Walking with a quick stride Michael passed by several rooms. They were once empty but now they held large pieces of machinery and equipment. Each more expensive and advanced than the last. Several mutants moved from place to place, some with strength-based abilities helped in moving supplies while others powered the building with their own energy reserves helping Michael save money on power.
But the most amazing part was that everyone worked with a smile on their faces. We'll mostly, there were of course some lazy employees here and there but overall everyone was happy and Michael couldn't help smiling at this accomplishment.
It had only been two weeks but in that short time, he managed to turn a previous drug den into a proper laboratory. Yeah, most of the things here were stolen but hey who'd judge him? Anyway they'd all be in better use with him than with Weapon X or Kingpin.
Turning slightly to the right Michael gave a quick glance at his small entourage. In the forefront was Jack who was now dressed in a proper suit along with a clipboard in hand. Originally Michael planned on making him in charge of information gathering but soon expanded on this when he learned that he was actually pretty good at other things. Such as scheduling, organizing, paperwork, and overall excels in everything related to office work.
Taking all this into consideration Michael changed his mind and made Jack his personal assistant. It just made sense to do so especially when you add in his telepathy. Just using that one ability in business deals was sure to give Michael an edge in all future decisions.
Then slightly behind Jack were John and Sarah who had agreed to become his bodyguards. They too were dressed in business attire and walked with confidence as other mutants looked at them with awe. This had begun happening recently as the two had become somewhat of a goal for the others to aspire to be like.
"Jack, how's the housing going for everyone?" Michael asked. He had previously left this to Jack and made him aware of some of the apartments he owned hoping they would be put to some good use.
"Pretty good actually. Everyone's already been situated with most being in the closest Apartment complex three miles away. If there was any problem to speak of then I'd say it would be the security… We have some strong mutants living there but others still worry that they are prone to an attack if others discover so many mutants living in one place."
Michael silently nodded along the way. He figured this would be a problem and didn't have an immediate fix. The technologies he'd gotten his hands on were pretty good but nothing he had helped in defense in any way. At most, the best he could do is continue training everyone to increase their lethality along with doing random patrols in their area.
"Let them know that I'll increase my patrols around the Apartment complex. Besides that increase their training"
Jack silently wrote this down. He had a feeling this would be the answer especially because he himself couldn't think of anything else either.
"Alright besides that, how's the company's registration?"
"Handled. We just need to wait for some approval on licenses but with some telepathy, I skipped some processes and got what we needed."
"I swear you're beginning to enjoy getting in people's heads" Sarah commented from the back.
Jack wanted to refute but he honestly couldn't completely deny this. Having been a subject in weapon X he practically had a Power Dampener on 24/7 and only had it removed for some tests. So having this newfound freedom to practice his abilities and use them for the betterment of his friends brought him great joy. Though messing with a jerk every now and then was fun.
"Getting in people's heads? No, but I do enjoy putting my powers to good use."
"Wish I got that chance… I feel like all I'm good for is refilling water bottles. Not that I mind sir!" John murmured but soon corrected realizing he'd said that in front of Michael.
"Don't worry about it. Neither you nor Sarah have really had the chance to use your abilities but consider it a good thing. Fighting all the time isn't good" Which is why Michael is even more grateful for this period of quiet where he didn't really need to get involved in any affairs. Instead, he just got to lay back and let others work but he knew this would end today.
The labs were ready and it was time to share with his scientists what they'd be working on from now on along with Michael beginning his own training. Throughout these two weeks, he thought about many things he needed to test and strengthen about himself. So he was more than ready to begin.
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In a wide space, Dr Killebrew along with several of his peers were hard at work studying some items from Weapon X. Some things they were familiar with because they themselves had created them but others not so much.
Such as this graphing device. Previously it had been used on a man many now called The Wolverine. The device had been made before many present had even joined Weapon X and found it interesting but Killebrew knew it had plenty of flaws.
Graphing metal onto a skeleton while impressive was simply impossible without a strong enough healing factor. Making this direction of science basically a dead end.
"Come now enough with that relic. We still need to finish starting up the Genetic Analyzer and the DNA Editor still needs some calibrating"
The scientists knew he was right and left the device alone without any fuss, getting straight to work. However, before they could do so they noticed the door open welcoming new arrivals.
"Michael? What brings you here?" Killebrew asked with a smile as he went over and shook his hand.
"It's time" This was all Michael said but Killebrew instantly understood. How could he not? All this began simply because Michael wanted to research the origin of his abilities.
"I see, let me gather the others."
After saying this Killebrew managed to gather all the scientists. Many arrived with obvious questions unsure of what was occurring but they all came nonetheless. With the room filled, Michael gave his chest a light tap and began speaking.
"I'm sure many of you have had questions on what path would be ahead of you all these past two weeks. Things have been secretive and for that, I do apologize but I had to settle some things before we began. Now unto why I brought you all here. First I'd like to announce that the company has officially been established as Evo Pharmaceuticals. I took into account everyone's expertise when I decided this. So from this point on our focus will be on creating medicines that actually help humanity."
[A/N Evo may just be a temporary name. I couldn't think of anything else that fits the theme of evolution or advancement. But if I do see a good idea in the comments then I will change it]
Some scientists looked skeptical about this but overall most seemed to agree with this direction. Many here wanted to do good in the first place but ended up at Weapon X one way or another. Now it seems like they'd be going on the right track and though they may hate to admit it, all the human experimentation they committed gave them great amounts of experience. Making them more than qualified to make medicine.
"Now besides this, there's one more thing we will be working on here at Evo. This project will not be on paper and won't be registered in any way."
These words triggered the scientists. They'd heard these exact words before but they prayed it wasn't anything they imagined.
"Project V much like your Weapon X program will work on improving humanity. Pushing it beyond its limits. Now before you all judge and threaten to quit. Let it be known that I won't force anyone into this and I also don't expect you to start from scratch. Project V involves producing and improving the serum that was previously used to give me my abilities." As Michael said this he brought out a tablet and showed the room a single screen. To Michael, it looked like a bunch of letters in math with random diagrams but this couldn't be said for the men present.
Such writings and work looked very similar to things they'd worked on but the magnitude of it far exceeded what they imagined. The screen showed only one page but they could clearly see the genius or was it madness? They weren't sure but their curiosity was definitely peaked.
"This is Compound V, a unique serum that is capable of bringing out humanity's potential in varying ways. From all sorts of abilities such as flight, speed, telepathy, energy manipulation, and so much more. It is-" Michael was really getting into it but was soon cut off but a scientist who basically shouted his next line.
"It's equivalent to the X-gene but one we can grant!"
"My god that can't be true."
"You say that but don't you all forget that proof of this is standing right in front of us"
The scientists got into quick discussions about Compound V which basically ended Michael's speech. Though he didn't mind because he saw the inspiration in their eyes but beyond that he saw desire. One which would draw in all those present into working full-heartedly.
"Precisely but so far it is very dangerous and raw. Not many can handle its purity but I'm sure things like this can be fixed with time. Of course, that's if anyone here is interested in joining me. Not in making a simple serum but in helping mankind take its next steps forward."
Without even needing to discuss it, many immediately took steps forward. If anyone present was hesitant then this atmosphere completely erased such feelings as they too joined the crowd.
Michael who watched this go down smiled wide as he saw it all coming together
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In a familiar bar, Wade lay flat on a table as he cried his sorrows to Weasel. Leaving Weapon X had been fine even if he was upset at Michael's refusal but things took a turn for the worst when he lost Ajax and Angel Dust. What made it worse was that it wasn't even his fault!
The blasted X-men in all their righteousness arrived to help him because he was apparently in need of their help. But their small interference gave a chance for those two to escape! Now he doesn't even have a way to fix his face for Vanessa.
Weasel who listened to Wade's cries wanted to feel sympathy but he really couldn't. Just looking at his friend's disfigured face was hard enough.
"Right man it must be tough…"
"Right!? Maybe I should go back to that milk drinker Homelander and get him to help me? I bet he'd do it if I offered him a glass of some."
Weasel wasn't sure what he meant by that but ignored it. Wade had been saying a lot of crazy things like that recently. He'd even said he'd start his own franchise or something with his new mercenary name being Deadpool.
Pretty random but he had to agree it did sound good enough for a franchise. Preferably three movies because everyone loves a trilogy.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but hear you mention Homelander. Mind if I ask where he's been? I wanted to get some pointers from him but he hasn't been around"
Hearing the sudden voice Wade turned and saw a woman with bright red hair. It was his first time seeing her but to many, she had become quite the regular with her moniker being widow.
"Sweet Gazongas, you look like my Ex-wife!"
"Wade but you've never been married?" Weasel questions from the side leaving Natasha confused as well.
"Right… different universe." Wade said with a sigh "If you're talking about Homelander then I don't know. Last I saw he was freeing mutants making his own personal group. But I bet I can find him if it's for the plot"
Wink Wink
"Come on Author-san I'm sure the readers want me to do another crossover. I'll even bring Karl Urban though he's probably in Asgard acting as a lame guard right about now."
"Wait, did you just say he freed mutants and is gathering them?" Natasha asked in astonishment. Michael's movements had been hard to track as of late. Any device they placed in his house disappeared in space so Fury eventually pulled the plug on it.
It was simply a waste of equipment and there really wasn't a point in antagonizing a man who was aware of it. All it would do is possibly weaken their relationship when they finally do meet. So instead they stuck to the long-distance approach and tried tracking using satellites but that wasn't always accurate.
Especially recently when he suddenly disappeared and stopped returning home leaving them wondering what he was up to.
"Is there anything else you can tell me?"
"Sure I don't mind. He's got a couple of scientists as well oh and you should make a clause with Disney stating you can't die. Trust me it helps"
Natasha just sighed ignoring the man. She wasn't sure if he was trustworthy as he kept mentioning things that made zero sense but it was all she had right now.
"Thank you for the help" Saying her goodbye she quickly left the room.
"Wow, you really told her everything" Weasel said in surprise. He knew he was called Weasel and all but Wade was the real Weasel for exposing that much.
"Of course, I have a feeling it's going to cause him some problems. It's only fair, especially after he rejected joining my X-Force… Now enough wallowing in self-pity. It's time I go after Francis! Is my suit ready?" Wade asked as he slammed the table and stood up.
"Yeah, and I made sure it covered you completely. For everyone's sake"
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"You got all that Fury?" Natasha asked as she merged into the heavy crowds of New York City.
"I did… Keep gathering what you can Fury out" Fury said in a tired tone. Before he only saw Michael as a possible asset that should be watched but now things had blown out of proportion.
Mutants and Scientists were two things that didn't meld well in a sentence. This needed to be taken care of and it needed to be done fast.
Pulling out Michael's file he proceeded to update it and lifted its importance level. He didn't plan on meeting Michael so soon but this was something that could be held off any longer. However, before he could work on getting his location he suddenly received another call with a caller ID he couldn't ignore.
[Coulson]
Picking up the phone he lifted it to his ear and answered hoping things had at least gone well on this end.
"News on Banners?"
"Yes sir but I can't say it was good. General Ross interfered before we could leaving plenty of damage and issues that could become international"
Ross… that man was anything but quiet in how he handled things. He did respect him for all that he did for the country and if there was someone in the military who truly cared for his country then it was Ross but that didn't mean he was without flaws. Evident in how he handled this.
"Clean everything up, scrub the footage, and keep this down as much as you can"
"I'm sorry sir I don't think we can. Ross is still pursuing Banners and we think they are heading for the states."
"Do what you can" Hanging up the call he rubbed his eyes.
Causing damage in a foreign country was one thing but doing so here was beyond reckless. If it really does reach here then there's no way they would be able to keep this down. Every news outlet in the country will be on this. But even if Fury knew this was the case he couldn't simply give up. Using his experience he moved quickly and began mobilizing SHIELD to prepare for their arrival.