S.H.I.E.L.D.'s private jet descended at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport...
As Sean walked down the boarding stairs, he spotted Mr. Fantastic, Reed Richards, waiting to greet him. After assisting Tony Stark with the completion of the Ultron program, Reed had accepted Sean's enthusiastic invitation to join the scientific team for the latest Earth-Moon Barrier Project.
The World Security Council and Asgard had completed preliminary negotiations, drafting a broad Nine Realms Strategic Defense Plan. The first step was to establish a lunar base and construct a comprehensive Earth-Moon defense system.
After intense discussions, the five major nations unanimously approved the space city construction plan, with China taking the lead in its execution. After all, this was a nation that had mastered the art of infrastructure development, a capability long recognized and unquestioned by the international community.
"Long time no see, Reed." Sean warmly patted the other man's shoulder, his face breaking into a bright smile.
The Fantastic Four had been among the first to publicly support the government's decision after the Superhuman Registration Act was enacted, issuing an official statement. Clearly, this wasn't just out of respect for S.H.I.E.L.D., but also due to their personal friendship.
Having previously collaborated on a space energy collection experiment, the two parties had established a solid rapport. Sean held great admiration for the reserved yet passionately scientific Dr. Richards, particularly valuing his genius intellect, which was no less impressive than Tony Stark's.
As for the other three members of the Fantastic Four... Susan Storm had grown close to Gwen, while Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm had frequently interacted with S.H.I.E.L.D., especially after befriending the ever-sociable Tony Stark. They often hosted private gatherings and parties together.
"You're my boss now, Sean." Reed's refined face radiated genuine joy, though his words made Sean's lips twitch slightly.
Victor Von Doom, now languishing in the depths of Latveria after his life's collapse, served as ample proof that being Reed Richards' employer seldom ended well.
The two men settled into a black sedan.
In the industrial city of Chicago, S.H.I.E.L.D. had built its first space shipyard. Over a thousand top engineers recruited from around the world formed a massive team tasked with reverse-engineering the Dark Elves' abandoned starship, with Asgard providing considerable technical support.
"Regarding the overall space base construction plan, we've divided it into three main components: space stations, spaceports, and lunar bases. The development process will span several phases, primarily involving near-Earth to far-Earth space stations, the distribution of spaceports, and the construction of a base on the far side of the Moon. Preliminary estimates suggest it will take one to two years, which is the fastest achievable timeline following recent technological breakthroughs."
Once Reed began discussing scientific work, he became unstoppable, his face lighting up with a unique brilliance as if lost in his own world.
This mad scientist aura surpassed even Tony Stark's, as the latter occasionally sought physical distractions when faced with insurmountable problems.
"The World Security Council is prepared to invest an initial budget of four to six billion. With the Dark Elves' starship, Asgard's cutting-edge technology, and a steady supply of vibranium. You'll have the best resources available."
Sean looked at the confident Reed, a relaxed smile playing on his lips as he joked, "If the Ultron program hadn't kept Tony tied up, he'd definitely have wanted in on this!"
Reed nodded excitedly. He had spent his entire life waiting for such an opportunity to fully unleash his knowledge and talents.
Since the collapse of Doom Industries, Reed had faced considerable criticism and strange looks. Many were willing to sponsor the Fantastic Four as product endorsers or talk show guests, but no one wanted to support his scientific endeavors.
Some talent agencies had even approached him, bluntly advising Reed to abandon his research dreams and become a celebrity instead. With the Fantastic Four's popularity, publishing a bestseller or licensing a Hollywood live-action film would guarantee massive profits.
"I won't let you down. Being able to devote myself entirely to this work is more than I could ask for." Reed composed himself, making the promise with solemn sincerity.
Sean exchanged a few more pleasantries before steering the conversation back to the space base construction. With current technology, building a lunar base posed no significant challenge.
The combined financial investments of the five major nations and Asgard's technological support had dramatically accelerated the process. But what Umbrella Corporation aimed to achieve went far beyond that.
In fact, Dr. Curtis Connors was leading a scientific team in developing a grand vision for space colonization, transforming the Moon into humanity's first off-world colony, and constructing space cities tailored for human habitation.
This wasn't science fiction. As early as 1977, Dr. Gerard O'Neill, a Princeton physics professor, had published 'The High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space', outlining the inevitable development of space technology and humanity's ancient dream.
Breaking free from Earth's bonds, piercing the atmosphere, exploring outer space, embarking on a new age of interstellar voyages. These romantic visions of the future had appeared in countless novels and films, captivating public imagination.
...
After nearly a two-hour drive, Sean arrived at the shipyard in Chicago's industrial district...
This facility only manufactured the framework and components for the spacecraft, while the Dark Elves' starship, which was considered shared property by the World Security Council, was securely stored in a secret New York base.
Sean gazed up at the enormous steel structure, marveling silently as he accepted the blueprints Reed handed him. The hull would use vibranium and titanium alloy, powered by Umbrella's artificial sun core, with ion thrusters as the interim propulsion system. Though Asgard had provided warp drive technology, it would only see widespread use after the space fleet's formation.
"You should give it a name." Sean said, wearing an expression of satisfaction.
This massive scientific team, assembled from the world's top talents by the World Security Council, had not squandered the five nations' colossal investments.
"Prometheus." Reed spoke softly, his eyes filled with longing as if admiring a nearly completed masterpiece, "It will spread humanity's flame across the sea of stars."
"This is humanity's next great leap forward since 1969." Sean studied the steel silhouette of the spacecraft.
Last century, two superpowers had competed in the space race, achieving mankind's first Moon landing.
Now, it was time to take the real second step...