Chapter 9: Father and Son
Wilson Fisk's Pov:
I watch the city lights from my penthouse office, contemplating the evening's events. Stark's interest in Samael was expected, but the intensity of his scrutiny concerns me.
The gala footage plays on one of my screens - every interaction, every conversation captured by my security team.
Stark's approach was calculated, testing reactions, probing for weaknesses. The man's reputation for genius is well-earned.
"Sir," my assistant's voice comes through the intercom, "the latest polling data has arrived."
I review the numbers with satisfaction. Public approval of Shift continues to rise, particularly after yesterday's rescue of a school bus. The narrative is developing perfectly.
But Stark's interest threatens to complicate matters. His resources, his intelligence, his technology - he could uncover inconsistencies if he digs deep enough.
"Bring up the contingency files," I order, and multiple screens light up with carefully crafted backup plans. Each one meticulously designed, each detail accounted for. Yet Samael himself remains an unknown variable.
The way he handled Stark tonight... it wasn't part of our prepared responses. He's adapting, improvising, possibly pursuing his own agenda. The question is - does this help or hinder my plans?
The elevator chimes, and Samael enters. Still in his gala attire, but his posture has changed - more relaxed, more natural.
"We need to talk about Stark," I say, not turning from the window.
"Stark's suspicious," Samael states, loosening his tie. "But he's also intrigued. That works in our favor."
I turn to face him, studying his expression. These past few days have shown me that despite our arrangement, I'm not dealing with some simple pawn. There's a calculated intelligence behind those red eyes that reminds me, uncomfortably, of myself.
"You deliberately engaged with him," I observe. "Even after I attempted to end the conversation."
"Because avoiding him would only increase his suspicion." He sits in one of my leather chairs seeming entirely at ease. "Tony Stark is like a dog with a bone when his curiosity is piqued. Better to give him something to chew on."
"And what exactly did you give him?"
"A mystery he can't quite solve." A slight smile plays at his lips. "He's convinced there's more to my story - which there is - but he's looking in the wrong direction. Let him focus on trying to figure out the technology behind my transformations. It keeps him from discovering the actual truth."
His reasoning is sound, which makes me both proud and wary. I've cultivated many proteges over the years, but none quite like this.
"I reiterate, the evolved form you displayed in Harlem," I say carefully. "You never mentioned that capability during our initial agreement." My tone, showing my displeasure towards the act.
"There's a lot I haven't mentioned." His red eyes meet mine steadily. "Just as I'm sure there's much about your organization you haven't shared with me."
A challenge, wrapped in understanding. He's reminding me that this partnership goes both ways.
"A fair observation," I concede, moving to my desk. "Though it raises the question - what else might emerge during your next public appearance? I prefer to be... prepared."
"Just as I prefer to be prepared for whatever tasks you might have planned for your new 'hero'." Samael leans forward slightly. "For instance, the weapons shipment arriving at the docks tomorrow night. The one the police will mysteriously fail to notice."
I keep my expression neutral, though inwardly, I'm impressed. He's been paying attention to the subtle signs, the quiet movements of my organization.
"You disapprove?"
"On the contrary," he replies. "I understand the necessity of maintaining your empire. But if Shift happens to stop a different weapons shipment that night - one belonging to your competitors - it would reinforce my heroic image while eliminating your opposition."
The suggestion is elegant in its simplicity. "You've given this considerable thought."
"I'm your son now, remember?" His smile holds a hint of irony. "Might as well make it a family business."
I study him for a long moment. This arrangement has evolved beyond my initial calculations. The boy isn't just playing the role of hero - he's reshaping it to serve both our interests.
"Very well," I activate my secure display, showing the details of our competitors' operation. "Let's discuss how New York's newest hero can make his mark tomorrow night."
"The Maggia's shipment arrives at 11 PM," I explain, bringing up the harbor schematics. "Their security will be substantial."
"Good," Samael studies the layout. "More witnesses means better press. Plus, taking down established criminals builds credibility with law enforcement."
I observe how quickly he analyzes the tactical situation. "You'll need to be careful. The Maggia isn't known for subtlety when crossed."
"I'm thinking XLR8 for initial reconnaissance," he muses, "then Humungousaur for the main event. The public already associates that form with major threats." He pauses, then adds with a slight smirk, "Besides, nothing says 'hero' quite like a dinosaur throwing mobsters into shipping containers."
His strategic thinking impresses me, even as it prompts caution. "And my shipment?"
"Will arrive safely while the police and media are occupied with the Maggia bust." He leans back. "Though we should discuss the long-term strategy here. A hero who only disrupts your competitors becomes suspicious eventually."
"You're suggesting..."
"That occasionally, Shift should interfere with your operations. Small ones, naturally. Sacrificial pawns that make the overall narrative more convincing."
I pour two glasses of scotch, offering him one. "You understand this is more than just maintaining appearances. Every move we make shapes the power dynamics of this city."
"Of course," he takes the glass but doesn't drink. "The Maggia loses face, your legitimate businesses gain prominence, and Shift builds a reputation as an effective but measured hero. All while your real operations continue unimpeded."
"And what do you gain from this arrangement?" I ask directly. "Beyond the obvious."
His red eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see something I don't quite understand in them. "Let's just say I'm playing a longer game than you might imagine."
"A longer game?" I set my glass down, intrigued. "Care to elaborate?"
"Let's just say that I have a feeling that Harlem was just the beginning. Bigger threats are coming - threats that will make the Abomination look like a warm-up."
He stands, walking to the window. "When that happens, being established as a legitimate hero will matter more than any criminal empire."
Interesting. Despite saying its a feeling, his tone carries absolute certainty, as if he's not speculating but stating fact.
"You sound quite confident about these... future threats."
"The world's changing," he turns back to face me. "Iron Man, the Hulk - they're just the beginning. You're smart enough to see it coming. Why else would you invest so heavily in creating a hero?"
Clever boy. He's right, of course. My networks have been tracking unusual activities globally - strange energy signatures, unexplained phenomena, whispers of organizations beyond normal jurisdiction.
"And you believe you're prepared for these changes?"
"More than you know." He glances at the Ultimatrix, barely visible under his sleeve. "Though I could be better positioned with the right resources."
"Such as?"
"Access to direct aid from your technology division. Not the public one - your real R&D facilities. The ones developing countermeasures for enhanced individuals."
I study him carefully. "That's sensitive information you're requesting."
"Consider it investment in your hero's effectiveness." His smile is knowing. "After all, a father should ensure his son has every advantage."
"Very well," I activate another secure screen, revealing schematics of facilities hidden beneath legitimate businesses. "But understand - this level of access comes with certain expectations."
"Naturally." He examines the displays, and I notice a brief flash of genuine awe in his expression - a crack in his carefully maintained composure. It's these small moments that remind me he's still adapting to all this.
His earlier composure must have been because he's planned this conversation in his head till this moment - speaks quite well of his intelligence, but my quick agreement must have surprised him.
"The facility beneath Fisk Industries' main research building," I indicate a particular schematic, "has been developing some... interesting projects. Perhaps you'd care to tour it soon enough?"
"A couple weeks after the Maggia operation?" He nods, trying to mask his excitement with professional interest. "Perfect timing. The media will be focused on the bust while we handle more important matters."
His strategic thinking is impressive as well, especially for someone who, just days ago, was thrown into this world of power plays and heroics. He's learning quickly - perhaps too quickly.
"You're adapting well to this life," I observe carefully.
He meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see uncertainty beneath his confidence. "Let's just say I understand the importance of proper preparation. Especially now."
"Sir," my security chief's voice interrupts through the comm, "we have movement at the docks. The Maggia shipment's schedule has changed."
Samael checks his watch - his real one, not the decoy - not the Ultimatrix. I notice his fingers fidget slightly, betraying nervous energy. "Looks like we'll have to continue this discussion later... father."
The last word still sounds foreign on his tongue, just like earlier - a reminder that this relationship, like everything else in his new life, is something he's still getting used to.
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
How did you find the Kingpin's perspective?
I hope I showed well, Samael's intelligence, while also his still newness... if that's even a word - to the situation he's now in.
So yeah, do please give me feedback on that if possible.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)