Chereads / Ben Tennyson in the MCU / Chapter 3 - Tennyson Industries

Chapter 3 - Tennyson Industries

9 March 2010, New York Five Months Later 

Three months had passed since Angela Green found herself at a career crossroads. In a bustling café, she sat in a corner booth, fingers drumming nervously on the table as she checked her watch for the third time. A young man by the named of Ben Tennyson had reached out with a business proposition that sparked both skepticism and intrigue.

Angela's life was currently a delicate balancing act. As a single mother of two, she navigated the challenges of a demanding job at Zeldin Corporation, an unreliable ex, and the unwelcome advances of a boss who saw her as more than just an employee. It felt as if she were treading water, with no end in sight.

Despite her competence—known for her unyielding professionalism and strategic acumen—she felt stifled in her current position. The company she had dedicated a decade to was undergoing a culture shift that she found increasingly toxic. After years of compromise and frustration, Angela had discreetly begun searching for an exit.

When Ben's email appeared, she nearly dismissed it as spam. Yet, his peculiar knowledge about her professional background and the challenges she faced at work piqued her curiosity. He wanted to discuss a "unique business opportunity" at a coffee shop just a few blocks from her office. Against her better judgment, she decided to meet him, hoping for any glimmer of a way out.

As she scanned the café, a young man entered. He was tall and lean, looking more like a college student than a potential CEO. But there was an assuredness in his demeanor that caught her attention. He approached her with a polite nod, his gaze focused and direct.

"Ms. Green, thank you for meeting with me," he said, sliding into the seat across from her.

"You have ten minutes, Mr. Tennyson," Angela replied, her arms crossed, her expression cool.

Ben smiled slightly, seeming unfazed by her guarded demeanor. "Fair enough. I'll get straight to the point."

Angela studied him more closely. He was younger than she expected, perhaps in his early twenties, dressed in a dark grey jacket over a simple black t-shirt. Yet there was something about him that felt different from the corporate founders she was used to.

"You've got my attention," she said, her tone cautious. "But I have to admit, I was hesitant. I don't usually respond to offers that come out of nowhere. So, who exactly are you, and what do you want?"

Ben leaned back, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I get it. And to be honest, I know how strange this must seem. But if I can, I'd like to show you that I understand exactly what you're capable of, Angela."

His relaxed confidence was strangely disarming, yet Angela kept her guard up. "Go on."

"You've been with Zeldin Corporation for almost a decade, and I'm guessing the last few years have been… difficult." He paused, watching her carefully. "You've been instrumental in their growth, but now it's moving in a direction you don't agree with. I know it hasn't been easy for you, especially with the current leadership change."

"Yes, you made that very clear in the email you sent. And how exactly did you find out so much information about?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Did you dig into my background?" Her voice was cool but edged with suspicion.

Ben shook his head. "Only enough to understand your career accomplishments," he replied genuinely. "I don't need to know every detail to see that you're undervalued and deserve better."

"Think of me as someone who sees potential in the overlooked," he continued. "And I'm not just talking about your resume. I know how much you value loyalty, structure, and the freedom to work without interference. I can give you that."

Angela raised an eyebrow, folding her hands on the table. "And what exactly are you offering?"

Ben leaned forward, his tone earnest. "A new company. One where you can finally call the shots, shape the culture from the ground up. Technology and innovation at the forefront. Imagine building a company that could rival the top industry players—one that will change the game."

Ben took out a sleek black smartphone from his jacket and slid it across the table to Angela. "Here's a prototype of what I've been working on. Try it out for yourself," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

Angela picked up the smartphone, marveling at its lightweight design. The screen lit up with vibrant colors, and her fingers instinctively swiped across the glass, feeling the smoothness of the interface. "This is impressive," she said, her eyebrows raised as she navigated through a series of apps that appeared to be seamlessly integrated.

"Go ahead, try the voice command feature," Ben encouraged, leaning forward with enthusiasm.

"Okay…," Angela hesitated, then spoke clearly. "Open calendar."

To her surprise, the calendar app popped up instantly, displaying a sleek interface with her upcoming appointments. "Huh," she said, glancing at Ben. "That was quick."

Ben smiled, clearly pleased. "That's just the beginning. I built a custom processor that's five years ahead of anything else on the market. It handles multitasking like a dream—so you can run multiple apps without any lag."

Angela's curiosity piqued as she continued exploring. "And the design? It feels so intuitive."

"Exactly! I focused on making everything user-friendly. The real breakthrough is in the AI-driven operating system. It learns your habits—when you typically wake up, your most-used apps—and optimizes battery life accordingly," Ben explained, watching Angela's reaction closely.

She swiped to another screen, revealing a health tracking app. "And this? It looks like it tracks fitness data?"

"Right! It supposed integrates with smart home devices and wearables to provide real-time health monitoring. I even built in features for parents, like tracking your kid's activity levels and sending alerts if they stray too far from home, from a smartwatch which I'm also working on. " Ben said, his passion evident.

Angela raised an eyebrow, intrigued and impressed. "And you and your team did all this by yourselves?"

"Team no, this is all me," Ben replied, a mix of pride and determination in his voice. "I've handled everything from the initial design to the coding. I want to create an ecosystem, not just a gadget. My vision is to build a lifestyle brand that integrates technology into everyday life—smart home tech, educational tools for kids, you name it."

Angela shifted her gaze back to the smartphone, her skepticism beginning to thaw. "This sounds ambitious. But how do you plan to position yourself against already established brands?"

Ben leaned in, his expression earnest. "I'm not just competing with them; I'm redefining the game. My goal is to make technology accessible and beneficial for everyone, not just the tech-savvy elite. Imagine a device that empowers users—making life easier, safer, and more connected."

Angela considered his words, her mind racing. "But there's more to it, isn't there? You didn't just choose me at random. Why me?"

Ben paused, weighing his response. " Yes, this is just the beginning of what I have in store. And as for the reI chose you...it's because you're the right person to lead. I can handle the creative side and the big ideas, but I need someone like you to ensure the day-to-day operations run like clockwork. I know it's a lot to ask, but I believe you have what it takes to make this succeed."

He took a deep breath and continued, "And I'll be upfront: I'll need flexibility. There will be times when I might not be available, and I need someone I can trust to keep things moving."

Angela considered his words in silence. On the surface, he seemed audacious—almost naïve—but there was a deeper knowledge in his eyes, a confidence that transcended arrogance. He understood exactly what he was asking her to do and why.

"Out of everyone you could have chosen, you chose to approach someone like me with this…unexpected offer?" she asked, gesturing to the prototype and their entire situation.

Despite the allure of his proposal, a nagging feeling lingered. Was he looking for someone to handle the heavy lifting, someone easily controlled who wouldn't pose a threat? After all, she had limited knowledge of the creative process. When it came to this sort of thing. 

The silence stretched between them as Ben sat across from her, watching her study his expression with skepticism and guarded curiosity. He felt a rare twinge of nervousness. Angela was a calculated, no-nonsense professional—she wouldn't leap at just anyone's idea, especially not one as ambitious and unconventional as his.

But he understood the circumstances that might compel her to consider it: a toxic work environment, a son to care for, and the stifling reality of being undervalued by those who saw her as just another cog in their machine.

Finally, Angela spoke. "This sounds ideal on paper. But what if it all falls apart? My reputation would be on the line."

Ben nodded, his expression serious. "It could, which is why I'm offering you a sizable compensation package upfront. Consider it an insurance policy. But, Angela, you know as well as I do that this is the opportunity of a lifetime—to build something entirely new, from the ground up, with full creative freedom on the day-to-day. With myself obviously handling technical side of company with full transparency on both sides. "

She took a deep breath, contemplating his words. Despite her reservations, she sensed that Ben radiated conviction. "Alright, Mr. Tennyson. If I do this, I want a clear contract outlining my role, authority, and compensation. If things go sideways, I want an exit package that ensures I don't end up regretting this. And I'd also like you to have a small role in the corporate side too."

He grinned. "Consider it done."

As they shook hands, a sense of excitement surged through Angela—one she hadn't felt in years. She had no idea what the future held, but for the first time, she felt in control.

March 9, 2012 – New York City Two Years Later:

In a luxurious five-star hotel suite in Manhattan, Ben stood dripping with sweat in the private training room he had set up two years ago. It was early morning, and he was midway through a grueling workout—one that had transformed his body into peak condition.

Since arriving in this world, Ben knew he couldn't rely on the Omnitrix alone. He needed to build his own strength, skills, and combat readiness, ensuring he was just as capable in human form as he was as an alien.

His training regimen had evolved over time, optimized using Brainstorm's intelligence and XLR8's speed-reading abilities, allowing him to compress years of learning into a shorter timeframe. However, while he had made impressive progress, he knew he still had a long way to go to reach the level of elite fighters like Daredevil or the Punisher.

Firstly Morning Training: Strength & Endurance:

Ben's mornings begin at 4.00 am with a high-intensity full-body circuit, designed for progressive overload, ensuring constant improvement in strength, endurance, and combat mobility.

Strength & Conditioning (Progressive Overload Applied)

3x Weighted Squats (20 reps) – Lower-body power

4x Weighted Punches (40 reps) – Arm strength & endurance

3x Pull-ups (10 reps) – Upper-body & grip strength

3x Deadlifts (8 reps) – Full-body raw strength

3x Farmer's Carries (30 seconds) – Grip & core stability

5x Jumping Lunges (10 reps per leg) – Explosiveness & balance

5x Weighted Push-Ups/Dips (10 reps) – Upper body endurance

Endurance & Agility Training

Sprint Intervals: 100m sprints (6 rounds)

Swimming: 100m laps (3 sets) for cardiovascular endurance

Jump Rope Drills: (3 minutes) – Improves footwork & stamina

Parkour Training: Vaults, wall runs, & precision jumps for agility

Rock Climbing: Grip strength & mental focus

This intensive 2.5-hour morning session left him soaked in sweat, his grey tank top clinging to his body, knuckles reddened from punching drills. As the session ended, he took a deep, steady breath and transitioned into thirty minutes of meditation, a technique he had learned from his martial arts training to clear his mind and center himself before tackling the day.

Afternoon Training Later In The Day: Martial Arts Mastery & Live Combat Sparring:

Ben's martial arts training was his core focus, ensuring he could adapt to any combat situation. His goal wasn't just to master individual styles but to synthesize them into his own hybrid fighting system.

Striking Arts & Combat Flow

Taekwondo & Karate: Speed, precision, and traditional forms

Muay Thai & Savate: Elbows, knees, and efficient striking techniques

Boxing: Hand-speed, footwork, and head movement drills

Grappling & Ground Combat

Jiu-Jitsu & Judo: Takedowns, submissions, and ground control

Wrestling: Clinch work and control against resisting opponents

Weapons Training

Firearms Handling: Tactical reloading, drawing, and using cover

Bladed Weapons: Swords, knives, and counter-defense techniques

Staff & Throwing Weapons: Defensive/offensive versatility

Sparring Sessions (With Live Opponents & AI-Assisted Training)

Kickboxing & Muay Thai Sparring: Striking under real pressure

Grappling Sparring: Rolling with training partners

Weapon Defense Scenarios: Disarm techniques & ambush survival

To accelerate his learning, Ben had started building an AI-powered robotic sparring partner, capable of simulating real combat scenarios, something he planned to refine over time.

Evening Training: Tactical Combat & Recovery

Ben understood that real combat wasn't just about skill—it was about survival. He incorporated tactical training to prepare for real-world threats.

Tactical Training & Scenario Drills

Multiple Opponent Combat: Handling 2-3 attackers in close quarters

Urban Survival Training: Escape & evasion techniques

Weapon Disarm Drills: Guns, knives, and blunt weapons

Fighting in Tight Spaces: Hallways, elevators, & confined areas

Mental Training & Recovery

Mindfulness & Stress Simulation: Combat breathing exercises

Yoga & Dynamic Stretching: Flexibility & injury prevention

Warm Baths & Deep Tissue Massage: Recovery & muscle relaxation

The Diet & Fueling the Machine:

Ben had optimized his diet to match his training intensity, ensuring maximum performance and recovery.

Macronutrient Breakdown

High Protein Intake: Chicken, fish, eggs, lean beef, & protein shakes

Complex Carbs: Brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes (for sustained energy)

Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, olive oil (for joint & brain health)

Hydration & Electrolytes: Water, coconut water, and electrolyte supplements

His meals were meticulously planned, ensuring he stayed lean, agile, and explosive without bulking up too much, which could compromise his speed.

Ben had come a long way in two years, but he was far from satisfied. His current skill level allowed him to hold his own against trained fighters, but he wasn't yet at the level of Marvel's top street-level fighters.

His biggest limitation? Time.

Even with superior intelligence and training methods, martial arts mastery required years of live experience—something he couldn't simply fast-track overnight.

Future Training Enhancements

Seeking Out Expert Trainers: Daredevil, Shang-Chi, or Stick?

Enhancing the AI Sparring Partner: Real-time form correction & adaptation

Further Tactical Training: Military-grade survival techniques

For now, Ben embraced the challenge, knowing that one day, he wouldn't just keep up with the best—he'd surpass them.

As he finished his breakfast—oatmeal, eggs, and orange juice—he checked the time. 8:00 AM. Another long day ahead.

He smirked, cracking his knuckles.

"Alright... Let's get to work." Grabbing his keys of the counter and putting on his green jacket he quickly left the apartment.

As the morning air rushed past him, Ben weaved through New York's traffic on his sleek BMW S 1000 RR. The engine purred beneath him, the city skyline reflected in his tinted visor. The world was waking up, but his mind was already focused elsewhere.

"Olivia, turn on the news," he said, his voice calm but expectant.

A moment later, a smooth, robotic female voice with a southern Texas accent replied through his helmet's built-in speakers.

"Sure thing, boss."

The heads-up display in his helmet flickered to life, and the familiar face of a news anchor appeared.

News Reporter: "Good morning, New York. Over the last few years—especially since Tony Stark's shocking revelation that he was Iron Man—our city has become a hotspot for strange and extraordinary events. More and more super-powered individuals have emerged, some familiar, some completely unknown. And now, something even stranger is happening."

Ben shifted gears, accelerating smoothly as he listened.

"Disturbing reports have surfaced of creatures roaming the city—beings unlike anything we've seen before. The most infamous of these is, of course, the Hulk. But others—ones just as powerful, if not more so—have been spotted across the five boroughs."

The screen cut to a montage of eyewitness testimonies.

Civilian #1: "I didn't know what I was seeing. The tiger-looking one? It was fierce—just tearing through metal and concrete like paper. But it never attacked anyone."

Civilian #2: "I was terrified at first! But then I saw the one made of diamond. It wasn't fighting—it was shielding us. Like it was protecting people."

Civilian #3: "Where are they from? Are they even friendly? They're just as strange as the Hulk, and we don't know if we're safe around them."

Civilian #4: "The blue ghost… it was incredible. It froze a few muggers solid in seconds. Scary as hell, but… kind of amazing too."

The news anchor returned to the screen, her expression serious.

News Reporter: "With the city on edge and the authorities as baffled as the public, speculation is running wild. Are these beings allies? A sign of something greater? Or are they harbingers of a much larger threat?"

Back in the studio, the anchor leaned forward, delivering a final thought.

"One thing is clear: these creatures appeared one after another, and their presence in New York is undeniable. Until more information is uncovered, the city remains on high alert. Who—or what—they truly are remains a mystery."

Just as the broadcast continued speculating about government responses, Ben casually shut it off with a tap of his glove. He didn't need to hear more. He knew exactly who they were talking about.

As he pulled up to his company's headquarters, he parked smoothly, removed his helmet, and swung a leg over his bike. Adjusting his green jacket, he grabbed his keys and made his way inside.

Another day at work had begun.

Character Bio:

Angela Green

Full Name: Angelina Gabriella Green

Age: 30

Eye Color: Blue

Hair Color: Brown

Height:5'10" (170 cm)

Occupation: Businesswoman, CEO of Tennyson Industries

Notable Traits: Intelligent, resourceful, compassionate, strong-willed, ability to keep a calm mind under pressure.