Chapter 42: Something Big

The Black Queen swiftly completed the analysis and created Jessica Campbell's personal profile. Had this been conducted on Krypton or in a more advanced spacecraft, Jessica's genes would likely already be simulated. However, Zod had to settle for manually sampling her DNA to attempt to cultivate it.

Without disturbing Jessica's self-modification while she slept, Zod had her transferred to a general laboratory for ongoing monitoring, losing interest in the matter for the time being.

Zod turned his attention to the business operations of Blade Technology Industries. Though he had faith in Uuld and the Black Queen, he liked reviewing progress himself for the sense of accomplishment.

The company's flagship product, Vitamin ∞, was selling exceptionally well, becoming a leading product. But Blade Technology had many such successful products. Recently, Uuld had initiated negotiations with several pharmaceutical production bases about potential acquisitions. With over 50% of the U.S. population using Vitamin ∞, the market had nearly saturated. The only ones not buying it either couldn't afford the $500 price tag per bottle or simply hadn't heard of it.

As a result, many health supplement companies went bankrupt, unable to compete. Uuld's acquisitions, though considered a vulture tactic by some, were seen as a practical solution—better to sell off assets than be left drowning in debt. Blade Technology offered fair, though reduced, buyout prices.

Now, Blade Technology had its eyes on the international market for Vitamin ∞. Smuggling operations were already occurring, with the supplement being trafficked into other countries. Despite this, most governments turned a blind eye or didn't treat the smuggling as a serious crime.

Then there was the unexpected success of Insect Repellant—a product that had become even more profitable than Vitamin ∞. It proved highly effective in dealing with pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, and flies, which helped sales skyrocket in the U.S., where health concerns were rampant. Uuld, initially dismissive of the product's potential, now realized its profitability far exceeded even arms manufacturing.

After discovering the market potential of such everyday items, Uuld sought to expand production by acquiring pharmaceutical factory production bases. He had even prepared a plan for Zod's approval, but Zod was too preoccupied to look at it.

Zod, however, realized he had missed a key marketing angle for Vitamin ∞. "I forgot to label it as an aphrodisiac, beauty enhancer, and breast augmentation supplement," he mused. Without hesitation, he had the Black Queen send this suggestion to Uuld's phone. The claim wasn't entirely false—Vitamin ∞ contained a wide array of nutrients beneficial to the human body, though the extraction process was somewhat inefficient.

Meanwhile, the Secondary Kryptonite continued to generate vast profits. Orders for the American "Poseidon" units were piling up, and demand for War Machines was strong as well. These machines had become invaluable on the battlefield due to their tactical and strategic advantages. Their biggest benefit? They could be mass-produced, unlike the one-off super-soldier serums that created heroes like Captain America or the Hulk.

However, Uuld informed Zod that Stark Industries had developed their own version of a war machine, which they branded as Iron Man suits. Legal teams from both companies were engaged in a fierce battle, with Blade Technology's lawyers securing an initial win in the Los Angeles courts. But Stark Industries appealed the decision in New York, drawing out the conflict. It became clear Stark Industries was willing to drag this out indefinitely, hoping to wear down Blade Technology.

Behind the scenes, the U.S. government quietly supported Stark Industries in an attempt to curb Blade Technology's global ambitions. Blade had begun selling war machines worldwide, sparking concern among U.S. officials who worried Zod might eventually leave the country.

Stark Industries, bound by military contracts, could only sell their Iron Man suits within the U.S. Their MK1 suits were reserved exclusively for American forces.

Zod, however, wasn't overly concerned about Stark Industries' antics. Instead, he decided to take more drastic measures. He placed a call to Bucky Barnes, who was now in control of a Hydra branch that had rebranded as World Snake.

"Bucky, I need you to kidnap Tony Stark and drop him off in the Middle East with the Ten Rings."

Zod wanted to hasten Stark's transformation into Iron Man, believing Stark needed a push to become the hero he was destined to be.

The task of kidnapping Stark proved easy. At the time, Tony was busy entertaining two models. Once Bucky located him, he swiftly incapacitated Stark's bodyguard, broke into his penthouse, and found Stark with the two women. Tony, trying to bluff his way out, was unceremoniously snatched by Bucky, still in his underwear, and thrown into a black SUV.

The aftermath of the kidnapping sent shockwaves through law enforcement, the military, and intelligence agencies. The scene was sealed off by police, military, and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. When Phil Coulson arrived, he quickly assessed the situation and reported to Nick Fury.

"There's no sign of who did this," Coulson noted. "The attackers were extremely careful, and a top-tier hacker wiped all street surveillance footage from the time of the abduction."

Fury grimaced. "Who do you think did it?"

"It could be a revenge play by Blade Technology, considering their legal battle with Stark Industries. Or it could just be kidnappers after the Stark family fortune."

Fury remained suspicious. The ongoing feud between Blade Technology and Stark Industries had taken a bitter turn. The timing seemed too convenient to be a mere coincidence. But with no leads, Fury could only speculate as to the true culprits behind Stark's disappearance.