Avi2112
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Chapter 42
🕑 Added 2024-06-18 06:59:37 +0000 UTC
You watch as the rocket is launched from the SpaceX site, carrying the payload of your 100 micro-satellites.
It took you 3-4 days to complete the work, including the satellites and the bio-probes. This was due to the paperwork and meetings that demanded your attention, along with the necessary debugging required when testing their effects with Shuri.
There was also a phone call from a scared Patricia, where she spoke to you about her recent changes of gaining red cat ears and a tail, so you had to personally meet with her to verify and placate her concerns and bring her back to Watson Tower for a thorough checkup.
Now, the rocket launch was organized by you in advance to ensure that the satellites could be made functional quickly. Additionally, the bio-probes were transported into the Ghostwing.
Unfortunately, you currently only have one such jet under your command, and you've entrusted Bobbi with it. She will be the one to fly it to the dead zones—areas without satellite imagery—once the Swarm is fully functional.
"This will work, right?" Pepper asks, her hopeful eyes fixed on the rocket ascending into space.
"Definitely," you respond, taking her hand and squeezing it reassuringly.
"I believe in you, Luke, it's just... it's been six days already," Pepper says, her voice cracking with emotion.
"I know, but we have to stay strong. It's just a matter of time now," you reply, pulling her into a comforting side hug.
"Mmm," she hums, resting her head on your shoulder, tears glistening in her eyes.
After leaving the launch site, you bid farewell to Pepper, who seemed in a better mood, especially after you had temporarily given her access to the satellite imagery so she could stay updated with the search.
You also breathe a sigh of relief, with Pepper back in form, you will have a respite from the demands of running a multinational billion-dollar company. It sounds impressive on paper, but the reality is exhausting, especially with so many other matters needing your attention.
However, you're aware that Pepper will soon need a replacement, and unfortunately, there's no one currently with you who could take her place. You'll have to start looking for someone soon.
Glancing at your watch, you notice it's still quite early in the morning—perhaps it's the perfect time to fulfil the promise you made to Cassie.
You boarded a flight back to New York and returned to Watson Tower. Making your way to Basement 2, where Maggie was currently staying, you prepared to honour your commitment.
The next day, after the party, Maggie and Cassie had arrived at the tower. Jemma then had taken a special interest in Cassie's case, and for the past four days, she had been administering special healing tonics to Cassie.
Initially developed for Cassandra, these tonics were designed to heal internal damage to the body to some extent. Now, they were being used to improve Cassie's overall health.
At your suggestion, Maggie had a heart-to-heart talk with Cassie about her condition. They embraced, shed tears, and reconciled, with Cassie apologizing for her previous behavior.
You then disclosed your plan to assist Scott in being released from jail early. Cassie was overjoyed, while Maggie's reaction was more complex, though she still expressed gratitude towards you.
Yesterday, Jemma administered the last dose, and today you promised to take them to the law firm.
After greeting the already prepared mother and daughter, you led them to your car, taking the driver's seat.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" Maggie asked her daughter Cassie.
"Yes, Mom! You've asked me that four times already. Dr. Jemma said there's no risk to my heart for some months since the healing dose worked on some of the damage," Cassie replied casually. "And I was fine before too, so don't worry so much." She added placing her hand on her mother's, reassuring her.
"Alright, I'm still just a bit worried," Maggie admitted with a helpless smile, lovingly caressing her daughter's face.
You glance at the scene unfolding in the backseat through your car's mirror and smile. You had discussed various treatment options with Maggie to help Cassie, but she hadn't yet made a decision.
"Luke, can these lawyers help Dad get out of prison?" Cassie asked, trying to divert from the embarrassing conversation.
"Scott's case is tricky, especially since the court has already found him guilty with clear evidence against him and a major company is involved. Most lawyers wouldn't even touch this case," you admit frankly.
"If it's too difficult, maybe you should just leave it," Maggie suggested, looking at you.
Cassie's pitiful expression catches your eye in the mirror.
"Don't worry, we'll give these lawyers a shot first. I know for a fact they won't shy away from such a case. And if that doesn't work, there's always the other option I mentioned," you assure them, winking at Cassie through the mirror.
Cassie blushes, remembering her first kiss and how Luke had remarked that her kiss was worth at least a million dollars.
Maggie glanced questioningly at Cassie, but Cassie just stared out of the window, ignoring her mother's inquisitive look.
"This doesn't seem like a good part of town," Cassie remarked, observing their surroundings.
"This is Hell's Kitchen. Is the firm located in such a rundown place?" Maggie asked, turning to you for reassurance.
"It's a new law firm, but they are very skilled at what they do, trust me," you replied with a wry smile.
You also took a moment to survey the area. It didn't appear as rundown to you; it was just that New Yorkers often held a perception of Hell's Kitchen as a place where crime was rampant, which deters most upscale and good Samaritans from visiting.
Your car stops underneath a red brick building.
"It's just here in this building," you announce with a smile as both Maggie and Cassie follow you up the stairs.
"Are you having trouble walking the stairs, Cassie?" Maggie inquires as they climb.
"I'm fine, Mom. I think I can even run for a long time now," Cassie replies cheerfully.
"No, the doctor said that you should let the medicine work for a few days before any strenuous activity," Maggie warns sternly.
"Yes, I remember, Mom," Cassie replies, glancing back at you with a hint of sadness.
Just as you were climbing the stairs, you caught the sound of a woman's quiet sobbing voice.
"They killed him … because of me, and he had a family … a little boy," the woman said, her voice breaking with tears.
"I think we have company," a man's voice interjected and it interrupted the woman's dialogue.
You've just reached the floor where the voice was coming from, when you see a glass door on the left with a paper sign reading 'Nelson and Murdock'
Before you could even knock, the door swung open, revealing a man standing before you.
"Can I help you with something?" He says looking at you with a smile.
You're momentarily taken aback by his sudden appearance. Although he was smiling, his body language suggested he was ready to defend himself at a moment's notice.
You can guess why his demeanour is so alert. He's no ordinary man; he's Matt Murdock, a simple lawyer by day but a vigilante by night—the man without fear, the Daredevil.
But you're certain he's only recently begun his nightly activities, so he's neither the Devil of Hell's Kitchen nor the Daredevil yet.
He must have 'heard' you approaching since he is blind. Similar to Jessica's case, his eyes were splashed by radioactive substances when he was young, an accident incurred while saving an old man from a truck. Though he lost his sight that day, he gained Superhuman Senses.
So you're certain he's reacting defensively because of you, although you're not sure how you could be perceived as a threat by him.
"We're here to find the law firm," Maggie says behind you as Cassie joins her.
Seeing them, Matt's demeanour relaxes slightly.
"Wow, are they clients?" The door opens fully, and another person comes out.
"Hello, I am Foggy Nelson, and this is my friend Matt Murdock. You've come to the right place; this is Nelson and Murdock's law firm. Please, come right inside," Foggy says, greeting you with a welcoming smile while inviting you all inside.
Matt stays silent as you all enter, with him going inside last.
Inside, you see a blonde woman seated on a chair, holding a cup of coffee in her hands, tears evident in her eyes.
This is Karen Page, who you know of as a future girlfriend of Daredevil's. Given her presence here and her current state, you deduce that she appears to be in some serious trouble.
"This is our client, Miss Karen Page. We are helping her with some... uh, legal troubles," Foggy introduced the woman as you all entered.
Karen looks up and her eyes widen when she sees you.
"Lucas Watson?" she says, surprised, as she hurriedly wipes her tears away.
