounted for. 

The three of their backs had been turned to us, giving us a perfect window to walk out. "It's a thing with me. Stark... he's a sickness!"

"Ah, Junior," Stark replied, making Ultron flip around defensively as he landed in front of Thor, Cap, and me. "You're gonna break your old man's heart," He quipped.

The three of them started to stalk towards us. "If I have to."

My eyes connected with the brunette's. Her head tilted as she studied me, no doubt realizing our similarities.