Sitting in his dorm room, his feet kicked up atop his computer desk, Gregory looked over all the information displayed on the screens in front of him.
All of it pertaining to Leonard Williams.
Which he had access to all thanks to Athena.
Who in the past three weeks had exceeded his expectations in all regards. Having grown leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time.
Now having the capability to hack into wireless networks.
But the AI had also begun developing something akin to human emotions, just as Gregory had intended. Especially after he introduced her to information about the world at large.
Which of course was a huge gamble, and if he could've waited he would have, but giving his suspicions about Dr. Williams Gregory decided to take the risk.
And he was glad he did.
Since it had paid off in more ways than one.
Now Gregory knew exactly what Williams game was.
The good doctor was a member of the tentacle worshipping cult known as Hydra.
Evidenced by the image Athena was currently displaying on the computer screen on Gregory's right.
Which was an image captured of a meeting between Leonard Williams and man Athena had identified as one Otto Vermis.
[Insert Image of Otto Vermis Here]
Who Gregory remembered from his previous life was the Supreme commander of Hydra's European Division, or at least a small Hydra European-based faction.
Since Gregory also recalled from his previous life that Hydra, like any other organization, had many different factions within it. Like the various ones featured in the Marvel television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in his previous life.
Oh and speaking of that turns out both Gideon Malick and his twisted brother Nathaniel are both still alive and well in this reality.
Adding yet another set of names of Gregory's disposal list.
Since he really didn't want to risk that squid-head Hive rearing its ugly mug, if those damn Obelisk from the television show were real in this reality.
But back to the main point.
"I see your game Williams." Gregory muttered.
Everything basically coming together.
Williams had either likely targeted him from the beginning, or contacted his Hydra allies back in Europe once he realized who he was and asked them for permission to target him. Either way, once he got the go ahead the man was likely ordered to lure him into helping develop a version of the Super-Soldier Serum. Which if brought to fruition would give a faction of Hydra a powerful weapon.
And it would've been accomplished with the help of a Stark.
A deadly irony Gregory could see Hydra lapping up like a thirsty man in the desert. Considering the role his father Howard played in stopping their plans during World War II.
[Creator, what is our next move?]
Athena typed on the main screen.
"Don't worry, I've already got it, and several moves ahead planned out." Gregory replied. Taking his feet down from atop his computer desk. "Now if you'll excuse me I've got a call to go and make." He spoke.
Gregory then went off to have a nice little chat with his father.
***
Papers spread out across his desk in front of him, Howard Stark sat in his personal office in his family's New York home, lying back in his chair as he took a break from all his work.
Because between running Stark Industries, and assisting his old friends in the government as a scientific advisor for S.H.I.E.L.D. Howard found himself spread so thin it wasn't even funny. To say nothing of his duties to his family.
'Ah, I wonder how the boys are doing?' Howard thought.
Thinking of Anthony and Gregory who were off at college.
Sighing briefly after he did.
Since although he would never admit it Howard knows his own faults. He knows he should be more present in his families lives, especially his sons, but the work he was doing was important. Though he knew he should try harder.
That's why Howard is so thankful for Maria.
Despite all the crap he pulled over the years she's never abandoned him. She really is one in a million.
Then there was his man Jarvis.
A man Howard could admit was his best friend.
They'd been through so much together since they met during the war.
Then there was Anthony.
Who Howard couldn't help but admit was exactly like him. Which he knew was likely the reason they butted heads so much. Unlike him and Gregory.
Howard somehow wondering how his eldest child got his intelligence but Maria's kindness, patience, and compassion. Even after all these years he still couldn't fathom it. Honestly to him it was a miracle.
And this is from a man who didn't believe in such things.
Well notwithstanding Gregory.
*Ring Ring*
Though before Howard could delve any deeper into his thoughts he was interrupted by his office phone ringing. Which when he heard he immediately answered. "Yes, hello?"
"Master Stark, master Gregory is calling and has asked to be put through to you. He says he has a matter of quite serious importance to discuss with you." Jarvis spoke on the other end of the line.
"Very well. Put him through Jarvis." Howard replied.
"Very good sir." Jarvis replied.
A second afer he did Gregory was connected with Howard.
"Hello dad." The eldest Stark child spoke.
"Hello Gregory. To what do I owe this call?" Howard spoke.
"Well you see a couple of weeks ago I was approached by a guest lecturer from my genetics class. A Doctor Leonard Williams from Cambridge University, who approached me and asked me to cooperate with him on the development of a new working version of the Super-Soldier Serum." Gregory explained.
Howards' blood turning cold upon hearing this information.
"What did you say?" Howard immediately asked.
"I haven't given him my reply yet. I thought first it'd be best to contact you." Gregory replied.
"And what a good decision that was son." Howard said. Finding a little relief in Gregory's sense.
For he was sure if this same scenario had happened with Tony his younger son would've likely accepted such an invitation outright just to spite him.
On that note Howard made a mental note to see if Tony had gotten a similar offer at M.I.T.
And if he did...
Just thinking about it got Howard extremely angry.
"Dad, you still there?" Gregory asked.
"Huh? Oh..oh yes. Sorry. It's just I was taken a bit aback by what you just told me is all." Howard replied. "I mean this is quite the offer you've gotten."
"Yeah, it is. And honestly I'm thinking of taking it." Gregory said.
"Gregory-"
"-Oh don't worry dad. I meant after I graduate. Since I'm not going to quit school just to work on this project."
"You know that's not what I mean." Howard said. "Son listen, getting involved with these like the Super-Soldier Serum its...it will change your entire world. For both the better and the worse, believe me. I'm speaking from experience. And you've got your whole life ahead of you."
"I know that dad. And I know what this offer truly means. Believe me, I do. I'm a Stark after all. But more than that I'm a son of Howard and Maria Stark. You raised me. You know me. And whether I accept this offer or not I would like your support. That's why I'm calling you in the first place." Gregory explained.
Then all he was met with was silence.
"Hello? Dad, you still there?"
"I am." Howard replied. "It's just...I'm wondering how I got a son such as yourself."
"You're wonderful wife, obviously." Gregory replied.
Father and son then shared a laugh at that.
"But seriously, do I have your support? Whatever my decision is?" Gregory asked.
"I...Yes." Howard relented. Deciding to give his eldest son the support he'd asked for. "But before you agree to anything give me a few days to check this Doctor Williams out."
"Of course, that's another reason I called you in the first place" Gregory replied. "Well then bye for now."
"Yes, bye for now." Howard said.
The pair then disconnected their call.
Then immediately after Howard dialed a new number.
The person on the other end picking up immediately.
"Hello there Howard. Not to say I don't enjoy getting a call from you but this isn't really the best of time." A female voice replied on the other end of the line.
"I know that Peggy. But I need your help and this can't wait." Howard said.
To none other than his old friend Peggy Carter. The current director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"You see one of your godsons was approached with an offer..." Howard began.
Since he had made Peggy the godmother of both Gregory and Anthony.
"I see." Peggy replied. "You'll have everything on this doctor Williams by tomorrow." She said.
"Thanks Peggy. As always you're a great gal." Howard said.
The two then ended their phone call.
Howard then deciding to give Tony a call as well.
***
"I see. Understood." Gregory replied.
He then hung up the phone he was using in his room.
After which he left it and headed straight for Doctor Williams temporary office.
For the man was leaving back to England the day after tomorrow, and Gregory was finally ready to give him an answer to his offer.
Arriving he knocked on the door.
"Come in." Leonard said.
So with that Gregory entered and closed the door behind him. "I hope I'm not interrupting." He spoke.
"Oh not at all young Gregory." Williams replied. "So, I take it you being here means you have made a decision regarding my offer?"
"Yeah." Gregory replied. "Sorry, it took so long. But I needed to be sure you were on the up and up. And my father Howard just told me as much."
"Of course. For I have been honest with you from the start." Williams replied.
Gregory internally snorting as doctor Leonard lied as easily as he breathed. Then again he was Hydra so this was likely the norm.
"So, what is your decision?" He asked.
"My answer is yes." Gregory replied. Leading William to smile. "But there is one stipulation you must agree to. That I am allowed to finish college. If you can't agree to that I'm out."
"No, no, I can." Williams replied. "And of course I would want you to finish school."
"Good, then we're in business then." Gregory said.
"Yes, seems we are." Williams replied.
He then came closer and extended his hand to Gregory. Who took it and began shaking it.
Signifying their partnership.
Not!
Since both men were looking to screw each other over.