October 1st
6:45 pm
8 miles southwest of Barcelona, Spain
"Dr. Eisenhorn, prepare to be amazed at the progress the scientists and contractors at Ironsword Corporation have made toward developing the next generation of defense utilities designed to be equivalent to or even surpass Stark Industries."
I sure hope so, Dr. Michael Eisenhorn, CEO of Ironsword, thought as he left his room to meet the President of the same company, Jin Kaname, who intended to take him down to the factories of the Spanish branch of their business to showcase the arms/defense organization's latest development in the art of military and defense. However, none of the past displays succeeded in pleasing Dr. Eisenhorn , who found fault with every little thing like the flash of the muzzle or the the durability of an anti-laser vest. For a perfectionist like himself, everything had to be flawless. The slightest mishap gave him intense anxiety.
"Come with me, Doctor. " Kaname, a dark-eyed man of a mocha complexion and dreadlocks donning a navy blue blazer and purple slacks, beckoned to his superior. "The entire work force, including the overseers, will be present and they are eager to please you, sir. I know that we are both the highest ranking members of Ironsword, but let's not keep them waiting. We need to set an example for them. They learn from the best, after all."
Boy, don't you love to hear yourself talk. You behave like you are my equal, but I outrank you in Ironsword's hierarchy. Someone should teach you your place by allocating you among the laborers.
"Very well, lead the way, Jin."
Adjusting his square-shaped glasses over the bridge of his pointy noise, Dr. Eisenhorn followed Mr. Kaname down several halls filled with purple velvet carpets and soft walls with tapestries and portraits of the corporation's former CEOs, President's, and other head honchos situated among priceless paintings and portraits from all walks of history.
Will my portrait hang from those walls one day? I'd rest in peace in my grave if I know that my legacy would live on in each of Ironsword's facilities.
In about roughly five minutes of passing through the hallways adorned by guards that reminded the doctor of his son's favorite video game (was it called Halo? He couldn't recall clearly) , they came upon a glass door, bearing the crossed swords and flaming fist of the corporation, lit by bright yellow lights with 2 dark blue , purple, and black-clad guards standing to the sides. Nodding at the two executives, one guard pressed a silver button on the side and the doors slid open with soft hiss. Upon entering the glass box that would ferry them across the large facility and into the testing grounds, Jin Kaname turned to face Michael Eisenhorn.
"Look at this marvelous method of transportation we use." He waved a dark ring-laden hand across the transparent lift that shone silver tunnels that had strips of the same orangish lights that gave the grittiness a bright glow like a beacon of hope. "Quite sophisticated, wouldn't you say? Transportation has come a long way. You know, I used to hate taking a lift in the elevators, but things haven't been the same since-"
Dr. Eisenhorn raised a hand to cut the blabbermouth short. "Yes, I get it. Everything now is fascinating for you since we have made great progress in advancing our world's technology, but let me make one thing clear. None of what you like is as fascinating as what I envision for the planet. Once we succeed in developing top notch hardware, the future that I have envisioned for this planet will arrive sooner than anticipated and it will be as bright as Castor and Pollux on a dark and stormy night."
The President of the Spanish branch of Ironsword adjusted his stylish amber glasses as he raised an eyebrow at the CEO. "Oh, I can believe that. We are closer than you think to achieving your vision. You will see now."
At that moment, the lift came to a stop and the glass doors hissed open, letting in the cool evening air . As the two executives of Ironsword exited the transparent transporter, Dr. Eisenhorn's toffee-colored eyes were greeted by the sleek gray-brown stands of the testing grounds that had a few seats occupied by the scientists, developers, and engineers donning white coats and dark solar-viewing glasses. Two guards stationed on either side of the aisle in front of the glass lift saluted the two top brass honchos as they took their seats at the topmost stand where refreshments and wine were available with a bald-headed attendant with three days growth of beard and a woman wearing a hair-cover was cutting up some focaccia as an armored guard stood at the ready, his M4 carbine clutched in his arms like a metal sword fish.
"Put these on, you will be needing these," Kaname informed his superior as he handed him his own pair of solar eclipse glasses.
As if I wasn't perceptive enough to figure that out myself.
Michael Eisenhorn placed his own pair over his spectacles and sat back, extending his hand. At once, the attendant, his protection glasses nearly slipping of his curved nose, came forward to hand him his recently poured wine. Taking a sip, he noticed that his fellow administrator had failed to put on his own safety glasses. Rather, his zany amber glasses were the only things covering his eyes.
"I take it that you are exempt from the safety protocol we put in place for everyone at all Ironsword facilities?" The CEO inquired. "Come on, if we want our employees to follow our example, we need to set one for them. I personally can't stand hypocrites."
Kaname only turned to grin at his superior. "Boss, my glasses are protection enough. These amber goggles can filter out the harmful gamma rays so what's the point of adding an extra layer of eyes? For the record, I am not breaking protocol, just merely following it with my own style."
Dr. Eisenhorn merely shook his head. "If you say so. Despite all my expertise and experience in the field of military research and development, I can't figure out the workings of your mind.
The screen hanging above the stands then flashed on, revealing the velvet background with the spinning Ironsword logo. After some music that reminded Michael of something you'd hear in an elevator in a New York high-rise played, the face of a balding old man with wrinkles, half-moon spectacles on his nose, and a labcoat appeared in place of the logo.
"Hello there, viewers. Ready to be amazed? Will sit back and watch us showcase our latest developments here at Ironsword's research labs."
The first demonstration, one of many, was the creation of a military tank made of Vibranium that was purchased from an arms dealer known as Ulysses Klaue. The tank, referred to as the Grande Zero, took machine gun fire, rockets, and all kinds of explosive fire and came out without as so much as a scratch. The final weapon used against the war machine was a satellite-shaped device that harnessed electromagnetic and ultraviolet energy as bright as the sun before striking the tank's armor without penetrating it. The only telltale sign of the attack was a small scorch mark on the bronze hull.
The second demonstration required a volunteer, one of the weapons testers, to utilize a cogmium suit of armor that could shapeshift into a sword, a shield, or a helm upon telepathic command. Having a metal alloy bond to other metals just by clairvoyance was amazing, to say the least.
All the while Dr. Eisenhorn sat back, sipped his pinot noir and chewed on his focaccia, his face expressionless as he watched the exhibition. As the demonstrations ended, thunderous applause echoed across the testing grounds, the two executives rose from their seats and were escorted a couple of guards to the lift. Once inside, Jin Kaname turned to smile at the main executive.
"Enjoy the show, doc?"
Eisenhorn only rolled his eyes." Unlike you, I am not so easily impressed by a lackluster firework displays. I want you to announce to our employees that I expect a much better performance from them in all future endeavors. "
The company's president glanced over at his superior from behind the amber glasses before speaking after a moment of silence. "Understood, sir. You won't be disappointed next time."
As soon as they glass doors opened, Dr. Eisenhorn made his way to his office. Once he entered, the CEO gave a start as a figure stepped out of the gloom toward him. Before Ironsword's highest official could finger the buzzer to summon security to deal with the intruder, his unexpected guest raised a gray-gloved hand.
"Fear me not, Dr. Eisenhorn. For I do not wish to harm you. Rather, I come with a proposal."
"You can begin by telling me who the hell you are first," the ambitious industrialist demanded. He scrutinized the visitor's features that were hidden behind a white skill mask with eyes glowing like a Jack 'O' Lanterns. The skeletal trespasser wore a cloak the color of the Punisher's attire that enveloped his black-gray attire that complemented the dim room.
"You may call me Skull," the masked figure rasped. "During the duration of my assignment on this world, I came across your defense corporation and thought you have the potential to exceed the standards of this realm in the field of and military hardware and defense. I have reported your research and development ventures and achievements to the Lord of Bones-"
"The Lord of what?" Dr. Eisenhorn crossed his arms, a befuddled look plastered on his face.
"The Lord of Bones," Skull's gravelly voice explained. The skull-masked trespasser's hand clutched a replica of a Wakandan Jabari tribe ceremonial mask from the room and trailed the gloved fingers over coarse object. "He is the High Commander of the Hallowed Conquest Army , the force which I am currently serving as a scout. "
"And what in Sokovia's name does he want with me?"
"I was just getting to that. He has an offer that you will find difficult to refuse."
"Which is?" The ambitious corporate chief inquired.
"I will let him explain that to you himself."
As Eisenhorn parted his lips to question Skull, the latter curled his fist and a rift appeared behind him in the air like a torn tapestry. Behind him, the scientist got a glimpse of what appeared to be another dimension. A vast sea of sand, glowing white under a glowing crescent moon, stretched to the horizon under a blue-black sky dotted with a few wisps of cloud. It reminded Dr. Eisenhorn of the Sahara when he visited Ironsword's Moroccan testing ground. A chilly breeze swept into the room, billowing the scout's cloak and giving the corpo a chill down his back.
"Dr. Eisenhorn, it is an honor you meet you at last. I have been looking forward to speaking with you."
Disturbed by the demonic voice coming through the tear, the researcher then spotted its owner perched on a light sand dune. Like the agent he sent through, he bore a skull mask, only his was striped red and black. Behind him, similarly-masked beings flanked him, their glowing eyes piercing the world between them, only each was clad in different attire.
It is as if they are looking into my soul.
"Are you the one called the Lord of Bones?"
"Aye, I believe Skull has already told you about me," the otherworldly entity spoke. "Now the reason I have sent Skull to approach you is that I have a proposition that will benefit both our parties."
Dr. Eisenhorn couldn't help feeling apprehensive. "I am listening."
"Very good," the Lord of Bones growled. "I am aware you are attempting to use your world's as well as other's elements to create the perfect defense mechanism yet you aren't satisfied with the results of the tests. I assure you your satisfaction will be guaranteed once I allow you to access the Cerobite from the All Hallows realm. You can perfect your weapons using an element never seen before in your world albeit for a price."
Ironsword's CEO raised a brow. "Which is?"
"Give me the logistics of your world and support the Hallowed Conquest Army in their bid to subjugate Earth-616 for the Hallowed One."
After a moment's silent to consider the price of possible success and fame, Dr. Eisenhorn cleared his throat. "Deal."
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwri7U0wsco
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