In the MCU with the Omnitrix/Ultimatrix

The morning after Thor's arrival, I find myself in my private office, planning for the future. On my screens are various files - potential recruits for a team I hope to build, intelligence on emerging enhanced individuals, and contingency plans.

My phone buzzes - another message from Stark: "That offer's still open. My lab's more interesting than whatever setup Fisk's got you using. - TS"

The timing couldn't be more attractive. While Fisk has provided resources and protection, relying solely on one power player, especially one as complex as the Kingpin, would be short-sighted.

"Computer, display known enhanced individuals in New York area."

The list grows daily. Some hiding, some just discovering their abilities. Eventually, they'll need guidance, support... a team. But building that requires backup plans - including contingencies for scenarios where Fisk and I find ourselves at odds.

Having Tony Stark as an ally could prove invaluable, though the risks are substantial. Getting closer to a genius of his caliber means increased scrutiny, possible exposure of secrets I need to keep.

"Computer, secure line to Fisk's office."

"We need to talk about Stark's offer," I say as the connection establishes.

"I assumed this would come up," Fisk replies. "The timing is... concerning."

"It's an opportunity. Having connections beyond our immediate circle could prove useful."

"Stark is dangerous. His intelligence, his resources - he could uncover things we'd rather keep hidden."

"True," I acknowledge. "But having him as a potential ally outweighs the risks. Besides, he's already suspicious. Better to control his investigation than let him dig on his own."

"Having Stark's trust adds another layer of legitimacy to our story." I continue. "The son of Wilson Fisk, working with Iron Man? It reinforces everything we've built."

He remains silent for a moment, "Very well, but be careful."

I nod to myself and smile, as I cut off the call.

After receiving his cautious approval, I draft a response to Stark: "Fine, you've caught my interest. I'd like to take you up on it, if its still on the table as you say. - SF"

His reply comes instantly: "Finally. Tower. 2 PM. Bring your interesting accessories. - TS"

The next hour is spent reviewing everything I can safely share - the Ultimatrix's basic functions, transformation mechanics, but nothing about its true origin.

Stark Tower's private entrance welcomes me precisely at 2 PM. As JARVIS guides me to the R&D level, I remind myself again why I'm here: creating contingencies, preparing for a future that will require more allies.

The lab doors open to reveal organized chaos. Holographic displays float everywhere, robotic arms move with precise purpose, and in the center stands Tony Stark, already analyzing something on multiple screens.

"Right on time," he says without looking up. "Though I'm surprised daddy dearest let you come play."

"I make my own decisions."

"Do you?" Now he turns, that trademark smirk in place. "JARVIS, run full spectrum analysis on our guest's unique accessory."

"Already scanning, sir. Though I'm detecting unusual interference patterns."

"The device has its own security measures," I explain.

Stark moves closer, eyes sharp with curiosity. "You know, I've been studying your appearances. The transformations, the powers, your combat style.

It's all very... practiced. But here's what really interests me - you're not just fighting. You're building something. Connections, reputation, public trust. Almost like you're preparing for something."

"Aren't we all?" I gesture to his Iron Man suits. "The world's changing. New threats, new challenges. Everyone needs to be ready."

"True. Though most people don't have transformation tech - and don't deny its tech - that defies known physics. Want to tell me where that really came from?"

"Would you believe it was government experiments?"

"Not even slightly." He grins. "But I'm willing to play along if you are. Show me what that thing can really do."

I activate the Ultimatrix's holographic interface, revealing basic functions. Sometimes the best way to hide the truth is to share part of it.

"Fascinating," he mutters. "The energy conversion alone should be impossible."

"Says the man who built an arc reactor in a cave."

That gets a genuine laugh. "Fair point. JARVIS, prep the testing area. Let's see what our young friend here can really do."

As the lab reconfigures, I consider the layers of this interaction. We're both testing boundaries, building potential alliances while keeping our secrets.

It's a dangerous game, but one that again might prove crucial if things ever go south with Fisk.

I just hope I never have to use these connections.

"Ready to show me something interesting?" Stark asks, his lab humming with power.

I activate the Ultimatrix, selecting a form. "Let's find out."

I scroll through the Ultimatrix's interface, considering my options.

With Humungousaur, XLR8, and some of my other combat forms already public knowledge, I need to show something different. Something that might forge a real connection.

"Let's begin with a familiar one," I say, selecting XLR8's form. The transformation is smooth now, practiced. Stark's sensors light up as my body shifts and changes.

"Fascinating," he mutters, holographic displays streaming data. "The mass conversion alone is worth studying. JARVIS, are you getting this?"

"Indeed, sir. The transformation process appears to violate several fundamental laws of physics."

After a brief demonstration of XLR8's speed capabilities, I transform back. "That's what everyone's seen. But I'd like to show you something different."

"Oh?" Stark raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

I select Grey Matter, feeling my perspective shift as I shrink down. The transformation brings with it that familiar rush of enhanced intelligence, the world suddenly becoming clearer, more defined in its complexity.

"Now this is interesting," Stark crouches down to observe my diminutive form. "Going for the miniature approach?"

"Size isn't everything," I reply, already processing the complex equations floating on his screens - the knowledge flowing into me.

This form really is special. Even without an education in something, seeing it, just has knowledge of it appear in your head, with which you can reason at insane speeds.

"Your quantum tunneling calculations for the Mark VII's power distribution are off by 0.0034%. The variance is small, but at peak output, it could create a feedback loop in the secondary systems."

Stark blinks, then grins. "JARVIS, verify that."

"The small alien is correct, sir. Adjusting calculations now."

"This form enhances intelligence," I explain, moving to one of his workstations. "It lets me process complex data, understand advanced technology, see solutions that might not be immediately obvious."

"Show me," Stark challenges, pulling up some of his more complex projects.

The next two hours become a fascinating exchange of ideas. We discuss quantum mechanics, energy conversion theories, and advanced engineering concepts.

In this form, I can keep up with Stark's brilliant mind, even offer insights he hadn't considered.

"Your approach to the repulsor stabilization is innovative," I note, examining a holographic schematic, "but have you considered using a non-linear phase array? It would reduce energy bleed by 23%."

"Huh." Stark implements the suggestion, watching the simulation improve dramatically. "Not bad, tiny. Not bad at all."

I transform back to human form, the enhanced intelligence fading but leaving behind a clear understanding of what we discussed. "Sometimes the best solutions come from a different perspective."

"Speaking of perspective," Stark studies me with renewed interest, "most people with transformation powers go straight for the flashy stuff. Super strength, energy blasts, the works. But you... you chose to show me this. Why?"

"Because anyone can punch through a wall," I reply carefully. "But real progress, real solutions, come from understanding. From seeing problems differently."

"Like how you're seeing your situation with Fisk?" The question is casual, but his eyes are sharp.

"Everyone needs allies," I say simply. "And sometimes the best alliances start with mutual understanding."

Stark nods slowly. "Tuesday, same time. We'll talk more about quantum tunneling and... other things."

As I leave Stark Tower, I feel satisfied with my choice.

Showing Grey Matter instead of my more powerful forms was a risk, but it established something more valuable than a display of strength - a connection based on intellectual respect.

Now I just have to maintain that delicate balance between building trust and keeping necessary secrets.