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Hammerhaven, March 5th, 2010.
The sprawling penthouse Justin was staying in while staying close to the heartbeat of his city, had been specifically adjusted to keep the outside world away tonight. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city's nighttime skyline, the faint hum of life below muffled by the penthouse's soundproofing. Tonight, the usual hum of business, strategy, and ambition was replaced with something far simpler - an evening of relaxation among the closest members of Justin's inner circle.
The kitchen at the center of the open floor plan was a curious blend of high-tech and homey, and barely ever used. Justin hardly had any need to do something so pedestrian as cooking.
Yelena and Eileen moved with surprising ease and familiarity around the kitchen, neither woman was someone that you'd expect to see play homemaker.
Eileen, dressed more comfortably then she usually did as Phantazia, in simple slacks, a off-white blouse and an apron that said - kiss the cook and die - leaned over the stove, stirring a sauce that filled the air with a rich, savory aroma. Beside her, Yelena was chopping vegetables with a precision that spoke to both her assassin training and her determination to prove herself as the chef of the evening.
She took everything she did seriously, and even the slicing of vegetables was a task she was utterly focused on, her hair hanging loose, framing her face as she had dressed down for the occasion in a simple shorts and t-shirt combo.
The fact it was a New York Hammers shirt wasn't commented on by anyone.
A shared shame they all had for failing to keep their boss from buying and renaming a sports franchise a few months back.
"I swear, Yelena, you're about to slice your finger off with how fast you're going," Domino called from her spot on the plush couch, a glass of red wine balanced precariously on her knee. She lounged with the casual ease of someone who knew she was among family and had absolutely no worries.
Yelena didn't look up, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "If I lose a finger and it somehow doesn't just grow back, I'll just use it to guilt-trip Justin into cooking for us next time, since he's the one who wanted a home cooked meal." The ten rings rested tightly against her forearms as she continued chopping away.
Justin, sitting in an armchair across from Domino with his own glass of wine, snorted softly. "Don't count on it. My skills are best used elsewhere."
Domino smirked, swirling her glass. "Oh, we know. But I'm pretty sure your 'skills' are non-existent, and you hate being bad at something, and that's why you'd really refuse. Eileen, sweetie, back me up here."
Eileen glanced over her shoulder, her expression one of practiced calm, though the faintest hint of amusement danced in her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous darling, Justin isn't bad at anything, I'm pretty sure that's heretic to say actually, I'll miss you when you're burnt at the stake, Dom."
Domino only gave her the finger, before spilling all her wine on herself as she apparently had a 'random' muscle twitch.
"Hey," Justin protested, though his tone was more amused than offended at Eileen's teasing. "No using the church of Hammer against me, I don't control those nutjobs." He gave them all a faux stern glare, "Also, no work talk tonight…"
Domino casually took her pajamas off and sat in the nude, giving Eileen a challenging look, and Justin rubbed his forehead, "And none of that… Domino put some clothes on."
"No work tonight, yeah? We're all completely off the clock?" Domino asked sweetly, pouring herself another glass.
"Yeeees?" Justin drawled out slowly.
Domino shrugged, her breasts bouncing slightly, "Then I don't have to do as you say, cheers!" She lifted her wine glass mockingly.
Eileen let out a very loud sigh, but there was a smile on her face to go with her slightly pink cheeks as she checked on the meat, basting it with butter and herbs.
Yelena paused in her chopping to look over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised in mock disbelief. "You expected differently from Dom? How many glasses have you had, Justin?"
Domino burst out laughing, nearly spilling her wine, again. "She's got you there, not-my-boss-tonight."
Justin leaned back in his chair, taking a leisurely sip of his drink. "I'm glad I brought you all here tonight. Really warms my heart to see how much you all value me."
"Don't worry, Justin," Eileen said smoothly, turning back to her sauces to give them another stir. "We value you. The amount of teasing depends on what you're offering, mister Trillionaire." She added impishly, sharing an amused look with Domino.
The room filled with lighthearted laughter, the kind that came easily among people who had been through more than their fair share of chaos together. Yelena finished chopping and carried her cutting board over to Eileen, dumping the vegetables into a sizzling pan. The two worked in comfortable silence for a moment before Yelena broke it.
"You know," She began, her tone deliberately casual, "This isn't so bad. Cooking together. Feels… Normal. Maybe we can make it a regular thing?"
Domino leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she grinned, uncaring about her nudeness. "Look at you, getting all sentimental on us. Careful, 'lena. You might actually seduce me, and then where will we be?"
Yelena shot her a mock glare. "I tolerate you. Barely."
"Dom, don't make me spank you…" Eileen warned, her lips quirked in a half smile. Like she couldn't make up her mind on whether to smile, or frown.
"That's the spirit," Domino said, raising her glass in a mock toast.
Justin chuckled, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. It wasn't often they all had the chance to unwind like this. The pressures of world domination, alien invasions, a global business empire, and the endless logistics therein, didn't leave much room for evenings like this. But tonight, it was just them. No plans, no power plays, just a group of people who had found themselves at the center of the most powerful empire on the planet.
Once the holdovers stopped being whiny bitches, it would be the Empire.
Yelena and Eileen worked together like a well-oiled machine as the cooking began entering the home stretch, the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and stirring filling the kitchen. The smell of garlic, herbs, and roasted vegetables wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of rosy wine everyone was drinking.
Domino tilted her head, watching them with a curious lazy expression. "You know, this feels like one of those sitcom families. The overachieving older sister," She gestured at Eileen, "The bratty but lovable younger sister," she nodded toward Yelena, "And the long-suffering dad." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at Justin.
Eileen chuckled lightly, "That would be highly incestuous since I'm the only one here he hasn't slept with." She pointed out.
If Justin wasn't currently dealing with way too many pregnancies, he might have used that to segue into completing the set.
"Yet." Domino pointed out teasingly.
Eileen pointed a spatula at her threateningly, "No chance, I'm a one woman kind of gal at the moment as you well know."
Domino made a heart with her fingers, making Eileen laugh, before she shook her head and returned to what she was doing.
Justin raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement, Domino and Eileen were hardly being subtle. "And you're… What? The quirky aunt of questionable sexuality who drinks too much?" He asked Domino, bringing it back to what she'd said.
Domino grinned. "Exactly."
Yelena snorted, setting down the pan she'd been holding. "You're not quirky. You're just annoying."
"And you're not even part of the original group," Domino shot back, her tone teasing. "So maybe pipe down, new girl."
Yelena's jaw dropped, and she spun around to face Domino, her hands on her hips. "Not part of the original group? Excuse me? I've been here long enough to earn my spot."
Thankfully for Yelena's self respect none of them made the obvious joke.
"Long enough, sure," Domino said, leaning back against the couch with a smug grin. "But OG? Nah. That's me, Justin, and Eileen. You're just the plucky newcomer."
Yelena pouted, crossing her arms. "I'm not plucky."
"See? Only someone plucky would say that," Domino said, winking.
Eileen's lips twitched as she tried to suppress a smile. "Be careful, Dom. If you push her too far, you might find yourself at the wrong end of one of those knives."
"Please," Yelena said, rolling her eyes. "I'd never waste a perfectly good knife on her."
Mostly because if someone really tried to stab Domino they'd probably just end up stabbing themselves.
The banter continued as they finished cooking, Yelena and Eileen grabbing the food while Justin and Domino set the table. The dining area, with its panoramic view of the city, was the perfect backdrop for their meal. They sat down together, the table filled with steaming dishes that looked as good as they smelled.
"Alright," Justin said, raising his glass. "A toast. To… Whatever this is. A day of relaxation…"
"To family," Domino said, her voice uncharacteristically sincere.
"To all of us being the original group," Yelena added, giving Domino a challenging look.
Eileen inclined her head. "To reaching all the way to dinner with only one person losing their clothes." She toasted dryly.
They clinked their glasses together, the sound ringing softly in the warm, relaxed atmosphere. For a moment, everything felt perfect - no enemies, no wars, no schemes. Just them.
As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily, moving from lighthearted teasing to more personal topics. Justin found himself smiling more than he had in weeks, genuinely enjoying the company of the people who had become his closest allies - and, in many ways, his family.
As much as he'd never really intended to find one quite like it.
The meal was nearly finished, and the wine was flowing freely when Domino leaned back in her chair, her grin turning wicked. She swirled her glass lazily, her eyes flicking between Justin and Yelena.
"So," She began, her tone deliberately casual, "Justin, did you tell Yelena you knocked her up yet?"
The room went still. Yelena, mid-sip of her wine, choked violently, nearly spitting it out as her eyes widened in shock. "What!?"
Justin groaned, dragging a hand down his face as Domino burst into laughter. "Really, Domino? You couldn't wait until after dessert?"
Yelena's wide eyes darted from Justin to Domino and back again, her hands trembling slightly as she set her wine glass down on the table with a soft clink. The atmosphere in the room shifted palpably, the warmth of their earlier banter replaced by a heavy, almost tangible tension. Her breath caught, the air in her lungs refusing to move as the words hung over her like a storm cloud.
"What did she just say?" She asked, her voice trembling between disbelief and cautious hope. Her gaze was locked on Justin now, searching his face for any sign that Domino's words were some cruel joke.
Domino, entirely unrepentant, leaned back in her chair with a smug grin, dodging a swipe from Eileen. She swirled her wine lazily, the picture of casual mischief. "Honestly, you should be thanking me for breaking the news in the most entertaining way possible."
Yelena ignored her, her attention solely on Justin. "Is this true?" She demanded, her voice sharp and rising in pitch. Her eyes shimmered faintly under the warm light, betraying the storm of emotions building inside her. "Am I -" She hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing, " - am I pregnant?"
Justin sighed, setting his glass down on the table. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the surface as he met her gaze. His expression was carefully measured, the usual cocky smirk replaced by something softer. "Yeah," He admitted finally, his tone calm but carrying an undertone of sympathy. "You are."
Yelena blinked, her lips parting slightly in shock. For a moment, it seemed like she might say something, but the words didn't come. Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, her fingers brushing over it as if expecting to feel some sign of change beneath her skin. "I… I don't know what to say," She murmured, her voice almost inaudible. Her breath hitched, and she let out a shaky laugh. "Justin, I'm not even sure I know how to be a mom."
Domino let out an exaggerated sigh, propping her chin on her hand. "Oh, please, 'lena. If you can handle assassins, espionage, and whatever other insanity Justin throws your way, you can handle one tiny baby."
Eileen, chimed in smoothly, her tone calm but laced with a faint edge. "Domino's right, although as subtle as a particularly dim brick as usual. You already have the skill set. Quick reflexes, sharp instincts, time spent taking care of a giant baby who can't take no for an answer - sounds like you're more than qualified."
Yelena shot them both a glare, though her expression lacked any venom. "You two are so helpful," She muttered, though the corners of her lips twitched despite herself.
"Just doing our part," Domino said brightly, wincing as Eileen's nails dug into her thigh.
Justin cleared his throat, drawing Yelena's focus back to him. His expression was serious now, his voice steady as he addressed her. "Look, Yelena, I'm going to be straight with you. I'm not exactly father-of-the-year material. Hell, I didn't even think I'd ever be in this position. But you're mine." He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "And I take care of what's mine. Always. You're not going to be sidelined or abandoned because of this... Divine parasite."
Yelena let out a startled laugh, half disbelief and half amusement. "Divine parasite?" She repeated, raising an eyebrow. "How romantic."
Justin smirked faintly, though his voice softened as he continued. "You know what I mean. I'm not going to let you do this alone, and I'm sure as hell not going to let anything happen to you or sideline you."
He stood by what he said though. He'd ensure they had everything they could ever need, but he had neither the time nor the wish to play house.
Yelena's eyes flicked back to her stomach, her hand unconsciously settling there again. For a moment, her walls cracked, and the vulnerability she so carefully hid slipped through. "I don't even know where to start," She admitted quietly. "I've never... I mean, what if I mess this up?"
Justin kept quiet, knowing not to be hIs usual domineering self, Yelena had just found out about her mom, and now this…
It probably wouldn't help to mention how many kids he had on the way so it wouldn't matter if a couple were raised to be fuck ups.
Eileen reached over, placing a reassuring hand on Yelena's arm. "You won't," She said simply, her voice steady. "You're tougher than you think. And you've got us."
Domino grinned, leaning forward to clink her glass against Yelena's untouched one. "Yeah, we'll make sure you don't screw it up too badly. Besides, I'm pretty sure this kid's going to inherit some serious badass genes."
Yelena groaned, covering her face with her hands. "You're not going to let me live this episode of panic down, are you?"
"Not a chance," Domino replied cheerfully, taking another sip of her wine. "It's because we love you."
Justin leaned back in his chair, watching the dynamic between the women shift and flow with a faint smile. Despite the unexpected turn of events, there was something comforting about the way they rallied around Yelena.
"Domino's right," Justin said, earning a startled look from the woman in question. "Not about the teasing part - though I'm sure she'll milk that for all it's worth. But about you not doing this alone. You've got us. And if nothing else, you've got me."
Yelena lowered her hands, her expression softening. "You mean that?"
Justin nodded. "I do. You're part of this family, Yelena. Things might get messy, but we'll figure it out."
Eileen raised her glass, her calm demeanor giving way to a rare honest smile. "To divine parasites and unexpected blessings."
Domino laughed, holding up her glass as well. "Hear, hear! And to Yelena, the soon-to-be badass mom of the year."
Yelena rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept across her cheeks. "You're all insufferable."
"Maybe," Domino said, grinning, "but you love us anyway."
It was an idyllic scene,
At least until Domino told Yelena about the many, many others.
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Hammerhaven, March 8th, 2010.
Justin sat at his desk in his personal office,
Phantazia sat in front of him to his right, her tablet glowing softly as she scrolled through reports, her demeanor calm and poised. In front of him on his left, Newly inaugurated President Sunil leaned forward slightly, an amused glint in his eyes as he prepared to present the results of a poll that apparently had Hammer Industries in a titter.
Justin leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of water idly in one hand. "Alright, Sunil, hit me with it. What's the biggest breakthrough of Hammer Industries, according to our adoring public?"
Sunil tapped a control on the table, and a hologram of a bar graph sprang to life above the polished surface. The top result glowed in bold letters - Grocery Delivery.
The business he'd created his version of Uber for, just as much as for the rideshare market.
Justin's eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of disbelief and skepticism. "You're telling me grocery delivery is the biggest improvement voted on by a global audience? Ahead of clean energy, all the tech advancements, and - oh, I don't know - Panacea, the cure for every disease known to man?"
Phantazia smirked but kept her gaze on her tablet, clearly entertained by his reaction. Sunil, ever unflappable, gave a slight shrug. "Yes, sir. Over forty million votes were cast. Grocery delivery won by a considerable margin."
Justin scoffed, leaning forward and pointing at the hologram. "This doesn't make sense. We only have the service running at full capacity in North America and a handful of European countries at this point. How does it win a global vote? Do people even know what Panacea does?"
"They do," Phantazia said, finally looking up from her tablet. Her expression tinged with amusement. "But apparently, the idea of shopping from their couch is more exciting than eradicating disease."
"People who don't even have access to it yet are still thrilled by the possibility," Sunil added calmly, as if that explained everything.
Justin groaned, rubbing his temples. "So, let me get this straight. People are so excited about never having to set foot in an actual store again that they're willing to push aside the idea of curing all diseases as the top advancement of the last decade? This is what we're dealing with?"
"Yes," Phantazia confirmed, her lips quirking into a faint smile.
"No wonder there's hardly a single rebellion to this world domination thing," Justin muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "The bar is so low, it's practically subterranean."
Not to say there weren't rebellions,
China and Russia were still fighting back. Badly. And the whole of the Middle East was iffy at best, not a lot of Hammer worshippers there for some reason.
Sunil cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation. "Be that as it may, this data provides us with valuable insight into public priorities. We should leverage this enthusiasm as we roll out additional services worldwide."
Justin threw his hands up. "Fine, but let's focus on the big stuff at the same time. Grocery delivery can roll out on the side while we ensure people have power, clean water, and infrastructure that won't collapse under its own weight. What's our timeline on arc reactors for global clean energy?"
The world was his, he would reshape everything with a global infrastructure program. But he needed the energy for it first.
Phantazia adjusted her tablet, bringing up a hologram of the Earth with glowing dots marking current and planned arc reactor installations. The map spun slowly, revealing clusters of activity in major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. "We're currently operational in thirty-two locations worldwide," she began, her tone professional. "That already accounts for approximately 11% of the global population's energy needs. Our next phase involves expanding to underserved regions in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia."
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
The Middle East was going to be a problem soon, Justin thought, seeing that they weren't even on the plan for this. The situation was too volatile.
Funnily enough they weren't overly concerned with Panacea or clean energy, despite being oil nations. In this case, the church of Hammer and its insistence about his divinity was the major issue.
At least the Vatican wasn't being bitches about it.
Sunil leaned forward, gesturing to the map. "The logistics are complex, but we've streamlined the process by standardizing the construction of smaller arc reactors. These will serve rural and remote areas over great distances, while the larger ones handle urban centers and their surroundings."
Justin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Good. I want full coverage - no exceptions. What's the estimated timeline for completing the global rollout?"
The smaller reactors would have to be expanded or replaced as the world grew - but for now speed was more important.
Phantazia tapped her tablet, and new data appeared. "At our current pace, we can achieve 70% coverage within five years and 100% within seven. That assumes no significant delays."
Justin frowned. "Seven years feels too long. What's holding us back?"
"Resource allocation and skilled labor," Sunil explained. "Even with Hammer Industries' resources, constructing and maintaining these facilities requires trained personnel. We're already operating at maximum capacity in terms of recruitment and training."
Justin drummed his fingers on the table, his mind racing. "Double the training programs. Pull people from other industries if you have to. I don't care if we have to train bricklayers to build these reactors - we need them operational faster. Use the prison reeducation programs too."
Phantazia arched an eyebrow but nodded. "Understood. I'll work with Nail to adjust the training schedules and optimize deployment."
Justin leaned back, his eyes on the spinning globe. "Good. Clean energy for everyone. No excuses, no delays."
His other projects needed the energy to work, so it was vital they put the arc reactor installations going at highest possible speed.
"Alright, what about clean water?" Justin asked, shifting his focus. "We're not letting anyone go thirsty on my watch, they won't be as productive if they're worrying about water."
Phantazia brought up another hologram, this one displaying water purification facilities and desalination plants. "We've made significant progress in areas with existing infrastructure," She said. "Arc reactor plants double as water purification hubs in several regions, but rural areas remain a challenge."
Sunil nodded in agreement. "The issue is less about purification and more about distribution. In remote areas, there's often no existing pipeline or delivery system to work with."
Justin's brow furrowed. "So build one."
"It's not that simple," Phantazia interjected. "We're talking about thousands of miles of pipelines, reservoirs, and pumping stations. It's a massive undertaking."
It was already underway in Africa, but it would be years to be finished, and despite popular opinion, Africa was far from the only place dealing with poor access to clean water.
Justin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What's the timeline?"
"Ten years for full global coverage," Phantazia replied. "Assuming no interruptions."
"Unacceptable," Justin snapped. "We're not making people wait a decade for clean water. What's the bottleneck?"
"Materials and labor, mostly, as always," Sunil said. "But we've already begun exploring alternatives, such as modular purification units that can be deployed in remote areas without relying on piping."
Justin's eyes lit up. "That's more like it. Scale that up. Use the resources we have, put Forge and Doctor Octavius on cooking up something that will expedite the process. I'm not going to be held back by something like access to water!"
Phantazia made a note on her tablet. "We'll prioritize modular units and repurposed infrastructure. With those adjustments, we could cut the timeline to five years, more if Forge and Doctor Octavius bring me something revolutionary."
"Better," Justin said, his tone firm. "Make it happen."
Moving on, Sunil pulled up a new set of holograms, this one showing roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects as well as the planned retooling of major cities. "With the Hammer Federation in place, we're focusing, as planned, on rebuilding and modernizing infrastructure across the globe. This includes high-speed global rail networks, and smart cities."
Justin studied the projections, his mind already running through the logistics. "How long until we've got a global high-speed rail network?"
"Seven years for primary routes," Sunil replied. "Secondary and tertiary lines will take another three to five years."
Justin grimaced. "I want those numbers cut in half. Can we use drones or automated systems to speed up construction?"
With how much he needed human hands in the more sensitive projects, he couldn't afford to divert even more people. His construction company had already ballooned into one of the largest employers globally - there weren't enough humans to cover everything he wanted to get done.
Not on the timeline he was shooting for.
"We can," Phantazia said, a warning note in her tone, "But there's a limit to how much automation can replace human oversight. Quality control is critical for projects of this scale."
Justin nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Double the workforce if you have to and match that with automation. Source people from the poorest countries, hoover them up, force them if necessary, recruit globally - whatever it takes."
Phantazia made another note. "Understood. We'll adjust the projections accordingly."
Finally, Justin turned his attention to the hologram of the moon, where Hammer Industries' new bases glowed faintly. "Let's talk about the space fleet," He said, leaning forward. "Now that we've got access to global resources and fully operational moon bases, I want timelines for building the fleet."
Phantazia swiped her tablet, bringing up a detailed schematic of proposed spacecraft designs. "The good news is that the moon bases provide a steady supply of research materials. The bad news is that building and launching a fleet of this size requires massive coordination between Earth and lunar operations."
Sunil added, "We've already begun assembling the first prototypes for testing on Earth, but lack the space dock capabilities to truly build a functional fleet. At the current pace, we'll have a test fleet of five scout ships within five years." He pursed his lips, "The wait for Asgard to contribute is slowing down construction as we need an interstellar ship to examine.."
Justin raised an eyebrow. "Just five?" He scratched his chin, "Asgard is not under our control, but we can speed up the work on a space dock… I'll deal with Pym Industries."
With Pym Particles not held back, they could get a working space dock around Earth's orbit in no time. Which would speed up the timeline of the fleet build. And push them past scout ships to battle cruisers.
"Each ship represents a massive investment in time and resources," Sunil cautioned. "If you wish to speed up the production of the space dock, it might be wise to halt ship production."
Justin considered this, his mind racing. "Double the production rate of dock components, I'll get the particles flowing, resources doesn't matter, continue the ship builds, our people need something to train on."
Phantazia hesitated. "There's also the matter of training the crew. These ships will require highly specialized personnel, even if you intend to utilize Sentinels to start with."
"Start recruiting immediately from NATO Navies and Air Forces," Justin ordered. "And if there's a shortage of qualified candidates, grab jarheads too and train them via the education pods. We're not putting this off."
With Shaw Industries now under his control, he had the steel to push forward, the Arc Reactors were already in place to help transform it into a more durable energy ablative material. If they could crack the Pym particles - production rates would blow their timeline out of the water.
Nothing like having someone work on a miniature piece of treated steel and then making that small piece a hundred times its size after finishing with the fiddly bits to speed up a build.
Starfighters created entirely in miniature with almost no resources by robotic precision and then resized to a full blown ship…
Pym Particles were going to put Earth on the map.
----------------------------------------
The next day, Hammerhaven.
The air in the lower levels of Hammerhaven felt cold and sterile, humming faintly with the energy of security fields and reinforced steel. It wasn't a place Justin visited often, preferring the luxury and efficiency of his upper offices. But today, he had a purpose. His polished leather shoes echoed down the corridor as he made his way toward one of the more secure cells.
He stepped through the reinforced doorway into a chamber that seemed equal parts interrogation room and high-tech kennel. Inside, Hela was perched casually on a steel bench, her long legs crossed and her face lit with an expression of absolute glee. In her hand, she held the end of a leash - a glowing teched out chain that connected to a collar fitted tightly around Nebula's neck. The blue-skinned cyborg glared at her captor, her body stiff with barely contained rage. A muzzle clamped over her mouth ensured her silence, though her eyes burned with defiance.
"Hela," Justin said smoothly as he stepped inside, his tone calm but laced with authority as he knew she wouldn't respond to anything else. "I see you're keeping busy with your cute little pet."
Which was all for the better. It's why he'd given her over.
Hela looked up, her grin widening into something wolfish. She gave the leash a playful tug, forcing Nebula to stumble forward slightly on her knees. "Busy? Oh, Justin, you have no idea how much fun I'm having. Isn't that right, my little pet?" Her voice dipped into a saccharine, baby-talk tone as she leaned toward Nebula, her eyes sparkling with mock affection. "Yes, you're such a good little pet, aren't you? Soon, we'll make you the terror of the stars again. But this time, you'll do it my way."
Nebula growled low in her throat, the sound muffled by the muzzle. Her mechanical hands clenched into fists, the servos whining under the strain. Hela laughed, delighted by the resistance. She tugged the leash again, a spark of electricity electrocuting Nebula painfully, Hela tilting her head like she was speaking to a particularly stubborn puppy. "Oh, don't be like that, pet. You'll get used to it. Who knows, you might even enjoy it!"
Justin watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Hela's antics could be entertaining, sure, but there was a reason he was here. He cleared his throat, drawing her attention.
"We need to talk," He said, gesturing toward the bench. "Mind if I join you?"
Hela raised an eyebrow but scooted over, patting the seat beside her with exaggerated politeness. "Of course, my dear Emperor-to-be. Sit. Let us discuss your grand plans while I keep my little pet occupied." She casually stretched a foot out for Nebula to nuzzle.
Justin took the offered seat, his gaze briefly flicking to Nebula, who was still kneeling on the floor, her glare unwavering even as she reluctantly leaned forward to brush her face against Hela's foot. He leaned back, folding his hands in his lap. "I wanted to go over the details of what's next for you."
"Oh?" Hela's grin sharpened. "Do tell. I've been dying to hear how you plan to use my particular talents."
Justin smirked faintly. "Asgard's promised us a spaceship - a big one, loaded with technology our scientists are already drooling over. Once we've extracted every scrap of knowledge from it, I'm planning to put it to good use."
Hela's eyes gleamed, her interest piqued. "And what, pray tell, is 'good use'?"
Justin's tone was casual, almost nonchalant, as he explained. "I want you to take that ship and make a name for yourself out there. Cause chaos. Be the universe's problem for a while." And not his…
Hela's grin spread into something feral, her fingers tightening on Nebula's leash. "You want me to be a ~pirate."
Justin shrugged. "Call it what you want. Pirate, conqueror, interstellar pain in the ass - I don't care. The point is, I need you out there, stirring things up, making people too busy dealing with you to look too closely at Earth."
Hela's laugh was low and throaty, filled with genuine delight. "Oh, Justin, you spoil me. Chaos is what I do best." She turned her attention back to Nebula, her grin softening into that same mock affection. "Hear that, pet? We're going to be pirates. You'll be the most fearsome little mascot in the galaxy - just think of all the new places you can pee on to mark your territory."
Nebula snarled, straining against the leash, but the collar's failsafe mechanisms activated, sending another sharp jolt of energy through her body. She froze, her muscles locking up momentarily before she slumped back onto her knees, breathing heavily.
"Play nice, Nebula," Justin said mildly, his gaze never leaving Hela. "She's not going to bite you. Probably."
He knew she'd do much worse. But if it kept Hela busy, he didn't overly care much. It was a daughter of Thanos - she was expendable to him once she was fully pumped of information.
Hela chuckled, clearly enjoying every second of Nebula's discomfort. "She'll learn," She said breezily. "It's only a matter of time before she realizes how much fun this will be. Isn't that right, my little darling?" She reached out, patting Nebula's head like a dog.
Justin's lips twitched in amusement, though his mind remained focused on the larger picture. Hela was a force of nature, raw and untamed. She thrived on conflict and conquest, and keeping her cooped up on Earth was a recipe for disaster. Right now, his priority was building the world up, stabilizing it under his rule. He didn't have room for someone like Hela to run wild in his backyard.
Sending her into the stars wasn't just a strategic move - it was a necessity. If she didn't have an outlet for her destructive tendencies, she'd find one. And that wasn't a risk Justin was willing to take.
The fact she'd also draw attention to herself was just a bonus, hopefully the likes of the Kree etc, would focus on the mad goddess instead of Earth.
"You'll have free reign," He continued, his tone measured. "Take the ship, recruit whoever you want, take Magneto's left overs for all I care, and do what you do best. Just keep it far enough away from Earth that I don't have to clean up after you."
Hela's eyes narrowed slightly, a calculating glint in them. "And what do I get out of this, other than the sheer joy of destruction?"
Justin smiled faintly. "Glory. Power. Whatever loot you can carry. And the satisfaction of knowing you're still the most dangerous woman in the universe."
Hela considered this, her grin returning. "It's a tempting offer, Justin. Very tempting."
"It's not an offer," Justin said simply. "It's your job."
Her laughter rang out, sharp and unrestrained. "Fair enough. Consider me on board."
Justin nodded, satisfied. He rose to his feet, brushing imaginary dust from his suit. "Good. I'll let you get back to… Whatever this is." He gestured vaguely toward Nebula, who was glaring daggers at both of them.
"Oh, this?" Hela said, tugging the leash to make Nebula shuffle forward. "This is just a bit of fun. Training my little pet here to be the perfect little mascot/sexpet." She smiled naughtily, "Before we leave, I'll show you everything she's learned…"
Justin shook his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Just don't break her fully yet. We still need her mind intact for intel on Thanos."
"Don't worry," Hela purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "I'll take good care of her."
As Justin turned to leave, he couldn't help but think how much simpler his life would be with Hela wreaking havoc far away from Earth. It wasn't a permanent solution, but for now, it would keep her busy - and keep the universe on its toes.
If only Asgard would hurry up and get him a ship…
If Thor was dragging his feet on this he might have to talk to Freiya about the benefits of a hard spanking…
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That night, Mirror Dimension.
The Mirror Dimension seemed to stretch endlessly in kaleidoscopic patterns of light and shadow, its fractured beauty a testament to the malleability of space and time within its borders. Justin strode through the surreal landscape a gleam of cruel pleasure in his eyes. Behind him walked Forge, a mechanical gauntlet gleaming with faint blue energy on his arm, and Kaecillius, the jailor of this part of reality, whose quiet presence radiated a mix of reverence and menace.
"You're absolutely sure this is going to work?" Justin asked, his voice cutting through the stillness of the dimension. He didn't look back, his gaze focused on the shimmering pathway ahead. "Losing this power would be… Annoying."
Forge's smirk was one of pure confidence as he held up the gauntlet, its intricate design humming faintly with energy. "It'll work. I've already mastered how to remove powers safely. Adding them back was just a matter of reverse-engineering the process."
Justin gave a short nod, though his expression remained skeptical. "Good. I've got an empire to build. The last thing I need is complications from this little experiment - we can't afford to lose such exquisite powers."
Kaecillius led them further, his pace measured and deliberate. The screams of Nathaniel Essex - Sinister - echoed faintly through the dimension. Justin's lip curled in satisfaction at the sound. Kaecillius gestured toward the source of the noise as they passed, his tone calm but laced with dark amusement.
"He continues to resist, my Lord," Kaecillius said, his head bowing slightly. "But the Extremis enhancements are ensuring that his resistance only prolongs his suffering."
Justin allowed himself a fleeting moment of pleasure at the thought. Sinister's sins had been many, and his punishment was as fitting as it was eternal. "Good," He said coldly. "Keep it that way. A lesson for anyone who dares to think they can cross me."
Not that everyone necessarily believed it. But Justin had spread the word in the criminal underworld, making sure people knew eternal suffering awaited those who touched what was his.
It wouldn't deter everyone, but even one person stepping back from doing something damaging was a win.
As they moved deeper into the dimension, another sound reached them - lower, rougher, and tinged with agony. The Mandarin's voice carried through the distorted air, his screams a melody of torment. Justin glanced toward Kaecillius, his expression sharp with curiosity.
"And our other guest?" Justin asked, a vicious grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Kaecillius inclined his head, his tone deferential. "Very well, my Lord. We have begun with the traditional ancient chinese torture methods you suggested. It has been… instructive."
Justin chuckled, the sound low and satisfied. The Mandarin, once a figure of arrogance and cruelty, was now reduced to nothing more than a pitiful spectacle. Justice was served in layers, and Justin relished every one.
They arrived at their destination - a stark, illuminated chamber within the endless folds of the dimension. At its center sat Erik Lehnsherr, the infamous Magneto, held upright by restraints that cradled his limbless form. His face was pale, his eyes hollow, and his body broken. Despite the state of his flesh, there was still a quiet dignity in the way he held himself, as though defiance lingered just beneath the surface.
Justin stepped forward, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He looked down at Magneto with a mixture of curiosity and coldness. "It's finally time," He said, his tone even. "Any last words? Maybe something for your old friend Xavier?"
Magneto's tired eyes lifted to meet Justin's. For a moment, the silence between them was heavy with unspoken truths. Then, with a slow exhale, Magneto closed his eyes.
"Mutants' rights are safeguarded in your empire?" He asked quietly, his voice steady despite the weariness that clung to him.
"Yes," Justin replied without hesitation.
Because why on earth would he abuse such useful pawns…
Magneto nodded faintly, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "Then I am content. Do it."
Justin turned to Forge and gave a brief nod. The inventor stepped forward, his gauntlet glowing brighter as he approached Magneto. Forge hesitated for only a moment before placing his mechanical hand on Magneto's head, the device humming as it initialized the extraction process.
The pain began immediately.
Magneto's body tensed, his face contorting as his mutant abilities were forcibly ripped from his cells. The room filled with the sound of his strained cries, each one a testament to the immense power that was being severed from his very being. The gauntlet's gem pulsed with light, growing brighter with every second, the raw energy of Magneto's powers being contained and stored within its intricate mechanisms.
Justin watched impassively, his eyes cold as they followed every twitch and shudder of Magneto's failing body. There was no pleasure in the sight, only the detached efficiency of a man carrying out a necessary task.
Magneto might not have been guilty of being a willing part of the events that took Hope from him, the man having been mind controlled - so he didn't take any particular pleasure in his death. But neither was he willing to let him live because he had been part of the reason.
The process took less than five minutes, and by the end of it, Magneto was slumped in his restraints, his breathing shallow and uneven. The faint hum of the gauntlet faded, its gem now glowing with the concentrated essence of Magneto's abilities. Forge stepped back, checking the device with a practiced eye.
"It's done," Forge said simply. "The power is contained. Transfer-ready whenever you want."
Magneto's head lolled to the side, his eyes half-open and unfocused. He was barely clinging to life, his body so intertwined with his powers that their removal had drained him of everything, not even Extremis would have neen capable of saving him in time. Moments later he drew his final breath as they all just watched him.
Justin stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "Send his body to Xavier," He instructed Kaecillius. "Let the old man bury him. Consider it a token of… Respect."
Kaecillius bowed slightly, his hands moving in fluid motions to summon a portal. The shimmering gateway opened, revealing the solemn grounds of the Xavier estate. Magneto's lifeless body was gently unshackled and floated through the portal, disappearing into the care of his former ally.
Justin's lips twitched at the idea one of his students was just going to run into Magneto's corpse on the lawn.
Justin turned to Forge, his gaze settling on the gauntlet with quiet satisfaction. "Good work," He said. "I'll let you know when it's time to put this power to use."
Forge smirked, securing the gauntlet to his wrist with a proud flourish. "You got it. This baby's ready whenever you are."
Justin created a portal with a flick of his wrist, the swirling energy framing a path back to the heart of his empire. He stepped through without hesitation, Forge close behind him. Magneto's legacy was now his to wield, a weapon stripped of sentiment and repurposed for the future.
As the portal closed behind them, the Mirror Dimension fell silent once more except for the eternal screams of its prisoners, its secrets and horrors left to churn in its infinite folds.
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March 18th, Africa,
The meeting room they were in, overlooked the sprawling space launch facility he had built in Africa. The glass walls framed a view of cutting-edge technology: towering scaffolding, spacecraft ready to carry the modules under construction, and thousands of workers moving with precise coordination.
Inside, Justin sat at the head of the conference table, his posture relaxed but exuding authority. His sharp gaze was fixed on the entrance, waiting for the arrival of his next guest. Beside him, Tony Stark sat pale-faced, his usual swagger muted as he idly bounced a small stress ball against the edge of the table. Despite his best attempt at indifference, the tension in the room was palpable.
The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and Darren Cross entered, his sharp suit doing little to mask the nervous energy emanating from him. His gaze flicked briefly to Justin, then to Tony, before settling on the breathtaking view behind them. For a moment, he paused, perhaps imagining himself at the helm of such an operation. But the sight of Justin's expectant stare snapped him back to reality, and he stepped forward.
"Mr. Hammer," Cross began, his tone measured but carrying an undertone of unease. "Thank you for inviting me. I assume this is about my future role?"
Justin gestured to the chair across from him, his expression unreadable. "Sit," He said simply.
Cross complied, though his movements were stiff, betraying his wariness. He straightened his tie as he sat, his eyes darting between Justin and Tony. Tony caught the look and gave a half-smile, bouncing the stress ball a little faster.
Justin leaned forward, folding his hands neatly on the table. "Darren, you've been a valuable asset." He lied. "Your work on Pym Particles and your dedication to Pym Technologies haven't gone unnoticed. However, as we move forward, adjustments need to be made."
Cross's brow furrowed slightly, his polished demeanor cracking just a fraction. "Adjustments?" He repeated.
"Yes," Justin replied, his tone cool. "Effective immediately, Tony Stark will be taking over the operations of Pym Industries. Bruce Banner and Dr Hank McCoy will head up the research and development of Pym Particles. You will remain as the titular head of the company, but your role will be strictly advisory."
The words hit Cross like a physical blow. He stiffened, his jaw tightening as he processed the implications. "I was promised -" He began, his voice rising slightly.
"You were promised a role," Justin interrupted smoothly. "And you'll still have one. A very comfortable one, I might add. Riches, influence, the finest luxuries the world has to offer. But operational control? That's no longer on the table."
Cross's face reddened, his composure slipping further. "You also promised I'd join H.A.M.M.E.R. as the new Ant-Man!" He snapped. "And that I'd retain control of Pym Technologies. I've delivered on everything you asked. This isn't what we agreed to."
Justin's gaze didn't waver, his expression as unyielding as stone. "Circumstances have changed," He said simply. "I no longer need you in those positions."
He almost went with - I am altering the deal, pray I don't alter it further. But Tony was right there, and he didn't want to embarass himself.
He'd planned to use Cross, but plans changed. The Widow inserted in his life had reported too many signs of megalomania and worse… Incompetence.
Cross shot to his feet, his fists clenched. "This is outrageous!" He spat. "You can't just strip me of my work, my legacy -"
Tony, still bouncing the stress ball, quirked an eyebrow. "Wow. Somebody's upset. You think he's mad about the title or the fact that nobody's going to call him a genius anymore?" He lightly mocked. "You haven't even cracked Pyms work yet, don't act like a big shot…"
Cross glared at Tony, but before he could respond, a heavy, oppressive energy filled the room. Justin leaned back in his chair, his dominance aura rolling off him in waves. The weight of it pressed down on Cross like an invisible hand, forcing him to his knees. His breaths came in shallow gasps, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he struggled against the force.
Justin's voice was calm, almost conversational. "You're lucky I'm in a generous mood, Darren. I could have stripped you of everything. Instead, I'm offering you a seat at the table. A comfortable life. But only if you stay loyal and obey."
Cross gritted his teeth, his head bowed under the pressure. "You expect me to thank you for this?" He growled, his voice strained.
"I expect you to understand your position," Justin replied, his tone unyielding. "Take what's being offered. It's more than most people ever dream of. Riches, women, power. You'll still be in the top one percent of the world. But try to step out of line?" He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And there won't be a second chance."
The aura receded as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving Cross slumped on the floor, gasping for breath. He didn't dare meet Justin's gaze as he pushed himself to his feet, his face twisted with humiliation and rage. Without another word, he turned and strode out of the room, his movements stiff with suppressed fury.
The door closed behind him, and Tony let out a low whistle. "Well, that went about as well as expected. So, do we give it an hour before he starts plotting revenge, or do you think he's already at it?"
Justin's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Oh, he's not going to listen," He said, his tone almost amused.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Then why bother with the song and dance? You know he's going to try something stupid."
"Of course he is," Justin said, leaning back in his chair. "But he's watched. Closely. He can't access the Pym Particles, only his suit. And that suit is just as easily shut down due to our tampering. If he steps out of line, we'll deal with him."
"So what was the point of this?" Tony asked, tossing the stress ball onto the table.
Justin's smile widened slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "A test."
"For him?" Tony asked, his brow furrowing.
"No," Justin replied, his tone cold and calculated. "For the new 'hero' who'll take up the Ant-Man/Wasp mantle. If they succeed in taking him on, Cross's tantrum will be a footnote. If they fail… Well, that's why I have contingencies."
Tony chuckled, shaking his head. "You're such an asshole."
Justin's smirk grew. "Then why are you laughing?"
Tony didn't respond, but the faint grin tugging at the corners of his mouth was answer enough.
They sat in silence for a while, Justin checking up on the progress of the work being done in the facility. Specifically on the defense satellites being built. Eventually he walked over to the windows, standing by the wall and watching his people at work.
"So," Justin said eventually, breaking the silence, "What's with the stress ball?" He gestured at Tony's hand with a tilt of his head, his tone light but curious.
Tony let out a long sigh, tossing the ball up and catching it again before responding. "Pepper's pregnant," He admitted, the words tumbling out like they'd been weighing on him for days. "So knowing I'm going to be a dad… I can't be a dad!" He emphasized the last part with a dramatic shudder. "I mean, come on, Hammer. Me? A dad? It's ridiculous."
Justin smirked, leaning one shoulder casually against the wall. "Why not? You've got the genius - if barely, the resources, and a good woman who keeps you grounded. What's the problem?"
Tony shot him a look, squeezing the stress ball harder. "The problem is I've never exactly been… 'dad material.' I'm the fun uncle at best, the one who shows up with cool gadgets and leaves before the kid pukes. And now, with Obie gone… I don't even have the old uncle type to teach me how to fake it."
Justin snorted, shaking his head. "Suck it up, Stark. You'll manage. Besides…" His smirk turned into a frown, his tone turning irritable. "If it makes you feel better, I'm apparently going to be having thirty-eight children. So in a word - suck it up."
Tony froze mid-squeeze, his jaw dropping as he stared at Justin in a mix of disbelief and horrified awe. "Thirty-eight!? What the fuck did you do?"
Justin's eye twitched, his expression flattening. "Apparently, there isn't any birth control capable of beating divine sperm."
Tony groaned loudly, slapping a palm down on the table. "Not that again! You're not a god, Hammer!"
Justin crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Tell that to my thirty-eight baby mommas."
Tony shook his head, muttering under his breath as he squeezed the stress ball harder. "Unbelievable. I'm friends with a slut."
Justin thought that was a bit rich coming from him, his thoughts caught on to what else he'd said too. Justin's eyebrow arched higher, a dry chuckle escaping his lips. "Friends?" He repeated, his tone faintly teasing. "Did I just hear you admit that we're friends, Stark?"
Tony immediately straightened, pointing a finger at him defensively. "I did not say that! You can't prove a thing."
Justin's smirk deepened as he turned slightly. "Nail, replay."
The holographic avatar of Nail materialized beside them, her usual professional demeanor tinged with an undertone of amusement. "Replaying now, sir," She said cheerfully. A second later, Tony's voice echoed through the room: 'I'm friends with a slut.'
Tony groaned, dragging a hand down his face as Justin folded his arms, looking insufferably pleased. "See? Even your AI is against me. I'm surrounded by traitors, not friends."
Nail tilted her head, her holographic form shimmering as she looked between them. "I believe I was merely following orders, Mr. Stark," She said innocently.
Tony grumbled to himself, before glancing up at Nail, "Alright, no smooching Jarvis anymore, you're off the invite list."
Justin blinked, taken aback and somewhat amused. "You know all you're doing then is inviting her to sneak in from your metaphorical second story window, right?"
Nail blinked innocently, a halo appearing over her head.
Tony groaned again, before waving a hand dismissively. "It's not dating. It's advanced AI bonding. Totally platonic. Either way, because she's bullying me, she's out."
Justin gave him a flat look. "Sure, Stark. Keep telling yourself that." Turning to Nail, he added sternly, "When you hack into his systems to hang out with Jarvis, don't bully him too badly, he's just a fool in denial."
Tony ignored Justin, pointing a finger at Nail, "Don't break into my metaphorical windows or otherwise, I don't think my insurance covers it."
Nail's avatar squirmed slightly, her tone suddenly coy. "Oh… Would doing that make me a bad girl?" She asked, her voice dipping into a playful sing-song.
Tony sighed heavily, looking upward as though seeking divine intervention. "How is this my life now?"
Justin smirked, watching the interaction with unabashed amusement. "You brought this on yourself, Stark. You made Jarvis too debonair." He smiled smugly, "Also, Hammer Insurance covers everything, if you'd be willing to change plans."
"I don't need your input, Hammer," Tony snapped, though the faintest smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "And for the record, you're one to talk about being debonair. Thirty-eight kids. What are you, trying to start a cult?"
"Not trying," Justin replied with some annoyance shining through. "Already succeeded, purely against my will to boot. You should see how devoted some of the people in it are. It's almost terrifying." He sighed, running a hand through his hair, "Helen Cho is like my high priestess now, and for an intelligent woman, she is a few nuggets short of a happy meal."
Tony threw his hands up in mock exasperation. "Great. Fantastic. Meanwhile, I'm over here having a panic attack over one kid, and you're running around building a dynasty."
Justin shrugged, only an eye twitch betraying his irritation. "Look at it this way - if I can handle thirty-eight, you can handle one. Easy."
Tony didn't look convinced, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly as he leaned back against his chair, tossing the stress ball up again. "You're insane, you know that?"
Justin's grin widened. "And yet, here you are. Squeezing your stress ball and spilling your parental fears to me. I must be doing something right to get the great Tony Stark to ask me for advice."
Tony let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't expect me to babysit any of your thirty-eight godlings." He mocked.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Justin said smoothly. Giving him a mocking smile, "Don't want them to get drunk for breakfast until they're out of diapers at least." He made a dismissive gesture. "They're going to have the best nannies money can buy. It certainly won't be me doing the work."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Nannies? What happened to all that talk about being a god and taking care of what's yours?"
Justin shrugged, his tone light. "I didn't say I'd do it personally. Delegation, Stark. It's the key to success."
Tony snorted, shaking his head again as he turned his attention back to the bustling facility below. For a moment, the two of them stood in companionable silence, watching the satellites take shape. Despite their bickering and constant one-upping, there was an undeniable camaraderie between them - one forged through shared victories, rivalries, and the occasional bout of mutual respect.
"Well," Tony said after a while, tossing the stress ball up one last time before catching it. "I guess you're right all in all, if you can handle thirty-eight kids, I can probably manage one."
"That's the spirit," Justin said, clapping him on the back. "And hey, if your brat ever needs playmates…"
"Don't even finish that sentence," Tony cut in, his tone dry but tinged with a faint smile. "I'd rather ask Jarvis."
Nail's avatar perked up at the mention of her 'friend', her holographic form practically glowing. "Jarvis always gives excellent advice and would be great with children," She said helpfully.
Justin chuckled, shaking his head. "You two really will make the weirdest couple."
What's a little incest between AI anyway. If it could even be classified as it. Selfcest? Nail had been created off Jarvis programming after all.
Tony groaned again, though this time there was more laughter than exasperation in his voice. "I hate you, Hammer."
"Sure you do," Justin replied, grinning. "Sure you do."
They had a weird relationship, but Justin had to admit he was glad they'd never gotten to blows as he'd been prepared to back then.
This was almost… Nice.
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The room was quiet, save for the faint sounds of the city beyond the towering glass window. Yelena sat on the edge of her bed, her knees drawn up, arms wrapped around them. A soft golden lamp bathed the space in a warm glow, but it did little to ease the shadows clinging to her thoughts. Her fingers absently toyed with the fabric of her sweater, pulling at loose threads as her mind raced.
She hadn't slept much since the revelation. Pregnant. The word echoed in her head like the toll of a distant bell. It was surreal, almost impossible to believe. Her? A mother? The idea felt foreign, like she'd been thrust into a role she wasn't prepared for. Yelena had always lived on the edge, surviving on her own terms. She wasn't made for this.
Her gaze drifted to her stomach, still flat beneath the soft fabric of her sweater. It didn't feel any different yet. No fluttering movements, no signs of the life growing within her. But it was there, a tiny spark of something she couldn't yet name. She placed a hand over her belly, her touch tentative, as if afraid to acknowledge what lay beneath.
Her mother's face surfaced in her mind, unbidden and unexpected. A sharp pang of longing followed, twisting in her chest. Melina had been many things - distant at times, fiercely protective at others - but in the Red Room she had always been Yelena's anchor in a world that often felt chaotic and cruel. And now she was gone.
Right when she needed her the most.
Tears pricked the corners of Yelena's eyes, but she blinked them away. She hated crying, hated the weakness it made her feel. But tonight, it was harder to hold back. Her mother's absence was a gaping wound that hadn't fully healed, and now it felt even more raw. What would Melina have said if she were here? Would she have been proud? Would she have reassured Yelena that she could handle this, that she wasn't alone?
"I don't know if I can do this, Mama," Yelena whispered into the empty room, her voice trembling. Justin had promised her she wouldn't be shoved in a corner, but she knew he detested useless things. How useful would she be once she was 7-9 months pregnant?
The silence that followed felt oppressive, a heavy reminder that no answer would come. Yelena let out a shaky breath, her fingers curling into fists. She felt adrift, torn between the fear of the unknown and a stubborn determination not to fail. She had survived worse, hadn't she? She'd faced enemies, betrayal, death. But this… This was different. This wasn't about surviving. This was about creating something new, something fragile and precious.
Her hand moved back to her stomach, resting there more firmly this time. The thought was terrifying, yes, but there was something else beneath it - something faint but growing. Hope.
Yelena closed her eyes and leaned back against the headboard, letting the silence settle over her. For now, she would sit with her thoughts, with the memories of her mother, and with the fragile, uncertain future she held within her.
She could handle this.
She would handle this.
Her phone rang and she swore quietly, picking it up, freezing in place as the voice on the other line began talking.
Natasha… Now? Really?
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Meanwhile, Indonesia,
"Steve…" Bucky said wearily, stepping into the cheap motel room.
"Bucky…" Steve breathed out, looking dirty and unshaven.
"Start talking, idiot." Bucky said with exasperation, walking forward and punching his shoulder roughly. "Idiot."
"You said idiot twice." Steve complained softly, staring at him longingly.
Bucky just raised an eyebrow with a judgemental stare.
Steve sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
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