Maya Hansen had been looking forward to collaborating with Locke Technologies far more than she was willing to admit aloud. Over the past few weeks, she had begun to notice unsettling changes in Aldrich Killian. The man who once spoke passionately about the healing potential of the Extremis Virus now cared only about one thing: its destructive power.
That shift alone was enough to make her uneasy.
To everyone in the scientific world, it was no secret that Locke Technologies had become a dominant force. Even the Super Soldier Serum had a development partnership with them. For Maya, Locke Technologies wasn't just a research partner. It was a lifeline.
So when she finally confronted Aldrich Killian about her desire to collaborate with Nolan and Locke Tech, she spoke carefully, almost pleadingly. And when she finished, she looked at him with hope she could barely hide.
But Killian merely frowned, his expression darkened with irritation.
"Locke Technologies wants to collaborate with us on the Extremis Virus? I'm not interested in this so-called partnership."
The cold dismissal stabbed her more sharply than she expected.
"Why?" she protested. "Locke Technologies has the capability and the resources we need."
Killian gave her a flat look, one that sent a chill down her spine.
"This is the company's decision. If you don't agree, you're welcome to walk out of Advanced Idea Mechanics and join Locke Technologies instead."
His words were calm, but they hit her like a thunderbolt.
Leaving wasn't that easy. Their contract was ironclad. Breaking it would mean tens of millions in penalties, not to mention possible prison time. He knew that. And yet, he said it anyway.
Swallowing her frustration, Maya Hansen later called Nolan and relayed the entire conversation. Even through the phone, Nolan could sense the bitterness in her voice.
"Don't worry," he said gently. "I'll speak with Aldrich Killian myself."
Of course he would. What he needed was the Extremis Virus. And if that was the case, Maya Hansen's importance naturally outweighed Killian's. Besides, Nolan had never liked Killian. A man who masqueraded as a terrorist and orchestrated random attacks was the kind of person Nolan despised most.
Killing someone wasn't the issue. But mindless slaughter? Terrorism?
He detested that.
Still, knowing it was Killian wasn't enough. He needed evidence, and until he had it, storming into AIM wasn't an option. But that didn't matter. There were countless ways to deal with a man like Killian.
For now, he wanted to try the diplomatic approach. If he could secure a legitimate reason for Locke Technologies to work with AIM, then when he eventually dealt with Killian, taking over AIM's assets would be far easier.
With that in mind, Nolan headed directly to AIM's headquarters.
Though still a relatively new player in the tech world, AIM had already begun showing its sharp edges. With Tony Stark pulling out of weapons development, AIM had smoothly seized the opportunity, carving out a significant share of the military market.
They weren't anywhere near Locke Technologies' level, but they were gaining respect from the military.
Inside the office, Killian was in the middle of a tense video call, looking unusually unsettled. Just then, the office door burst open. Killian snapped his laptop shut, glaring at his secretary.
"What is it now?"
"Sir, Nolan Locke from Locke Technologies is here!"
Her voice trembled with excitement. It was Nolan. The Nolan. The hero the entire world admired. AIM had more Nolan fans than employees, or so she liked to believe.
Killian's expression tightened. He hated that name. He hated that man.
Still, he masked his emotions.
"Send him in."
As the secretary hurried out, Killian's eyes flashed with cold hostility.
Moments later, Nolan walked in with a calm and friendly smile.
"Mr. Killian. Long time no see."
Killian snorted. "Indeed. Though our last meeting wasn't pleasant."
Nolan chuckled. "That's business. Someone always loses. Last time, that someone happened to be you."
Killian's voice dropped into a growl. "What do you want?"
Nolan smiled politely. "Locke Technologies hopes to collaborate with AIM on research involving the Extremis Virus. I've already discussed this with Dr. Hansen. She's quite enthusiastic about the idea."
Killian's lips curled into a mocking smirk.
"Unfortunately, AIM has no intention of collaborating with anyone on this matter. Your expectations end here."
Nolan remained composed and continued speaking, reasoning, persuading. Killian's patience, however, evaporated quickly. After half an hour, the office erupted with Killian's furious shouting.
Moments later, Nolan stepped out, wearing a helpless smile as employees stared at him nervously.
"Well, it seems a partnership isn't possible after all."
A wave of disappointment rippled through the staff, but none dared say a word. Their boss had spoken.
Nolan left AIM without another comment.
Let the public talk for a while.
After all, reputation was a powerful tool, and Nolan intended to use his to full effect.
Outside the building, he pulled out his phone and called Tony Stark. It took thirty seconds before the call connected.
But Tony didn't even let him speak.
"I'm going to find the bastards who did this!"
The rage in Tony's voice made Nolan's heart tighten.
"What happened?"
Tony was standing in front of what used to be his Malibu mansion. Now, it was nothing but smoldering ruins. If he hadn't reacted quickly, Pepper might not have survived.
Nolan had warned him about publicly revealing his address. Now Tony regretted it.
"A group attacked my home. Just blew it up."
His voice slowly steadied, but the fury beneath it was unmistakable.
Nolan exhaled. At least Tony was alive.
"Leave the area for now," Nolan said. "Don't give them another target. We'll talk more soon."
He ended the call and leaned back.
Killian really was insane.
A businessman playing terrorist. How ridiculous.
But Nolan was not Tony Stark. He wasn't in the dark. He knew what was coming.
No need to rush. Once public opinion reached the right temperature, Nolan would expose Killian's use of the Extremis Virus. When that happened, Killian's fate was sealed.
Killing him would be the simplest solution, but Nolan wasn't interested in the simplest solution. He wanted results, complete and clean.
With that calm, calculated certainty, he returned to Locke Technologies.
The company was experiencing its own technological boom, releasing product after product. Many were useless to Nolan personally, but they strengthened the company's foundation. Even with his system, Nolan couldn't hold up an empire alone. And now, Locke Technologies was growing in exactly the direction he wanted.
"Carter, where's Skye?"
Nolan suddenly realized he hadn't seen the girl in days.
Sharon Carter raised an eyebrow. She hadn't noticed either. Everyone in the company knew Skye admired Nolan. She dropped by every day without fail.
Concern prickled at Nolan's mind. He immediately called Skye, but the phone only rang with an empty tone.
A bad sign.
"Red Queen, check Skye's recent logins at the company."
"Yes, sir. Scanning now. Skye's last recorded entry was three days ago at 10:17 a.m. Expanding the search range."
Three days.
Skye had no family. She had no reason to disappear, not with Locke Technologies' benefits. The only explanation was obvious.
Something had happened.
And Nolan could guess who was behind it.
Her biological father, Calvin Zabo.
If that was the case, she was likely still alive. Zabo wouldn't hurt her yet.
That eased Nolan's tension, but only slightly. The next moment, his eyes hardened with cold resolve.
He didn't care whether Skye was an Inhuman. To him, she was a loyal employee, a bright girl who admired him, someone under his protection.
Inhumans? They meant nothing.
Meanwhile, Skye sat in a dimly lit room, tied to a chair. Two days had passed, and her captors had shown no intention of releasing her. Fear and exhaustion were gnawing at her.
"What do you want from me?" she croaked, her throat painfully dry.
The man in charge turned toward her, his expression indifferent.
"Well? Have you decided yet? Agree to join us, and we'll untie you immediately. You'll get all of this."
He pointed toward a tray.
A warm hamburger. A drink sweating with cold condensation.
Skye's stomach twisted painfully at the sight.
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