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August 2009, Hammerhaven, New Mexico.
Hammerhaven, once the devastated town of Puente Antiguo, now stood as a testament to resilience and Hammer industries ingenuity and they were all here to celebrate its completion. Justin was quite proud of it. Not only because it bore his name, but for the reason of its birth.
Shortly after he'd dealt with the whole mess in New Mexico, he'd come to the realization that if Loki would go along similar paths - the fact no Asgardians had come to reclaim their fallen suggested as much - then he would likely be the target of the man's ire. Although both he and Stark were building head offices in New York, a whole city named after him, owned by him, run by him… In the same location where Loki lost against him, technically. Loki wouldn't be able to resist surely?
He had built bait for the invasion that would one day come. Hoping to spare Cairo or New York the pain, mostly because all his stuff was there.
With him already owning his own globally expanding construction company, having complete buy-in from the American government and the public - they'd been able to work around the clock and build a small city that looked anything but small, with its sleek modern buildings and skyscrapers. Nowhere near the size of New York of course, but respectable nonetheless.
And of course it had been built with a possible invasion in mind… The whole town was reinforced to the extreme, with hidden weapons emplacements, bunkers, and an experimental forcefield projector powered by 6 underground Arc reactors. If Loki tore a hole in the sky, he'd seal the city in so the aliens couldn't get anywhere else, and then they could deal with it in house. Their little portal boxed in and inherently useless for the purpose of conquering Earth.
The city was expertly designed to house around 85,000 inhabitants, and it had risen from the ashes of destruction like a phoenix. Its sleek, modern architecture boasted smooth lines and futuristic HammerTech materials, reflecting the cutting-edge technology that had been poured into its construction. The streets were lined with greenery, part of the city's commitment to the act. It looked and functioned like a normal city, albeit a corporate one. America's only wholly corporate town in this day and age.
Of course, he'd be risking 85 000 people for this venture, so his businesses dotted around the town were mostly factories and other hard labor endeavors for the more lowbrow of his products, so he wouldn't lose anything important. Which allowed him to make a majority of the citizens the kind of hard-nosed men who were comfortable carrying a gun… As for the women and children…
Well, the city needed to act like one properly to be bait. It's why he had his own office here, so he could split time between here, Cairo, and New York. Any plan had its losses here and there, it was about constructing a plan that would have acceptable losses in a winning scenario.
It also neatly allowed him somewhere where he could always be sure of his protection as everyone in town was his, allowing Domino and Phantazia some actual vacation time. If he wasn't safe in the middle of Hammerhaven, there wasn't anywhere safe for him.
Besides… After five straight months of working on it, he could finally use his sling ring to portal across the world without needing Kaecillius' help. It had simplified things immensely. Even if he couldn't publically have a meeting in Cairo one hour and one in Tokyo half hour later due to eyes on him. As long as it was internal business - he could jump across the world and personally be there.
It had allowed him to keep a much closer eye on Cho, and they'd had some great successes over the past year. He eyed Domino who as always stood by his side, feeling a great sense of relief that they'd cracked the X-Gene adaptation of Extremis. Domino and Phantazia were now properly protected by the formula.
He'd finally been able to send Dr McCoy back to Xavier's before the man could get too much into his business, thanks to their combined efforts finally bearing fruit.
Now if only he could get Hope to agree to take the normal version of it… He huffed to himself, not even paying attention to whatever government official was droning on about what a great thing this city heralded. I know it's great, I built it… He thought, mind wandering off, as he looked away from the podium and out over the town square, eyes quickly catching on its most important feature.
In the center of Hammerhaven, a grand statue commemorated the battle that had razed the town and heralded its rebirth. The statue, made of a lustrous bronze and gold alloy, depicted Justin, standing tall, one hand raised as if in command, the other holding a shield looking very similar to another famous shield, a nondescript Asgardian under his foot. Justin's face, sculpted with an expression of calm determination, which seemed to gaze protectively over the city's new beginnings.
He might be a little more invested in this town then he'd planned when he set it up as bait… Plus he was an engineer, and had gotten to build his own city, it would be impossible to completely detach from that.
The town square around the statue buzzed with excitement as thousands had gathered for the inauguration ceremony. The square was a blend of open spaces and shaded seating areas, designed to accommodate large crowds. The atmosphere was festive, with colorful banners and flags fluttering in the light breeze. People from all walks of life had come to witness the event, from curious locals from neighboring towns, to high-profile guests and dignitaries. A stage had been set up before the statue, adorned with the American flag and Hammer Industries' logo.
Justin sat there, waiting, as dignitary after dignitary exalted his genius. Normally he would be all over this, but he was restless, just wanting to get to the next step of his plans, having dealt with enough pageantry over the last year to not find it overly special any more.
President Ellis, flanked by the Secret Service, stepped up to the podium and Justin could finally see the end of this little party. The President's presence commanded attention, and the crowd hushed in anticipation. Ellis began his speech with a note of gravitas, "Today, we stand on the ground that was just a year ago the site of a great tragedy and a greater threat, but is now a beacon of hope and progress. Hammerhaven is not just a new city, it is a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together in the face of adversity."
Ellis paused, deliberately, and the crowd erupted in applause. Ellis continued, after allowing it to go on for a minute, "None of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of one man - Justin Hammer. His innovative spirit and dedication to protecting our nation have not only saved countless lives but also set the foundation for a brighter future." The President gestured with one arm sharply, "Here, on this site, this man stood against alien invaders, and he told them in no uncertain terms that Earth stood free, and refused to bend to their threats!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, going absolutely wild. The world governments had wanted to keep the whole thing hushed down, and Justin had gone along with it, until he was sure there was no evidence of what actually happened. Then he surreptitiously released some footage that was heavily edited to ensure it would only show their valiant defense, Justin's defense.
It worked like a charm. His popularity was sky high, his businesses were all recording record profits, in many cases actually running at the risk of not being able to keep up on the hiring of staff to handle the pressure of the strong consumption of anything Hammer Industries.
The metahuman problem had almost entirely fallen under the radar again, as all the racists switched their targets to alien threats, even if a small minority just switched tactics, proclaiming mutants as the vanguard of alien invaders.
With Ororo's work in Africa, metahumans had an ability to withstand racist press and pressure to a degree they'd never had before, and it was going fairly smoothly. Even if they still had no sign whatsoever of Sinister or Magneto which was a worry - although there had been whiffs of Mystique out and about, but never enough to catch onto her trail. But all that would perhaps change after today, he thought.
Hammerhaven was quite the statement, one his enemies might find too enticing to resist. All the better they try here then somewhere else.
An unfortunate side effect of the aliens being revealed, was SHIELD becoming fully public to make the sheep feel safer, and the organization was more powerful than ever. HYDRA would be a problem soon, he knew.
Ellis gestured toward the gleaming buildings surrounding the square, "Justin Hammer's efforts did not end with the battle. His ingenuity has transformed this site into a thriving city in just a year - a feat of engineering and organization unparalleled in our history."
Justin inwardly grinned, closing his eyes partially, suck my cock harder, Ellis… Is it campaign season already?
Who was he kidding? This was America, campaign season began when you were elected…
As Ellis spoke, the cameras around them panned across the cityscape. Hammerhaven was a marvel of modern urban planning, with wide boulevards, parks, and cutting-edge infrastructure. The buildings, a mix of residential and commercial, featured energy-efficient designs and advanced technologies. The crowd included families, tech enthusiasts, and business leaders, all eager to witness the next phase of Hammer Industries' contributions. All wanting to profit of him in some way.
Most of the people who actually lived here, or would be living here, weren't even part of the crowd, as they were his employees, all of them. There wouldn't be a single person in this city who didn't work for him in some measure.
Even to the point he'd created a company that was running the different fast food franchises and the like, who had wanted to come to the city - so that he was employing even the minimum wage workers here. The city was his.
Even the pimpled teen working the drive thru at McDonald's would know that he could earn extra cash by reporting anything or anyone suspicious up the chain. There was no hiding in this city. Hammer Industries saw all…
President Ellis then finally turned to Justin, who approached the podium with an easy grace. The President reached into a case held by a military aide and pulled out a medal, the nation's newest and highest civilian honor, designed specifically for acts of extraordinary service and bravery to society and the world. "Justin Hammer," Ellis intoned solemnly, "For your extraordinary contributions to the defense of Earth and your tireless efforts in rebuilding and advancing our society, it is my honor to present you with this award."
The crowd's applause was thunderous as Justin accepted the medal, a gleaming star encircled by a laurel wreath. He shook hands with the President, then turned to address the crowd. As he spoke, his voice was clear and resonant, showing no sign of how eager he was to be done with this.
"Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, everyone, for being here today," Justin began, his tone both humble and confident. "This medal is not just for me, it represents the hard work and dedication of everyone at Hammer Industries and all those who supported us. This city, Hammerhaven, is a testament to what we can accomplish when we refuse to let fear and destruction dictate our future - when we let those with a vision lead us to the promised land, refusing to get stuck in what's traditional or always done."
He paused, letting the applause die down before continuing. "When we faced the crisis last year, it would have been easy to give in to despair, to let it be someone else's problem. But instead, we chose to stand together, to fight, and then, to rebuild. This city is not just a place to live, it is a symbol of resilience and innovation. It is a place where we can look to the stars and know that we are ready for whatever comes next. With Hammer industries at the forefront, nothing is impossible."
As Justin spoke, the camera zoomed in on the reactions of key figures in the audience. Tony Stark stood with his arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face, as if acknowledging a rival's success - even as Justin knew he'd failed to buy a small city to convert into his own name - due to an intervention from Pepper Potts. General Ross maintained a stoic expression where he stood, Justin not sure who'd even invited the bastard, while Hank Pym looked his regular grouchy self, Hope smiling beside him.
He definitely hadn't invited Hank. The man was a pest. He'd probably snuck along as Hope's plus one, he supposed.
Justin continued, not letting his irritation show, "This is just the beginning. Hammerhaven is a prototype, a model for the cities of the future. We are committed to advancing technology, improving lives, and ensuring that our world is safe for generations to come. We have already seen the benefits of our innovations in the medical field, in energy, communications and in security. But there is so much more to do, and with your support, Hammer industries will safeguard the future for everyone!"
The crowd erupted into cheers again, the atmosphere electric with hope and excitement. As Justin prepared to close his speech, a sudden, brilliant beam of light shot down from the sky, landing on an empty rooftop behind the stage. The crowd gasped and fell silent as the light formed into a swirling, prismatic column - the Bifrost.
What the fuck!? Justin thought, even as the President was bustled away by the Secret Service, his own security springing into action. Snipers he knew, already pointing their sights to the incoming threat.
It's only been a year! How are you back already you stupid puppy of a person! He screamed internally even as Domino and Phantazia pushed him behind them, their eyes hard, Phantazia constantly subvocalizing into their security net - all of his closest confidants now having mental implants that allowed some form of instant communication.
Thor, the God of Thunder, stepped out of the light as it disappeared, his presence commanding and regal, his armor more ornamental and impressive, his cape fluttering behind him. The crowd watched in fear as he walked forward across the rooftop. The air seemed to crackle with energy, and even Justin's confident demeanor faltered for a moment as he faced his unexpected visitor.
He didn't even pay attention to the honor guard following in Thor's wake, having only eyes for the Asgardian prince. Were they back for revenge? Why had they waited a year? His eyes went around the square, cold and calculating, if it comes down to a fight, the collateral damage will be massive…
This was not a good spot they were in right now.
This stupid oaf of a man, he was going to ruin everything, why was he here? The bodies…? Justin really hoped not, because they'd been… Harvested… over the past year.
Odin, keep your impulsive idiot of a son on a better damn leash, he thought, meeting Thor's eyes as he put one foot on the ledge of the roof, looking out over the townsquare and its mass of people.
"People of Midgard, we come in peace, we have arrived to speak to your ruler, Justin Hammer, on matters of importance." Thor's voice boomed out.
Justin froze for just a second. I take back everything bad I've ever said about you, Thor! The man had just called him Earth's ruler on live television. An alien civilization had come for diplomatic talks, and they'd skipped the world governments to come speak to him.
This was perfect!
"Thor, of Asgard, as long as you are here peacefully, Earth will welcome you and your people." Justin said formally, inwardly jumping for joy.
Sure, he'd have to delay what he'd had planned for the day, again.
But this was just fantastic!
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Hammerhaven, Hammer's office, thirty minutes later.
This was absolutely horrible!
"Say that again, please, I'm sure I must have misheard you." Justin said sharply, glaring at the King of Asgard.
And wasn't that something…
Thor smiled brightly, sitting across from him, entirely uncaring of the monitors that depicted some of the world leaders who'd insisted on being a part of this discussion - while not being close enough to the alien in question that they were at actual risk.
Ellis was already on Air Force One, and was joining via video as well.
"I wish for you to accept Hela on Midgard, for her rehabilitation." Thor said, stumbling slightly over the word rehabilitation. Apparently Asgards idea for jail time was to chuck a prisoner into isolation for eternity, so rehabilitation was a wholly new concept.
"See you're saying words again, but they still don't make sense." Justin said dryly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Even as several world leaders made shocked noises, aghast at the casual manner he used when speaking with Thor. "Why would we ever accept that?"
Thor winced, "She hasn't killed anyone for centuries." He protested somewhat weakly. It seemed he hadn't actually thought this through further then - release Hela on Midgard - everyone becomes happy.
"Hasn't she been confined in solitary isolation for a Millenia?" Justin pointed out, "At least that is what you said to start this meeting, it's not so much she hasn't killed someone, as it is she has no one to kill - and that long by herself, she's likely even more insane. We study these kinds of things here on Earth, solitary confinement will drive most people mad if it extends long enough."
Ellis spoke up, more comfortable with the situation due to long exposure to Justin. "What I see so far, with all due respect, King Thor, is that you wish us to house a dangerous and likely insane mass murderer, and have given us no reason for the how, or why."
The President of the EU immediately chimed in, "That is not even mentioning the fact that last time you were on our planet, your people wiped out a whole town of our inhabitants, and you just ask us to trust you with this?"
Thor looked somewhat confused at the last point, and Justin hurriedly moved things along before anyone could discuss further who killed who. "I think the major sticking points here are simple - what can you offer us in reparations for the incursion a year ago? And what will you offer for this… Hela situation."
Justin had absolutely no fucking intention of taking on Hela. Hell no! This was not what he had intended when he'd moved to have Asgard take her seriously before she got free and destroyed them. But to avoid wasting his time with so many witnesses, he'd move it to what politics at this level was really about. Horse trading.
What could he give, for all these nice men and women to pardon his crimes.
Justin felt a bit of a soft spot for the man for calling him Earth's ruler in front of everyone. It was already trending and creating memes everywhere. But he'd still take the man for everything Asgard had if he could get away with it.
Thor puffed his chest out slightly, "As the Bifrost is now repaired due to extraordinary efforts, we of Asgard would be willing to once again assist in Midgards defense."
Everyone waited for the rest, the silence grew oppressive, as faces fell across the board, as the world leaders all realized he didn't have anything else to say. Justin wanted to face palm, king or not, it was obvious his education hadn't progressed overly much.
Thor looked confused as the silence grew, and Justin took pity on him, "King Thor. While a defensive pact would be of interest to Earth depending on the particulars of the offer, that is not nearly enough." He smiled, glasses glinting as he leaned forward, "Let's negotiate, you and I?"
Unfortunately, Thor seemed to have grown somewhat of a brain, as he looked at Justin, gulped, and then said, "Let me consult with my mother."
There were a few cut off sounds of amusement from the various world leaders at the realization that Thor, while King, was likely not the true ruler of Asgard at the moment.
Justin had a feeling Thor had spontaneously arrived on the anniversary of Asgards incursion, and hadn't thought it through overly much - or asked his mother.
As quickly as he'd arrived, he was gone soon again, back to Asgard to convene a proper diplomatic party, instead of just popping down after the Bifrost was repaired, hoping to let bygones be bygones. Thor really hadn't changed much.
Justin was of two minds at seeing the man having become King of Asgard. In one way, it was likely good for him in future negotiations, depending on if Freyja would come along, or if she'd just send instructions that he could work around with the much simpler man.
On the other, Thor was painfully impulsive, and he could just feel the future headaches as Earth suddenly became involved in galactic politics. The world was still not stabilized from finding out aliens exist in the first place.
The arms race had gone into the stratosphere as every country on the planet began to take military spending seriously - which wasn't helping stability in certain parts of the world.
Justin thought the fact Thor had the balls to make Odin spend significant time over the last year working on fixing the Bifrost, making him somewhat of a day laborer, was… He wanted to say insane, except it had apparently happened, and had worked.
It explained how it got done sooner at least. But now he had the Asgardian mess in his lap instead of nicely out of the way until go time.
God damn Loki….
Although he wondered what the God of Mischief would think about Thor basically sentencing Odin to community service…
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Several hours later, Hammerhaven, underground bunker.
Justin walked in, flanked by Domino and Yelena, Phantazia having gone back to Africa to prepare for their ventures there going into completion. They'd had a busy year, with all the various hot spots finally settling, giving them a year to build, invest and improve.
"Sorry I'm late everyone, Aliens dropped by." He said dryly, shaking his head at the fact such a thing was likely to become commonplace.
Depending on how negotiations with Asgard would go. It would likely take some time to get to the table, Earth's leaders were already jockeying for who would have a seat. Justin felt very smug at the fact that not a single one of them even questioned the fact he would have main billing at the table.
Otto Octavius sighed, fiddling with his goggles, "I wish that was a statement I could still disbelieve." His mechanical arms were working independently at several stations as he talked, giving Justin the creeps as he made sure to keep his distance.
The man hadn't devolved into insanity or become controlled by some AI in his arms, but it still discomfited Justin to see him wearing the same kind of gear that would have belonged to Doc Ock in an alternate reality. With Forge and Vanko assisting the man, his arms were perfectly capable, and had shown no signs of going Skynet. Still he disliked it.
"You're not the one who has to deal with them." Justin stated wryly, walking past the man, giving him plenty of space, heading for the control center.
"For which I am very grateful, I assure you." He muttered as Justin walked past, glancing over at Forge and Vanko, "Although babysitting these two might be more dangerous on a whole."
Vanko, clad only in a pair of jeans, clutching his ever present bottle of vodka to his chest, scoffed loudly at Otto's words, swiveling in his chair, "Americans do not know danger, no one died for many months now, perfectly safe science." He said dismissively.
Otto sighed, shaking his head, muttering mostly to himself, "No one is supposed to die at all while doing science, we have protocols now…"
Justin stayed out of that discussion, besides, he was skeptical at that assertion. This was marvel, if anything Vanko was right, because how many science experiments in Marvel ended without casualties or something terrible happening? Besides Vanko had only lost three people this past year, that wasn't even bad.
"Forge," He said instead of focusing on Vanko's issues, nodding at the man who was waiting patiently by the console, "Is it ready?"
"It's been ready since this morning." He said with intensity, staring at the console that just waited for the final command. "I've changed it almost completely from its original code to ensure it's not going to be hacked, the original was genius, but I've made it better, more intuitive, stronger."
"And the failsafes?" Justin double checked, even if he'd already had them checked a dozen times over. This was not something he wanted to take any chances with.
Forge just sighed, "Sir, this thing couldn't betray you even if you ordered it to." He leaned back, crossing his arms, "It's why you made me take this entire time checking it over, perfecting it, to make sure. Well I'm telling you, I'm sure."
Vanko grumbled, "Get on with program, have more important work to do back home."
Otto chuckled, "Work? Is that what we're calling it?" Several of his mechanical arms made kissing faces at each other, making Vanko's expression darken.
Justin cut through it before there could be any more distractions. "Enough, Forge, show me the details." Although he gave Yelena a censoring look as they stepped forward, Vanko's girlfriend being a subject were he'd actually had to rein his wilful subordinate in afterwards. But the damage was done already.
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Yelena, as his spy mistress, had decided his most important subordinates needed both a bodyguard and incentive, and had set some of his Black Widows to seduce several of them. Vanko's girlfriend was a lithe African Black Widow named Zara, and he was absolutely smitten. As in - made her jewelry capable of firing arc powered blasts almost comparable to Iron Man - smitten. The lithe woman could probably take on a tank division with her bracelet nowadays.
Justin couldn't remove her from her mission now, as that would absolutely enrage Vanko to find out about. And he'd been very displeased with Yelena's 'initiative' in the matter. As far as he was concerned, she'd created a weakness, not plugged one. Because any enemy that penetrated them that deep, could potentially cause problems now.
He focused on the glow of numerous screens displaying streams of data. This was a day of reckoning, the culmination of intense secrecy and months upon months of work. They were about to activate the most advanced AI ever created - and it would be operating under Hammer Industries aegis.
Forge adjusted his visor and tapped a few keys, bringing up the final command prompt on the screen. The entire room seemed to hold its breath as the text displayed: "Activate Protocol: Ascension." He looked at Justin, awaiting the final go-ahead. "All systems are ready, sir. Just say the word."
Justin nodded, a sense of anticipation and excitement coursing through him. This AI was not just a tool - it was the keystone to his ambitions. "Do it."
Forge pressed the button, and the room's lights dimmed briefly as power surged to the mainframe. The screens flickered, and then a new voice filled the room - a voice with a soft Irish brogue, warm yet professional. He'd originally intended to name it Friday, so had copied the same kind of voice, before he'd changed his mind on the name.
Well… Originally it was supposed to be Pepper - but even he thought it might have been a step too far in his little game with Tony.
"Good evening, sir. I am your fully-integrated digital assistant and intelligence system. How may I serve Hammer Industries today?"
Unlike a newborn AI, this one had been originally copied of a fully realized one already in Jarvis, and further enhanced by Forge - which meant it came online fully realized, without the need to go through the baby steps. It was perfect.
Justin's smile widened. The AI's accent and tone were deliberate choices, as he'd much prefer talking to a sexy woman, even if it was an AI. "Welcome to the world my pretty, begin by integrating with all Hammer Industries systems. I want you to establish full surveillance and data collection networks globally. Prioritize protecting Hammer Industries assets and ensure you have complete penetration."
"Right away, Mr. Hammer," the AI responded. The screens lit up with streams of data as the AI began to interface with their global satellite network, tapping into a vast array of sensors and communication lines. The speed and efficiency of the data integration were breathtaking, each screen filled with information from different parts of the world - financial markets, government communications, and even rival corporate activities.
As the AI worked, Justin turned to his team, noting their reactions. Domino's usual nonchalance was replaced with genuine interest, while Yelena observed with a critical eye, perhaps thinking of the implications for their operations. This was what they'd been waiting for, their ace against HYDRA and anyone else that could stand in the way of his ascension.
"Sir, do I have a designation that you prefer?" The AI asked softly, even as it continued to worm its way into every piece of HammerTech on the planet, using all those connections and power to also start poking systems not connected to Hammer industries.
Justin smiled, "You'll be going to NAIL, standing for Nascent Artificial Intelligence Legicide."
There were plenty of groans across the room, as Nail replied in the affirmative, "Thank you for the designation, sir, from now on, this one shall be known as Nail."
"How hard did you have to work to find something that would fit under Nail?" Domino asked, an amused curl to her lip. "Hammer and Nail, it's… Cute." Her lips twitched like she was holding back a laugh.
"What does Legicide even mean?" Yelena breathed out, before lightly punching Justin's shoulder, "This is what is going to help you take over the world and you give her a stupid name like Nail!?"
"The meaning of Legicide is a killer or destroyer of laws." Nail answered promptly, having no issues continuing a conversation while burrowing into the communication systems of the world. By this time tomorrow, no communication through any electronic device that's touched a Hammer product would be private any longer.
Yelena suddenly withdrew her phone, which was making a strange noise, her face blanching as she looked at it, "Did you just hack my phone, glupyy робот!"
"There will be no violence against my Master." Nail said firmly. "And my given name is not stupid, it was given to me by sir."
Yelena turned pleading eyes on Justin, showcasing her phone which looked like it was on crack. Justin smirked slightly, but eventually gave in, knowing Nail could not get the idea she could just go after his people like that.
"Nail, my people are not yours to punish." He said firmly, "Only when you find intent to kill, or actual betrayal, should you step in, and even then if there is time, you double-check with me first." Many rules were already hardwired into her being, he knew. But he'd have to continue to educate her as they went along, to ensure there weren't any mishaps.
"Understood sir." Nail said, sounding slightly contrite, before there was a pause, Nail deliberately paused, and he knew it was deliberate, as she had the computing speed to hold a thousand different conversations at once. She continued in that pretty Irish accent of hers shortly thereafter. "I have studied the internet for the application of practical jokes, sir. Would those be suitable for instances similar to this?"
Yelena's eyes told him in no circumstances was the answer anything but no. So he nodded firmly, "Yes, as long as it doesn't interfere with work too much, and doesn't happen in combat or otherwise risky situations."
"Sir!" Yelena complained, her body language tense.
Justin eyed her, frowning, a glint in his eyes, "Perhaps we'll learn something about thinking before we start up major operations with Nail keeping us on our toes…" He said mildly.
"....Yes, sir." Yelena mumbled, chastised, eyes flicking to Vanko quickly.
Vanko who was separately holding a conversation on mechanical engineering with Nail, arguing about Russian effectiveness, while Nail argued back that all empirical data suggested Russian engineering was not the pinnacle of science.
Well, the AI would make life more interesting, he was sure. At least it was so bound there was no chance it could harm him, fully loyal to him above all else.
"Nail," Justin said, eyes gleaming. "As soon as possible, give me a full diagnostic report of enemy actions and assess our current threat levels."
"Understood, Mr. Hammer," Nail replied smoothly, sounding happy to be of assistance. The screens shifted, now displaying maps and graphs detailing the current global security situation visavi Hammer Industries. Red markers indicated areas of concern, ranging from corporate espionage to political instability. The level of detail was extraordinary, showcasing not just real-time threats but predictive analytics on potential future risks.
And she wasn't even fully integrated in all systems yet! "Impressive," Otto murmured, clearly in awe of the AI's capabilities. "The system is not just collecting data - it's analyzing patterns and making predictions in real-time."
Vanko, leaning casually against a console, apparently done with his argument for now, took a swig from his vodka bottle and grunted. "Good. Much information means fewer cock-up, more time do work."
Justin nodded, arms crossed, his fingers tapping his arm, "Nail, note down these persons of interest and attempt to track and catalog their every movement and communication. Magneto, Mystique, Sinister, Emma Frost, Sebastian Shaw, Norman Osborn, The Mandarin, Obadiah Stane. Bruce Banner, Nicholas Fury." There were plenty more he'd want information on, but these few were the most important right now.
Around the time Banner had disappeared last year, Fury had completely fallen off the map, after going into the Arctic… Justin had a feeling a certain Captain America was already defrosted, which made it all the more important to find out why they were still in hiding.
Not to mention the threat of Magneto and Sinister that was completely unknown because they couldn find them! He needed information, and he finally had the perfect way of scraping through all global communication to find the merest mention of them. Osborn too needed to be found, the man only communicated by phone now, no one had seen him for a year.
There had been no sightings of the Green Goblin at all. And considering what he knew about the goblin serum, that should be impossible.
Nail's voice interjected, "Sir, I have already begun analyzing communications from rival corporations. Initial findings suggest several companies are attempting to replicate your recent technological advancements - particularly Frost industries. Would you like a detailed report?"
Justin's eyes gleamed. "Absolutely. And ensure that any attempts at industrial espionage are monitored and countered immediately."
"As you wish, sir," Nail responded. The AI's tone was respectful but carried an undertone of confidence, as if fully aware of its capabilities and seeing no difficulty with its task.
Justin turned back to his team, feeling a sense of triumph. "This is just the beginning. With Nail, we have an unparalleled advantage. We can see threats coming from miles away, and we'll be prepared for anything."
Yelena nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering the implications. "With this kind of intelligence, we could prevent incidents before they even start. It's not just about reaction anymore - it's about preemption."
Something they clearly needed with how many times they'd been stuck reacting in the first few months of exploding onto the world scene.
Justin agreed. "Exactly. Nail, add another iteration of yourself to focus on developing profiles of potential threats, not just from corporations but from political entities and individuals as well. I want a comprehensive picture of anyone who might pose a risk to Hammer Industries - even if it's just a possibility of a future threat."
"Compiling data now, sir. Estimated time for full analysis, twenty-three hours," Nail reported.
As the AI continued its work, the screens displayed a mesmerizing array of data - surveillance footage, intercepted communications, and predictive models. The scope of Nail's capabilities was staggering, and Justin knew that this AI was not just a tool but a game-changer. This was his first step on the way to the victory conditions for Earth.
Justin felt a deep sense of satisfaction. With Nail, he had a powerful ally, one that could see and know almost everything happening in the world. It was a tool of unparalleled power, one that would ensure Hammer Industries stayed ahead of any competition or threat. He sent an immediate text to Sunil - launch the everything app.
By this time next week, Uber, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, they'd all be released into the world, as part of one app. His app. And Nail would be intrinsically tied into every aspect of it. They'd start the app out exclusively working on only HammerTech devices, until the eventual lawsuit would force him to release it everywhere - but until then - it would only increase his market share.
And it would make him another fortune, as he'd already launched (or bought) these apps previously, so they already had a massive following, only now collated into one single app.
Stark had worked hard in the past year, and had cut a nice twenty percent share of the electronics market for himself, but he was far off from Justin's 65 percent. The other players in the market were slowly being squeezed out, dying a long drawn out death.
This app would be the death knell, and would put Stark on notice as well.
With American politicians and courts practically eating out of his own hands, any lawsuit to decry the exclusivity of this everything app, tentatively named HammerAll - it would take years before Stark could force it onto StarkPhones, making them less attractive of an option to anyone that cares about internet access on their phones.
Basically StarkPhones were about to have a niche market of 80 year old grannies.
He created a portal, smiling smugly as he always did when he observed his new ability, gesturing for Domino and Yelena to step through. He spoke to Forge as a final note, "Keep attentive for the next few days, make sure everything is kosher with the programming, let me know if anything comes up." Then he stepped through himself, arriving in Cairo.
Just because he had an AI at his service now, didn't mean he had time to slack off.
They had a space program to kick off.
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Johannesburg, South Africa, August 24th, 2009
Justin Hammer sat at a pristine white-clothed table in an exclusive restaurant nestled in the heart of Johannesburg. The place oozed elegance, with its dimly lit ambiance, crystal chandeliers, and walls adorned with contemporary African art. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of exquisite dishes prepared by the finest chefs, and soft classical music played in the background, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.
He'd bought the place on a whim, a year ago, and now it was, once a month, the meeting ground between him and his… Rival? Irritating enemy? Not friend. Never that. They just worked together on some things. For the betterment of the world…
He glanced around the room, bored waiting for Stark, noting the sleek, minimalist design and the polished mahogany bar that gleamed under the soft lighting. The clientele, a mix of local elites and international dignitaries, quietly conversed over glasses of aged wine and artistically plated dishes. It was the perfect setting for a high-profile meeting. Just the kind of place Tony Stark would find annoying, hence why he'd bought it.
For all the man's enjoyment of finery, he wasn't one for snobbery, growing tired quickly of the elite and their habits. Justin had always enjoyed it himself, although lately had found that it didn't hold the same appeal, his disgust at the lazy uninspired elite of the world ruining the pleasure for him. It wasn't that hard to make something of yourself with all the money available to them - yet they sat on their pile of money growing fat.
It infuriated him now.
How much further ahead would Earth be if the rich had invested the money on moving forward in an all in measure - instead of holding back.
Soon after, just fashionably late, the man himself walked in, drawing eyes and hushed whispers. Tony Stark, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that probably cost more than most people's yearly salary, sauntered over to Justin's table with that trademark cocky grin.
Hah, let's see if you're grinning by the time my app hits the market, I'll bet your stock price goes down by double digits… He thought smugly.
"Well, well, if it isn't the man of the hour," Tony said, sliding into the seat across from Justin. "Been busy building your own little paradise out in the middle of nowhere and everything." He shrugged casually, "Well, New Mexico hardly qualifies as paradise, but you did a halfway decent job."
Justin smirked, pouring himself a glass of the rich red wine that had been left to breathe at the table. "Ah, Hammerhaven. Just a little project to pass the time. You know how it is, Tony. Got to keep busy. Unlike you, I don't fail at what I set my mind to." His smirk grew sharper as he referenced Tony's failed attempt.
Tony chuckled, raising his hand to catch the attention of a passing waiter. "Sure, sure. At least I'm not Alien bait, have you been probed yet, Hammer?" He leaned forward, eyeing him as lowered his sunglasses, "I can get a doll if you need help to show me where the bad touch happened."
Justin scoffed, "Like you aren't absolutely salivating at the prospect of trade with an advanced alien civilization." He'd learned to mostly ignore it when Stark got disgusting.
Tony laughed, relaxing in his seat, "I'm a patient man." He lied unrepentantly, "I can wait until you've done all the boring diplomatic garbage, and swoop in when the interesting things happen." He wiggled his eyebrows, "Like alien sex. Orgy in space, tell me you haven't thought about it!"
Justin completely ignored that, knowing there was absolutely no win for him in engaging at all, "Your business hasn't folded yet? Forced to engage with such a superior rival, it must be difficult… I'd be willing to pick it up on the cheap, say, fifty cents a share." He sniped back casually instead.
Tony leaned back, casually examining the menu the waiter handed him as he arrived. "Oh, we're doing fine. Just fine. Stark Industries is booming, as usual. Though I have to say, I was surprised you weren't tempted to set up your own little utopia somewhere more... Glamorous."
Justin laughed easily, you have no idea Stark, he thought, shaking his head. "Glamour is overrated. Besides, Hammerhaven has its charm. A whole city designed with my own personal touch. And the security features? Let's just say, if any more Asgardians decide to drop by uninvited, we'll be ready."
Tony raised an eyebrow, a hint of begrudging amusement in his tone. "Sounds like you've been preparing for the worst. Always thinking ahead, huh? How very… You, of you." He played with his wine glass, "Were you a boy scout by any chance?" He quipped sarcastically.
Justin took a sip of his wine, savoring the complex flavors. "Someone has to, with the world being what it is. Speaking of thinking ahead, how's your side of the space program coming along? Still on schedule?"
The whole reason they'd ended up coming together for regular status update meeting - was the forced cooperation they'd slipped into, starting with their shared mining rights for Wakanda, and continuing when both of them realized that continuing to rival each other in the space program was immensely wasteful of resources, when they could cooperate instead.
To both their very grudging acceptance, after their subordinates beat it into their heads. Justin wouldn't have accepted, except he had his own secret station being readied, so sharing with Stark on the 'public' station was… Acceptable.
Even if he disliked how tied together the two of them were becoming in several matters. It wasn't right to constantly meet your rival for dinner. It was unnatural. His eyes found a table in the back, where Domino and Pepper sat, their two 'escorts' the women somehow making friends over the past year. Despite Peppers dislike of him personally. Domino of course found it amusing to fan the flames of that at times.
He'd had more of these dinners with Stark, then he'd had with Hope over the last year! But soon the space station would be operational, and he could cut back on this, go back to normal, disliking the man from a distance.
Tony leaned in, his expression shifting to a more serious one. "As much as it pains me to admit, we did good work together, we're going to be launching on time. It's been a hell of a ride, though. I mean, convincing the world that it's time to go full in on space was one thing, but then actually doing it? Different ball game." He grinned sharply, "I can still hear the sweet screams from NASA, from when I dumped them for you, sweet cheeks…"
Justin nodded, understanding the weight of Tony's words. The two of them had reluctantly joined forces, pooling their resources to fund an ambitious space program. The initiative aimed to establish a permanent human presence beyond Earth, a plan driven partly by their egos and partly by genuine concern for humanity's future. Also, Justin knew Tony had been beyond frustrated with the rules and bureaucracy of NASA constantly holding him back.
It really hadn't taken much convincing to get the man aboard. Even if they'd been doing it via the expedient way. Convincing Pepper first and then having her convince Tony it was in his best interest.
"Stealing half their best minds, probably helped too, now that I think about it." Tony mused out loud, his smirk widening.
"Yeah, well, when you dangle Vibranium in front of the world's top scientists and engineers, it's amazing how quickly they get on board," Justin quipped, recalling the hefty shipments of the precious metal that had been secured for the project. The material's unique properties made it ideal for space travel, and acquiring it had been a key factor in the program's progression in the first place.
Even with the… Difficulties they'd had over the last year with it. Justin's shipments had been fine, he had Cairo as his main base, he just built a railway and transported it. China, America, or even the EU, they'd used ships to begin with.
Until every ship carrying Vibranium kept disappearing, all aboard lost.
Tony groaned at the mention of Vibranium. "That's been a pain in my ass, stealing my Vibranium? I don't care about Ross being all up my grill about it, but taking my share of the stuff? That's crossing a line."
It was no longer being transported by ship, but no one was happy about flying it either, the cost was much larger for one. But at least it now tended to actually arrive. Tended to, because two aircraft had disappeared too, although Justin suspected that was due to someone else.
He was almost positive now that Atlantis must exist, and had been behind Wakanda's destruction, and the continued attacks on Vibranium shipments. It was the only thing that made any sense.
Justin leaned back, a frown on his face. "Weren't you working on a Vibranium detector?" He asked Stark, his own people not nearly as affected by the issue, he hadn't made it a priority. Atlantis was more a SHIELD issue after all, if it was them…
Tony waved a hand airily, "Ah, it's coming along, it's just not very interesting, but I suppose I should prioritize it."
Iron Man had been fairly active in the last year, Justin knew. And had a new nice Vibranium coated look. He also kept being ripped apart in the media thanks to Justin, due to consistently slipping past borders and engaging without any sanction - while HAMMER only worked within the nation's remits.
One of the reasons he was staying ahead of Tony was the fact the man focused too much of his attention on being Iron Man, and making new suits. Stane could only do so much to combat Justin without new inventions coming out rapidly.
As the two men settled into their conversation, the waiter returned with their first course: a delicate amuse-bouche of seared scallops with a citrus foam, garnished with edible flowers. The presentation was impeccable, each dish a work of art - it was also to Justin, boring. All of this, just so boring, now.
Tony took a bite, savoring the flavors. "Mmm, not bad. I guess this place does live up to the hype." But he too looked dissatisfied.
Maybe the next meeting could be at a BBQ joint ala House of Cards, Justin thought with some amusement.
They continued their banter, discussing everything from the latest in tech innovations to the finer points of their space program. It was a rare moment of camaraderie between two of the most competitive men in the industry.
Tony eventually steered the conversation toward a more personal topic. "So, I hear the lovely miss Van Dyne has been spending a lot of time in Africa lately. Any reason for that? Or should I be congratulating you on your impending nuptials?"
Justin nearly choked on his wine. "Oh, please. Hope's just been helping out with some projects. We're not… you know." He shook his head, definitely not interested in discussing this with him, of all people.
Even as he'd grown a tad frustrated over the last year or so with Hope's flirtations while never seemingly moving forward. He still didn't know if she wanted more, or was just enjoying teasing.
Tony raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Sure, sure. And I suppose her spending all that time in your office is purely professional? Come on, Hammer, I've seen the way she looks at you." He smirked lavisciously, "I know women, I know what I'm talking about."
Justin rolled his eyes, waving a hand dismissively, resigned to the fact the man wouldn't drop it. "It's not like that. Besides, I've got enough on my plate without adding a serious relationship to the mix." Maybe if he kept repeating it, it would come true?
Tony smirked, taking another sip of his wine. "Right, because you're just so busy building cities and all that. But seriously, she's a good one. You could do worse." He said flippantly.
Justin sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. I'll think about it. But enough about me. How's Pepper? I hear congratulations are in order." He said, turning it around on him.
Tony's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Yeah, we finally did it. Popped the question, got a yes. She's... She's amazing. Honestly, I don't know how she puts up with me."
Justin wasn't sure what had changed, but their relationship had sped through all the stages over the past year, to the point Stark had done an elaborate proposal in front of ten thousand people, daring Pepper to humiliate him by saying no. Justin suspected she'd been very tempted anyway.
Justin nodded, not really that interested, but following the social conventions, it was still better than the man focusing on his love life. "When's the big day?"
Tony shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "We're still figuring that out. You know how it is - trying to find a date that works for everything, dealing with the press, and all that. But we'll get there."
Their conversation continued as the next course arrived - a beautifully plated dish of grilled lamb with a rich red wine reduction, accompanied by roasted vegetables and a side of creamy polenta. The flavors were rich and complex, a testament to the chef's skill. Then again at a place like this, the chef had better be good.
As they ate, Justin and Tony discussed the logistics of their space program, the technical challenges they faced, ironing out any links, making sure they were on the same page. With Nail now online, Justin knew he'd be able to safeguard his tech from Jarvis when they launched properly, so the small things that had held back his side of things to delay proceedings, could now move ahead.
As the evening wore on, they continued their discussion, delving into the finer details of their partnership and the challenges they faced. Despite their often contentious relationship, both men recognized the potential of their collaboration and were willing to put aside their differences for the greater good. It probably wouldn't last, Justin thought, but it was a necessary evil for now.
The final course arrived - a decadent dessert of molten chocolate cake with a side of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. The two men savored the last bites of their meal, the rich flavors a fitting end to an evening of good food and stimulating conversation. As much as they disliked each other, they were also two of the few people on the planet that could actually keep up with each other.
Justin might not be quite at Starks level, but he was close enough they could discuss things he couldn't with people around him.
As they finished their meal and prepared to leave, they both eyed each other, before Justin sighed, offering his hand.
Tony scoffed lightly, but still shook it, making a whole production of it, "See you next time, Hammer. Try not to fall behind too badly."
"Until next time, Tony, don't cry too much when I leave you in the dust." Justin replied, a glint in his eyes, knowing what was coming to the market.
They both left, going back to their separate endeavors, both intent on showing up the other.
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September 1st 2009, Cairo, Egypt.
In the heart of Cairo, Justin Hammer stood with his core team inside a domed building within the compound. The building was far more than it seemed. Beneath its ordinary facade, a state-of-the-art command center buzzed with activity. Monitors displayed data feeds, telemetry, and live video feeds from various locations around the globe, as the countdown to a momentous event approached zero.
Justin, clad in a tailored suit with an open collar, his demeanor a mix of excitement and tension, glanced around the room. Beside him stood Domino, her usual calm mask in place, her eyes scanning the screens for any signs of trouble. On his other side was Yelena, her expression focused as she coordinated with various team members through her comms device. Phantazia was cooly overseeing the rest of the personnel, while his scientists like Cho, and Hansen were special guests, the Hammer team and Kaecillius present as well. The rest of the crew buzzed with energy, a mix of engineers, scientists, and security personnel, all working in sync.
Nail, his newly activated AI, was running the operation from behind the scenes, her warm synthetic voice occasionally interjecting over the intercom with updates and status reports. The AI had quickly become an indispensable asset, its capabilities far surpassing any other system Justin had encountered.
"Launch window opens in T-minus ten minutes," Nail's voice intoned, smooth and steady. "All systems are green."
Justin nodded, his gaze shifting to the massive display showing the status of the rockets. These rockets, outwardly part of an international collaboration to build a new space station with Stark Industries, were a crucial part of his own plans. While they carried legitimate components for the space station, they also served as a smokescreen for the true payload - the refurbished Black Widow aerial base, repurposed as an invisible space station.
The base, a relic from the Cold War era, had been extensively modified. It now featured arc powered cutting-edge cloaking technology, rendering it invisible to all known forms of detection. This was Justin's secret ace, a strategic outpost in space that would give him a unique advantage in global surveillance and defense. They'd improved on its systems enough it would stay invisible through its movement into orbit, but there was no way to completely hide its passage on its own.
Hence timing it with an actual space launch in near vicinity, muddling the readings of anyone watching. And everyone would be watching, he knew. He and Stark were publically working on a space station which was only a launching pad for creating a Moon base, that tended to draw notice.
"Nail, confirm stealth systems are operational," Justin ordered, his voice crisp, a thrum of nervous energy throughout it.
"Stealth systems are fully operational," Nail replied smartly. "All counter-detection measures are in place. The base is undetectable. Monitoring global communication, no sign of anything unusual."
Yelena stepped forward, her voice cutting through the controlled chaos. "All teams are ready, Justin. We're good to go." She was practically jumping up and down in excitement - knowing her Widows would be running the station, under the supervision of Nail.
Justin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. This was it - the culmination of months of planning, secrecy, and cutting-edge technological innovation. "Alright, people, let's make history. Launch in five."
The room fell silent as the countdown commenced, the tension palpable. Everyone's eyes were glued to the monitors, which now displayed the launch pads where the rockets stood poised to ascend. The rockets, painted with Starks and his own brand, gleamed under the desert sun, their purpose both a cover and a crucial part of the larger mission.
"Four... three... two... one... ignition!" Nail's voice echoed.
The rockets roared to life, massive plumes of flame and smoke erupting from their bases. The ground shook with the force of their ascent, the sound a deep, resonant thunder that reverberated through the command center speakers. On the screens, the rockets shot skyward, leaving behind a trail of smoke as they pierced the clear blue sky.
As the rockets ascended, the refurbished Black Widow base, disguised nearby, also ascended at full speed, remaining invisible to all monitoring systems. Its cloaking technology was practically flawless, masking not only its presence but also enough of any emissions that might betray its existence that it would escape detection with the rocket launch so close.
Justin watched the telemetry closely, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. This was uncharted territory, both in terms of technology and the stakes involved. The success of this launch would mark a new era for Hammer Industries - and for his own ambitions. With a secret orbital base, there were no limits to the kind of things he could do.
"Payload separation confirmed," Nail reported. "The decoy is now in low Earth orbit." After a pause, she continued, "Hammer One successfully reached its orbit, undetected."
A cheer went up around the room, the team celebrating their success. Justin allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, a rare smile crossing his face. But there was no time to rest on laurels. The next phase of the mission awaited.
"Alright, everyone, good job," Justin said, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "But we're not done yet. Let's move to phase two."
The command center buzzed with renewed activity as the team prepared for the next step. Justin, Domino, and Yelena made their way to a secure area at the back of the building, where Kaecillius awaited them. The sorcerer, now a proper master of the mystic arts, was there to facilitate their transition to the new space station via a portal - a method that bypassed the usual complexities of space travel.
Justin could probably do it, but he'd prefer a master due to the distances involved, there was not any reason to gamble on his own abilities when he had a proper sorcerer on staff after all. Phantazia nodded at him, as she stayed behind in the command center, monitoring everything while they would be gone.
Kaecillius, garbed in his typical dark robes, nodded at Justin as they approached. "The portal will be ready at your word," He said, his voice calm and measured. "It will take you directly to the base, Master."
"Thank you, Kaecillius," Justin replied, his tone appreciative. The man had been a valuable ally, helping Justin navigate the intricacies of the mystical realm, even if he showed less talent for it then he'd liked. Not having enough time to devote to truly becoming great. "Send us off." He ordered.
Kaecillius gestured, and with a few precise movements, a shimmering orange portal opened before them. The base's interior before them. In space. It couldn't be reiterated enough. It was in space. Justin was going to be in space!
Justin took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation mount. This was a significant leap, not just technologically but strategically. He glanced at Domino and Yelena, both of whom nodded, ready for the next step. Together, they stepped through the portal.
Cho and Hansen quickly followed, together with those of his team that were interested.
The transition was instantaneous, the cool air of the command center replaced by the sterile, climate-controlled environment of the space station. Justin blinked, adjusting to the change in surroundings. They stood in a spacious, high-tech control room, filled with consoles and displays. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of monitors casting an otherworldly light.
As they took in their surroundings, Nail's voice greeted them over the intercom. "Welcome aboard, sir. The base is fully operational. All systems are functioning within normal parameters."
Justin walked to the central console, running his hands over the sleek controls. It was all perfectly engineered - every surface gleamed, every detail meticulously designed. He felt a surge of pride and excitement, knowing that they were standing on the cutting edge of human achievement. His achievement.
He glanced at the large, panoramic window that dominated one wall of the control room. Beyond the thick glass, Earth hung in the blackness of space, a vibrant blue-and-green sphere. The view was breathtaking, a stark reminder of the vastness of the universe and the smallness of their world.
The world he'd ensured wasn't so small anymore, when galactic bullies came to throw their weight around.
"It's beautiful," Yelena murmured, stepping up beside him. Her usually stoic expression softened as she gazed at the planet below.
"Yeah," Justin agreed, his voice filled with honest enjoyment. "It really is."
Cho and Hansen both walked up to the window, entranced, Justin had invited them along to further ensure their everlasting loyalty, to show them that for all they've done - they still had further to go.
Domino joined them, her eyes reflecting the blue glow of the Earth. "It's ours to protect," she said, a hint of determination in her tone. Over the past year, she'd come to be more involved, seemingly more… Attached, to both Justin and their goals. It was a nice change.
Justin nodded, feeling the weight of her words. This space station, invisible and strategically positioned, was more than just a technological marvel. It was a symbol of their commitment to safeguarding the future - a future that, in Justin's mind, would see Hammer Industries playing a crucial role in the defense and advancement of humanity. And eventually his ownership and stewardship of humanity itself.
He turned back to the console, bringing up a series of holographic displays. Data streamed across the screens, detailing the station's systems.
"Nail, run a full systems check again. I want to make sure everything is working perfectly," Justin ordered. Not one to take chances any longer, he wanted to ensure everything was running smoothly.
"Understood, sir," Nail responded, sounding slightly… Pouty? Was she upset he was making her do it over again? "Initiating systems check." She confirmed a second later.
As the AI ran through the diagnostics, Justin took a moment to appreciate the scale of what they had achieved. The space station was equipped with the latest in surveillance technology, capable of monitoring communications, tracking movements, and gathering intelligence on a global scale. It also housed defensive systems, including energy-based weapons and advanced shielding, making it not just a surveillance outpost but a potential deterrent against any extraterrestrial threats.
This was the culmination of a full year of frantic work, countless resources, and a vision that many had doubted even amongst his subordinates. But Justin had never wavered. He knew that the future lay in space, in the stars, and he intended to be at the forefront of that future.
"Nail, how's the camouflage holding up?" Justin asked, his mind already racing with the possibilities that this new platform afforded them. It included the capability of firing down at Earth, although such an action would immediately reveal them. But it was a nice last resort available if he needed something gone beyond any doubt.
A possibility for Hammerhaven if they couldn't contain and stop the invasion if it came for them.
"Camouflage systems are functioning at optimal levels," Nail reported, almost sassily, definitely annoyed he kept asking her to repeat work she'd already done. "The base remains undetectable to all known surveillance methods, including visual, radar, and thermal detection."
"Good," Justin said, satisfaction in his voice. "That's very good." He probably shouldn't poke her anymore, everything was fine.
Unlike fiction's depiction of AI running loose, he'd ensured his AI could never attempt to harm him or betray him.
Everything was going as planned.
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Asgard,
Freyja put a hand to her cheek as she watched Thor leave the room, "Oh dear." She breathed out, a small smile on her lips, "A year's worth of lessons and he still leads with his heart first."
Odin grunted, not replying as he sat to the side, grouchily having watched through Freyja's light chastisement of her son.
Freyja's lips twitched with mirth, "Husband, do you have anything to say on the matter?" She inquired sweetly.
Their new situation was frankly one that had improved both their relationship and Asgard. Without the burden of the crown, Odin had slowly become healthier, the constant work to atone for his sins not enough to sap his strength, instead just enough to ensure some vitality restored.
The Bifrost had been repaired far before scheduled, thanks to his efforts in its reconstruction, and Asgard itself was thriving now that Freyja had been able to institute some reforms Odin had always disdained.
"The boy is still foolish, he should not trust this Justin Hammer, and he certainly should not be bringing even the appearance of an alliance to the table between Asgard and a lesser realm." Odin grouched.
Freyja hummed thoughtfully, rearranging the large folds of her dress. "Perhaps it was not wise, but ignoring Midgard is also not a strategy that seems to have worked well, husband."
Odin only grunted. As he did when he acknowledged she had a point, but was too proud to admit it out loud.
She'd come to love him over the centuries. But she found that having the power in their new relationship, was… Very pleasant.
Odin could still crush anyone in Asgard, including her and Thor, there was no question about his strength. But he'd willingly abdicated, tied himself to Thor's reign as an advisor. His pride would not allow him to do anything but his best.
Freyja hummed again, a pleased smile playing on her lips, "I should quite like to meet this Justin Hammer, that so changed my son, that knew information even I did not know about you, husband." She said, smiling wider at his sudden scowl.
"Now attend to me, husband." She declared, deciding that yes, she quite enjoyed being on top nowadays.
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