"Five percent of LexCorp's headquarters shares, a nominal position with an annual salary of fifty million dollars, and a ten-million-dollar cash check."
"In addition, I have priority access to all newly developed technologies derived from the spacecraft."
"And LexCorp has granted me unrestricted access to all of its laboratories."
Lucas Reed laid out Lex Luthor's terms plainly, with no intention of hiding anything.
The moment he finished, the expressions of the entrepreneurs present changed.
To people of their stature, annual salaries and cash payments were trivial—after all, the money came from corporate accounts, not their own pockets.
Aside from President Ellis and S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury, everyone else present had the authority to make such decisions on the spot.
The real issue was the five percent stake.
This was five percent of LexCorp—a massive military-industrial and high-tech conglomerate valued at tens of billions of dollars.
At that level, the value of its shares could no longer be measured purely in money.
"Heh. Luthor really knows how to bleed himself dry."
Obadiah Stane shook his head with a cold smile.
He pulled out a cigar case, took out a neatly cut cigar, and was about to light it.
"I have children here. No smoking. Thank you."
Lucas tapped the table lightly.
"Fair enough—guest rules."
Obadiah chuckled awkwardly and put the cigar away.
The room fell into silence.
After a brief pause, Justin Hammer suddenly spoke.
"Mr. Reed," he said politely,
"Hammer Industries is willing to offer 8.5 percent of our company's shares, along with thirty million dollars annually after tax."
"As with the others, all laboratories will be fully open to you, and you will enjoy priority access and purchasing rights to any research outcomes."
Justin Hammer's eyes flickered.
In recent years, compared to the cutting-edge products of Stark Industries and LexCorp, Hammer Industries' output had been noticeably inferior.
Most of what they produced were mid- to low-tier weapons the other two didn't even bother with—kept afloat only by large military contracts.
Now that a ticket into the high-end arena had appeared, how could Hammer Industries possibly let it slip?
Hammer's offer broke the balance.
Queen Consolidated and Cord Industries followed suit, each offering five percent of their shares plus a ten-million-dollar cash check.
Lucas accepted every offer without hesitation.
Wayne Enterprises was represented this time by its current CEO, Philip Kane—the maternal uncle of the future Batman, Bruce Wayne.
At this point, Bruce Wayne was likely still traveling the world and had yet to return to Gotham to inherit the family empire.
Kane spoke calmly:
"I'm sorry, Mr. Reed. At present, Wayne Enterprises cannot offer you company shares, as that would involve unresolved inheritance matters among major shareholders."
"However, Wayne Enterprises is willing to pay you three hundred million dollars, post-tax."
"All other conditions will be identical to those offered by the other companies."
Lucas sighed inwardly.
Missing out on Wayne Enterprises' shares was truly regrettable.
"Accepted."
In terms of overall valuation, Wayne Enterprises—deeply entrenched in every aspect of Gotham—possessed a foundation even stronger than Stark Industries.
In fact, by comprehensive valuation alone, Wayne Enterprises could currently overpower Stark Industries outright.
Three hundred million dollars after tax was an enormous sum—many mid-sized companies weren't worth that much in total.
After exchanging a few quiet words with Tony Stark, Obadiah Stane spoke up:
"Stark Industries is willing to offer 2.5 percent of company shares."
Everyone waited for the rest of the conditions—
—but Obadiah stopped there.
Granted, 2.5 percent of Stark Industries was worth more than five percent of many other companies present.
But there were no additional terms at all—not even basic laboratory access.
It was clearly intentional.
Lucas looked at the bald man and smiled.
"Sorry. I don't want Stark stock."
The room erupted in surprise.
That was Stark Industries stock—worth roughly five hundred million dollars by current market estimates.
Obadiah frowned deeply. Stark shares were prime assets; they would be snapped up instantly if sold.
Of course, Lucas had no intention of explaining that Stark Industries' stock would soon experience a catastrophic roller-coaster ride.
One of the great perks of being a transmigrator—he had no intention of wasting it.
Buying at the bottom later could very well make him one of Stark Industries' major shareholders.
After all, even the shares Howard Stark left Tony likely amounted to no more than forty percent.
The fact that Obadiah could later unite the board and remove Tony proved they collectively held at least forty percent.
As a publicly traded company, Stark Industries likely had 23–35 percent of its shares in circulation.
That put Tony at roughly 30–37 percent, and Obadiah's faction at 37–44 percent.
Once Tony disappeared and weapons development shut down—sending the stock price crashing by forty percent—
Lucas would have more than enough capital to acquire over ten percent.
"Are you looking down on Stark Industries?"
Tony Stark finally snapped, his temper flaring—still suffering from a hangover.
"Even that 2.5 percent was Uncle Stane's call. If it were up to me, I wouldn't even give you one percent!"
Lucas was completely unfazed.
Tony's sharp tongue was legendary—any seasoned Marvel transmigrator would be mentally prepared.
Tony snorted and continued:
"From the tech standpoint, the most valuable thing about that ship is its interstellar engine and energy modules."
"As for its weapon systems—whether they even exist is questionable."
"The rest is worthless in my eyes."
To others, this sounded arrogant.
Lucas knew better—Tony's intellect and R&D ability more than justified his confidence.
"So if you don't want Stark shares, I'm perfectly happy," Tony concluded.
"I'm sure the board would be thrilled as well."
Only after Tony finished did Lucas speak calmly:
"That engine alone is worth trillions."
"Not to mention the energy systems, weapons, and energy-shield generators."
"These are priceless assets."
"I'm already being generous with this admission fee."
"If Stark Industries doesn't want in, you're free to stand up and walk out."
Obadiah immediately pressed Tony back into his seat and said apologetically:
"Mr. Reed, Tony drank too much last night. He's not thinking clearly yet—please forgive him."
"Let's do this: Stark Industries will provide five hundred million dollars, post-tax."
"As for the laboratories—they belong to Tony. If he refuses, we can't overrule him."
Lucas rubbed his chin, then nodded.
"Fine. Make sure it's after tax. I don't want the IRS knocking on my door."
"Of course," Obadiah replied quickly.
Five hundred million was more than sufficient.
After all, this was 2003, not the post-Endgame era.
Lucas then turned his gaze to President Ellis and Nick Fury.
"And what price," he asked calmly,
"are you planning to pay for this admission ticket?"
--
Author's Note:
This universe's timeline has been adjusted.
In the original canon, Tony inherited Stark Industries in 1992; here, it is 2003.
Final authority rests with the author—please do not attack over this change.
Before Stark Industries transitioned to new energy, Wayne Enterprises did indeed possess a stronger foundational advantage, much like the difference between heavy industry and pure high-tech corporations.
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