"Pietro, I recently came across something unbelievable. At first, I thought it was spam, but then I realized it wasn't."
Wanda found an opportunity and pulled her twin brother aside, briefly telling him about what had happened recently.
Before Wanda could even finish speaking, Quicksilver interrupted her and guessed the content. "Wait, let me guess. Did the Super Seven Team invite you to become a superhero?"
"How do you know?"
"Because I got that email too. It's really weird. And it seems like they haven't noticed yet."
Quicksilver said in a low voice. The 'they' he referred to was Hydra. He and Wanda had just lost their family in the war and joined a mysterious organization to undergo development of their supernatural abilities, hoping to gain the power to seek revenge.
But they hadn't been with the organization long before receiving such an email, sent via the communicator provided by this organization.
According to them, this communicator was for internal use only, yet now there was a message from an outsider.
"What should we do? Should we confess, or should we think it over some more?"
Wanda was at a loss. The mysterious person who contacted them through the organization's communicator had explained everything clearly in the invitation. If what they said was true, then they had joined a terrorist organization.
Even if it were a terrorist organization, that might be okay; she and Pietro originally wanted revenge anyway. But now it seemed this mysterious organization was pretty useless, not even noticing that its internal communications had been compromised.
Quicksilver was also unsure how to choose. Although he was the older twin, he was only 13 now. "Confess? Maybe we..."
Beep, beep.
Both of their communicators sounded simultaneously. They took them out and saw they had both received another message from the person who invited them to become superheroes. What shocked Quicksilver and Wanda was that it seemed they were under surveillance at all times. The latest message they received was about what they had just discussed.
'Confess? Why confess? Your abilities are innate. You've only been with the Hydra organization for a few months, and your total expenses for room and board are one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two dollars. If you stay here, you'd just be jumping from one pit into another...'
After reading this, the two siblings were somewhat swayed. Especially since the sender had also sent information about the Hydra organization. After reading that, Wanda and Quicksilver were even more tempted.
"Pietro, what should we do?"
Quicksilver comforted Wanda, saying, "Don't worry, Wanda. At least we need to find out who this person is and what they do before we can decide."
Beep, beep.
Before Quicksilver had even finished speaking, their communicators sounded again.
This time, they both picked up their communicators and looked at them simultaneously. Sure enough, as they expected, the message this time contained information about Future Biopharmaceutical company and the plan for the Super Seven Team. It mentioned they already had Spider-Man and Captain Strong Girl.
And they two would be the third and fourth members.
Wanda asked, at a loss, "Pietro, what should we do?"
"I don't know either. Would you be willing to go, Wanda?"
Quicksilver didn't know how to choose either. He was somewhat tempted deep down, mainly because the Hydra organization was too useless, having been infiltrated by someone else to this extent. If all the information just sent was true, it only meant joining Future Biopharmaceutical would be a better option.
The two decided to think it over for a while before making a decision. They couldn't just listen to one side. Although they had little freedom after joining this organization, they did get at least a little time each day to go online.
Through that pitiful amount of time online each day, Quicksilver and Wanda learned quite a bit about Future Biopharmaceutical. Everything seemed good, except for one thing: the acquisition of Stark Industries' weapons division. That made them feel uncomfortable.
When they were children caught in the war, a missile bearing the Stark Industries logo destroyed their home. But the missile didn't explode, trapping them in the rubble with it for a long time, leaving them with significant psychological trauma.
Because of this, they developed a deep-seated aversion to Stark, believing that Stark, as a weapons manufacturer, was the root cause of the war. Even if that wasn't entirely accurate, children's logic isn't always reasonable.
Quicksilver was somewhat interested in contacting Future Biopharmaceutical, but he hadn't made up his mind. However, seeing the message mentioning that the superhero Spider-Man was a few years older than them, balancing school and being a superhero, made Quicksilver quite tempted.
If there were other ways to get revenge, who would want to stay cooped up in a small room every day, being studied and having their abilities enhanced? That was the least desirable option.
After some time, Quicksilver and Wanda discussed it and decided to get in touch with the people from Future Biopharmaceutical. However, since they were in a Hydra base, Future Biopharmaceutical would have to come to them.
If they actually came, Quicksilver and Wanda would probably agree to join the Super Seven Team.
"Carter, what's up?... A mission? To go with Ms. Tsunade and persuade two young superpowered individuals to join the superhero team? Got it. I'll wrap this up and head back right away."
Peter Parker ended the call, flicked his wrist, and used webbing to seal the mouths of a few robbers. Then he had Carter notify the NYPD.
Ever since he got the AI Carter's assistance, Peter could identify criminals' identities beforehand while fighting crime. A quick scan with the nano-camera on his eyelet could instantly pull up a person's entire history, revealing if they were an undercover agent or something.
With Carter's help, Peter Parker's workload had lightened considerably. Plus, he had an unofficial affiliation with the NYPD; half the credit for his accomplishments went to them. After all, the NYPD had to handle the arrests and clean-up. Their cooperation was a win-win situation.
Thanks to Spider-Man, New York's crime rate had dropped by 13% at night. The NYPD commissioner was thrilled with this data. He had even received praise, though it was just for his insight and decision-making, it still added significant political capital, perhaps even enough to support his campaign for the next mayor of New York City.
This mission surprised Peter a little, but after seeing the information Carter provided, he knew what he needed to do.
He just had to use his own experience to persuade them. Besides, the two they were recruiting were a few years younger than him, so they should have some common ground.
Back at Future Biopharmaceutical, Peter Parker took the elevator straight to the top floor. Ms. Tsunade was already waiting for him.
Ding.
The elevator suddenly stopped at the 17th floor. The door opened, and a woman carrying files stepped in. She was very beautiful.
"Hi, Spider-Man?"
Natasha greeted him with slight surprise. This was her first time seeing the superhero in the few months she'd worked at the company. Previously restricted by elevator access, she hadn't been able to go to the upper floors.
"I'm your fan. A big reason I came to work here was because of you. It feels really great to meet my idol now."
"Hello, are you a company employee?"
Peter Parker hadn't seen this person before. Or rather, he didn't come to the company often, mostly meeting people from the superhero management side. Natasha clearly wasn't in that department.
"Yes, I'm currently in charge of recruitment. Is this... have you just finished a mission?"
"No, to be precise, I'm about to go on one. Maybe you'll be seeing new superheroes soon."
Peter Parker corrected her. After saying that, he felt he might have said a bit too much, so he changed the subject.
Natasha's floor arrived quickly. When the doors opened, she got out. Her security clearance didn't allow her to go to the upper floors.
But after leaving the elevator, Natasha couldn't help but think ruefully, she wondered if Director Fury was actually investigating this company from the outside, or if he was still counting on going it alone.
"I really hope what you're about to show us is as effective as the proposal you submitted. If it falls short by even a bit, then there's no point in continuing our discussion."
General Ross stated bluntly. Today, he, along with five Congressmen, Director Fury of SHIELD, and three members of the International Security Council, had been invited by Future Biopharmaceutical based on a proposal. If the final demonstration turned out to be a joke, it would be a waste of time for some of the most powerful people in America.
"I believe you will be satisfied, gentlemen."
The android Roger's face always held the most standard smile as he led the group to a testing site at the Future Biopharmaceutical Research Center.
"This is it. Please, watch."
Through a huge pane of transparent glass, General Ross, the Congressmen, the International Security Council members, and Fury witnessed an experiment involving a somewhat ugly humanoid monster.
Calling it a monster wasn't quite accurate; it was just ugly, with skin that looked and felt like rock. It was currently undergoing weapons testing, from pistols to submachine guns, then close-range assault rifles, and finally a few RPGs.
Since General Ross and his party had arrived, the subject in the testing area had endured at least three hundred rounds of ammunition, all fired from within twenty meters.
Besides the weapons tests, there were also strength tests. It could easily lift about one ton, with a maximum strength exceeding two tons.
There were also nerve reaction tests, maximum jump height and distance tests, and so on.
After watching the series of tests, General Ross's mind was racing. Although he tried to appear unfazed, his internal emotions weren't so easily suppressed.
Thirty minutes later, the effects of the drug on the test subject quickly wore off. He transformed back into a normal person from the two-and-a-half-meter tall humanoid monster.
He looked just a bit weak, but after receiving nutritional supplements, he recovered quickly.
"So, gentlemen. The Super Soldier Serum. It lasts for thirty minutes, and afterwards, all a soldier needs is a few glucose injections to recover."
Roger turned around, slightly opening his arms, and spoke to them with a smile.
"General Ross, I'm sure you're familiar with this. There are no effects on mental acuity or emotions. As long as you have enough loyal soldiers, it's equivalent to..."
"Hundreds of Hulk or Abominations waiting for orders."
General Ross continued Roger's sentence, speaking slowly. The test subject he had just witnessed directly awakened memories from a few years ago. That was a project he had personally led, but it had failed spectacularly, significantly impacting his political career.
Super soldiers immune to gunfire and even explosives, capable of leaping tens of meters, running as fast as a car. The emergence of even one such super soldier was terrifying, yet here, they could be mass-produced.
One Congressman spoke up. He held considerable political power and was clearly interested. "We'd like to see the data on this serum, young man."
"The detailed data will be provided after the deal is concluded. As for other data, there's no need for secrecy."
After Roger spoke, he waved his hand, and a virtual projection instantly appeared before them, displaying some data on the Super Soldier Serum, post-use physical examinations, and so on.
Virtual projection technology?! Provided by Stark?
Nick Fury sensed a hint of trouble. Perhaps he should contact Stark immediately to get some information about this company.
"How does your company intend to conduct this transaction? Or rather, are you authorized to make a decision?"
One of the International Security Council members asked. This kind of soldier serum could fundamentally alter the landscape of warfare. If they didn't obtain it, it would be a devastating blow to them.
Roger displayed his standard smile, spreading his hands. "Of course. Lady Kaguya has authorized me to handle all matters. In fact, what we want is to study the Tesseract. We heard that since SHIELD took possession of the Tesseract, they haven't achieved any reliable results. Why not let us study it? In exchange for the Super Soldier Serum..."
"That is impossible, sir!"
Fury interrupted him, his tone grave. "The Tesseract contains extremely dangerous energy. It cannot be controlled by a private organization. It must remain under SHIELD's surveillance, otherwise, it would threaten world peace."
"But Mr. Fury, the world already has protectors: those super soldiers. With them, wouldn't there be peace?"
Roger pointed calmly towards the testing area, where a new round of super soldier trials had begun, and spoke to Fury.
"I think this kind of super soldier is even stronger than Captain America. Council members, do you think one of these super soldiers could handle Captain America?"
The International Security Council members were silent for a moment after hearing the question. Then one spoke: "Two. It would take two to handle one Captain America..."
"But Council members, allow me to remind you, the power within the Tesseract..."
"Director Fury!"
General Ross looked sternly at Nick Fury. "Excuse me. Let the Congressmen and Council members make their decision, will you? We'll certainly consider your professional advice..." But not necessarily follow it.
FUCK YOU!
Nick Fury took a deep breath, cursing inwardly. Facing these people, his authority was indeed too limited.
But Fury hadn't anticipated at all that Future Biopharmaceutical's goal was the Tesseract, and that they had actually developed a Super Soldier Serum. Even if it was temporary, it was precisely because it wasn't permanent that the politicians would be even more satisfied with this serum.
Temporary was better. If they actually created hundreds of permanent super soldiers, the first ones unable to sleep at night would probably be those very Congressmen.