"In Hector's blood, we detected a foreign genetic structure, similar to what was found in the alien corpse earlier. He must be infected," reported the assistant and a female doctor in the lab, where the unconscious Hector lay, undergoing tests.
Though Hector was subject to extensive blood tests, he was in a better state than Abin had been, who was dissected. Hammond, Hector's father, had no sentimental reason to spare his son; his consideration was purely practical—Hector was still alive. A living subject was far more valuable than a dead one, especially given Hector's apparent abilities.
"So, based on the current data, what kind of abilities has he developed? It doesn't look like it's a physical enhancement, right?" Hammond frowned at the data, hoping for a unique advantage from his son's mutation. Thanks to the modern age, Hammond was somewhat knowledgeable about various superhuman abilities, though interpreting the detailed data in front of him wasn't easy.
The doctor's eyes gleamed as she replied, "From what we can see, he has indeed experienced a physical enhancement—but it appears isolated to his brain. This might mean he's developed some form of telekinesis!"
"A rare ability indeed," Hammond mused. "Even among the Avengers, such a power is scarce. If we could replicate it…" His voice trailed off, but he was clearly intrigued by the potential. Currently, the only means of producing superhumans involved either the super-soldier serum, gamma radiation, or the demon legion. Yet, telekinesis would add an entirely new and rare weapon to their arsenal.
Hammond's thoughts drifted to Abin's corpse, whose location he knew well, and the fact that Hector, now a mutant, was his own son. With both as resources, surely he could research a way to replicate this mutation. If the Hulk's powers could be duplicated to produce the Gamma Corps, surely Hector's unique gifts could pave a similar path.
However, Hammond and the doctor were unaware that, though Hector lay there with his eyes closed, he had regained consciousness. His last memory was leaving the banquet, succumbing to a violent headache, and finally passing out. Now, waking up without pain, he felt his mind more alert and relaxed than ever. Instantly, he sensed that his powers had grown.
Just then, he overheard Hammond's voice—not spoken aloud, but his thoughts. "Telekinesis? Could Hector have caused that plane crash yesterday? He's been acting strangely around me... If he's truly developed this power, would he use it against me?"
Hammond? Why is he here, and how does he know about my powers? Hector's mind raced. He opened his eyes and took in his surroundings: he was back in the familiar lab, on the very same bed where Abin's body had once been laid out.
A sudden clarity washed over him. Attempting to sit up, he found his wrists and ankles bound in metal restraints—devices they hadn't even used when examining Abin, since he had already been dead.
"Hector, you're awake?" Hammond noticed him struggling and offered a forced, reassuring smile. "Don't worry; you've been infected by that alien corpse, but we'll do everything we can to cure you."
"Cure me?" Hector's eyes shifted to the metallic cuffs on his wrists. The implication was clear: Why restrain me if you're trying to help?
Hammond chuckled nervously. "You've developed superpowers and were unconscious because of them. We were concerned you might lose control. Just rest. Leave everything to me, and soon you'll be back to your old self."
"Really? Will I lose my powers as well?" Hector's expression remained impassive, as he gazed into Hammond's eyes.
"Of course! I don't want my son to stay like this forever, after all. Trust me; I'll make sure you recover." Hammond's face appeared sincere, but his thoughts betrayed him. "Not that his old self was much better, and if he does revert, who would I study? Besides, there's no guarantee other test subjects would undergo the same mutation."
Hector's face softened as he heard Hammond's thoughts. The disconnect between Hammond's words and intentions became stark. His father hadn't just lied to him—he saw him as nothing more than an experiment. Any remnants of familial loyalty vanished. He understood now that his powers granted him insight into others' true feelings.
A voice broke his concentration. The female doctor instructed an assistant, "Administer the sedative so we can proceed with the experiments without interruptions."
The assistant nodded and approached Hector with a syringe. But before he could inject it, Hector's telekinetic power surged. With a sharp buzz, the syringe flew out of the assistant's grip and stabbed him directly in the forehead with lethal force, piercing his skull.
"Hector! What are you doing?" Hammond yelled, as he realized the power Hector wielded.
"Guards! Quickly!" the doctor screamed. Recognizing they couldn't handle Hector alone, she called for reinforcements.
Soon, a team of elite security personnel entered the lab. These weren't ordinary guards; they had been specially trained, and some had even successfully undergone the super-soldier serum treatment. While some super-soldiers were weaker than others, they still represented an entry into the world of superhuman capabilities.
Seeing Hector, they immediately fired—but rather than bullets or energy blasts, their weapons discharged powerful tranquilizer darts. As Hammond's son and a valuable experimental subject, their mission was to subdue, not kill.
However, the tranquilizer darts were no match for Hector's telekinesis. With a flick of his mind, the metal restraints on his wrists and ankles snapped open, and the darts froze midair, suspended.
"What…?" Hammond swallowed in shock at the surreal display. He couldn't believe his once "worthless" son had achieved such power. Greed flared within him. If Hector could wield this power, why couldn't I?
With a sharp movement, Hector sent the tranquilizer darts back toward the guards, hitting each in turn. He then fixed his gaze on Hammond. "Impressed? You want this power, don't you? Don't worry; I'll help you get it. All you need is to endure the experiment."
Hector laughed, hearing Hammond's unspoken thoughts. He levitated his father onto the lab bed, binding him in the very restraints that had once held him.
"Hector! What are you doing?! I'm your father!" Hammond shouted, his confidence crumbling. He could no longer maintain his composure.
"You want my power? I'll grant your wish—but only if you become my test subject," Hector said with a dark smile, savoring the fear in his father's eyes. Hammond's usual lies and manipulations had melted away, leaving only genuine, desperate terror.
As Hector reveled in his father's helplessness, he was suddenly blindsided by a powerful punch, flung backward and sprawling onto the floor. A super-soldier had evaded his tranquilizer counterattack and taken advantage of his distraction to strike.
Momentarily disoriented, Hector struggled to rise, his mind swimming. He wasn't accustomed to combat and had underestimated the super-soldiers' strength. But as another soldier lunged toward him, Hector's instincts kicked in, and he managed to hurl a metal support beam at the attackers, sending three of them flying. The remaining super-soldier dodged and pressed forward.
Just as the soldier's fist was about to connect, Hector's telekinetic shield activated, freezing his attacker mid-motion. With a thought, he sent a metal rod hurtling through the soldier's head, killing him instantly.
"You could have just played dead, but you insisted on rushing to your own demise," Hector muttered coldly, rubbing his bruised side. Rising to his feet, he glared at the remaining guards. "Now, you'll learn the true meaning of fear."
With a series of swift telekinetic strikes, he dispatched the rest, including the unconscious guards. Then, he turned his attention to the trembling female doctor. "You brought them here, didn't you?" He smirked and pinned her to the wall with a metal rod, ending her life as well.
Meanwhile, far from the chaos, in Carol's house, Hal's Green Lantern ring began to glow with a furious intensity, abruptly interrupting his conversation with her.
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