I stride towards Watson Tower on foot, reflecting on the lengthy discussion I just had with Susan.
Convincing her not to accompany me on this upcoming mission was a challenge. I had to make her understand that this battle would likely be far more intense and violent than any she had faced before.
It has been more than two weeks since the Doom fight, and many things have changed since then. First of all, my superhero persona managed to avoid the limelight because the Fantastic Four had taken center stage as the heroes who dealt with the madman.
Thanks to Doom's electrical attacks and D.A.I.S.Y.'s intervention, there is hardly any footage of the battle. I permitted only a few images of the Fantastic Four in action and them aiding civilians, deliberately omitting any shots of myself.
This had inadvertently aided not only me but also Doom. It had dawned on me that there was scarcely any evidence to confirm that the masked man was Victor von Doom, the renowned CEO of von Doom Industries. Although the company is being shut down and the CEO is missing, someone would still needed concrete proof to throw accusations.
So in the end, the Fantastic Four and I decided to name it as a terrorist attack and keep it that way. Although I warned them that Doom had not died and would definitely come back, as my Bio-probe did not find anything beneath the Hudson River seabed.
Only Susan and Reed heeded my warnings, while Johnny and Ben maintained a dismissive attitude, believing it unlikely that Doom would return.
On the news, the Fantastic Four explained that the intruder was caught attempting to steal cutting-edge technology from the Baxter Building and had violently retaliated when confronted.
There were still many people present at the scene, so rumours and questions were flying around. Some people even coined the metal-masked man as Doom. People were also curious about the fifth member of the Fantastic Four, another masked man whose identity had not been disclosed.
Susan downplayed the incident in the news, describing the mysterious man as a passerby who had lent them a hand. She expressed gratitude for his assistance but noted that he had disappeared shortly after the fight without revealing his identity.
I pass the busy crowd of people who were making their way to their jobs and lives. This walk of mine was not just to observe people but to calm my own nerves. This upcoming mission was important, and I didn't want to mess it up.
I look up with a smile at the renovated Watson Tower, a new landmark of New York City.
The appearance of Watson Tower had undergone a complete transformation. For years, I had been planning changes, with teams working behind the scenes and even conducting construction on the tower for months. However, over the past two weeks, I accelerated their progress, culminating in the completion of the new tower.
It was also partially due to Penny's new invention of Microbots, which were a major help in construction. After I updated D.A.I.S.Y., she was able to help Penny tremendously in her project.
When Penny heard from Aunt May about the reconstruction of the Tower, she went straight to me, asking permission to test out her new gadget. From then on, she practically lived here for the last two weeks, even getting a sick leave from her school. Well, I was the biggest donor of her school, so she was able to get the leave easily.
According to me, the Microbots were already operational, but out of respect for Penny's decision, I agreed to keep them under wraps and continue testing for a few more months.
I reach the main entrance of Watson Tower and pass through all the automatic security checks, going inside towards the luxurious reception area.
Several people recognize me and offer cheerful good mornings, to which I respond in kind as I made my way to my personal elevator. There, I notice someone who appeared to be waiting for me.
"Good morning, Lucas," she greets, her smile warming the space between us.
"Morning, Kate," I return the greeting with equal warmth.
This was 'Kate,' the new head of the M&A department at Watson Ventures. She had been trying hard to get close to me for the past two weeks, and I knew why.
It is because Kate is just her alias; her real name is Sharon Carter, the great-niece of Peggy Carter and a S.H.I.E.L.D. spy.
In the future, she may also be known as Agent 13 and could even become the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., or she might turn evil and become an underground Powerbroker.
Anyways, she was nothing but trouble for me right now. I was not ready to get into the S.H.I.E.L.D. mess so soon. So, I have been trying to stay polite with her, not pushing her away but not letting her get too close either.
"Did you need something from me, Kate?" I ask with a smile as I pressed the elevator button.
"Actually, I wanted to go over the acquisition of von Doom Industries with you," Sharon mentions, stepping closer as the elevator arrives.
Looking at her cleavage from her deliberately opened buttons, I could definitely tell she was related to Peggy.
I mentally chastised myself for falling into the honeytrap and allowing her inside the company even after knowing she was a spy. But I have to admit that if she was not a spy, I would have devoured her whole already.
"Let's hear it," I invite, stepping into the elevator with her. "Your office is on the 49th floor, right?" I ask, as the first 50 floors were for corporate business, while the rest were for my current and future superhero endeavours.
"Yes," she confirms. I press the button and the elevator doors closes.
Sharon opens her files, sharing her progress. "I just want to confirm we are steering clear of their weapons division," she clarifies, handing me the papers.
I scan the documents briefly. If nothing else, she was a very competent employee, so I was not very worried. "The military has its eyes on that sector; it would be tough to snag it anyway, and frankly, it's not worth our effort," I hand back the files, adding a supportive nod. "You are doing great, Kate. Keep it up."
Her smile turns bashful. "Thank you, Lucas. Um, are you free for dinner this evening?"
Regrettably, I shake my head. "I am tied up for the next few days. How about next week?"
Her expression falls slightly. "Alright," she replies.
"Believe me, I would relish the chance to dine with someone as bright and lovely as you, but it's just chaotic right now. I promise it will be worth the wait," I assure her, stepping a bit closer to her face.
"Okay, umm, s-sure," Sharon stutters bashfully as her face turns red. I can tell that she is definitely not faking it.
'Ding'
Just then, the elevator doors opens at her floor, and she steps out quickly. "See you then, Lucas," she manages, more composed now.
"Absolutely," I reply as the doors close.
Sharon sighs in frustration, patting her forehead as she looks at the closed doors.
My phone rings just as the elevator starts going up. I pick it up.
"Yes, General Hale?" I ask into the phone.
"Is the operation still on?" a female voice sounds from the other side.
"Yes, it will be executed in just a few hours," I respond with a calm breath.
"I pray for your success, Lucas. I am sorry that the U.S. military cannot help you much," General Hale expresses regretfully.
"It's fine, don't worry, General. I have it under control; the operation will definitely be a success," I assure her confidently.
"That is good to hear. And about our deal?" General Hale asks with interest.
"Yes, it's still on," I reply with a hidden smile.
"Wonderful, then I will await patiently for your good news," General Hale remarks with a smile.
"Thank you, General," I conclude, cutting the call with a sigh.
That was General Hale, a high-ranking officer of the U.S. Air Force, but I was sighing because she was also a HYDRA leader. First S.H.I.E.L.D., then HYDRA; it feels like the days forward will not be so peaceful.
The elevator reaches the rooftop, and I am greeted by a beautiful, annoyed face.
"Bobbi, even if you try to persuade me, I am still going," I assert, looking at Bobbi, who is wearing a full combat suit.
"I know, but that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it," she retorts with an annoyed look.
"You don't want me to come, but you are okay with her tagging along?" I remark, pointing towards the girl standing beside Bobbi.
The girl is also wearing a full combat suit and is playing with her gun right now.
"If your mind was a supercomputer like our little Sage, then I wouldn't stop you either," Bobbi comments with a wry smile.
Indeed, this girl standing there confidently in her tight combat suit is Tessa, now known by everyone as Sage. Her transformation over the past 20 days is nothing short of astonishing. It is as if she is a sponge, effortlessly soaking up every bit of knowledge we offer her.
"Are you sure you want to come? These aren't the same terrorists who attacked your village, and things will get pretty bloody this time," I inquire seriously, looking Sage in the eyes.
"Yes, Boss. These abilities of mine, I want to make them of use to you!" Sage exclaims enthusiastically.
"You don't need to; you are just 16. You should go to school and have a normal, carefree life," I remark with a sigh.
"But that sounds so boring and so slow. I like these kinds of exciting things," she says with a wide smile as she twirls her gun in its holster.
I can't fathom the implications of possessing a computer-like mind. While I am undoubtedly a super genius, my brain operates within normal parameters. In contrast, Sage's brain constantly collects and processes data. She claims that since arriving here, absorbing vast knowledge across various subjects, her ability has only intensified.
"But there is no need for you to—" I start worriedly.
"Don't worry. She has aced this scenario in the VR training at least 10 times, each with perfect scores. She can even beat me sometimes now, so she will be fine. You should worry about yourself more," Bobbi states in annoyance.
We all walk up to the hangars while I ask Sage about her daily life in this new city.
The previous hangar could only accommodate one helicopter, but this expanded one can house multiple helicopters and Ghostwings.
Just as I reach the Ghostwing, I see a striking figure waiting for me there.
"Hello, you must be Mr. Watson. I am Silvija Sablinova, but you can call me Sable."