Who: Doom, npc Kristoff Where: Doomstadt, Latveria When: December 10th, 2016 What: Doom has created a dangerous weapon, which concerns Kristoff. They discuss other matters as well. Rating: PG
Kristoff came downstairs in a hurry, holding the tablet in his hand. Victor von Doom was standing near the center of his giant lab in the upper floor, gauntlets folded behind his back, which braced the green cloak from his tall, armored frame. He was right at the rail's edge, a ten story cylindrical drop to the bottom floor before him.
"My liege! May I have a word?"
"You may," he said simply, his voice blank of passion or anger for once.
"The recent readings for your tests. Is this what I think it is?"
"You're not stupid, Kristoff. I imagine it is exactly what you think."
Kristoff held his armored palm out, frustrated. "Why! An anti-matter bomb could consume this whole planet. You taught me that weapons needed to be carefully controlled, that some should not even be invented, even though we're well within our capabilities. Our goal is never to destroy Earth, but to save it."
The doctor turned, hands still behind his back as he considered his adopted son, who was as frazzled as he allowed himself to get. "Did you not see the precautions I used, both of science and arcane? I could not risk this test going out of control... Do you think me careless?"
Immediate balking. "No... But I do not understand."
"It's not for use here, Kristoff. Do not mistake me for a fool." He marched forward, past Kristoff.
That was actually more comforting, that sharp self-assuredness that would not be questioned. Kristoff felt a fear quiet in him, but the questions still burned. "Not here?" He followed after his father's self-assured strides. "Then..."
"Not even on this plane. On another plane we could well do without. Has there been any word from the Scarlet Witch?"
The question linked a few things in Kristoff's mind, and whatever inquiries he had were answered. "I'm afraid not."
"Send another communication to her from yourself, asking for audience with me at the embassy."
Another balk, but not a fearful one this time, just to try to figure out how to ask without seeming as though he were questioning Victor von Doom. "How will that affect things, putting you in such close proximity to... it?"
"We will see, but I suspect while it may be aware of my presence, it will do nothing in retaliation to it. It has already evolved past being absolutely obedient when aware of me. We will see if it evolves further. I somehow doubt it, though. The one evolutionary leap is what made it so unique in the first place. The only thing I need to withstand is the program we placed for it to not wish to turn to Latveria to overthrow me. So long as that cautionary remains intact and subliminal, we do not risk repeating the past."
"I am surprised it is being so subtle."
"As am I. Which means it is plotting something. We will see what unfolds. I will step in if it goes to extremes. Right now I need to focus on my ultimate task, and I need you to focus on keeping my country thriving in the meantime."
"Have you found a solution for the new guardians?"
Doom was silent for a few seconds. "Yes. I will just need to time my execution perfectly."
Kristoff sighed, trailing after him. He wasn't giving details, and he thought perhaps he didn't want to know.