The conversations between Connors, Banner, and Reed team were exceedingly pleasant. Even Johnny, the scientific misfit, listened with great interest.
Although Johnny didn't understand the technical jargon, he learned about the history of human enhancement serums from Connors and Banner.
The original human enhancement serum was the Super Soldier Serum used during World War II, notably on Captain America. Since then, it has been a focal point of research worldwide...
This aligned partially with Reed genetic engineering research.
"So, Batman wants us to help you develop a perfect human enhancement serum?" Reed realized, his brow furrowing as he turned to look at Anton.
He was somewhat resistant to the idea.
The origins of the human enhancement serum traced back to the Super Soldier Serum created during World War II.
It was evident that if successfully developed, it could potentially fuel human ambition and even lead to war.
Reed did not want to be a villain in history.
"No, to be precise, our research aims align with yours," Anton explained.
"Most human enhancement serums today have side effects, like the Green Goblin. I'm sure you've heard of him.
The Green Goblin was the result of an enhancement serum that caused schizophrenia, turning him into a violent and bloodthirsty villain... Our initial goal is to cure him, to restore him to normal."
He paused, then continued, "Now, with your research, we might actually be able to fix genetic defects and free humanity from diseases."
Human enhancement serums indeed had the potential to increase human ambition and lead to war.
Anton had no intention of creating an army of super soldiers.
Not everyone could be like Captain America.
Most people would lose themselves upon gaining power, becoming consumed and corrupted by it.
Especially since the human enhancement serums had side effects.
This nearly guaranteed that anyone injected with the serum would instantly become a lawless super villain, posing a danger to society.
Thus, their plan from the start was to develop an antidote to eliminate the side effects of the human enhancement serums, which could potentially fix genetic defects and extend human lifespan.
If this new serum proved successful, it would undoubtedly surpass traditional enhancement serums.
Wayne Enterprises could immediately become a darling of the wealthy and powerful worldwide with this serum.
"I understand!" Reed nodded.
Anton explanation resonated deeply with his own beliefs.
His eyes sparkled with determination as he quickly agreed: "I'm in!"
...
Because of their trust in Batman, Reed and his team were unexpectedly cooperative once they understood Anton true intentions.
On one hand, genetic engineering was already their area of research.
On the other hand, after interacting with Connors and Banner, Reed realized that these two were among the few scientists who could match his intellect and stand as equals in the field.
With such a research team, it was hard not to succeed.
Reed was eager to get started.
And so, the Fantastic Four were recruited by Anton.
However, unlike in the original story, the Fantastic Four weren't interested in being superheroes but wanted to focus solely on research.
Especially Ben Grimm, the Thing.
Their research could potentially reverse the changes in Ben body structure, allowing him to become human again.
His rocky form had indeed caused him much trouble.
Influenced by him, except for the impulsive Johnny Storm, none of the others had any desire to stand out.
Due to their frequent visits to the sewer lab, Johnny Storm had also met the four turtles living in the Ninja Turtle Dojo, as well as the occasional visitor, the young Spider-Man, Peter Parker.
With Johnny outgoing personality, he quickly became good friends with them.
With Donatello help, he even crafted a flame-resistant suit from materials he brought back from space, and gave himself the nickname "Human Torch."
"Johnny, you should hang out with us from now on," Michelangelo slapped Johnny on the back.
Though Johnny was quite fit, he looked like a little chick next to the four turtles.
"When we meet Batman, we'll suggest he lets you join the Justice League," Michelangelo said.
"Before that, why don't you join the NYPD special task force with us? We've got your back, and no one in the task force will dare to mess with you! Plus, it'll be a chance to build up your Human Torch reputation."
"That makes sense!"
Johnny eyes sparkled with excitement, feeling as if he was already halfway through the doorway to becoming a superhero.
Reed and the others didn't bother to pay much attention to Johnny.
They fully respected Johnny choice, considering his contributions to research were minimal at best it seemed more fitting for him to join the Ninja Turtles in doing good deeds.
Given Johnny current superpowers, it wasn't likely he'd encounter much danger.
...
Upon learning of the turtles' scheme, Anton not only didn't mind, but he also verbally affirmed their actions.
Recruiting the Fantastic Four was undoubtedly a major boon for the Justice League.
Not only could Reed and his team conduct research, but they also possessed considerable combat capabilities, enhancing the Justice League overall strength and potential.
As for Johnny Storm, while he wasn't cut out for research, his involvement with the turtles and joining the task force was a step in the right direction.
What surprised him was the disappearance of Victor Von Doom.
During recent communications with Reed, they mentioned Victor Von Doom, also known as Doctor Doom, who had accompanied them to the space station.
Reed wasn't heartless.
In the original storyline, although he had conflicts with Victor Von Doom, he never intended to harm him.
Instead, it was Doom, petty and suddenly ambitious with newfound powers, who aspired to dominate.
Reed intended to inform Doom about the changes in his body but found Doom phone disconnected and the man nowhere to be found.
Feeling something was amiss and out of desperation, Reed turned to Anton for help.
When Anton learned that Doctor Doom had vanished, fearing the loss of an asset, he launched an investigation and summoned Cyborg to review recent surveillance footage.
They discovered that Victor Von Doom had been taken away by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
It happened the same day S.H.I.E.L.D. approached Reed and others, failing to achieve their goals with them, and then turned to Victor Von Doom company. After a conversation, Doom voluntarily left with S.H.I.E.L.D.
Using Cyborg capabilities, he tracked all of S.H.I.E.L.D. movements that day.
He found that after Natasha failed to recruit the Fantastic Four, she went to the prison and took Sandman.
"Doctor Doom, Sandman... and Doctor Octopus."
Anton face twisted oddly, then he smirked, musing to himself, "This is almost like assembling a league of villains. It seems S.H.I.E.L.D. is running out of people to recruit."
Moreover, he discovered something else.
Before S.H.I.E.L.D. left New York, Black Egg (Nick Fury) had made a solo visit to Oscorp and met with Harry Osborn, leaving about an hour later.
Anton was thoughtful.
While he didn't know the specifics of what Black Egg and Harry discussed, from S.H.I.E.L.D. actions recruiting the yet-to-turn-evil Doctor Doom, as well as Sandman, it was clear that Black Egg intended to recruit Harry into the Avengers as well.
"Harry, are you free? There something I'd like to discuss with you."
Pondering for a moment, Anton then pulled out his phone and called Harry.
Moments later.
Anton arrived at Oscorp and met with Harry.
"Anton."
Harry greeted, "Please, take a seat."
"We'll skip the small talk. A few days ago, S.H.I.E.L.D. approached you, wanting to recruit you into the Avengers, right?" Anton was straightforward.
"What exactly did Black Egg tell you?"
"Black Egg... that quite an apt description."
Harry paused, then laughed, "Just like you said, S.H.I.E.L.D. hoped I'd join the Avengers and promised to enhance my combat capabilities with some alien technology.
They also promised to bring a lot of orders to Oscorp on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D. However, I said I needed to think about it and declined their offer..."
He paused again, spreading his hands, "You know, the relationship between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military is terrible, and Oscorp arms industry relies on military support. Joining S.H.I.E.L.D. would be like digging my own grave."
"Actually, I suggest you join."
Anton eyes sparkled. "On the military side, I can use Batman influence to secure support from the armed forces for you, ensuring it won't negatively impact Oscorp."
"What did you say?" Harry looked startled, then after a moment contemplation, his expression turned curious.
"Why do you want me to join the Avengers? Actually, I'd prefer to join you."
"Partly because the military wants to keep tabs on the Avengers' activities," Anton explained openly.
"If you join the Avengers, it could be beneficial for us. Also, S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military have recently launched a research project that might pose some risks. Batman needs someone on the inside to monitor this project."
"So, this is a request from Batman? If that the case, I suppose I could agree..." Harry said, frowning slightly as he thought it over.
"You'll handle the military for me, right?"
"Correct. Nick Fury might find out about our meeting, but that doesn't matter... He won't give up on recruiting you," Anton replied.
"If you're willing, I'll contact the Secretary of Defense, John Kreler, right away to inform him."
"Alright then."
Harry made up his mind decisively. "For you and Batman, I'm willing to join the Avengers."
As they spoke, he looked at Anton. "I have one small request."
"Go ahead," Anton said.
"Let me see my father again."
Harry bit his lip, his expression laden with concern. "The last time I saw him, he wasn't in good shape."
"Don't worry," Anton smiled.
"Our research has made significant progress, and we've found some exceptional talents who are as skilled as Dr. Connors and Dr. Banner.
With their help, we'll soon be able to develop the antidote your father needs. Meanwhile, the genetic condition you carry might also be treatable."
"Really?"
Trusting Anton completely, Harry stood up, excited. "That wonderful!"
"There no time to waste, I've got other matters to handle soon. If you want to see your father, go to the sewer Ninja Dojo and find the turtles they'll take you to him."
With that, Anton said his farewells, "I'm off to contact the Secretary of Defense."
"Okay."
Harry watched Anton leave the office, then took out his phone and dialed the number left by S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Nick Fury, I've thought over your proposal," he paused.
"I've decided to join."
...
After leaving Oscorp, Anton called John Kreler to discuss. He informed Kreler that S.H.I.E.L.D. was recruiting exceptional individuals to build what Nick Fury envisioned as the Avengers.
Kreler response was not surprised, as he was already aware of this intelligence.
However, Kreler expression soured when Anton mentioned that Nick Fury had approached Harry.
"I plan to have Harry join the Avengers."
This revelation startled Kreler, then understanding dawned, and he squinted, responding, "That a good suggestion."
"I think so too," Anton said.
"I'm calling to inform you, to ensure it doesn't affect Oscorp."
"But there no impact at all. Nick Fury might guess that Harry is our man."
Kreler hesitated.
"It a transparent strategy," Anton explained.
"I don't plan for Harry to spy deeply into S.H.I.E.L.D. or gather their internal intelligence; just to keep track of their most obvious movements.
So what if Nick Fury knows? Besides, the Avengers desperately need firepower; they won't want to miss out on Harry.
Even with Stark Industries' support, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't want to lose Oscorp."
It worth noting that a powerhouse company like Oscorp can offer more help to an organization than most can imagine.
With its technology, finances, and talent, it more than enough to meet any of Nick Fury demands.
"You're right," Kreler acknowledged Anton point.
It was akin to the military and the Justice League openly sending Harry to the Avengers to monitor the enemy.
This would not influence S.H.I.E.L.D. decision-making.
Rather, S.H.I.E.L.D., currently quieting public opinion, needed Oscorp strength to bolster its domestic influence.
"Oh, and about the Pegasus Project, I need to warn you..." Anton paused,
then suddenly added, "The Tesseract, that thing is dangerous. Be careful."
"Danger?"
Kreler furrowed his brow, not surprised that Anton brought up the Tesseract.
Batman access to highly secretive intelligence channels was well known, a fact recognized by both the military and S.H.I.E.L.D.
"What kind of danger?" Kreler inquired. "Is this a warning from Batman?"
"The Tesseract is related to extraterrestrial elements and might attract alien foes," Anton disclosed, feeling obligated to share given their cooperative relationship.
"That all I can say; that all I know."
Loki arrival seemed inevitable.
Anton warning to John Kreler was intended merely to prepare them mentally, to avoid panic that could lead to rash decisions like deploying nuclear weapons in a misguided attempt to achieve peace.
After hanging up the phone, John Kreler pondered deeply.
Anton mention that the Tesseract could draw extraterrestrial enemies was both shocking and puzzling to him.
However, in his understanding, aliens had indeed appeared on Earth more than once before.
It possible Anton had learned about the Tesseract from artifacts left behind by these aliens.
Recalling the early days of the Pegasus Project, which was soon interrupted by an alien invasion, the death of Dr. Lawson, and the disappearance of the Tesseract, all contributing to the project long suspension...
Kreler expression shifted subtly.
Could it really be as Anton suggested? That the Pegasus Project, or rather, the Tesseract... might actually attract aliens?