E.U.N.I.C.E.
Evolving Utility Networked Intelligence with Cognitive Emotions
The name chosen by Ben, inspired by the Unitrix from the Ben 10's universe. In that universe, the Unitrix had been a prototype Omnitrix created by the brilliant Galvan scientist Azmuth. After acquiring the genetic template of a young human girl, the device had manifested as a beautiful blonde AI with remarkable capabilities.
The original Unitrix possessed the power to acquire and integrate genetic material from various species, granting its user corresponding biological abilities. Ben's version of Eunice lacked these advanced functions—she was purely an artificial intelligence, and even her basic database remained incomplete.
But that didn't mean she couldn't evolve.
Ben's thoughts turned to Dr. Animo and the potential applications of his research. While Animo himself had been eliminated, his theoretical work on cross-species genetic transfer represented a breakthrough that could revolutionize biotechnology. Unlike Connors' lizard serum with its unpredictable side effects, Animo's approach promised true genetic integration without the associated psychological deterioration.
Unfortunately, the Dr. Animo that Ben had killed hadn't yet perfected these concepts. His genetic mutation device remained a crude prototype, and his monstrous transformation at Stark Tower had been achieved primarily through adaptation of Connors' serum rather than his own innovations.
"Perhaps I can develop my own version of the technology," Ben mused aloud.
He possessed capabilities that Dr. Animo could never have imagined. With access to alien intelligence and technology far beyond Earth's current understanding, Ben could potentially achieve what Animo had only dreamed of—and surpass it entirely.
"Eunice, create new research files," he commanded. "Label them 'Unitrix Development' and 'Ultimatrix Prototype.'"
"Files created," Eunice responded in her characteristically calm tone.
Compared to Tony Stark's sophisticated JARVIS system, Eunice was essentially a newborn in digital terms. But every advanced AI had to start somewhere, and Ben was confident she would develop rapidly with proper guidance and will live up to her name.
Over the following days, scientific equipment from Oscorp continued arriving at Ben's laboratory in a steady stream. Much of it showed battle damage from the recent attacks, requiring extensive repair work before it could become functional again.
For most people, rebuilding complex laboratory equipment would have been prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, Ben had access to alien abilities that made the process considerably more efficient.
While Grey Matter was excellent for understanding and diagnosing mechanical problems, Upgrade proved far more useful for actual repairs. Ben didn't currently have access to Upgrade's technology-manipulation abilities, but he did have both Grey Matter and the shapeshifting capabilities he'd gained from studying alien genetics.
His process was elegantly simple: first, transform into Grey Matter to analyze the damage and determine optimal repair methods. Then shift into a form capable of direct technological integration, literally merging with the damaged equipment to restore it to like-new condition.
The results were impressive. Within days, Ben had converted a collection of battle-scarred laboratory equipment into a state-of-the-art research facility that would have been the envy of most universities.
"Now Primus Technologies is officially operational," Ben declared with satisfaction as he surveyed his completed laboratory.
He had deliberately chosen not to establish his company in Manhattan, despite the prestige associated with a Manhattan address. The real estate costs were prohibitive, and more importantly, Manhattan seemed to attract catastrophic events with alarming regularity. Ben had no desire to rebuild his laboratory every few months.
Instead, he had selected a building in Queens, not far from the recently prominent Hammer Industries. Since Stark Industries had withdrawn from military contracting, Justin Hammer had aggressively pursued government defense contracts, achieving considerable financial success despite his questionable competence.
Ben had no interest in Hammer as either a competitor or potential collaborator—the man was clearly incompetent despite his recent windfall.
Ben's facility occupied an entire floor, which he had divided into specialized research areas based on anticipated needs.
"This section is designed for Dr. Connors," he explained to himself while conducting a final inspection. "Most of the equipment we acquired from Oscorp is biology-focused, so it's perfect for his research interests."
He moved to another area of the laboratory.
"And this workspace is for Peter. He's going to end up working for me eventually, whether he realizes it or not."
Peter Parker had always been genuinely brilliant, but his commitment to his Spider-Man activities had prevented him from fully developing his scientific potential. While Ben supported Peter's heroic activities, he didn't want his cousin to lose sight of his identity as Peter Parker in favor of his superhero persona.
Of course, since Peter was family, Ben was also prepared to provide substantial support for his Spider-Man career.
"It's definitely time to upgrade his equipment," Ben decided.
Peter's current gear was embarrassingly primitive. His web-shooters had been constructed from salvaged watch components, and his costume had been sewn together on May's domestic sewing machine.
Now that Primus had access to advanced 3D printing technology, Ben could create professional-grade equipment as long as he could determine the proper specifications.
"Web-gliding wings are a classic addition," he noted while designing improvements to Peter's costume.
He modified the design to include retractable wing membranes under the arms, creating a web-like gliding system that would allow Peter to maintain altitude even when his web-shooters ran out of fluid.
Spider-Man frequently operated at significant heights, and the risk of catastrophic falls was always present. These wings would provide a crucial safety margin during aerial maneuvers.
Within hours, Ben had produced a completely redesigned Spider-Man suit. While maintaining the classic aesthetic that Peter preferred, the new costume incorporated numerous technological improvements. The final result was easily comparable to anything Tony Stark might have created, lacking only an integrated artificial intelligence system.
"When my AI technology is more advanced, I'll add a proper digital assistant," Ben decided.
He smiled at the thought of Peter's reaction to the upgrade. Instead of "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man courtesy of your friend Iron Man," it would be "courtesy of your cousin Ben Parker."
The thought reminded Ben that he still lacked a proper superhero identity of his own. Most enhanced individuals, whether heroes or villains, adopted distinctive names to protect their civilian identities and create memorable public personas.
Without a superhero name, Ben was essentially anonymous—which actually suited his current preferences perfectly.
"I already have plenty of names," he concluded with a shrug.
Each of his alien transformations carried its own identity and reputation. There was no real need to create another persona when he could simply operate as Heatblast, Four Arms, or any of his other forms as circumstances required.
Besides, Ben didn't share Peter's ambition to become a full-time superhero. His interests lay more in technological development and business success than in patrol-based crime fighting.
With school suspended indefinitely due to battle damage, Spider-Man had been incredibly active throughout Queens. Social media platforms were filled with videos of his exploits, and his reputation was growing rapidly.
Unlike the seemingly untouchable Iron Man, Spider-Man appeared genuinely committed to helping ordinary people with everyday problems. While Tony Stark was more likely to be found in expensive hotels with attractive companions, Spider-Man would actually respond to street-level crimes and emergencies.
This accessibility made him considerably more popular with the general public than some more glamorous heroes.
Of course, mainstream media attention was a double-edged sword. J. Jonah Jameson at the Daily Bugle had launched his predictable campaign to portray Spider-Man as a menace, though he was simultaneously offering substantial payments for photographs of the web-slinger.
Peter had swallowed his pride and begun selling photos of his own heroic activities, rationalizing the decision as necessary for his family's financial stability. The moral compromise bothered him initially, but the substantial payments had gradually made the arrangement more palatable.
When Ben returned home each evening, Peter would excitedly describe his latest adventures and count the money he'd earned from his photography. His dream was to purchase a reliable car for the family, enabling them to take trips together during summer vacation and holidays.
The suggestion always made Ben think of the practical limitations of public transportation and the Parker family's current financial constraints.
"Waiting for Peter to save enough money would take forever," Ben realized. "I should just buy a quality vehicle myself and have it properly modified."
Beyond these immediate concerns, Ben had another important project requiring his attention: helping Norman Osborn reclaim control of his company.
For the first time in days, Osborn Manor opened its doors to receive a guest.
"Ben! You're here!" Norman's enthusiasm was immediately apparent as he welcomed his young ally.
The more Norman observed Ben's capabilities, the more impressed he became. If Harry had shown even a fraction of Ben's competence and determination, Norman would have seriously considered arranging some kind of formal partnership between their families.
"I have to admit," Norman said, placing a paternal hand on Ben's shoulder, "bringing the Hardy Foundation's daughter with you to acquire Oscorp equipment was absolutely brilliant strategy."
His admiration was genuine as he continued, "The news has spread throughout the financial community. Everyone assumes the Hardy Foundation is preparing to acquire Oscorp entirely. Our stock price has crashed to historic lows!"
The irony wasn't lost on either of them. Oscorp, once a dominant force in biotechnology, had fallen so far that its own co-founder was celebrating its apparent collapse.
But Norman couldn't understand the underlying dynamics of Ben's relationship with Felicia Hardy.
"I'm genuinely curious," he admitted. "How did you convince the Hardy Foundation to support your activities? They're notorious for making purely business-based decisions."
Ben's response was deliberately vague. "Personal charm, perhaps?"
Meanwhile, at the Hardy family mansion, a very different conversation was taking place.
Mrs. Hardy fixed her daughter with a stern glare that could have frozen lava.
"Felicia, I want to know exactly who you accompanied to Oscorp to create these ridiculous rumors that are now circulating throughout New York's business community!"
Vanessa Hardy retained traces of her former beauty, but years of corporate maneuvering had hardened her features and sharpened her tongue in ways that diminished her appeal considerably.
"What rumors, Mother?" Felicia asked with obviously feigned innocence.
She and Ben had anticipated this reaction when they decided to conduct their negotiations publicly. In fact, they had deliberately encouraged speculation about Hardy Foundation involvement to maximize their negotiating leverage.
Mrs. Hardy was far too experienced to be fooled by her daughter's act. She had undoubtedly already conducted a thorough investigation into Ben's background and understood exactly what was happening.
Seeing that direct confrontation was pointless, Mrs. Hardy shifted to expressing her deeper concerns.
"I'm genuinely worried," she said with maternal exasperation, "that by the time you inherit the Hardy Foundation, you'll have already given it away to some charming young man."
The comment hit closer to home than Felicia cared to admit, but she maintained her innocent expression while privately acknowledging that her mother's fears might not be entirely unfounded.
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