Chapter 23: Vibranium

[Third Person's PoV] 

One Year Later…

Momo stood in the middle of an arena, holding a staff in her hands as she circled her opponent.

Baymax stood opposite her, also holding a staff. He remained in his stance but followed Momo's movements closely.

As Baymax turned his head, Momo rushed forward and swung her staff, but Baymax quickly reacted and blocked it with his own. The sound of their staffs clashing echoed throughout the arena. 

Tony, however, didn't pay any mind to the noise. He had a visor over his eyes, examining everything.

"Alright, Friday… I can't believe it has taken us this long, but what's the current progress on the Vibranium project?" Tony said as he hung by a bar.

"Based on our last simulation, 99 percent, sir," Friday responded, having switched to using "sir" instead of "master" after Tony turned 12.

"That one percent has caused too many failures for too long. Let's solve it here and now," Tony said, pulling himself up.

"Bring up the molecular structure of our last simulation and highlight the point of failure."

"On it, sir," Friday responded. The room dimmed as holographic displays flickered to life. The molecular structure of Vibranium appeared, a complex lattice of interconnected atoms and energy bonds.

Tony released the bar, landing lightly on his feet after finishing his sets of pull ups, his sweaty muscular figure in display. He approached the holographic display, scrutinizing the intricate details. "Alright, let's see where it's falling apart."

Friday highlighted a section of the lattice in red. "This is the weak point, sir. The bonds in this region are unstable, leading to the material's structural failure under stress."

Tony narrowed his eyes, analyzing the highlighted section. "It's the interatomic bonds. They're not maintaining integrity. What are the parameters of this region compared to the rest?"

Friday pulled up additional data, overlaying it onto the holographic display. "The atomic spacing and bonding energy are slightly off in this region. It appears to be a result of an inconsistent synthesis process."

Tony nodded, deep in thought. "We need to stabilize these bonds. What are our options for modifying the synthesis process to achieve uniformity?"

Friday displayed several potential adjustments. "We can modify the temperature gradient during synthesis or introduce a catalyst to promote uniform bonding. Alternatively, adjusting the pressure could ensure consistent atomic spacing."

Tony reviewed the options. "Let's start with the catalyst. Bring up the simulations for introducing a stabilizing agent into the process."

Friday complied, running simulations in real-time. "The catalyst is showing promise, sir. It increases bonding energy consistency and reduces atomic spacing variability."

Tony smiled. "That's it. We'll integrate the catalyst into the synthesis process. Run the full simulation and prepare for a live test."

Friday acknowledged, "Simulation running now, sir. Preparing for a live synthesis test upon completion."

Tony stepped back, satisfied. "Finally, we're going to crack this. Let's make some real Vibranium."

"Simulation complete, sir. The catalyst integration appears successful. We're ready for a live synthesis test," Friday reported.

Tony took a deep breath, a mix of excitement and determination in his eyes. "Alright, let's do this. Prepare the lab and begin the synthesis process."

Friday activated the lab's systems, and the machinery whirred to life. The room filled with a hum of energy as the synthesis chamber prepared the necessary materials. Tony donned his protective gear and moved to the control panel.

"Initializing the synthesis process now," Tony said, his fingers dancing across the interface. "Introducing the catalyst… increasing pressure… and adjusting the temperature gradient."

The chamber glowed as the materials within started to react. Tony watched the readouts closely, monitoring every parameter. Minutes felt like hours as the process continued, each step crucial to the success of their endeavor.

"Temperature stable… pressure within optimal range… catalyst performing as expected," Friday reported, her voice steady and reassuring.

Tony's eyes were glued to the display, the molecular structure of Vibranium slowly forming. "Come on… hold together," he muttered under his breath.

The final phase of the process began, and the chamber's glow intensified. Tony's heart raced as he watched the bonds solidify, the lattice structure stabilizing. Finally, the process completed with a soft chime, and the chamber powered down.

"Process complete, sir. The Vibranium sample is ready for extraction," Friday announced.

Tony approached the chamber, his hands steady but his anticipation palpable. He carefully opened the chamber and retrieved the sample. The Vibranium gleamed with a unique, almost otherworldly luster.

"Friday, run a full analysis on the sample," Tony instructed, holding the Vibranium up to the light.

Friday conducted the scans, her voice filled with pride. "The sample is stable, sir. All parameters are within the desired ranges. Congratulations, you've done it."

A broad smile spread across his face. "We've done it, Friday. This is a game-changer."

He placed the Vibranium sample in a secure container and turned back to the control panel. "Start production protocols. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."

As the lab buzzed with activity, Tony couldn't help but feel a surge of accomplishment. The creation of Vibranium marked a beginning for him, and he has created something which once was something make believe, he was now ready to push the boundaries of what was possible.

"I still didn't like how long that took me, though," Tony said with a sigh as he looked at the 17 pieces of armor on display.

"Not to mention, there's also the Adamantium I have to come up with. But with this now complete, it should be much easier… or so I hope. One step at a time; let me just bask in this moment," Tony said to himself.

"Alright, Friday, make a new file, 'Mark 18: Vibranium.'"

"On it, sir," Friday readily replied.

"Have it powered by kinetic energy, and focus on stealth. Add retro-reflective panels to give it an invisibility aspect as well. Add: Stealth Suit, in parentheses to the file name."

Tony then chuckled to himself. "Friday, add another file and name it Vibranium Shield. It has nothing to do with the suits… not yet. Just add it as a side project to remind me to add it later."

Tony laughed again as another idea came to mind. "You know what, Friday? Make another file over the one I just mentioned. Name it Mark 19: Iron Patriot! Hahahaha. I want it to have a round shield on its back and be painted blue, white, and red."

Tony pretended to wipe imaginary tears. "Man, I crack myself up," he said before stopping abruptly. "Hey, wait, where's Melissa?"

"She's at the monthly hangout with the S-Rank Hero All Might," Friday informed him.

"What! She went without me? That traitor! It's not like I like spending time with that musclehead idiot anyway," Tony grumbled.

"Sir, my sensors detected a lie."

"What? Since when do you have a lie detector? When did I make something like that?" Tony asked, surprised and defensive.

"I don't, sir… I was lying…"

"I'm unplugging you; it's night-night, Friday."

"Wait, sir, no, I apologize," Friday hurriedly said before Tony could act.

Tony scoffed, "As the Japanese would say… Stupid Baka Friday."

"Sir… 'Baka' and 'stupid' mean the same thing."

"That's it. I'm waterboarding your circuits as punishment," Tony said with a straight face.

*************************************

patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3