As the directors filed out of the room, each with their assignments and the weight of Aron's orders on their shoulders, Aron, Daniel, and Rosie prepared to leave. Aron led the way with his usual calm authority, and together they stepped into the elevator. They descended in silence, the soft hum of the elevator the only sound filling the space.
When the doors slid open on the basement floor, they stepped out into a vast, high-tech research facility. Rosie's eyes widened in awe as she gazed around. The floor was lined with rooms enclosed by glass walls, each one revealing researchers in lab coats conducting various experiments. Some were tinkering with devices that emitted sparks of electricity, while others were immersed in equations scrawled across transparent boards.
Rosie had never seen anything like it. The sheer scale of innovation unfolding before her eyes left her momentarily dazed, her steps slowing as she tried to take in every detail. Daniel noticed her surprise but said nothing, a small smile tugging at his lips as if this reaction was expected.
Aron continued to walk with purpose, undistracted by the flurry of activity surrounding him. Eventually, they reached a particular room where several researchers were gathered, hunched over workstations with tools and machinery spread out in front of them. The air was filled with the sound of faint buzzing, clinking metal, and murmured conversations between the scientists.
As the door slid open, the researchers looked up, immediately pausing their work when they saw Aron enter. The atmosphere shifted, tension hanging in the air as they awaited his instructions. This was the team he had entrusted with his vision—the group responsible for shaping the future of warfare with their discoveries.
Rosie's awe deepened as she realized this was where the true power behind Aron's ambitions lay: in the minds and hands of these brilliant researchers.
As Aron surveyed the room, observing the researchers working diligently at their stations, he turned to Daniel. "Introduce me to the team, and tell me who's working in which field," he said, his tone casual yet commanding.
Daniel blinked, a little surprised. "But, Young Master, you personally selected all of them," he reminded him.
Aron gave a small sigh, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because of the accident, I don't want to strain my mind remembering their names right now," he replied. "Just do it."
With a nod, Daniel began to move around the room, introducing each scientist one by one. Aron listened intently, though the names and faces didn't strike any familiar chords from the MCU or DC universes. *None of them are famous, at least not yet*, he thought. Most of the researchers were in their later years, their experience evident in the way they carried themselves. *Perhaps they are in the early stages of their careers*, he mused. *That's why their names aren't familiar.*
But then, out of the corner of his eye, Aron spotted someone who stood out. A younger man, hunched over a workstation in the far corner, seemed to be deep in thought, his hands carefully adjusting a device that flickered with faint energy.
Aron gestured toward him. "Who's that?" he asked Daniel, curiosity sharpening his tone.
Daniel glanced over and replied, "Ah, Master, that is Dr. Hank Pym."
At that name, Aron's eyes widened, shock freezing him for a split second. *Hank Pym?* he thought, barely able to hide his surprise. The younger version of the famous scientist stood before him, probably no more than thirty years old. His hair was darker, his face sharp with youthful determination, though still touched with the intensity that would one day shape the future of scientific discovery.
*So the original owner of this body wasn't completely useless*, Aron thought, a smirk creeping onto his face. *At least he had the foresight to recruit one brilliant mind.*
Feeling a surge of satisfaction, Aron silently celebrated. Having Hank Pym, the future creator of the Pym Particle and one of the brightest minds in science, present at this early stage opened up endless possibilities.
After taking note of Hank Pym, Aron turned to Daniel with a new directive. "Prepare a detailed list of their names, fields, and any notable contributions they've made in their respective papers. I want to know exactly who we're dealing with."
Daniel nodded and immediately set to work, delegating the task to his team. Meanwhile, Aron spent the next hour observing the researchers, carefully scrutinizing their work. He already had his suspicions, but he waited for the report to confirm them.
Finally, the list arrived.
Aron scanned through the document, his eyes moving quickly over the names and fields. As expected, most of the researchers lacked the brilliance he was hoping for. Out of the entire team, only four names stood out, their accomplishments hinting at real potential. The rest, though skilled, seemed more suitable as assistants—helpful, but not leaders in innovation.
The four names that caught his attention were:
1. **Hank Pym** – *Biochemist and Physicist.* His groundbreaking work on molecular structures and particle physics was already evident, though his real fame was still to come. Aron knew Hank's true value and what his future contributions could bring.
2. **T.O. Morrow** – *Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.* A specialist in robotics, Morrow's papers on advanced AI and his theories on sentient machines showed incredible promise. Aron was intrigued by the potential applications of Morrow's work.
3. **Ander Watson** – *Engineering.* Though not as widely known, Watson had published several papers on advanced engineering techniques, particularly in structural development and mechanical design. Aron saw potential for him to be useful in future projects.
4. **Rotsom Bosom** – *Weapon Development.* Bosom's experience in weaponry made him a natural fit for the team. His work on explosive technologies and advanced artillery systems was already respected, making him a key player for the company's future plans.
As Aron finished reading, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of disappointment. Of all the researchers in the facility, only these four stood out as worthy of leading the charge in technological development. The rest? They would serve as assistants at best—useful, but not innovators.
Still, with these four at his disposal, Aron felt a renewed confidence in his plan. Each had the potential to play a significant role in the next stage of his strategy. He looked up from the list, his mind already plotting the best way to harness their talents.
"Daniel," Aron said, handing the list back. "These four—Pym, Morrow, Watson, and Bosom—they are the core of our research team. The others will assist them as needed. Ensure they understand their roles."
Daniel nodded, taking the list and understanding the importance of what Aron had just decided. With this core team in place, the foundation of their future advancements was now set.