"I'll be practicing my swordsmanship and throws. Were you able to get anywhere on the shielding tech?" Cole asked Angelica.
"Go ahead and do that first," replied the red head. "While you train, I will research more. I have a few leads. Alfred has been a godsend."
"Your intuitive mind is a credit to your species." Alfred offered in the way of praise.
Cole snorted and shook his head walking off. He had set up a training area in the Redoubt. Having spent one of the two upgrade tokens on the once single-floor plan had steered the redoubt toward Bruce Wayne's Bat cave.
The effects of the system had also retroactively set him out as the owner of large parcels of land. Most of it is woodland.
Angelica had also been able to purchase the home that was her family's. It had also caught fire and was being rebuilt from the ground up.
"It may be too much for me and we, or you need to bring more specialized professionals into the fold."
"Thank you, Angelica."
"Angel please, Angelica was what my dad called me." She Interrupted.
"Angel," he enunciate. "It is wonderful working alongside you."
"Pretty smart for an Organic, right?" She joked.
Alfred reaffirmed his earlier statement with a resolute answer over the intercom. "Exceptional."
Cole worked on his 'draws and throws' and started on his 'throws and rolls' He had made it a point to exercise and practice; the rate at which he accumulated abilities wouldn't allow his earlier half-baked tests to understand half of what he was capable of.
'Make it his.' He thought inside his mind using those three words of wisdom to fuel his training regimen.
The nth-promethium katana was like having a Gameshark plugged into a console. The blade is made perfectly equal with nth metal (ninth metal) and promethium.
Nth has an assortment of functions, one namely standing out what its gravity-defying abilities are. It was also the mcguffing behind Hawk man and Hawk woman's resurrection throughout time and space.
Promethium on the other hand could do so much more and a lot of it was depended on which state it was in.
Promethium is also capable of channeling, amplifying and perpetuating near-limitless amounts of energy, as such it can be used as a power source for many gadgets or create the most destructive arms imaginable. However, his katana "volatile state" is a dangerous mutagen that can be used to mutate living beings or trigger their metagene.
The judo or parkour-type rollng techniques kept him in motion as he withdrew his blade, slashing at the opponent's midsection.
He made a few steps to the left twisted on the handle of the blade. The blade did two things in that moment, it turned bright red, and heat wavered from the blade before he stabbed forward in a powered thrust. The construct shattered, the wall split, and Angelica shouted in alarm.
He straightened. Observed the superheated blade before he cooled It down and the room.
"Sorry, about that." He offered, repairing the wall, at a cost.
"Do you need to do all this?" Angelica asked, not looking at him but scanning over the data.
"Yes," I tapped my head. "I got it all up here naturally, but it's not… it's not enough; I feel rusty, and sometimes I'm brute forcing things that fineness is a better problem solved.
"You should also hone your abilities. Did you read the file on mutation and physical health?"On his way out he had hacked Hank McCoy system.
Angelica wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
"I'm vegetarian, that's good enough."
He stopped before he got too sweaty and went and plopped down in his station chair.
He had been visiting the Redoubt to spend time with Angelica, but she was here alone, and he wanted to rectify that soon.
He leaned back, closed his eyes, and refocused on ways to create a plasma coating on a vehicle in the atmosphere.
Yasmault was his goal, but he couldn't take others, at least not comfortably. He and Ka'L could leave at any time; they were the only ones he thought could survive the vacuum of space.
"Angelica. What have you two come up with?"
"What is your ultimate goal here? I don't want to neglect ideas that might be useful."
"Angelica. I want a vehicle to be able to move in the dense atmosphere. We have the tech, but I'm lost with many avenues to explore. Do we go original?"
Angelica said. "I've been wanting to ask about some things."
Cole perked up but noticed her hesitation. He hoped it wasn't the Lazarus issue again.
"I know we have secrets, but you're not actually building this stuff, right?"
Cole thought about that for a long time and hard, but he decided not to be truthful. Some things are better left to one person.
"That I can't tell. Just know I have an elementary understanding of everything I outproduce."
"Figured. Is it a mutant gift? Don't answer that. I rather you not hot potatoes around the question."
"Here are several possibilities. Create a concentrated shield field in the nose, high voltage plasma using a high-frequency surface effect on the outer skin or magnetic fields along the skin. NASA is currently looking at superconductors to facilitate this. We can take it further with Kord technology."
The three, third being the ever present Alfred sat at the station working through the formula.
Cole pointed out ideas that he had seen used before. Angelica had gotten comfortable and had her feet propped up on the table as she crunched numbers while Alfred assisted her.
A clicking sound emanated from one of the overhead vents that let air in from outside. They were quite a distance underground.
Angelica turned and nearly blasted the replicator that poured through the exhaust.
"Hold," Cole called as the heat radiated off of Angelica.
"Hello, father." Reese called and hundreds, no thousands of replicators formed into a facsimile of Reese's preferred persona.
"Is that her?" Angelica's earlier fright left and her scientific mind propelled her forward. Reese smiled and allowed the inquisitive girl to go over her form, answering questions, some she looked toward me for permission and I nodded my head allowing it.
'It seems the crew would continue to expand. I just hope I'm ready for when the attacks begin.'
Two weeks ago, he was watching a red lantern fight a demoness with the arts and power granted by the red ring.
Today, he was stepping out of a Mercedes M8, Chauffeurs and all, and being bombarded by paparazzi.
'Where did that thin orphan go?'
"Hey, that's him!"
His guards quickly, almost inhumanly, moved to shield him as he was ushered up the steps into the family court.
"Mr. York, is it true that you used to sell drugs?"
"Mr. York, are you really a York?
"Mr. York, I'm Rebekah Rowe with Tech Insider. Can you confirm that your company can grant eyesight and this synth-muscle? Is that right? Can it really be mass-produced, what are the safety restrictions and would you be liable for criminals using it to commit crimes?"
Cole came to a stop, and his ATC security detail abruptly stopped. They all wore the Tuxedo's and were 'trained'.
Rebekah Dowe had interested him with her rapid-fire questions, and honestly, she was here genuinely and not paid by his misguided family.
A shorter man stepped toward her, placing a placating hand on the older teen's shoulder.
His cousin stepped back and adjusted his tuxedo. Cole smiled, and Jeremy's temper dulled.
'Family, huh?' He thought, not realizing how much he had always wanted a family.
"Heya Becca," he extended his hand. Can I call you Becca?" He smiled at her, and the older woman paused, taken back by the abrupt change.
"Yes, if I can call you Jeremy." She shook his hand.
"I prefer it. Mr. York was my father, I don't have a smidgen of what dad had. I'm a pale comparison." He said with levity but everyone could sense his pain of losing his dad in his words.
".. I.." Rebekah reached for her ear; she grimaced and schooled her facial features.
"My condolences to you on the passing of Sebastian York, Jeremy. His untimely death was felt across the city."
Cole's face shifted, his eyes growing sharp. He had overheard her orders.
Rebekah snatched her hand back and rubbed it against her clothes, trying to warm it after the sudden chill.
Before she could continue, he spoke; his charm vanished, and Cole surfaced. "He and my mother were murdered by criminal undercurrents in this very city. He's missed? I doubted that his company was a nest egg that some individuals who want to remain in the dark wanted."
Cameras were turned toward the procession entering the courthouse, but nobody uttered a word. Many were edging back, their subconscious minds recognizing a feral beast in the sights.
He blinked, exhaled, and levity returned to his voice.
"To answer your question. My technology aims to revolutionize the world. My father's name won't end in New York. I aim to spread the York brand across the world."
His security detail noted the shift and ushered him into the courthouse. Cole had a lot to think about as he entered the courtroom. He heard a scoff, and he scanned the room to see Mama Carmichael.
Her anger was palpable. He didn't need to wear a red ring to sense that. He smiled imperceptibly and set her rage ablaze.
Chairs were skidded back, and the smoke-fueled homely woman lunged.
The rabid animals should be put down. Unfortunately, her demise would be brutal and not left to her whims.
His detail caught her and held her in place.
"Aye. Get your hands off my mother bitch."The eldest snarled and rushed his detail. He, too, was apprehended.
The judge had been hollering for order. His officer reacted slowly but came and broke the groups up.
She screamed and raged. "You think you can take what's mine; you think you're better than me, you mut, you piece of shit."
"I learned from the best," I said before turning to the fuming judge. Legal had stood putting on an act, too.
"I want her removed and a restraining order. I've been abused by this lady for years. I come to court to be granted my emancipation because I have no choice, judge."
"You liar. You.."
The courtroom exploded In expletives and threats. Cole remained standing not even responding a smirk stretching across his face.
"Officer, remove the Carmichael's." The Judge ordered.
"Just you wait boy, i'll show you abuse." Snarled Mama Carmichael.
The judge heard enough and slammed his gavel down hard and shouted. "You're in contempt. Four days county lockup, no bond."
He continued, "Son, the court apologizes. Had we taken the affidavit more seriously, we could have better protected you."
"Excus-."
He glared at another lady. Unknown. Alfred did a biometric scan of her. 'Color me surprised. That's the social worker. I made eye contact with one of the ATC operatives. He nodded.
"Emancipation granted. Mr. York, I understand that criminal charges have also been brought against the Carmichael and the State orphanage," he glared at the sweating social worker.
Legal stood. "Judge, my client has filed injunctions against the state, his family, and Carmichael for wire fraud, inheritance fraud…"
I tuned everything out. 'You're a free man, Jeremy. Let's see about getting that company back.
The judge was interested in the case and even promised to speak to the attorneys.
Leaving was the same as entering the courtroom. This time, the questions were focused more on my parents.
Patents were accumulating as the company continued to come alive. Hiring was good, and the top executives I chose had brought in more people.
Iceberg Lounge came into view as the M8 came to a halt.
The place had expanded. Another token had been used. The soft launch was slated to start tomorrow.
"Three with the car, two with me."
This wasn't my idea but the board had thought I should act the part of wealthy heir. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself.
I sighed and rubbed my temples.
The security took position around the matte black luxury car, and two entered with me. The doorman opened the door, greeting me with a lopsided smile.
"Hey boss, welcome to the Iceberg lounge." Cole extended his hand to shake his employees. The man beamed and shook Cole's hand in wonder.
'Must be one of the locals I'm using for the redemption project. Two of my ATC Towers security personnel were also a part of the project.
'Stealth drone has been spotted overhead.' Alfred said to me.
'Monitor. Do not engage. S.H.I.E.L.D again?'
'It is.'
'Anne, what have you been up to?' He thought as he entered the lounge. They had spotted the organization coming around even a few trying to circumvent hiring process. Anne hadn't breached their contract but whatever she was doing it placed more scrutiny on him or it could be the happenings begging his company as well.
The Russian mutant was at the aquamarine bar alone, drinking a local IPA and arguing back and forth with Kevin.
"I'm here; what's up," I said, smiling. Kevin was massive. I mean he was big before now, he's almost as wide as the Russian mutant.
Kevin whirled around and rushed forward. He reached out his hand, and I took it.
"Thank you. I'm sorry about Anne. She hadn't even told me she was going to join up."
He squeezed.
I returned the favor, and he winced.
"Its not your fault, Kevin, Anne is free to move around just like you. I've heard y'all had visitors."
He redoubled his efforts.
"Gangbangers," he said in exasperation. "Cottonmouth? I think that was his name. ATC guys came and took him. Mostly locals, and some Russians." He pointed a meaty thumb behind him.
"Russian spooked him. Turned out they were here trying to purchase. I persuaded them."
"Ursa wasn't spooked," Mikhail grumbled.
"Cottonmouth incident possibly. Paradise is being run by Luke, who is front for Special Agent Misty Knight. I figured out the H.U.D thing and read upon him. Do you think I can take him? Want us to rough him up?" he grinned at me. It was good to see the bad side of Kevin hadn't gone too far.
"Not too soon, little super soldier. Now, pour me a drink and tell me what's going on. Oh. Mikhail, NDAs? And are you on board?"
Mikhail reached behind the bar and tossed me water. I caught it and quirked my eye.
"Boys drink water; that's how Mikhail grew big. Spirits just kept me in shape. Me and you talk business. I work with the boy here?" He said in his notoriously broken English.
"Fine." I popped the top and sipped. Nodded toward the operative, and they scanned the empty bar & lounge.
"Kevin, you're okay with that. I know you and An-."
He stopped me. "It's good. I'm good, too."
"Can we look around Cuz?"
Kevin and Mikhail looked at me and then at him. Kevin nodded, and Mikhail shrugged.
"Go ahead. Gyms in the basement."I said not bothering to turn around.
"Alright, guys, what's up?"
Mikhail chugged his ale and wiped his mouth.
Kevin chuckled.
"We want to go to Mexico. I've been listening to the comm chatter, and things are heating up. How sure are you that the creatures won't spread?"
Ah. I see. The Brood had been an issue that I hadn't expected to grow further. Do I need to make a trip, too? Nah. The X-men and my team have irked out an alliance, which was surprising since Bullseye had captured Kurt.
I looked at them. "I can't deny you. I won't claim your help won't matter, but you should be careful. You're a super soldier, a powerful one, but The Brood can still harm you."
Mikhail's paw slapped down on Kevin's shoulder. "I got the kid back."
I nodded.
"Bullseye has command. ATC's special team is separate and is containment and research, but all fall under him in battle. Can you work with him?"
Mikhail snorted. "Stabby man? I would like to rematch with him."
'Maybe this was a bad idea.'