[December 31, 1999]
[Bern, Switzerland]
A glass of champagne in his left hand, and a smile on his face, and dressed in a dark-brown Brioni suit, which matched the color of his eyes, Michael moved around room he was in and mingled with those inside of it with him.
The other people with Michael in the room some of the world's leading scientist, CEO's of various corporations, government officials from various nations, etc.
All of them having been invited, just like Michael, to the Bern Technology Summit, or Bern 2000, in Switzerland, where he currently was.
Continuing to mingle Michael stopped when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Michael, is that you?"
Turning to face the owner of the voice, which was none other than his old classmates Dr. Maya Hansen, he walked up to her and lightly kissed the back of her left hand. "Maya, so good to see you again." He spoke.
Even though the two of them had just recently seen each other a few months ago during another conference in New York.
For during his time with her at M.I.T. Michael and Maya had struck up a friendship, despite their age difference. One that has been persisting after all these years.
"Same to you." Maya replied. "So, how are things running the world's newest Fortune 500 company?" She asked.
Because Michael company, known as Holt Industries, which had only been around for close to four years now was already apart of that list. And ranked in the top 30 no less. Where it was slowly but steadily climbing the rankings.
All thanks to Michael.
For two of his first inventions had put led to his company becoming Fortune 500 in such a short amount of time.
The first was a new cellphone brand known as the H phone, which was just a re-creation of the I phone, but over a decade earlier in this world than in Michael's last one thanks to him. His phone having revolutionized the way people communicate with each other.
While his other invention the I.C.E.R., which he recreated from the television show Agents of SHIELD, had put him in good with military and law enforcement organizations all across the globe. Given his I.C.E.R. had revolutionized that field as well, in particular to non-lethal takedowns.
"Not as hard as you'd think." Michael replied. "So, how have things been with you? Have you made any progress in that "special project" of yours yet?" He whispered.
Speaking about Extremis.
Which Maya had finally invented a few months ago, and informed Michael about when they met at that technology conference a few months prior in New York.
"Not yet." Maya whispered in response. "Though I'm hoping tonight, with all these brilliant minds in one place I'll get an idea of how to procede."
"Or you could finally take me up on my offer and come work for me." Michael whispered once more.
For ever since he had founded Holt Industries he had been asking Maya to come and work for him. Not only because he was in agreement with her ideas for Extremis, and knew she was a brilliant scientist, but it was also so he could protect her and her work from those who would abuse it. Like in the original timeline.
"Again Michael thank you for the offer, but like I've said many times before I'm go-"
Maya began.
Only to she didn't get to finish, since Tony Stark decided to arrive at that exact moment.
Even though the conference had started hours ago.
"And yet again Stark is fashionably late." Michael said. "You know I'm starting to think that might be his superpower." He joked.
Getting a laugh from Maya. "Maybe, maybe." Maya replied.
"Hey, Michael, how you doing?!" Tony shouted. Walking over to Michael and Maya. "You look good. And your date looks really good." Tony spoke. Turning his attention to Maya. "Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, philanthropist, at your service." He said. Offering Maya a hand.
"You forgot playboy extraordinaire." Michael added. A blank expression on her face. "Secondly, hello Tony. Thirdly, Dr. Hansen here is not might date. She's an old classmate from M.I.T. and a friend. Nothing more."
"Oh I see." Tony mused. "Well then Dr. Hansen. Hello."
"Yes, hello." Maya replied. Finding herself a bit star struck as she conversed with Tony.
Michael ignoring it.
Especially since he wanted this part of the timeline to play out, hopefully, exactly like it did in the films.
For even though he didn't want Maya to end up with hurt feelings, given their friendship, he knew that would be just the push she needed to finally accept his offer and come work for him.
Giving him access to Extremis and no one else.
So he could use it properly to change the world.
Along with enhancing himself.
'So come on Tony. This is the one time I need to you be an insensitive man whore.' Michael thought.
Though outwardly he simply shipped from his champagne glass as he, alongside Happy, watched as Maya and Tony flirted.
That is until Michael noticed none other than Aldrich Killian approaching their small group.
[Insert Image of Aldrich Killian Here]
The man still possessing the physical disabilities he had before fixing himself with Extremis.
"Mr. Stark, excuse me Mr. Stark." Killian began to say.
Only for Happy to step into his path. "Woah, hold on their pal." He said.
"Mr. Stark, I just need one moment of your time." Killian said. Ignoring Happy.
When he did Tony turned his attention to him. The scene then played out exactly like it did in the film.
Though after it did Michael walked up to Killian, leading the man to put a slightly surprised expression on his face. "Michael Holt?"
"The one and only." Michael replied. "So Mr. Killian, if I caught your name right, looks like you're looking to do business with a big name company. Leading me to wonder, can I throw my own hat in the running?" He asked.
"What? I mean, sure you can. yes." Aldrich exclaimed.
Finding it wonderful that the young and brilliant founder of Holt Industries was taking an interest in him.
"Great." Michael replied. A smile on his face. "Meaning I can get one of those cards too?"
"Yes, you can." Killian spoke.
He then awkwardly reached into his pocket and took out one of his business cards before handing it to Michael, who graciously accepted it.
After he did the pair chatted for a while before parting ways.
Killian with a smile on his face.
While Michael had one as well.
No one noticing how the smile never reached his eyes.
***
'Why. why me?' Killian thought.
Standing on the edge of the hotel roof, looking down at the street below.
His heart filled with anger, but most of all immense sadness.
For he had been waiting for Tony Stark to arrive to discuss business plans between Stark Industries and A.I.M. as he had agreed to. Though the man hadn't made an appearance. Even though Aldrich had been patiently waiting.
"Ah, I see. He never had any intention of showing up did he?" Aldrich mused to himself. "Heh. Of course not. Why would someone like Tony Stark actually tell me the truth." He sneered.
Killian then began thinking about all the struggles he had gone through up into his life through now. Looked down on people simply because he was born in a way he couldn't control.
"Maybe...thinks would be better if I weren't here." Killian muttered to himself.
As he did the door to the roof silently opened and Michael stepped through it.
He then with a blank expression on his face conjured forth a magic circle, which blew a strong gust of wind aimed directly at Killian's back.
When it hit Killian was forced forward over the ledge. "Wait, no, no, no!" He screamed.
But it was already too late.
Racing toward the ground in a matter of seconds Killian hit it face first, his brain exploding on impact. Leading to the man's death.
Once this occurred Michael quickly slipped off the roof.
His mission accomplished.
Putting an end to the threat that was Aldrich Killian before it even truly began.
Since there was no way he was going to let a potential threat like that run around unchecked.
***
A/N: Okay, so I know the last part of the chapter got a bit dark there in the end. Though it won't always be like that. However let me tell you all something right now. Michael is an anti-hero. Like Deadpool and the Punisher he's going to kill his enemies without mercy if and when he gets the chance.
He's not going to try and redeem everyone, though he's not going to murder everyone. He's going to be a bit chaotic good. Meaning he'll do what it takes to survive and protect those closet to him. Even if it means getting his hands dirty. Also the times kips should stop for a while after this. Now next chapter is Extremis, so stay tuned.