Massachusetts Institute of Technology
November 15, 1984
Massachusetts Institute of Technology maintained a particular atmosphere of controlled chaos. Three months into their first semester, Building 13's advanced physics lab had already undergone significant modification to accommodate Tony Stark's expanding experiments. The autumn weather cast precise shadows through reinforced windows as sophisticated equipment hummed with barely contained power.
"The quantum containment field is holding at 87% efficiency," Tony reported, adjusting controls on equipment that definitely wasn't standard issue. The clock on the reinforced wall showed 15:30 - their third consecutive hour of testing. "Though the power requirements are still exceeding theoretical limits."
Caspian analyzed the experimental setup with his enhanced vision, mapping energy patterns that normal instruments couldn't detect. "The secondary containment matrix shows micro-fluctuations. Your power loss is occurring at the quantum level."
"Always with the quantum level," Tony muttered, making precise adjustments. "Just once I'd like a nice, simple macro-scale problem. Speaking of problems, how's the advanced theoretical physics course treating you, David?"
David looked up from his laptop where he reviewed tactical analyses disguised as academic papers. "Professor Chen's understanding of applied physics needs practical refinement."
"That's diplomatic," Tony observed. "Last week you said his theories would get people killed in real-world applications."
"Both statements are accurate."
The lab's sophisticated equipment hummed as they continued their work. The first semester at MIT had proven productive - Tony pushing theoretical boundaries, David maintaining practical expertise, Caspian balancing multiple disciplines with precise control. Their weekly lab sessions, scheduled between advanced classes and specialized training, provided perfect cover for more specific development.
MIT's resources exceeded even Phillips Academy's considerable facilities. The physics department's advanced equipment, while officially restricted, proved surprisingly accessible to those with proper technical knowledge and specific skill sets. Tony's innovations found ready funding from both official and private sources, while David's tactical studies benefited from MIT's military research connections.
"The energy containment protocols need refinement," Caspian noted, his enhanced vision tracking power fluctuations in Tony's latest experiment. "The current configuration risks system overload."
"That's what emergency shutdowns are for," Tony replied, though he made the suggested adjustments. "Besides, controlled quantum destabilization has practical applications."
"Assuming you can control it," David observed dryly. "Unlike the particle accelerator incident last Tuesday."
"That was a perfectly valid experiment in theoretical physics. The fact that it temporarily inverted gravity in the east wing was merely an unexpected bonus."
The lab's reinforced walls bore subtle marks from similar "unexpected bonuses." MIT's administration had learned to address such incidents with careful bureaucratic vagueness, while the physics department maintained detailed containment protocols specifically for Stark innovations.
David completed his analysis of tactical applications, each calculation precise and measured. "The advanced combat training facility is available at 2100 hours. Lieutenant Rodriguez approved our request for extended access."
"Some of us have social obligations," Tony noted, calibrating sensitive equipment. "The engineering department's quantum mechanics symposium includes several promising research presentations. Dr. Pym's theoretical work on particle physics might actually approach competence."
"His research on subatomic particles is... interesting," Caspian observed, careful to maintain appropriate discretion regarding his knowledge of Pym's more classified work.
The autumn sunlight filtered through reinforced windows, casting precise shadows across advanced scientific equipment. MIT's particular combination of brilliant minds and sophisticated resources created perfect cover for their specialized development. The physics department's chaos concealed careful precision, while academic pursuits masked more specific training.
The lab's refined atmosphere carried notes of ozone from quantum experiments and the soft hum of powerful equipment. Their work continued with measured focus, each man pursuing his particular expertise while maintaining careful awareness of the others' progress.