Chapter 136: Technology Upgrade
The name of the Homeland Advanced Mechanized Mobility Enhanced Response was established, and Osborne undertook many preparatory tasks.
For example, the issue of the base.
S.H.I.E.L.D. has built an aerospace aircraft carrier as a command base, and Harry also has to think carefully about the HAMMER's equipment.
If they are cruising in suborbital space, their position must be higher than the enemy; if they use Earth technology, then we must utilize all available alien technology.
In the Extraterrestrial Materials Research Center, Adrian's team is working diligently on their research.
There are many techniques worth learning from these Chitauri, and after several months of research, results have begun to take shape.
The most interesting aspect among them is the engine of the Leviathan spacecraft. These spacecraft, which look like whales, also fly like whales, creating a rather peculiar sight.
"After our research, we found that these biological spaceships use a completely different technology. First of all, their engines—I don't think they can even be classified as engines. Their design in this regard… their ideas differ significantly from ours. These 'great whales' have stance generators attached to their fins."
"These generated stances interact with surrounding entities to create momentum, resembling whales swimming in the ocean."
Phineas Mason explained to Harry the principles behind this stance generator.
After listening, Harry commented, "Advanced technology, but outdated design ideas."
In fact, not only the Chitauri, but most of the high-tech races in this world retain this mindset, and Wakanda is a prime example.
Harry wondered if their technology was all excavated from the earth, leading to a design that cannot escape the mentality of cold weapons.
Phineas continued to showcase his design.
Using this technology, Phineas designed a prototype of a repulsive thruster that generates a magnetic field, allowing it to fly on the Earth's surface without carrying a working medium.
However, as the geomagnetic field weakens, the repulsive force provided by each unit of energy gradually diminishes.
In the original work, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s upgraded space carrier seems to use this technology, and HAMMER can utilize this engine to design their own space carriers and fighter jets.
"Yes, I like this design. The HAMMER will need a Sky Command." Harry took note of the designs.
This stance generator may also be capable of other functions, such as energy shields and similar applications.
In addition to the engine, the materials used and the design of the Leviathan spacecraft are also worthy of scrutiny. Phineas employed the technology of the Alien Materials Research Institute to reverse-engineer these technologies. Among them, the bionic structure and the Chitauri neural connectors are quite comparable. Yes, they can be applied to exoskeleton design.
Phineas continued to introduce these alien technologies: "Then there are these armors. This composite material has a very good fit with living organisms."
"The ratio of these materials has already been determined, but to synthesize these materials, it is best to do so in a microgravity environment."
This is not surprising, as the Chitauri are actually a race wandering in space. From the movie, the place where Thanos resides does not resemble a location with normal gravity.
Harry nodded. They were also studying microgravity environment smelting. Osborn's prosthetics could be upgraded again, and the Abomination could also enhance his armor.
"Finally, there are these neural connectors. I don't understand how they transmit information. There are no signal generators or receivers on them. Most of them are designed to stimulate nerves."
The neural connector employs technology that even Phineas cannot comprehend.
But Harry understood it, because this connector did not use scientific means to connect the Chitauri into battle groups; rather, it operated through consciousness—very similar to psionic energy.
Picking up a replica of the neural connector, Harry said, "I'll take a look at this thing myself. Is there anything else?"
Phineas raised his hand and replied, "That's basically it. As for the weapon technology, I have already demonstrated high-energy lasers, plasma weapons, and Gauss weapons. That's it, boss."
These systems have been verified; the weapons have been approved by Frank, and the civilian equipment has also been validated through asteroid mining missions.
The equipment of the Chitauri is not considered advanced, and there are no more breakthrough technologies.
After contemplating, Harry decided to assign Phineas some work.
"Well done. Let's discuss the next task. I want you to design a heavy armor unit for battlefield use."
Phineas was momentarily stunned by this request. He thought to himself, why was he, merely a garbage collector, being directed to embark on the path of weapons design?
But Harry didn't concern himself with Phineas's reaction. According to the plot setting, he had this capability, and it would be a shame not to utilize it.
"Have you seen the news about the President's attack?" Harry activated the holographic projection.
"No," Phineas shook his head.
Harry was momentarily taken aback, thinking that Mr. Tinker was too dedicated to his job, having missed such significant news.
"...In short, Osborn now has the capability to airdrop soldiers from suborbital. I want to expand on this advantage and design a heavily armed unit that can be airdropped."
In fact, the disadvantage of lacking heavy firepower was also evident in the Battle of New York. To confront a Leviathan spacecraft, Frank's team required more than ten missiles. This consumption rate is insufficient for a protracted conflict.
However, if they were equipped with fire cover such as a high-power laser cannon or super plasma cannon, they could easily handle these Leviathan spacecraft.
Phineas raised his goggles and eagerly watched the videos displayed by Harry—these were first-hand combat recordings from the Battle of New York.
In past battlefields, tanks fulfilled this role. However, with the advancement of anti-tank weapons and air support, tanks have gradually become sitting ducks, having relatively high terrain requirements. These heavily armed units must possess all-terrain combat capabilities.
"...How about we design a humanoid robot? I like giant robots," Phineas suggested.
"Of course, if you think it's suitable. I only have a few requirements: carry heavy firepower, move quickly, possess rich functionalities, and operate in all terrains."
"It's not that difficult to accomplish. I'll go back and consider it."
Harry will be responsible for designing drones to cooperate with airborne troops and provide air support, as well as the development of energy shields—this part may require consultation with Dr. Otto.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is, at most, a group of agents stumbling around. Harry wants HAMMER to be able to deploy to any corner of the ground within a few hours, not just soldiers, but also heavy-armed units and air support.
After discussing with Phineas, Harry walked to another building in the Osborn campus, where Chitauri corpses were kept. Harry had never taken the time to study these specimens.
He was more interested in the Leviathan spacecraft than in the biological structures of the Chitauri, and now it was time to explore what these things could offer.
---
The huge Leviathan corpse lay in the center, and Harry had dissected it all over through the mechanical arms spread throughout the "morgue."
The Leviathan spacecraft is actually a biological weapon. The Chitauri control these behemoths through neural link devices, equipping them with weapons, armor, and engines, and using their bodies to provide energy.
This is a genetically engineered organism, and Lenin has extracted many of its cells for tissue culture.
Harry, who was wearing protective clothing, was constantly embedding implants into these tissues and organs to observe their reactions.
Through tissue culture, Harry could clearly see the growth process of this creature, which allowed him to further his understanding of the morphogenesis of alien creatures.
Now if he was given a living Leviathan, he could do the same thing as the Chitauri - control the beast.
The whole process was watched by Abomination that was kept aside - watching the huge creature being cut open bit by bit, and then regenerating organs one by one in the petri dish, this monster only felt a chill down its spine.
"Sergeant Blonsky, look, I'm pretty good to you. You can still think freely, but these behemoths can't."
As he spoke, Harry picked out a small chip from Leviathan's brain tissue.
"Do you know why I want you to see this?"
Abomination shook his head.
"Because I want you to know that if I transform you next time, it will be like this. Abomination is a monster, a biological weapon, and Osborn is confident in mastering this weapon."
After completing the last experiment, Harry pulled off his mask while approaching Abomination.
"However, Sergeant Blonsky still has some human rights, so I want to ask you a question:"
"Do you want to deeply strengthen yourself and become a more powerful Abomination, or do you want to go back to Emil Blonsky?"
As Harry finished speaking, the screen in front of Abomination played his life - birth, schooling, meeting his ex-wife Nadia, then getting married, serving in the Royal Marines, being recruited by Ross, and going to the War in Brazil. Meeting the Hulk for the first time, and then volunteering to be injected...
Abomination opened his mouth, because the neural implant adjusted his hormone levels, and coupled with this period of adaptation, he was able to think as a normal person.
These past events reminded him of what he had gained and what he had lost. Now it was time for him to think about what he really wanted.
"I...I want to be powerful...but I don't want to be an abomination. I want to be a powerful Emil Blonsky, but I'm not an Abomination!"
Blonsky's voice echoed through the lab.
The scene Harry prepared for Blonsky seemed to have had some impact on his brain, and he chose options that Harry didn't give him.
But what Harry was more interested in were the changes in his psychic abilities and level of consciousness - Sergeant Blonsky seemed to have overcome the battle rage lust brought to him by the gamma serum.
In the comics, Sergeant Blonsky was defeated again by the Hulk after killing Banner's wife Betty.
But when he thought Hulk was going to kill him, Banner and Hulk forgave Abomination. What was even more bizarre was that through Banner's forgiveness, Blonsky also woke up. He realized that he did not want to become Abomination-a rampant monster.
But in the end he was imprisoned by Ross and was killed by Ross after watching a movie of himself and his wife.
Perhaps this is fatalism. When Harry created a similar scene, Blonsky really woke up.
At this time the door to the laboratory opened.
The whole process was watched by Dr. Banner, Tony, and Ross. This was the promise Harry gave them.
Tony and Banner are "principled" scientists, and General Ross is also quite disgusted with this technology of neural implants controlling the human body, so they made some demands.
So Harry arranged this "treatment," but he didn't expect it to actually work.
"Ross? Banner?" Blonsky was completely confused.
"Blonsky," General Ross walked directly to Blonsky, "First of all, I want to apologize to you for the failure of the serum."
Blonsky sniffed and said: "Save it, Ross. And you, Hulk, are you here to see my joke?"
Ross continued: "I am here this time to extend an invitation to you on behalf of the H.A.M.M.E.R. - to join the Thunderbolts."
Blonsky has been locked up here for a long time. He doesn't know the H.A.M.M.E.R. or the Thunderbolts. He needs an explanation.
"Aliens have attacked New York, causing a lot of damage and casualties - more damage than you can cause. Mr. President has decided to set up a department specifically to deal with such incidents, and you, Blonsky, we need your help."
"Need a monster like this?" Blonsky sneered, "I don't think you are good people, are you?"
"That's why Dr. Banner is here."
Banner looked at Blonsky with such sympathy that he almost wanted to roar - this was the look he least wanted to see.
Banner said: "Sergeant Blonsky, I will do my best to help you. That serum should not be used on humans at all. It is defective."
The Hulk in Banner's body saw the abomination and had no intention of attacking him, and there was no riot.
While several people were communicating, Tony said to Harry from the side: "Have you studied psychoanalysis? Your method is quite useful. I have also been studying some situational therapy techniques recently."
Harry replied: "Then I suggest you stop studying. You can't surpass Osborn in medical technology."
"Funny joke."
Harry glanced at the Arc Reactor on Tony's body - because the plot had changed, Tony hadn't taken out the thing in his heart yet.
"Really? I am willing to provide you with heart shrapnel removal surgery. Believe me, we are the most professional."
If the operation fails, we can replace you with an artificial heart on-site and provide one-stop electric shock and pacing care.
"Ha, interesting, but I can take it out myself." Tony's expression was a little unnatural.
"Haha, so you just think this thing connects you and Mark Armor, right? I think you also need PTSD treatment."
Tony was silent - in fact, he had really thought about this matter.
On the other side, Blonsky nodded and agreed to Ross's invitation after learning in detail what had happened in the past few years when he was locked up.
The cell door that closed Blonsky slowly opened, and everyone became nervous, except for Harry, who was very confident in his design and perception. If Blonsky was hostile, Abomination would immediately kneel on the ground.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they watched Blonsky walk out of his cage with a stable mood.
"...You know what? I thought for a moment, I'd better take out the thing in my heart." Tony said suddenly.
"Okay, but didn't you come here today to experiment with your Hulkbuster armor?"
The dome of the giant building slowly opened.
"Deploy your equipment."
-----------
Chapter 138 Veronica
The Hulkbuster Armor was jointly developed by Dr. Banner and Tony Stark as a specialized suit used to restrain the Rampaging Hulk.
The whole project is called the Veronica System.
Hulk's strength is over 100 tons, and it can even continue to increase as his anger grows. There are almost no metals on Earth that can withstand this kind of power, except for vibranium.
Under harry's advice.
So one of Veronica's countermeasures is to drop a Vibranium coated cage from the air to trap the Hulk inside.
There is a flaw in this method, however: Hulk can escape the cage by punching through the ground.
So the two designed a more flexible response method, the Hulkbuster Armor.
This armor is usually on the Stark Industries satellite, and when needed, it is deployed to the location where the Hulk loses control.
A meteor fell from the sky, and finally, Veronica stopped on top of Osborne's Fortress.
Pieces of armor covered Tony's suit, eventually forming a large mecha that was as big as the Abomination.
This modular design makes it easy to quickly replace and repair the armor when it is damaged, allowing Tony to withstand the ravages of Hulk's abnormal endurance.
"Blonsky, I adjusted the neural implant mode. Now you can fight calmly. Now beat up this red tin can," Harry shouted toward the trial venue.
Hearing this, Blonsky stared at Tony and twisted his neck, and the bone spurs on his back grew longer.
Tony swallowed. "This battle is completely safe, right?"
"Well, I can only guarantee that he will stop when you shout to stop - Blonsky, can you hear me? I shouldn't need to use scientific methods to make you stop, right?"
"...unnecessary."
"Then, the test is about to begin. 3, 2, 1--start!"
Bang bang bang!
Several vibranium plates suddenly landed, stopping the forward Blonsky. The inside of the cage was rich in powerful electric currents, which slowed his movements, and then the entire cage wrapped the Abomination inside.
Boom! A heavy muffled sound came from inside, and hundreds of tons of punching force could not deform the cage even a little bit.
"It looks like the system is successful--"
Before Tony finished speaking, the entire ground sank. Blonsky was not the Hulk, so he immediately found a breakthrough.
Before taking action, he asked Harry if he could break through from the ground - it seemed that the sergeant had already entered the role.
The Abomination that broke free suddenly came in front of Tony. Now it was time to test his fist strength!
Hundreds of tons of hedging aroused terrible wind pressure. Tony wanted to use methods to remove the impact and lift Blonsky. However, Blonsky was not the Hulk. He knew the skills of fighting!
Blonsky jumped up, grabbing the left hand of the armor, and violently tore off most of the Hulkbuster Armor's arm.
Tony thought that this armor might be fragile when facing an opponent of Hulk's size, but he didn't expect it to be so fragile!
"Veronica, give me a hand."
Blonsky was unyielding and rushed straight toward Tony!
"Okay, plan B." Tony's remaining hand came forward, then deformed, trapping Blonsky's hand inside, and completed the assembly with the other hand.
The mecha's huge thrusters started quickly, and Plan B was to temporarily take the Hulk away from the fighting location - such as a densely populated urban area.
However, Blonsky is not the Hulk. Just because one hand is trapped doesn't mean that he will focus on the caught hand. He adjusts his posture and kicks his feet violently on the belly of the Hulkbuster Armor with huge force. This arm cracked.
Tony could only take out one arm to hammer Blonsky, but with the experience of being caught with one hand, Blonsky would of course not fight Tony again, but firmly grasped his wrist.
Now the situation has changed. Tony locked his right hand with Blonsky. Blonsky grabbed Tony's left hand and took this opportunity to kick Tony hard, completely getting rid of this state.
Boom!
Tony completed the reorganization of the Hulkbuster Armor in the sky, and Abomination was looking for opportunities on the ground.
This time the battle situation returned to the starting point, but in terms of wear and tear, Tony had already used tens of millions of dollars in equipment, but it was obvious that Abomination could still fight for a few more days.
"I think the battle is over," Harry's voice sounded.
"What? I mean the battle has just begun," Tony said unconvinced.
"It's over, and it's actually not appropriate to ask Blonsky for testing. Hulk's thinking is closer to that of a child, but Blonsky is a warrior. Your little tricks don't mean much to him, and this is my territory. If you continue to fight, I will lose money."
Blonsky sniffed. Although he still wanted to fight to vent, he was now a soldier again.
A soldier must obey orders, and subconsciously he was afraid of Harry.
Banner also said on the side: "Okay, Tony, the data is enough."
The combat data of an opponent of the same magnitude as the Hulk is very valuable, and the power of the Abomination is higher than that of the normal Hulk, which is enough for them to go back and improve the armor.
"Okay. Thanks for your cooperation, Blonsky." Tony had to give up.
Ross was shocked on the sidelines, not because of the spectacular scene, but because he always thought that Stark's armor was a joke in the face of such power. But the reality is that the Hulkbuster Armor does have a hand.
"How much does this kind of armor cost?" Ross asked instinctively.
"Stark won't sell this thing, Ross. It's better to think of something else." Harry shrugged. "Dr. Banner, the medical treatment of Sergeant Blonsky will be left to you."
At this time, Blonsky suddenly asked: "But isn't it because you want me to join the Thunderbolts because of what I look like? If I change back, wouldn't it be a bad thing for you?"
Harry smiled. "Your combat power is indeed valuable, but it does not mean that this power is indispensable."
Not to mention whether Blonsky can change back, the various research materials obtained from Abomination are enough to pay for it.
Harry invited Blonsky because he wanted to form a monster army, and the Abomination's performance in combat allowed him to evaluate the feasibility of the idea.
It would be best if Blonsky could be as big and small as Banner, but if he became an ordinary person, it would not affect the development of the Thunderbolts.
"I understand. So who are my teammates?"
"There are only three at the moment: you, Frank Castle, and Alex Murphy - but he may drop out."
Compared with the Avengers, the current Thunderbolts can be said to have a pitiful number of people. However, unlike the Avengers, each Thunderbolt will lead a team of his own.
Hearing this, everyone looked at Harry, finding him a little strange.
Harry asked: "...Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Aren't you a member of the Thunderbolts?" Tony asked curiously.
"I'm a consultant, Tony. Do you understand what a consultant means?"
Now it was Tony's turn to feel unsure: He was also a consultant, why did he have to go and get beaten himself?
---
Chapter 139: Biocomputer Technology
Tony was not very satisfied with the result of the tie, but Blonsky was not complete either.
Harry designed a set of neural armor for Blonsky alone. Because many inhumane and controversial technical methods were used during the neural implantation of Blonsky, this suit of armor was completely linked to his body.
The internal design is based on the bio-energy arms of the Winter Soldier. Blonsky's activities will accumulate strength and charge the armor, suppressing his abnormal desires.
Compared to Hulk's unlimited potential in strength, the advantage of a sober Blonsky is that he can use various weapons designed by Osborne. He is now a soldier, and soldiers have logistical support.
Pieces of armor were installed on Blonsky's body, and now he looked like some kind of mythical war beast.
"...The design of this armor looks inhumane," Tony commented on the sidelines, and this statement was recognized by Banner.
Harry was noncommittal: "Neural link armor is an upgraded version of force feedback armor. From a technical point of view, this armor is much better than the force feedback mode of Mark armor."
Osborne has better conditions to study this technology, so he naturally wants to try it.
The research on Blonsky is of great significance. As a special individual who is both a human and a monster, he has provided a lot of priceless data for neural connection technology.
"So, Mr. Blonsky earned his pay, it was a deal," Harry said.
"Hmph, but I don't have much choice," Blonsky sniffed.
"Do you need me to remind you that the people you killed didn't have a choice?"
Everyone looked at each other and stopped worrying about this topic.
"Blonsky, the rest of the time is up to you - you have half an hour to talk to your ex-wife today, and you can use the armor to communicate when needed," Harry said.
There is a combat AI inside the armor, which also has surveillance implications.
Harry turned his chair around, now wanting to talk to Tony about something else.
With a wave of his hand, Harry took T-Bone in:
"Good afternoon, boss."
He wanted to talk about the ctOS upgrade.
"More than 40 states and more than 70 cities have agreed to introduce ctOS. We need to upgrade our software, T-Bone, show your results."
T-Bone nodded, and an oversized city model appeared in the room. This was New York.
Above the model, the data structure of ctOS is displayed, a giant cuboid that is constantly moving and composed of countless small squares.
They target anyone in the city as needed.
Cities are colored in various colors based on the current likelihood of crime in the area, and the modified Bellweather system can find almost any potential criminal.
"So you really did it, predicting crimes," Tony nodded in praise.
If you give him enough data, there is no doubt that Stark also has the ability to do this, but this resource is now in Harry's hands.
Harry said:
"But it's not a once and for all solution. To deal with these potential criminals, it's impossible to send them directly to a mental hospital or prison. So as the next step, I have persuaded the mayor of New York to establish a 'Department of Crime Prevention and Solutions.'
Through financial assistance and employment assistance, we can humanely solve the problems of these high-risk groups."
Hearing this, Tony had a bit of surprise on his face: to be honest, he hadn't thought so far. In his mind, he could just catch the criminal.
As to why the crime was committed, that never seemed to come into consideration.
In this regard, Harry continued to explain: "If they are criminals who have committed crimes, there will be no problem in arresting them, but if measures are taken just because of data predictions...
Have you read the novel '1984'?"
Tony shook his head: "No, but I can read it now. Jarvis, help me find this book."
The author of the novel constructed an extremely repressive future society. The rulers used similar means to monitor everyone, control their thoughts, and invented a crime—'thought crime.'
In other words, as long as you have the idea of breaking the law, you are a criminal.
A large-scale control system like ctOS is fully capable of making this fantasy a reality.
Under Jarvis's explanation, Tony clenched his chin and said, "I understand what you mean, but I have to say that you would notice this kind of problem, which is beyond my expectation."
Of course it will surprise you - you and Captain America are two diodes in this regard.
Harry said: "I am a businessman, but I want to make the business last as long as possible, you know?
So what about the next part, your super AI model?"
Tony smiled confidently, and a model with ravines like a brain appeared in the room. At its core was a luminous body wrapped in data.
"I copied part of the matrix from Jarvis as the starting matrix—I believe this thing can have the effect of forming a personality. I also believe that no AI with a 'personality' like Jarvis is suitable for processing this network."
"The only question is where do we put it? Traditional computers are very inefficient when running this AI, far from what I expected."
After Tony finished speaking, he looked at Harry. It was time for Harry to come up with a solution or direction.
Harry also waved his hand, and a piece of information appeared in front of them.
"...I found this from AIM's research materials, a project called MODOK."
"Some scientists at AIM believe that through biological enhancement technologies such as the Extremis virus, they can transform a person into a living biological computer, which is 10 times faster than a traditional computer."
"But what they put forward was just a hypothesis, and I followed their ideas and completed the rest of the theoretical research."
The computing principle of biological computers is to use biological chips composed of protein molecules to replace semiconductor chips, use organic compounds to store data, and use changes in single and double chains of protein molecules to perform calculations, which is quite powerful.
Both Tony and T-Bone understood the concept of biocomputers, and therefore the shortcomings of such technology.
That is they have a hard time extracting information from it.
"...I won't say much about the biological computer, you all know it. And we don't need to extract information. This AI will automatically complete the calculation and then automatically issue instructions. We are just looking for a carrier for it.
As for how it works internally..."
Tony took the initiative to answer: "It is as difficult to quantify as human consciousness."
The two looked at each other: This was like a design—they seemed to be really going to create life in reverse.
After reading Harry's supplement to the MODOK project, Tony patted Harry on the shoulder: "You really look like a genius child now."
Harry said helplessly: "What a bad joke, Tony."
Chapter 132: Felicia Hardy
"You know, we just completed a biological science experiment."
"So I'm still a scientist now?"
Hurley's upper body was pressed against Harry's chest, and his silky hair felt incredibly smooth.
In addition to serving as a conference room, the entire space is completely Harry's personal area, featuring a luxurious bathroom, a large bed, and a kitchen. In a space station where land is at a premium, this 200-square-meter space is quite luxurious.
This is a three-story house, with two floors below.
"There is one last step to this space journey," Harry said suddenly.
"What is it?"
Harry turned on the projection, and a black man with one eye appeared on the screen. Hurley abruptly pulled the quilt on and looked at Harry with a mix of shame and anger.
Harry spread his hands and said, "This is just a video. I asked him to record it in advance."
"Congratulations, Osborn. I think you have now become a super pioneer of mankind in the space age," Fury said expressionlessly.
Ignoring Hurley's confused expression, Harry motioned to continue watching.
"As both an affiliated organization of the United Nations, I am here to announce a personnel transfer."
"Huh?" Hurley's eyes reflected a complicated mixture of emotions, suggesting one thing: Harry had known who she was working for all along.
But on the other hand, this sentence also indicated something that surprised her tremendously.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. non-staff informant Felicia Hardy will be transferred to the United Nations Department of Space Resources Development as a personal assistant to consultant Harry Osborn with immediate effect."
"Congratulations to you too, Ms. Hardy."
When the video ended, Felicia hugged Harry joyfully. The two large lumps of softness made Harry feel quite comfortable—he was also very happy to have resolved this issue.
However, he was also a bit dazed because the name felt very familiar.
Obviously, this surprise shocked Felicia. "You knew this all along. Why didn't you drive me away?"
"There are a lot of jobs in the world, and Osborn has all types of positions available. But of course, I know that's not what you want to hear." Harry gently stroked Felicia's hair.
"You are like the sun I see when I wake up every morning—sometimes there are dark clouds, rainy days, or whatever, but you are always there in my life. I don't like this situation changing. If you let me go or get rid of me, you'll make me feel incompetent."
"You've said so much. Can't you reduce it to three words?" Felicia whispered in Harry's ear.
Harry smiled: "I love you, Felicia."
"Even though my purpose in approaching you wasn't pure from the start?"
But what is pure? Harry felt that life in this world wasn't solely about being restrained and regulated—some things verbally, some written, some enforced through violence, and some instilled through morality.
His relationship with Felicia started with a thin contract, which she followed very well, and then, coupled with the influence of habit, this grew into an emotion between them.
Impure perhaps, but Harry was content with that.
Both the psychic abilities and the paper contract proved that Felicia shared the same feelings for him, and that was enough.
Harry curled her hair around his fingertips. "Even a newborn child may not be 'innocent.' That doesn't mean anything. What's important is that, like I said, you are already a part of my life, and I don't want to change that, do you?"
Felicia still wore an incredible smile on her face and lay back on the bed as if she were relieved.
She gazed at the ceiling and murmured, "When I first saw you, I felt there was the same fear in your eyes as in mine. I was curious—what are you, a rich second generation, afraid of?"
Harry smiled and said nothing.
"But it doesn't matter what you're afraid of. I watched you save Osborn, and I saw you become a hero, rushing into the wormhole and overcoming fear. I like that." Felicia's green pupils sparkled, as beautiful as emeralds.
Their lips met again, and the second round began.
In fact, Fury had provided Harry with some information about Felicia before today, right after the Battle of New York.
But Harry never opened it due to a strange sense of ritual in his heart, which left him somewhat dazed.
And Felicia Hardy is a very famous character, known as Black Cat, in the original works.
The information showed that Felicia's life before college aligned closely with the comics. Her father was the notorious thief, Black Cat, but he was arrested and imprisoned.
After being incarcerated, she began to pursue perfection under her father's guidance, but her life trajectory shifted after entering college.
In the *Amazing Spider-Man* movie, she would have joined Osborn as the CEO's assistant, but there was a small episode here.
At that time, Norman's military aircraft project and human enhancement research were just starting, and Nick Fury believed it was necessary to conduct certain observations on Osborn.
S.H.I.E.L.D. required Felicia to monitor Osborn internally on the condition of her father's sentence commutation. To avoid complications, they arranged a false identity for her and applied for a scholarship from the Osborn Group on her behalf.
So, unlike the *Amazing Spider-Man* movie, Felicia used a false identity to infiltrate Osborn, and then exchanged some information about him for a reduced sentence for her father.
The assault by her boyfriend did not occur in the comics, as she had been a non-staff informant for S.H.I.E.L.D. since college.
"...So why do you look a little different from agent profile pic?" Harry wondered aloud.
"Well, this is S.H.I.E.L.D.'s assessment of you. They thought you are a very cautious and vigilant guy , especially in choosing people close to you , so they prepared this for me."
With that, Felicia peeled off a thin optical mask from her face, revealing her true appearance.
"..." Harry now felt this was all too real, another plot change that had occurred without his knowledge. "So your father is the famous thief, Black Cat?"
"Yes, would you mind?" Felicia's voice was a little uncertain because she had seen how Harry dealt with criminals.
"Well... since he has served his sentence, as long as he can wash his hands of crime." Harry didn't want his father-in-law to continue stealing after his release, only to be caught again and threaten him.
Besides, how can stealing be as quick as doing business?
After some thought, Harry said, "Now that you have officially been transferred here, I plan to relocate your father to another place."
Osborn could build a mansion, hire staff, and then apply to the federal government to qualify as a prison, claiming it was a correctional facility, and then take over Walter Hardy.
"...Build a separate prison for my father?" Felicia's expression was quite peculiar. "This..."
"Let's do it like this. It won't cost much to construct a small-scale prison. Your father's sentence is still long. You don't want to see him suffer in prison, do you? We will apply for parole for him after a while."
Generally speaking, most private prisons are built for federal subsidies, but right now, Osborn truly doesn't lack money—he doesn't even care about it.
Without S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intervention, this matter would be easy to handle.
"Now... let's get back to enjoying our vacation."
The sun's rays streamed into the space station, making Harry's room feel quite bright. It was exhilarating to play in such an ultra-exposed environment.
The seven-day holiday still felt long; maybe this was paradise.
...
The next day, the headlines were all about Osborn:
"The United Nations established the Space Resources Development Agency, with Harry Osborn as advisor, to develop the resources of outer space for peaceful purposes."
"Osborn Group has obtained multinational certification and has become the first certified space resource development pioneer in the new era. This certification means that all major countries in the world recognize and support all of Osborn's mining activities in space."
"Osborn is a pioneer in our World!"
---
Chapter 133: Chief Justice Matt
On the ground, Norman immediately began appointing and dismissing the team after taking office.
General Ross serves as Secretary of State, and the Chief Justice nominates Matt Murdock. This is a standard procedure. Generally speaking, such proposals are expected to be approved and only need to go through the final process.
If Congress agrees to the presidential nomination, Matt will successfully take office.
The current President of the Senate, Mr. Vice President, is still the same individual who colluded with AIM. The day after the inauguration, Norman led his team to arrest him—the evidence is conclusive. He secretly funded the research on the Extremis virus and facilitated Killian's Terrorist attacks.
This arrest left members of both parties confused—they were not fully aware of the Vice President's involvement in this matter, and those who knew the details were unable to speak out about it. Thus, after Killian's arrest, this man who was destined to step down as Vice President was still elected as Vice President by both parties...
As a result, he was arrested on the second day after taking office.
Now public opinion has erupted again: the two parties actually elected a Terrorist as Vice President!
Congress exchanged glances and stamped its seal on Norman's appointment of Chief Justice.
Chief Justice Matt Murdock faced a major case as soon as he took office. The Vice President funded Terrorist elements to carry out attacks in the country, funded illegal biotechnology research, and committed a series of more than 30 crimes.
Killian confessed about the Vice President, and the Vice President revealed a series of sponsors and planners. As the investigation progressed, Norman arrested dozens of involved officials, and some of these officials mysteriously died.
"Miguel Foer, do you admit that you provided various forms of assistance to Aldrich Killian in the multiple Terror attacks he planned, including the attack on current President Norman Osborn?"
Matt sat at the head of the court, judging these individuals one by one.
As the Vice President with the highest power and status in the incident, he was the easiest to persuade. He had already signed an agreement that would allow his daughter to get back on her feet: using Osborn's technology.
"I acknowledge that in addition, over 40 officials assisted me in facilitating Killian's team during this event." Foer resigned himself to his fate.
Killian's expression on the other side was a bit dull—not because he was shocked by Foer, but because he had super resilience and had participated in numerous human experiments during this period, suffering some mental damage.
However, he still had the ability to plead guilty, so he trembled as he admitted Foer's statement and added:
"...In addition, we did not kill the accountant of Roxon Company. Roxon also provided assistance to us during the attack on Osborn."
As soon as these words were uttered, it caused an uproar.
Matt, sitting in the judge's chair, said: "Do you have any evidence that Roxon Oil was involved in this incident?"
"...No."
Matt frowned. He had a unique method of determining whether what the other party said was true, so he knew that Killian was not lying. Roxon participated in the attack, but Killian, the co-conspirator, had no further evidence.
Harry in the gallery shrugged, indicating that he had nothing to do with this matter. The key witnesses had been dealt with by Roxon, and the same was true for the physical evidence. The scattered evidence could not be connected at all.
Such behavior can be seen as Roxon's severing of a strong man's arm—although it is impossible to convict Roxon, it does not mean that their pawn cannot be dealt with.
After repeated questioning, Matt banged the gavel.
A large number of those involved were sentenced to life imprisonment, including former Vice President Foer and Killian. However, Killian and other desperate soldiers will be imprisoned in Osborn's Blackgate Prison.
"Congratulations, Chief Justice Murdock! How does it feel to try these criminals with your own hands?" After the trial, Harry took the initiative to congratulate Matt.
"Well, it's not bad, but I'm more concerned about what's happening with Roxon Company." Matt smiled and shook Harry's hand.
Without Osborn, he would probably still be struggling in Hell's Kitchen right now.
Moreover, Osborn has indeed never done anything outrageous, and the two parties have cooperated happily.
Harry said: "Roxon Company's influence here is deeply rooted, and it is not easy to catch them."
"Then we should keep an even closer eye on them. They can manipulate the official system to assassinate the president. If they fail, they won't even be able to secure evidence. Their reach is too extensive."
Harry nodded in deep understanding. In his opinion, Roxon Company was indeed difficult to deal with. In the comics, they even sued Thor and mined Asgard. In short, they wielded significant power.
But in this world, their development is coming to an end.
If he thought about it, there were indeed issues that Matt should pay attention to.
"...If you are truly interested, I have heard something about Roxon that you can check out." Harry said, "In '07, there was a massive explosion on the Roxon drilling platform in New Orleans. The claim was that the person in charge acted improperly and neglected their duties, and the responsibility had nothing to do with Roxon."
"But I have investigated some information regarding the explosion, and many details are incomplete. The sentencing and conviction are also suspicious: they stated the person in charge neglected their duties, but that individual happened to be nearby on the night of the accident—taking their daughter with them."
Matt also sensed something was wrong upon hearing this.
A person who neglects their duties will naturally not care about their work. If he is not proud of his job, how could he let his daughter get close to drilling equipment that is dirty or even poses safety hazards?
"When you say that, it reminds me of the case Killian confessed to." Matt said, stroking his chin.
The case Killian mentioned involved the dumping of crude oil by Roxon in Pensacola two years ago.
After investigation, Matt confirmed it was indeed true and that President Ellis played a significant role in this matter.
So was the explosion in New Orleans related as well?
Harry patted Matt on the shoulder: "In short, whether from a business competition perspective or national security, I hope you can pay attention to Roxon, and my father will be happy to assist you."
"But before that, there's another case that needs your review." Harry pulled out a paper document and a hard drive.
"The CIA has done numerous disgraceful things abroad in recent years, most of which are linked to the Rollins family."
Matt touched the braille on the materials, his expression not looking very good.
Although he has become a powerful Chief Justice, Matt still harbors hatred for evil and is currently in a bad mood.
Matt said: "The CIA will not cooperate with my investigation."
"They will. Director Marian has agreed. Even if she doesn't, the President will order her to comply. It's up to you to handle this matter well."
"What? I thought you were going to ask me to make the case a closed trial..." Matt was taken aback.
Harry smiled and said: "Of course, this will be a public trial. The CIA and NSA must position themselves correctly—democracy and the rule of law, Your Excellency the Chief Justice."
Over the past few weeks, Norman's officials have arrested a significant number of officials, and the American people eagerly await to see who will be arrested next.
---
Chapter 134: H.A.M.M.E.R.
In just a few weeks after Norman came to power, a large number of high-ranking officials were sent to prison. After seeing the evidence of their crimes, civilians across the United States applauded. Norman seemed to have truly fulfilled his promise: putting power in the hands of American civilians.
The public trial of senior CIA officials left foreign powers scratching their heads. Among them, political families like the Rollings family should be reunited in prison next Christmas.
In a holding cell, William Rollins meets a former acquaintance of his: Frank Castle.
"Agent Orange, long time no see. I didn't expect you."
"So this is what you wanted? Send everyone to jail? Castle, you are such a bastard." William looked ferocious and lost his power. He was as manic as if he were experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Frank didn't take it easy on him and knocked him to the ground with one punch.
"Yes, that's what I want. Take away what you got through dirty means. What do you have left?" Grabbing William by the collar, Frank wanted to blind this guy's other eye.
"Haha, then tell me, why don't you go to jail? Do you think you're clean?" William sprayed blood on Frank's face.
At that moment, Harry pushed open the door and walked in.
"Because Frank Castle has been taken to jail, and here is another Frank Castle." Harry glanced at the bald head and handed Frank a document.
"The identity of Frank Castle is history. Your family and friends are all finished with their new identities, except for your brother Billy Russell, who owns a military contracting company."
Hearing this, William Rollins laughed loudly: "Billy Russell? You are such a fool, Castle. He has been with me from the beginning to the end!"
"Who do you think gave him the first money when he returned to US? You idiot!"
Frank heard this and punched Rollins to the ground, then raised his head and looked at Harry.
Harry said, "Well... I suggest you investigate it yourself. After all, this is your private matter."
He had no interest in intervening in the private affairs between the two brothers. Even if Russell becomes the villain Jigsaw, he is just a mental patient and cannot make any waves.
In the White House, Norman was working on documents at his desk.
There were footsteps outside the door, and CIA Director Marianne and NSA Director Lafite were led by office staff to his desk.
Norman raised his head.
"Ms. Marianne, Mr. Lafite, I'm glad you are here today. Please take a seat. I have another document that needs to be signed. Please wait a moment."
The two looked at each other and sat in the chairs that had been prepared for them.
"How are you two working recently? I know you have encountered many difficulties, such as the NSA's Prism program and the exposure of CIA agents using illegal means to work abroad."
Norman flipped through the papers, shaking his head as he spoke.
Rafit and Marianne probably knew what the president wanted to talk about.
Snapped.
Norman signed the document and put it aside.
"I want to say, what have we been doing for so many years? Monitoring our citizens and allies, even producing addictive drugs at home, putting them in the stomachs of dead soldiers, selling them abroad, and then conducting secret operations?"
"Don't you know anything about aliens? Even if you don't talk about aliens, aren't you even a little vigilant about AIM and Roxon?"
Norman's words made the two high-ranking officials unable to hold their heads up.
There is no way. The NSA is affiliated with the Department of Defense, which is an administrative agency and is under Norman's control. Although the CIA is highly independent, it is still responsible to the president. Moreover, this was the purpose of their establishment from the beginning—to help the president make decisions.
It's just that after the Cold War, there were many more tasks—such as conducting subversive operations abroad.
After the Cold War, the United States seized the opportunity to become an intelligence power. However, the divisions between various intelligence agencies are not clear, and the relationships between them are quite subtle.
There are a total of more than a dozen intelligence agencies in the United States, all of which are nominally managed by the Director of National Intelligence, but in actual operations, they are usually run independently, especially the CIA.
With the support of Osborne Company, Norman can certainly continue to instigate war and make enough money for his son and family.
But war is obviously harmful to national development, and the only people who benefit are those members of the military-industrial complex.
Harry doesn't want to make this money, so foreign strategy must change.
With Osborne's technology, resources, and energy conditions have changed; it no longer makes sense to grab these things. If you want to grab them, you have to grab them in outer space. Resource monopoly will be difficult to achieve in the future. The key is technology and humanities.
So the CIA must be reorganized. This agency is really notorious.
Then Norman spoke.
"I want to reorganize the CIA. Hostile actions against other countries must end. Times have changed."
Marianne jumped up immediately: "No, Mr. President, the existence of the CIA is necessary. We..."
However, under Norman's gaze, she felt that she had lost all her confidence and got stuck mid-sentence.
Norman held his chin with his hands and said, "No matter from any angle, the existence of the CIA has brought shame to this country. I have signed the relevant administrative decrees. The CIA will complete the reorganization with the help of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence."
"The CIA's mission is over, Director Marianne."
Facing Norman's sentence, Marianne opened her mouth.
What she cared about most was the CIA, and for this reason, she could even make up the statement: "In order for the vast majority of Americans to sleep well, they must do these dirty things" to comfort herself.
But when Norman said it was over in an understated manner, she felt as if her life had been denied.
Like a piece of used paper being gently thrown to the ground.
Seeing her appearance, Norman smiled and continued:
"But thank you for your loyalty to the United States for so many years. Although the CIA is gone, there is another organization that needs you, Ms. Marianne."
Hearing this, Marianne's eyes regained their luster.
Norman continued: "I plan to establish a department dedicated to outer space affairs, and you will be integrated into this department to collect intelligence on extraterrestrial matters."
"Outer space?" Marianne was stunned. She could be said to be familiar with asking her to go to foreign countries to obtain intelligence, but aliens?
"Yes, take a broader view. Obviously, those guys called SHIELD have a lot of this information, but they have never made it public. You can start from them."
At this point, Marianne also understood what it meant.
Just let her get information from SHIELD first.
"Then Mr. Lafite, I hope you can declassify the relevant details of the Prism Project."
Now it was Lafite's turn to be confused—although the Prism Project has been exposed, it has not stopped. Does decrypting this plan mean that it is abandoned?
The Prism Project seems illegal, but in fact, its within the framework of the Patriot Act, it is not a clear violation of the law. Moreover, according to opinion polls, although a large number of people oppose the official collection of ordinary people's phone records, more people think this plan is necessary.
"We canceled the Prism Project and promoted ctOS," Norman said. "Use ctOS to replace eavesdropping and build a transparent information network nationwide to prevent Terrorist attacks and crimes."
In fact, it is to change eavesdropping into blatant surveillance and then narrow the scope to the United States, and no longer rely on the products of multinational companies to eavesdrop on foreigners and forces.
The cancellation of the Prism Project is the voice of the people, as is the prevention of Terrorist attacks and the reduction of crime rates.
Lafite thought for a moment and roughly understood what Norman meant.
He hesitated and asked, "But this will cause us to lose our advantage in intelligence, which may not be a good thing for the country."
Norman handed all the documents to be issued to his secretary, and then answered his questions:
"The battles between countries no longer matter, Controller Lafite. You will see this soon, and it all depends on how far we can go from here."
Seeing that the meeting was about to end, Marianne suddenly thought of a Question.
"Mr. President, you said that I would be responsible for the intelligence work of a department. What is the name of this newly established department?"
Norman smiled and said: "Homeland Advanced Mechanised Mobility Enhanced Response"
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