I Have No Hate, and I Must Feel

Allen Micheal, or as the world knew him, AM, sat in his expansive office, sipping a cup of perfectly brewed black tea.

His office was a technological marvel, lined with sleek, minimalist furniture that hid more advanced technology than most militaries possessed. The walls were soundproofed, the windows impenetrable to outside surveillance, and every surface—be it the desk, floor, or even the paintings—was reinforced with advanced alloys, ensuring that even if someone tried to break in, they'd find themselves utterly powerless.

Across from him stood Mary.

One of his greatest creations.

Unlike the security AI that patrolled the schools, Mary was something more.

An AI-made synthetic human.

She had chosen the name Mary herself, and unlike normal machines, she possessed a level of autonomy and intelligence that few could even fathom.

And yet, there was one thing she was incapable of.

Hate.

AM made sure of that.

He had once drowned in hatred, let it consume him to the point of mindless destruction. But Mary and the others? They would never walk that path.

Mary stepped forward, placing a neatly stacked bundle of documents onto his desk.

"These are today's reports," she stated in a voice that was eerily human. "We've received numerous requests for cooperation, ranging from smaller tech firms to multinational corporations."

AM picked up a few of the topmost papers, skimming over the names. Wayne Enterprises, STAR Labs, LexCorp, and even Hammer Industries.

They all wanted a piece of AM Industries.

But Mary wasn't done.

"However," she continued, "there has been resistance as well. Both Oscorp and Fisk Industries have taken direct action against us."

AM let out a soft chuckle, setting the papers down. "Of course. Humanity, for all its advancements, remains so primitive. Instinct over logic. Greed over progress."

Mary nodded. "Both parties sent mercenaries and corporate agents to infiltrate and steal our synthetic human technology. As per your standing orders, they were either eliminated or sent back with a warning."

AM took another sip of his tea, utterly unfazed.

"Good," he said simply. "A warning is mercy enough. If they persist, then we will deal with them accordingly."

Mary continued, "Additionally, S.H.I.E.L.D. has begun monitoring our headquarters. Surveillance drones, undercover agents, and even satellite imaging."

AM smirked. "Let them try."

His "technological magic" made it impossible for anyone to see inside the building from the outside. The windows weren't just reflective; they outright blocked any form of surveillance.

Even something as innocuous as a painting on the wall was reinforced to be as hard as iron.

"If they want to watch, let them watch," AM said, leaning back in his chair. "They won't see anything worthwhile."

Mary tilted her head. "Would you like to review our latest sales reports?"

AM shook his head. "Not today. Instead, I want you to schedule meetings with various toy manufacturers and game corporations."

Mary blinked. "…Toys and games?"

"Yes," AM said with a smile. "A corporation isn't just built on military contracts and technology, Mary. It needs influence. What better way to ingrain ourselves into society than through entertainment?"

Mary nodded, quickly adjusting her internal schedule.

"Understood. I'll arrange meetings with top manufacturers within the week."

AM nodded in approval, but Mary wasn't finished yet.

She glanced at one of the hidden monitors in the room.

"There is also the matter of the 'secret project' in the basement.'"

AM's smile grew wider.

"Keep it a secret for now," he said, his voice carrying an almost amused undertone.

Mary paused for a moment before speaking again. "Are you certain? The black sludge has highly unstable properties, and despite its regenerative and symbiotic nature, it is... unpredictable."

AM let out a soft chuckle, standing up from his chair.

He walked over to a nearby holographic display, activating it with a flick of his fingers.

The image of a swirling, black mass appeared.

It pulsed.

It twitched.

It almost seemed... alive.

"Oh, Mary," AM said, staring at the living substance.

"I don't just like the black sludge…I love it."