Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

In Russia , within the Umbrella base in Boli City, Adam sat cross-legged, meditating after an exhilarating battle.

On the bed nearby, Mariko lay sprawled, her expression both lazy and satisfied.

After a while, about ten minutes, Mariko finally recovered from her euphoric state and promptly wrapped her arms around Adam from behind.

"Master, now that we've inspected this place, why don't we visit Japan? It's been a long time since you've been there."

Still deep in meditation, Adam opened his eyes slightly.

"You came all the way from Japan just to ask me to visit?"

That evening, after completing his inspection of the base, Adam was surprised by Mariko's sudden appearance.

Though she had announced publicly that her visit to Boli City was an official inspection as Japan's leader, the moment she reached Adam's quarters, her demeanor shifted entirely.

"Recently, someone in Japan has been deliberately stirring up trouble, smearing your Umbrella Corporation."

"Oh? What are they saying?"

Resting her head on Adam's shoulder, Mariko inhaled deeply, her face showing a look of infatuation.

"They're targeting Umbrella's vaccines and cures, claiming they can't fully prevent the zombie virus. They're also criticizing your cosmetics, saying they contain hormones harmful to the skin."

"Beyond that, they're appealing to nationalistic sentiment, accusing Umbrella of not donating funds during last year's zombie outbreak and of treating Japanese employees unfairly."

"Do we know who's behind it?"

"Not yet. They're using numerous proxies, making it hard to trace."

"I see."

Adam nodded, his mind racing with potential culprits.

At that moment, Red Queen's holographic image appeared in the room.

"Master, the Magneto issue has been resolved."

"Oh? What's the outcome?"

"Erica demanded one billion dollars from S.H.I.E.L.D. as compensation for the damage Magneto caused to the Sentinel robots."

After a moment of silence, Adam raised an eyebrow.

"That's it?"

"Yes, Master."

"They deployed orbital weapons, and that's all they got?"

"Correct, Master."

Adam shook his head in mild disappointment.

"Red Queen, have the legal department file a lawsuit against Magneto and S.H.I.E.L.D. for vandalism of critical assets, unauthorized disturbances, and any other charges they can think of. Let them handle the details."

"Understood, Master."

Adam's gaze darkened momentarily before turning his attention back to Mariko, who clung to him persistently.

"Master, when will you visit Japan? I'll personally take you to the Prime Minister's residence to... enjoy yourself."

The word enjoy rolled off her tongue with a deliberate sultriness, making her intentions unmistakable.

"Once things here are settled, my next stop will be Japan. I want to see who's scheming in the shadows. After that, I'll visit the branch office in Europa as well."

...........

In the United States, at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters in New York, Tony Stark examined a set of photographs, his brow furrowed in thought.

Director Nick Fury stood nearby, silently watching him.

After some time, Tony finally broke the silence.

"This beam of light descending from the sky—it looks like it was fired from a satellite."

"That's all you've got?"

"Hey, buddy, I'm not a god. These blurry photos—what more can I say?"

"Don't you think it resembles the repulsor technology in your suit's palm cannon?"

Tony rolled his eyes.

"Of course it does. All laser-based weapons look similar. Or are you accusing me of designing weapons for them?"

Nick Fury's gaze lingered on Tony's neck, noticing the dark veins snaking along his skin—a telltale sign of palladium poisoning.

In the original timeline, this stage of poisoning was supposed to occur two years later. However, due to repeated crises forcing Tony to use his suit extensively, the palladium poisoning had worsened rapidly within just one year.

Noticing Fury's stare, Tony hastily buttoned up his shirt.

"You don't have much time left, do you?"

"I'm not dead yet."

Fury exchanged a glance with Natasha Romanoff, who nodded and retrieved a syringe, injecting Tony in the neck.

Black veins slowly began to recede.

"What did you just inject me with?"

"Lithium dioxide. It can temporarily suppress the effects of palladium poisoning, but it's hard on your kidneys. You can't use it again within the next three years."

Natasha then presented a box.

"This is the last thing your father left for you. He instructed me to give it to you when you were more mature, but given your current condition, I thought it best to hand it over now."

Tony stared at the box, irritation flickering across his face.

"Got it."

Snatching the box, he left the room.

In the past year, Tony had uncovered the truth about his father's dealings with Anton Vanko, shattering the idealized image he once held. The box held little appeal for him now.

Fury watched him leave, his expression grim.

After a pause, he turned to Natasha.

"Any updates from Sharon?"

"Other than some confidential information about Oscorp, nothing significant."

"One year, and no meaningful intel. It seems she's been pushed out of the inner circle."

"Director, should I give it a try?"

"Your identity has long been compromised."

At that moment, Maria Hill entered the room.

"Director, Congress has rejected our request to investigate Umbrella's satellite network."

"Figures."

Fury had anticipated this outcome. Over the past year, Umbrella Corporation had been donating ten million dollars monthly to the Democratic Party's campaign funds.

Combined with the backing of Senator Robert, Umbrella was untouchable. Even a few dissenting voices within Congress couldn't stir up much trouble.

"Maria, report this to the Security Council."

"Understood."

..........

Back at Tony Stark's villa, he placed his father's box on the table, staring at it with a conflicted expression.

Just then, Bruce Banner approached him, excitement evident on his face.

"Tony, I've finally cracked the genetic code!"

A year ago, after defeating Apocalypse, Banner had chosen to join Tony instead of S.H.I.E.L.D., which he despised. Tony offered him the opportunity to live in a civilized society without the constraints of being a covert agent.

"Oh? You mean the insect-human hybrid genes?"

"Yes! I discovered that the original segments of the genes bear a strange resemblance to plant DNA."

"Plant DNA? Are you saying the serum that created those hybrids might be derived from plants?"

"It's possible, but it could also have been added later."

"Let's go. Show me."

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