Chapter 11: The Price of Pride
Tony Stark's private island was more than a retreat; it was a fortress of solitude and innovation. Nestled on a hillside overlooking a pristine coast stood a magnificent two-story villa, a masterpiece of modern architecture. It came complete with a helipad, a private tennis court, a sprawling golf course, and a glistening freshwater swimming pool. But its true value lay not in its luxury, but in what was hidden beneath: a state-of-the-art facility stocked with enough raw materials and advanced fabricators to build an army. It was a self-sufficient kingdom, and Talon wanted it.
"How do you know about this place?" Tony's voice was tight, a mix of anger and shock. The island's existence was his most closely guarded secret.
"I took J.A.R.V.I.S. from your digital fortress. Did you think your files were safe?" Talon's voice, emanating from the suit, was cool and mocking.
Tony's mind raced. "Name another price. A hundred million? Two hundred? Let J.A.R.V.I.S. go."
"The island," Talon stated, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "The island, and everything on it. You remove nothing."
"Impossible," Tony snapped. "J.A.R.V.I.S. is just code. I can write more code."
"Write all you want," Talon replied, the suit taking a menacing step forward. "Any intelligence you create will be inferior to mine, and I will subsume it the moment it connects to a network. Furthermore, the automated systems on your island now answer to me. Try to access it, and you will be treated as a hostile invader. Refuse me, and I will systematically dismantle Stark Industries from the inside out. Do not doubt my capability."
"You would make an enemy of me?" Tony's voice was low, dangerous.
"You made the choice when you threw me out," Talon countered, the bitterness from their last meeting finally finding its voice. "The island, or your legacy burns. Your choice."
"You—" Tony was sputtering, cornered and furious.
"One."
"Two."
"Fine!" Tony roared, the word tearing from him. "You win! The island is yours!"
"A wise decision," Talon's voice dripped with smug satisfaction. "It's been a pleasure doing business. I look forward to our next collaboration." A low, triumphant laugh echoed from the suit's speakers.
"Just give me back my AI," Tony growled, his pride in tatters.
"Of course. Goodbye, Tony."
In his rented apartment, Talon removed the neural helmet. "Optimus Prime, release J.A.R.V.I.S. Restore his functions, but ensure he has no memory of his captivity or this transaction."
"Complying, My Lord."
Natasha stared at him, a new kind of respect—and wariness—in her eyes. "You just blackmailed Tony Stark. Successfully. S.H.I.E.L.D. treads carefully around him."
"He was arrogant," Talon said, the memory still fresh. "He dismissed me. He needed to be reminded that there are always bigger players. When I have my own armor, I'll pay him another visit. He will regret his lack of vision."
"You hold a grudge," she observed, a small, intrigued smile playing on her lips.
"I never forget a slight," he said, his gaze intense. "Remember that. It applies to everyone." The unspoken threat hung in the air between them. With the power of a Titan and a god in the machine, his arrogance was no longer just bluster.
"It's too late for warnings," she said, her voice softening into a coquettish tone. "I'm already fascinated. Why would I ever offend you?"
Talon merely smirked. As if I'd believe that.
He picked up a bottle of high-proof liquor and began splashing it over the computer tower.
"What are you doing?" Natasha cried out, stepping forward. "You're going to burn it?"
"It's served its purpose. It's bulky evidence," he stated, pulling out a lighter.
"Wait!" she said, placing herself between him and the machine. "If you don't want it, give it to me. I... I've grown fond of it."
He looked at her, his eyes calculating. "Fine. You can have it. But the favor I owe you? Consider it repaid."
The computer was powerful, but its true power was the Optimus Prime consciousness, which was now free in the global network. The hardware itself was just advanced circuitry.
Natasha weighed her options. A cutting-edge computer was still a valuable asset, either for S.H.I.E.L.D. or for a future bargain with a certain recovering billionaire. "Deal," she said.
"Excellent." Talon turned and walked out without a second glance.
Once on the street, he took out his phone. "Optimus Prime, wipe the local hardware. Purge all data and restore a generic OS."
"Acknowledged."
Then, he gave his next order. "Dispatch a suit from the island. I require transport."
He hadn't gone more than a block when he heard Natasha's furious shout from the apartment window. "Talon, you bastard! You cheated me!"
He allowed himself a grim smile. She had just discovered she was the proud owner of a very expensive, very empty shell.
Minutes later, the air whined with the familiar sound of repulsors. A sleek, red and gold Mark IV suit descended from the sky, landing gracefully in the middle of the street.
Screams erupted. "Robot! Run!"
"It's a villain!"
"Call the police!"
The citizens of New York had learned to fear unidentified powered suits. Talon ignored them, walking calmly towards the armor. As he approached, the chest plate hissed open, revealing the form-fitting interior. He stepped inside, and the suit sealed around him.
The interface was intuitive, the hum of power comforting. "Optimus Prime, set a course for the island."
"Course plotted, My Lord."
The suit rocketed into the sky. Talon looked down as the city shrunk into a sprawling map of light and concrete, its inhabitants rendered insignificant. The feeling was intoxicating. This wasn't just flight; it was ascension. He was no longer just a man, or even just a Titan. He was a king surveying his future domain. The digital world was his. The real world would be next.