As Gregory followed Williams, the latter eventually led him to the biology departments building.
Then to an office.
As they went inside Leonard then closed the door and took a seat behind the desk. "Welcome to my temporary home away from home. Please, take a seat Mr. Stark." He spoke. Indicating to the chairs in front of the desk.
One of which Gregory moved to sit in. "Thank you, don't mind if I do." He said. "So Dr. Williams, what did you wish to discuss with me? And what does it have to do with my father?" He asked.
Though Gregory like knew where this was going. Given the memories from his previous life, and his own immense intellect.
After Gregory asked his questions Leonard leaned back in his chair.
"Before I answer those questions, as you probably already know, given that you likely heard these stories growing up, your father worked for the Allies. And he worked closely with the world's first super-soldier, Captain America."
"Yes, I know this well. My brother and I heard all the stories growing up." Gregory replied.
"Of course you did." Williams said. "Of course. But what you might not have heard yet is how after Captain America was lost your father went to work, as many scientists have done since then, on trying to re-create the circumstances of his birth. Meaning they have been trying to re-create the genius work of Dr. Abraham Erskine and develop another working super-soldier Serum. And in that regard I am one of the many scientists working on that as well." He explained.
"I see." Gregory replied. Realizing his guess about why Williams wanted to speak with him in private was right on the money. "So, does that mean the reason you wished to speak to me alone was that I could perhaps connect you with my father, so the two of you could work on the serum together?" He asked.
At these words Williams shook his head. "No. In fact the reason I asked you here is because I don't wish to work with your father but I want to propose a partnership between the two of us." Williams explained.
Leading to Gregory actually being stunned. "Wait, you want to work with me? Why? Not that I'm not flattered but I'm still just a teenager. I don't even have a degree or accomplishment to my name yet."
"But it's easy to see you'll get them in no time at all. The accomplishments and a degree. For it's obvious to anyone who looks at you you are your father's son. But unlike him, who is getting up there in years, your life is just beginning. You have so much time ahead of you. Not to say your father isn't still doing great work, but sadly the ravages of time are one of several things no one can combat I'm afraid. Not even the great Howard Stark can stave off old age and death. Not to mention he's been working on this problem for decades and still hasn't come up with a solution to it. That's why I feel fresh minds, like yours, are needed. Hence why I am making this proposal to you young Gregory."
"Right. And this isn't breaking any laws correct?" Gregory asked.
Since he knew most super-soldier serum projects were maintained and operated by the government and he didn't want to find himself on the wrong end of a black-ops team that would spirt his ass away to a black site for some enhanced interrogation.
For again, this is a Marvel universe he is living in.
So what he just described is entirely possible, and not even the worst thing that might occur if he makes a wrong move.
"It's not." Williams replied. "But of course I won't expect you to take my word for it. So investigate my and my motives to your hearts content. Even inform your father if you wish. I have nothing to hide. And if you refuse that is your right. But if you agree to my proposal, then please contact me." He said.
Williams then handed Gregory a business card.
"Right." Gregory spoke. "Well then, excuse me." He said.
Gregory then got up and left Williams' office.
After which he went straight back to his dorm room and locked it.
[Welcome back creator. How were your classes today?] Athena typed the moment after Gregory entered.
"They were good. But we can discuss that later. Right now let's focus on you." Gregory said.
For he wanted Athena up and running quite a bit more. Especially with the offer he just got from Leonard Williams.
Who Gregory knew was obviously trying to manipulate him. Even though the man was subtle about it.
Oh he did everything right. Smiled. Praised both Gregory and Howard, while also pushing other emotional buttons. Like trying to play to Gregory's ego and vanity. Telling him he could succeed where his father Howard had failed and develop another properly functioning version of the SS Serum.
And if Gregory were just any other fourteen year old, he might have fallen for it.
But he's not. He's a reincarnate.
Leonard Williams having no idea whom he just tried to fuck with.
But eventually he will.
Oh yes, he most certainly will.
***
As Gregory was plotting his next moves against Williams, the man himself was also doing the same thing.
In his hotel room, which he would be using for the duration of month-long stay in the US, he was currently sitting in a chair looking out at the Pasadena skyline. A glass of expensive brandy in one of hand. While he used his other to type on World War II era typewriter.
[Made contact with target. Waiting to hear back. Orders if he refuses the offer?]
Williams typed.
Then a few seconds later a message was seemingly typed back.
[Same as before. If target refuses offer then retreat. Further actions could set into motion unfavorable events.]
[Understood.] Leonard typed back. [Hail Hydra]
[Hail Hydra].
The typewriter typed back.
Once it did Leonard finished off the brandy in the glass in his hand and then poured himself some more.
Unaware his plans weren't going to work out the way he wanted them too.
***
Suprise!
Yes, Leonard Williams in this fic is working with Hydra! I mean since he's a criminal in the Ultimate comics I thought I'd do the same thing here. And who was the Hydra operative he was communicating with on the other end of the typewriter you ask?
Well continue reading the story to find out.
Until the next chapter then.