Marvel: The First Son

The Loft was beginning to take shape. What had once been a bare, dusty space was now a functional—if slightly chaotic—base of operations. A wall of monitors displayed real-time data feeds, while a makeshift lab in the corner buzzed with activity. Boxes of scavenged tech and stacks of cash sat neatly organized, and a small fridge hummed in the corner, stocked with cheeseburgers and Coke Zero. Progress, by any measure.

I sat at the kitchen island, a half-eaten cheeseburger in one hand and a tablet in the other. Cero's voice echoed in my mind, calm and methodical as always.

*Professor, the Pantheon Corporation's legal framework is nearly complete. I've established shell companies in six different countries, each with its own set of subsidiaries. This should provide sufficient obfuscation for our activities.*

'Good work, Cero. What about the physical documentation? We can't rely solely on digital records.'

*I've identified several printing services that can produce the necessary documents. However, as previously discussed, we'll need to commission them en masse to avoid drawing attention. I've already drafted the orders.*

'Perfect. Let's get that done today. We'll need business licenses, tax records, employment contracts—the whole shebang.'

*Understood, Professor. I'll begin the process immediately. In the meantime, we should also consider establishing a public presence for the Pantheon Corporation. A website, press releases, and perhaps even a social media presence.*

'A social media presence? Really, Cero? I'm not exactly the "tweet my thoughts" type.'

*It's not about you, Professor. It's about creating a facade of legitimacy. A dormant social media account can be just as suspicious as no account at all.*

'Fine, fine. But if I have to post a single selfie, I'm shutting the whole thing down.'

*Noted, Professor. I'll handle the content creation. You focus on the cheeseburgers.*

As I unwrapped another cheeseburger, Cero's tone shifted slightly. It was subtle, but I noticed it immediately. Cero didn't *do* subtle unless it was important.

*Professor, while we're on the topic of legitimacy, there's another matter we should address.*

'Oh? What's that?' I asked, already knowing where this was going.

*Your past. Specifically, the events leading up to your arrival in this reality. We've been avoiding the subject, but it's something we'll need to confront eventually.*

I took a bite of my cheeseburger, chewing slowly to buy time. 'Cero, you know I'm not big on introspection. Besides, what's done is done. We're here now, and that's what matters.'

*Professor, avoiding the issue won't make it go away. The explosion, the lab, the... loss. These things have shaped who you are. Ignoring them won't change that.*

I set the cheeseburger down, my appetite suddenly gone. 'Cero, I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. Really. Let's focus on the task at hand, okay?'

*You're deflecting again, Professor. Humor and distraction are your go-to strategies, but they're not sustainable. Eventually, you'll have to face what happened.*

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. 'I know, Cero. But not yet. Okay? Not yet.'

There was a pause, longer than usual. Then, softly, *Understood, Professor. But when you're ready, I'll be here.*

'Thanks, Cero. Now, let's get back to work. We've got a corporation to build.'

Over the next few days, we focused on establishing the Pantheon Corporation's legal and physical presence. Cero handled the digital side of things, creating a web of shell companies and subsidiaries that would make even the most seasoned investigator's head spin. Meanwhile, I took care of the physical documentation.

The printing services Cero had identified were scattered across the city, each specializing in a different type of document. Business licenses from one, tax records from another, employment contracts from a third. It was tedious work, but necessary. By the end of the week, we had a stack of documents that would make the Pantheon Corporation look like it had been around for years.

'Cero, how's the website coming along?' I asked, flipping through a stack of freshly printed contracts.

*Nearly complete, Professor. I've designed it to emphasize our focus on advanced technology and renewable energy. I've also drafted a press release announcing our "official launch."*

'Great. Let's get that out there. The sooner we establish ourselves as a legitimate entity, the better.'

*Understood, Professor. I'll schedule the release for tomorrow morning. In the meantime, we should also consider hiring a few employees. Even a skeleton staff would help maintain the facade.*

'Agreed. Let's start with a receptionist and a few researchers. Nothing too flashy—just enough to keep up appearances.'

*I'll begin drafting job postings immediately. Is there anything else you'd like to address?*

'Yeah. Cheeseburgers. I'm running low.'

*Noted, Professor. I'll add it to the agenda.*

By the end of the second week, the Pantheon Corporation was officially up and running. We had a sleek office space in Midtown (rented under one of our shell companies), a small but competent staff, and a growing reputation as a cutting-edge tech firm. Cero had even managed to secure a few legitimate contracts, further solidifying our cover.

As I stood in the Loft, staring at the wall of monitors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We'd come a long way in a short amount of time. But there was still so much to do.

'Cero, what's next on the agenda?' I asked, grabbing another cheeseburger from the fridge.

*Now that the Pantheon Corporation is established, we should focus on acquiring advanced technology and building our resources. I've identified a few potential leads, including a private auction next week.*

'Perfect. Let's make sure we're there. And Cero...'

*Yes, Professor?*

'Thanks. For everything.'

*Of course, Professor. I'm here for you.*

———

Side note, should I get new Art for the Cover? I feel like it could be better, but I'm still unsure about a design/color scheme, I'm thinking of keeping the Helmet with a skull cus it's badass but I dont know if lean towards a Military Asthetic or maybe like more Templar/Illuminati/The Dragon style of stuff, AC 2 ish maybe also