Marvel: Death Knight

After returning to his company, Garus realized that Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) was now without its leader and senior executives.

"Wim, now that MODOK is dead, can you reclaim control of AIM?" Garus asked.

Wim scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "I'm afraid not. My father was only a mid-level executive, and I've always worked alone on my projects. I don't have any connections within the company."

Garus felt a twinge of regret. Acquiring AIM would have significantly boosted the growth of his company and expedited the completion of his current mission.

That mission's reward of 300,000 exchange points was enough to redeem either three Legion-class Star Destroyers from the Burning Legion or the construction technology for Naxxramas, the floating necropolis.

"It seems there haven't been any new missions lately," Garus mused.

With the AIM situation settled, Garus returned to his routine of training, eating, and sleeping—a lifestyle reminiscent of a reclusive homebody.

Months later, one morning after finishing his training, Garus received a call from Tony Stark.

"Hey, Garus! Are you free today? Let's grab the best Turkish kebabs in town," Tony said.

Garus raised an eyebrow. "What's the occasion? Why the sudden invitation?"

"No reason. Are you coming or not? There will be some lovely ladies, too," Tony replied with a chuckle.

Garus thought for a moment. Knowing Tony, there was likely more to this than just kebabs, but he agreed anyway. "Alright, when and where?"

"Noon. I'll bring some friends along," Tony answered.

Recalling the last time he visited that Turkish kebab place and bumped into Logan, Garus decided to invite him along.

"Tony, mind if I bring a friend?" Garus asked.

"Not at all," Tony replied casually.

Garus headed to X-Academy, which was currently in session. To keep the mutant children connected to society, teachers had been hired to instruct various subjects.

The school operated under strict security. An electric fence and surveillance system surrounded the grounds. Garus had also used spatial anchor stones to disrupt the space around the school, ensuring only he could use teleportation to and from the location. Supplies were delivered periodically by designated personnel, and the children, still recovering from their traumatic experiences in HYDRA's labs, found this arrangement far better than being ostracized as monsters in the outside world.

Even the school's janitors, cooks, and basic course instructors were under constant supervision, with video calls being their only contact with the outside world. One of the mutant children had the ability to erase memories, ensuring the school's secrets remained safe. Generous benefits and salaries ensured no one complained about these arrangements.

After asking for directions, Garus found Logan by the pool, puffing on a cigar and lost in thought.

"Logan," Garus called out. When Logan turned, Garus continued, "How about joining me for some kebabs? My treat."

"I'm in! I'm in!" a voice suddenly piped up.

Garus jumped, startled to see a translucent head emerge from the water. It was Dana, a young girl whose body could transform into liquid.

"What are you doing here?" Garus asked, still recovering from the shock. "Were you spying on your teacher, Logan?"

Dana's transparent face showed a hint of embarrassment. If she weren't in her liquid form, Garus imagined she'd be blushing furiously.

"Dana, get to class now," Logan said sternly. "Skip class again, and you'll be on bathroom cleaning duty."

Dana stuck out her tongue playfully, made a face, and darted off.

"Logan, can she turn anything into water molecules?" Garus asked, intrigued.

"Not quite. For now, she can only affect objects she's had prolonged contact with. Anyway, let's go. I'm starving," Logan replied, pulling on his jacket.

They arrived at Garus's villa, where he started up his sports car, and the two drove to Manhattan.

"Hey, Garus, you made it!" Tony greeted him warmly, pulling him into a quick hug. "Let me introduce you."

"This is Phil Coulson, Reed Richards, and the lovely Natasha Romanoff," Tony said, gesturing to each of them in turn.

Garus immediately recognized them. Two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and a member of the Fantastic Four? Clearly, there was more to this meeting than kebabs.

Pointing to Logan, Garus said, "This is my friend, John Logan."

Before the introductions could continue, two women at a nearby table squealed in delight.

"Oh my God, it's Tony Stark!" one of them exclaimed, rushing over.

"Wait for me!" the other shouted, grabbing a pen from the counter.

"Tony, sign here," they said, pointing to their collars.

Tony, ever the ladies' man, obliged with a grin. "Of course, ladies. Anything for my fans."

After signing, Tony turned back to the group, his smirk widening. "What can I say? I'm irresistible."

The others rolled their eyes in unison.

"Waiter, bring out the kebabs," Tony called.

As the aroma of freshly grilled meat filled the air, Garus' appetite surged. "Tony, you didn't invite me here just for kebabs, did you?" he asked.

"Actually," Tony began, but Coulson raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Not here. Let's talk later," Coulson said, glancing around the restaurant.

Garus sighed internally. "Nick Fury isn't trying to recruit me into the Avengers again, is he?"

An hour later, with their meal finished, Tony turned to Garus and Reed. "It's not me who wants to talk to you. Coulson does. He has something he needs to discuss."

Logan stood, stretching. "Garus, I'll head back on my own."

"Actually, Mr. Logan, you're invited as well," Coulson said with a smile.

"Me?" Logan asked, surprised.

Coulson nodded. "Yes, you too."

Garus studied Coulson's expression. Despite his friendly demeanor, Garus knew the agent's true nature. Coulson was a master manipulator and an exemplary spy—traits that made him invaluable to Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Alright, let's go," Garus said.

Reed and Garus exchanged curious glances. Whatever Coulson had planned, it promised to be interesting.

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