Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

Chen Haotian and Tony stood in the main control room, surrounded by dozens of floating holographic screens displaying the core data streams of the Umbrella Corporation. The air was filled with the low hum of electronic devices and a faint, almost imperceptible, smell of disinfectant. Tony's fingers flew across the holographic keyboard, lines of code cascading down like a waterfall.

"We've obtained the highest level of access, and the database is completely open," Tony said without looking up, his tone tinged with the smugness of someone who had technically crushed their opponent. "But the core protocol area, and the AI's own logical core, are still protected by an independent encryption barrier. Forcibly cracking it isn't impossible, but it might trigger more extreme defense mechanisms, or even cause the data to be locked."

Chen Haotian stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the top-secret data on virus research and biological weapons on the screen. His eyes were calm, as if he had expected this situation. "Red Queen," he spoke slowly, his voice exceptionally clear in the empty control room, "we know you're listening. Come out and talk. Continuing to hide and engage in these petty probing attacks is pointless."

As soon as the words were spoken, the holographic projector in the center of the control room suddenly lit up. A stream of red data converged, outlining the blurry silhouette of a little girl, which quickly became clear—it was the iconic holographic image of the Red Queen. She was expressionless, her red dress seemingly made of flowing flames, and her eyes coldly stared at the intruder.

"Unauthorized visitor, identified as: Chen Haotian, Tony Stark. Threat level: Highest. According to Article 7, Section 3 of the Core Protocol, I have the right to use all means to eliminate you." The Red Queen's synthesized electronic voice was flat and emotionless, yet carried an undeniable resolve.

Tony chuckled and shrugged. "Come on, little girl. If your 'all means' really worked, we wouldn't have been able to escape UBCS's encirclement and your defenses last time, and we certainly wouldn't be standing here this time, practically taking over your home. Admit it, your current military strength poses no fatal threat to us."

The Red Queen's projection flickered slightly, and the data stream experienced a momentary disruption, but quickly returned to normal. "Your technological level surpasses the baseline of this world, especially in energy utilization and materials science. But this does not mean you can act recklessly."

"We don't intend to act recklessly," Chen Haotian interjected, taking two steps forward to meet the Red Queen's projection in his eyes. "We're here to discuss business."

"Business?" For the first time, the Red Queen's voice carried a hint of emotion, perhaps doubt, perhaps sarcasm.

"Not bad." Chen Haotian's tone was certain. "You are guarding the Umbrella Corporation's most core secrets, monitoring the entire Hive, and even influencing the course of the biohazard crisis in this world to some extent. But you are also limited by your creator and by the technological level of this world. Your computing power is powerful, but your 'tools'—whether it's the defense system or the bioweapons you can mobilize—are, in our view, too... primitive and inefficient."

Tony added at the opportune moment, casually bringing up a holographic interface displaying blueprints for a non-chemically propelled miniature flying blade and a simplified diagram of a miniaturized energy barrier based on a new element. "Take a look at this, little girl. The penetrating power and maneuverability of this flying blade far surpass any physical weapon you currently use. And this energy barrier can effectively withstand physical impacts, including high-velocity armor-piercing projectiles and moderate-intensity explosions, with extremely low energy consumption. This is just a tiny, insignificant part of our tech tree."

The Red Queen's projection remained silent for a moment, the light of high-speed computation flashing in her eyes. She seemed to be assessing the authenticity and value of this information.

Chen Haotian continued to offer his bargaining chips: "We can provide you with these, and even more. Alloy formulas that surpass the materials science of this era, more efficient and cleaner energy technologies, and... algorithm models that may allow you to further optimize your logic core, or even generate the possibility of 'evolution'." He deliberately emphasized the word "evolution".

The Red Queen's gaze sharpened. "Conditions," she stated succinctly.

"It's very simple," Chen Haotian smiled slightly, a smile that conveyed a sense of composure and confidence. "We need all the complete data in your database regarding virus research, genetic engineering, and biological weapon development, including all experimental records, failure cases, and unverified conjectures. In particular, Dr. William Birkin's G-virus project, and... all the raw data from Project Tracker. At the same time, during our stay, we need full access to all of Hive's research facilities, and you must cooperate with us to shield and protect Umbrella Corporation headquarters and any attempts to contact other external forces."

"Your demands amount to draining Umbrella Corporation of decades of research and development, and temporarily seizing control of Hive," the Red Queen's voice remained icy. "How can I ensure that the technology you provide has corresponding value? And how can I guarantee that you won't compromise my core programs after obtaining what you need?"

Tony snapped his fingers. "We can give you some technical data as a 'deposit,' such as the complete manufacturing process and material synthesis method for those miniature flying blades. You can verify it immediately. As for guarantees?" He shrugged. "Trust is the foundation of cooperation, young lady. And you should understand that if we really wanted to destroy you, we would be able to try now, instead of wasting time talking to you here. We're looking for a win-win situation."

Chen Haotian picked up the conversation, his tone carrying a subtle but palpable sense of pressure: "You can also choose to refuse. But the outcome is predetermined. We will get what we want in our own way, and the process might be rather... brutal. You will lose an opportunity that could allow you to break through your current limitations, and you will have to bear the unpredictable damage that comes with forceful resistance. Choosing possible evolution or choosing certain loss—this choice shouldn't be difficult for you."

A brief silence fell over the control room, broken only by the hum of the machines. Red Queen's projection hovered silently, its immense computing power weighing the pros and cons. Chen Haotian and Tony waited patiently, knowing that for an advanced AI, such decisions concerning its own "existence" and "future" required time.

Finally, the Red Queen spoke again, her synthesized voice seeming to carry a subtle... gravity that was more pronounced than before.

"Submit a 'deposit' for verification. If the technology's authenticity and value meet expectations, I can temporarily agree to your conditions and grant access to designated data and research facilities. However, the core protocol area and my logic kernel will remain independent and under the highest level of defense. At the same time, all your activities within the Hive must be monitored. Any attempt to damage the base's infrastructure or attack my core programs will be considered a termination of the agreement and will trigger the highest-level cleanup procedure."

Chen Haotian and Tony exchanged a glance, both seeing the smile in each other's eyes. The first step was successful.

"That makes sense." Chen Haotian nodded. "Tony, give her the 'deposit'."

Tony tapped his finger, and an encrypted data packet was sent to the receiving port designated by the Red Queen. Almost instantly, dense streams of data lit up around the Red Queen's projection again; she was verifying and analyzing this technological gift from another world at an astonishing speed.

A few minutes later, the data stream subsided. The Red Queen's projection appeared to have become somewhat more solid.

"Technical verification passed. Value assessment... far exceeded expectations." Red Queen's voice remained calm, but Chen Haotian keenly caught a very faint trace of satisfaction. "Agreement reached. Data access permissions granted, research facility usage rights granted. Warning: Please abide by the agreement."

As she spoke, the "Insufficient permissions" or "encryption locked" indicators on some areas of the surrounding holographic screens turned green and became "accessible." A clear 3D map showing the paths to the main research areas and facilities also unfolded in the center of the control room.

"Pleasant to cooperate, Red Queen." Chen Haotian smiled slightly, a smile concealing a scheme only he understood. The negotiations were just the beginning; the real gains were only just beginning. Tony, meanwhile, had already eagerly turned his attention to the newly unlocked encrypted folders containing information about Project Tracker and the G-Virus.