Breakout, Part 1

Advanced Idea Mechanics Arms Market

Between the borders of Latveria and Sokovia

A large arms market with crates of different company brands like Hammer, Oscorp, Stagg Enterprises, Wayne Enterprises and Stark Industries along with state of the art weapons and vehicles was under way. Nearby was a green tent.

An A.I.M. lieutenant exits the tent and is followed by a woman named Lucia Von Bardas and her two bodyguards.

"Just tell us any of Latveria's needs Miss Bardas, we shall be happy to supply you with anything you desire. We stand by our word that any one of our weapons that we supply can crush an army." The lieutenant said as a twisted smile formed on Lucia's face.

"Good thing I didn't bring an army then." Iron Man said as he landed at the arms market, causing the A.I.M. soldiers to face him.

"Quite a sale you have going on here, a lot of neat stuff. Unfortunately for you, some of this has my name on it." He added as A.I.M. opened fire on him, but the shots bounce off a energy shield.

"You know for calling yourselves Advanced Idea Mechanics, that was a really stupid idea." He added and unleashed a EMP blast that shorted out their weapons and knocked them out.

"Tell your master buyer beware, you steal my tech you answer to me and that includes him." Iron Man said as Lucia Von Bardas turns around and walks away with her two bodyguards.

After she left, Iron Man opened his face plate revealing Tony Stark.

"J.A.R.V.I.S. contact the vault, tell them they are about to have some new guests." Tony said.

"Very well, also I have to inform you that Miss Potts called you wishing to know if you're done playing superhero, come to the office to do some actual work." J.A.R.V.I.S. said.

The Cube, undisclosed Location

Dr. Leonard Samson is walking through the corridors of the Cube reading information from a clipboard as he passed by some prisoners including Leader, Titania, the U-Foes, Radioactive Man, Abomination, Madman, Absorbing Man, Zzzax, Reactron, Atomic Skull and the Wrecking Crew and eventually walks into the maximum security section of the Cube to find Dr. Betty Ross and suspended off the floor by restraints is Dr. Bruce Banner aka the Incredible Hulk.

"Morning Betty, how are we doing today Bruce?" Dr. Samson asked as he read information from a clipboard. "I see you haven't had any episodes in the last 36 hours."

"Leonard, this is a disaster waiting to happen with all the gamma and radioactive power stored in this place." Bruce said.

"No Bruce, I've told you time and time Betty and I will do everything in our power to find a cure for the Hulk. The Cube is the most state of the art maximum security prison in the world with a state of the art medical facility designed to treat radioactive or gamma powered prisoners. The work we've done with Sterns and Blonsky." Dr. Samson said.

"You're wrong, S.H.I.E.L.D., A.R.G.U.S. and General Ross are lying to you. They don't want to cure these monsters, they want to control them and turn them into weapons of mass destruction that can go toe to toe with Superman. Trust me I've seen it happen, they are going to twist everything you do Leonard. Do you really want to know what the Cube is, it's a gamma bomb waiting to go off." Dr. Banner said.

"You're wrong Bruce, the Cube has state of the art security. Nothing can go wrong with it." Dr. Samson said then left the room.

"Betty you know what your father is like, he sees the Hulk as nothing more than a mindless weapon he can use to destroy the enemy." Dr. Banner said.

"Bruce I promise you. I will find a cure for you and all the other radioactive and gamma powered criminals stored here. I won't let my father hurt you, Bruce." Dr. Ross said as she walked up to him and proceeded to passionately kiss him before breaking apart a few minutes later.

"I believe you Betty, I just hope Leonard comes to his senses before it's too late." Dr. Banner said.

New York City, USA

Thor stood on the roof of a building, looking out over the city. A few seconds later, a portal opened and Balder exits it.

"Hail Thor Odinson." Balder greeted, causing Thor to turn around and face his fellow Asgardian.

"Hail Balder the Brave, what brings Asgard's shining light to Midgard?" Thor asked as a look of disappointment formed on his face. "Or perhaps the better question is, who sent you?"

"Your father has entered the Odinsleep. Before he faded to dream he asked me to bring you home to defend Asgard from it's enemies while he regains his power." Balder said.

"No." Thor replied as he walked over to the edge of the building and continued looking down at the city. Balder then joins him.

"Thor, you are like a brother to me. We fought countless wars together but I don't understand your connection to this place." Balder stated.

"Here Balder I can make a difference but on Asgard the endless cycle of fighting is meaningless. On Midgard everything matters. I am needed here, Balder." Thor said, looking down at the street below as emergency sirens can be heard.

"Trolls?" Balder asked.

On the street a crash involving multiple vehicles has NYPD paramedic Jane Foster treating an injured man in the back of her ambulance.

"Good news is that your injuries don't look that serious, the bad news is that you are going to have to rely on public transport for the time being." Jane said.

Just then another car sped towards the accident and after crashing into a stopped vehicle flipped over and was launched towards Jane and the injured victim. Without any concern for her own safety, Jane shielded the victim. But before it struck them, Thor crushed it and caused to crash to the ground. A few minutes later he hovered in front of Jane Foster.

"Are you alright Jane Foster?" Thor asked with some concern in his voice as she stood up while two other paramedics placed the man in the back of the ambulance.

"Yeah I'm fine you just saved my life. Hey wait, have you been following me?" Jane asked as Thor tried to look innocent while touching his hammer.

"Perhaps...you intrigue me. Mortal life is so fragile, yet you don't seem to accept that." Thor stated.

"Would you?" Jane asked him.

"Nay." Thor answered.

The Vault, undisclosed location

Iron Man arrived at the tech based criminal facility the Vault carrying the A.I.M. transport vehicle and placed it on the helipad. He met Vault security director Agent Jimmy Woo as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents approach the transport.

"Thanks for the help Iron Man, A.I.M. has been a thorn in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s and A.R.G.U.S.'s side for a long time." Agent Woo said.

"Yeah well helping S.H.I.E.L.D. and A.R.G.U.S. aren't on my to do list." Iron Man said as he looked back at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who are now escorting the captured A.I.M. agents and their lieutenant towards the Vault entrance.

"These guys are dangerous, they stole my tech so I took them down end of story." He added.

"While you're here I would like to discuss Vault security, we had a minor incident last week." Agent Woo said.

"Did Fury put you up to this?" Iron Man asked.

"No Mister Stark, this isn't about weapons it's about containment we had some new serious tech criminals moved here and how will we keep the people working here safe." Agent Woo said.

"Okay schedule something with Pepper, whatever it is can wait a day." Iron Man said proceeding to fly away from the Vault.

The Big House, S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

Above New York Harbor

Dr. Hank Pym stood outside a cell while the corridor was patrolled by Ultron drones. Inside were a number of dangerous criminals and the one he was talking to is known as Mad Thinker.

"I wanted to ask you a question Mr.?" Dr. Pym asked.

"Mad Thinker will suffice." Mad Thinker said.

"Okay S.H.I.E.L.D. monitored a conversation you had with Whirlwind. You said something was going to happen, we would like to know what." Dr. Pym stated.

"Can you not feel it Ant Man, the better question is not what but when it is going to happen." Mad Thinker said.

Corridor, S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.

Agent Maria Hill and Wasp are walking through the corridors of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier where the Big House was kept.

"Director Fury's offer was very serious Wasp." Agent Hill said.

"Hank, Ant-Man is against it." Wasp said.

"And what about you, where do you stand in this matter Wasp?" Agent Hill asked.

"I want to help. I want to do more." Wasp said.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. will let you do more." Agent Hill said. Just then Black Widow pushed past the two of them and proceeds to walk off.

"Who was that?" Wasp asked.

"That's classified." Agent Hill said.

"On second thought I think I'll pass, S.H.I.E.L.D. seems too dramatic for my liking. Everything's so serious." Wasp said as the lights in the corridor shut off for a few seconds then turn back on.

Elsewhere

Superman watches as some SHIELD agents take former STAR Lab employee Rudy Jones otherwise known as Parasite to a specially designed Wayne/STARK industries cell when he is soon joined by agents Phil Coulson and Agent Daisy Johnson.

"Are you sure this cell can hold him?" Superman asked.

"Yes it was designed by a collection of geniuses Dr Reed Richards, Dr Susan Storm-Richards, Mister Terrific, Lucius Fox and Tony Stark to contain some we consider an omega level threat and rivals you in strength and major anger issues and this facility has two backup generators and is powered by an Arc reactor." Agent Coulson said.

"Hulk I thought he was being detained at the Cube." Superman said.

"He is but it doesn't hurt to have a back up in a worse case scenario and I take it Batman informed you." Agent Coulson said.

"You're well informed Phillip you sure you're not Batman?" Superman asked.

"I ensure you I am not but like the director we like to be prepared for any worst case scenario that could possibly occur around the world." Agent Coulson said.

"So what is Batman's strategy for taking down the Hulk anyway?" Quake asked.

"Same as the League's or the Justice Society's, call me to deal with it." Superman said.

"Do you think if I gave you my JSA trading cards, you could get them to sign them?" Agent Coulson asked.

"Is it like your collectable Captain America trading cards you store in your locker on the Helicarrier?" Quake asked.

"Yeah nothing like collectable trading cards of classic heroes that fought alongside Captain America and the Howling Commandos." Agent Coulson said.

"Sure I can, I could also get a meeting set up for you to meet them in person if you want and see them personally sign the cards for you." Superman said.

"Thank Superman." Agent Coulson said.

"You think I can't escape from this facility Kryptonian, you're sadly mistaken!" Parasite screamed as he began to pound on the door.

"You're welcome to try Rudy, that was designed to contain the Incredible Hulk. You're not going to break out of there any time soon." Quake said.

The Vault

Hawkeye is sitting on a bench and looking at the floor in a tiny cell that he was imprisoned in after being betrayed by his one time friend and teammate as he noticed the light starting to flicker throughout the facility before shutting off completely as cell doors throughout the prison start unlocking, allowing the criminals to leave their cells. Deep inside the facility Baron Strucker had a twisted smile on his face as events unfold around him. It also occurred in the Cube, Arkham Asylum, Stryker's Island and Iron Heights.

Inside the Big House

Dr. Hank Pym is busy writing down notes on a clipboard as he starts noticing the cells around him shutting down and allowing the prisoners to escape.

"No." Dr. Pym said.

"Boo." Mad Thinker said. With that the Big House returned to it's full size and smashed through the sides and deck of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.

Inside the Raft

Superman heard something outside concerning the Helicarrier going down and looked at Agent Coulson and Johnson as Parasite continued to pound on his cell over and over again.

"There's trouble, something's causing your helicarrier to go down and they need help. Are you two going?" Superman asked.

"Yeah go help them Superman Agent Johnson can handle anything these clowns would try." Agent Coulson said.

"Yeah go help those people on the helicarrier they need to go through me if they want to try anything." Agent Johnson said.

Superman then headed off as Agent Coulson and Agent Johnson look at Parasite's cell.

The Cube

Throughout the Cube the gamma radiation climbed to an all time high as Dr. Leonard Samson as he is making his way through the facility as he notices an explosion and starts to run but is caught in a gamma blast knocking him out.

Bridge of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

Nick Fury was standing on the bridge of the Helicarrier looking down at the lower level of the bridge as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were running across the bridge as most of the noise was drowned out by the alarms.

"Someone get their goddamn ass down to engineering to keep us in the air, and would someone for the love of god shut off that damn alarm." Nick Fury ordered as he was joined by Agent Quartermain who was looking out the windows of the bridge.

"Director Fury automatic reports are coming in from the Cube, the Vault, Belle Reve, Blackgate, Iron Heights and Arkham Asylum. All are reporting massive system failure and no one is reporting from the Big House. Something is seriously wrong."

Corridor 52,

S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

As three S.H.I.E.L.D. agents come around the corner following the incident with the Big House, one of them has their back to the corridor and two other agents pick up their weapons as they watch in horror as Grey Gargoyle places his hand on one the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents instantly turning him into a stone statue which quickly fell forward slamming into the ground before Whirlwind passes him and creates a tornado then proceeds to slam several other agents into the wall of the corridor knocking them out cold. Elsewhere Griffin flies towards three S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and took two of them away. One of them ducked just in time, but before he could do anything he was hoisted in the air by a metal tendril coming from Constrictor.

"Time for some major payback." Constrictor taunted as he pulled the captured S.H.I.E.L.D. agent before he was struck in the head by a energy blast which knocks him out cold as Agent Maria Hill and Wasp pass the injured S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.

"This is crazy, how did this happen?" Wasp asked as she flew next to Agent Maria Hill as they run along the corridors of the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier.

"It doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that we get to the bridge." Agent Hill said before she stopped as she noticed Wasp wasn't moving.

"No Ant-Man was in the Big House at the time of the explosion. He's trapped in there with all the super-villains. We have to help him. Now." Wasp ordered.

Elsewhere

Iron Man is continuing to fly across the sky when he starts to receive a call.

"Sir I have Pepper on the line shall I put her through?" J.A.R.V.I.S. asked.

"Yes." Tony said as J.A.R.V.I.S. brought Pepper up on the video screen.

"Hey Pepper guess who I ticked off this morning it rhymes with boom." He joked.

"Tony there's a problem with the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier. Superman is on his way to try and help them out." Pepper said.

"Sir there seems to be a problem at the Vault. They've stopped broadcasting any communication." J.A.R.V.I.S. said.

"I'm sure Superman can handle whatever is wrong with the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier. I need to check on the Vault keep me posted if he needs any help. Pepper activate Project Rescue." Tony said.

"What is Project Rescue anyway Tony?" Pepper asked.

"Your birthday and Christmas present combined. Now I have to go Pepper." Tony said, proceeding to end his call with Pepper and flew back towards the Vault.

Diner, New York City

Jane Foster and Thor are sitting opposite of each other while the others are busy eating and New York life continued.

"So your dad sleeps for a week?" Jane asked.

"The Odinsleep. Once a year he replenishes his power which in turn gives life to Asgard." Thor said.

"Wow what a sleep." Jane said.

"Indeed but during the Odinsleep Asgard becomes vulnerable to it's enemies." Thor said.

"So why aren't you there?" Jane asked.

"That seems to be a popular question lately. It is that I believe I am needed more here than in Asgard; they are fine warriors that can handle protecting Asgard in my absence." Thor said.

"Really because to me it sounds more like you're mad at your dad." Jane said.

"Mortals, I am needed here." Thor said.

"You know we managed to survive okay we have police, firefighters, paramedics and a number of superheroes of our own so you should take a week off and spend it helping the family. We will still be here when you get back." Jane said.

Just then a powerful explosion is heard in the distance as both Thor and Jane look off in that direction and see a large smoke cloud rising in the air.

"What was that you were saying about Earth still being here?" Thor asked as he started spinning his hammer around.

"Point taken." Jane said as she witnessed Thor take to the skies and fly in the direction of the smoke.

The Cube

Dr. Bruce Banner finds himself trapped under the rubble of his prison cell and sees Betty Ross coming towards him with a lead pipe.

"Betty you should have escaped when you had the chance." Dr. Banner said.

"I couldn't once the facility went into lock down, the exits can only be opened by someone with level 9 security access from outside the facility. Six S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and General Ryker are housed in the only secure room in the facility, the command center. Everyone else, including myself have all been exposed to dangerous levels of gamma radiation." Betty said as she placed the end of the lead pipe near Bruce's head and tries to lift the rubble trapping him when Leonard stumbled into the room causing Betty to face him.

"Leonard give me a hand. We need to free Bruce, he's the only chance we have against these gamma powered psychos." Betty said.

"You can't be serious Betty, the Hulk is the most dangerous of all these psychos." Dr. Samson said.

"Betty's right you're both already exposed to gamma radiation. It's only when someone like Abomination or Absorbing Man comes looking for me. Once we get out, we can get both of you to a hospital." Dr. Banner said.

"I hate to you say it Bruce but you're right neither Betty or myself are in a fit state to handle all these escaped gamma prisoners." Dr. Samson said as he picked up another piece of metal pipe and placed it on the other side of Bruce's head.

"Okay on the count of three we lift together." Dr. Samson said.

"Agreed one." Dr. Ross said.

"Two." Dr. Samson said and like Dr. Ross starts to lift the rubble slightly off Bruce's back but before they could lift it off him two electric bolts send the pair flying. Standing in the door of his prison cell was Zzzax.

"Zzzax." Dr. Banner said.

Weapons Armory, the Vault

The Living Laser cuts open the door to the armory and after the door drops to the floor a number of criminals enter the armory which include Lisa Snart, Leonard Snart, Mark Mardon, Digger Harkness, Sam Scudder, Donnie Gill, Mick Rory, Floyd Lawton, Steven Hudak and a number of other criminals.

"Store's open boys and girls, shop to your heart's content." Living Laser said as the criminals all piled into the armory and started to collect their equipment as Golden Glider picked up her Gold Gun while next to her a man put on a armored suit that was similar to Iron Man's with Russian markings on it. Elsewhere Captain Boomerang picks up his equipment followed by Heat Wave and Captain Cold picking up their equipment.

Deadshot is about to put on his wrist mounted guns but before he could pick them up, he was punched in the side of the head by Hawkeye and knocked out.

"I don't think so dirt bag." Hawkeye said, collecting his quiver and bow and leaving the armory while more villains collected their equipment.

Back in the Big House

After making her way through the helicarrier, Wasp comes across Dr. Hank Pym caught in a bear hug by King Cobra as Mandril makes his way towards him.

"Disappointing Mandrill, you came so close in counseling." Dr. Pym said as Mandril charged, as he raised his legs and kicked Mandril in the face, knocking him out.

The Vault

Hawkeye was watching from his perch as Golden Glider, Whiplash, Crimson Dynamo, Captain Boomerang, Blizzard, Captain Cold, Heat Wave and Doctor Polaris run across the prison to escape.

Hawkeye was preparing to fire one of his trick arrows at the escaping Crimson Cowl when Iron Man blew a hole in the wall and hovers near the opening with Hawkeye and Crimson Cowl looking directly at him.

"Justine, Arrow guy say good night." Iron Man said as he charges up his repulsor beams aiming them at Hawkeye and Crimson Cowl.

"Hey wait, I'm on your side." Hawkeye said, but before he could react Iron Man fired two repulsor beams knocking him and Crimson Cowl down before Doctor Polaris takes control of his suit and slammed him into the wall before falling to the ground where he was cornered by Crimson Cowl, Crimson Dynamo, Doctor Polaris and Living Laser.

"Get up Stark we aren't finished with you yet." Living Laser said.

"Alright we all know how this is going to end super-villain team up or not." Iron Man said as he watches Living Laser charge up for a few seconds before launching a attack which damaged part of his shoulder before he was then punched in the face by Crimson Dynamo knocking him to the ground.

"I knew it was going to go down this way." Iron Man said as Crimson Dynamo proceeds to grab Iron Man by the top of his head and lifted him to his feet.

"I've been dreaming of the day when I could finally kill you Iron Man." He said as he proceeds to grab Stark by the head and lifted him up.

"J.A.R.V.I.S. I want you to hack into the Vault's security frequency. Order all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to evacuate." Tony said.

Bridge of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier

Agent Maria Hill had made it to the bridge of the helicarrier was being held up in the sky by Superman.

"Director Fury the Big House is wide open and there are reports of prisoners on all levels of the helicarrier. Our agents are holding them off as best as they can sir and I'm not sure how long Superman will be able to keep us in the air." Agent Hill said.

"Forget the Big House, our main focus now is the Raft. Coulson is still in there." Director Fury said.

"The fourth prison where we contain the most dangerous super-villains and Omega level threats." Agent Hill said.

The Raft

Baron Zemo is walking around the Raft where he is joined by other prisoners which include Doctor Poison. Deep within the prison Graviton had been freed from his restraints as he witnesses on a monitor Superman holding the crashing helicarrier above the Hudson River.

The Cube

Zzzax is continuing to shock Dr. Bruce Banner while Dr. Samson and Betty Ross are forced to watch as Bruce was tortured by the super-villain which causes anger to bubble up as she watches him start to transform into the Hulk and slam Zzzax into the wall as Betty began to transform which was observed from the command center by Leader, Titania, Abomination and Absorbing Man.

"Whatever is happening at the Cube is happening at the other S.H.I.E.L.D. prisons and some A.R.G.U.S. prisons as well. Very interesting if I do say so myself." Leader said.

"A real mystery, let's get out of here before General Ryker orders a tactical strike on this facility." Absorbing Man said.

"Why would we leave this place, here is where I can complete my ultimate plan to change the world." Leader said.

"Now go and deal with our old friend." He ordered as Titania, Absorbing Man and Abomination left the command center while he continued to watch the security monitors.

The Vault

A number of S.H.I.E.L.D. transport vehicles leave the Vault. Inside one of the transports Agent Jimmy Woo looks back at the Vault.

"Agent Woo to Iron Man, all S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel have been successfully evacuated. Get out of there Iron Man." Agent Woo said.

"Working on it Jimmy." Iron Man said as Crimson Dynamo was still beating him into the ground as the other criminals watched.

"I'm going to enjoy watching you die. Once the world hears Doctor Polaris helped destroy the Invincible Iron Man I will be taken seriously." Doctor Polaris said as he aimed his weapon at Iron Man's head while Crimson Dynamo held him down.

"What, bore me to death?" Iron Man asked.

Before he could do anything, Hawkeye fired two trick arrows that landed on Crimson Dynamo and before Crimson Cowl could act they exploded knocking her and Doctor Polaris down and forcing Crimson Dynamo to release his grip on Iron Man who then proceeds to tackle him into the wall knocking him down.

"J.A.R.V.I.S. I want you to activate the self destruct sequence." Iron Man said as he watches Hawkeye run off. Iron Man proceeded to fly away as Doctor Polaris, Crimson Dynamo and Crimson Cowl look on as he escaped the facility while it started to explode, but Doctor Polaris created a magnetic shield around himself, Crimson Cowl and Crimson Dynamo.

Outside the Vault

Iron Man is knocked off course by the shock wave produced by the Vault's destruction.

"J.A.R.V.I.S. give me a update on the situation." Iron Man said.

"According to S.H.I.E.L.D. and A.R.G.U.S. communication there are a number of breakouts across all known A.R.G.U.S. and S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities while the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier is currently being held up by Superman." J.A.R.V.I.S. said.

"Okay J.A.R.V.I.S. I'm going to need a fresh suit of armor." Iron Man said.

The Cube

Back at the Cube the Incredible Hulk was trading punches with the Abomination who eventually knocked Hulk into a wall that suddenly transformed into the Absorbing Man who held him in place as Abomination starts to charge towards the two but before Abomination could land a punch on Hulk he broke free and dodged the attack which ended up hitting Absorbing Man in the face and knocked him out as Hulk stares down Abomination and Absorbing Man starts to come to and gets to his feet and looks at a unconscious Dr. Samson and Dr. Betty Ross.

Hulk then proceeds to rip open the side of the Cube as both Absorbing Man and Abomination charge towards him and Betty. He then picks her and Dr. Samson up and jumps out of the Cube with them which is witnessed by the pair.

"Come on Blonsky, let's go." Absorbing Man said.

"No Abomination, Absorbing Man do not follow them, let the Hulk go. We have much more important things to do." Leader said over the PA system.

A Garbage Barge

New York City/Gotham Outskirts

The helicopter lands as Nick Fury and four S.H.I.E.L.D. agents exit with their weapons drawn and they start moving around the stationary garbage barge.

"Look alive boys, shoot first ask questions later." Director Fury said.

The garbage barge shakes for a few minutes before an unseen force lifts it and the maximum security prison was hovering in the air which was witnessed across New York City as well as in Gotham City by Commissioner James Gordon, Harvey Bullock and a number of other detectives.

This caused Nick Fury to look up and see Graviton holding the maximum security prison in place.

"Abort the mission everyone off this barge." Director Fury ordered, as he tried to run towards the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicopter but was quickly pulled towards him and held in place as well. Nick Fury draws his sidearm but Graviton moves his finger and the weapon flies away landing in the water.

"Graviton." Director Fury said.