MD-Chapter 289 The Next Topic

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"Why call it 'black technology' when it comes from you?" Tony asked, clearly frustrated. "Why not call it 'divine technology' instead?"

"Divine... 'TM' technology?" Arthur blinked, confused.

"I feel like there's something off about what you just said," Tony remarked, glancing at the paper in his hand, which featured a teleportation array. "If we had enough energy, could we set up a remote, even interstellar, teleportation array? Wait a minute, this gives me a brilliant idea!"

"An idea about what? I didn't come here to discuss your brilliant ideas today," Arthur replied, feeling a bit exasperated.

"No, no, no! This all fits together perfectly," Tony insisted. "If we can utilize these teleportation arrays through technology, we could establish temporary bases all over the world, each with one of these arrays underneath. When needed, we could appear anywhere on the globe. And if conditions allow, interstellar teleportation could become a reality!"

"So, you're just going to overlook spaceships in space?" Arthur raised an eyebrow.

Tony set the paper down and looked at him. "Why not?"

"Alright, this could be your next research project, but shouldn't we be heading out now?"

"Come on, hurry up and start your performance," Tony urged, excitement evident in his voice.

Suddenly, a teleportation array materialized on the floor. Tony paused for a moment and said, "So, you just used this to pop up in my house? When did you leave this here?"

"When you weren't looking," Arthur replied, stepping onto the teleportation array. "Should I change first? I'm in pajamas..."

Before he could finish, they found themselves in a vast, empty space filled with countless old-fashioned computer cases. An elderly man stood in front of a computer, typing commands but getting no results.

Tony's unfinished thought slipped out: "...That's a bit outrageous, don't you think?"

Everyone turned to stare at the two of them, but as soon as they recognized Arthur, they quickly averted their gazes in unison.

Before arriving, they had been given clear instructions: cooperate in cracking the system and maintain strict confidentiality.

For the sake of the rewards, everyone was behaving quite obediently.

Arthur was puzzled. "Why aren't you all asleep?"

Parker emerged from the crowd, first staring at Tony in shock, then moving closer to Arthur to whisper, "Professor Mark instructed us to start up the computer tonight. But so far, the program hasn't been activated."

Tony had already walked behind Professor Mark, glancing at the screen. "Oh, a special and interesting system?"

"Yes." Professor Mark frowned. After a moment, he typed another command, but the computer screen still displayed "FAIL" in bold letters.

He hesitated to try again. "I've already failed twice. If I fail a third time, it could trigger some special programs."

"Wise choice," Tony agreed.

Professor Mark shot Tony a puzzled look. "Who are you?"

"Nice to meet you..." Tony shook hands with Professor Mark, then moved over to the computer, inspecting it closely before crawling under the desk for a better look.

He was thorough, examining everything from the monitor and camera to the main CPU case.

"Interesting," Tony said as he stood up and walked back to Arthur. "Let's head back for now and let everyone get some rest. I need about an hour to crack the computer's startup program. Of course, I don't plan to stay here all night. Just come by tomorrow to check in with me."

Arthur didn't say much, but seeing Tony's confidence, he didn't argue. After giving Parker a subtle nod, he led Tony back to his house.

"So convenient," Tony remarked, looking around and confirming it was indeed his home. "This ability is perfect for facilitating human travel. By the way, do you think there will be issues with energy tracking? If someone notices, could they trace your destination based on the energy trail?"

"I can't say for sure," Arthur replied.

"Alright, if you're unsure, let me take a crack at it," Tony said, moving over to the workbench. "The computer you showed me isn't as simple as I thought. It'll require quite a bit of technology, but fortunately, I see it has a port set up, which will allow us to delve deeper into the system's inner workings. However, I need a small piece of equipment to do that, and it'll take me about an hour to build it. Like I said, you can come by tomorrow to pick it up."

"An hour isn't too long or too short. I'll wait here," Arthur said. "The researchers at Camp Lehigh probably won't want to sleep soundly without making any progress, right? Or do you think it's already too late?"

Tony checked the time, continued working at the bench, and asked Arthur, "What's the origin of that computer? Camp Lehigh? That name sounds familiar... I feel like I've heard it somewhere before."

"Probably from your dad," Arthur replied casually.

Tony paused, then nodded seriously. "That sounds right! So, Camp Lehigh... Is that where SHIELD was first established?"

At this point, he turned to Arthur. "What are you doing? Investigating SHIELD?"

"Want to hear a story?" Arthur smiled.

"Of course." Tony turned his head back and continued working, while saying, "But even if it's a SHIELD investigation, I don't trust them much."

"Actually, it's not an investigation into SHIELD," Arthur clarified. "It's Hydra."

"I'm listening!" Tony's hand paused mid-motion.

"After returning from Kamar-Taj, I met with Fury. We came to an agreement..."

To tell a story, you start from the beginning.

Tony didn't mind Arthur elaborating, and while staying busy, he listened to the entire story.

Finally, after installing the last piece of equipment, Tony handed Arthur something resembling a USB drive and said, "So, your goal is to control SHIELD, that's quite ambitious!"

(End of Chapter)