A/N: Suprise! Thought I'd gift you guys with a third chapter today. Hope you enjoy it.
***
Making his way back to his hotel room Michael got comfortable and began to wait for the inevitable visit from the authorities.
For even though it looked like Killian committed suicide there would still be some sort of investigation. But Michael also knew considering how many influential people had been invited to attend the Bern Conference the investigation into Killian's death would be wrapped up quickly. So certain people could avoid any bad press.
A fact Michael was banking on.
Which is why he decided to take out Killian at the conference in the first place years ago.
Because he knew left unchecked Killian and A.I.M. would become a threat, even if he didn't get their hands on Maya and her Extremis, and he wasn't about to allow that possibility to exist.
At least for someone like Aldrich Killian.
I mean sure, did he just destroy the events of Iron Man Three?
Absolutely.
But did Michael care?
No.
Because this was real life with real consequences for action, or rather, inaction, and Michael knew that. He also knew he was living in an AU version of the MCU. So he had no guarantee everything he saw in the films would line up in his new reality. Especially with he himself making so many changes.
That's why he's at peace with the actions he took.
For he's carving his own path forward, and not letting anything stand in his way.
Turning on his hotel room television Michael already found one of the news stations reporting on the events surrounding Killian.
As he watched it he stopped when he heard a knock on his hotel room door.
Getting up he moved to answer it, finding the police waiting for him outside. Exactly as he predicted.
Especially since he was seen conversing with Killian earlier in front of several guests.
"Mr. Holt. We're the police. If you don't mind may we come in?? One of the officers asked.
"Of course officers." Michael replied.
He then let the police into his room and went through the whole show of acting shocked at Killian's death. After which he answered any questions the police asked him. Until eventually they left.
Once they did Michael got comfortable again. Knowing all he had to know was sit and wait.
***
*Ring Ring Ring*
Hearing his hotel phone ring Michael cracked open his eyes.
Ignoring the morning sun shining into them as he moved to answer his phone. "Yes, hello?" He asked.
"Hey Michael, it's me." Hearing Maya's voice on the other end. "I know its early, but do you think we could meet up and talk?" She asked. Michael noting she sounded both angry and a little sad.
Telling him Tony likely pulled a "hit it and quit it" just like in the film.
"Sure. Is the hotel lounge good?" Michael asked.
"Yes." Maya replied.
"Okay. Meet you there in few minutes then." He replied. Michael then hung up the phone. Putting a smirk on his face afterwards.
"As Hannibal from the A-Team would say, I love it when a plan comes together." He mused.
Michael then got up to get ready to go and meet Maya.
***
"And then he leaves me nothing but a note. I mean sure he gave me insights into Extremis, but on just a note. A note!" Maya harshly spoke.
Michael saying nothing as he listened to Maya recount her night with Tony Stark.
Though thankfully she didn't go into too much detail, since he did not want to know those particulars under any circumstances.
All Maya told him was that she and Tony had a good time. Which became a bit more intense after police interrupted them to get information on Killian. But after this occurred they got right back to their good time.
Though for Maya that soured when she woke up and found Tony had vanished without a trace.
"Playboy extraordinaire is the perfect name for Stark." Maya said. Huffing after she did. "I just though we really connected you know."
"Yeah, I hear you Maya. But you need to remember that billionaire gigolo's are experts at faking that kind of connection with woman." Michael said with a straight face.
"Pfft!"
Getting a laugh out of Maya.
"Okay, good one." Maya said.
"Thank you. I try." Michael replied. "So, did you hear about Killian?" He asked.
When he did Maya's mood dampened a bit. "Yeah, I did. I just still can't believe it. I mean he seemed so full of life, despite his disabilities."
"Yeah, well with people in that situation you really can't tell what they're thinking until the end." Michael mused. "On another note, do you know where you're headed next?"
"Well actually, I know this probably isn't the best time, but I was wondering, is that job offer still on the table?" Maya asked.
Michael smirking inside as she did.
"Maya, of course it is." Michael replied. "Though I've been asking you for the past couple of years now to join me at Holt Industries and now all of a sudden you have a change of heart. Care to explain?"
"It's to do with the information Stark provided me in regards to Extremis last night." Maya spoke. She then pulled out the napkin and handed it over to Michael. "Here, take a look." She said.
Taking the napkin Michael looked it over and couldn't help but let out a low whistle. Marveling at Stark's genius even in his drunken-state. "Yeah, with this you can definitely take Extremis to the next level."
"I know right. But I'm worried about what investors might use the technology for. And there's no way I'm asking Stark to invest. And I know you and what your company is all about, so what do you say Michael?" Maya spoke.
"I say welcome to Holt Industries Dr. Hansen. We're happy to have you aboard." Michael said. Returning the formula napkin to Maya.
"Thank you Michael. And I promise, you won't regret it." Maya spoke.
"Oh, I know I won't Maya." Michael replied.
No, he most certainly wouldn't.
***
[January 3rd, 2000]
[Los Angeles, California]
As his personal jet touched down, on his company owned private runway at LAX, Michael unbuckled his seatbelt.
Maya doing the same thing.
For after all the business concerning Killian's death had been wrapped up in Switzerland, which was ruled a suicide, Michael had offered to personally escort Maya back to Holt Industries HQ in Los, Angeles.
Which of course Michael set up there on purpose.
Namely to give other corporations in town, namely Stark Industries, a run for their money.
Following Michael's example Maya unbuckled her own seatbelt.
As they did the stairs to the jet began lowering.
When this was finished Michael and Maya exited the jet, finding a car waiting for them.
Their luggage already been placed in the car's trunk.
"Fancy." Maya mused.
"Hey, Stark isn't the only genius, billionaire, philanthropist around town." Michael said. "Also as we discussed back in Switzerland all of your stuff back at your apartment in New York is being shipped to your new address here in Los, Angeles." Michael explained.
As he did one of his people walked up to him and handed him a set of keys. "And these are the keys to new said home." He explained. Handing them to Maya.
"Wow Michael, thanks." Maya said. Surprised.
"Hey, no need for that. You're one of my people now and I always take care o my people." Michael explained. "On that note, ready to go and see where you'll be working from now on?"
"Yes." Maya replied.
"Excellent." Michael said.
He then ushered her into the car and after he did they got on the road.
Arriving at their destination in just an hour and a half.
The Headquarters for Holt Industries.
[Image Here]
Stepping out of the car Maya took it all in. "It's massive."
"Of course. I mean changing and innovating takes more space than a garage or basement after all. Not that it can't happen there. Still. At least here we can play with all the good stuff without too many worries." Michael said. "Now, time for the tour." He said.
Michael then ushered Maya inside. Where he began showing her the corporate offices, the breakrooms, and every nook and cranny of his companies HQ. Though he saved the best for lab. The scientific facilities.
Where once Michael started taking Maya through he knew he had sealed the deal on her employment by the look on her face.
Especially when he introduced her to her own personal lab.
"Michael, I don't know what to say. I mean I just got here and you're all ready giving me a personal lab and a full-time staff?" She questioned. Michael having explained all this to Maya when they got to her lab. "It's all so much."
"Well you and your ideas warrant this much Maya." Michael spoke. A serious expression on his face. "I mean it. I mean if you get Extremis to work properly we could use it to end world-hunger, give soldiers and accident victims back their full lives. Even possibly end birth defects in the entire human race. Of course we'll need testing and all that. But when I look at Extremis and see its endless possibilities it truly excites me Maya. For it can change the world. And you are the mind behind it. So that's something I have no issue placing my faith in." He explained.
Maya feeling heart warmed at Michael's words. "Thank you."
"Eh, don't mention it." Michael said. "And if you really want to thank you me you can get to work as soon as possible."
"Understood boss." Maya joked.
Leading the pair of friends and fellow scientists to share a laugh.
After which they decided to go their separate ways, with Maya going to check out her new home, while Michael headed up to his personal office to take care of any company-related matters he missed while at the Bern conference.
Which was easy for him.
Once that was completed he finished up some of the coursework he had remaining to earn his seventh PhD.
Because in the years since he had set up Holt Industries he had obtained two more degrees.
A PhD in Mathematic, a PhD in Chemistry, and for the final one it was a Law Degree from UCLA.
Though right now he was finishing up work on his PhD in History.
Once that was done Michael stood up and stretched.
He then walked over to a bookshelf in his office and twisted a statue of the "Thinking Man" sculpture he had sitting on it. After he did Michael stepped back and the bookshelf slid to the left, revealing a hidden elevator.
Which Michael knew was incredibly cliché, but dammit he didn't care.
After all, since he was heading to the secret base he had built, with his money, then he could damn well create an entrance to it however he pleased.
As the elevators doors opened up Michael stepped in and then road it down. Until eventually the elevator stopped and opened up.
Depositing Michael in his secret base/lab.
[Image Here]
A place he had built during the construction of his companies headquarters.
A feat which was actually quite easy for him. All he had to do was erase all of the workers minds once the construction was complete using a bit of mental magic, and viola. His own personal secret lair.
"Welcome back Michael. It looks like trip to Switzerland was quite fruitful"
One where he could not only store ADAM servers but also expand upon them. Michael having dedicated a single room in the base for that one purpose.
"Thanks ADAM." He replied. "And yes, it was. Now then, report." Michael spoke.
Moving to take a seat in one of the chairs at one of the workstation terminals surrounding the holographic globe in the center of the main area of the base.
A globe that was soon replaced with several holographic screens, showing various images. From video streams, to scientific data, etc.
"As you wish." ADAM replied. "No significant changes have taken place in regards to the targets you have asked me to track and surveil. I have done as you instructed and have been quietly and quickly acquiring any and all assets associated with the think tank A.I.M. By the end of the week they will all be under our control. Lastly I have managed to get into contact with the mercenary known as Klaue, and have set a meeting between you and him in a month." The AI explained to his creator.
Giving him a status report on everything Michael had assigned him to investigate.
An event that occurred regularly. For Michael was using ADAM as an early warning system of sorts to make sure shit didn't hit the fan too badly on Earth, and if it did he could respond accordingly.
Listening to ADAM report Michael nodded, and then began grinning the moment he heard the news about Klaue.
Since it put Vibranium within his reach.
Michael having already acquired Adamantium on the black Market just last year. Even though it cost him a pretty penny. But it was worth it.
"Excellent." Michael said to ADAM.
Though he knew this meant he needed to hurry and finish his preparations for his upcoming meeting with Klaue. Meaning he needed to perfect Extremis in under a month. For Michael wanted to go into this enhanced.
That being the case he stood up and headed for own of the bases many individuals labs. This particular one geared toward biology. "ADAM forward all data in regards to Extremis to the lab I'm currently occupying." He instructed.
For Michael had made sure all Extremis information was entered into the Holt Industries databanks while he and Maya were in Switzerland, of which ADAM had access to.
"It shall be done." ADAM replied.
He then did as Michael instructed and all Extremis data started appearing at one of the computers set up in the lab.
When it Michael began cracking his neck.
For it was time to get to work.