Since the Battle of New York was over, it was time for Harry to replan New York.
Buying back property was like picking out cabbages at a market—the next day, Harry discovered a peculiar virus on the Aliens that spread via static electricity.
However, relying on Osborn's genetic technology, Harry quickly extracted antibodies from the already immune Aliens and produced an antiserum through cloning technology.
Manhattan was completely sealed off, and Osborn became one of the officially licensed post-disaster reconstruction contractors, reaping significant rewards.
Starting from Midtown, vast swaths of low-priced land were bought up by Harry. This would become the site of the World's largest Biotechnology Research Center and Alien Material Research Center; the new Osborn Tower would be massive.
Due to the alien virus, no one could enter or leave the area now. Fortunately, the construction robots Harry developed were quite efficient.
With a steady stream of building materials being transported in, a small number of engineers could maintain 24-hour non-stop construction.
Driven by Osborn and Stark, the Department of Damage Control was quickly established.
"Adrian Toomes, you've got guts. You want to be a subcontractor?"
Harry looked at the middle-aged man with interest.
This was the Vulture from the original story. In the original plot, he first signed a debris clearance agreement with the city, only to be cut off by the Department of Damage Control.
But this time, Harry discovered the virus on the Aliens early, and Norman completed the lockdown. A small team from nowhere wouldn't have the qualifications to enter Manhattan.
Everything was handled by the Department of Damage Control, a joint venture between Osborn, Stark, and the government. They decided who could enter Manhattan and who was qualified.
"Yes, I was a contractor in charge of infrastructure before the disaster. We have the experience, the technology, the ability, and the equip—" Adrian paused. He had wanted to say they had the equipment.
But looking at the various construction robots and power armor, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
However, the Battle of New York had caused him to lose his job and his construction contracts. He had to fight for a way out.
Harry tapped the table, thinking: This guy is a talent, or rather, his team is.
His subordinate, Phineas Mason, the Tinkerer, was an exceptionally gifted weapon maker.
"You know, normally I wouldn't hire a small team like yours. These things are dangerous. But for the sake of your courage—"
Harry turned around and waved at a passing squad in power armor.
These power armor units were carrying a massive piece of Chitauri equipment wreckage. At Harry's signal, they dropped it on the ground, kicking up a layer of dust.
"You say you have the ability? Prove it to me. Show me you can handle this thing properly."
Adrian was stunned for a moment, then looked at his companions. "What are you standing around for? Get to work!"
Several people quickly moved into action, bringing out various tools.
The Tinkerer was a stout man wearing homemade goggles, though it was unclear what they were for.
"Alright, Boss, let me see the structure of this thing first... We need to dismantle its shell from here... These spots are where the circuits connect... Interesting, these gems are some kind of energy converter..."
The Tinkerer kept muttering under his breath, and the massive alien wreckage was soon dismantled piece by piece.
"As for the rest..." Phineas leaned in to examine the core components.
One minute passed, ten minutes passed, then half an hour. The Adrian team's dismantling speed was nowhere near as fast as before.
He looked at Phineas, then at Harry, as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
"How is it? What's next? How about we continue dismantling from here?" Adrian grew frantic, and the crowbar in his hand was about to strike.
"No, no, no, this is a structure I've never seen before. I need more time to study it!" Phineas called out to stop him—this was an alien creation; one mistake and it could explode!
But Adrian was terrified that Harry wouldn't give him the chance. He wanted to quickly dismantle the core to prove himself!
The dispute between the two was witnessed by everyone. Both had their points, but Adrian had more supporters. The crowbar was about to hit the energy core—
Clang!
The crowbar didn't hit the core; an Osborn employee wearing an exoskeleton caught it.
Adrian's heart sank.
But Harry instead began to applaud.
"Not bad. At least this gentleman's skill is up to standard." Harry pointed at Phineas.
Adrian's heart sank even further. Was Harry going to poach the talent and then kick him aside?
Harry paced a bit for show, then said, "However, it was your courage that allowed me to see such talent. How about this: you and your team all come to Osborn. You can be a project manager or something."
"What?" Adrian was stunned.
"That's it then. You and your team come to my Osborn. You'll be in charge of alien weapon research and recovery. This is a massive project."
Adrian and Phineas exchanged a look. Although the outcome was different from what they had imagined, working for Osborn seemed pretty good. At least they didn't have to worry about being out of work.
"My assistant will contact you. You'll have to learn to work with my equipment, especially these power armors and construction robots. Old-fashioned methods are too inefficient and unsafe. The alien virus is no joke."
Hearing about the alien virus, Adrian and the others were stunned, then quickly rubbed their hands—they had really thought it was a lie before!
Harry said with amusement, "The things brought out here have obviously been disinfected and strictly processed—I'm starting to doubt my decision now; can you act a bit more professional?"
After recovering these alien remains, the team could continue working at the Alien Material Research Institute. He just happened to be short of talent to lead this area.
From now on, Osborn would start developing weapons.
After a day of work—actually, a day of inspection—Harry planned to give himself a break.
Just then, Tony called.
"Osborn kid, do you want to come for a BBQ? You can bring your team: Dr. Otto, the Glider Family, and that Red Pajama Baby."
Harry thought for a moment:
Dr. Otto and Dr. Selvig were exchanging academic experiences; Norman was engaged in political activities; Frank had taken his brothers to investigate the Kandahar matter; and the remaining soldiers were helping the authorities guard the battlefield.
The Red Pajama Baby was at home bickering with Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei.
"Uh... my team is very dedicated. Where are you?" Harry checked the time; it was still early, and the sun was still up.
"You really are a black-hearted capitalist. Dubai! I've booked a whole beach here!"
Dubai, was it? Harry finally figured out why these people were having a BBQ so early.
"Well, okay, I don't mean to bother you, but I wanted to say that some kind of virus was found on those Chitauri. You guys should get a physical exam."
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
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