Chapter 69: The Bond Of Unity
The rhythmic hum of Stark Tower's systems provided a calming backdrop to the flurry of activity in Talia's lab. Holographic projections of molecular structures danced in the air, representing the middle stages of Extremis Virus simulations. Jarvis's smooth voice provided occasional updates, while Talia Stark stood at the helm, her blue eyes scanning the data with a mix of pride and determination.
"This is where we get the explosive results of the simulation." Talia said, gesturing to the intricate display. "Simulations are progressing well. But no explosions yet, sadly."
Wanda Maximoff leaned casually against a nearby workstation, her crimson aura flickering faintly. "Yet?"
Talia smirked. "Don't worry, Maximoff. I've got this under control when the explosion happens you will be the first to know."
"Famous last words," Natasha Romanoff quipped from her spot near the doorway, her arms crossed and her green eyes glinting with amusement.
"Hey," Talia shot back, "unlike some people, I prefer to face problems head-on rather than brood in the shadows."
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Brooding? That's rich coming from the queen of overconfidence."
Wanda's lips curled into a faint smile. "Ladies, can we focus? I'd rather not be here if one of these simulations goes sideways."
"Relax," Talia said with a wave of her hand. "Jarvis is running the numbers. If anything catastrophic were to happen, we'd know in advance."
"Miss Stark," Jarvis interjected smoothly, "the current simulations are yielding stable results. Adjustments to the regenerative algorithms have reduced error margins by 13%."
"See?" Talia said, her grin widening. "Progress."
Before they could continue, Jarvis's voice interrupted again. "Miss Stark, I have completed the analysis of the shipping records you requested."
The lighthearted mood evaporated as Talia's expression hardened. "Display it."
The holographic projection shifted to show a series of shipping manifests and delivery logs. Wanda and Natasha stepped closer, their curiosity piqued.
"Franklin Moss," Talia said, her voice sharp. "Shipping manager. Handles international freight for Stark Enterprises. These logs show altered destinations—legitimate shipments rerouted to hotspots."
"And you think he's doing this on purpose?" Wanda asked, her crimson eyes narrowing.
"I don't have proof yet," Talia admitted, "but these discrepancies don't happen by accident. Either Moss is incredibly sloppy, or he's dirty. But it makes sense that he is responsible for those weapons showing up in the hands of terrorists."
Natasha's gaze hardened. "If he's selling weapons to terrorists, we'll find out."
"We?" Talia asked, arching a brow.
Natasha smirked. "I don't sit on the sidelines, Stark."
Wanda placed a hand on Talia's shoulder, her touch firm but reassuring. "We'll get to the bottom of this. But for now, let's focus on the Extremis Virus. The sooner we finish it, the sooner we can use it to protect the people who matter."
Talia nodded, though her mind lingered on the possibility of betrayal. She hated the idea of someone within her company undermining everything she stood for. If Moss is guilty, he won't get away with it."
Talia turned back to the simulations, forcing herself to focus. The virus's progress was undeniable—stability was improving, and regenerative properties were holding steady under increasingly rigorous conditions.
"It's incredible," Talia said quietly, almost to herself. "This virus has the potential to redefine what it means to be human. Healing injuries, enhancing strength, even extending lifespans—it's all possible."
Wanda tilted her head slightly. "But at what cost?"
Talia glanced at her, surprised by the question. "The cost is in the control. That's why we're doing this right—no shortcuts, no compromises. If we succeed, it'll be worth it."
Wanda's expression softened. "If it means protecting the people I care about, then yes. It'll be worth it."
Natasha watched Wanda closely, her thoughts racing. Over the past few months, she had come to know Wanda in a way she hadn't expected. Wanda was strong, determined, and fiercely protective of those around her. Natasha had seen that strength firsthand, and it had only deepened her admiration—and something more.
I'm falling for her, Natasha realized, the thought hitting her like a jolt. She's everything I've ever wanted—everything I thought I was looking for in someone else. How did I not see it before?
Natasha's gaze lingered on Wanda, her mind drifting to the future. She knew what she had to do. If Wanda's going to face the challenges ahead, she needs the resources to grow stronger. Shield handles disasters on a global scale—Wanda belongs with us. And if that means bringing her into the Avengers Initiative, so be it not only does the world need Wanda but so do I.
Meanwhile, Talia's thoughts were in turmoil. Meeting Wanda had thrown her off balance in a way she hadn't expected. Wanda was young, but she carried herself with a maturity and strength that rivaled anyone Talia had ever met. She wasn't just powerful—she was inspiring.
I've built my life around my work, Talia thought, glancing at Wanda as she studied the simulations. But she's built herself into something more—a leader, a protector. And she's done it all on her own terms.
The idea of someone like Wanda standing beside her was both exhilarating and intimidating. And then there was Natasha—fierce, loyal, and utterly devoted to Wanda. The dynamic between the three of them was complex, but Talia couldn't deny the spark of something deeper.
As the simulations continued, Fracture broke the silence with a dramatic groan. **"Okay, I've been patient, but when do I get my upgrades? I'm feeling a little left out here. More importantly, I'm coming around the idea of Fracture 2.0, the next evolution in home symbiote protection."**
Talia smirked. "Patience, Fracture. Good things take time."
**"I don't have time,"** Fracture replied. **"I've got a host to protect, and you're not exactly inspiring confidence."**
Natasha chuckled. "She has a point."
**"Thank you,"** Fracture said smugly. **"See? At least someone gets it."**
Wanda rolled her eyes. "Don't encourage her."
Talia grinned. "I don't know, Wanda. I think she's growing on me."
"Great," Wanda muttered. "Now I have two egos to deal with."
Natasha smirked. "And you thought this journey was going to be simple."
As the simulations approached another checkpoint, Wanda turned to Talia and Natasha, her expression thoughtful. "This isn't just about me," she said quietly. "It's about all of us—everyone who's going to stand together in the battles ahead."
Natasha straightened, her green eyes serious. "You're thinking long-term."
"I have to," Wanda said firmly. "The challenges we're facing won't end here. They'll only grow, demanding more from all of us. I can't do this alone—none of us can. I have this feeling that, in the near future, the world will face trials that no one is truly prepared for—trials that will demand sacrifices many aren't ready to make. I know dark times are ahead, not just for Sokovia, but for the entire world."
Talia nodded slowly, her respect for Wanda deepening. "You're right. And if Extremis can give us an edge, we'll use it."
Natasha's gaze softened as she looked at Wanda. I'll stand with you, she thought. No matter what it takes.
Jarvis's voice interrupted the moment. "Miss Stark, the latest simulation results are complete. Stability has improved by an additional 5%, with no signs of cellular rejection."
Talia grinned. "That's what I like to hear. We're getting closer."
Wanda nodded, her crimson aura glowing faintly. "Then let's keep going. There's too much at stake to stop now."
As the three women turned back to the holograms, the lab buzzed with energy. The Extremis Virus was progressing, and so were the bonds between them.
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