Becoming Supreme In Marvel World

After having a brief lull in spending splurge and having completed the first phase of his grand plans Kane went to visit Howard Stark to discuss working together on a new project. It isn't like he needed his help as he could have done it himself far more easily and efficiently but Howard Stark was the number one weapons designer and supplied for the United States military with the nickname Death Merchant. Thus this idea coming from him would be far more effective and raise less suspicions then coming from Kane and because they were friends he wanted to share some of the credit and profit.

While Kane did develop and manufacture some of the helmets and helicopters he stayed away from military supplies despite how lucrative it was because he didn't want to step on Howard's toes and he had more then enough business elsewhere so there was no need to sour his relationship. Besides he was going to get Howard to help him market the helicopters to both the American and British military's. Undoubtedly he would also want to take a look at them as well being the genius mechanical engineer that he is.

Kane rang Stark and after speaking to his secretary he got put through to the man himself and arranged a meeting at the local steakhouse. Stark's choice and as usual he had some colorful meeting spots that Kane was beginning to think he was a foodie.

Kane was going to meet a friend so he would have preferred to wear something more casual, but at the same time he was a businessman as was Stark and they were going to discuss business so the proper etiquette in this situation was to wear his finest suit. Thus Kane was garbed in a custom fitted three piece black suit and shoes shined to a mirror polish as he entered the restaurant.

Upon entering the restaurant Kane was assailed by the noise of other patrons. His eyes scanned over the crowd looking for the distinct form of his friend but he was unable to see him. "Perhaps I am too early or Stark is running late" he murmured to himself as he checked his pocket watch. It showed he was a minute earlier then then appointed time although there was always a margin for error.

As he was placing his watch back into his pocket he was approached by one of the female attendants. She was a pretty little thing though older then him, with short brown hair, green eyes a button nose and a charming smile but the uniform she was wearing didn't do her any favors as it was very unflattering. Looking behind her were a few other attendants looking a bit put out. Clearly they either had a contest that she won or that she made the first move the quickest. Generally whom ever made the best impression would get tips and in some places the first attendant would also be the one serving you for the rest of the evening so that would also increase the likelihood of getting tips. In the time Kane had been in this world he had overheard one waitress talking to her female friends that she never needed to touch her wage as she made so much in tips that she was able to live off of them.

There were of course other reasons for making an impression as the job was low pay so if they could make connections or become the mistress of someone rich then they had a free meal ticket. The connections they were aiming for were anyone rich really as a lot of women dreamed of being stars if for no other reason then to escape the dull dreary life they live and if they were rich then they could likely be important also there was a saying that anyone with money could become a producer and make movies in Hollywood.

Although America as a leader of the free world is supposedly a very liberal and free country where anything is possible given enough hard work and there is no class divide like in other countries the truth is quite what is advertised. There exists a lot of prejudice against women whom are supposed to have a very clear role of taking care of the home and any jobs they get are menial with low pay and against foreigners and other ethic groups and the African-Americans have it the worst.

Because of the Jim Crows laws which were still in effect it force the segregation of different races. Thus all black military pilots who were trained in the United States were trained at Moton Field. The pilots from there were known as the Tuskegee Airmen or two of their nicknames was the Red Tails and Red-Tail Angels. Because of the discrimination and oppression against them when they finally got to see combat they were as hungry as a starved wolf to prove themselves the equal to any other and their record was... impressive. There was a myth that no bomber had ever been shot down while being escorted by them. It wasn't true but it was true that the bomber pilots loved them so that is possible where it came from, as their white comrades where arrogant fly-boys chasing glory so they would break formation to charge at German fighters leaving the bombers defenseless and easy pickings.

Kane was always amused at this part in history. The Nazis where extreme racists and with their Aryan Supremacy Master Race philosophy they wouldn't have taken in the dark skinned people which could have so easily been driven out due to the American racism. It was fortunate that they considered themselves American as they were, because they were born and bred there and wanted to fight for their country rather then be heartbroken and thus pushed away into an enemies open arms as had happened before throughout history whenever someone doesn't get what they think they deserve. Murders had happened before over some little slight or for base reasons as simple as someone got promoted into a position that they felt was rightly theirs so it forced them to extremes so it is not a far stretch to say something could have happened. Fortunately things improved after the war and continued to improve and everyone was indeed treated equally. America was a great pillar of the Terran Space Empire.

"Good evening Sir. Would you be a mister Titan that is meeting with Howard Stark?"

Kane c.o.c.ked an eyebrow as he looked at her before replying.

"That I would be miss. May I ask how you know me by appearance when we have never met before nor have I frequented this establishment and how you know Howard Stark?"

"Howard Stark is a frequent patron of this restaurant and he gave a description of you that you match perfectly and asked us to guide you to his private booth when you arrived."

"A description eh? Pray do tell what might that description entail?"

At this the attendant's face flushed and she seemed to be hesitant to answer before further flushing an even deeper shade of red before replying.

"A devilishly handsome giant of a man with blood red hair like a fine ruby, piercing emerald eyes with a face that could put even the gods to shame and muscles like thick iron bands combining with his height making him look like an ancient, fierce and intimidating god of war. Also he may or may not have a beard as he likes to spice things up a bit."

At hearing that description Kane looked down at the suit he was wearing. It was true that the bulging muscles could be seen through it. He had to get special tailor made suits because of his height and build but unless he wanted them really baggy which a suit shouldn't be then there was no covering his physique. Still he was happy being described as a god of war rather then a bear stuffed in a suit which he had over heard one of his former business associates mock him to his colleagues thinking Kane couldn't hear him. Especially as that is what he had been engineered and trained for since birth. As for the beard thing Kane had sometimes grown a goatee when the whim struck him but he usually liked to go clean shaven.

Clearing his throat a bit as he was embarrassed at the loud comment made, that all the surrounding patrons could have heard if they had a mind to pay attention because the attendant didn't keep her voice down, Kane spoke to her.

"Ah yes well that's Howard for you he does like to wax lyrical from time to time. Now that you know whom I am and he have a private booth booked would you be so kind as to take me there please? I am rather eager to meet my friend and am looking forward to enjoying some of this fine cuisine."

"Yes of course right this way please."

With that Kane followed the lady while trying to ignore the sneak peaks she kept making at him as her eyes roamed his body and face repeatedly. Eventually he arrived at Howard's private booth and what greeted him was the sight of Howard's lazing in a chair with what appeared to be a class of wine in his hand.

"Howard so good to see you again. How's things with you? Are we able to talk here?"

Obviously it was a private booth so it should be away from eavesdroppers but there was always the chance that someone could be listening in. Kane wasn't sure what the level of espionage was like in this times in this world but he didn't think they had hidden surveillance cameras or bugs yet that could hear and transmit. Just in case he stealthily activated a gadget to emit white noise to interfere with any equipment should there be any.

"Of course we can, the owner of this establishment is an old family friend and our families go way back together. I wouldn't have selected this meeting place if I wasn't confident that anything would get out. I gather from you asking that question that this isn't purely a social call?"

Kane smiled at him after hearing that.

"Howard I would like to discuss a potential joint venture with you as I have really looked forward to cooperating again, with the view of a fifty-fifty split down the middle but that can be done later. For now lets catch up as friends should and enjoy ourselves before ruining the evening getting serious about work. Things are always best on a fully stomach and with alcohol no?"

"Alright Titan, you have aroused my curiosity but that can wait. Have you tried this Bordeaux?"