077

January 20, 2010.

The days passed quickly and people welcomed the new year. Most of them set goals that they hoped to accomplish throughout the 365 days of the year.

In Norman Osborn's case, he didn't have a goal that he really had to accomplish no matter what. He would simply do the things he had to do when it was time to do them, no more, no less.

Currently, the founder of Oscorp was in his office reading the latest reports about the Oz Formula Project, since the incident with 01 and 04 Norman had been paying close attention to the progress of the project.

He had even gone so far as to begin researching firsthand how both specimens had managed to regain a biological function and ability that had clearly been removed from them.

On the one hand, he already had his suspicions about what might have happened, but he needed confirmation of his thoughts to feel completely certain. While the answer to his main question remained an unknown, some really interesting things had been discovered.

Firstly, both 01 and 04 were the only specimens that had been able to regain their original abilities, in turn the three males that 01 had killed had also regained their ability to recognize a female's sex pheromones.

For the moment there was no indication that any other specimen had suffered a change similar to the other five, the same fact also extended to the experimental subjects that did not belong to the Arachne category.

However, for the moment everything he knew could change from one day to the next after all the changes that happened in the body of 01 and 04 was not something that was supposed to happen. So at the moment it could be said that the team in charge of the project was going completely blind.

After finishing reading the reports, Norman got up from his seat and walked towards the exit of his office, immediately that he took a step out of his office he felt Alice's watchful gaze fall on his body.

"Sir?" she asked hesitantly, as it was not a regular occurrence for Norman to leave his office during working hours, her temporary boss while he was not a workaholic was someone who took it very seriously.

"I will be in my personal laboratory and unless it is something of an urgent nature, I don't want to be disturbed," Norman replied without even looking at her as he continued walking towards the elevator.

"Understood" the blonde said to him as she nodded in understanding.

Norman's figure soon disappeared from the line of sight of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, who had a thoughtful and somewhat curious look on her face at Osborn's attitude.

…

Norman had spent a large part of his day in the laboratory, trying to find an answer to his question about the incident that happened with the Oz Serum experimental subjects.

Despite his strong reluctance to intervene directly in the handling of the Oz Serum, he knew at this point that he was the only one who had an idea of what had happened. The scientists in charge of the project were excellent, and Norman was sure that in a while they would be able to find out what had happened.

The detail is that Norman needed the answers immediately, and the only way to get them was if he took matters into his own hands. This was because there was no other person in Oscorp or in the world who knew more about the Oz Serum than he did.

It could be said that at this point Norman decided to intervene before the problem became too big. Although of course all of the above did not take away from the fact that he still had the same opinions as he did in the beginning about the Oz Serum.

Perhaps once he found out what happened and was sure of the implications, he might change his opinion completely, but for the time being he would be extremely careful when researching or experimenting with it.

Once he was done with his work in the laboratory, Norman simply went back to his office, but not before setting up the lab's security system in case his secretary wanted to take a peek.

It was not impossible for Carol to enter into his laboratory, but it was impossible for her to do so without all Oscorp security being informed of her entry, and obviously Norman himself would be notified as well.

At the end of the day, if Carol still wanted to go through with her act then she would reason that there was no benefit to entering his lab and even if she did, she would simply be caught in the act.

Some time after her arrival at his office, the small knocking from Alice towards the door of the room was heard. After a few seconds the door was opened, "What's going on?" asked Norman in a direct manner.

"Mr. Stark's personal assistant is on the waiting line," those words caught Osborn's attention immediately.

" She's requesting a video conference between you and Mr. Stark immediately, and although she didn't mention the purpose of it, I assume it must be an important matter" she continued.

Alice watched as her boss reached into one of the inside pockets of his suit, from which he pulled out a small silver pocket watch with a turquoise blue detail.

After looking at the watch for a moment Norman put it back in its previous place, "Prepare the video conference room" said Osborn after some thought, implicitly agreeing to the Stark's assistant's request.

Alice nodded her head before hurrying out of Osborn's office.

…

"Have I ever told you that it's really irritating that you own shares in my company?" as soon as the videoconference began were Anthony Stark's first words.

Currently, Osborn was in the Oscorp videoconferencing room with no other people around him, he was simply alone in the room.

Stark's question failed to elicit any reaction from Osborn who just looked without apparent interest at the other man, "You haven't, but it was something I had assumed for a while" he replied after a few seconds of silence.

"Besides at this point I don't think it's right to call it your company, remember it's not yours in its entirety" he added in a calm manner, which elicited a grunt along with a look of irritation from Stark.

"It's clear to me that you're definitely a damn vulture!" in a clear way, Tony let Norman know what he was thinking about him right now.

Norman shrugged his shoulders caring little about how he referred to his person in fact he was even agreeing with him in a minor way, "Well?" he questioned, "What did you request this meeting for?" he added in a quick manner.

Tony who had been about to start ranting left and right forced himself to calm down and shook his head to remove those thoughts, "I'm thinking of reinstating Stark Expo again" he said neutrally.

"Currently it could be said that most of the development in various categories of science has been stagnant since some time ago, with small exceptions, that despite the change they bring is simply not enough" he began to say, the clarity in his voice was easy to hear.

"Stark Expo was founded with the idea of convening and bringing together the brightest minds in the world in order to unite them and develop new inventions that would have the purpose of improving the quality of life for humanity and the world in the future" he continued saying and the expression on his face showed that he was serious about it.

The words paused for a moment and Norman noticed how Tony seemed to lose his mind for a moment, however he did not interrupt him and simply waited for him to continue in a patient manner.

"Just like my father, I want the Stark Expo to become the legacy we will leave to future generations" at the end of his sentence he simply remained silent.

Norman didn't mention anything as he thought about whether the MCU's Stark had the same thought as the person he was talking to, somehow he could sense that wasn't the case, at least not entirely.

"I have nothing bad to say about such an idea" Norman commented, "While I disagree with a small part of your vision in general outline, it seems to me that you are right" he continued to say in a quick manner.

Before Tony could say anything else Norman opened his mouth again to speak, "Now finished with that matter then tell me the real reason behind this meeting".

"Despite being a shareholder of the company this type of situation does not require an urgent meeting, so at this point I am really curious as to what is going on" at the suspicious look he was getting from the Stark he explained himself in a short way.

"For a moment there I thought I had you" he mentioned in frustration, then let out a sigh and continued speaking, "I want to name a new CEO" he said with seriousness.

"Reason?" asked Osborn in like manner, although it was more than likely he knew the answer, he wanted to know what kind of lie or excuse Stark would give.

"Lack of time" he answered him simply, "If you've seen the news you must know I'm too busy keeping the peace and doing hero's work" he added with a smile on his face.

"Then just stop playing hero and focus on the company" before he could say anything else he was interrupted by Stark.

"Jealous?" he questioned in a smug voice along with a boastful smile.

"Why would I be?" replied Norman with a question and before Tony could say anything else he continued speaking, "Like you said I'm a vulture not a hero" without any hesitation in his voice he mentioned.

"Anyway at least you have a list of possible replacements right?" putting aside his short attempt to get Stark not to give up his position, he asked in a blunt way.

"I have a few names in mind" he replied, although there was a slight hesitation that betrayed him.

In that way the videoconference with Anthony Stark extended for a considerable time, due to the fact that the two men could not come to an agreement and neither of them wanted to take a step back.

…

Los Angeles California.

It had been about five days since the videoconference between Anthony Stark and Norman Osborn had taken place, where they talked about the re-opening of the Stark Expo.

Currently, representatives of leading companies in various markets and prominent scientists from all branches of science were meeting at the Stark Industries headquarters. They were all gathered at the invitation of Anthony Stark, who was seeking to engage them in a dialogue.

The press had practically gone crazy when big names started landing in Los Angeles, and even more so when they realized where they were headed. Journalists grabbed their tools and headed for Stark Industries, looking to find out whatever was going on.

Norman was no exception to this situation and was in a car that took him to Stark Industries, after all being the highest representative of Oscorp his presence was required.

The trip was relatively short and the first thing he noticed when he got out of the car was the Stark Industries security team keeping several journalists at a distance who were trying to get close to where he was.

Without giving much importance to such a scene Norman just continued with his walk, once he was almost inside the building one of the company's employees quickly walked towards him and began to play the role of guide.

In a calm manner Norman arrived at a large room decorated in an elegant manner where there were already several people, most of them were people with considerable prestige and power.

Osborn simply continued to follow the guide who led him to one of the many tables, however the position he had was undoubtedly a privileged one. Norman simply took a seat, without caring about the curious and calculating looks of the surrounding people.

Time began to pass and with it brought the arrival of more people, however so far no one had seen the man who had brought them together in the first place. Norman for his part was at the drinks bar, he was tired of being seated and found no better way to distract himself.

Osborn had his eyes closed, however if one saw the atmosphere around him one could tell he was in a thoughtful state. However, this changed when he felt someone approaching him.

His gaze soon reflected a man with light-brown skin and black eyes, one could say he was an ordinary man without any distinguishing characteristics, but that would be a lie, as his behavior was strange to say the least.

The man soon arrived at Norman's side, "Mr. Osborn it is a pleasure to meet you" he mentioned in a quick manner, "Allow me to introduce myself" he began to say, but before he could finish he was interrupted.

"I know who you are Mr. Drake, so there is absolutely no need for an introduction" Norman said simply, "I have read most of the research that your Foundation has been doing over the years, I must admit that your work in human genetics is certainly brilliant" he added belatedly.

For a few seconds the man known as Carlton Drake was surprised by Osborn's words, although he quickly regained his composure, "I must admit that I did not expect those words, however I appreciate them, although considering what you have accomplished in such a short time it is possible that I do not deserve to be praised" he commented neutrally.

"What I accomplished is not something I did alone, after all I had the help of two great minds that certainly made things easier in our research" Norman quickly pointed out.

"Dr. Connors and Ms. Stacy" said Carlton, "Still it is impressive that only three people managed to create a medical serum capable of regenerating lost limbs based on the DNA of various reptiles" he continued.

"I can't help but think that I have lost against Oscorp in what is the main reason why Life Foundation was created in the first place" his tone of voice was low and somber, as well as containing a clear sense of hostility that someone inexperienced would never notice.

This time Norman didn't mention anything and simply brought the glass of liquor to his lips before drinking its contents, after a few seconds he spoke "Both Miss Stacy and Dr. Connors have brilliant minds and added to that fact the patience and perseverance we had at the time of the research I think we were simply rewarded for our efforts" even though it wasn't a real answer it was the only thing Norman said to him.

The look he received from Carlton let him know that he definitely did not believe what he had just said, however before Carlton could say anything the room began to fill with whispers and conversations, the two men took their gaze around the room and soon found the reason for such a situation.

Anthony Stark entered the room in a flashy manner and without pausing for a second continued walking towards the podium that stood in the room.

Norman soon rose from his seat, "It seems it is time to end our talk" he mentioned and without even glancing back at the other man he headed towards the table he had been guided to from the beginning.

…

Although the meeting ended close to midnight, the journalists didn't waste a second when they saw how the guests began to leave Stark Industries' facilities.

This time their attempts were answered when Anthony Stark approached them, and although he didn't answer too many questions he revealed that in a few days he would hold a press conference in which he would reveal what the meeting was about.

Norman returned to the Oscorp building where he would be spending the night, as he had business to attend to and there was also the fact that he preferred not to be in a hotel if he had a choice.

Stepping out of the exclusive use elevator, Norman started heading towards his office, which was connected to a small bedroom and bathroom. Before entering the room, he paused for a moment outside and shook his head.

He then opened the door only to see a fist heading quickly and directly for his windpipe. Osborn simply stopped the attack with extreme facility and the attacker immediately attempted to retreat, but was caught in an iron grip by Norman.

"This is unfair!" to the ears of Osborn came a voice he recognized perfectly, the tone used to say such words was one of complete complaint.

Norman let go of the attacker's hand, "I've probably told you dozens of times that you'll never be able to surprise me" an arrogant sentence, but with sincerity was all he could say as he turned on the lights in the room.

His gaze fell on a woman dressed completely in black and whose face was covered almost entirely by a mask, her hair was even blacker than the night itself, which made it look almost unreal.

"Why do you still have the suit on?" asked Norman curiously.

"This is the second time I get to try it and I don't know when I will get another chance, so I want to wear it as much as I can" she replied quickly, "I still don't like the wig" she added as she brought one of her hands to her hair and started to take off the wig revealing a wonderful white colored hair.

"We talked about this, Felicia" he told her, but before he could say anything else she began to speak.

"Yes, yes I know" she began to say, "The methods I used are similar to my father's and the color of my hair is too unique, so if anyone manages to witness it and is familiar with dad's methods then if they are not someone stupid they will find out who I am" she repeated in a summarized way the reason Norman had given her for the use of a wig.

"I understand, I'm not a child" she continued, "However that doesn't take away from the fact that the wig is not to my liking" she added in a quick manner as she removed the mask from her face.

"Did you achieve your goal?" deciding it was best to change the subject, Norman asked straightforwardly.

"Of course!" she smiled with pride and a bit of arrogance however the next second a small yawn left his beautiful lips, " I will take a small nap anyway the information is on the memory placed on your desk" she mentioned as she started to head towards the room connected to the office.

"Felicia" called out Osborn by way of warning, only to receive a pitiful look from the young white-haired girl.

"What?" she asked, "You expect me to leave? I worked hard for you and all I ask is to get some sleep, it's not like I'm asking you to sleep next to me" she added quickly as she continued speaking.

"Do whatever you want at this point I don't care" Norman finally gave up on the idea of dissuading Felicia, he was actually becoming more and more permissive with her.

Anyway now that Felicia had brought the information he needed he doubted he was going to sleep tonight in any case. The white-haired girl just flashed a smile of victory before giving a brief thank you and proceeded to walk into the room where Norman would originally sleep.

Without needing to think too much, Norman walked over to his desk and took his seat, his hand reached out to the memory that Felicia had mentioned and after a few tweaks to his computer he entered it.

Soon, all the information Cross Technologies had about the Pym Particles was witnessed by his eyes. He had originally intended to send Felicia after Hank Pym, but it was doubtful that a man like him would be an easy target.

Although Cross Technologies would not have the best information about the Pym Particles, it was certain that he would have the most essential information, otherwise there was no way Cross would have started his investigation.

Osborn spent considerable time reading all the information that Felicia had gathered, at first despite his thoughts he also knew that it was possible that Cross was deficient in his information, but from what he had just read this did not seem to be the case.

Still the information had to be taken with a grain of salt and in case he hit a dead end it would be time for him to think of a way to get the information Hank possessed.

Norman only knew without a shadow of a doubt that the following days would keep him extremely busy. A sigh escaped his lips, he really needed a little vacation from his occupations.