Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Natasha’s Honey Trap?
From this encounter with S.H.I.E.L.D., Rook Tanner understood clearly that the people standing in front of him were not the true force he was dealing with. What he truly faced was the vast power behind them—the collective might of Earth's factions.
There was no doubt that with Fury's methods and resources, he could easily make Rook into a public enemy of Earth.
Just like the predicament the Hulk found himself in now.
Of course, Rook wasn't afraid. At this point, he could blow up the planet with a single punch.
But then what?
He had come to Earth to settle down for a while, to find some peace in this world, not to fight or destroy.
Although he was Doomsday, he had kept his mind intact. He hadn't lost control, and he wasn't about to go on a rampage.
So, of course, Rook wasn't here to wipe out humanity.
If possible, he preferred to avoid trouble. That was why he had cooperated so fully with Fury, showing his goodwill and sincerity. But he wasn't someone to be pushed around. That was why he had left them with a warning before walking away.
He had already done enough. If they dared to cross the line again, he wouldn't be so polite next time.
In short, this time he had given them face. If they didn't appreciate it, that was their problem.
And they shouldn't forget, his Kryptonian name was Rook El. He was of the El family, and one hundred thousand years ago he had been its representative and the commander of Krypton's most powerful army.
If you compared him to General Zod, Zod would fall far short. Zod was one of Krypton's highest-ranking generals, but Rook had been the supreme commander of all forces. Even generals were beneath him.
As a member of the El family, he wasn't the kind of person who would casually destroy another civilization.
Besides, in his past life, Rook had been an Earthling. Naturally, he had a lot to consider.
"I'm sure they won't try to push their luck again," Rook said to himself, full of confidence.
He had deliberately revealed his Doomsday power. After seeing his true form, Fury and the others would surely think twice before messing with him.
If all went well, this matter should be settled now.
Rook also knew that only after this first encounter with S.H.I.E.L.D. could he truly be considered established on Earth.
This meeting had always been inevitable. As an alien, someone was bound to come knocking eventually.
So Rook had been mentally prepared for it.
After all, he had once been the highest authority on an entire planet. This was nothing.
Now that it was over, no one should bother him again. He had spoken plainly. If things turned unpleasant, it would be a loss of face for everyone.
"Alright, time to go make some extra cash." Rook shook off these thoughts and relaxed a little. His mind turned back to Iron Man.
After all, it was because of him that the plot had gone off track. Since his relationship with Tony was pretty good now, and since he wasn't busy, he figured he might as well help Tony get back on course.
And at the center of it all was one key figure: Iron Monger, the main villain of the first Iron Man movie.
Iron Monger was Obadiah. The ambush and trap Tony had faced had been Obadiah's doing, meant to have Tony killed.
Unfortunately for him, Rook's interference had ruined those plans.
But that was fine. Rook had already sent him that box of blueprints.
Of course, a box of blueprints wouldn't be enough. He would have to help Obadiah along, give him a push.
"Otherwise, how am I going to get paid?" Rook smirked, a hint of mischief in his expression.
Yes, sometimes Rook could be quite devious.
Just as he made up his mind, he looked up and realized, "Wait, isn't this a bit too far?"
Thanks to Coulson leading him all over the place earlier, they had gotten farther and farther from Stark Tower. Sure, Rook could fly, even move faster than light, but was he really going to dash down the streets in broad daylight?
That would be a bit too much.
Just then, a car horn honked twice behind him.
Rook turned around and his eyes lit up. A sports car rolled up, and in the driver's seat was a beautiful woman.
A fast car and a pretty woman, always a pleasant sight.
The only downside was that the woman didn't look happy. She shot him a glare and said, "Get in. I'll drive you back."
The driver was Natasha. Her face didn't look good at all. Originally, Coulson was supposed to drive Rook, but for some reason Fury had insisted that she do it instead.
As an elite agent, Natasha wasn't naïve. She could already guess what Fury was thinking. A honey trap, of course. She was the beauty, and she'd used that tactic more than once herself.
But that was exactly why her expression darkened. What was Fury thinking?
A honey trap was a tactic. The goal was to complete the mission.
But if Fury wanted to use it on this alien monster, what if it worked too well? What if it never ended?
Natasha really didn't like this at all.
Rook didn't hesitate. He opened the passenger door and got in.
Fortunately, the car was a convertible. Otherwise, given his size, it would have been a tight fit.
Natasha had actually thought of that ahead of time and had the top down.
"Thanks," Rook said politely. He started to turn to glance at her, but before he could, Natasha floored it. The engine roared and the car shot forward.
Anyone else might have been startled, but not Rook. He'd once taken first place in a spaceship race, even dodging through asteroid fields at breakneck speed. This was nothing.
More importantly, he wasn't afraid of death. He couldn't die. So what was a little reckless driving to him?
Probably wanting to get rid of him as quickly as possible, Natasha sped through the streets and dropped him off at Stark Tower. Without a word of farewell, she hit the gas again and was gone.
Rook shrugged. Sure, Natasha was beautiful, but he wasn't the type to fall in love at first sight. He just appreciated the view.
He had overseen Krypton's colonial efforts and been part of the upper echelons of power. What kind of beauty hadn't he seen?
So he felt no attachment at all. He turned and entered the building.
No sooner had he stepped inside than someone stopped him.
"Mr. Obadiah would like to see you in his office."
Rook smiled. It was time.
He followed the man into Tony's private elevator, headed straight for the top floor.
Sure, it was Tony's private elevator, but Obadiah, as a senior board member, had the right to use it.
Not that Rook cared about any of that.
************************
Hey everyone! I'll be dropping an extra 1 chapter once we hit 350 power stones! If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to spend some power stones. I'd really appreciate the support. Thanks a bunch!