Marvel: Familia System

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Sitting in the dimly lit office, Nero leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the large screen mounted on the wall. The familiar drone of the news anchor's voice filled the room as the rest of the crew gathered around, some sitting, others standing, all equally engrossed in the broadcast. The anchor's serious expression matched the gravity of the story as he spoke.

"...and in breaking news, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark has gone missing after a weapons demonstration in Afghanistan. Initial reports suggest that Stark's convoy was ambushed by an unknown militant group. Details remain scarce at this time, but authorities are conducting a thorough search and rescue operation. Stark Industries has yet to release an official statement."

Nero's gaze narrowed slightly as the image of Tony Stark's smiling face flashed across the screen—a promotional photo from happier times, before the world had been turned upside down for the genius playboy. He felt the weight of the moment, even as the anchor moved on to less pressing matters, and the chatter in the office began to stir back to life.

"So, that's how it begins." Sofia's voice cut through the silence, her eyes still fixed on the screen. She sounded more curious than concerned, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Wonder what kind of cave he's stuck in?"

"Wherever it is, I doubt he's sitting around twiddling his thumbs," Nero responded, his tone calm but with a hint of amusement. "He's resourceful. If anyone can get out of that situation, it's Stark."

"Yeah, but he's still just a guy with a fancy brain and deep pockets," Diego chimed in from his spot on the couch. "You think he's already started piecing together his way out, or is he too busy having a panic attack?"

Nero gave a small shrug, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "He'll come back as Iron Man, don't worry."

The room fell into a brief silence as everyone processed Nero's words. They all knew he was usually right about these things, but still, the idea of someone like Tony Stark—brilliant, yes, but still just a man—surviving something like this and coming out of it stronger was hard to imagine.

Sofia broke the silence first, her tone teasing. "So, you're calling it already, huh? No chance he stays broken?"

Nero smirked, his gaze still fixed on the screen. "Stark's too stubborn to stay down. The guy's ego alone will drag him out of whatever hellhole he's in."

Diego chuckled from his spot on the couch, shaking his head. "Man, if I had half his confidence, I'd probably be a billionaire too."

"Confidence is one thing," Nero replied, his voice thoughtful, "but Stark's got the brains to back it up. That's the difference."

Diego leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah, but does he have the grit? It's one thing to build weapons in a high-tech lab with all the resources at your fingertips. It's another to do it in the middle of a desert with nothing but scraps."

Nero's eyes flicked over to Diego, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "That's exactly why he'll make it out. Necessity breeds invention. And Stark? He's a guy who thrives under pressure."

Sofia leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, watching Nero closely. "You think this'll change him?"

Nero nodded slightly. "It has to. You don't go through something like this and come out the same on the other side. But whether that change is for better or worse... we'll have to wait and see."

The room went quiet again, the weight of the situation sinking in. Tony Stark wasn't just any billionaire playboy—he was a symbol of innovation and power, someone who could shape the world if he chose to. And now, he was in a position that could either break him or turn him into something entirely new.

Donald, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "If he does survive this, the trauma alone could push him in any direction. He'll have to reconcile with a lot of things—what he's done, what he's created. That kind of introspection can lead to either redemption or a downward spiral."

Nero glanced at Donald, appreciating his input. "True. But knowing Stark, he'll use it as fuel. The man's always been driven, and now he's got something personal to fight for."

Diego raised an eyebrow. "And if he doesn't make it out?"

Nero leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Then the world loses one of its brightest minds. But I wouldn't bet against him. Not yet."

Sofia, always the one to lighten the mood, couldn't resist a grin. "So, you're saying we should start placing bets on his survival?"

Nero chuckled, the glint in his eyes unmistakable. "No, Sofia, this isn't about bets. It's time to invest in Stark Industries. The stocks are going to plummet faster than a rock dropped off a cliff in the next week of his absence. But when Stark reappears, those stocks are going to soar right back up, and then some. There'll be another dip when he announces his plans to pull out of the arms business, but trust me, they'll skyrocket again once he steps out as Iron Man."

The crew shifted their attention fully to Nero, understanding that this was more than just casual conversation. It was a plan.

Diego sat up straighter, his easygoing demeanor giving way to focus. "You're serious about this."

"Dead serious," Nero replied, his tone firm. "This is an opportunity we can't miss. The returns won't be instant, but having shares in Stark will be worth it in the long run. Diego, we need liquid money. Borrow from your contacts, mortgage the clubs, whatever it takes. The more capital we can gather, the better."

Diego nodded, already running the numbers in his head. "I can pull some strings, but it's going to be tight. Mortgaging the clubs is risky."

"Calculated risk," Nero countered, leaning forward. "When Stark announces he's stepping away from weapons, the world's going to be in shock. The market will react, and that's when we strike again. We buy in when everyone else is panicking. And when he finally unveils Iron Man... well, that's when we cash in."

Sofia pushed off the wall, clearly intrigued. "You think Stark's really going to go public with Iron Man that quickly?"

Nero nodded, his voice steady. "He'll have to. Stark doesn't do anything halfway. He'll make a statement, one that the world can't ignore. And when he does, Stark Industries is going to become something entirely new. The old guard will hate it, but the future? The future will be built on his tech."

Donald spoke up. "And if something goes wrong? If Stark doesn't come back, or if the plan doesn't pan out the way you're expecting?"

Nero met Donald's gaze, his expression unflinching. "Then we'll adapt. But I don't plan for failure. Stark is coming back, and when he does, the world is going to change. We're just making sure we're ahead of the curve."

Donald nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Alright."

Nero shifted his attention to Sofia, his eyes sharpening with a focused intent. "What's the status on General Ross? The gamma experiments should be well underway by now."

Sofia didn't miss a beat, pulling out her phone and quickly scrolling through her files. "Ross is keeping it under wraps for now, but I've got a few breadcrumbs. Nothing too solid yet, but the pieces are coming together."

Nero nodded. "Good. When Banner inevitably turns into the Hulk, I want those experiments to be public knowledge. Ross thinks he can play God without consequences—let's make sure the world sees his hand in it."

Sofia looked up from her phone, smirking. "So, when the big green guy smashes through a city, we make sure Ross is front and center in the blame game?"

"Exactly," Nero replied, his tone cold and calculated. "We leak the data at the perfect moment—right when the destruction hits. The media will eat it up. Ross will scramble, try to cover it up, but the damage will be done. People will see him for what he is—a reckless fool trying to weaponize something he doesn't understand."

Sofia nodded, already mentally cataloging the next steps. "I'll keep digging. When the time comes, we'll have everything ready to expose him."

"Make sure you have backups in place," Nero added. "Ross isn't the type to go down without a fight. He'll try to bury any evidence that points back to him, so we need multiple contingencies."

Sofia flashed a confident grin. "Don't worry, Nero. I've got enough redundancies to drive Ross mad."

Diego chimed in, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a more serious tone. "And what about Banner? When he turns, it's going to be chaos. How do we make sure innocent people are not caught in the crossfire?"

Nero answered Diego's concern with a calm smile, "Neogenes will be there to stop him and expose Ross. Last time, when we leaked the illegal human experiments, it set the stage. This time, Neogenes will step up as heroes. It'll shift the narrative and bury Ross for good. Public opinion is already teetering; we just need to give it a push."

Diego nodded slowly, digesting the plan. Recognizing the weight of the situation.

Anthony rolled the plan with a mutter, "We'll control the narrative. The Neogenes will be seen as saviors, a force to counter the chaos Banner will bring. Ross? He'll be the villain. The one who tried to play God and failed spectacularly."

Nero leaned back in his chair, eyes scanning the room as if daring anyone to challenge the plan. But no one did. They all knew how these things worked.

Maria's voice cut through the quiet hum of conversation. "Will Iron Man appear before the Hulk?"

Nero shook his head, considering the timeline. "I'm not certain. Stark's transformation into Iron Man could come before or after Banner's incident. Timing is tricky with things like this. But one thing's clear—we can't let Stark steal the spotlight."

He leaned forward, tapping a finger on the armrest. "Our priority is building up the Neogenes, establishing them as the heroes the world needs. Stark's return will be flashy, no doubt. The media will eat it up. But we need to make sure that when the chaos hits, it's Neogenes who are there to clean up the mess, not Stark."

Maria nodded, understanding the subtle balance of timing. "And if Stark makes his move first?"

"Then we will stop him," Nero replied, his voice steady. "Stark's emergence as Iron Man will grab attention, but it doesn't change our objective. Neogenes can still rise as the counterforce to Banner's destruction. Stark's tech will be impressive, but when people see Neogenes taking down the Hulk—protecting civilians, stopping the rampage—that's what will stick."

Diego spoke up again, more curious than concerned. "And if Stark tries to involve himself with the Hulk situation? You think he'd jump in?"

Nero shrugged, unfazed by the possibility. "If he does, we use it. Stark's not our enemy. Let him have his moment if it comes to that. But we'll make sure it's the Neogenes who get the credit for containing the real threat."

Donald added, "Stark might not stay neutral if he senses something off about the whole situation. He's a quick study."

Nero acknowledged the point with a nod. "True, but Stark's focus will be on his own path. He'll have his hands full adjusting to his new identity, trying to reshape his company and deal with the backlash from pulling out of weapons. As long as we stay a few steps ahead, we can guide the narrative."

Sofia, tapping her fingers against her phone, chimed in, "And if he does get curious about Neogenes? You think he'll try to dig into us?"

Nero's gaze shifted to Sofia. "Stark can try to dig into the Neogenes, which are extensions of Xavier's mutants and Magneto's Homo Superiors, but he won't get far. Angel, Xavier, and Magneto won't let him get too close. Stark may be brilliant, but Angel's resources match his, if not exceed them, and Magneto's far more dangerous than Stark can imagine."

Sofia arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "You really think Magneto would go after Stark if he got too nosy?"

Nero chuckled, "An iron suit that gives powers? To Magneto, it's like a candy shop. Stark wouldn't stand a chance if he caught Magneto's attention."

Sofia grinned, leaning against the desk, "You're picturing Stark getting tossed around like a ragdoll, aren't you?"

Nero nodded with a smirk, "Hard not to. Stark might be a genius, but Magneto… he's something else entirely. Stark's not equipped for that level of power. Not yet."

Diego, shifting slightly in his seat, added, "So we just make sure Stark keeps his focus on his own problems. Let him deal with his tech and his PR mess. We stay under the radar until it's time."

"Exactly," Nero said, his tone firm. "We let Stark do his thing. If he gets too curious, we steer him away. But for now, our focus stays on Ross and the Hulk."

Donald crossed his arms and asked, "What about the military? Ross won't just let Banner slip through his fingers. They'll be all over the place once Banner transforms."

Nero considered that for a moment before responding, "We leverage the chaos. When Banner turns, the military will be in disarray, trying to contain him. That's when Neogenes step in and show the world who's really in control. We make sure it's clear that Ross's obsession with gamma energy led to this mess."

Diego nodded in agreement, "And while everyone's focused on the destruction, we quietly take what we need. Ross won't know what hit him."

Nero smiled at Diego's understanding, "Exactly. We strike when the timing's right—when Ross is too busy covering his own ass to see us coming."

Sofia glanced up. "What about the media? They'll spin this however they want. We can't control every narrative."

Nero smiled, his eyes sharp with anticipation. "That's where the apps you're working on comes in."

Sofia's grin widened as she grabbed her laptop and turned it around to face the others. "Let me introduce you to the future of social media—Squawk, Facenote, and Instaroll." She clicked through the screens, each showcasing sleek interfaces that were reminiscent of something familiar, yet distinctly different. "Squawk is all about real-time updates, quick thoughts, and instant reactions. Facenote? It's the new way people stay connected with their friends and family. And Instaroll—it's for sharing those moments that need a little more flair."

Nero nodded as Sofia presented the apps on her laptop. "We've got a couple of months before the real chaos starts. By then, these platforms need to be fully operational. Use your ring to reinforce the systems—make them unbreakable, unhackable. People will need a way to share what's really happening, even if the mainstream media tries to bury the truth."

He paused, considering the broader implications. "We don't need to censor anything, but we can subtly guide the narrative. If Ross's experiments go public at the right time, if the Hulk's rampage is framed the right way… it'll shift public opinion where we need it to go."

Sofia's fingers hovered over the keyboard, a grin playing on her lips. "Unbreakable, huh? That's a tall order, but I like a challenge."

Nero leaned back in his chair, watching her with a calm expression. "You've done it before. Just make sure it's ready when the time comes. These apps are our backdoor into controlling the flow of information. If the news channels try to spin the story, we'll have the power to counteract that. And more importantly, to influence what people see first."

Sofia gave a short nod, already deep in thought as she began tweaking the code on her laptop. The rest of the room was quiet, everyone understanding the weight of the situation.

Nero's gaze flicked to Diego. "How soon can you secure the funds?"

Diego looked up, meeting Nero's eyes with a confident nod. "I'll start making calls tonight. Shouldn't take more than a week or two to pull it all together."

"Good," Nero said. "I want us ready to buy in the moment Stark Industries dips. Timing is everything."

Donald, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. "And once the stocks rise? We cash out immediately, or hold on for a while?"

Nero tapped the table thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the room as he spoke. "Cash in at the first peak. Like I said, Stark's going to make a big announcement about pulling out of the weapons business. When that happens, the stock will take another dive. That's when we buy back in."

Diego nodded, already calculating in his head. "Double down on the dip, then ride the wave when he rebrands."

"Exactly," Nero confirmed. "Once Stark shifts his focus to tech and clean energy, the market will stabilize. That's when we hold long-term. Stark Industries will redefine itself, and the world will take notice."

Sofia glanced up from her laptop, a curious glint in her eye. "You think he'll go full-on savior mode?"

Nero smirked. "He'll try. Guilt's a strong motivator. He's going to spend the rest of his life making up for what his weapons have done. And that kind of redemption arc? People eat it up."

With the plan laid out and each member clear on their roles, Nero dismissed the group. The room emptied quickly. Satisfied, Nero shifted his focus and summoned L and Light. The two arrived quietly, standing side by side but maintaining a distinct distance as if they had nothing to do with one another. L, wearing slippers as always, had his hands stuffed into his pockets, his posture a familiar slouch. Light stood tall and composed, his expression calm but his eyes sharp, assessing everything with that calculating mind of his.

Nero let the silence hang for a moment, studying the two. They were both brilliant in their own ways, but their differences were what intrigued him the most. Where L operated in shadows, content to observe and unravel mysteries from behind the scenes, Light was driven by a hunger for power and control. It was a dangerous combination—but one that Nero intended to harness.

"I've decided your roles," Nero said, breaking the silence. He saw Light's eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face, but the young man said nothing.

L, on the other hand, tilted his head ever so slightly, his expression as blank as ever. "And what do you need from us?" he asked, his voice low, almost detached.

Nero smiled faintly, recognizing the subtle challenge in L's question. "Simple, really. L, you'll remain on the side of light." He paused, amused by the double meaning. "Continue doing what you do best—solve mysteries, expose truths. You can be as secretive as you want or play the hero this time. Just don't hide your intellect. I want people to know there's someone sharp out there, keeping them safe, even if they don't see you."

L's expression didn't change, but Nero could see the gears turning behind those dark eyes. The detective would play his part well, as always.

Nero then shifted his attention to Light. "As for you, Light, you'll be a villain once again. But let's set some ground rules." His voice took on a steely edge. "No harming innocents—directly or indirectly. If your actions cause harm to those who don't deserve it, there will be consequences. And believe me, I won't be nice about it."

Light's eyes narrowed, his pride bristling at the constraint, but he remained silent, knowing better than to argue. The challenge intrigued him, and Nero could see it—a spark of ambition that never truly faded. He'd find a way to bend the rules without breaking them, just to see if he could.

"I know how calculating you can be, Light," Nero continued, his gaze sharp. "That's why I'm making this clear now. Test me, and you won't like the outcome."

Light's lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded, a silent acknowledgment that he understood. The tension between them was palpable, but Nero knew it was necessary. Light needed boundaries, or his ambition would consume everything in its path.

"Remember," Nero added, his tone softening slightly, "this isn't just about you. Play your part, and you'll get the recognition you crave. Fail to follow the rules, and you'll find yourself with nothing."

With that, Nero leaned back in his chair, the conversation seemingly over. He studied both men for a moment longer, then dismissed them with a casual wave of his hand.

"Go. Do what you need to do. And don't disappoint me."

L nodded and vanished into the shadows as easily as he'd appeared, his presence leaving a quiet void in the room. Light lingered a moment longer, his eyes still locked on Nero's, as if measuring him, before he finally turned and walked away, his footsteps barely audible against the floor.

Nero watched as Light's figure disappeared down the hall, leaving the room in a heavy silence. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest of his chair as he considered the next moves. He spoke softly to the empty room, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Illuminati and Cabal. Those two should fit perfectly."

The words hung in the air, carrying the weight of a plan already set in motion. Like most of his summons, L and Light weren't just pawns—though they might have started that way. They were more like knights in a game where every move had to be calculated, precise. Infiltrators. Sleeper agents. Their roles would be pivotal in shaping the world as Nero envisioned it.

He leaned back in his chair, letting the thoughts flow freely now that he was alone. L would slip into the shadows, weaving himself into the Illuminati, a group that thrived on secrecy and manipulation. They'd never see him coming, and by the time they did, he'd be too deeply embedded for them to do anything about it. He'd uncover their secrets, feed Nero the information he needed to bend them to his will. And all the while, L would think he was simply solving another puzzle, another mystery. A perfect fit.

Light, on the other hand, would be more overt. The Cabal would suit his ego, his ambition. A collection of the world's most dangerous and influential individuals, all vying for power—Light would feel right at home. But he'd also serve as a controlled burn, a flame that Nero could ignite and snuff out as needed. Light would push the boundaries, challenge the others, and in doing so, reveal their weaknesses. But he'd always stay just within the lines Nero had drawn for him, knowing that stepping too far would mean consequences he wasn't prepared to face.

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