**
Link calmed Osborn down, then said, "Set a time, and we'll go visit his lab."
"Got it!" Osborn turned and left.
Meanwhile, Link continued working on the space station design. Technically, it was more of a base rather than a conventional station. The construction needed to go beyond traditional methods used for space stations.
It had to be large enough to support long-term living, which meant high energy demands. Stark's arc reactor wouldn't suffice; it could power a building for a year, but for a facility this size, something more sustainable, like the newly emerging nuclear fusion technology, would be needed.
If nuclear fusion reactors could be used, the size of the space station wouldn't be an issue. But what materials would be suitable for building around such a reactor?
Link thought of vibranium. Wakanda was now an essential destination. As for the undersea source, it could wait for the time being.
Traditional space stations were designed based on the weight limits of rockets, which is why they were cylindrical. But with the Avengers' ship, weight wasn't an issue. Wearing Stark's specialized space armor, they could easily conduct space operations since it was equipped with enough propulsion.
This meant materials could be crafted on Earth or shipped in containers and assembled in space. Once systems like artificial gravity and air circulation were added, the station would be complete.
The Moon was another potential base, but its constantly changing surface made it unreliable. However, if they used helium-3 for fusion, energy wouldn't have to be transported from Earth.
As Link pondered these things, Stark sent over a blueprint.
"Link, check out this space headquarters design I came up with!" Stark boasted.
Link glanced over it. "Tony, this is impressive."
He was pleased with the design. Stark had created something grand—a large circular hub with eight elongated structures extending outward, each ending in docking ports.
The overall concept was solid, only requiring minor adjustments in the details.
"By the way," Link added, "I've been thinking about the energy source. Osborn Industries is about to fund a scientist working on nuclear fusion."
"If it works, we could use it for the headquarters, and the energy problem will be solved. Our defensive systems could run without a hitch."
"I'm thinking of installing energy shields and cannons!"
Stark paused. "Is that reliable? Can controlled nuclear fusion really be achieved?"
Link responded, "I'll check it out. If it works, we can use it. But we'll need to fortify the base's defenses."
"Vibranium would be the best material."
"Vibranium?" Stark was surprised. "You know about vibranium?"
"My armor is made from it. Didn't you notice?" Link grinned.
"Really? Where'd you get it?" Stark asked, intrigued.
"Ulysses Klaue. I dealt with him and took his vibranium stash. I also found out where there's more."
Stark immediately asked, "Where?"
"Wakanda," Link explained. "On the surface, they appear to be a primitive agricultural nation, but in secret, they've developed technology far beyond other countries."
"They've kept it hidden well, and their tech is built on vibranium. I don't know all the details, but Klaue's information seemed reliable."
"Incredible," Stark muttered. "We should check it out."
"That's the plan. They don't get involved in global politics or military conflicts, but they might be interested in helping defend Earth," Link said. "We should see if we can talk to them."
"Alright, I'll keep refining the space headquarters design. You handle the energy issue, and if you need help, reach out to me or Bruce." Stark ended the call.
Link glanced at his own design and decided to scrap it.
He had already used a reverse-engineered version of the Minerva ship, and Stark still held a bit of a grudge, though he believed it had been designed by someone in Osborn Industries.
Stark was eager to prove himself, and Link knew it. So, instead of competing, he opted to let Stark take the lead.
After all, the real challenge was the materials. Stark had proposed extravagant solutions, using transparent glass panels in space, something extremely costly. The station would also feature external protective layers to deal with cosmic threats.
There was no atmosphere to protect them in space, so most stations didn't have windows to avoid radiation and temperature issues. Stark's windows, however, would be equipped with complex mechanisms for opening and closing, consuming immense energy.
Link didn't care about outdoing Stark. As long as it was comfortable to live in, he was satisfied.
...
A few days later, Norman Osborn invited Link to visit Dr. Otto Gunther Octavius' lab.
"Otto, this is Mr. Link, Chairman of Osborn Industries," Osborn introduced them.
Link's gaze was locked on the fusion reactor—Octavius' design, identical to the one in the movies.
Link quickly ran an analysis in his head. It seemed plausible, but it lacked the necessary stability.
As Dr. Octavius eagerly explained his creation, Link pinpointed its flaws.
Finally, he said, "Osborn Industries would like to fund your experiment."
"But we want to buy it outright."
Octavius was taken aback. "Buy it?"
"Yes, now. The whole thing!" Link said confidently. "And if you're interested, you can join Osborn Industries."
"My experiment hasn't even started yet!" Octavius protested. "I'm confident, but..."
"No need for further discussion. I'm very satisfied with your design," Link said with a smile. "What do you say? Are you willing to sell it?"
"All of your equipment and data, we want it all. Name your price."
Octavius hesitated, frowning as he weighed his options. If the experiment succeeded, it would be a revolutionary achievement.
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(End of Chapter)