Kolkata, India existed in beautiful chaos—a city where ancient traditions and modern aspirations collided in crowded streets, where spirituality and pragmatism coexisted with seamless contradiction. Su Chen walked through the slums with measured steps, his appearance deliberately unremarkable despite the oppressive heat.
"The readings are consistent with Banner's energy signature," Babata confirmed through their neural link. "He's operating a medical clinic three blocks ahead, under the alias 'Dr. David Baines.' Very clever—keeps his skills sharp while helping people, maintains low profile in a region where asking questions is culturally inappropriate."
"How long has he been here?" Su Chen inquired mentally.
"Approximately eight months. Before that, Brazil for fourteen months, Guatemala for eleven months before that. He moves every year to eighteen months, always to regions where his medical skills are valuable and questions are rare."
Su Chen approached the clinic—a converted storefront offering basic medical services to people who couldn't afford conventional healthcare. Inside, he found a man who appeared distinctly out of place despite his efforts to blend in: tall, slightly built, with nervous energy that suggested constant vigilance.
Dr. Bruce Banner was examining a child's infected wound with gentle competence, speaking in halting Hindi to the worried mother. His movements were careful, controlled, someone perpetually conscious of their own physical state.
Su Chen waited until the patient departed before approaching. Banner's eyes immediately tracked him—assessing threat level, calculating escape routes, prepared to run at the slightest provocation.
"Dr. Banner," Su Chen greeted in English, keeping his hands visible and body language non-threatening. "My name is Su Chen. I'd like to talk with you about your situation."
Banner's expression shifted through several emotions rapidly—fear, anger, resignation. "Let me guess. Military? Corporate? Some new organization that thinks they can control the Hulk? I'm not interested, and you should leave before I get stressed."
"I'm not here to control anything," Su Chen replied calmly. "I'm a consultant working with enhanced individuals—people with abilities they didn't ask for, trying to navigate a world that fears what they can do. I think you and I have common ground."
"Common ground," Banner laughed bitterly. "Do you transform into a rage monster that destroys everything around you when your heart rate exceeds certain thresholds? Do you have to monitor your emotional state every waking moment because anger means death and destruction? If not, we don't have common ground."
"No, I don't transform," Su Chen acknowledged. "But I work with people who struggle with their abilities. Enhanced individuals who fear what they might do, who isolate themselves because they're dangerous, who run from everyone trying to help because they've learned that 'help' usually means 'exploitation.'"
Banner's expression showed cautious interest despite his obvious suspicion. "Who sent you? S.H.I.E.L.D.? The military?"
"I'm associated with S.H.I.E.L.D. as an independent consultant," Su Chen admitted. "But I'm here on my own initiative, not following their orders. Director Fury wants to recruit you for something called the Avengers Initiative—a team of enhanced individuals who respond to threats conventional forces can't handle. I'm here to have the conversation he would eventually have, except I'm offering something different."
"Let me guess," Banner said dryly. "You're offering me control, resources, and a chance to use my abilities for good. In exchange, I become an asset that can be deployed when needed. I've heard this pitch before."
"Then you know how it usually ends," Su Chen replied. "Organizations promise support and deliver containment. They say they want to help you control the Hulk, but really they want to control the Hulk and consider you an inconvenient obstacle. I'm offering something different: genuine autonomy, resources without strings, and the option to walk away if the relationship doesn't serve your interests."
Banner studied him with the analytical precision of someone trained in multiple scientific disciplines. "Why? What do you get out of helping me with no expectations?"
"Honestly? Eventually, I hope you'll choose to work with my network," Su Chen admitted. "I'm building a coalition of enhanced individuals who maintain independence while supporting each other when needed. Having someone with your scientific expertise and capabilities would be valuable. But I'm not demanding that as payment for assistance. I'm offering help first, relationship later if you choose it."
"That's remarkably idealistic for someone working with a government intelligence agency," Banner observed skeptically.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. and I have a complicated relationship," Su Chen said. "I work with them when our objectives align, but I maintain my own network and priorities. They tolerate that because I produce results. You could have a similar arrangement—coordinate when appropriate, maintain autonomy otherwise."
Banner was silent for a long moment, internal debate visible on his face. "What kind of help are you offering?"
"Depends on what you need," Su Chen replied. "If you want resources to research Hulk suppression or control techniques, I can provide laboratory access and equipment. If you want enhanced security to stay hidden from people hunting you, I can arrange that. If you just want someone who understands enhanced capabilities and can offer perspective, I'm available for that too."
"And in exchange?" Banner pressed.
"Conversation," Su Chen said simply. "I want to understand your situation better, learn how the Hulk transformation works, and discuss whether there might be approaches to management that haven't been tried. No experiments, no containment protocols, just dialogue between someone with a complicated ability and someone who's studied enhanced capabilities extensively."
"You're either very naive or very manipulative," Banner stated. "I haven't decided which."
"Probably both," Su Chen admitted with a slight smile. "I genuinely want to help, but I also recognize that helping you serves my larger objectives. I'm transparent about having mixed motivations—it's more honest than pretending to be purely altruistic."
Banner actually laughed—a brief, surprised sound. "At least you're honest about being calculating. That's... refreshing, actually. Most people who approach me either lie about their intentions or are so obviously hostile that conversation is pointless."
"So can we talk?" Su Chen asked. "Just talk, nothing more complicated than that."
Banner considered, then gestured to a small back room of the clinic. "Alright. But understand—I'm monitoring my heart rate constantly. If it starts rising too much, this conversation ends and you leave immediately. I won't risk the Hulk emerging in a populated area."
"Agreed," Su Chen confirmed.
They moved to the back room—sparse furnishings, medical supplies neatly organized, and a sophisticated heart rate monitor that Banner wore constantly. Su Chen noted the device was custom-built, far more advanced than commercial medical equipment.
"That's impressive work," Su Chen observed, indicating the monitor. "Custom design?"
"I built it from salvaged components," Banner confirmed. "Monitors heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, and several other biomarkers that correlate with Hulk transformation. Gives me approximately forty-five seconds warning before transformation becomes inevitable."
"Has it been reliable?" Su Chen asked.
"Mostly," Banner said. "But the Hulk is more complicated than simple physiological triggers. Emotional state, environmental factors, even my subconscious perception of threat can influence transformation. The monitor helps, but it's not perfect."
"Have you explored mystical or energy-based approaches to management?" Su Chen inquired. "The transformation involves massive physical changes that violate conservation of mass and energy. That suggests something more fundamental than conventional biology."
Banner's eyes sharpened with interest. "Mystical approaches? You mean like meditation, chi manipulation, that kind of thing?"
"Partly," Su Chen confirmed. "But also understanding the Hulk as a separate consciousness that shares your body rather than simply a rage state. If the Hulk is a distinct entity with its own awareness, management might involve negotiation rather than suppression."
"Negotiation with the Hulk," Banner repeated slowly. "I've considered that conceptually, but how would you even begin? The Hulk isn't rational in conventional ways. He's pure emotion and instinct."
"Children aren't conventionally rational either," Su Chen observed. "But they can be communicated with using appropriate methods. What if the Hulk is like a child—powerful, emotional, and reactive because he doesn't have the frameworks for processing complex situations?"
Banner leaned back, his expression showing he was genuinely engaging with the concept. "That's... an interesting framing. I've always thought of the Hulk as something to suppress or control. Treating him as a separate consciousness that needs communication rather than containment is a different paradigm."
"It's also potentially more sustainable," Su Chen added. "Suppression requires constant effort and energy. Communication and cooperation use those resources more efficiently. If you could reach an understanding with the Hulk—establish boundaries, develop trust, maybe even coordinate—you'd be far more effective than constantly fighting for control."
"That assumes the Hulk wants to cooperate," Banner countered. "Every time he emerges, he causes destruction. He's not exactly showing signs of wanting partnership."
"Or he's showing signs of frustration at being imprisoned," Su Chen suggested. "Imagine being a consciousness that only emerges when your host is terrified or enraged, surrounded by people trying to hurt or contain you. That would make anyone destructive and uncooperative. What if the Hulk's behavior is reactive to how he's been treated rather than inherently malicious?"
Banner was silent for a long time, processing implications. Finally, he spoke quietly. "I've spent years trying to eliminate the Hulk. Suppress him, contain him, cure myself of him. You're suggesting I should try to understand and work with him instead."
"I'm suggesting that might be more effective and sustainable," Su Chen clarified. "The Hulk is part of you, Banner. He's not going away regardless of how much you wish otherwise. The question is whether that relationship is adversarial or cooperative. Right now it's adversarial because both of you see the other as a threat. What if that changed?"
"That's a significant shift in perspective," Banner admitted. "And I don't know if I'm capable of it. The Hulk has cost me everything—my career, my relationships, any chance at normal life. Asking me to embrace rather than fight him is asking me to accept the loss of everything I was."
"Or it's asking you to become something new," Su Chen replied. "Not the scientist who had an accident and became a monster, but someone who integrated different aspects of himself into a more complete whole. The Hulk has capabilities you need, and you have intelligence he lacks. Together, you could be far more than either is separately."
Banner's heart rate monitor beeped a warning—his pulse was elevating as the conversation pushed into emotionally charged territory. He immediately began breathing exercises, consciously lowering his physiological stress responses.
"This is the problem," Banner said after regaining control. "Any conversation about the Hulk risks triggering the Hulk. It's a self-reinforcing cycle—stress about transforming causes stress that triggers transformation."
"Which is why you need better management techniques," Su Chen observed. "Banner, I know people who specialize in mental disciplines—meditation masters, consciousness researchers, enhanced individuals who've learned to control their own transformations. Would you be willing to work with them? Not as research subjects, but as consultants helping you develop better control methods?"
Banner looked at him with cautious hope. "You're serious. You actually want to help me manage this rather than exploit it."
"I am serious," Su Chen confirmed. "And yes, eventually I hope you'll choose to work with my network. But that decision comes after you've developed better control and can evaluate the relationship from a position of strength rather than desperation. I'm not interested in recruiting someone who feels they have no other options. I want allies who choose cooperation because it serves their interests."
"That's remarkably principled for someone who admits to calculating motivations," Banner observed.
"Principled and calculating aren't mutually exclusive," Su Chen replied. "I believe treating people well and respecting their autonomy produces better long-term results than exploitation and coercion. That's both moral and pragmatic."
Banner's monitor indicated his heart rate had stabilized. "Alright. I'm willing to consider working with your consultants on control techniques. But I have conditions: No experiments without my explicit consent. No recording or documentation unless I approve it. And if at any point I decide this isn't working, it ends with no consequences or pressure to continue."
"Completely acceptable," Su Chen agreed. "I'll arrange for appropriate specialists to contact you. The initial work can be done remotely if you prefer, or we can provide a secured location where you'd feel safe working more directly."
"Remote initially," Banner decided. "I need to verify you're trustworthy before I put myself in situations with less control over my environment."
"Reasonable," Su Chen acknowledged. He pulled out a secured communication device. "This provides encrypted contact with my network. No GPS tracking, no remote monitoring, just communication when you choose to use it. There are several protocols loaded—medical consultation, technical support, and emergency extraction if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need help escaping pursuit."
Banner took the device, examining it with professional interest. "This is sophisticated. Custom encryption, isolated power source, physical kill switch. You weren't joking about taking security seriously."
"I work with people who have very good reasons to avoid detection," Su Chen replied. "That requires technology and protocols that respect their need for privacy."
They talked for another hour—discussing Banner's research, the Hulk's manifestations, and potential approaches to improved management. Banner gradually relaxed as he realized Su Chen genuinely understood enhanced capabilities and wasn't simply trying to weaponize the Hulk.
"You're different from most people who've approached me," Banner admitted as they prepared to part. "You actually listen and respect boundaries instead of just seeing me as a problem to solve or a weapon to acquire."
"Because you're neither," Su Chen replied. "You're someone dealing with a complicated situation, trying to protect people from abilities you can't fully control. That deserves respect and support, not exploitation."
"I'll contact you after I've thought about this more," Banner said. "But Su Chen—thank you. For treating me like a person instead of a monster. That's... rare."
As Su Chen departed the clinic and made his way back through Kolkata's crowded streets, he felt satisfied with the interaction. Banner wasn't recruited, exactly, but the foundation was laid for future cooperation. More importantly, Su Chen had demonstrated genuine respect for Banner's autonomy, which would pay dividends when Bruce eventually decided to trust him.
"Master," Babata's voice carried approval. "That was exceptionally well-handled. Banner's psychological profile suggests he responds far better to respect and patience than pressure. You've positioned yourself as the first person in years who's approached him as an ally rather than a threat."
"It wasn't manipulation," Su Chen replied mentally. "I meant what I said—Banner deserves better than he's received. If I can provide that while also advancing my objectives, that's ideal."
"The distinction between principled behavior and strategic behavior becomes academic when they produce identical results," Babata observed.
"Perhaps," Su Chen acknowledged. "But the internal distinction matters. I don't want to become someone who views everyone as tools to be used. Maintaining genuine respect for people's autonomy keeps me from crossing lines I don't want to cross."
"A philosophical position that would be easier to maintain if you weren't actively building a power base across multiple dimensions," Babata noted dryly.
"Which is exactly why I need to maintain it," Su Chen countered. "Power without principles produces tyranny. I've seen enough tyrants to know I don't want to become one."
He boarded his flight back to New York, already considering next steps. Banner was progressing appropriately. The Avengers Initiative was forming with his network's involvement. The Stark Expo approached, providing opportunities for intelligence gathering and recruitment. And underlying everything, Loki's invasion loomed on the horizon—the Chitauri assault that would force Earth's heroes to unite or fall.
"Time to next projected major event?" Su Chen inquired mentally.
"Unknown precisely," Babota replied. "But analyzing current patterns, I estimate three to six months before the Chitauri invasion. Loki's preparation requires specific astronomical alignments and accumulated mystical energy. We're approaching the convergence point."
"Then we have three to six months to prepare," Su Chen concluded. "Recruit key individuals, gather resources, position assets, and ensure when the invasion comes, we're ready to both defend Earth and harvest maximum benefit from the chaos."
The convergence approached. And Su Chen intended to be perfectly positioned when it finally arrived.