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"Anything is possible. What do you think? If it ever comes to that point, would you follow me?" Michael looked at Jemma with a serious expression.
Jemma was taken aback, then nodded and said, "If that day ever does come...maybe I will."
"Great! Then it's settled."
Michael smiled with satisfaction, "It's getting late; you should get some rest. There's no rush in studying the supernatural serum, anyway."
"Alright, I'll go relax in a bit."
"Goodnight, then."
Michael moved closer to Jemma tentatively, and when he saw she didn't pull away, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
"Goodnight." Jemma replied with a blushing smile.
After leaving the lab, Michael returned to his room to rest.
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Three days flew by.
During that time, there were no missions. Michael was mostly occupied with absorbing ether particles, studying fear crystals, and spending time with Daisy and Jemma, especially Jemma. Michael couldn't help but admire Jemma—beautiful, with a great figure, an endearing personality, and most importantly, a high level of expertise. It was exactly why he wanted her by his side.
In just three days, Jemma had made preliminary progress in understanding the formula, efficacy, and other details of the superpower serum. Since the serum's effects were unpredictable, she had even started researching ways to control the outcome and ensure desired abilities upon taking it. Though she hadn't yet found a clear method, her talent and determination were unmistakable.
After three comfortable days, Michael decided it was time to check on the island base. Although he trusted Sarah and the others he had left in charge, it was still his base, and he couldn't just ignore it completely.
"Are you heading out?"
As Michael was about to leave, Coulson appeared from around the corner.
Michael raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me you've been keeping an eye on me this entire time?"
Coulson grinned, "Yes! I'm just a little worried you'll slip away. Didn't you promise to let me see your spaceship?"
"Now's not the best time. Things are chaotic over there. But I'll give you a tour once everything's settled down. Sound good?" Michael offered.
Coulson shrugged, "Alright, we'll save it for next time."
"Sure. Just reach out if you need anything."
---
After leaving the plane, Michael soared through the sky at supersonic speed. Before long, he reached the island on the west coast, observing the bustling scene below. Construction was underway everywhere, and Sarah was creating portals all around to assist with logistics.
Michael landed gently.
"Boss, you're here!" Sarah greeted him with a wide smile.
Noticing the light sweat on her forehead, Michael said with concern, "Don't push yourself too hard."
"I'm fine! The work speeds up the process and also helps me improve my abilities." Sarah replied, wiping her brow with a grin.
"How's the progress?" Michael knew that although Sarah was calm and composed around him, she was stubbornly determined. He decided not to push her and instead asked about the base's construction status.
He had grand plans for this base, with most of its key structures built underground, so the project was extensive.
"It's coming along. If everything stays on schedule, it should be done in about six months." Sarah answered thoughtfully.
Six months? That seemed a little slow. With only Sarah, Clarice, and the hired workers, it was understandable, but perhaps Michael would need to pitch in to speed things up.
"Boss, it looks like we've got visitors." Sarah suddenly said, pointing to a distant light heading their way.
Michael looked up, squinting at the approaching figure, "Iron Man? What's he doing here?"
He frowned slightly, wondering if Tony was still focused on the Dark Elf spaceship. Turning to Sarah, he said, "Can you go check with the Dark Elf and see if the ship's technology can be easily cracked?" Sarah nodded and opened a portal, disappearing to handle his request.
By then, Iron Man had landed nearby, though the descent was awkward, as if operated by someone inexperienced.
Michael raised an eyebrow, "What brings you here? If it's the Dark Elf spaceship, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
As the helmet retracted, Michael was surprised to see not Tony, but Pepper Potts stepping out unsteadily from the suit.
"Pepper? I thought you were Tony!"
Pepper gave an embarrassed smile, "No, it's just me. Sorry for the mix-up."
"So, are you here to see me?" Michael asked curiously.
Pepper nodded, "Yes, I came specifically to find you. I know Tony has been interested in your spaceship, but I'm here in a personal capacity."
"In a personal capacity? Aren't you worried Tony might get jealous?" Michael teased, though he wondered why she had come to him in private.
Pepper then turned serious, "Mr. Michael, I think there's been a misunderstanding about me and Tony. I'm his assistant, but we're not romantically involved."
"Wait... really?" Michael was taken aback. From the way Tony acted, he'd assumed they were a couple, "So... you've never been involved in that way?"
"Of course not! I'm his assistant, nothing more." Pepper replied firmly, "We've been close over the years, but just as friends. In fact, I'm looking for someone to replace me as his assistant so I can move on."
She paused, realizing she was sharing more than intended, then continued, "Anyway, I came to thank you."
"Thank me? For the Extremis virus?"
"Yes!"
"You don't have to. I told you from the beginning, I did it for the serum." Michael replied, surprised she had come all this way.
"For me, it was a matter of life and death. I had to come and show my gratitude." Pepper insisted. She hesitated briefly before adding, "Though...I'm not sure how to repay you for what you did."
"Simple. Just promise to stay by my side." Michael said with a playful grin.
Pepper blinked in surprise, as though she hadn't expected him to respond like that.