Parker Defence Solutions – Private Lab (Peter POV):
Holograms spun across the lab in shifting blue and gold, lines of Wakandan script overlaying streams of English diagnostics. I leaned back in my chair, arms folded, staring at the data with narrowed eyes.
On one platform, a cluster of Kimoyo beads hovered mid-air, their surfaces glowing with faint Vibranium circuitry. Another table displayed sealed vials of regenerative treatments, neuro-healing serums and bone adhesives. A separate console projected models of the Wakandan cancer therapies, bio-adhesives for skull fractures and memory-retrieval matrices for Alzheimer's.
My lips pressed into a thin line and then I scoffed. "All of it… built on Vibranium."
I swiped a hand through the holo-display, dismissing one schematic after another. "It works. Sure. But it's parasitic. They've tied the success of their medical breakthroughs to a finite ore. Once Vibranium runs dry, so will the treatments. No replacements, no alternatives."
I picked up a Kimoyo bead between my fingers, studying the smooth, obsidian-like surface. "A civilization betting its future on a resource that isn't infinite. Short-sighted."
"Maybe they just expected someone like you to come along." Gwen's voice chimed in from across the lab.
I glanced over my shoulder. Gwen was perched on one of his workbenches, swinging her legs playfully while nibbling on an apple. Her Iron Spider Mk. II suit rested on a mannequin beside her, its magenta limbs shining against the fluorescent lights.
"You mean someone brilliant, devastatingly handsome and completely unappreciated by history?" I deadpanned.
She smirked and lobbed the apple core at my head which I caught it without looking, tossed it into the trash chute and gave her a flat look.
"Or," Gwen teased, hopping down and poking my chest with a finger, "someone who overworks himself, mutters like a grumpy professor and forgets to eat until his girlfriend literally shoves food down his throat?"
I sighed, shaking my head with mock exasperation. "You're distracting me."
"Exactly my point." She quipped, leaning in with a mischievous grin.
For a moment, the sharp edge of my analysis softened. The lab filled not just with data and diagnostics but warmth.
The Next Day – Stark Expo, Parker Defence Solutions Pavilion
The expo floor was alive with flashing lights, orchestral music and murmurs of astonishment. At the Parker Defence Pavilion, the crowd buzzed with excitement as Peter unveiled sleek displays of his latest medical breakthroughs—biotech platforms refined without Vibranium reliance.
A holographic limb regrew torn tissue before the audience's eyes. A simulated brain scan showed memory retrieval stabilizing damaged neural pathways. Soldiers with prosthetics were being fitted with seamless, adaptive joints grown from cloned cells and nanite adhesives.
Applause rolled through the room. Peter stood tall, Gwen at his side, smiling faintly at the wonder in people's eyes.
Then a familiar voice cut through the noise.
"Parker!"
Tony Stark, in a sharply tailored suit, came striding through the crowd. His grin was wide, his eyes amused. Pepper was on his arm, elegant as ever and Natasha trailed behind with an efficient calmness, still disguised as Pepper's assistant.
"You do realize," Tony said loudly, "that if you steal all the spotlight here, Hammer's going to cry himself to sleep tonight, right?"
I smirked. "That's the plan, Tony."
Tony wagged a finger. "Well, don't hog all the popcorn. Hammer's pavilion show is up next. And I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Gwen exchanged a glance with me, her lips quirking into a playful grin. "Should we go crash the party?"
I offered my arm, mock-formal. "Shall we, Miss Stacy?"
"Why, thank you, Mr. Parker." She replied with exaggerated elegance, looping her arm through mine.
Together with Tony, Pepper and Natasha we made our way across the glowing floor toward Hammer Industries' gaudy, over-decorated pavilion.
Hammer Industries Pavilion
The music dulled. Lights dimmed. The audience hushed with anticipation.
Justin Hammer's voice, smooth and smug, echoed across the stage as the spotlight narrowed.
"Ladies and gentlemen… prepare yourselves for the future of American defense."
The shadows stretched long. The stage gleamed.
And the Expo's most dangerous show was about to begin.
Read 67 chapters ahead on P.A.T.R.E.O.N
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