The video call connected at 7 AM—too early for social courtesy, which meant Tony wanted something.
His face appeared on my office screen, coffee in hand, workshop visible behind him. JARVIS had probably already compiled whatever data Tony needed to make his pitch.
"Hammer. Morning. You awake or just pretending?"
"Functional. What do you want, Stark?"
"Direct. I appreciate that." He leaned back. "I'm reviving Stark Expo for spring 2013. Clean energy, medical technology, future innovations—no weapons. Showcasing what happens when brilliant minds focus on helping instead of destroying."
"Sounds like a TED talk waiting to happen."
"It's a statement. Post-Manhattan, the world needs to see that technology can protect without militarizing. That innovation serves humanity instead of just profit margins." He sipped his coffee. "I want you there. As an exhibitor, not a spectator."
I set down my own coffee. "Why?"
"Because you've earned credibility. Your response during the invasion proved Hammer Industries is more than Justin's failed knockoffs. You've built something real." He grinned. "Plus, watching you squirm in public spotlight will amuse me."
"There's the Tony Stark I know."
"I contain multitudes." Pepper's voice came from off-screen: "Tony, be professional." He waved dismissively. "I'm being extremely professional. I didn't even mention the time he—"
"Stay on topic," Pepper interrupted, moving into frame. "Mr. Hammer, ignore Tony's delivery method. The invitation is genuine. Stark Expo has always featured cutting-edge innovation, and your company's post-Battle transformation fits that mission."
"What's the catch?" I asked.
"No catch," Tony said. "Just competition. You showcase your best non-military applications. I showcase mine. We both win by demonstrating that former weapons manufacturers can pivot toward humanitarian technology."
"And if I decline?"
"Then you miss opportunity to rehabilitate Hammer Industries' public image while I get all the credit for being forward-thinking innovator." His expression turned serious. "Look, we both know the world's getting more dangerous. Aliens invaded Manhattan. More threats are coming. Humanity needs proof that we're building solutions, not just bigger guns."
He was right. The Expo would be perfect platform for demonstrating Hammer Industries' evolution. And more importantly, it would give me access to people I needed to recruit.
"I'll need specifics. Booth placement, exhibition parameters, security protocols."
"JARVIS will send details. But baseline: you get same space as other major exhibitors, full control over presentation, and promise that I won't sabotage you even though it would be hilarious."
"Tony," Pepper warned.
"Fine. Promise I'll only mock you verbally, not sabotage your equipment."
"Generous."
"I'm a giver." He finished his coffee. "So? You in?"
I thought about it. Project Phoenix could showcase stabilized biological enhancement if ready. Chitauri-derived medical technology would demonstrate innovation. Clean energy applications from Vanko's arc reactor work would prove versatility. And disaster response equipment—civilian Prometheus armor variants—would complete the humanitarian narrative.
"I'm in. Send the contracts."
"Excellent. JARVIS, transmit Expo package to Hammer Industries." Tony stood. "Oh, and Hammer? Try not to embarrass yourself. Last time a Hammer participated in my Expo, it ended with robots shooting at people."
"Different Hammer. Different outcomes."
"We'll see." He disconnected.
Pepper remained on screen. "Thank you for agreeing, Mr. Hammer. Tony won't admit it, but he respects what you've built. The rivalry helps him, but the cooperation helps everyone."
"Tell him I said thank you. And that he's still insufferable."
She smiled. "He'd be disappointed if you said anything else."
The call ended.
Maya appeared thirty minutes later carrying her tablet and a bagel.
"Stark Expo? Seriously?"
"Opportunity for public demonstration of our transformation. Plus, recruitment potential." I pulled up attendee projections. "AEGIS, who's confirmed?"
"Notable attendees include: Dr. Bruce Banner speaking on radiation containment, Dr. Hank Pym emerging from retirement for quantum physics panel, Dr. Jane Foster presenting dimensional research, and approximately forty-seven other individuals with enhanced capabilities or crucial expertise." The AI paused. "Expo provides unparalleled networking opportunity disguised as corporate showcase."
"Exactly. We need allies. Expo gives us access to people we'd never reach through official channels."
Maya started making notes. "Exhibition focus?"
"Project Phoenix—stabilized biological enhancement presented as medical breakthrough. Chitauri medical technology, specifically neural interfaces for prosthetics. Clean energy applications showing we're not just weapons anymore. And disaster response variants of Prometheus armor."
"Everything humanitarian. Nothing military."
"Everything dual-use but presented peacefully. The technology has military applications, but we emphasize civilian benefits." I pulled up budget allocations. "How much to make this spectacular?"
"Depends how spectacular you want. Conservative approach: five million. Tony Stark-level showmanship: twenty million."
"Split the difference. Twelve million. Impressive but not desperate." I thought about the original Justin Hammer's disastrous 2010 Expo—the one that had ended with Vanko's drones attacking civilians, destroying what remained of the company's reputation. "This needs to demonstrate how far we've come. No weapons. No aggression. Just innovation serving humanity."
"Redemption arc completed through corporate PR. Very meta."
"I prefer 'strategic narrative management.'"
"Same thing with better vocabulary." She pulled up design concepts. "Booth layout: central stage for demonstrations, surrounding stations for hands-on experiences, private consultation rooms for serious discussions with potential recruits."
"Perfect. Also, coordinate with Natasha. I want security assessment for Avengers presence—Banner will be there, possibly Rogers. Can't have them noticing things they shouldn't."
"Like your void corruption or the fact that you're secretly preparing for alien god invasion?"
"Exactly those things."
Maya made more notes. "Project Phoenix ready for public demonstration?"
"Should be. We've run successful trials on seventeen volunteers including Frank. As long as we present it as 'advanced regenerative therapy' instead of 'super soldier serum,' we're legally clear."
"And ethically?"
"We're offering genuine medical advancement. The fact that it also creates enhanced combat operatives is secondary application." I pulled up volunteer data. "Every participant was fully informed. No coercion. No hidden risks. That's ethical by any reasonable standard."
"Reasonable being key word. Military ethicists might disagree."
"Military ethicists can develop their own regenerative therapy if they don't like mine."
"Territorial."
"Practical." I closed the files. "Twelve million budget. Full humanitarian showcase. Hidden recruitment agenda. Make it happen."
"On it." She headed for the door, then paused. "You know this puts target on your back, right? Public demonstration of capabilities means enemies know exactly what we've developed."
"They already know. Stern's been watching. Ross has been investigating. HYDRA's been infiltrating. Leviathan's been observing." I shrugged. "Might as well get positive publicity while being targeted."
"That's surprisingly pragmatic for someone who usually operates in shadows."
"Shadows are effective. But sometimes you need spotlight to accomplish things shadows can't."
That evening, I reviewed Expo projections with AEGIS.
"Probability analysis: what are the risks?"
"Primary concern: public demonstration attracts hostile acquisition attempts. AIM, HYDRA, Roxxon, and approximately twelve other organizations will attempt to steal displayed technology. Secondary concern: enhanced individuals in attendance may trigger unexpected interactions. Dr. Banner's attendance while you're at eleven-point-five percent void corruption presents proximity risk."
"Why?"
"Hulk is gamma-based. Your void corruption is exotic energy. Combining those signatures in close proximity could trigger cascade effects in either or both of you."
"Note to self: avoid making Bruce angry at the Expo."
"Additionally, Dr. Hank Pym's presence is significant. Historical records indicate he developed shrinking technology in the 1980s before disappearing from public view. His emergence suggests either desperation or renewed purpose."
"Which means recruitment opportunity. If we can convince Pym that Thanos is real threat, we gain access to quantum realm technology."
"Correct. However, Pym has history of paranoia regarding technology theft. Approach will require delicacy."
I thought about Scott Lang, the future Ant-Man who'd help defeat Thanos in the original timeline. Pym's appearance now meant the quantum realm was accessible—potentially years earlier than expected.
"Priority recruitment: Pym, Banner if possible, Foster for dimensional expertise. Also catalog any other enhanced individuals who attend. We need to build roster before HYDRA conscripts them."
"Acknowledged. Preparing recruitment profiles now."
I stared at the Expo layout, thinking about irony. The original Justin Hammer's 2010 disaster had nearly destroyed everything. My 2013 showcase would demonstrate transformation—from weapons dealer to innovator, from joke to genuine threat, from isolation to building alliances.
Progress measured in public relations and private agendas.
The void marks pulsed beneath my shirt. Eleven-point-five percent corruption. Six months since the Battle of New York. Two years and change until transformation.
And apparently, three months until standing on stage at Stark Expo proving I'd become something better than the man whose body I'd stolen.
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