Marvel: Starting with Iron Man in the Apocalypse

The morning sunlight streamed through the glass curtain wall on the top floor of Stark Tower, illuminating the holographic projection in the center of the laboratory. Chen Haotian and Tony sat facing each other, with a list of potential team members compiled by Jarvis suspended between them.

"So, we need to choose a third person now." Tony swiped his finger across the projection, which listed dozens of names. "It feels a bit like a draft, except we're choosing teammates to save the multiverse."

Chen Haotian leaned back lazily in his chair, a half-smile on his face: "Why don't we first determine the selection criteria? After all, not just anyone can accept the premise of 'Hey, we're going on an adventure to another world.'"

Tony nodded: "Jarvis, bring up the standards we discussed last night."

The holographic projection immediately switched to display several core standards: psychological resilience, complementarity of professional fields, confidentiality, and acceptance of abnormal events.

"Mental resilience is number one." Chen Haotian sat up straight. "I remember when we first traveled to the world of The Walking Dead, you adapted quickly, but you almost threw up at first."

Tony scoffed, "That's different. Anyone would feel nauseous if they suddenly saw rotting zombies eating human flesh, okay? Besides, I recovered quickly."

"It's precisely because you adjusted quickly that we were able to continue our cooperation," Chen Haotian said meaningfully. "Not everyone can remain calm in that situation."

Jarvis interjected at the opportune moment: "According to behavioral psychology analysis, the acceptance of unusual events is positively correlated with an individual's cognitive flexibility. We recommend prioritizing candidates who have previously dealt with extraordinary events."

Tony said thoughtfully, "In that case, people in the superhero world might be the best choice. At least they've already been exposed to the concept of superpowers."

Chen Haotian shook his head: "Not necessarily. Some superheroes have stronger fixed mindsets; they are used to solving problems in their own way and may find it difficult to accept a completely different worldview."

He pulled up a new list: "I had Jarvis compile several categories: scientists, agents, superhumans, and ordinary people. Let's analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each type."

"Scientist category," Tony read out the first name, "Dr. Bruce Banner. His strengths are high intelligence, research on anomalies, and he's already used to having a big green guy inside him. His weaknesses... we're not sure how the Hulk would react in other worlds."

Chen Haotian added, "More importantly, Banner has such a strong sense of morality that he might oppose some of our... shady methods in other worlds."

Tony raised an eyebrow: "Grey tactics? You mean we impersonate Umbrella Corporation employees, or deliberately give Hydra false information?"

"That's true." Chen Haotian readily admitted, "When exploring the heavens, we can't always abide by the moral standards of this world. Sometimes, for the greater good, we must adopt some flexible methods."

Tony paused for a moment, then nodded. "That makes sense. Next up, agent category. Natasha Romanoff, codename Black Widow."

Chen Haotian revealed an appreciative expression: "Natasha is indeed a good choice. She has extremely strong mental fortitude, adaptability, is proficient in multiple languages ​​and disguise skills, and she has seen the world and won't be easily intimidated."

"But she is, after all, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent," Tony pointed out the key issue. "If we invite her, it's tantamount to revealing our secrets to S.H.I.E.L.D. That one-eyed Nick Fury will definitely try to interfere in our affairs."

Chen Haotian chuckled: "I'm not worried about that. Given Natasha's personality, if she decides to join us, she'll naturally handle her relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. The question is, is she willing to accept this kind of cross-world adventure?"

They continued browsing the list, eliminating several obviously unsuitable candidates, and finally settled on one name: Stephen Strange.

"Doctor Strange?" Tony asked, somewhat surprised. "Seriously? That arrogant neurosurgeon?"

"He's not Doctor Strange yet, just a top-notch surgeon," Chen Haotian explained. "But what's important is his potential. Strange has an extremely strong learning and adaptability, and in the future he will become the Sorcerer Supreme, with an unparalleled understanding of the multiverse."

Tony scoffed: "Leaving aside the fact that he's still a megalomaniac, even if we invited him, would he accept this concept? A surgeon who only believes in science?"

"That's exactly what's interesting." A sly glint flashed in Chen Haotian's eyes. "If we could expose him to the mysteries of the multiverse before his car accident, perhaps we could change the trajectory of his future. Just imagine, what would a Strange who is both proficient in magic and a believer in science be like?"

Tony considered the possibility, then shook his head: "Too risky. We're not sure what impact this would have on the timeline. Besides, Strange probably can't even manage the most basic teamwork right now."

Chen Haotian sighed: "You're right, the time isn't right yet."

They continued their discussions, considering more candidates such as Sam Wilson and James Rhodes, but always found reasons why they weren't a good fit.

A few hours later, Tony stood up irritably and paced back and forth: "Why is it so hard to choose someone? We have characters from the entire Marvel Universe to choose from, but we can't find a suitable third person."

Chen Haotian remained calm: "Because we are not looking for a simple helper, but a partner who can complement us. You are good at technology and innovation, and I have the ability to navigate through obstacles and strategic planning. We need a third person who can fill our gaps."

"What are our weaknesses?" Tony countered.

Chen Haotian pulled up the analysis data from their previous missions: "Look at these situations: In The Walking Dead world, we were almost surrounded by a horde of zombies; in the Resident Evil world, we were forced to make an emergency evacuation; facing Hydra's infiltration, it took us too long to discover it. Our weaknesses are tactical execution and intelligence gathering capabilities."

Tony understood: "We need a warrior, someone who can fight alongside us on the front lines."

"That's not all," Chen Haotian added, "We also need to have sufficient judgment to make independent decisions when necessary. Because we can't predict what we'll encounter in other worlds, and sometimes the team might be split up."

Tony suddenly stopped, a flash of realization in his eyes: "I know someone. He may not be the smartest, but he's definitely the most reliable partner on the battlefield; he has extensive combat experience and can adapt to all kinds of environments; moreover, he's seen paranormal phenomena and has extremely strong mental fortitude."

Chen Haotian had already guessed who Tony was talking about, and he smiled slightly: "Captain America?"

"Steve Rogers," Tony nodded firmly. "He's still asleep in the ice, but we already know where he is. If we wake him up and invite him to join..."

Chen Haotian pondered the proposal: "Rogers does meet many criteria: a strong sense of morality without being rigid, rich tactical experience, superhuman physical abilities, and as a World War II veteran, he has a deep understanding of the importance of secrecy."

"But he might not like my personality," Tony joked. "And he might not be very comfortable with modern technology."

"These are all things that can be overcome." Chen Haotian stood up and walked to the window. "More importantly, Rogers' addition will bring a dimension that we currently lack: leadership."

Tony raised an eyebrow: "Leadership? I thought we didn't need anyone to lead us."

"Not leadership in that sense," Chen Haotian explained. "I'm referring to the ability to unite a team and make difficult decisions in a crisis. In a life-or-death situation, someone can step forward and unify everyone's actions; that ability is invaluable."

Tony thought for a moment, then nodded. "That makes sense. So, we're on the same page? Steve Rogers is our first choice?"

Chen Haotian gave a mysterious smile: "He is the first choice, but not the only choice. I suggest we develop a backup plan in case Rogers rejects our invitation, or if other variables arise."

"An alternative?" Tony asked curiously. "You have other options?"

Chen Haotian operated the holographic projection and brought up a new name: "If Rogers doesn't work, I suggest considering Clint Barton, codename Hawkeye."

"Barton?" Tony asked, somewhat surprised. "Why him?"

"Several reasons," Chen Haotian analyzed. "First, he is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, but unlike Natasha, he is not deeply involved in S.H.I.E.L.D. politics; second, he has unique long-range attack capabilities, which can fill our tactical gaps; third, according to the information I have, Barton has extremely strong adaptability and independent thinking ability."

Tony considered the alternative plan and slowly nodded: "Not a bad option. So, what should we do next? Go straight to the Arctic and dig Rogers out?"

Chen Haotian shook his head: "No, let's make more thorough preparations first. Before waking Rogers up, we need to develop a detailed recruitment plan, prepare our explanations to him, and consider the questions and objections he might raise."

Tony laughed: "You always think of everything so thoroughly."

"This is necessary." Chen Haotian gazed at the distant cityscape. "Inviting someone to join our team means changing their life. We have a responsibility to ensure that it's a change for the better."

As the sun set, the laboratory was bathed in golden light. Chen Haotian and Tony finalized a three-person shortlist: Steve Rogers as the first choice, and Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff as backups.

"Regardless of who we ultimately choose," Chen Haotian concluded, "they must all undergo rigorous testing and adaptation processes. We cannot risk taking someone who is not prepared for the journey."

Tony nodded in agreement: "Agreed. The next step is to develop a testing plan."

Chen Haotian looked at the faintly glowing runes on the back of his hand and said softly, "I hope we've chosen the right person, Tony. Because the wrong choice could bring disaster to all of us."

Tony patted him on the shoulder: "Relax, bro. With our intelligence and careful planning, we'll definitely find the most suitable third party."

Chen Haotian smiled but didn't answer. He knew in his heart that this decision would change the trajectory of their exploration of the heavens, whether for better or worse. And as a free spirit and strategist, he enjoyed this kind of challenge full of unknowns.