Hey, everyone. I'm back. Took a break yesterday to check out the new Superman trailer.
And it was good. Seriously, check it out of you haven't already.
Now then, the winner from the last contest was Voids_TrueOverlord
[Insert in Image of Bruce Banner/Hulk Here]
***
[Atlantic Ocean, Innovation Island]
A strawberry milkshake in his hand, which he made himself, Gregory entered into one of the conferences rooms of I-Island.
Where the prisoners he had rescued from Stryker Alkali Lake base, and Jessica, were seated.
For they were waiting for Gregory.
Since today was the day Gregory had chosen to discuss with the captives he had freed the next steps they wanted to take in their lives.
Two weeks having passed since he'd done so.
Even though the freed captives wanted to discuss things with Gregory immediately. Though he put his foot down and said the discussion wouldn't happen until two weeks after they returned to I-Island. For he Stark wanted to give all of them a chance to rest and recuperate before he discussed something major like he was about to with them today. So he could be sure they all actually had the capacity to make a fully conscious decision.
And now Gregory was certain they could.
Since all of them looked so much better than two weeks ago.
All of the rescues now had fresh clothes, no bags under their eyes, and even had some meat on their bones, for they were once again eating regularly. To say nothing of the fact they were all no longer undergoing heinous and highly illegal experimentation.
Or in doctor Sarah Kinney's case, performing the experimentation.
Though against her will from what Gregory has been able to gather.
The prisoners, and even Laura, supporting this with their accounts of their time at the Alkali Lake facility.
Whom Gregory discovered Trask and Kely had found the remains of, which scared them shitless.
A good thing in his book.
Since he wanted those fuckers scared shitless.
That way when he eventually went after them and ended them, along with everything they had built, it would be all the more sweeter.
In fact just thinking about it brought a devilish smile to Gregory's face.
"Hey, Gregory, what's with that creepy smile?" Jessica asked.
"Oh nothing much. Just thinking about something good that will happen is all." Gregory replied.
"Well if that's the kind of expression you put on your face when you're thinking of something good I don't even want to know what kind of expression you wear when you're thinking of something bad." Jessica spoke.
Just as Gregory took his seat.
"If you want to know I can show you." Gregory replied.
"No thanks. I don't want to have anymore nightmares than I do already." Jessica retorted.
"Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt your flirting, but I believe we're supposed to be having a serious discussion right now." John spoke.
"Mom, what's flirting?" Laura asked her mother.
Only to receive a gently pat on the head. "It's something you'll learn about in a few years." Dr. Kinney told her child.
Who simply nodded in response to her mom's words.
"Hm? Oh yes, of course. Sorry. You're right John." Gregory replied. He then put a serious expression on his face.
As did Jessica.
"On that note, let's begin." Gregory said. "So to put it simply things aren't complicated. I want to offer you all two choices. The first, which I hope you all will seriously consider, is that you remain here on I-Island and work with me, Jessica, and anyone else we recruit in the future."
"To do what exactly?" John asked.
"Many things." Gregory replied. "Like saving those in situations similar to the one all of you found yourselves in." Gregory replied. Pointing to everyone in front of him. "But other than that we will also be raising awareness for parahumans as a whole and working to improve their place and overall status in the world. While also working to improve the world itself overall. As well as protect it from those that would do it harm."
"Um, what are Parahumans mister Gregory?" Sarah Rushman asked.
"That is a term I came up with to define anyone with superhuman abilities. Whether they gain them through scientific means like Jessica and myself, magically, or naturally like all of you do thanks to your active X-genes." Gregory explained. "And it is a term I hope, no I am going to make synonymous in regards to people like us one day. While also working to classify the word Mutant as nothing more than a racial slur like so many other words have become." He spoke. "Because when I think of a Mutant I think of grotesque monster straight out of a horror film. And none of you are monsters in my book. All you simply are humans that have powers beyond the norm. I mean sure, someone of your mutations include physical changes." Gregory gestured to Clarice and then Kurt. "But that doesn't change the fact all of you are people. Who should all be given the same rights and respects as ordinary folk. Even if some of you can teleport or speak to other people through thoughts."
Gregory explained.
His words and explanations resonating with everyone in the room.
"Wait, magic is real?" Clarice asked. Suddenly deciding to speak up after realizing what Gregory just said.
"Oh, it is. And so much more Clarice." Gregory replied.
"It's true." Jessica added. "I know it sounds crazy, but around here crazy is actually the norm." She said.
"Then what would you all define as crazy then?" Kurt curiously asked.
Only for Gregory and Jessica to flash him, and everyone else, strange smiles.
Ones that sent shivers down everyone's spines.
"Well, let's not get into that right now." Gregory replied to Kurt. "And honestly we won't unless you choose to stay here on I-Island and join our cause. But if you don't here's my second offer. I create entirely new lives for anyone who wants to leave. Set you up for life. Then you'll never hear from me or anyone associated with me or I-Island ever again." He explained. "So, take your time and decide. There's no rush."
"You'd do that for us? Why?" John asked.
"Because like I said just now John I want parahumans to live better lives overall. And if I can help you do that, since I have the resources to, then I will." Gregory explained. "Simple as that."
"If that's the case then I'm all in on your first offer." Armando spoke.
Everyone turning their gaze to him after he did.
"Oh, and why is that?" Gregory curiously asked.
"Because I can tell you mean every single word you just said." Armando replied. "I mean it's obvious you're hiding secrets. But well, even if you are despite not knowing me you risked your own life for my own. And in my book that tells me pretty much everything I need to know about you Gregory. So I'm in for the long haul."
"Me too." Sarah Rushman suddenly spoke up. "I don't think Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Jessica are bad people. So I want to help them and help others like they helped us." The young girl spoke up. A determination settling into her eyes.
"You rescued me and my daughter. You have my gratitude. And given mine and Laura's overall situation I don't think there's a much better place for us than here so we'll stay." Sarah Kinney spoke up.
"Yes. What mom said." Laura added.
"Well, alright then. Welcome aboard all of you." Gregory replied. "And I promise, you won't regret this." He said.
Gregory then turned his gaze to John, Clarice, and Kurt. "So, what about the rest of you? Need more time or...?"
Sharing a look between themselves John, Clarice, and Kurt, took a moment before directing their gazes back to Gregory.
"I...well I guess I'm in." John spoke.
"Yeah, me too." Clarice added.
"Me three." Kurt said. Raising his tail.
And with that all the captives had decided to stay and join Gregory's cause on I-Island.
Making them his first patch of new recruits.
Gregory clapped after hearing their replies. "Excellent. Excellent. Truly." He said. "So, now that you've all agreed to join the party let's get it started. First up, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Athena, go ahead and introduce yourself girl!"
"Greetings, everyone. I hope you've been enjoying your stay on my creators island. I am Athena and I look forward to get to know each and everyone of you better from now on." Athena spoke.
Stunning all the former captives.
For ever since they arrived on I-Island they had no idea about her existence.
Gregory having asked Athena to make sure of that. Since he wanted all of the captives to make their decisions about staying or going first. Since he didn't want any of them to leave with knowledge of his AI, on the off chance they were captured again and the information was extracted from their minds.
But now that Gregory was sure they weren't going anywhere he decided to give them a bit more trust.
"Who is that speaking? A ghost?" Kurt asked.
"Nope, that would be my girl Athena. My AI." Gregory revealed.
"Dude, you created your own Skynet?! Are you crazy?!" Armando shouted.
"First off Armando, Athena is not a Skynet. Well, actually she is similar but also different. Eh, don't worry since none of you are going anywhere now I'll explain it all in detail." Gregory replied.
"Cool." Sarah Rushman said. Getting stars in her young eyes.
Gregory soaking up her admiration like a sponge.
Yeah, it was good to feel acknowledged for his work.
***
While Gregory was soaking up some praise, and beginning to introduce his first real recruits to the actual scale of his operations, in the outside world things were also moving along.
***
[Triskelion, Washington D.C.]
Moving through the halls of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s recently commissioned base, which was still only halfway constructed, scientist and soldier a young Henry Jonathan "Hank" Pym wore an irritated and angry expression on his face.
[Insert Image of a young Henry Jonathan "Hank" Pym Here]
His steps getting heavier as he continued moving, Hank's got the loudest as he entered a conference room.
Where a meeting was taking place between three of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top executives.
Howard Stark.
Director Margaret "Peggy" Carter.
[Insert Image of Margaret "Peggy" Carter Here]
Finally the head of S.H.I.E.L.D's Defense Division, Mitchell Carson.
[Insert image of Mitchell Carson Here]
The moment Hank entered Howard, Mitchell, and Peggy stopped their conversation and turned their attention to him.
But before anyone could say anything Hank reached the table and slammed down a vial filled with red liquid on top of it.
"So, someone what to explain to me what the hell this is?!" Hank shouted.
Looking to get some answers.