Chapter 17: The Ace of Operations

Scene One: A Plan in Motion

Marshall leaned over the dining room table, a sketch of an old, rundown garage spread out in front of him. Peter sat beside him, scribbling notes on a pad, while Billy lounged on the couch, flipping through a glossy real estate flyer. The excitement in the air was almost palpable.

"This is it," Marshall said, tapping the sketch with his pen. "The old Midtown Auto Shop. It's been abandoned for years, but the structure's solid. It's got a spacious main floor, a basement for storage, and a back office we can convert into a lab."

Peter tilted his head, studying the sketch. "It's… not exactly Stark Tower, but it's something. And it'll be ours."

Billy snorted, tossing the flyer onto the table. "A garage? You want Nexus Inc. to set up shop in a glorified mechanic's shed? Real inspiring, Marshall."

Marshall shot him a look. "We're starting small, Billy. Besides, it's not about how it looks now—it's about what we can turn it into. Think of it as a blank canvas."

Billy leaned back, crossing his arms. "Fine, but I'm not spending my weekends covered in grease."

Peter rolled his eyes. "You won't have to. We're not fixing cars. We're building the future."

Marshall smirked, pointing at Peter. "Exactly. And we can afford this place without bankrupting ourselves. Between the revenue from the app and what we'll make when we launch D2, this is the perfect starting point."

Peter pulled out his tablet, pulling up the revenue charts. "We've already made close to $50,000 from the app. If the downloads keep climbing, we'll hit six figures in a few months."

Billy's eyes lit up. "Six figures? Okay, now you've got my attention."

Marshall leaned forward, his voice steady and confident. "Good. Because we need to convince our parents this is worth it. They're the ones who'll need to help us with the legal stuff, inspections, and renovations. If they say no, it's back to brainstorming."

Peter tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We need to pitch this like it's a sure thing. Show them the potential, the plan, and the benefits. They'll want to know why it's worth the risk."

Billy grinned. "Leave that to me. I can charm anyone."

Marshall raised an eyebrow. "You're a good talker, Billy, but we need more than charm. We need facts, numbers, and a vision they can believe in."

Billy rolled his eyes. "Fine, facts and numbers it is. But let's not forget I'll be the face of this operation. People like me. People trust me."

Peter smirked. "People tolerate you."

Billy ignored the jab, focusing on the sketch. "So, when do we make the pitch?"

Marshall glanced at the clock. "Tonight. My parents, Aunt May, and your parents are coming over for dinner. We'll lay it all out for them."

Billy grinned, clapping his hands. "Perfect. Let's make this a night to remember."

Scene Two: The Big Pitch

The dining room was crowded, the table set with plates of spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad. Elaine and Darren Phillips sat at one end, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Aunt May was seated next to Peter, offering him an encouraging smile. Across from them were Billy's parents, Walter and Margaret Billingsworth, impeccably dressed and radiating an air of wealth.

Marshall stood at the head of the table, a tablet in hand, while Peter and Billy flanked him on either side. He took a deep breath, scanning the room. This was it—the moment of truth.

"Thank you all for being here tonight," Marshall began, his voice steady. "We've called this meeting because we have a vision—a vision for Nexus Inc. to become more than just an idea. We want to make it real, and we need your help to do it."

Darren raised an eyebrow. "Nexus Inc.? Sounds ambitious. What exactly are you planning?"

Peter stepped forward, holding up his tablet. "So far, we've developed a successful app that's generated nearly $50,000 in revenue. And at the science fair, we built D2, a prototype that has the potential to revolutionize robotics and personal assistants for kids."

Billy chimed in, his tone smooth and confident. "But we're not stopping there. We're ready to take the next step—establishing our first base of operations. And we've found the perfect place: the old Midtown Auto Shop."

Walter Billingsworth frowned, adjusting his gold cufflinks. "An auto shop? That doesn't sound very… sophisticated."

Marshall jumped in, his voice firm. "It's a starting point. The building is structurally sound, and with a bit of renovation, we can turn it into a fully functional think tank. A place where we can develop ideas, test prototypes, and grow Nexus Inc. into something extraordinary."

Elaine leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "And how exactly do you plan to pay for all of this?"

Peter quickly pulled up a financial chart. "We've already allocated a portion of the app revenue for this project. Between that and our plans to mass-produce D2, we'll have the funds to cover rent, renovations, and equipment."

Aunt May nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like you've really thought this through."

Margaret Billingsworth looked at her son. "And what's Billy's role in all of this?"

Billy flashed a charming smile. "I'm the body and face of Nexus Inc., of course. Marshall is the mind, Peter is the heart, and I'm the one who brings it all together."

Elaine raised an eyebrow. "And by that, you mean…?"

Marshall stepped in before Billy could derail the pitch. "Billy has the charisma and the connections to help us navigate contracts, partnerships, and public relations. He's an integral part of our team."

Walter stroked his chin, his expression skeptical. "It's a bold plan. But are you sure you're ready for something like this? You're all very young."

Marshall straightened his shoulders. "We're young, but we're capable. We've already proven we can create something successful with the app. Now, we're ready to take the next step. This isn't just a dream—it's a calculated risk."

Darren exchanged a look with Elaine, then turned back to the boys. "Alright, let's say we agree. What do you need from us?"

Marshall's face lit up with determination. "We need your support—help with legal paperwork, inspections, and maybe a bit of advice. We're not asking you to do the work for us. We just need guidance to make this happen."

Walter leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he nodded. "Fine. But I want regular updates on your progress. If I'm going to invest my time, I need to know it's not being wasted."

Elaine smiled, her pride evident. "I think this could be good for you boys. But remember—school comes first."

Darren chuckled. "Agreed. No skipping homework to save the world."

Aunt May ruffled Peter's hair. "Sounds like a lot of responsibility, but I think you're up for it."

Marshall grinned, the weight lifting from his shoulders. "Thank you. All of you. We won't let you down."

Scene Three: A New Chapter

The next weekend, the trio stood outside the old Midtown Auto Shop, keys in hand. The building was as rundown as they remembered, with peeling paint and a cracked sign hanging above the garage door. But to them, it was perfect.

Billy wrinkled his nose. "It smells like old tires."

Peter grinned, nudging him. "It's called character."

Marshall stepped forward, unlocking the door. As the heavy garage door creaked open, sunlight poured into the dusty interior, revealing a cavernous space filled with potential.

"This is it," Marshall said, his voice filled with excitement. "The beginning of Nexus Inc."

Billy smirked. "I hope you're ready to work, because I am not getting my hands dirty."

Peter laughed. "Don't worry, Billy. We'll keep you on PR duty."

As the three of them stepped inside, the possibilities stretched out before them. It wasn't much now, but they could see the future—their future—taking shape.

Scene Four: Scrambling Through the Journal

Marshall sat at his desk, bathed in the dim light of his desk lamp. His journal lay open in front of him, filled with pages of scribbled notes, diagrams, and carefully detailed observations. It was his personal vault of knowledge—alien transformations, MCU events, and ideas for Nexus Inc., all jotted down in frantic yet precise handwriting.

Flipping through the pages, he reached his section on Abilities and Observations.

Abilities:

• Superhuman Intelligence: Enhanced capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Memory recall verging on photographic.

• Accelerated Healing: Minor wounds heal within minutes; more severe injuries within hours. Pain subsides quickly.

• Enhanced Stamina: Longer endurance under physical and mental stress.

He tapped his pen against the page, a mix of pride and trepidation filling his mind. "I have gifts, but they're not normal," he muttered. "Not by a long shot."

He flipped to another section of the journal:

MCU Timeline:

• Iron Man (2008): Tony Stark reveals himself as Iron Man.

• Hulk vs. Abomination (2010): Harlem incident. SHIELD investigates.

• Thor's Arrival (2011): Banishment to Earth.

• Loki's Invasion (2012): Avengers form, New York attacked by Chitauri.

Next to the timeline, he'd scrawled notes on events he was certain were still to come:

• Ultron's emergence.

• The rise of Thanos and the Infinity Stones.

• The multiverse war initiated by Kang.

"This world isn't ready for what's coming," he whispered. "And neither am I—not yet."

Marshall turned to another page titled Kevin Levin—Potential Ally or Threat?

Observations:

• Displays energy-absorption abilities, possibly linked to physical transformations.

• Unpredictable temperament. Highly guarded.

• Strong potential but lacks control and focus.

Marshall leaned back, running a hand through his hair. He needed Kevin on his side, but trust was a delicate thing—especially with someone like Kevin.

Scene Six: A Meeting with Kevin

The basketball court behind the school was quiet, the faint glow of a streetlamp casting long shadows across the cracked asphalt. Marshall leaned against the chain-link fence, his hands stuffed into his hoodie pockets. The air was cool, the stillness broken only by the distant hum of traffic.

Kevin arrived a few minutes later, his usual swagger tempered by wariness. "Phillips," he said, stopping a few feet away. "What's with the cryptic message? What do you want?"

Marshall pushed off the fence, his posture calm but deliberate. "I think it's time we talked. No BS, no games. Just the truth."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, his smirk half-hearted. "The truth, huh? That's rich coming from you."

Marshall ignored the jab. "I know about your powers, Kevin. I've seen you in action. You're stronger than you let on—but it's also obvious you're holding back."

Kevin's expression darkened. "You've been spying on me?"

"Not spying," Marshall said evenly. "Observing. And before you get all defensive, let me make something clear: I'm not here to judge you or expose you. I'm here to help."

Kevin crossed his arms, skepticism written all over his face. "Help? With what?"

"With control," Marshall replied. "I know what it's like to have abilities you didn't ask for. To feel like you're carrying something you don't fully understand. It's a lot to handle, and it's easy to feel like you're on your own."

Kevin's jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything.

Marshall took a step closer, his voice steady. "I'm not normal either, Kevin. I heal faster than I should. I can think faster, solve problems faster. But even with all of that, I'm still figuring it out—just like you."

Kevin's eyes narrowed. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I see potential in you," Marshall said simply. "You've got power, Kevin. Real power. But right now, you're letting it control you instead of the other way around. I can help you change that."

Kevin scoffed, his defenses rising again. "What makes you think I need your help? I've been fine on my own."

"Have you?" Marshall challenged. "Or have you just been getting by? I get it—you don't trust people. You've been burned before. But going solo only gets you so far. You need allies, Kevin. People who get it."

Kevin's smirk returned, but it was hollow. "And you think you're that guy? My big ally?"

Marshall met his gaze without flinching. "I think we could help each other. You've got raw strength, and I've got the brains to figure out how it works. Together, we could be unstoppable. Or you can keep doing things your way—alone, angry, and always looking over your shoulder."

Kevin stared at him, the conflict evident in his expression. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're annoying, you know that?"

Marshall smirked. "I've been told."

Kevin took a step back, his posture less defensive but still guarded. "Alright, Phillips. I'll think about it. But don't expect me to start braiding friendship bracelets anytime soon."

"Noted," Marshall said, extending a hand. "Truce?"

Kevin hesitated, then shook his hand briefly. "Truce. But if you're messing with me, you'll regret it."

Marshall's smirk widened. "I wouldn't dream of it. Welcome to the team, Kevin."

Kevin rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. As he walked away, Marshall felt a sense of accomplishment. He didn't have all the answers yet, but getting Kevin on his side was a step in the right direction.

To be continued…