In the end, the military agreed to purchase ten Iron Overlord suits, outfitting them with the most advanced weaponry they had access to. They hoped to acquire Mr. Fantastic Reed's remarkable weapon, but when they reached out, Reed informed them that the device had been destroyed in the battle against Elder Centipede due to overload, and he couldn't replicate it. The military harbored doubts, suspecting Reed might be withholding it. But with the Fantastic Four currently being celebrated heroes, there was little they could do.
Following a recent interview, Tony Stark declared he was more than a mere "iron man" — he was Iron Man! Yet despite his fame, Tony felt frustration, since the Iron Overlords, which anyone could pilot if qualified, overshadowed the uniqueness of his suit. Determined to surpass the competition, Tony swore to build a suit far beyond anything Zod had produced.
While Tony grappled with his ambitions, Zod felt a sense of relief. With Elder Centipede defeated, it seemed the Marvel universe could withstand even powerful threats. This allowed Zod to focus on creating stronger challenges, maintaining the heroes' vigilance and readiness for the day the Chitauri would invade.
At Uld's apartment, Zod sat on her sofa, finding himself in the unfamiliar setting of a woman's home. In his previous life on Krypton, while he had held a high rank as both a scientist and a leader, Kryptonian relationships were intellectual and emotion-driven, with little emphasis on the physical.
Uld, busy in the kitchen, exuded a natural charm that Zod found captivating. Her elegant beauty and confident demeanor had an intoxicating effect on him, recalling the allure of Venus itself.
"Dinner's ready!" she called, her eyes bright as she served an assortment of dishes. She had studied cooking ever since learning of Zod's interest in it and was thrilled to have him as her guest.
"This is braised pork, sweet and sour pork, and West Lake fish in vinegar…" Uld proudly presented her creations.
"Why are they all sweet and sour?" Zod asked, amused.
"I think it's delicious!" she replied with a grin.
Zod sampled the meal, smiling as he appreciated the flavors despite the sweetness. They toasted with wine, and though Zod rarely drank, he made an exception for this special occasion.
After dinner, Uld invited Zod to freshen up, and though his electromagnetic abilities kept him pristine, he accepted out of courtesy. When he emerged, he found Uld waiting for him, bathed in moonlight that outlined her graceful form. Her silk robe lightly draped over her shoulders, hinting at her figure beneath.
The primal part of Zod's nature, usually held at bay, began to stir as he approached her. Moving closer, he could feel her tremble slightly, her face flushed with anticipation. Without further hesitation, they came together, letting go of rationality and giving in to the moment.
The next morning, Uld awoke to find Zod gone. She gazed at the empty space beside her with a mix of affection and amusement, knowing how disciplined her boss was. While she had hoped for a leisurely morning in his arms, Zod's early-rising nature had sent him off to work before she awoke.
Feeling a pleasant ache as she got up, Uld was grateful for her regular yoga practice, which had prepared her for last night's "marathon." She ventured to the kitchen to find a steaming breakfast waiting, along with a small note:
"I didn't want to wake you — enjoy breakfast while it's hot."
A warm smile spread across Uld's face as she read it, savoring the sweetness of his thoughtfulness.
Meanwhile, Zod reviewed data provided by the Black Queen, who had flagged two promising individuals in the transhuman archives: the White Queen, Emma Frost, and her sister, Silver Fox. Both women were wealthy heirs in Boston, raised with privilege but also familiar with family dysfunction. Their father, a hard-nosed capitalist, had shown little affection for his family, creating a cold household devoid of warmth.
Emma had grown up without simple joys or encouragement, and she often remembered her childhood as one filled with tension and silence. Her privileged yet empty upbringing left a mark, shaping the ambitious, resilient woman she would later become.