Tony led the mutants inside, moving quickly through the corridors to his lab. Once there, he guided Anna to a diagnostics chair. Her breathing was still shallow, her eyes darting around as she struggled to contain the energy within her.
"Sit tight, Anna. I'm going to run some tests," Tony said, activating the lab's diagnostics system. He turned to the others. "Wanda, Pietro, make yourselves comfortable. This might take a minute."
Anna gave a tense nod as Tony connected her to the diagnostics array, a sophisticated web of sensors and scanners he had designed to gather every possible reading. He didn't want to risk anything slipping through the cracks. With a few taps on his console, the array hummed to life, and J.A.R.V.I.S. began the scan.
The screen filled with data, line after line of neural and cellular readouts. Tony's brows furrowed as he analyzed the information. This wasn't just a simple energy surge. Something much deeper was happening here.
"M.A.R.V.E.L.," Tony said, calling on his most advanced AI system. "Interpret these results. What exactly is going on with Anna's cells?"
A calm voice filled the room as M.A.R.V.E.L. processed the data. "Analysis complete. Her cellular structure has undergone extensive modifications. Hydra's genetic experimentation is evident; her cells have been tampered with at a molecular level, causing instability. This instability is forcing her body to leak energy uncontrollably."
Tony's jaw tightened. Hydra. They had left their mark on yet another life. "So, it's genetic?"
"Indeed," M.A.R.V.E.L. replied. "Her cellular bonds are weakened, destabilizing her energy field. Immediate containment is advised."
Tony crossed his arms, eyes on Anna. "A containment solution—what would work in this case?"
M.A.R.V.E.L. paused briefly. "A custom power dampener could help stabilize the leakage temporarily. I've generated the necessary specifications for optimal energy control."
Tony nodded, switching his attention to his lab's 3D printer and supply shelves. He selected a few materials—vibranium alloy, a few energy-conductive circuits, and specialized transistors. He began piecing together the dampener, each step requiring precise focus as he shaped the components. Within an hour, he'd crafted a compact, durable bracelet fitted with stabilizing circuitry. He held it up, examining the device carefully. It wasn't a permanent solution, but it would buy them time.
Turning back to Anna, Tony extended the dampener to her. "Here. Wear this on your wrist. It'll help keep things under control until we can work out a more permanent fix."
Anna looked up at him, relief mixing with apprehension. She slipped the bracelet on, and almost instantly, the energy crackling around her diminished. Her shoulders sagged, her breaths growing steadier. "Thank you, Tony. I thought…I thought I was going to lose control."
Tony gave her a reassuring nod. "You're not alone in this. We'll keep it under control, and I'll keep working on a solution."
He then turned to Wanda and Pietro. "How are you both holding up?"
Wanda exchanged a look with Pietro before replying. "We're okay. It's just…seeing Anna like that—it threw us off."
Pietro chimed in, his voice quiet but tense. "If Hydra's experiments can cause this…who knows what else they left behind in her?"
Tony nodded. "Trust me, I get it. Hydra has left scars on all of us. But whatever they did to Anna, we're going to find a way to fix it."
He moved down the line, checking on each of the mutants, making sure no one else showed signs of similar instability. Finally, he stepped back and took a deep breath. "Listen, I have to head out. There's a major operation coming up, and I need to be prepared."
The mutants gave him understanding nods, though Wanda stepped forward. "Thank you, Tony. For everything."
"You're welcome," he replied.
With that, he left the group and moved toward his private lab, located in the lower levels of the base. Once inside, he activated the high-security diagnostic systems and began running tests on himself.