"Alright," Hank Pym said after thoroughly putting Fury in his place, "let's get back to the matter at hand — the virus."
He adjusted his glasses and continued, his tone turning analytical. "While studying possible methods to eradicate this infection, we uncovered several remarkable — and frankly, disturbing — properties. The most astonishing discovery is this: the virus appears capable of activating the human X-gene."
"The X-gene?" one of the World Security Council members repeated, frowning. "You mean the same gene that gives mutants their powers?"
Everyone in the room was familiar with the term.
In the Marvel world, the X-gene was a unique genetic trait present in nearly all humans, though dormant in most. For a rare few, it manifested as a dominant gene — awakening superhuman abilities that defied logic or physics. Those individuals were called mutants.
In short, the X-gene was the source of mutant power. Ordinary humans carried it too, but in a latent, inactive state.
"Yes," Hank confirmed. "During our human trials — performed on death row inmates — we observed faint signs of X-gene activation in every subject. Unfortunately, none survived long enough to complete the mutation. Each one turned into an ordinary zombie before the process was finished."
He spoke about the gruesome experiments with unsettling casualness, though no one in the room seemed particularly troubled. The moral line had long since been crossed.
"So," one council member asked slowly, "you're suggesting this virus could, in theory, create zombies with mutant-level abilities?"
"Exactly," Hank said, shrugging. "We just haven't succeeded yet."
While the scientist spoke dispassionately, Marcus — listening through his mental link with Hawkeye — felt his pulse quicken.
This revelation answered one of the greatest mysteries surrounding his own power.
The abilities of mutated infected didn't come from the virus itself. They came from the activation of the host's dormant X-gene.
Which meant two critical things:
1. Every non-mutant who became a mutated infected gained a superpower through X-gene activation.
2. True mutants, whose X-genes were already active, would not gain new powers through infection.
That realization changed everything.
The virus wasn't just a weapon — it was a factory for creating superhumans.
If Marcus could infect non-mutant heroes — those who were guaranteed to become mutated infected rather than ordinary zombies — he could effectively mass-produce powered soldiers.
Imagine the likes of Iron Man, Hawkeye, or even the Falcon re-emerging as infected beings with awakened X-genes. And if he somehow created a mutant-level infected comparable to Magneto or Professor X… the entire tide of the war would shift in his favor.
For the first time in days, Marcus saw a glimmer of hope.
Of course, the same revelation brought mixed feelings among the council members.
To them, this was both a warning and an opportunity. On one hand, humanity might soon face an army of mutant-powered zombies. On the other, the virus clearly had immense bioweapon potential.
If it could be controlled, it would revolutionize military power — and reshape the global balance forever.
"Dr. Pym," Fury interjected sharply, breaking the tension. "Your findings are important, but right now, all focus must remain on the vaccine. We can't afford to think about weaponizing the virus when the world is on fire."
The others quickly voiced their agreement. Every one of them had climbed to power not by vision alone, but by knowing when to prioritize survival.
Hank sighed, clearly frustrated. "Fine. I've said my piece. The virus has the potential to activate the X-gene — do what you will with that information."
With that, his holographic projection flickered and vanished, likely returning to his lab to continue his research.
Fury straightened his coat and addressed the council. "We'll send each of you a detailed outline of our containment and recovery plan. For now, that concludes our meeting."
"Very well, Director," one member said. "We'll await your report."
"Good luck, Fury," added another.
One by one, the holograms dissolved, until only Fury remained in the massive conference room.
"X-genes…" he muttered to himself, rubbing his temples. "That complicates things."
Just then, the doors swung open with a loud clang.
"Hey, Nick—" a familiar voice said casually, "—uh, am I late?"
It was none other than Tony Stark — billionaire, genius, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most unpredictable consultant. He strolled in, looking effortlessly smug as always.
Fury didn't even bother to hide his irritation. "You're right on time," he said dryly. "Meeting just ended. Not that you would've listened anyway."
Tony smirked, dropping into a chair across from him. "You're the only one with the patience to tolerate those fossils."
He glanced out the window. "By the way, I just saw your men hauling out crates of radioactive waste. Should I be worried, or are we staging another disaster for the evening news?"
Fury didn't even try to deny it. "Exactly that. We need the press to sell the 'containment' story. A nuclear leak without evidence doesn't scare anyone. Don't worry — we'll make sure no civilians get caught in it."
Tony's usual grin faded, replaced by a rare look of unease. "Tell me straight, Nick. Are we actually preparing to launch nukes this time?"
Fury met his gaze evenly. "We're always prepared to launch nukes. We just hope we never have to."
For a long moment, neither man spoke. The silence was heavy with the weight of what they both knew — that if New York fell, humanity might have no other choice.
Finally, Tony broke the silence with a sigh. "Then you'd better plan for the worst." He pulled a small device from his pocket and projected a digital map of Queens. "Stark Industries built several underground nuclear shelters near the area — most have been inactive for years, but they should still hold up. If it comes down to it, get your soldiers in there. It might save a few thousand lives."
Fury gave a faint smile and pushed the device back toward him. "Appreciate the offer, Tony. But I believe in the strength we've gathered. The last time you fought off an alien invasion, you had barely a tenth of the firepower we have now. This time…"
He looked out over the glowing skyline of the city he swore to protect.
"…this time, we're not going to lose."
____
T/N:
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