Godzilla|Marvel Saga Book 1: WORLDS COLLIDE

Part 3: The Gathering

BAXTER BUILDING

Landing on the platform just outside the sliding door, Iron Man opened his face plate and stepped inside the lab.
"I hope I'm not too late."

"Not at all!" Reed Richards greeted him. Inside, Dr. Connors was sitting at a table nursing a coffee. Cyclops, Beast and Professor Xavier were examining the various devices in the lab, and Kitty sat with Susan Richards having their own conversation over tea. Reed Richards came forward, literally stretching his arm to greet Tony.
"It's great to have you here Mr. Stark! It's been a while."

The armor opened, and Tony casually stepped out of the suit, dressed in comfortable clothes.
"When was the last time I was here? Was it when Doom tried to use the Chrysler Building to broadcast mind-control waves?"

"I think so yeah." Reed gestured an arm towards the other guests. "Tony, meet Dr. Curt Connors."

Connors rose from his seat, shaking hands with Stark. "An honor to meet you Mr. Stark, er, please excuse my composure, the flight here was a little nerve-wracking."

"He made you ride in the flying bumper-car huh?" Stark guessed.

Reed was dismayed by the nickname. "Why does everyone call it that?"

"Don't worry doc." Stark put a hand on Connors' shoulder. "It wears off. I followed your thesis on modeling a primitive A.I. on the reptilian brain, impressive stuff."

Connors was genuinely taken aback. "Well thank you."

"Good to see you again Tony." Professor Xavier said as he and Beast approached.

Tony greeted them both. "letting the students run the school today?"

"No." Xavier chuckled. "Jean is in charge today, between her and Logan the students aren't liable to burn the place down."

No one else could see Cyclops wince behind his visor, the thought of Jean and Wolverine left to mind the house together left him with a primal jealousy. He trusted her, but Logan wasn't known for his self-restraint.

Stark put his hands on his hips. "It must be hard for Wolverine with so many of the kids being taller. McCoy!"

"Hello Tony." Beast returned as they shook hands.

Looking around, Tony examined the other guests. "This is a nice little club we got going here huh? And don't worry I still haven't told anyone about the time you let me pet you."

Beast recoiled slightly, his eyes darting back and forth. "I appreciate the discretion."

Kitty now joined the circle, putting on her best face.

"And is this the young Shadowcat I've been hearing about?". Stark asked.

"Yes Mr. Stark, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Kitty reached to greet him, but her hand phased right through his. She smiled and offered a weak chuckle.
"Sorry, that happens sometimes when I'm nervous."

"That's okay. it happens to everyone on their first time."

"Hello Tony." Susan Richards stood apart from the group, her arms folded.

Tony joined his hands behind his back and refused to meet her gaze.
"Hello Susan. You're looking well."

"Mmm-hmm." was all she spared him.

Turning back to the party's host, Stark just wanted to get things going. "So Reed, are we ready to start the super-secret meeting yet?"

"We're waiting on one more party to begin." Reed said with a raised finger.