----------------------------------------
Oil tanker, out at sea.
Nick Fury sat on the edge of the oil tanker's deck, the cold metal beneath him creaking under the weight of the sea. The night air was thick, a salty breeze ruffling his coat as he gazed out over the dark horizon. His single eye, sharp and calculating, had long since stopped scanning for threats. He was too tired for that, at least for the moment. Things had gone sideways faster than he could have anticipated, and now he was sitting in the middle of the ocean, hoping his latest plan wouldn't fall apart like the rest of them.
Behind him, the soft sound of boots on metal echoed in the stillness. Carol Danvers, Captain Marvel, approached with the calm confidence of someone who had seen too many wars to be rattled by much of anything. Fury didn't turn to look at her. He didn't need to. He knew who she was, could feel the heat of her presence like a small sun standing at his back. Her aura alone was enough to remind anyone of her power. She came to a stop next to him, her arms crossed, the stars reflected in her sharp blue eyes.
"So, Fury," Carol said bluntly, her voice cutting through the night, "What do you expect, exactly?" She asked. Fury had already told her the gist of the last few years, so she was decently caught up, just not aware of what exactly he wanted from her.
Fury sighed, pulling another half-smoked cigar from his mouth and flicking the ash into the wind - seems like he was developing a habit... He didn't answer right away, still staring out at the dark water. After a beat, he finally spoke, his tone rough, as if every word was a burden. "The world's gone to shit, Danvers. Faster than even I thought possible."
Carol raised an eyebrow, glancing down at him with an almost bored expression. "Yeah, so you've told me. Apocalypse shows up, wreaks havoc, and Hammer sweeps in to save the day making you look like the bad guy. That's the gist of it, right?" Her voice was casual, but there was a sharpness to her tone that hinted at deeper frustration.
She had to admit she was irritated that he hadn't called her for the fight, but instead called her for the mess he'd made of his own life. She owed him, but not that much.
Fury grunted, shifting in his seat to look up at her, his eye dark and unreadable. "Pretty much. And now, Hammer's the one everyone's looking to for leadership, and I'm sitting here on a boat, trying to figure out how to stop him from turning the whole planet into his personal empire."
Carol smirked, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Sounds like you're a little late for that." She teased, not really seeing a problem.
Fury didn't respond immediately, instead lighting his cigar again and taking a long drag. The ember flared bright in the darkness, casting a brief glow on his weathered face. He exhaled slowly, the smoke drifting into the night air. "He's got the world eating out of his hand. And I know you think it's no big deal. Hell, maybe you even like the idea of someone bringing humanity together under one banner. But I didn't call you here to deal with it, you wouldn't win anyway..."
Carol's smirk faded slightly, her expression turning more serious as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Good. Because as far as I'm concerned, anyone who's uplifting humanity and uniting them is doing something right. I'm not here to play cleanup for you, Nick." She eyed him hard, wondering if the last bit was a ploy to make her want to try a fight, or the man being honest for a change.
Fury's jaw tightened, irritation flashing across his face as he shot her a look. "You think this is something to be cavalier about? Democracy's dying, Danvers. And you're just… Fine with that?"
Carol shrugged, her posture loose, but her tone carried the weight of experience. "Democracy is a beautiful thing, Nick. But I've seen a lot of it out in space, usually as the democratic governments cry over their distress calls while strong leaders of empires or pirate politys crush them. Democracy's only as good as the people running it. And right now, it sounds like Earth's got a strong leader for a change."
Fury's lips curled into a humorless smile. "Nice to know space is so pleasant."
Carol gave him a small, knowing smile. "It has its moments."
They fell into a brief silence, the sound of the waves lapping against the hull filling the space between them. Fury stared out at the water, his mind racing. He wasn't naive; he knew Carol had seen things out in the universe that he couldn't even begin to understand. But Earth was his domain, his responsibility. And he wasn't about to let it slip through his fingers.
He just needed to.. Find a new angle. Come back stronger. The Avengers would hassle Hammer in the meantime, his people would ensure it. Captain America would ensure it, he wasn't the type of person who gave up. Or changed his mind. Remarkably inflexible, but it worked for him at the moment.
After a moment, Fury's voice cut through the night air, low and serious. "Look, I get it. You've seen the bigger picture. Hell, you've seen more of the universe than anyone else. But no matter what you think about Hammer, he's a threat. Maybe not in the same way as Apocalypse was or what you've just told me about Thanos, but he's dangerous. And if you can't see that, then fine. I know when my opinion isn't wanted."
Carol's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. "You're talking like I don't get it, Nick. I see what's happening, but Earth's falling under him too quickly to stop anyway. If you really want to do something about it, you need to stop thinking like you're still running SHIELD. You need a different angle." She shrugged seemingly not overly concerned, "Or you can just accept it, I'd go with that personally, from what you've told me Earth is way better off since he started making moves."
Fury raised an eyebrow, looking up at her with a glint of interest in his eye. "Heh, of course I have an angle, but you sound like you think you know what it is already?" He completely ignored her opinion on Hammer, he wasn't about to just give up.
Carol crossed her arms, her expression dry as she tilted her head slightly. "You're thinking of going up, aren't you? Space? Trying to get help from some of your... Old neighbors?"
Fury gave her a small, grim smile. "You always were quick. Yeah, I need to reach some people who left Earth a while ago. People who have every reason to hate Hammer, people who can be directed."
Carol let out a huff of air, shaking her head in bemusement. "You're really going to try to ally with those people? Are you sure about that?"
Fury cocked his head, his gaze unwavering. "They have every reason to want to get back at Hammer. And right now, I need all the allies I can get, especially now that the Skrulls have all fled."
Carol pursed her lips, pointing a finger at him. "I'm still not happy with how badly you screwed that up, by the way. The Skrulls trusted you, Nick, and now they've ditched Earth entirely because of this mess."
Fury's eye narrowed slightly, but he didn't argue. He knew he'd lost the Skrulls. They'd been his ace in the hole, his hidden card. And now they were gone. "I know. But right now, that's water under the bridge. I need to move forward. Which means I need your help getting up there."
Carol stared at him for a long moment, her arms crossed, the tension between them palpable. Finally, she let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "Fine. I can get you up into space. But I don't like this, Nick. You want a meeting with the Ravagers?"
Fury raised an eyebrow, curious. "Ravagers? That's what T'Challa's calling his group?"
Carol shook her head. "No. That's the group they took over. Well, to an extent. The Ravagers are split into two factions now. One led by this potential ally of yours. The other by Stakar Ogord, one of the more... Honorable Ravagers." She let out an amused huff, "If you can call it that… But he's still better than Udonta and his ilk that fell under your escapee's control."
Fury listened intently, processing the information. He wasn't about to let go of his plan just because Carol had reservations. He was committed. "Get me to T'Challa," Fury said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Carol shook her head again, clearly displeased with his decision. "This is a bad idea, Nick. You know it."
Fury leaned back, his expression set in stone. "Maybe. But it's the only play I've got left. And I'm going to see it through."
Carol sighed, looking up at the sky as if searching for answers in the stars. "What about your people, Nick? You think they're just going to sit by while you run off into space?"
Fury's gaze hardened, his tone firm. "Don't worry about them. They can take care of themselves."
Carol studied him for a long moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. There was something different about him. Something darker. "You've changed, Nick," She said quietly, her voice laced with disappointment. "And not for the better."
Fury didn't flinch, didn't react to her words. He'd heard worse. "Maybe. But right now, I don't have time to worry about that. Just get me to T'Challa."
Carol shook her head again, this time with a touch of sadness. "I'll do this for you. For old times' sake. But that's it."
Fury stared her down, his jaw clenched, but after a long moment, he grunted. "Fine. Just get me to T'Challa."
From the Skrulls he'd learned about the wider universe, and T'Challa and his people would be the first step in getting the resources to bring the fight to Hammer.
Fury was not going to let the bastard take over his planet.
Not on his watch.
----------------------------------------
United States, Arizona.
General Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross sat in the back seat of a military Humvee, his grizzled face twisted in frustration as he barked orders into the satellite phone. The convoy of military vehicles rumbled steadily through the desert, the heavy tires kicking up clouds of dust under the blazing sun. Ross' tone was cold, biting, each word more venomous than the last.
"I don't care if he's disappeared off the face of the earth - find Norman Osborn and get him on the line!" He snarled, his fist tightening around the phone. "His damn armors are horseshit, and I want some goddamn answers! The last thing we need is another failure on our hands!"
The man on the other end was stammering out excuses, but Ross wasn't listening. His focus was razor-sharp, fury bubbling beneath the surface. Everything was falling apart faster than he could contain it, and Osborn, with his half-baked promises of power and control, had become another problem he needed to deal with.
Suddenly, the convoy jerked to a halt. Ross lurched forward in his seat, catching himself on the back of the seat in front of him. He scowled, throwing down the phone and looking up toward his driver.
"What the hell is going on, soldier?" Ross barked, his voice booming through the vehicle.
The young driver swallowed hard, his eyes wide as he glanced at the General in the rearview mirror. "Uh... Sir. It's... Uh... Iron Man. He's holding up the convoy."
Ross' face darkened. "Iron Man?" His voice dropped, a dangerous edge creeping in. "What the fuck does he want?" Oh, who am I kidding, I know exactly what that brat wants to complain about…
The driver hesitated, as if unsure how to respond, but Ross was already moving, unbuckling his seatbelt and reaching for the door. His bodyguard, a large, square-jawed soldier, immediately turned in his seat, his hand outstretched as if to stop the General.
"Sir, I strongly advise you to stay inside the vehicle," The bodyguard said, his voice firm, the caution in his eyes clear. Iron Man wasn't exactly someone they could defeat even under the best of circumstances, and right now, the tension in the air was electric due to recent happenings.
This convoy did not hold any power armored soldiers, so they were helpless if Iron Man was hostile.
"Put a sock in it, son," Ross snapped, shoving the door open. "He's here to talk to me, so we'll talk." With that, the General stepped out of the Humvee, his boots crunching in the dirt as he strode forward, eyes narrowing against the sun's harsh glare.
Tony Stark was hovering ten feet off the ground, his red-and-gold armor gleaming under the desert sky, repulsors glowing faintly at his hands and feet. As soon as Ross exited the vehicle, Tony descended slowly, his armored boots touching the ground with a metallic thud. The visor on his helmet slid open, revealing his face - tense, furious, eyes dark with emotion.
"Stark," Ross said coolly, standing tall, hands clasped behind his back. "What the hell are you doing?" I always knew you would be a liability when the chips were down…
Tony took a step forward, his fists clenched tight at his sides. There was a tremble in his voice as he spoke, barely contained anger boiling just beneath the surface. "I'm here to talk to you, Ross. Ask you some questions, find out what you deserve."
Ross arched an eyebrow, his face a mask of grim professionalism. He wasn't easily rattled. "And you couldn't pick up a phone, Stark?" He asked, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "This isn't exactly protocol."
Tony's hands twitched, the faint hum of the repulsors in his gauntlets growing louder as he struggled to keep his composure. "Why did you do it, Ross?" His voice cracked, raw and full of anguish. The question wasn't casual. It was a demand - a searing, painful one.
Ross didn't bother playing dumb. He cocked his head slightly, studying Tony's face with a steely gaze. After a long pause, he spoke, his tone calm but firm. "I wouldn't expect you to understand the burden of command, Stark. But it was necessary to strike back in any way we could."
Tony's jaw clenched, his face contorting with grief and anger. His eyes were shiny with unshed tears, the pain evident in his every word. "You sent Rhodey on a suicide mission," He said, his voice shaking as he raised his hand, the whirring of the repulsor in his palm growing louder, pointed directly at Ross. The soldiers around the convoy shifted nervously, raising their weapons instinctively, but Ross held up a hand, waving them down. He never took his eyes off Tony.
"He knew what the mission was, Stark," Ross said steadily, his voice carrying over the tension like a blade. "Colonel Rhodes didn't hesitate for a second. He was a good soldier - a good man." His voice hardened, his eyes boring into Tony's. "It wasn't an ideal deployment, but we didn't have enough other assets nearby. Reality is rarely kind, Stark. You should know that."
Tony's hand shook, the repulsor in his palm glowing brighter, the heat radiating from it palpable. His chest heaved as he struggled to contain the storm of emotions inside him. "That's it?" He snarled, his voice rising. "That's your excuse? Sending him to die because he was close?" His breath was coming in ragged gasps now, the weight of Rhodey's death crushing him from the inside.
Ross stepped forward, his face impassive as he approached the outstretched repulsor, ignoring the danger it posed. "Stark, Colonel Rhodes was a patriot," He said, his voice low and measured. "He was fully willing to sacrifice his life to save others. He knew what he was doing. Do you?"
Tony's hand twitched, the repulsor flaring with a dangerous whine, but Ross didn't flinch. He stepped right up to the weapon, so close that the glowing energy from the repulsor cast shadows across his face.
"What are you really doing here, Stark?" Ross asked, his voice a cold whisper now. "Are you here to kill me? Is that it? Go ahead then. Waste your friend's sacrifice. Throw your life away. It would be apropos, wouldn't it? You always self-destruct instead of doing the right thing. Even becoming a 'hero' was more about your ego, wasn't it?"
The words hit Tony like a sledgehammer. His face twisted in pain, the insult cutting deeper than any wound. Ross had always known how to get under people's skin, but this was different. This was personal. Neither of them had ever liked the other.
"Sir, you can't - " One of the soldiers began, clearly uneasy with Ross' antagonizing, but Ross silenced him with a wave of his hand. His eyes never left Tony's.
"Do what you want, Stark," Ross said, his voice grim. "It's what you've always done. But ask yourself this when you do it… What would Colonel Rhodes have done, even if I hadn't given him the order?" His voice lowered, a hint of emotion slipping through the cracks. "And what would he say about this?"
Tony's breath hitched, his eyes widening as Ross' words sank in. His hand trembled, the glow from the repulsor flickering as doubt crept into his mind. He could feel the weight of Rhodey's memory bearing down on him, the pain of his friend's loss twisting in his chest like a knife.
For a long moment, Tony stood frozen, his hand still raised, the repulsor humming in the silence. His eyes met Ross', and for the first time, he saw something in the General's gaze. Not regret. Not guilt. But a grim, unshakable resolve. Ross had made his decision, and he would live with it, no matter the cost. Tony could see that now.
Rhodey would not want this… Tony thought, his emotions all over the place, I'll destroy him… But I'll do it my way… Not like this.
Slowly, with great effort, Tony lowered his hand. The repulsor dimmed, the angry red glow fading away. His breath came in shallow gasps as the weight of his grief pressed down on him. His hands fell to his sides, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
Ross stepped back, his face still impassive, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. "Go home, Stark," He said quietly. "There's nothing left for you here."
Tony didn't respond. He didn't have the words. Instead, he turned on his heel, his suit's thrusters flaring to life as he lifted off the ground, shooting into the sky with a roar of repulsor fire.
Ross watched him go, his face betraying nothing.
As he sat back in the Humvee, he fished out a pager out of his pocket. Simply sending a message.
Now more than ever…
America needed the Sentinel program.
----------------------------------------
Cairo,
Justin stood at the center of his command room in Cairo, surrounded by a dozen screens displaying data and reports from every corner of the globe. Each monitor was flickering with news feeds, tactical updates, and intelligence briefings. The screens created a kaleidoscope of shifting information, while Justin remained calm and still at its heart. He was a man at the center of the world's chaos, yet fully in control.
This is where he thrived, his finger to the pulse of the world itself.
His gaze flicked over the screens, scanning reports as they poured in - economies fluctuating, governments rattling, power structures trembling at the wake of his latest moves. His fingers tapped idly against his wrist as he read through the projections for the next quarter. Everything was moving according to plan.
Yet the men and women at the top of the world were still afraid of him, and that fear was power, more so now than ever. The meeting with Asgard would be soon, and with how things had changed, Justin wouldn't need to bother with pretending any of the other players at the table mattered anymore.
Even Pierce was now at most an annoyance. Someone who could create trouble for him, but ultimately incapable of truly striking him down. It would be interesting to see if HYDRA would still try, or if they'd realize, like Emma Frost had, that it was much wiser to surrender and get a slice of the pie.
One of the screens flashed to life, showing Sunil Bakshi's face live from Hammerhaven. Bakshi, always the smooth-talking, sharp-eyed right-hand man, appeared slightly frazzled this time, his expression tight with frustration. The happenings over the last few days having thrown much of the world order into disarray.
"The European Union is making noise again," Sunil began, his voice carrying the weariness of dealing with bureaucrats. "They're discussing the possibility of breaking up your monopolies across Europe. Apparently, they're concerned about how powerful you've become. The discussion is escalating fast. They're considering measures to limit Hammer Industries in the Union. They're calling it a 'preventative measure' to avoid what they claim would be an economic crisis."
Justin scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back, casting an indifferent glance at the other screens. He was beyond tired of this kind of nonsense. The governments of the world had long tried to put him in a box, especially the EU, but those days were over. He had grown far too powerful, and everyone knew it. If they wanted to play games, so be it, but he was done pretending. Done acting like they had any say in his business.
"We're done with this piddly bullshit," Justin said, his tone dismissive. He was no longer going to entertain the whims of weak governments trying to make a power grab. Not when he was certain that his growing power - both technological and divine - could withstand anything they threw at him. "I'm fairly certain," He added, his voice almost casual as his mind worked through the possibilities, "That one of my domains is going to be tied to humanity. I've done more to uplift this planet in a few short years than any of those pathetic politicians could dream of in their lifetimes. Let's make sure any other domains fall under 'conqueror' or 'ruler'." He said with bite to it, his inner circle all having been briefed on how he wanted his image to be forwarded henceforth.
Sunil paused, his eyes widening slightly at Justin's words. Even the workers around Sunil, visible through the background of the video feed, hesitated in their movements, momentarily taken aback by the gravity of what Justin had just implied.
"Sir," Sunil began carefully, "Are you sure about that? Pulling out of Europe would be… An unusual level of escalation, even for you. It could destabilize - "
"Sunil," Justin interrupted, his voice cold and commanding, "Prepare a press statement. Announce that Hammer Industries is pulling out of Europe due to the governments of the Union flagrantly engaging in a power grab against the interests of their own people. Make it clear that they're attempting to break up Hammer Industries because they see how much profit they can make by controlling my innovations themselves. Frame it as an attack on progress and a deliberate attempt to keep people poor and begging for government assistance."
Sunil's fingers hovered over the keyboard in front of him, his expression one of restrained shock. He wasn't used to seeing Justin escalate things this quickly. There had always been a calculated precision to his moves, a veil of diplomacy - even when Justin was pulling the strings from behind the curtain. This, however, was a declaration of war. "Are you certain, sir?" Sunil asked again, his tone more cautious now. "This is… A bold move."
Justin grinned darkly, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and dangerous intent. "We're strong enough not to need to pretend any longer, Sunil. We don't have to hide, and we don't need to play nice with these weaklings. Send out the press release." He was done with games from such weaklings as the EU.
Without another word, Sunil turned to his console, typing furiously as he prepared the statement. The room behind him hummed with activity, his subordinates jumping into action to follow through on Justin's orders. It was a testament to how much they needed to do that they even used keyboards anymore. Sunil no doubt using his implant to view emails even as he typed up the press statement by hand.
From where she stood, leaning casually against a console, Domino let out a long breath, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "So," She mused aloud, "Anyone want to bet how many hours until the first European government falls?"
Justin quietly scoffed, the European governments are weak, they won't be able to stand against the outrage of Panacea being pulled out.
Phantazia, who was already shifting her focus back to her own station, shook her head. "No point in betting. They'll be lucky if they're not lynched by mobs fearing the loss of Panacea and all those Hammer Industries jobs," She said dryly as her fingers danced across the screen in front of her. "Let's face it, half of Europe is riding on HammerTech's back at this point. If they think they can survive without us, they're in for a rude awakening."
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
She turned her attention to the security feeds, her expression sharpening. "Nail," Phantazia called out, her voice steady, "Make sure every Hammer Industries security department in Europe is on full alert. I want them prepared for any retaliation from the governments - whether through legal overreach or more… Direct measures."
Domino huffed, spinning a gun around on a finger, "More likely we'll get mobs of people breaking down the doors to try and get something out of us before we 'leave'."
The AI's voice chimed in to Phantazia's request. "Yes, ma'am. All security departments are being notified. We are increasing monitoring of European governmental networks to detect any signs of retaliation once this announcement goes live."
Yelena sidled up to Justin, her expression calm but her voice low as she delivered her own report. "Cross is on his way to Cairo. He wants to make things official as soon as possible considering recent events."
Considering Hank wasn't even buried yet, Cross certainly wouldn't make many friends with his obvious greed. But Justin really didn't care for the man anyway, so it didn't matter overly much.
Justin gave a minuscule nod to Yelena, his eyes narrowing slightly as he thought over it he even wanted to meet the man. "Fine," He muttered, his mind already jumping ahead to the meeting. "Set up a short fifteen-minute meet and greet. I won't need more time than that to tie that fool into knots."
Pym Industries, soon to be rebranded as Cross Industries, would be independent in name only. Justin's people had already been planted deep within its infrastructure before Hank died, and the moment Darren Cross took over, his control over Pym particles would be cemented. It was a delicate play, but one that would work in the end. Cross would think he had won, taking over the legacy of Hank Pym, but in reality, he'd be nothing more than a puppet.
Yelena nodded again, this time with a slight smirk playing at her lips. "We've already placed a Black Widow as his personal assistant. She'll make sure he stays in his lane."
Justin's smirk mirrored hers, his voice taking on a humorless edge. "In his lane, or suffering from a heart attack, just like Hank Pym," He said darkly. "Widows are very effective tools when used properly, you run a good team, Yelena."
To her credit, Yelena looked uncomfortable with the mention of Pym, having started to build a somewhat friendly rivalry with Hope before… Everything. Justin envied her having the luxury of caring. He had no choice but to move forward, until one day he could bring her back, and he'd have her company waiting for her when she did. She'd hate him, but she'd be alive.
He would live with it. If he found a way. And there would be one. I won't lose… Not permanently. He told himself quietly.
There was a brief pause before Nail's voice spoke up again, this time with an update. "Sir, most of the Avengers have been released from custody. Namor, however, is still being held while negotiations regarding a price for his release continue."
Yelena's lips curled in disgust, a sneer of disbelief crossing her face. "That was quick. Too quick. I can't believe they let them go after their ties to Fury were revealed, let alone their ties to Namor after what he did."
Justin shrugged, unbothered by the news. "We knew it would happen. Even the American government knows how much they're under my thumb at this point. They probably see the Avengers as a potential counterbalance to me - a way to mitigate my influence with the public in future conflicts." He shook his head, almost amused. "It won't work, of course. Too little, too late."
Domino hummed thoughtfully, leaning against the console as she stretched. "They've lost Banner, anyway," She said. "Nail's tracked him sneaking around Greece. Looks like the big guy got tossed quite the distance after the battle. Doesn't seem like he's tried contacting anyone yet."
Phantazia piped in, "We can offer an olive branch perhaps, it's better to know where the Hulk is, then have him randomly show up again like he did against Apocalypse."
Before Justin could comment, Nail spoke up again, her tone more urgent. "Iron Man also appears to have left the Avengers after a fight in holding, although I was not able to parse it all due to Jarvis being in the system and actively hindering me. After the Avengers were released, he didn't rejoin them. We're monitoring a confrontation between Stark and General Ross right now. Tony's repulsor is aimed directly at Ross as we speak."
Justin rubbed a hand across his face, his expression weary. "Tony, you idiot," He muttered under his breath. He should have seen it coming himself, but to be fair, he'd been ridiculously busy, and hardly had time for Tony at the moment. "There's nothing we can do, just keep me updated." He told Nail, going back to his screens, sending off another message to Sunil, asking about some weird movements in the Chinese markets.
Nail continued her report a few minutes later. "Iron Man has taken off without firing a shot. Ross has also just sent a message to one of the contacts we've been tracking. It appears that Ross is connected to the Sentinel program, and he's backing it."
Justin's hand fell to his side, his posture straightening as the news sank in. "The Sentinel program?" He repeated, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Ross is involved?"
Nail's voice remained steady as she answered. "Yes, sir. We've tracked a number of suppliers and personnel involved with the program before as you know, but this is the highest link we've uncovered so far."
Justin's mind was already spinning, processing the implications. The Sentinel program had been a thorn in his side - an initiative designed to create metahuman-hunting machines capable of wiping out entire populations if unchecked. But they had never been able to locate the base of operations. Nor had they found someone able to lead them straight there, even their logistic chains somehow ending up disappearing half way through without Nail able to find out how. They had eyes on Ross all the time, so he wasn't an active participant, but knowing Ross, he wouldn't be part of something where he had no clue where the principal of the program was.
With Ross involved, there was a chance they weren't solely after metahumans anymore. And there would only be one other enemy that was threatening American sovereignty enough… Him.
"Sorry, Tony," Justin thought to himself with grim amusement. "Looks like you won't get to have your revenge after all."
Justin turned to Yelena, his eyes hard and sharp. "I want you to personally lead a team and bring me Ross," Justin ordered. "We're not waiting for this to blow up. I want that base now. If Ross knows where the Sentinels are being developed or who's doing it, I want it out of him before he even realizes what's happening."
Their interrogation of Magneto had only barely begun, the man held inside the mirror dimension, Kaecillius his jailor. From him they'd found out that Trask had actually been working with Sinister for some reason - hence why they'd taken him back in exchange for Phantazia. Which didn't make sense, as Sinister had no reason to be part of what began as an anti-metahuman project.
They'd have to speed up the interrogation, Justin's only regret being that he was too busy to sit in and get a front row seat to enjoy Magneto's comeuppance. He was a powerful man, one Justin had intended to use against Thanos and against the Chitauri and Loki.
But now… He couldn't trust the man out and about again, and he certainly wouldn't let him out after almost succeeding in killing Domino.
Yelena, ever the professional, didn't hesitate at his order. Her expression was pleased as she immediately moved to another console, pulling up Ross's schedule and any intel Nail had gathered on his movements. "I'll put together a team," She said, already focused on her task. "Nail, pull up Ross's latest movements and all his email and phone conversations and send them to my terminal."
Nail's holographic avatar flickered to life in the center of the room, nodding in acknowledgment. "Data is already on your screen, Yelena. I've mapped out all known coordinates for General Ross's travel routes and potential locations for the next week."
Yelena began to issue orders to her Black Widows and other operatives, already beginning to create a seamless plan of attack - picking her city of choice and beginning to move people there while looking through the information to craft her plan. Justin watched for a moment, satisfied. There was no room for error here - Ross had played his last hand, and now it was time for Justin to strike back before he became a problem. Quickly and decisively.
While Yelena worked, Justin turned back to the numerous screens, each one showing different intelligence, different crises. His mind was working through the calculations, assessing the risks and rewards.
"Nail," Justin said slowly, "Any luck finding Sinister yet?" He knew she would have told him if there was any news, but his frustration on this matter made him ask anyway. How did you get away?
The AI's avatar of a redheaded irish woman flickered, her expression apologetic. "Unfortunately, no, sir. We've conducted another full sweep of the floating city, but there has been no sign of Nathaniel Essex. He's not appeared on any of our surveillance feeds across Africa either, though I must admit, our coverage in certain regions is less than ideal."
Justin clenched his jaw, holding back a surge of frustration. Sinister was slippery, and his disappearance after the failed interrogation of a body double was maddening. He had to be hiding somewhere - he wasn't that capable surely? To simply vanish without a trace. But the clock was ticking, and Justin knew that every day Sinister remained at large was a day he could be planning something devastating.
"Keep looking," Justin growled. "I don't care what it takes - find him."
Nail nodded, her hologram shimmering as she processed his orders. "Yes, sir."
Justin's attention shifted to another pressing matter. "What about Captain Marvel?" He asked, his voice tinged with impatience. "Has she made any moves yet?"
Nail's hologram tilted her head, pulling up the relevant data. "Captain Marvel entered Earth's atmosphere approximately nine hours ago. We tracked her meeting with Nick Fury on a tanker, but now both of them have completely vanished from our sensors. I am unaware of how they managed to evade our satellite surveillance."
Justin frowned, his brow furrowing as he considered the implications. Carol Danvers had too much raw power to ignore. If she aligned herself with Fury in an adversarial way, it could pose a serious problem. But, from what his gut told him, she was more likely to stay out of Earth's affairs unless provoked. Still, it was a wild card he couldn't afford to overlook.
"Keep a satellite on that tanker," Justin ordered. "I don't care how they're hiding - track it. If Fury's people are moving, I want to know about it."
Nail responded promptly, "Already dispatched a ship to follow the tanker, sir. We'll know if they make any sudden moves and they stand ready to arrest everybody onboard."
Justin assumed that if Fury wasn't attacking, he was plotting escape, but Carol Danvers couldn't just pick the man up and fly up into Space, neither had Nail clocked the woman flying back into space either. So what are you two doing?
As far as he was aware, SHIELD had not had a secret space ship or anything of the sort. So how were they getting off the planet? Remaining Skrulls? Nail had managed to find a few ships leaving right after the press conference, even if she lost them when they went into stealth, she'd caught the energy fluctuations when they took off.
Just as Justin was about to turn his attention to the next matter, Nail's voice interrupted him. "Sir, Storm is here to see you."
That caught his attention. Justin paused for a moment, considering the timing. Ororo Munroe, one of the X-Men's leaders and a powerful metahuman, rarely made it to see him, not without a reason. Given recent developments, he wasn't entirely surprised though. The X-Men had been quiet since Apocalypse's downfall, but Justin had kept tabs on them. And Storm's arrival suggested that she had something important to discuss.
He was hopeful it would be in his favor.
"Perfect timing," Justin muttered to himself. "Let her in." He glanced around the room at his team. "Keep me updated on all developments," He ordered, his voice authoritative. "I'll deal with this personally."
As he stepped away from the screens and monitors, Domino fell in behind him, her hand casually resting on one of her pistols. She didn't speak, but her presence was a comforting reminder that Justin was never without his best operatives. Not that she was as needed as before, now that Justin had greatly increased his power.
His thoughts turned to the power stone, which was in a secure location, just one portal away. He sent a message to Nail as he walked, to double the surveillance on the Tesseract, he wasn't entirely interested in grabbing it for himself yet, leery of collecting too many stones in one location. But in case Fury intended to have Carol go for it before they left… He wanted assets nearby to delay them while he and his team mustered to stop them.
They moved through the hallways of the Cairo compound, passing armed guards and security checkpoints. When they reached the meeting room, the doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing Storm standing in the center. Her white hair was striking as always against her dark skin, and her presence seemed to command the air around her. She was regal, composed, and every bit as powerful and beautiful as ever.
"Ororo," Justin greeted, his tone even as he stepped inside, his eyes carefully reading her body language. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Ororo smiled, her expression calm and composed. "I've made up my mind," She said, her voice smooth but firm.
Justin raised an eyebrow, intrigued but also guarded. He had always seen potential in Ororo to join him, yet he knew she was not the type to make rash decisions and he'd been cautious not to push too far too soon. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" He asked, the tone of his voice firm yet curious.
Ororo paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts, then smiled again, this time with a hint of vulnerability that Justin had never quite seen in her before. "I've loved working for you," She admitted. "The help we've given to people, the changes we've made, especially in Africa… I've felt useful, truly useful, in a way I never thought possible. For the first time in my life, I believe I'm actually making a difference."
Justin watched her intently, but before he could respond, Domino, always quick to undercut any sincerity in the room, snorted. "Oh, now that he's powerful enough to challenge the world, that's when you want in?" She mocked, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.
Ororo remained composed, not taking the bait. She turned toward Domino, her cool demeanor unwavering. "Not exactly how it happened, but if that's what makes you feel better about this situation, you're welcome to that view."
Domino raised an eyebrow but didn't press further, though her smirk never faded.
Ororo turned back to Justin, her expression softening, though her words were filled with purpose. "You've done more for metahumans than anyone ever has. You've protected this world against threats like Apocalypse when we failed - you've proven your sincerity beyond a doubt."
A weight seemed to settle over the room as her words sank in. The mention of Apocalypse was a reminder to all of them of just how close the world had come to total destruction. Justin, who prided himself on results, let her continue, curious to see where she was leading with this. Fairly certain he knew, and feeling pretty pleased about it, even if he let nothing show.
Ororo exhaled softly, as if releasing a burden she had been carrying. "I'll admit, Mister Hammer… I've been too much of an idealist, and that kept me at arm's length from you. I knew you had blood behind your rise to power. I knew you were a man who wouldn't hesitate to do whatever it takes, even if it meant making morally dubious decisions."
Justin's gaze sharpened, but he didn't interrupt. He let her speak, watching her intently, trying to gauge what was really motivating her in all this.
Ororo smiled self-deprecatingly. "Charles showed me the truth in Cairo even if he hardly had meant to showcase it as such. There is no 'good side'. Only different shades of gray. Maybe I needed to grow up a little... Understand that the world isn't as black and white as I once thought."
She straightened, her shoulders pulling back as if she'd come to a resolution which did wonderful things with her breasts, Justin's eyes drawn there immediately, before he looked up again to meet her gaze. Her eyes, those clear orbs filled with passion and strength, met Justin's directly, seemingly pleased at his attention. "I want in. On your team. On your revolution. I've realized now that if you want to make lasting change, you have to break a few eggs along the way. I may never be fully comfortable with it, but the world doesn't change without sacrifices. It never has."
Truer words were never spoken, Justin thought, history had shown that there was no such thing as change - without death or injustice along the way.
Justin's smile grew slowly, a gleam of satisfaction lighting his eyes. This was the Ororo he had hoped to see for a long time - someone who understood the real world, someone who saw the bigger picture. "That's quite something, Ororo," He said, the hint of approval evident in his tone. "And I have to say, I'll gladly take you on my team. But as for my inner circle... That's a different story. That will take time, loyalty, and proof of your commitment."
Ororo nodded, seemingly understanding the terms. "Of course. Trust is earned, not given. I'm willing to prove myself."
She then glanced to the side, almost as if weighing her next words carefully. "Jean is teetering on the edge of joining you as well," She said quietly. "I can get her on board." She paused, a small smile on her lips, "She isn't the only one who's reached out to me about the same," She teased.
Justin hummed thoughtfully, his mind already working through the possibilities. Jean Grey, the telepathic powerhouse, would be an asset beyond measure, although kept only in the clean parts of the business of course. "A good start," He said, his mood visibly lightening. "Very good indeed."
They hadn't made any progress in waking Electro up, so worst case, they'd replace the man with Storm, a complete upgrade. Despite the growing list of challenges he faced, from dealing with Sinister's escape to Tony Stark's spiraling instability, the prospect of having Storm and possibly Jean Grey as part of his operation felt like a win that was hard to pass up.
Ororo's gaze flicked over to Domino, and she hesitated before speaking again. "Could we talk alone?" She asked, her voice soft but direct, the way she positioned herself, flaunted her body - certainly spoke volumes.
Domino, narrowed her eyes and tilted her head mockingly. "Slut," She muttered under her breath, smirking all the while.
Ororo barely gave her the satisfaction of a reaction, merely raising an eyebrow before turning her attention back to Justin. "Sir? A moment of privacy, if you would." She said, standing proud even as she obviously offered herself. If he wasn't completely misjudging everything.
Justin considered the request. Having Ororo act so deferentially was certainly a change from their previous interactions, he waved Domino off with a flick of his wrist. "It's fine," Ge said. "Go on." He smiled at Ororo, "We'll talk in private."
Domino shot Ororo a final look, clearly unimpressed, but did as she was told. She exited the room, leaving the two of them alone. Justin would probably have to do something nice for her later. She knew how much she enjoyed watching.
Once the door clicked shut, the atmosphere in the room seemed to shift. Ororo's posture relaxed slightly, but she maintained her composure. Her words from before were still heavy in the air, and though she had opened up about her change of heart, Justin could sense there was something more she wasn't saying.
There was a long pause, the two of them standing across from one another, the weight of their positions clear. Ororo had always been a force of nature, both literally and figuratively, and Justin knew she didn't make decisions lightly so this decision was a big one.
She stepped forward, closing the distance between them, before kneeling before him, her cleavage on display even more beautifully from her submissive position. "You've done so much," She said, her voice softer now. "For metahumans. For this world. For my people. Africa is changing under your guidance - children who once faced starvation now have hope. You've saved my friends, you've given so many a future that they could never have dreamed of."
Her eyes locked with his, her gratitude palpable. She wasn't here to beg for a place at his table at this moment, nor was she here to manipulate him. She was genuinely thankful for what he had accomplished, and her loyalty, at least in this moment, seemed real.
Justin smiled faintly, his voice cool but intrigued. "You're full of surprises today, Ororo. I appreciate the honesty." As much as it surprises me, I hadn't seen this coming at all.
Ororo nodded, breathing deeply, smiling seductively as his eyes were drawn to her bust, her voice was unwavering as she continued. "I've come to realize that you don't save the world by following the rules. You change the world by bending them, sometimes breaking them for the greater good. That's something I'm learning to accept, and I want to be part of that change. I'm ready to help, in whatever way you need." With incredible skill, wind caressed Ororo's form, her top slowly unwound until she was left topless before him.
There was a sincerity in her tone that couldn't be ignored. She wasn't just paying him lip service; she was offering her commitment, her strength, and her leadership in whatever came next. As well as her body, and he had to admit for all her skill, that's the part he was most interested in at the moment.
Justin's smile grew, this time warmer. "Well, Ororo, I have to say... I'm impressed. And I'll gladly accept your help." He eyed her, taking note of the way she squirmed on her knees, the flushed cheeks, someone has discovered a submissive side, huh…
"You're going to enjoy it here, I can already tell."
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Several days later, Washington D.C
The congressional hearing room was packed, a sea of cameras and flashing lights filling the space as journalists jostled for position to capture every second of Justin Hammer's testimony. The air was heavy with tension, as Justin walked in with the same casual arrogance that had made him a household name. His expensive suit was tailored to perfection, every movement he made purposeful and fluid. He looked more like a man stepping into a boardroom to close a deal than someone being called to account for the chaos he'd unleashed across Europe.
Congress was in uproar, even the men and women owned by Justin unable to keep quiet.
Several European governments had collapsed since Justin's bold and unprecedented move to pull out of the European Union, claiming the EU's attempts to limit his monopolies were nothing more than a power grab. In some countries, leaders had resigned in disgrace, unable to weather the political storm that followed his departure. But worse still were the riots. Two smaller countries had seen their parliaments overrun by angry mobs, furious at the thought of losing access to Hammer's technology, healthcare systems, and Panacea, the medical breakthrough that had revolutionized global health. The governments had been deposed, the streets soaked with blood as civilians turned on their own leaders.
In other countries, like Germany, the military had been deployed to pacify their people before it got that far, but that on its own had created an unsustainable situation for its government.
It was a disaster of unprecedented scale, and Justin stood at the center of it all.
As he sat down at the table before the congressional panel, his face betrayed not an ounce of concern. In fact, he seemed almost amused by the entire situation. He leaned back in his chair, hands resting casually in his lap, his expression one of barely contained disdain.
The lead congressman, Representative Hawkins, began the proceedings with an air of barely suppressed anger. His voice boomed across the chamber as he gestured toward Justin with evident frustration.
"Mr. Hammer, do you have any idea of the consequences of your actions? European governments are collapsing! Innocent lives have been lost in violent uprisings! And yet, here you sit, completely unphased!" He barked, Hawkins, one of the men not owned by Justin outright.
Not that Justin had stopped this hearing by utilizing his influence, he'd told his puppets to let it happen. After all, he was done pretending he wasn't humanity's only hope.
Justin raised an eyebrow, at Hawkins' question, seemingly bored already. He glanced at his watch, then back at Hawkins, his voice cool and dismissive. "Congressman, I'm well aware of what's happening in Europe. But let's not pretend like this hearing is about some moral high ground. You dragged me here to try and slap my wrist, but we both know that's not going to happen."
The room filled with murmurs from the congressional representatives and the press alike. Hawkins' face reddened with outrage, but before he could respond, a woman on the panel cut in, Representative Morales, her voice sharp and filled with frustration.
"Mr. Hammer, people have died because of your actions. Do you feel any responsibility for what's happening across Europe?" She asked, leaning forward with barely contained anger.
How quickly they forgot he saved the world, saved New York, just days ago, he thought with amusement. Governments really are useless…
Justin smirked, leaning forward over the microphone, his eyes cold and unflinching. "Responsibility? I'm a businessman, Congresswoman. There's nothing in the law that says I have to stay in a market if governments don't want me around. I made a decision based on business. If those governments couldn't handle the fallout, well… That's their problem, not mine."
The room erupted in noise - gasps, muttering, the furious scribbling of notes from reporters. Several congressmen exchanged incredulous looks, clearly taken aback by Justin's flippant attitude. Even his own men and women seemed flabbergasted at his response.
Hawkins slammed his hand down on the table. "That's not what happened, and you damn well know it! You weren't forced out - you pulled out because they were negotiating, trying to work with your monopolies! To find a way to make business more equitable. We're asking is for you to answer the question properly, Mr. Hammer!"
Justin leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his head in a posture of complete confidence, his smirk widening. "Oh, I'll answer it properly," He said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I knew exactly what would happen, and I still did it. And I'll tell you why." His gaze swept over the room, the weight of his words filling the chamber. "Because those governments - and you, frankly - are now facing a simple choice. Fight me, and make your people suffer for it, or let me do my thing, and you get jobs, healthcare, security… Hell, maybe even happiness. It's up to you."
Sorry Ellis, I'm creating trouble for you but… I don't need you anymore.
The sheer brazenness of his words left the room in stunned silence. One congressman, an older man at the far end of the table, was visibly shaking as he spoke into the microphone. "Do you… Do you even understand what you're saying, Mr. Hammer?"
Justin didn't even blink. He leaned in, his smirk now a full grin, his voice calm and deliberate. "Oh, I understand perfectly. I'm saying that for the good of the world, governments should stop pretending and acknowledge that Hammer Industries is a mega-corporation responsible for nearly every good thing happening on this planet. I'm saying they should stop resisting my efforts and let me do what I do best - make the world better."
Another representative, a woman with sharp glasses and a fiery gaze, glared at him. "Are you implying that the only way forward for humanity is to fall in line behind you?"
Justin chuckled, as though she had just asked the most ridiculous question in the world. "That's not an implication. That's a fact. And the best part? I already have the public's support. The people agree with me. Go ahead, do any poll you want. Hell, call for a national vote - I dare you."
Europe alone was proof of the matter, the fact he was turning into a bonafide God with a capital G off of humanity's faith in him, said enough. Every government on Earth would know, would have proof, that the people on this planet, given the choice between Hammer Industries or their government, their nation…
Would tear their government down to continue to prosper under the umbrella of Panacea, of guaranteed jobs for everyone, of security against alien threats. Before this hearing, the amount of Skrulls found in the government had been released, further showing the world that between Hammer and the rest of the world - there was only one choice in protecting the world.
The room once again erupted into chaos. Members of Congress were beside themselves, some of them standing in outrage, others furiously whispering to their aides. The press was frantically snapping pictures, the clicking of cameras almost deafening.
But Justin wasn't done. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he leaned even closer to the microphone, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Let me make this crystal clear for all of you. We live in a time where alien invasions aren't science fiction - they're a reality. And I'm the only one who can protect you from what's out there. So here's the deal - I leave you with a choice. Get with the program, or face the new world reality without me. Do it yourselves. Good luck with that."
He stood up abruptly, adjusting his suit with a casual flick of his wrist, as if the entire congressional hearing had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. His smirk returned, full of condescension and self-assuredness. "But we already know what your answer will be," He added, a laugh bubbling in his throat.
The lead congressman, Hawkins, looked like he was on the verge of a heart attack. He stood up, pointing at Justin, his voice quivering with anger. "This hearing isn't over, Mr. Hammer! Sit back down! You can't just -"
But Justin had already turned his back, walking calmly toward the exit, ignoring the shouts and demands behind him. His footsteps echoed through the chamber as he strode out, completely unfazed.
As he left the room, the chaos inside continued to boil over, but outside, the world continued to crumble under the weight of Justin's influence.
In Europe, cities were in turmoil. Governments, once bastions of power, had fallen like dominoes. In France, the prime minister had resigned after failing to contain the protests that erupted in response to Hammer Industries' withdrawal. In Spain, riots had broken out in Madrid, where citizens had stormed government buildings, furious over the sudden collapse of industries and services that Hammer's companies had once provided. The healthcare system, once bolstered by Panacea, was now crumbling with most normal hospitals no longer operational, and with it, the trust in the government.
And in smaller countries, like Luxembourg and Slovakia, the situation had grown even more dire. Parliamentarians had been dragged from their seats by mobs of enraged citizens, their offices ransacked, and their rule violently ended. The bloodbath in Slovakia's parliament had been the final straw, a brutal reminder of just how fragile governments could be when the people turned against them. The EU was already begging him to return, promising unlimited authority in their economies.
Justin knew all of this, of course. He had planned for it. The governments of Europe were learning a hard lesson - they were replaceable. He wasn't. And now, standing before the world, he had just driven that message home once again.
As he walked out of the building, the sun gleaming off the glass doors of the Capitol, Justin couldn't help but smile, he ignored the call that had been going on since he stepped into the building, Ellis desperately calling again and again.
This was just the beginning.
Even the President of the United States was nothing before him now.
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Hours later, bar in New York city,
Justin strode into the dimly lit bar in New York City with an air of casual authority, trailed only by Domino, who was silently scanning the room. The bar was empty except for one patron sitting at the head of the counter - Tony Stark. He sat hunched over, clad in his Iron Man armor sans helmet, but looking anything but heroic. His face was pale, his hair disheveled, and his eyes were dark-ringed with exhaustion. The bottle of whiskey in front of him was nearly empty, and he didn't even bother to look up as Justin approached.
The bartender had clearly taken the night off - or perhaps been paid to leave. Justin smirked as he closed the distance, his polished shoes clicking against the worn wooden floor.
"Well, well, well," Justin said, his voice thick with amusement. "Look at the great Tony Stark, sitting here in his armor, stinking up the place like a washed-up drunk. You really know how to make an impression."
Tony barely shifted, his gaze fixed on the glass in front of him. He took a slow sip before answering, his voice hoarse and low. "What do you want, Hammer?"
Justin's smirk widened. "What do I want? I came here to see what happened to the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. The man who could stand toe-to-toe with anyone in the world. And yet, here you are, sulking in a bar, smelling like a week's worth of bad decisions."
Tony didn't reply immediately. His hand trembled slightly as he set the glass down, his fingers brushing the edge of the table with a soft clink.
Justin's eyes narrowed as he watched Tony closely. This wasn't the man who had once been his rival, the man whose mind could create wonders and shape the future. This was a shadow of him. He doesn't get to lay down and die, he doesn't get to mourn, not when I have to keep going with not a minute of rest.
"You know," Justin said, his tone turning mocking, "I thought you had more backbone. I get that Rhodes' death hit hard, but you're sitting here wallowing in self-pity while the world moves on. You really think this is what he would've wanted? You think Pepper's thrilled you've decided to drown yourself in booze instead of being there for her?"
That got a reaction. Tony's hand twitched again, his jaw tightening as he slowly turned his head to face Justin. His eyes, bloodshot and weary, glared at him with a flicker of anger. "You don't get to talk about Rhodey. Not you."
Justin scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh, come on. We all lose people. But you don't see me sitting in some dingy bar, hiding in my suit like a coward. No, Tony, I'm still out there, fighting, fixing this mess of a world. And what are you doing? Moping. It's pathetic."
Tony's fist clenched, and for a moment, Justin thought he might actually do something. Then, suddenly, Tony swung. It was a weak, sloppy punch - nothing like the precision or power the Iron Man suit was capable of. Justin easily sidestepped it, slapping Tony's arm away with casual ease, as if brushing off a fly.
"Really? That's all you've got?" Justin said, his voice full of derision. "You're not even close to being my rival anymore, Tony. Get over yourself. The world needs us, and right now, you're not part of that equation."
Tony staggered slightly, recovering from his failed punch. He slumped back down on the barstool, a mixture of frustration and shame written across his face. "You think I don't know that?" He muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "Rhodey… Ross sent him to die, Justin. He didn't have to… He shouldn't have…"
Justin's eyes flashed with irritation. "And? You think this is the first time someone's been sent on a suicide mission? Ross made a call - maybe a bad one - but that's war. Rhodes knew the risks. He was a soldier. He didn't hesitate. And now, you're letting his death bury you instead of honoring what he stood for."
He didn't honestly agree with Ross, it was still a stupid decision, there was a reason Justin hadn't sent his power armored people into New York until Magneto was taken care of. But Rhodes was dead, and Ross was going to be taken down by him, so he didn't need Tony continuing on this self-destructive path. Even with Forge working for him, they needed Stark industries, they needed Stark, to continue to push the world forward, to continue pushing into space. They could do without him, but with him sped things up.
Tony blinked rapidly, as though trying to blink away tears. His voice wavered slightly. "You know what it's like… To lose someone that close, someone -"
"Don't." Justin's voice turned cold, cutting through Tony's words like a knife. "Don't you dare try to commiserate with me about Hope. You didn't even know how special she was. So don't sit there and act like we're in the same boat."
Tony's face tightened as he stared at Justin, his thoughts clearly racing, but he remained silent.
Justin shook his head, annoyed, and grabbed the bottle of whiskey in front of Tony. He poured the last of it into Tony's glass, then snatched it up and downed the entire thing in one gulp. Slamming the glass on the bar, he leaned in closer to Tony.
"Listen to me, Tony," Justin said, his voice low and forceful. "We've got aliens coming out of the woodwork. You've seen it yourself. We need a moon base, asteroid mining - hell, we need half a dozen things yesterday, and you're here, wasting time. The planet doesn't have time for you to sit around crying over spilt milk."
Tony glanced at him, his expression hardening slightly. "Yeah, I've seen what's out there. I've also seen the mess you're making back on Earth. Europe's in flames, Congress is ready to come after you.. Half the world is turning on you."
Justin let out a dismissive laugh. "Congress? Please. Tell me, Tony - do you believe the government can do a better job than me? Or SHIELD? You think they'd do better than the two of us combined? Tell me you honestly believe that."
Tony didn't answer right away. His brow furrowed, and he stared down at the empty glass in front of him. The silence stretched on as Justin watched him, waiting for a response.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Tony muttered, "Democracy… It's important."
Justin scoffed again, louder this time, his tone dripping with disdain. "To who? Tell me who does it better? Look at the last hundred years, Tony. People's lives may seem like they're improving, but they're just becoming more enslaved to a system that doesn't work, broken under an ever grinding wheel. And that system? It's failing them more every day. I'm not saying I'm a saint, but I can get things done. And you know that."
Tony frowned, rubbing his temples as if trying to fend off the logic of Justin's argument. "It's not fair that you're making sense."
Justin grinned, but there was no humor in it. "Life's not fair, Tony. Now, call Pepper. Get back on your feet. You've got a choice here. Either get your ass back to the space program, help build what we need to survive the future, or go join the Avengers on their democracy crusade." He chuckled darkly. "Their bastion of democracy, Namor, must be thrilled to have you on board."
Tony's gaze flickered at the mention of the Avengers, but he remained silent, staring down into the empty glass like it held the answers he needed.
Justin straightened his jacket and turned toward the door, his voice carrying over his shoulder as he made his exit. "Get it together, Stark. The world doesn't wait for anyone. Not even you."
And with that, he walked out, leaving Tony Stark alone with his thoughts, a broken man in a suit of armor, still trying to figure out how to put the pieces of his life back together.
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