January 8, 2002
After some research I now realize that my previous life’s programming knowledge is a huge boon for me. I was a decent programmer that dabbled in everything from game engine design to forensic computing. I was a freelancer and was just good enough at everything that I ended up doing a little bit of everything.
It’ll take some practice to go from remembering to actually being skilled, but what I know, even being only somewhat decent before, is years ahead of consumer level software in this world. Knowing Tony Stark and SHIELD are around, I imagine the gap is narrower when it comes to military stuff though.
Regardless, with what I know and what I’ve learned is possible with my initial research in quantum technology, I’ve decided that my first long term goal is to create a proper quantum computing based AI. My guess is that if I succeed, I’d basically be able to get into and control anything when it comes to technology, and that would be huge for me when taking out Hydra, the Red Room, and potentially Ultron. Bet I could even hack JARVIS.
I’ll probably spend the next couple years designing my AI and learning how to make hardware for it as my main priority. Once I get into school, I’ll use the resources there to construct it and then get with the sorcerers.
I also researched the other options for powers.
The Life Foundation exists which is where I may be able to acquire a symbiote at some point. Once I’m more confident, I’ll see about hacking in to see if they have it already. Cyber security in this world is pretty much a joke compared to my memories, so it should be possible. I won’t be able to do anything about getting Venom out of there for quite a while though.
Oscorp doesn’t exist in this world and I don’t remember if the movies ever explained where the spider bit Peter, but I did remember that Dr. Connors was involved in the older movies. He teaches at Columbia University where he researches human-animal hybridization. If that’s not where the spider will be, I’ll eat my keyboard. Still a bit nervous about the whole Great Weaver thing, not to mention I don’t know if there’s something special about Peter that let him survive the bite. I guess I’ll keep this as the backup option.
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A knock at the door takes Grey’s mom, Cynthia, out of her thoughts. Looking out the window reveals her father, Clyde. She immediately goes tense and remembers she asked him for resources to teach Grey. She just didn’t expect him to fly across the country to bring it to her.
She puts on a neutral expression and opens the door. “Didn’t expect you to actually come, father.”
He matches her neutral expression. “I wanted to come see my grandchild. If he’s smart enough to want to learn about quantum mechanics at age 10, I can’t imagine where he’ll be in ten more years. I wanted to talk to you both about that.”
Cynthia frowned. “You’re not taking him.”
He looks affronted and responds, “Stop assuming the worst of me and call your son here. I just want to talk.” He brings a large plastic box in and sets it on the living room table.
Cynthia takes a moment and decides he’s telling the truth. She calls down Grey and starts preparing some tea. If she didn’t do it now, her father was sure to make some comment about it later.
Grey comes down and greets his grandfather. Once the tea is ready they all sit around the table.
Clyde is a slender man, appears to be in his 40’s with graying brown hair and green eyes. He has a much darker complexion than his mother, appearing to have a Mediterranean look. He clears his throat with a cough and begins. “So, Grey, I heard from your mother you’re a very smart child. Picking up lessons faster than she can make them.”
Grey looks at his mom. “I mean, I guess? Being able to memorize stuff isn’t really the same as being good at something.”
Clyde raises his eyebrow. “I suppose that’s true, but I also heard you’re quite good with computers. Is this not the case?”
Grey shrugs and says, “I’m better than mom at least. I don’t really have a lot of context about how good I am compared to others.”
“Such is the nature of being homeschooled. Regardless, since you’ve shown a knack for it, I decided to bring a gift to help you further.” He opens the large tub on the table and reveals a bunch of documents and books, as well as what looks like a laptop case. “I asked a friend of mine to provide this to me. This laptop is a top of the line device, it has specs that won’t be on the market for a few years. I’m not particularly knowledgeable about this so you’ll have to refer to the documents in the case.”
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Grey’s eyes light up and he grabs the case, barely containing the urge to get into it immediately. “Thank you! Wait… what’s the other stuff?”
Clyde, clearly pleased his gift is appreciated, chuckles. “It’s exactly what you asked for. Textbooks and documentation regarding quantum mechanics and technology. I’m an investor at Pym Technologies and was able to call in a favor to get this directly from Hank Pym. It goes from basic theory to research notes from the man himself. This is information you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.” His dignified grandfather facade morphs into blatant smugness, causing Cynthia to roll her eyes.
Grey doesn’t notice and immediately starts going through the tub, eyes practically sparkling. After a few seconds of rifling through the books, he pauses and awkwardly backs off from the table. “Thanks grandfather. I… don’t really know what else to say.”
Clyde chuckles and says, “Don’t worry about it. This is the first time your mother has asked me for something for you so of course I had to deliver.” He gives a meaningful glance to his daughter. “I’ve been hoping for an excuse to see the two of you more often.” Before Cynthia can reply he continues, “Regardless, I wanted to talk to you about your future.”
Grey looks up from the books and asks, “What do you mean?”
“Your mother tells me that your home schooling has gotten to the point where you’re beyond high school level in most subjects. That it wouldn’t be much longer before you could have the knowledge for a diploma. You’re a professional level programmer and are about to study quantum mechanics. For a ten year old, that’s remarkable.” The gleam in his eyes gives Grey goosebumps.
Oh no, he’s one of those guys that tries to live vicariously through his children. He wants me to be a genius because that makes HIM feel like a genius. A quick glance at his mother and seeing the tension on her face all but confirms his guess. This is some sort of set up to try to make him the next Tony Stark.
“I guess… like I said before, just because I can memorize stuff quickly doesn’t make me actually good at any of it.”
“But you said yourself you’re better with computers than your mother. Your mother, before you were born, was one of the leading systems engineers for a government organization called SHIELD.”
Grey let out an involuntary gasp. That’s one hell of a coincidence. Mom’s programming skills did seem pretty good compared to what I’ve researched, but this… “Is that true, mom?”
Cynthia sighs. “...Yes it’s true. I helped design a bunch of the systems SHIELD used at the time. Most of that is obsolete now since I quit not long after you were born, but I assume what they use today is built on the framework I helped make.” She looks at her father. “I never mentioned it because I wanted you to study what you liked, not put you on a path someone else chose.”
Not touching that with a ten foot pole. Looks like grandfather is a bit of a control freak. Guess mom’s the same just channels it into being overprotective instead.
Clyde clears his throat. “Worry not my dear, I only intend to give your son some options for the future. He can choose whether or not to embrace his potential.”
Oof, grandfather, you gotta work on your wording there, she’s pissed. Grey decides to ask before Cynthia blows up. “What options?”
“Well. I’ve lived a long life. And in that life, I’ve made quite a few connections. I can put in the right words with the right people and grant you entry into any University in the world, or get you an internship at Pym Tech, Stark Industries, or a multitude of other places.” He offers.
I didn’t expect to have an in like this. I wasn’t really planning to go to college. My previous self never did, and I did fairly well for myself all things considered. Though, an internship at Pym Tech would give me a chance to get enough knowledge for shrinking tech, and since it’s on the other side of the country, I’d get a little more independence from my mom.
“Mom says I can’t go to school until my empath abilities manifest.”
Clyde looks at Cynthia whose stone cold expression gave him no room for doubt that he’d never convince her otherwise. “...That is probably for the best. I suggest you should spend the time before that happens thinking about what you’d like to do and where you’d like to go. Once you gain your ability, I’ll make the calls necessary so that once you’ve got a handle on it, you can go.”
Grey turns to his mom and puts on the best puppy dog eyes he’s capable of. Blatant manipulation, but necessary.
Cynthia grimaces at the sight but caves only after a few seconds. “...fine. We’ll start figuring it out when you manifest. For now, grab your books and go upstairs. I need to talk to your grandfather.”
Grey jumps up and kisses her on the cheek. Then grabs the tub of books and laptop with difficulty and rushes to his room.
After he leaves the room, Cynthia glares at her father. “If you so much as think about leading him into being part of your crap I will take him and disappear so even your precious Hydra can’t find us.”
Clyde looks into her eyes. “Don’t worry, my daughter. I learned my lesson with you. I simply want what’s best for him.”
“What you think of as ‘what’s best’ is exactly what I’m afraid of.”