The Invention Left By A Little Stark | Book 2

9) Stark and Pym

-1989-

Hank Pym marched through the new SHIELD HQ with a dark expression etched onto his face.

The Triskelion was still under construction but already it was clear that the building would become one of the most prominent in the world.

A tired looking security guard was waiting by the elevator. His back was to the main doors and he seemed to be staring mindlessly up at the glass ceiling of the reception and lobby area without a care in the world.

Hank continued his march right up to this man. "Where are those damned directors?"

The security, now startled, grumbled in annoyance without turning around. "I don't know, man. This whole place is under construction so they're probably not here. Why don't you come back right around... Never?"

With his lips pulled back in a thin line, Hank crossed his arms. "You could at least look at me."

With another grumble the guard obliged and spun around to spout an insult, only to freeze up when he realized just who was standing in front of him.

"Y-You're Dr. Pym!" He stuttered.

"Nice to know the budget was well spent on the integrity detail." Hank said. "So, can we try again?"

"Of course, sir! I'm sorry. The, uh... The new directors should be on level ten, the boardroom."

"I appreciate it. Now do your job properly before you end up fired."

Leaving the security in a flustered mess, he entered the elevator and pressed the tenth floor. He waited as patiently as he could before leaving and passing another guard who directed him down a series of hallways.

Finally, he found the board room. Inside was Peggy Carter, Howard Stark, and Mitchell Carson.

"Stark!" Hank called.

Immediately, his expression was caught by the other three. They could practically feel the anger radiating from the man.

Carson eyed him cautiously. "He doesn't seem happy."

Howard took a subtle breath as he rose to his feet. "Hello, Hank. You're supposed to be in Moscow."

Hank sauntered up to the table and - in a very passive aggressive fashion - took a vial from inside his suit jacket and placed it down for them to see.

"I took a detour." He stated. "Through your defense lab."

The vial contained a red substance of which each person in the room knew all too well. Or at least a somewhat convincing copy of what they thought they recognized.

Peggy picked it up for a closer look with a subtle look of surprise. "Tell me that isn't what I think it is."

"That depends on if you think it's a poor attempt to replicate my work." Hank replied. "Even for this group, that takes nerve."