8. Of Worlds and More - Part 1

"Sir, I think I should go", Coulson asked in a firm manner. There were only a handful of people who could talk in a similar manner to the man in front of him.

The silence lasted for a minute before another deep voice sounded out

"Okay, prepare a team. I need all the info you can get. Natasha will help you get inside..."

"No need Sir, he sent me an invitation after you rejected him."

"..."

======================================================

Meanwhile..

"Jarvis give me some good news", a husky voice rang out.

[I am afraid there is none, Sir]

"Just give me the details then..",Tony's sigh was much more audible this time.

[As you wished for I have searched for the history of Dastaan Moirai. There were no digital traces pertaining to his existence up until a while ago. All the documents and digital footprints have been created recently. There are no close relatives, no school records and no physical connections whatsoever. There is no-one in this world except Mr Dastaan himself to tell us about himself.]

"Yeah I know which makes him that much interesting! Our test on his invention has some interesting results to say the least. He is using some sort of Particle atomizer to redistribute any and all proteins, vitamins and minerals usually found in food in a proportionate value. The exposure to air is slim to none, the vitamins are clearly distinguished and it has a better shelf life than most food products. Not withstanding the how; which I will definitely find out, this technology could revolutionize out entire concept of Molecular..."

[Sir, may I suggest attending his official opening to find out more. The celebration is already underway. If you leave now you might catch Mr. Moirai.]

"Yeah, tell Happy to get the car ready. It seems to me that I can't miss this party."

======================================================

"Why is it not working?", a dark skinned young girl who wore some fashionable clothes shuffled in a corner of the hall. Her fingers were working relentlessly to try and crack the hardest system code she had ever seen. Her lab had the world's most secure cyber security network which she herself customized but this time she had met something on an entirely different level; a system which couldn't be hacked by her.

The constant flashing red lights which emerged from her kimoyo beads showed her curious and fascinated look. I looked at all of this through X while walking slowly towards her. She is young, too young. She might not even be 15 yet. I snuck up to her as silently as possible before I used my skill.

'Observe'

Shuri

Princess of Wakanda

Stats :

Physique : 14

Mental : ?

A member of the current Wakandan Royal family, Shuri has had above genius level intellect since her birth. Her family has allowed her access to the greatest knowledge and technology present in this world which makes her the most advanced researcher and scientist on this Earth. Extremely mischievous in behavior but extremely protective of her family and subjects.

Feeling : Insanely Curious, Mildly Frustrated.

'The Leveled-up Observe gives me much more information than previous. Though the summary doesn't help much but well...Beggars Choosers.'

"You know, it doesn't bode well for royalty to be so rude when they intrude uninvited."

Shuri turned hiding her beads behind her self-consciously. She tried and failed to look like a innocent bystander.

"I wasn't uninvited.", she smirked while showing the invitation she had received.

I didn't take the invitation but rather looked at the kimoyo beads hanging by her wrist while X notified me.

[Full scan in progress...]

Conscious of my stare, she waved the invitation in her hand, "Hello, where are you looking at?"

"Nothing. If I remember correctly my invitation only extended to His Royal Highness and a small group of advisers. There is no mention of any family members so..you are intruding."

"No I am not. My role here is as an adviser to my father.", she smiled as she looked behind me while a deep proud spoke.

"Shuri, do not be rude to our host.",the accent told me immediately of who the voice belonged to.

I turned and a middle aged dark skinned man stood some distance away looking at us with a stern gaze. The current (perhaps) Black Panther and the present King of the most advanced nation in the world was looking at me.

'Talk about pressure...woooh. Observe'

T'Chaka

King Of Wakanda

Stats :

Physique : ? (cannot be viewed)

Mental : ? (cannot be viewed)

The current king of the most advanced (both technologically and financially) nation on this planet. His emphasis on old traditions and ruthless implementation of it has made him one of the most feared king in his kingdom. Though now he spends much of his time trying to teach his son T'Chala the ways of the King.

Feeling : ? (cannot be viewed)

I smiled at him while Shuri nodded and took her place beside the man.

"It's no problem at all, your Highness. Curiosity is always healthy.", I gestured to a nearby sofa.

T'Chaka looked at the sofa but didn't sit, "We have some private matters to attend to. Excuse us."

I nodded; since he didn't want to talk, I couldn't force him to. This guy is the strongest guy on this earth..at least for now.

[Scan complete. All necessary data acquired and is being processed. Give me 24 hours and I will be able to learn how to recreate it. I couldn't place a bug though.]

I nodded at the royalty before I walked towards the main venue to unveil my project. Behind me I heard whispers of things that I wished I knew of.

"X, keep a eye on them. I need to know what Wakanda is truly here for."

[Confirmed.]

The venue is my building which is to say it's one of Knight's. I tried but seems like I don't actually have much pull in the business circle. So Knight very "kindly" (he grumbled quite a lot!) made a single call and everything just arranged themselves. His help is very much appreciated.

'If he wasn't there on that day...hmm. Coincidence..maybe?'

Anyway my company shares which I took out so stupidly (but since I never really studied Business so not my FAULT!) were returned without much fuss by him. He told me that all the expenses that I had incurred or will incur, all of those were on my tab so to say. He will make sure to retrieve every penny after I got rich.

'His face looked like a devil for a second there but that must be my imagination..right?'

Shaking my head to clear all distracting thoughts, I made my way backstage to one last time take stock of everything. I had to make sure to look my best since this is my first time in front of live audience in this world or any if I could just remember. I had to change my shirt according to the professional female wardrobe manager which Natasha had forced me to appoint (since according to her I had terrible sense of fashion. The nerve of her!)

X took care of all the digital and performance wise aspect but I had to be the one to present it to the world. I didn't need teleprompters since I had the best in my head. After I changed and tried to look as confident as possible in front of the mirror, I heard a light laugh behind me which strangely sounded like bells to me.

"It's not nice to laugh at someone whose trying his best.", I turned fixing a mock glare at her and my breath hitched.

She looked absolutely gorgeous in her fiery red knee high dress which draped over her oh so tightly. I couldn't see it but I knew that she is backless and as she walked confidently towards me, I couldn't help but gulp.

"It's even ruder to stare.", she countered while still smiling.

"Hey it's not my fault if you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.", I countered shamelessly. The banter unlike usual had a touch of seduction. The temperature is cold but I felt a bit hot headed. I had to take deep breaths to cool off.

"Oh I wonder if this counts as sexual-harassment?", she once again countered while straitening my tie and fixing my crease along my shoulder. Her touch felt so light and yet I could feel a light tingle on the part she touched.

'Control your dick goddamn. Don't act like a ... Wait a second Am I or Was I a virgin in my world?'

"The people sure do sound pumped up out there. There are waiting for you Boss.", I had to strain to hear the increasing chatter. Just by standing in front of me, she had became the center of the room. Perhaps because she is one of the main characters of this world.

'The main character aura is strong in this one. Main character huh...'

"Sir...",I ignored her question while she tried to readjust my tie.

'It is weird that while I watched them on the screen, all these characters felt so surreal. What am I talking about..they were from someone's fantasy but now..they feel...human so to say. Maybe..?'

"Miss Romanoff, can I ask you a very weird question?", I sat on one of the seats given to me and looked at her. She had turned to fill up a glass of water for me. She hesitated for a split second before she turned around and nodded.

"If you had the ability to let's say; To Change the World for better, a world you know everything about but that would change if you use your..ability per-se. You would be a complete stranger in a foreign world. Would you do it?"

Only silence greeted me while I looked expectantly at her. As one of the best spy in the world, she maintained her facade and looked perfectly confused while I knew she must have made a dozen inferences from my question alone. I didn't nudge her but just looked over myself in the mirror for a final look. Finding everything to my liking, I smiled and made my way towards the exit.

"Boss, the presentation is going to be just fine. So just relax and be yourself.", Natasha smiled perhaps choosing to portray her as my secretary while tactfully ignoring my question.

My steps paused for a bit while I muttered to myself, "Hmm..too soon I guess."

"Wish me luck!", I made my way to the auditorium I guess you could call it. I gave a nod to the security detail who right on cue opened the door and I saw people. Lots and lots of people. I could feel cold sweat on my back and my mouth felt dry all of a sudden.

Some people turned towards the open door but didn't look long enough to see me on the other side. I took a deep breath and psyched myself.

"You got this...you are the main character here. You got this...Lets do this", I walked into the hallway with measured gait.

[Charisma stat has increased by 1.]

'This is the 3rd time. The stat increase in quite slow.'

The people around me looked at me and raised there glasses. I smiled in turn and quickly made my way towards the center of the stage. I didn't need to prepare since I had X. The closer I am to the stage, the more the people's chattering and talking reduced until finally I stepped on the pedestal and greeted silence. I took a look around while my legs shivered behind the pedestal. I could see a few familiar faces in the crowd. There stood Coulson, a few confirmed Hydra agents ever the infamous future Crossbones stood among them. I smiled at everyone more to calm myself than to calm others.

"Ah...plenty of things to say. First of all, thank you everyone for attending. Today is a very important day, a little for me but more so for humanity. As we speak, the world's war against starvation has begun. My Magic-Eat pills will remove any concept of starvation from people's mind. As all of you must know this", a screen showed the Magic-eat pill which looked muck like any pill.

"I named it Magic-Eat pill because that's the first thing you will think after eating this pill. As of right now, the related consignments are already on their way to these poverty driven nations and war torn nations.", the screen changed to show world map and the shipments destination which included (discreetly) Sokovia.

The applause rung heavily and the waiting reporters took a few photos while I smiled while making a fist in the air.

"The first consignment is en-route to South Africa. I would like to thank Mr. Beasley from W.F.P for their phenomenal efforts to make sure that the pills reach those who need them as soon as possible.", I raised a glass towards Mr. David Beasley and nodded which he returned politely.

"Now Questions?", I gestured to one of the reporters who surrounded the stage.

"Mr. Moirai how did you think of this invention?", Reporter A prompted.

"Hmm..I got lucky. I actually wanted to invent toffee since they didn't have a blueberry one.", polite laughter ensued. "Seriously though, it just happened. Most inventions happen that way I guess."

"As we understand you have produced these pills from sea-weeds, mushrooms and most algae based plant-life. Any particular reasons for this?"

"Availability. These types of plant are the second species to re-populate tremendously no matter the environment of course except Humans. But they do taste bland..", another roar of laughter ensued.

"There have been growing concerns over your products safety since you haven't patented it's manufacturing procedure. Do you have something to say about this?", another middle aged reporter stood up.

"Hm..The technology aspect of my manufacturing method cannot be mass-produced. There are still quite a few advancements to be made before my invention becomes available to the public. Please rest assured; the moment I am satisfied by the advancement, you guys will be the first to know. Next."

"Shouldn't that be for the world to decide?", another one of the "annoying" reporter stereotypes asked.

"Well technically I did invent it so if Mr...Manley. Sorry if I mispronounced it. so technically only I can decide what I want to do with my invention. Next."

"Are you by any chance trying to save the world?"

"Well..I think in our own way we all try. That's what any of us would do, should do. Let's wrap it up with one last question. Yes Miss?"

"Natalie sir, what are your future projects ? and will you still focus on save the world?"

"hmm..good question. I guess for right now my hands are all quite full and honestly speaking even I don't know what I will cook up in the future so all I can say is stay tuned. Lastly please enjoy this celebration."

I got off the stage amidst the heavy applause of the crowd. The first one to reach me was none other than Coulson.

"Nice speech Mr. Moirai. Director Fury sends his regards."

"Agent Coulson, we both know he most definitely didn't sent his regards.", I laughed and handed my wine glass to the passing waiter while I smiled at another dignitary.

"Mr. Moirai seems to care a lot about the situation of the world.", his words were measured.

I smiled at him without answering the question.

"Who might this gentleman be?", asked Knight when he saw Coulson and me.

"Introductions are in order. Alexander this is Phil Coulson and Coulson this is my benefactor Alexander Knight."

I didn't introduce them any further as WHO executive told me that Mr. Beasley requested my presence. Before I walked away I heard Coulson introducing SHIELD. Beasley was a

"Mr. Moirai. I would like to meet a very close friend of mine.", he didn't need to tell me more. I already knew the bald middle aged man smiling in front of me.

'Observe'

Obadiah Stane {Level 1 Villain}

Interim C.E.O of Stark Industries

A known associate of the Late Howard Stark. Took the CEO position as a interim for Anthony Stark but has turned corrupted. Has ties in multiple illegal weapon deals with well-known terrorist organisations. Cunning and cruel to everyone he meets, he sees the new Magic-Eat pills as a interesting and it's creator as a very useful asset. He thinks highly of your potential and thus has come to meet you to check whether or not you will be useful.

Stats :

Physique : 12

Mental : 21

Feeling : Curious, Pleased.

"No introductions necessary. I am honored to meet the one and only Obadiah Stane. I have heard quite a lot about you.", I smiled while I shook his hand. I couldn't help it, I knew his true nature but right now I wasn't some hero that needed to fight him but a new businessman in the circle. A circle which revolved around him partially.

"All good things I hope", he smiled politely.

"Of course. I have admired you for quite some time, especially your interview in the last Economic Times was quite terrific. I have quite a few things to learn from you."

"So you read my interview?"

"Of course, your thoughts on the current private military contracts were enlightening to say the least."

"David you never said that Dastaan had such a keen interest in me.", Stane laughed aloud to show his happiness.

"Even I didn't know he had such interest. He never told me to introduce you so..", even David looked a bit astonished.

I laughed slightly and steered the conversation towards another direction. After conversing quite a while, a man accompanied by some military officers waved at me.

"Excuse me. It seems business calls.", I looked towards the white haired man standing not quite far away from me.

"Oh please do not stop on my account..", Stane smiled.

"Senator Park, how are you?", I asked after meeting the older gentleman. Another old gentleman accompanied him while looking at me like a hawk.

[Gill Hopson, one of Joint Chief from Defense Logistic Ag.]

'Thanks X'

"I am fine, let me introduce you..", he said while looking at the military man.

"And this must be Mr. Hopson form DLA", I reached for a handshake before the senator could even finish his introduction.

"You know about me?"

"Of course sir, I can't not know about you in my line of business."

'Observe'

Williamson Park

Senator

Stats :

Physique : 11

Mental : 14

A U.S Senator known for his war efforts during the previous world war. His efforts have earned him this position of Senator. Currently is desperate to make a deal for the Magic-Eat pills as Army rations and supplies before any of the other Senators. Heavily favors patriotism and wants this invention to be only used for U.S.A.

Feeling : Slightly irritated, curious.

Gill Hopson

Vice-Head of the Army Rations Division

Stats :

Physique : 13

Mental : 17

A war veteran who was taken off active duty after a severe knee injury. He sees the Magic-eat pills more as a war input rather than a source to fight world hunger. Has a slightly narrow outlook to the whole deal.

Feeling : Calm.

"Let's get to the point. The U.S Army would like to purchase the magic-eat pills as army rations.", Hopson stated without any formal exchanges.

"Sure, I am willing to provide any assistance I can to the US Army.", I answered immediately. The duo in front of me didn't look surprised. The army had a lot of sway with how the political and action packed responses that will be happen in the future so I had to get in. This is one of the only way other than arms selling viable to me to earn some favors.

"That's good to know. When would be a good time to finalize the contract?", asked the Senator.

"Let's sit down in the morning to hash out the details.", I answered.

"Here's to a happy collaboration.", we toasted. This is a multi-million dollar deal which should have upped my blood pressure at least (which won't ever happen!) but I had been signing multi-million dollar contracts for better part of the week so frankly the awe had wore off.

The party progressed quite slowly after that. I met quite a few Senators and people from state departments responsible for foreign diplomacy. It seemed to me they wanted to profit through me. I politely rejected all the ones which seemed dishonest and for the ones I did feel (observe) good about I made a verbal promise. Regardless of either one, I made sure to leave a good impression on them which is too easy since I had X with me.

While talking to some other politicians, I roamed my eyes towards the crowd and that's when I saw her. The moment I did almost as if a lock was undone, I remembered her. She wasn't someone from the Marvel Cinematic Universe but in my world she is a movie star, one I admired quite a lot. I liked her character a lot in it. I remembered her character and her works but not her which made me sigh. It didn't make that much of an impact but I am curious how many other actors of non-M.C.U world will make an appearance.

"X, get me her info."

[Working on it.]

Excusing myself politely, I made my way towards her. She wore a semi backless white dress and red lipstick which made her look like a fresh white rose. She stood among some other mid-aged people which all looked doctors. Perhaps I made some disturbance because she turned and our gazes met and that's when X notified me.

[Dr. Cassandra Railly. 24. Born and raised in Washington. She is the youngest virologist to gain international...]

My breath hitched and goosebumps burst on my arm. My head felt as if someone had hit it with a hammer. I could almost hear some long-forgotten voices that rang in my head.

'There once was a serpent who only traveled in one direction...'

'Initiate Splinter Sequence...'

'We don't get to change the past and keep the future..'

'Once , in another lifetime, we saved 7 billion.'

'James is the beginning and the end.'

'Don't you~forget about me.'

'See you soon...'

My footsteps almost stopped, for a second I couldn't even think straight.

'How the hell can she match her character from another series here?...That's impossible. If she is who she is does that mean...'

"X, cross-search her with a name : James Cole."

[...No immediate results. Further search commenced.]

I walked myself to the mini-bar and ordered chilled water. The cold liquid cooled my head and stopped the goosebumps. The soft claps of heeled footsteps behind me neared before a familiar voice asked.

"I am sorry, I couldn't help but notice. Are you okay?"

"I am perfectly fine.", I turned and smiled at her.

"Are you sure? You look a bit pale.", she continued. Her resemblance almost screamed at me, my goosebumps all over my body.

"Nah, I just didn't expect seeing a gorgeous woman like you talking to all those old foggies. Anyway nice meeting you Dr.."

"Cassandra. How did you know.?"

"It's just a guess.", I pointed at her last entourage.

"Oh..good guess. My name is Dr. Cassandra Railly. I am here just as a advisor to Senator Philips."

I shook her hand while having X add her to the specials list, "And I am Dastaan Moirai as you might know."

"Well I have heard lots about you. To so clearly define human biological needs and create a substance to sate it is ground-breaking. I would really love to know how you did it."

"Trade secret.", I smiled at her which didn't seem to work on her at all. "Enough about me, what about you?" , I countered.

"What about me?", she looked curious.

"Well you feel awfully curious about me but I barely know anything about you. Tell me something about yourself.", I asked while I sipped from my ice water.

"Well if you really wanna know about me then I have a public lecture tomorrow. I think you will like the topic.", she said as she got up. A middle-aged man perhaps standing behind me interrupted right at this second.

"Mr. Moirai, I have closely followed your work and admired it greatly.", someone said behind me but I ignored him. My mind couldn't sit still, I had to know. I grabbed her hand as she stood up to leave.

"Just curious, have you ever heard of or met a person by the name; James Cole?"

Startled as she was of me grabbing her hand (which I promptly let go!), she said after thinking, "No, first time hearing the name."

"Then I guessed wrong, I will be there tomorrow for your lecture."

Saying goodbye to a still confused Cassandra, I made some polite talk with the man standing behind me before promptly excusing myself.

"X, check if she had meningitis."

[...confirmed. She had viral meningitis when she was 6. This is also one of the chief reasons for her to become a virologist.]

'This might all be just a coincidence. She might be like her but that doesn't mean that this world is the same...'

A blue window flashed before me as if to prove me wrong.

A Quest has been created.

Unique Quest : Of worlds and more...

You have found a clue to something that may or may not change everything..Find out more..

Rewards : ?

Title : ?

Punishment :

All related special items will be locked forever.

My thoughts jumbled up the moment the quest came out which meant that at this point of time, I couldn't just ignore the whole matter.

'Wait a fucking second...If the monkeys are here..does that mean..no way that couldn't be possible. How many characters do I even remember?'

"X, search worldwide for the following names : Harry James Potter, Albus Dumbledore, James Howlett, Charles Xavier. Ignore all restrictions and find me anything concrete."

[Commencing Search...Estimated time to produce results 2 hours]

"Remind me privately to make a list of all the characters I can remember to be searched.", I rubbed the goosebumps on my arm while thinking ahead. The surrounding crowd didn't help matters and before long I once again saw myself talking to one Senator and then some other important government officials.

It was not until the end that I had to once again take the stage to address the crowd a final time.

"Thank you for attending this evening and showing your over-whelming support to my small dream. I hope to keep your expectations. Have a good night."

I ended my speech there and returned among the people to mingle until finally the crowd slowly lessened until a handful of important people were left. I am sure that all of them had something in mind regarding me and my invention but I had half a mind of my own to use these guys. I made my way towards the first and (most probably) the most nefarious businessman in this party : Obadiah Stane.

"I hope you enjoyed this evening.", I started ever so politely.

"Of course, I found it amazing. For a first timer you were great.", his polite speech could've fooled me if I didn't know he was an asshole.

"But my legs kept shaking under the podium though. I had to hold the podium to make sure I didn't fall.", I had to work up a smile at him.

"We all do that.", answered Obadiah while laughing. "I have to take my leave now, here take this."

He handed me his business card while flashing his 'I am holier than saint' smile, "Call me anytime to wish to. I will be more than happy to help."

"Thank you and I will hold you to your words.", I took his card and kept while bidding him farewell.

"Be careful of that guy.", whispered Alexander making his way towards me after Stane had left.

"What old man, you getting jealous now?", I smirked at him which he returned with a dead-eye look.

"..."

"Don't worry I know. Something's definitely wrong with him. Maybe I should look into it.", I answered his look.

"Be very careful. He might seems all tame and good-natured but he is ruthless when it comes to power.", he continued.

"I do not take such matters lightly. Anyway thanks for arranging all of this.", I motioned towards the amazing venue.

"No need. Just make good on your words and all of this will be worth-it.", he answered smiling.

[Primary names search complete. Would you like to see the results?]

"Could you handle the rest of the guest for tonight? I am dead tired."

"No worries, the party has ended anyway. Take a good rest, you did good today."

"Thanks.", I replied all the while trying to hide my nervousness. I sort of wanted the answer to be a yes and a no at the same time.

I was already on my way toward the exit and in the car before I knew it. The unknown engine revved and I took it spinning to Manhattan. I think I heard someone calling my name behind me but I ignored it. I took a long drive while trying to calm my mind and reached my apartment.

"X show me the results."