"Directive confirmed," Skynet replied without hesitation. "Delivery guaranteed within forty minutes."
Homelander ended the call, then dialed another encrypted channel.
The line barely rang before Brock Rumlow's deep, respectful voice came through.
"Boss. Everything's normal at S.H.I.E.L.D. Any orders?"
"Rumlow, contact Mitchell Carson," Homelander said. "Have him use his Hydra identity to tip off Darren Cross at Pym Technologies immediately."
"What should he tell him?"
"Tell Darren that Hydra's intelligence network has confirmed the real Ant-Man Suit is currently hidden in the vault beneath Hank Pym's house."
Homelander chuckled. "Tell him it may be an antique, but it's far more refined than the unfinished prototype he has now. If Darren can get his hands on the real suit, Hydra will pay double for it."
Rumlow gave a quiet laugh on the other end. "Understood, boss. The moment that bald guy hears 'double the price' and 'perfect suit,' he'll go after it like a shark smelling blood."
"Good. Get it done. Make sure he seizes the opportunity." Homelander hung up.
An hour later.
An upscale apartment district in San Francisco.
Homelander stood in the shadow of a streetlamp outside the apartment building, wearing the mimic skin Skynet had delivered right on time.
The high-tech material hugged every line of his muscles. It felt weightless against his body and was so thin it might as well have been his own skin.
From head to toe, he now looked like Daniel, an utterly ordinary young Asian man. Even a swim wouldn't reveal the disguise.
"Skynet's technology really is flawless. In every respect," Homelander said appreciatively.
Before long, the apartment building's glass doors slid open.
Hope van Dyne stepped out.
Tonight, she wore a fitted burgundy evening gown. Its silky fabric traced the toned figure she had maintained through years of exercise.
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