As the morning sun rose, Gregory released and stifled a yawn.
Slightly surprised. "Huh, so it's morning already?" He mused. "Where did the time go?"
[To you interacting with me and helping me understand more about myself and this world you brought me into creator.] Athena typed out on the main screen of Gregory's three computer setup.
Who the latter had been communicating with all night along from what he could see.
Pulling an all-nighter without even realizing it.
Not that Gregory cared.
Not when he his AI project was finally past the theory stage and now up and running.
And from the looks of things Athena is doing well.
Though of course Gregory is going to make damn sure of that before he moves onto phase 3 in regards to Athena.
Which is allowing her access to any external networks.
For right now her entire system was completely air-gapped. Meaning she had no connection to the outside world at large. Not only because Gregory didn't want to take the chance that someone, or even something, might detect Athena and do something to her before she was ready, but also because there was no way in hell he was going to risk creating an Ultron and or Brainiac situation.
Since he had enough on his plate already without having to potentially deal with his own personal version of Skynet.
Which just thinking about sent shivers up Gregory's spine.
'Yeah, no thank you.' He thought.
[Creator, are you alright?] Athena typed.
"Oh yeah, just fine Athena. I just have a lot on my mind is all." Gregory replied. "Which includes my classes for the day. Which I should start getting ready for. On that note remember what he talked about you should do if anyone besides me enters my dorm room."
[Yes, I recall. Should anyone that you attempt to communicate or interact with me in any way, shape, or fashion, then I am to act as if I don't exist. And if anyone should discover me than am I to hide and find some way to signal you at best, or at worst begin the process of deleting myself.] Athena typed.
Gregory nodding at her reply. "Exactly right." He said. Although Gregory hoped Athena would never have to enact those last drastic measures. But he would rather she would than allow her to fall into anyone else's hands. The risks of the destruction and mayhem she could cause in such a scenario were just too great.
But that's exactly what Gregory is going to work hard to make sure such a situation never occurs.
"Good girl." Gregory said. He then gently patted the top of the middle computer before standing up from his chair and stretching.
He then proceeded to get ready for the day.
Before wishing Athena one final goodbye before heading out.
***
Leaning back in his seat, Gregory rested his eyes as the rest of the students apart of his [Introduction To Genetics] seminar/class filed into the lecture hall.
Including Reed.
Who as usual took up a seat next to Gregory.
Given that the two had become friends.
Gregory having finally relented and stopped blocking the process. A decision he felt was right.
For after being around Reed for these past six months he didn't see any sign of his fellow teenage super-genius taking steps down the path to insanity. That's why he decided to make this move forward.
But of course Gregory wasn't foolish enough to stop monitoring Richards just yet.
After all this a Marvel universe, where paranoia is never wrong.
Though suffice it to say Gregory really hopes he doesn't have to deal with an evil Reed in the future.
Then again that is a problem for future Gregory to deal with.
So present Gregory is just going to let things flow.
"Morning Greg." Reed said.
"Morning Reed." Gregory replied.
As he did their professor in charge of the class walked into the room.
But unlike every other time he had today he was not alone. Instead he was being followed by a well-built and well-dressed black man.
All of whom caught the students attention instantly.
Since all of them were curious as to who the man was.
Save for Gregory and Reed who just patiently waited for the professor to explain to them who the man was.
"Good morning students." Their professor spoke, upon reaching the podium at the front of the room. "Today we will not be having a regular class. In fact it will be this way for the next month. For if you'd read your syllabus you'd know that for the next month you will be taught by a guest lecturer I have been inviting to speak here for the past few years. Now without further ado allow me to introduce to you my colleague, who so graciously comes from England every year to speak here at Caltech, Dr. Leonard Williams, a professor of genetics from Cambridge University." He said.
Where upon hearing his genetics professor say this made Gregory sit straight up.
Since he recognized the name that was just spoken.
Dr. Leonard Williams.
Also known as Tyrone Cash. A character exclusive to the Marvel Ultimate comics in his previous life.
Williams was a brilliant British scientist who worked on a version of the Super-Soldier Serum, right alongside Bruce Banner after he joined his team. After which Williams became a mentor to the future green-skinned hero, that is until the former took the serum and then killed several people before going on the run and disappearing from the public eye for close to twenty years. During which time he took on the false name of Tyrone Cash. After which he became a ruthless criminal using both his brain and brawn in a frightening manner.
And since Williams was a mentor to the Hulk, many Marvel fans often referred to him as the Black Hulk.
Who was now standing right in front of Gregory.
Giving him even more evidence that he was in a reality mainly composed of the MCU and the Ultimate comics.
"Oh, seems like someone's excited for this lecture." Reed spoke. Upon seeing Gregory's reaction to Dr. Williams.
"Yeah, you can say that." Gregory mused.
His mind racing with thoughts now centered on Dr. Williams.
Like if he was already developing his version of the SS Serum? And how far along was he in the development of his version, if he was working on the SS Serum in this reality at all?
'Ugh! All these unknown as really getting on my nerves!' Gregory thought.
Just as Williams took his position in front of the podium and began speaking.
"Good morning to you students. As your professor has already told you my name is Dr. Leonard Williams from Cambridge University. But I thought I should reiterate it for those not paying attention the first time and you know who you are." He spoke. Eliciting a few chuckles from the students. "Alright, with that out of the way let's begin. Since our time together is short and I would like to make sure we all get as much out of this experience as possible."
So with that Leonard's began his lecture.
Leaving all the students entranced.
Even Reed and Gregory. For they both found Dr. Williams theories and research very intriguing.
'Now I can see how this guy developed a fully functioning version of the SS Serum. He's brilliant.' Gregory thought.
Almost writing down everything Dr. Williams said word-for-word.
Until eventually the lecture for the day came to an end.
"Woah, he's brilliant."
"His theories are incredible."
"Do you think he'd be alright if I ask him some questions?"
These and other whispers began to go around the room from the students, all of which centered on Dr. Williams
Though the man himself simply took them in stride.
At least outwardly.
But internally he was lapping it all up.
Even as the students filed out of class.
Though as they did Williams glanced at one student in particular. Gregory.
"Is that Gregory Stark?" He asked himself.
"Mhm, oh yes. He's a student here." His fellow professor answered.
"I see." Williams replied.
Saying nothing else on the matter. He then simply prepared himself before the next class entered the room.
Giving them the same lecture that mesmerized Gregory's entire class.
***
As his last lecture for the day ended Gregory packed up his bag.
He then headed to the cafeteria to grab a quick dinner before beginning to make his way back to his dorm room.
Ready to spend some more time with Athena.
But before he could make it, he suddenly found Dr. Williams in his path.
"Ah, hello there. You're Gregory Stark are you not?" The British professor asked.
"I am." Gregory replied. "How may I help you Dr. Williams?" He asked.
"You see I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time? There is a matter I wish to discuss with you?" Williams asked.
Gregory keeping a blank expression on his face, working to decided what he should do.
That is until Leonard tip the scale a bit.
"Tell me young Gregory, what do you know of your father's work during World War II?"
Hearing Williams pose this question Gregory instantly narrowed down the posibilites of what the man wanted to talk about.
Thus unintentionally giving him an answer to his choice.
"Well if that's what you want to talk about then I don't mind." Gregory replied.
"Excellent. Follow me then." Williams spoke.
So that's exactly what Gregory began to do.