Chapter 56: An Echo Under Surveillance and the Parasite's Last Stand
Following the chaotic victory at Fisk Tower, Kael and Aslan found themselves in the shadows of New York City, in a sterile, high-tech S.H.I.E.L.D. interrogation room. Commander Maria Hill had kept her word, granting them temporary "consultant" status, but it was a sort of golden cage where their every move was watched and their every word analyzed. Kael had the Chitauri core, but S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists were eager to study the core and Kael's extraordinary abilities.
The first few days were spent in intense interrogation and analysis. Kael revealed what he knew about the Lords of the Void, the Echo Carriers, the Great Seal, and the echo points—at least as much as S.H.I.E.L.D. could understand and believe. What they told was no different than a science fiction scenario for Hill and his team, but the events at Fisk Tower and the consistent information Kael provided forced them to at least listen. Aslan, on the other hand, stood as a silent force next to Kael, watching every move of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents with skeptical attention.
Finally, it was time for the parasitic device in Fisk Tower. The S.H.I.E.L.D. scientific team, with Kael's participation, examined the remains of the device and the faint Void signature it emitted. Kael explained that the device was not only an energy source, but also had a live, parasitic link to the echo point underground, and that the device could not be completely neutralized without severing this link.
"This device," Kael said, looking at the data on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s holographic analysis screen, "is sending a kind of 'signal' or 'portal energy' into the Void by draining the life force of the Echo point. It's not enough to just shut it down, we have to eradicate it."
Commander Hill made his decision after listening to Kael's analysis. "Very well, Echo. You will be in charge of this 'eradicated' operation. But you will be under my approval and supervision at every step."
They returned to the dilapidated hall at the top of Fisk Tower, this time with a S.H.I.E.L.D. operations team. The hall had been quarantined by S.H.I.E.L.D., and was surrounded by special energy shields. The parasitic device was still humming faintly, emitting an eerie energy.
Kael approached the device using the Chitauri core. The core acted as a shield against the Void energy emanating from the device, while also "showing" Kael the internal structure of the device and its invisible connection to the echo point. It was a delicate operation that required incredible concentration. Using the energy manipulation techniques he had learned as an Echo Carrier, Kael focused pure Echo energy from the Chitauri core and directed it toward the dark nexus of the parasitic device.
It was like a surgeon using a scalpel. Kael carefully separated the Void's sticky, parasitic nexus from the pure life energy of the echo point. Every move was carefully monitored by the S.H.I.E.L.D. scientific team, sensors recording every energy surge. Aslan stood just behind Kael, alert for any possible danger.
The parasitic device tried to resist the "surgery." Faint Void cries rose from it, emitting small bursts of dark energy. But Kael pressed on with an unwavering will. With the fresh power he had received from Earth's echo point and the guidance of the Chitauri core, he had broken the Void's last resistance.
Finally, with a thin, bright sound, the dark connection between the parasitic device and the echo point was broken. The device shuddered one last time and fell completely silent. The ominous energy at the peak of Fisk Tower had vanished, leaving behind a clean, purified silence.
Kael took a deep breath. He had succeeded. But at that moment, an urgent announcement came over Commander Hill's radio. "Commander! There is abnormal activity in the underground echo point! Energy levels are suddenly rising!"
Kael and Hill looked at each other. Had the destruction of the parasitic force caused an unexpected reaction in the echo point? Or was this another move by the Lords of the Void?
As they hurried back into the underground cavern, they were met with a startling sight. The giant crystal cluster at the center of the echo point was burning brighter than ever before, radiating an immense amount of life energy. With the parasite gone, the echo point was celebrating its "freedom," unlocking its true potential.
"This… this is incredible," one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. science officers whispered. "This energy… could light up an entire city for years."
As Kael approached the pure energy, the Chitauri core resonated with it. A new, clearer vision flooded into his mind: the Lords of the Void's approaching invasion fleet. But this time, he saw not only the threat, but also the fleet's course, its weaknesses, and hints of ancient Creator technology that could be used against them. The echo point offered him not only power, but also knowledge.
Commander Hill saw the expression on Kael's face. "What do you see, Echo?"
Kael turned to Hill. "The war is just beginning, Commander," he said. "But now, we may have a chance against them."
But just then, amidst all these cosmic threats, another, more personal "echo" from Kael's Chitauri core drew Kael's attention in a completely different direction. It was a faint, almost lost whisper, but Kael recognized it: it was the echo of Roric, the one he had once thought dead, a part of the Echo. And it was filled with a cry for help.