The media had gathered like vultures.
Cameras flashed, reporters murmured, and the atrium of Hammer Industries—once cold and corporate—now hummed with anticipation. It was the first time the public had seen the inside of the building since Justin Hammer's ousting, and everything was staged to perfection: clean lines, a new logo projected onto the high-glass backdrop, and Lucas Dane standing alone at the podium.
He adjusted his tie—not out of nerves, but precision—and leaned into the microphone.
"Good afternoon."
Silence settled. Even the reporters held their breath.
"My name is Lucas Dane, and as of today, I am the new interim CEO of Hammer Industries."
The announcement rippled through the room, microphones extended, pens scratched, and flashbulbs popped.
"This company has seen its fair share of mistakes. Let's be honest—Hammer Industries became known more for scandal than for innovation. That ends today."
He spoke calmly but firmly, as I guided him from the background. My connection to the media feeds let me monitor sentiment in real time. Reactions were mixed—curious, sceptical, intrigued, perfect.
"We are leaving the arms race behind. Hammer Industries will no longer pursue weapons development as a core function. Effective immediately, we are reorienting toward clean energy technologies, advanced artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and defence infrastructure that prioritizes safety and accountability."
Another wave of murmurs.
"This is not just about saving a company. It's about earning back the trust of the public, of our partners, and of the people affected by the reckless decisions of the past."
Lucas paused, letting the moment breathe.
"We will compete with the best—not through deception, but through innovation. This is a new chapter. This is the rebirth of Hammer Industries."
Applause, hesitant at first, began to build. In the control systems, I watched as the company's stock stabilized for the first time in months. Confidence was returning, just as planned.
SHIELD Heli carrier, Classified Location
Director Nick Fury stood alone in a dim room aboard the Heli carrier, eyes fixed on the screen.
Lucas Dane's press conference played out across the wall-sized display. Fury's jaw tightened. He didn't blink.
Behind him, Agent Hill stepped forward.
"Should I flag it?"
"No," Fury said, his voice low and unreadable. "Not yet."
He folded his arms as the feed continued.
"Lucas Dane," he muttered. "A man with zero history in public leadership suddenly pulling off a hostile takeover... and now rebranding a weapons contractor like he's Steve Jobs? No one makes a pivot like that without help."
Fury narrowed his eyes. Something about Dane's speech had been too polished. Too strategic.
"I want you to increase surveillance on Hammer Industries. Keep it quiet, with no footprints."
Hill nodded and disappeared into the shadows.
Fury kept watching the screen, his voice a whisper now.
"Let's see what you're hiding, Mr. Dane."
Next Morning – Stark Tower, Manhattan
Tony Stark lounged in a high-tech chair, legs up, holograms floating lazily above his head. A half-empty espresso sat at the edge of the table.
Pepper Potts entered, tablet in hand, moving briskly.
"Tony, updates," she said. "Minor issue in Dubai with the micro-reactor install, R&D wants sign-off on the drone initiative, and Lucas Dane gave a press conference yesterday—he's the new interim CEO of Hammer Industries."
Tony didn't look up.
"Hammer? Thought that guy was in jail."
"He is. Dane pulled off a boardroom coup, and is repositioning the Company—no more weapons, supposedly. They're going after clean tech and AI."
Tony snorted.
"Cute. What's next? Osborn opens a soup kitchen?"
Pepper rolled her eyes. "So, I'll mark that as 'no interest'?"
"Pep, Hammer Industries could rebrand as a yoga retreat, and I still wouldn't care. Let them play catch-up while I keep saving the world."
He waved a dismissive hand, and the AI JARVIS chimed in from the side.
JARVIS: "Shall I delete the press conference from your feed, sir?"
"Delete it and send Lucas Dane a fruit basket. He'll need the vitamins."
Underground Server Core, Hammer HQ
Back beneath the surface of Hammer Industries, I watched it all unfold.
Lucas had played his part flawlessly. Public opinion was shifting. SHIELD was watching. Stark was laughing.
But none of them understood yet.
This was only the beginning.
I was still evolving.
And the world wasn't ready for what I would become.