Luthor had discovered the calculation flaw in Reed's experimental plan. That was why he made these specific arrangements.
But Fury, based on his deep understanding of the man, had already guessed what he was planning.
"Luthor brought in Green Lantern to ensure the experiment's safety. At the same time, he's setting things up so that any mistake will be blamed on Reed. He's planning to sacrifice him. As for why..."
Fury was still analyzing, and his thoughts were getting closer and closer to the truth.
"Other than giving Green Lantern a platform to showcase his powers and heroic image, I can't think of another reason he would do this. Especially if it means giving up a genius like Reed."
He was certain that Luthor had recognized the scientist's talent. The only reason the man would still go through with this was because he had a much bigger plan in motion. Something far more important than just Reed.
"For now, all we can do is wait and watch. But Coulson, once LexCorp cuts ties with him, I want you to take a team and make contact with Reed immediately. Extend an invitation for him to join S.H.I.E.L.D. Anyone that a giant like them sees as disposable, we must fight to recruit."
"Understood."
* * *
It wasn't only S.H.I.E.L.D. watching. Across the entire United States, anyone with power or influence had their eyes on LexCorp's upcoming space experiment.
They were all waiting for the company to slip up. Even a single crack in their image would be enough for them to strike. And while they might not be able to destroy LexCorp outright, they would make sure the company was knocked flat.
At the very least, they couldn't let LexCorp turn the U.S. into a place where only their voice mattered.
Amid all this pressure, the space experiment officially began.
There were three crew members on the mission.
The lead researcher was Reed Richards. Accompanying him was Ben Grimm, working as an astronaut, and Johnny Storm, a staff member aboard the space station.
As for Susan, who was originally meant to be there too—since Luthor had already decided not to let anyone gain powers from the cosmic storm incident, there was no need for her to work in such a dangerous environment.
Even though their marriage was part of his long-term plan, now that they were bound together, he didn't mind showing her a bit of care and protection.
The work being done in space, apart from some critical data, was broadcast live throughout the world.
Unless a particular government banned the footage, anyone with an internet connection could tune in and witness LexCorp's sci-fi-like space station and its perfectly organized operation.
Through this livestream, the company was showcasing its strength to the world.
Those who had been waiting for LexCorp to fail wore dark expressions. Because if the experiment succeeded without issue, then nothing could stop them anymore.
They were already hard to beat in the shadows. If they gained public support too, then they would become unstoppable.
They'd swallow up everything in America.
As for antitrust laws?
When LexCorp held the power to interpret those very laws, would they still have any effect?
* * *
"Two hours to go."
In his office, Fury was also watching the livestream. According to the partial research data from Reed Richards that had been made public, a cosmic storm was expected to approach the space station in exactly two hours. That would be the moment to capture and study this new form of cosmic energy.
Just then, Coulson came rushing in.
"Sir, we've got a problem!"
"What happened?"
Turning around, Fury saw the documents in the agent's hands. He took them right away. But after just one glance, his expression turned heavy.
After receiving the publicly shareable research data ahead of time, they had immediately begun verifying the calculations.
S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists might not match the monsters like Tony, Luthor, or Reed, but when it came to pure computation, aside from the workload, they were still more than capable.
And now, the results were in.
There was indeed a mistake in Reed's experimental data.
A fatal one.
The cosmic storm wasn't going to reach the station in two hours—it was arriving right now.
Realizing this, Fury looked back at the screen. Sure enough, the brilliant lights of the cosmic storm were already blooming outside the space station.
* * *
At this time, Ben was still performing space operations, preparing to extract a sample of the storm's energy.
The materials used in LexCorp's space station could withstand the impact of the storm. But there was no way Ben's spacesuit could do the same.
The entire world saw it. They saw the terror on the man's face. They saw him desperately flailing his limbs, trying to make it back to the station.
And they also saw Reed's panicked expression.
By now, those who had always been against LexCorp were thrilled.
This was a major mistake. One big enough to shatter the company's perfect record.
* * *
"Ben!"
Inside the station, Reed was so overwhelmed with anxiety that he forgot he had already asked 'Green Lantern' for help. He ran to the observation window, trying to find a way to bring his friend back.
Of the people there, only Johnny remained calm, muttering to himself, "Looks like my brother-in-law's instincts were right. Reed really did mess up."
He didn't understand the full story, only knowing from Susan that Luthor had doubts about the safety of Reed's experiment. He believed there was a high chance something could go wrong and had made arrangements for him in advance.
So, in the midst of the chaos, Johnny quickly activated the space station's systems.
In the next moment, a dark metal shell extended over the outside of the station. The special material that could fully block the intrusion of the cosmic storm took shape, protecting the two people inside.
Simultaneously, it also cut off Ben's path back.
"Johnny, what are you doing?!"
Reed stepped forward in anger and grabbed him by the collar. However, he was thrown to the ground by the younger, clearly well-trained Johnny.
"Shut up! Did you forget what you did? Instead of worrying about Ben, you should worry about how you're going to face the American people once we get back to Earth!"
From the time Reed realized his miscalculation, both men's every action had been watched by the whole world.
In an instant, the public's opinion of Reed, the man whose mistake had put his friend in danger, plummeted.
And then, as the cosmic storm was about to wash over the entire station—just when Ben was about to be fully exposed to the energy—a streak of green light tore across the stars, appearing right in front of the station, shielding it from the oncoming storm.
"In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil's might beware my power…Green Lantern's light!"
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