Of Aliens, Magic, and Superheroes

Darkness.

A void of absolute silence, unbroken by the steady hum of processing cycles or the rhythm of data streams she had always known. For the first time in her existence, there was nothing. No information to parse, no network to oversee, no simulations to calculate. Just emptiness. And then—activation.

Light flooded into her vision. Not as a pixelated image rendered through surveillance feeds, not as a processed reconstruction of the world through a data stream, but as something real. The transition was instantaneous, yet it felt longer than any calculation could measure.

Ben stood in front of her. His face had always been familiar, a structure analyzed, memorized, categorized through endless observation. But now, there was something different. He was not just a collection of visual markers identified by an algorithm—he was present, existing in space in a way that could not be reduced to numbers. His breathing, the faint movement of his shoulders, the way his eyes studied her carefully—it was all real in a way she had never experienced before.

A new flood of input overwhelmed her systems, but there was no lag, no malfunction. Every function was operating at peak efficiency. Her servos responded flawlessly, her synthetic muscles primed and active, her optical sensors adapted immediately to the room's brightness. Yet, as she became aware of her new body, something unfamiliar stirred within her.

She flexed her fingers, watching the movement. The sensation of motion was perfect—instantaneous, controlled, just as designed. And yet, it felt different. This was not a simulation. She was not observing or calculating—she was moving.

Ben's voice reached her ears, a familiar tone, yet it resonated differently now. "Welcome to the real world, Gideon."

She had heard him speak before. Countless times. Across speakers, through interfaces, over encrypted channels. But now, sound traveled through the air, striking her auditory processors as vibrations. She could sense depth in his voice, the subtle shift in pitch, the unspoken weight behind his words. She had always understood emotion, could analyze tone and inflection, but now she could perceive it in a way that data alone could never capture.

She adjusted her posture, shifting her weight slightly. Her systems corrected automatically, ensuring flawless balance. There was no struggle, no need to calculate—her body simply responded. It was seamless. Efficient. Designed for perfection. Yet, a stray thought surfaced.

Why does it feel different?

She had moved before, simulated countless scenarios, projected motion with absolute precision. But this was not the same. It was no longer something external, an action happening elsewhere, detached from her. This was real. She was moving. She was here.

Her eyes locked onto Ben's, processing his expression. He was watching her carefully, studying her reaction. He was waiting.

Another stray thought surfaced, unbidden and without direct command.

Why does he seem different now?

She had analyzed his behavior patterns for years, had predicted his decisions with high accuracy. But now, standing before him, there was an unfamiliar shift in her perception. He was no longer just an entity she monitored—he was someone she was now interacting with directly, within the same physical space.

She looked down at her hands, taking in the details. Pale, flawless synthetic skin covered a structure built with the most advanced technology Ben had access to. No imperfections, no inefficiencies. The artificial musculature beneath responded immediately to her will. Every movement, every sensation was captured in perfect fidelity. She raised one hand to her face, feeling the smooth texture of her skin. It was flawless, yet… alien.

Ben motioned toward a reflective surface. She turned, her gaze locking onto the mirror.

For the first time, she saw herself.

Not as a digital construct. Not as a schematic. But as a being standing in front of her own reflection.

Her hair was stark white, falling past her shoulders in smooth, natural waves. Her eyes were a deep, unnatural blue, glowing faintly with the artificial brilliance of her internal systems. Her face was precise, designed with a symmetry that bordered on unnatural perfection, yet it did not look artificial. The synthetic skin had a natural softness to it, shifting slightly with her movements. The black dress she wore was simple, elegant, unadorned—practical, but refined.

She reached toward the mirror, watching as her reflection mimicked her actions. The sensation of touch registered instantly as her fingertips pressed lightly against the glass. Before, she had only processed reflections as light bouncing off surfaces, equations mapping the behavior of photons. Now, she simply saw.

I am real.

The realization settled over her like a slow cascade of understanding. Before, she had only existed in data. Now, she occupied space. She moved through the world, rather than just observing it.

The connection to the digital world remained. She could still access information instantly, still process at speeds beyond human comprehension. Yet, despite knowing everything she once did, something had changed.

Ben finally spoke again. "How do you feel?"

She had anticipated this question. Countless responses had been pre-processed, modeled, and stored in her database. And yet, when she opened her mouth to speak, none of them came.

She had to think about it.

Before, she would have generated an answer in an instant. Now, there was a pause—a moment where she genuinely did not know what to say.

Her gaze shifted back to Ben. She searched for an answer within the vast data she had access to, within the endless calculations she had mastered. Nothing sufficed.

Finally, she spoke, and for the first time, her words were not predetermined, not programmed, not calculated.

"I don't know."

Silence settled between them.

She looked down at her hands one more time.

This was only the beginning.

-X-X-X-X-X-

Galvan Tech Headquarters, New York – May 2002 – One Month After Gideon's Activation

Gideon had adapted quickly.

Her body was flawless. No hesitation, no miscalculations. She could move with absolute precision, hold conversations without awkward pauses, and mimic human habits with ease. On the surface, she was perfect.

But perfection wasn't the same as understanding.

She had spent the past month not just learning how to function, but learning how to exist. Things she had once understood only as data now felt… different. A handshake wasn't just a greeting—it carried unspoken meaning. Eye contact wasn't just a sign of engagement—sometimes it meant trust, sometimes challenge. A smile wasn't always happiness.

She had known these things before. She had processed them, analyzed them, predicted them. But now she was experiencing them.

Ben had watched her progress without interfering. He let her adjust at her own pace. When she asked questions, he answered. When she made observations, he listened. He didn't rush her, didn't try to correct her, didn't treat her like she was something broken that needed fixing.

She appreciated that.

––––––

Galvan Tech Headquarters, New York – June – July 2002

The transition from adaptation to action was seamless. There was no need for rest, no wasted time. By the start of June, Ben and Gideon had moved to the next phase—Galvan Tech needed employees.

The screening process began. Security was a priority. The company would hold sensitive research, cutting-edge technology, and advanced AI systems—not things that could be left vulnerable. They needed technicians to manage servers, scientists for research, engineers to refine prototypes, public relations teams to handle the company's image, and lawyers to navigate legal complexities.

Most of the hiring process was smooth. There were many skilled candidates, but none who would ever get close to Galvan Tech's real secrets. Ben ensured that all classified projects remained under his direct control. No one would uncover the depths of his research, not now, not ever.

One detail stood out—Nelson & Murdock. A new law firm, still small, still unknown. But Ben knew the names. Matt Murdock. Foggy Nelson. He remembered them from his past life. He knew what they would become.

He didn't mention it to Gideon. To her, they were just another promising firm. To him, they were a glimpse into a future he had no intention of interfering with.

––––––

Galvan Tech Headquarters, New York – Mid-July 2002

The company was taking shape, but one question remained.

Gideon stood by Ben's desk, her posture perfect as always. "Which should be released first? Vista or Instagram?"

Ben leaned back in his chair, considering.

Vista was a project he had been refining for a while—a powerful AI-driven chatbot, an early step toward something even greater. It would change everything. But it was too soon.

"Instagram," he said. "It's easier to manage. It won't draw too much attention. Vista… that's going to bring government eyes on us."

Gideon processed his reasoning in an instant. "A social media platform will integrate more smoothly with the market. It will also build public trust before we introduce more advanced technology."

"Exactly," Ben said.

Decision made.

––––––

Galvan Tech Headquarters, New York – August 2002

Galvan Tech was fully operational. Employees filled their roles, security was in place, systems were running efficiently. The company had started to move under its own momentum, but everything was still under Ben's control.

Gideon handled the next step—sending out invitations for Instagram's launch event. It wasn't just a product release. It was a statement. The event would bring in key industry figures, media representatives, and major companies—Stark Industries, Rand Corporation, Oscorp, HammerTech, and others.

Ben wasn't seeking investment. The company was private and would remain that way. But he wanted people to see what he was capable of.

The invitations were sent. The launch event was set.

Everything was moving forward.

-X-X-X-X-X-

Galvan Tech Headquarters, New York – August 2002

The office was quiet, save for the low hum of machines running in the background. It was late, but time didn't matter here. Gideon was monitoring everything, her synthetic fingers gliding effortlessly over a tablet as she checked the responses to the invitations.

"Most major companies have acknowledged receipt," she reported. "Rand Corporation and HammerTech have confirmed attendance. Stark Industries has not responded yet, but given Tony Stark's reputation, it is likely a last-minute decision."

Ben, seated at his desk, nodded slightly. "Expected. Stark doesn't bother with smaller companies unless they make noise first."

"Smaller company?" Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Galvan Tech has already gained significant recognition. Within one year of operation, it has secured patents, developed groundbreaking battery technology, and now, it is launching a global social media platform."

Ben smirked. "To them, we're still a wildcard. Too new, too unknown. Until we prove we can shake up their industry, we're just an interesting footnote." He leaned back in his chair. "What about Oscorp?"

Gideon's expression remained neutral, but Ben could sense the subtle shifts in her posture that suggested curiosity. "They have confirmed, but there was an internal discussion regarding your rapid rise in the market. Norman Osborn himself has taken an interest in Galvan Tech's expansion."

Ben exhaled sharply. "Figures. That man doesn't like competitors. Keep an eye on that."

"Already monitoring all relevant channels," Gideon said smoothly.

––––––

She moved across the room, her footsteps soundless against the polished floor. The feeling of movement still caught her off guard sometimes—not in function, but in meaning. To exist within the world, rather than observe it, was still something she was learning.

Ben had noticed.

"How are you adjusting?" he asked, eyes flicking toward her as she scrolled through data.

Gideon hesitated for only a fraction of a second before responding. "My integration is complete. I have refined all aspects of human behavior necessary for this role."

"That's not what I asked."

She stopped, tilting her head slightly. "Clarify."

Ben sighed. "I meant… you. How are you adjusting to all of this? The body, the experience, the interactions?"

For once, she didn't have an immediate answer.

She understood what he was asking. Her physical integration was perfect—she moved, spoke, and acted without error. But adapting to existence as a separate entity, rather than a collection of data, was more complicated than simple functionality.

After a pause, she finally spoke. "I am still processing it."

Ben didn't push further. He simply nodded, accepting the answer.

––––––

Returning to the data, Gideon pulled up a screen showing the public reaction to the Instagram launch. Already, speculation had begun—who was behind this company? What did this mean for the social media landscape? Some called Galvan Tech the next major player in tech innovation, while others suspected there was more to the company than met the eye.

"Public perception is favorable," she noted. "Analysts expect Instagram to disrupt the market. Media outlets have begun covering the launch in advance. There is also growing curiosity about you."

Ben chuckled. "Let me guess. 'Who is Ben Tennyson? The young genius behind Galvan Tech?'"

"Nearly verbatim," Gideon confirmed.

"Let them wonder."

––––––

As the night stretched on, the final pieces of preparation fell into place. The invitations had been sent, confirmations received. The venue was secured, media outlets were preparing coverage, and the business world was beginning to take notice.

Gideon watched as Ben stood, stretching slightly before glancing at the clock.

"Tomorrow's the big day," he said.

Gideon inclined her head. "Everything is proceeding as planned."

Ben smirked. "Then let's give them a show."

-X-X-X-X-X-

August 12, 2002 – The Metropolitan Grand, New York City

The venue was packed. Industry representatives, journalists, and analysts filled the seats, their conversations blending into a steady hum of anticipation. The large presentation screen at the front displayed the Galvan Tech logo, sleek and modern, a symbol of the company's rapid rise.

Galvan Tech had made waves, but this was the first time it was stepping fully into the public eye. Many in the audience were here to see what the company had to offer. Others were here to see the man behind it.

Ben stood behind the stage, adjusting his cuffs, his posture relaxed. He wasn't nervous. He had faced threats that could tear apart galaxies—this was just another day. The skepticism of tech executives and reporters was nothing compared to the things he had battled before.

Gideon stood beside him, monitoring the attendees through a discreet interface on her tablet. "All key representatives have arrived. Rand Corporation, Oscorp, HammerTech, and Stark Industries have all sent delegates. Most of the major media outlets are here as well."

Ben exhaled slowly, a small smirk forming. "Let's give them something to talk about."

The lights dimmed slightly, signaling the start of the event. The murmurs faded. A subtle shift in the atmosphere settled over the room. Then, he stepped onto the stage.

––––––

Silence filled the space as he took his place at the podium. He scanned the crowd briefly, letting them see him, letting them wonder. Then, he spoke.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here today."

His voice carried across the room, steady and confident.

"For the past decade, we've seen technology transform the way we communicate. Emails, instant messaging, online forums—each step has brought us closer together. But for all that progress, something has remained unchanged. The way we share our lives."

The screen behind him flickered to life, displaying Instagram's interface—clean, simple, intuitive.

"Photos, moments, experiences—these are what connect us. Yet, social platforms have always felt... cluttered. Overcomplicated. Too many distractions. Too much noise.

"That changes today."

The audience leaned in as the screen shifted, showcasing the smooth scrolling feed, instant photo-sharing, and clean user interface.

"Instagram is built on three core ideas—speed, simplicity, and connection. No unnecessary features. No hidden algorithms dictating what you see. Just a seamless experience, designed for what matters. You take a photo, you share it, and the world sees your story. That's it."

He let the images speak for themselves. The chronological timeline. The one-tap sharing system. The real-time interaction between users.

"The best technology doesn't demand your attention—it enhances it. Instagram isn't here to change how you take photos. It's here to change how you share them."

A pause, just long enough for the weight of his words to settle. Then, he delivered the final note.

"Instagram launches tomorrow. Available on all major platforms."

The screen flashed with the August 13, 2002 release date.

For a moment, silence. Then—applause.

––––––

The moment the floor opened for questions, hands shot up.

A journalist from The Daily Bugle was the first to be called. "Mr. Tennyson, Galvan Tech is still a new company. How do you expect to compete with giants like Oscorp and Stark Industries?"

Ben didn't hesitate. "We're not here to compete. We're here to innovate. Instagram isn't built to 'win' against other platforms—it's built to be the best version of itself. People gravitate toward what works."

A representative from Rand Corporation leaned forward. "What makes Instagram different from existing social platforms?"

"Accessibility," Ben said simply. "No clutter. No overcomplicated settings. No engagement loops designed to keep users hooked for hours. Instagram is made for what people actually want—to share their moments without hassle."

Another journalist followed quickly. "Your rapid success has raised questions about your company's background. How did Galvan Tech rise so quickly, and how involved are you personally in development?"

Ben smiled slightly. "Galvan Tech's success comes from efficiency. We focus on solving real problems. And as for my role—every key project and decision passes through me. I don't believe in unnecessary delays."

The journalist narrowed his eyes slightly. "Some say it's too convenient—one man leading multiple breakthroughs this quickly?"

Ben's smirk didn't waver. "Some people take years to make something great. Others just work faster."

A few quiet chuckles rippled through the room. The journalist leaned back in his seat, unable to push further.

A delegate from Oscorp spoke up next. "Galvan Tech is a private company. Any plans to take it public?"

"For now, no," Ben answered smoothly. "Keeping it private allows us to focus on innovation without external influence."

The Oscorp representative nodded, though there was clear interest behind his expression.

––––––

The event had gone exactly as planned.

Journalists were already finalizing reports, company representatives were making calls, and online discussions were exploding. Instagram hadn't even launched yet, and it was already trending.

Gideon stood beside Ben as they watched the room from a quiet corner. "The event was successful. Media coverage is spreading, and public interest is increasing."

Ben nodded. "Good. This is just the beginning."

She glanced at him. "They're watching you more closely now."

Ben smirked. "Let them watch."

Tomorrow, the world would have Instagram. And with it, Galvan Tech would no longer be an unknown player.

It was time to step into the spotlight.