At the same time, at the headquarters of Alkali Transigen Genetics Corporation:
Zander Rice stood before rows of glass containers housing muscular bodies connected to intricate instruments. As he reviewed his latest experimental data, he couldn't help but burst into maniacal laughter.
"I knew I could achieve this! Soon, I will rule this world. Every nation will bow to me, and I shall become Earth's sole monarch!"
Although his previous attempt to use X-24 to hunt down the runaway mutant children had failed, the data collected during that operation allowed him to refine his mutant cloning experiments further.
Over the past three to four months, Rice had not only created new Wolverine clones but also made significant breakthroughs in replicating the abilities of other mutants. With another month or two, he believed he could successfully clone mutants like Professor X, Magneto, Phoenix, and Cyclops.
However, early tests revealed that these clones were notably inferior to their originals in power.
Rice acknowledged that the clones would never fully match the strength of their originals. Yet, even if they possessed only 20-30% of the originals' power, they were still formidable.
Moreover, his strategy focused on quantity. Given a few more years, he envisioned creating an entire army of cloned mutants, remotely controlled via computer systems. Overwhelming a nation with such an army would not be a far-fetched goal.
A single Level-3 Magneto clone might not pose much of a threat. But what about a thousand Level-3 Magneto clones? That could challenge even the original Magneto.
Though still in its infancy, this project showed great promise. Rice felt confident that, with time, he could make this vision a reality. At that point, no country could oppose him.
If George were present, he would have told Rice he was being naive—this world was far more complex than he imagined.
"Summon Donald," Rice instructed after organizing his data.
Moments later, Donald, the base's commanding officer, entered the room.
"Any leads on the escaped failures?" Rice inquired.
"Not yet, but we've confirmed they're in New York," Donald reported. "Although they keep changing vehicles to throw us off, our tracking experts have verified they entered New York City and haven't left. They must be hiding somewhere within the city."
For weeks, Donald had devoted all his energy to tracking down Wolverine and Specimen 757, driven by his desire to avenge the humiliation he suffered at the border facility. Unfortunately, the trail had gone cold in New York.
"Once the clones are ready, we'll need to field-test them. Meanwhile, eliminate those failed experiments. I'll create a Caliban clone to help you track them down more efficiently. But let me be clear—if you fail again, don't bother returning," Rice said coldly.
Donald broke into a cold sweat, knowing Rice meant every word.
"Understood, sir. This time, I'll bring back their corpses, including Wolverine and Professor X."
"Good. Focus on preparing for the operation. I'll inform you when the clones are ready," Rice said, dismissing him.
Rice prided himself on being superior to all the scientists and generals who had studied mutants before him. Figures like Dr. Trask and General Stryker were, in his eyes, unworthy of comparison. Their Sentinels and synthetic mutants paled before his cloned mutant army.
What set his clones apart was their unwavering loyalty, as they were controlled via computer systems. Unlike Donald, they would never defect or disobey orders.
"It's a pity we're running low on adamantium. The new Wolverine clones will have to settle for bone claws," Rice mused.
This limitation wasn't entirely a drawback. Bone claws wouldn't be affected by Specimen 757's magnetic abilities, providing an edge in combat.
He couldn't understand why Specimen 757, a so-called failure, had become so powerful. Attempts to recreate the experiment yielded poor results—subsequent clones were weak and useless, unable to defeat even a single bone-clawed Wolverine clone in a five-on-one scenario. Frustrated, Rice had abandoned further attempts to clone Specimen 757.
Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters in Washington, D.C.:
"Director, Tony Stark is still uncooperative. It will take time to gain his trust," Agent Coulson reported via video call.
Nick Fury nodded. "It's unlikely Stark and Dr. Yinsen escaped that terrorist base unaided. Based on our reconnaissance, a third party must have intervened. Your task is twofold: identify who hired those terrorists to target Stark and uncover the identity of this third-party group."
"Understood, Director," Coulson replied before ending the call.
Fury picked up another dossier and began reviewing it. About half an hour later, he summoned Natasha Romanoff, the top spy in S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Based on our investigations, Alkali Transigen Genetics is heavily implicated in the disappearance of mutants. We've received intel suggesting they're using mutant genes to create artificial mutant weapons.
"I need you to infiltrate their base, uncover their true objectives, and retrieve their experimental data as evidence. This will allow us to intervene without facing backlash from the World Security Council."
Alkali Transigen Genetics had ties with influential figures worldwide. Without concrete proof, S.H.I.E.L.D. risked losing funding by acting prematurely.
Fury also had a personal interest in their experiments. If their research could bolster S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capabilities, he wouldn't hesitate to exploit it.
"Yes, Director," Natasha replied confidently, her black bodysuit accentuating her striking figure.
For her, this mission was hardly daunting. Her previous assignment involved infiltrating a nation's high command to expose a treasonous general—who, until his capture, believed she was his one true love.