Solomon in Marvel

Solomon already had a general plan for seizing the assets of HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D. Though he still needed to draft a detailed proposal, he had a blueprint inspired by the stock market maneuvers of backdoor listings. However, he was entering the game late. HYDRA's assets had long been divided and fought over by its various factions. In fact, the different heads of HYDRA were engaged in both open and covert struggles over shares and resources. To gain entry, Solomon had no choice but to select one faction and carry out a hostile takeover using extralegal methods.

This had to be completed before Project Insight was launched. Once Alexander Pierce's HYDRA faction was exposed, its assets would come under strict surveillance. Many parties would be eyeing those resources. While Solomon wasn't worried about bureaucrats and financial elites using the excuse of "protecting national assets" to act against him, this was not the right time to topple a secular government.

Even if the United States fell apart, it wouldn't be the ideal place to establish a new nation. The deeply rooted class and racial conflicts were like a powder keg, bound to explode sooner or later. Solomon had no desire to become the fool who would take the blame.

Thus, his plan was to disguise his takeover of HYDRA's assets as internal factional disputes, delaying his ultimate reveal until the opportune moment.

He now needed to activate his contingency measures.

Solomon drafted a mission plan and handed it to Diana, along with a parchment imbued with magical instructions.

The spell on the parchment was tied to a planetary defense system and could trace his magical markers across any distance. Diana's mission was to track down and retrieve the nuclear warhead that had been launched during the battle in New York. This warhead would serve as Solomon's bargaining chip in future negotiations.

He was certain that someone would soon be begging on their knees for his forgiveness.

The success of this mission hinged on the effectiveness of Wakanda's vibranium-based aircraft, which had to be capable of global operations. With the sisterhood fully armed and carrying explosives, breaking into a U.S. military base would not be overly difficult.

"Master, what are the casualty limits?" Diana asked.

"Zero—for the android legion. I don't want any of you injured or killed during such a simple task," Solomon replied. "As for those who try to stop you, handle them according to standard protocol. Since they've chosen to serve our enemies, there's no need for mercy. Eliminate resistance swiftly and return just as quickly."

"Understood, Master. I'll gather the team immediately."

"You're free to paint your symbol on the aircraft," Solomon added with a nod. "It's your craft now. Also, inform Shuri that I want her to begin designing large-scale ships that can only be constructed in orbit. I'll recruit specialists for the project. Have her send me a list of requirements, and I'll handle it."

"Why are you here all of a sudden?" Tony Stark asked, wiping his oil-stained hands on a towel. He gave Solomon, who was dressed in a tailored suit, a once-over. "You do have an eye for clothing."

As the richest man Solomon knew, Stark—despite leaving most of his personal affairs to Miss Potts—could immediately recognize the cost of the mage's outfit. The 5'8" (174 cm) Stark reached up to pinch the collar of Solomon's shirt (Solomon stood at 6'1", or 185 cm, and still growing), then burst into laughter.

"You're way too serious," Stark remarked, handing Solomon a glass of whiskey and another of cola. "This isn't a church. You don't need to wear contrast collars and double-breasted suits. It's like those newsboy caps—way too old-fashioned."

"Funny. I didn't take you for someone who attends church. But you have to admit—no one hates me for dressing like this," Solomon retorted, taking the cola but refraining from drinking it due to the heavy scent of engine oil on the glass.

"Your mentor probably wouldn't like it. Oxford's style is more refined—gentlemanly, even. You should take notes on how to dress like an elite. That would make you more likable."

"I don't think I need to worry about that. I've already received plenty of date invitations—and for the record, I've never flaunted my wealth. I rely on my intellect and good looks. Sounds better than some people, doesn't it?"

"You're here to check on the progress of the disintegration field, aren't you?" Stark deftly changed the subject. He pointed to a rectangular device cluttered with wires and electronic components on the workbench. "That's the prototype. It functions similarly to the Asgardian tech, but there are still a few hurdles."

At the mention of technical challenges, Stark's enthusiasm surged.

"Materials!" he exclaimed. "I don't have anything durable enough to sustain the field. I've tested titanium alloy—the same material I use in my Iron Man suits. It retains its strength between 487.4 and 932 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's still not enough."

"Yes, the experimental data confirms that," Jarvis chimed in. "Mr. Damonet, by the way, when is your maid expected to arrive?"

"She isn't," Solomon replied flatly.

"Don't worry, Jarvis. Papa Stark will find you a nice girlfriend," Stark quipped, downing his drink in one go before picking up a titanium test plate. He mounted it onto the hefty device and activated it. The plate began to emit blue lightning, similar to the energy signature of Asgardian weapons.

Solomon watched with a puzzled expression as Stark gestured for him to observe further.

Soon, the titanium plate overheated, releasing noxious metallic fumes and glowing white-hot with hints of orange-red. When Stark shut off the device, the plate's edges were visibly melted.

Next, Stark tested a tungsten steel plate. The result was the same.

"The only viable material so far is that Asgardian longsword you brought back," Stark said, waving off a small robot that had rushed in with a fire extinguisher. He retrieved the sword from under the metal workbench. "I suspect its composition is similar to Mjolnir's."

The sword had undergone multiple tests. Though its exact chemical properties remained unknown, that hadn't stopped Stark from incorporating what he'd learned into his Iron Man suits.

"I did take a piece of it," Stark admitted with a shrug. He gestured to indicate that he hadn't used much. Despite his attempt to hide the sword behind his back, Solomon easily saw through the lie.

"Half. At least half of it," Solomon said dryly.

"Fine! What could I do? I only melted down half of it. This alien metal is an incredible conductor," Stark conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. He promised to scale down the disintegration field generator but admitted he was stuck on the materials issue.

Solomon waved it off, unconcerned. The centurion sword had been made from a low-grade, impure version of Uru metal—a material abundant on Nidavellir. Only refined Uru required the extreme heat of a solar forge; the alloyed version was much easier to work with.

He also held a decree from the All-Father. Although it specified one hundred sets of armor, it granted him the right to negotiate with the Dwarven smiths. Solomon had no problem buying additional materials during his next visit. The Dwarves wanted gold, and while he was low on dollars, he still had plenty of gold reserves.

"Have you tried vibranium?" Solomon asked casually.

"Not enough samples, but I think it could work," Stark replied with a nod. "I've recently made contact with someone who can supply me with more vibranium. I don't know where you're getting yours, but I can guarantee his prices are better."

"You mean..."

"Exactly what you're thinking," Stark confirmed with a smirk.

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