Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

On the seventh basement level of the Hive, the pressure door to the G-virus research area hissed open. Chen Haotian and Tony stepped into this area marked "Top Secret," where rows of cryogenic storage cabinets shimmered with a ghostly blue light. The air was thick with disinfectant and a cloying, indescribable odor, instantly putting everyone on edge.

"Dr. William Birkin, I assume you have received the Red Queen's notification," Chen Haotian said to the empty experimental area, his voice echoing between the metal walls.

A tall, thin figure emerged from behind a row of laboratory equipment. He wore thick glasses, and his white lab coat was slightly disheveled. William Birkin adjusted his glasses, scrutinizing the newcomer warily. "The Red Queen did indeed notify me. But I'd like to know, by what right do you have to take over my research project?"

Tony leaned lazily against a lab bench: "The fact that we can make the Red Queen obey, Doctor, says it all, doesn't it?"

Bai Jin's expression visibly tensed up, and his hand unconsciously reached for the pocket of his white coat. Chen Haotian keenly noticed this small movement, but simply smiled slightly.

"Relax, Doctor. We're not here to steal your research results." Chen Haotian stepped forward slowly, his gaze sweeping over the low-temperature cabinets. "On the contrary, we're here to help you complete it."

Birkin sneered: "Every executive at Umbrella Corporation says the same thing, and then the next thing they say is that they want me to hand over my research data."

"We're not part of Umbrella," Tony interjected, casually picking up a research report from the lab table and flipping through it. "Honestly, your security system here is like a toy. If we had any ill intentions, you'd be a corpse by now."

Chen Haotian picked up the conversation, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable confidence: "We know your predicament, Doctor. Umbrella is constantly pressuring you to accelerate your research, but refusing to provide sufficient resources. They are more interested in biological weapons that can be deployed in actual combat immediately, rather than the perfect evolution you dream of."

Birkin's expression changed slightly, and his eyes behind his glasses flickered.

Chen Haotian continued, "We also know that while you were developing the G-virus in private, you were also researching its inhibitors. Not for protection, but for your family—your wife Annette and daughter Shirley."

Birkin abruptly took a step back, his face instantly turning pale: "You...how did you know..."

"We know a lot of things, Doctor." Chen Haotian stopped three meters away from him, a distance that was neither too intimidating nor too oppressive. "For example, Umbrella has decided that once the G-virus research is completed, they will get rid of you. They cannot tolerate a genius scientist who knows too much and has his own agenda."

Tony put down the documents in his hand and added, "Dude, you've been ripped off. Umbrella has never been a good company. They use scientists and then dispose of them like trash. This isn't the first time."

Birkin's hands trembled slightly. He took a deep breath: "Even if what you're saying is true, why should I believe you?"

Chen Haotian took out a small projection device from his pocket, pressed a button, and a series of complex molecular structure diagrams appeared in the air.

"Because we can provide what the Umbrella can't," Chen Haotian said, pointing to the rotating molecular models. "Cross-dimensional bioengineering technology, virus samples from another world, and a research and development environment completely uncontrolled by the Umbrella."

Drawn to the unprecedented molecular structures, Birkin unconsciously took a few steps forward, his glasses reflecting the spinning projections: "This...this is a variant of some kind of RNA virus? But the structure is completely different...and the construction of this protein coat..."

Tony smiled smugly. "Like it? It's a little souvenir we brought back from a world teeming with walkers. It's much more refined than your crude T-virus stuff."

Chen Haotian turned off the projector and looked directly into Birkin's eyes: "Join us, Doctor. You can continue your research without worrying about being silenced, and you'll have access to technology that's ahead of its time. The only thing you need to give up is to share the research results of the G-virus."

Birkin remained silent for a long time, the only sound in the lab the soft hum of the cryogenic chamber. Finally, he looked up, a complex light flickering in his eyes: "I need to ensure the safety of my family."

"It's all arranged." Chen Haotian lightly tapped the device on his wrist, and another projection appeared in the air—in a comfortable living room, a blonde woman and a little girl were quietly reading a book. "Your wife and daughter are currently in a safe house, protected by our people. Once you decide to join us, they will be sent to a place of absolute safety."

Birkin looked at his family on the projection, his Adam's apple bobbed, and then he sighed deeply: "You've won. Come with me."

He turned and walked deeper into the laboratory, stopping in front of a seemingly ordinary wall. He reached out and pressed a few concealed spots. The wall silently slid open, revealing the secret laboratory behind it.

This hidden laboratory is far more advanced than the ones outside. At its center is a multi-functional biological workbench, surrounded by various sophisticated instruments. Most striking is a cylindrical container in the center of the workbench, containing several tubes of liquid emitting a faint blue glow.

"This is the prototype of the G virus." Birkin walked to the container, his tone a mixture of pride and worry. "Compared to the T virus, it is more unstable, but it also has greater evolutionary potential. It can actively modify the host's genes, prompting the organism to evolve towards a 'perfect' form."

Tony leaned closer to examine the test tubes: "They look more...active than the T-virus stock solution we got before."

Chen Haotian did not approach immediately, but carefully observed the layout of the laboratory and the security system: "Doctor, the security measures here are quite special."

Birkin smiled slightly: "After all, it's my brainchild. This laboratory is completely independent of the Hive's main system; even the Red Queen can't directly monitor it. The container has multiple layers of protection, including biometrics, combination locks, and a physical isolation system. Any unauthorized attempt to open it will trigger an alarm and initiate a self-destruct sequence."

"Smart." Chen Haotian nodded approvingly. "Now, please give us a sample."

Birkin hesitated for a moment: "I need to remind you, the G-virus is extremely dangerous. Unlike the T-virus, which merely reactivates dead cells, it completely rewrites the organism's genetic code. Once it gets out of control..."

“We have experience dealing with dangerous viruses, Doctor,” Tony interrupted him. “Hurry up, we’re in a rush.”

Birkin took a deep breath, walked to the container, and passed the fingerprint, iris, and voiceprint verifications before entering a long password. The container clicked slightly and slowly opened. He carefully removed a vial of viral stock solution emitting a faint blue glow and placed it into a specially designed cryogenic transport box.

"This is the initial, clean sample; no live testing has been conducted yet." Birkin handed the shipping box to Chen Haotian. "I want you to know what you're doing."

Chen Haotian took the box, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "We always know what we're doing, Doctor. Now, it's time to arrange for you and your family to leave."

Just then, an alarm suddenly sounded outside the laboratory. The Red Queen's virtual image suddenly appeared on the laboratory screen, even though Chen Haotian and Tony had previously restricted her access.

"Dr. Birkin, security is on their way to your lab," Red Queen's voice remained calm. "They've detected unusual activity."

Birkin's expression changed: "It must have triggered some kind of alarm I didn't know about when we were taking the sample! Umbrella has long suspected that I have a secret laboratory!"

Tony had already drawn his weapon: "Looks like our pleasant collaboration is coming to an end sooner rather than later. Man, Plan B?"

Chen Haotian calmly operated the device on his wrist: "Red Queen, delay them for five minutes."

"Executed. But I must remind you, I cannot resist direct orders from the upper echelons of Umbrella for long." After the Red Queen replied, her virtual avatar disappeared.

Chen Haotian turned to Bai Jin: "Doctor, quickly pack up the necessary research materials. We'll take you away from here."

Birkin hurriedly began packing up various data and samples, frantically stuffing them into a suitcase: "My family..."

"We're already en route," Chen Haotian confirmed the information on another projection. "Now we just need to focus on getting out of here."

Tony walked to the door, listening to the approaching footsteps outside: "They're here fast. Looks like Umbrella is keeping a close eye on you, their guinea pig, Doctor."

Bai Jin finally finished packing and walked over to Chen Haotian with his briefcase: "I'm ready."

Chen Haotian nodded and began activating the travel rune. Blue energy gathered in his hand, forming a rotating portal of light.

"This is..." Birkin's eyes widened as he stared in disbelief at the scene before him.

"Welcome to the new world, Doctor." Tony grinned and stepped through the portal first.

Birkin hesitated for a moment, then followed closely behind. Chen Haotian entered last, and the portal closed behind him. Just then, the laboratory door was blown open, and a group of fully armed Umbrella Security personnel rushed in, only to find an empty laboratory and still-operating equipment.

Inside the Stark Tower laboratory, the portal opened again, and the three emerged one by one. Birkin stared in shock at the completely different environment and high-tech equipment around him, speechless for a moment.

Chen Haotian placed the transport box containing the G virus sample on the lab table and turned to Birkin: "Welcome to your new lab, Doctor. Here, you will have the opportunity to complete the research of your dreams without having to worry about being silenced."

Birkin slowly put down his suitcase, adjusted his glasses, and his eyes behind the lenses gleamed with a mixture of fear and excitement: "Who...who are you people?"

Chen Haotian and Tony exchanged a glance, then Chen Haotian smiled and replied, "We are the people who can provide you with the research freedom you've always dreamed of, Doctor. Now, let's see what's so special about this G-virus."