Kalen stood before the towering façade of Nova Corps Base 3, the heart of Xandar's research and development division. The sleek architecture gleamed under the planet's twin suns, a testament to the advanced technology housed within. Yet, as he stepped inside, a familiar sense of disdain crept over him. The sterile environment, the hum of machinery, and the oblivious scientists bustling about—it all reminded him too much of the bureaucratic inefficiencies he'd loathed in his previous life.
In truth he was here because of interrogation and the generals, seeing an opportunity, the opportunity you may ask? The fact a super genius may help them with some equations that stumped many scientists, of course the generals didn't expect much but if he even helped one equation they promised to deliver a request.
Suppressing a sigh, he glanced back at Kailean, who offered him an encouraging smile. Her presence was a grounding force, a reminder of the new life he was forging. With renewed determination, he navigated the labyrinthine corridors, eventually arriving at the Planetary Nuclear Weapons (PNW) Division.
Inside, a group of scientists huddled around a holographic projection of a massive weapon. Equations and schematics floated mid-air, their complexity evident. Kalen observed for a moment before interjecting, "You're all idiots."
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the audacious child. One researcher, a tall Xandarian with a stern expression, raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Kalen stepped forward, pointing at the hologram. "You can't just build a planetary nuclear weapon on a planet. The risks are astronomical, and so are the costs. Instead, embed it within an uninhabited asteroid. Use its natural trajectory and mass to your advantage. It's safer, more efficient, and less likely to cause collateral damage."
The lead scientist scoffed. "And where would we find such an asteroid?"
Kalen smirked. "You're the scientists. Figure it out, and if you didnt know mamy asteroids just float instead of going at subsonic speeds." He then approached the holographic interface, fingers dancing over the controls as he adjusted equations and corrected errors. "Your formulas were flawed. I've optimized them."
The researchers exchanged glances, a mix of astonishment and indignation. One muttered, "Who is this kid?"
Without waiting for a response, Kalen exited the room, Kailean trailing behind, a mixture of pride and concern on her face.
Their next destination was the Weapons Division. Here, engineers tested prototypes, the air thick with the scent of ozone and metal. Kalen approached a firing range, drawing a compact pistol from his coat. The guards tensed, hands hovering over their weapons.
"Relax," Kalen said, aiming at a dummy. He pulled the trigger, and a burst of flame engulfed the target. With a flick of a switch, the pistol's hue shifted from red to blue. He fired again, this time delivering a shockwave that sent the dummy reeling.
He tossed the pistol to the supervising officer. "Dual-element weaponry with a miniature reactor. Don't disassemble it unless you know what you're doing."
The room buzzed with excitement. Engineers crowded around, examining the weapon with awe. Just then, the head general entered, his presence commanding immediate attention.
He clapped slowly, a grin on his face. "Impressive. How much do you want?"
Kalen met his gaze. "Seventy-thirty split. You fund me, and I provide you with exclusive rights for a year and a half. Distribution beyond that is your concern."
The general nodded. "Deal. Transfer a million credits to the kid. Also, place him and his mother at the top of the security list."
"And before you go kid, what's your company's name?"
As the general said that Kalen turned right behind the door and said, "Maliwan, it's going to be Maliwan."
An aide hesitated as they left, approached the general and said. "Sir, should we consider surveillance measures?"
The general's expression darkened. "No. We need him. And if we try anything, he'll know."
As Kalen and Kailean left the facility, she pinched his cheek affectionately. "That was dangerous."
He smirked but also yelled. "MOM! ... sorry, but i had to do it."
Kailean sighed as she said, "Just don't do it again okay."
"Okay." Kalen, lied, hoping she would understand if he did anything in the future.
In the shadows, a spy watched them depart, contemplating the implications of this new player on the galactic stage.