Marvel: A.T.L.A.S. - Ghost Protocol

A.T.L.A.S. Strategic Command, Titan Facility - 48 Hours Later

Blood samples from the enhanced operators covered Dr. Sterns' laboratory screens, each showing impossible cellular structures fighting against lingering frost damage. The Emperor Eye tracked patterns in the mutations—deliberate changes layered upon changes, science pushing beyond natural limits.

"The integration of biological enhancement with cybernetic systems is... remarkable," Sterns admitted, adjusting his readings. "Crude compared to our work, but the underlying principles—"

"Show ambition," Carrie cut in from her position at the briefing table. "And resources. This level of enhancement program requires significant infrastructure."

The command center's main display showed satellite imagery of facilities across Eastern Europe. Possible research sites, training centers, all carefully hidden from conventional intelligence.

"They've been preparing for years," Howard's voice came through secure channels from his private lab. "Building their soldiers, testing improvements. The Yakuza operation wasn't just about selling secrets. It was about field testing their enhanced operators against a known quantity."

"Against A.T.L.A.S.," Caspian said quietly, frost gathering around his fingers as he studied thermal scans of the dead Russians. The Emperor Eye caught familiar patterns in their enhancement architecture—elements that shouldn't exist in 1987. "They wanted to see how their improvements measured against real power."

"And now they know." Walter's tone was grim as he brought up casualty reports. "Thirty-seven enhanced operators deployed. Thirty-seven eliminated. But the data they gathered..."

"Will inform their next generation of soldiers." Carrie's voice carried the weight of experience. "They'll adapt. Improve. Come back stronger."

Through the facility's secure channels, they heard Tony working in his private lab, analyzing the cybernetic components they'd recovered. "The thermal regulation systems are innovative," he noted. "Designed specifically to counter extreme cold. They knew what they'd be facing."

"Or thought they did." Howard's bitter laugh crackled through the comm. "Same old story. Scientists thinking they can control power they barely understand."

The Emperor Eye caught subtle tension in Carrie's posture at those words. She'd seen too many enhancement programs end in disaster. Too many attempts to manufacture what could only be earned through sacrifice.

"The question," Caspian said as frost patterns danced across his palm, "is who's really behind this? The Russians have the resources, but this level of coordination, the specific targeting of A.T.L.A.S..."

"Suggests inside knowledge," Walter finished. "Someone who understands our capabilities. Our methods."

Silence fell as implications hung in the air. A.T.L.A.S.'s security was legendary. Their operations were ghosts, their very existence barely whispered about in intelligence circles. For someone to know enough to specifically test counter-measures...

"Director," Walter's voice carried sudden urgency. "We're detecting energy signatures matching the enhanced soldiers. Multiple locations across Asia."

The command center's displays lit up with new data. More operations beginning. More enhanced operators being deployed. A message being sent.

"They're not hiding anymore," Howard observed quietly. "They want us to see. To know what's coming."

Carrie's decision was immediate. "Full containment protocols. I want every site identified, every operation tracked. Caspian, you'll lead the response teams. Show them exactly what challenging A.T.L.A.S. means."

The Emperor Eye tracked patterns forming—a web of operations spreading across the globe. Each one a test, a probe, seeking weaknesses in humanity's shadows.

Through secure channels, they heard Tony pause in his work. "Whatever this is, brother... whatever's coming... you'll call? When it matters?"

"When it matters," Caspian confirmed, watching frost gather around his hands. The techniques he'd mastered, born from memories of Sub-Zero and forged in ancient ice, would soon be tested again.

The real game was just beginning.