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Secret S.H.I.E.L.D facility. Queens, New York.
"You're a S.H.I.E.L.D agent, then?"
Spalding's rhetorical question echoed through the empty building as he and Aaron trailed behind Brendon, who was leading them up to the main conference room.
"Yes," Brendon confirmed, but tilted his head to the side as he thought for a moment, then he continued, "Well, yes and no. I was a S.H.I.E.L.D agent, but officially speaking, I'm dead."
All he received in response was silence and two confused stares, so he waved a hand dismissively.
"It's a long story. I'll explain later."
"I've heard of S.H.I.E.L.D," Aaron announced as the trio took the final steps up to the room, "They save people. Help them. They're good guys," he turned to look at Brendon, "Are you a good guy, too?"
"I try to be."
"What's that mean?"
"It means that I always do everything in my power to save innocent lives, but I won't hesitate to kill if I have to," Brendon replied coolly, face hard.
The two men looked at each other for a while before Aaron gave a small nod. "I get that. And I understand it."
A mutual respect formed between the two men at that moment, and Brendon extended his hand for a handshake.
"I haven't introduced myself," he said as Aaron took his hand, "I'm Brendon Urie. Or, as I'm currently going as, Scott Brady."
"You don't look like a Scott."
"I know."
The robot's human face displayed a small smile. "I'm Aaron. Aaron Stack. Or, as I'm more commonly referred to, Machine Man."
"I'm Doctor Spalding," Spalding held up one hand as he stood on the sidelines, "Just in case you were wondering."
Brendon turned to look at the man with a straight face. "I know who you are, Doctor."
Spalding looked taken aback. "You-you do?"
"Yes, Director Fury has mentioned you."
"He has?" Spalding's jaw practically dropped to the floor. He shook his head and straightened himself up as he tried to compose himself. "Oh, well that's... great. I'm honored he remembers me."
