The idea of rival scientists hadn't crossed Himawan's mind until now. As he made his way through the unmarked pathways in New York's industrial districts, his mind remained preoccupied with the data he'd obtained from S.H.I.E.L.D. Amid the files on superhuman profiles, operations, and containment procedures, there had been a few names flagged as 'persons of interest' that caught his attention. These were scientists—not unlike himself—who, in their own ways, had made significant breakthroughs in biology, technology, or weaponry. But these individuals didn't operate within S.H.I.E.L.D.; rather, they lurked in the same underground world he now occupied.
Himawan found himself strangely intrigued, and as he scrolled through the dossiers, his mind drifted into the possibilities and challenges posed by these individuals. A few of the profiles were particularly captivating: each scientist had unique methods, goals, and, above all, expertise in areas that either complemented or conflicted with his own.
The first name on the list was a bioengineer who went by the alias "Vesper." Her field of study was human biomechanics, and she had allegedly made breakthroughs in creating hyper-responsive, adaptable prosthetics for superhuman abilities. This alone was enough to catch Himawan's eye, given his own work on enhancing human physiology. But the rumors surrounding her went deeper—her prosthetics were reportedly not just advanced but integrated with an artificial intelligence system, able to react and respond with near-instantaneous precision.
Then there was Dr. Calix, a chemist notorious for his work with experimental serums that temporarily granted enhanced strength and speed. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s report highlighted his track record of sporadic appearances at underground fight clubs, testing his serums on unwitting fighters. While Calix's methods lacked elegance, his raw, results-oriented approach resonated with a certain practicality Himawan couldn't entirely dismiss.
As he walked, Himawan considered how these scientists could pose both a threat and an opportunity. While he was confident in his skills, he understood that forming alliances or outsmarting potential rivals might prove beneficial in the long run. His own experiments were progressing steadily, but he knew the path to perfection required knowledge beyond his current grasp. These scientists might be the key.
Eventually, Himawan found himself in a dim, underground laboratory he'd set up in a different location from his former lab. Unlike the previous space, this one was temporary, sparse, and cold, though meticulously equipped with the bare essentials he'd managed to salvage. He sat down, reviewing the remaining files in silence, calculating his next move. His mind turned back to Vesper and Calix, but his attention also lingered on the last profile in the file: "Dr. Aldric."
Aldric was, by far, the most elusive of them all. His work reportedly revolved around the manipulation of neural pathways, tapping into aspects of mind control and enhanced cognitive functions. The file was thin, almost empty, except for a few disturbing reports of individuals who'd been his 'patients'—each emerging altered, their personalities shifted. The notes mentioned an odd, unquestioning loyalty these individuals exhibited after Aldric's 'treatment.'
This, of all the scientists, disturbed Himawan the most. Neural manipulation was a delicate, potentially devastating field, and if Aldric's abilities were as real as the rumors implied, it was a talent that could rival and even surpass Himawan's own work. He would have to watch Aldric closely, should their paths ever cross.
As days passed, Himawan's focus intensified. In the quiet hours of each evening, he spent time not only preparing his experiments but studying the work of each rival scientist. He reviewed Vesper's work on prosthetics, examining the feasibility of combining organic and synthetic enhancements with his own serum-based approach. He studied the crude chemical formulas leaked from Calix's serums, analyzing how he might refine them, perhaps even integrate certain components to fortify his own formula. And when it came to Aldric's mind manipulation, Himawan's thoughts grew cautious, speculative, yet curious. Could Aldric's work be replicated in a way that made his creations not only physically superior but mentally enhanced?
The deeper he delved, the more he recognized the gap between his theories and the reality these other scientists had created. Yet, even as his intrigue grew, so did his resolve to maintain his independence. He understood that if he did reach out to these scientists or, worse, revealed his presence to them, there was no guarantee they would remain allies. The underground scientific community was rarely friendly. Rivalries sparked easily, especially when competing for recognition or resources.
It was then that he considered a new approach: he could seek them out one by one, perhaps even test their skills through subtle provocations, gauging their reactions. Such encounters, carefully staged, could reveal their weaknesses and allow him to learn without exposing his own goals.
Himawan's thoughts drifted, eyes fixed on a darkened corner of his lab. The flickering light cast sharp shadows, but he hardly noticed. His mind was elsewhere, considering how best to orchestrate these encounters without revealing too much of himself. He'd have to tread carefully, calculating each step, each word, each move. The underground world was no place for trust; alliances here were built on mutual gain or temporary truces, not on any notions of camaraderie.
The first experiment would be with Vesper. He imagined how he might create a situation to test her prosthetic designs, to force her to reveal the capabilities of her artificial intelligence-controlled systems. She frequented a particular workshop in the city, known for servicing specialized equipment. A minor disturbance there, strategically timed, could provide the perfect opportunity to observe her.
Satisfied with this plan, Himawan's mind shifted to Calix. Arranging an encounter with Calix would be riskier, given the chemist's unpredictable nature, but perhaps an invitation disguised as an interested buyer might bring him out of his hiding place. And Aldric… Aldric would have to be left for last, his danger far greater and more elusive.
As he mapped out his approach, Himawan felt a rising excitement mingled with a caution that urged patience. Each rival posed unique risks and rewards, and he understood he could only afford to make one wrong move. The risks were real, but the rewards—access to unprecedented knowledge and potential collaboration—were worth it.
In the dim light of his lab, Himawan leaned back, a faint smirk appearing on his face as he finalized his plans. The thrill of rivalry and the promise of challenge reawakened a part of him he'd almost forgotten in the solitude of his work. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but it was one he'd prepared for his entire life.
The underground world of science was about to experience the force of his ambition, as each step brought him closer to the knowledge and power he craved. And as he made his preparations, he knew that he would either emerge victorious—or force these rivals to submit to his vision, one way or another.