NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Tennyson Industries
9 March 2010, Five months later New York
Angela Green's career was at a crossroads. Sitting in a quiet corner booth, her fingers lightly drumming on the table as she checked the time. She'd been skeptical about this meeting—a young man claiming to have an ambitious business plan had reached out to her.
Angela had nearly brushed him off, but a small, curious part of her was willing to hear him out. She was tired of her current situation: juggling life as a single mother, an unreliable ex, and the uncomfortable advances of a boss who saw her as more than just an employee. It felt like there was no end in sight.
She was highly competent, known for her unyielding professionalism and strategic thinking, but her current position was stifling her. The company she'd poured a decade into was now facing a major culture shift, one that Angela found increasingly toxic. After a few exhausting years of compromise and frustration, Angela had begun discreetly looking for an exit.
So when she received an email from a "Ben Tennyson," she almost dismissed it as spam. The message, however, was peculiar: he spoke with eerie familiarity about her professional background, her recent discontent at her job, and her impressive track record. He wanted to discuss a "unique business opportunity," he wrote, suggesting a meeting at a coffee shop a few blocks from her office. Against her usual caution, Angela's curiosity got the better of her—after all, she was interested in anything that might be her ticket out.
Angela's gaze shifted as a young men entered the café. He was tall, lean, and looked more like a college student than a potential CEO, but his expression held a self-assuredness she didn't often see in young men. He approached her with a polite nod, his gaze focused and direct.
"Ms. Green, thank you for meeting with me," he said, sliding into the seat across from her.
She regarded him with cool professionalism, though she couldn't deny the curiosity growing within her. "You've got ten minutes, Mr. Tennyson," she said, crossing her arms.
He smiled slightly, seeming unfazed by her guarded demeanor. "Fair enough. I'll get to the point."
Taking a closer look at the young man, who didn't fit the usual image of a corporate founder: he was younger than she'd expected, maybe early-20s, and dressed in a dark jacket over a simple black t-shirt. As she approached, he stood and extended a hand with an easy confidence.
"Angela Green," he greeted, "Thank you for meeting with me." He gestured to the seat across from him as she settled down, wondering what this meeting would actually amount to.
"You've got my attention," she replied coolly. "But I have to admit, I was hesitant. I don't usually respond to offers that appear out of nowhere. So, who exactly are you, and what do you want?"
Ben leaned back, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I get it. And to be honest, I know how strange this must seem. But if I can, I'd like to prove that I understand exactly what you're capable of, Angela."
His relaxed confidence felt strangely disarming, but Angela kept her guard up. "Go on."
"You've been with Zeldin Corporation for almost a decade. I'm guessing the last few years have been...difficult." He paused, watching for her reaction. "You've been instrumental in their growth, but now it's moving in a direction you don't agree with. Let's just say I know it hasn't been easy for you, especially with the current leadership change."
Angela was taken aback. Few people outside her inner circle could have known so much about her career. She narrowed her eyes. "How did you find out about me?"
Her eyes narrowed at his insight. How did he know? There was no way he could be aware of her overbearing boss or the countless times she'd put up with him just to keep a roof over her and her son's heads.
"Did you dig into my background?" Angela asked, her voice cool but edged with suspicion.
Ben shook his head. "Only enough to understand your career accomplishments," he replied, his tone genuine. "I don't need to know every detail to see that you're undervalued and that you deserve better."
He admitted. "Think of me as someone who can see the potential in people—especially people who've been overlooked or undervalued. And I'm not just talking about your resume. I know how much you value loyalty, structure, and the freedom to work without interference. I can give you that."
Angela raised an eyebrow, folding her hands on the table. "And what exactly are you offering?"
Ben leaned forward, his tone growing earnest. "A new company. One where you can finally call the shots, shape the culture from the ground up. Technology and innovation at the forefront. Imagine building a company that could rival even the top industry players—one that will change the game."
As he continued, he shifted between technical details and strategic visions, describing a future where Tennyson Industries would lead in fields that Angela had only dreamed of exploring: app development, energy solutions, and AI. She was surprised by the depth of his knowledge, not only of the market but of trends that hadn't even become mainstream yet. It was as if he could predict the future, speaking of possibilities that seemed both daring and oddly...inevitable.
"Alright," she said slowly, processing his pitch. Angela's skepticism began to thaw. There was something in Ben's eyes that felt… sincere. And when he started talking about his plans, there was a clarity and precision that made her believe he had thought this through more deeply than she had expected.
"But there's more to it, isn't there? You didn't just choose me at random. Why me?"
He paused for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. "I chose you because you're the right person to lead. I can handle the creative side, the big ideas—but I need someone like you to make sure we're grounded, that the day-to-day operations run like clockwork. I know it's a lot to ask of someone who barely knows me, but I'm betting on you because I believe you've got what it takes to make this succeed."
Pausing Ben than took a deep breath and continued "And I'll be upfront: I'm going to need flexibility. There are times I won't be available, and I need someone I know will be there to keep things moving."
Angela considered his words in silence. On the surface, he seemed audacious, almost naïve—but there was something in his eyes that spoke of a deeper knowledge, a confidence that went beyond arrogance. He seemed to know exactly what he was asking her to do, and why.
Angela took a long breath. There was no denying that what he offered sounded ideal on paper. But then again, so had her last job. She shifted, thinking of her daughter at home, her unreliable ex who never came through, and the nights she lay awake wondering what other options she had.
"Out of everyone you could've chosen, why approach someone like me exactly with this—" She hesitated, gesturing at him and the situation, "—unexpected offer?"
As much as she found Ben's offers tempting there was still that itching feeling. Like maybe he just wanted some to do all the heavy labor when it came to the day-to-day.
Someone he could easily control and wouldn't pose a threat. Especially since she had very little knowledge about the specific of the creative process. She couldn't be 100 percent sure of what he was offering was entirely true she needed insurance.
There was a silence as his words hung in the air. As Ben sat across from Angela, watching her study his expression with a mix of skepticism and guarded curiosity, he felt a rare twinge of nervousness. He knew Angela was a calculated, no-nonsense professional—a woman who wouldn't take a leap on just anyone's idea, especially not one as ambitious and unconventional as his.
But he also understood the circumstances that might make her consider it: a toxic work environment, a son to care for, and the stifling reality of being undervalued by people who only saw her as a cog in their machine.
Ben's own motives were equally complex. He needed someone he could trust, someone with real-world expertise who could handle the responsibilities he knew he'd have to delegate. But more than that, he respected Angela's resilience.
He could relate to feeling out of place in this reality, navigating rules that felt arbitrary, and carrying burdens that left little room to breathe. She had the kind of backbone and integrity that reminded him of why he was doing this in the first place.
As the silence continued, Ben's mind briefly flashed back to his own journey here, the sacrifices, and the relentless hours of training and planning to prepare himself for the challenges of this world. Tennyson Industries wasn't just a business venture to him—it was the means to build resources, wield real influence, and one day make a difference on a larger scale.
Having Angela at his side wasn't just a convenience; it was essential. He needed someone with her experience, someone who'd navigate the chaos of the Marvel Universe with him but also manage the more ordinary, complex machinery of running a company.
Angela's expression finally softed, seemingly have finally made up her mind, Ben's pulse quickened. The way she glanced at him, her determination mingling with a cautious glint.
"Let's say I believe you," she said finally. "What's in it for me?"
"A partnership," Ben replied smoothly. "Equity, a generous salary, and the freedom to create the kind of workplace you've always wanted."
Angela studied him carefully. "And what's your role in all of this?"
"Chief Creative Officer, and the company's visionary, if you will, the face of the company " he replied with a faint smile. "I'm counting on you to keep things running smoothly while I work on product development and innovation. I don't pretend to be a corporate expert, and frankly, I don't want to be one. But with the right people in the right roles, we'll be unstoppable."
The offer was tempting, but she couldn't ignore the risks. "This is a big leap, Ben. It could fall apart, and my reputation would go down with it."
Ben nodded. "It could, which is why I'm offering you a sizeable compensation package upfront. Consider it an insurance policy. But, Angela...you know as well as I do that this is the opportunity of a lifetime. To build something entirely new, from the ground up, with full creative freedom."
She took a deep breath, contemplating his words. She had a good sense of character, and while Ben was unconventional, he radiated conviction.
"Alright, Mr Tennyson. If I do this, I want a clear contract outlining my role, authority, and compensation. And if things go sideways, I want an exit package that ensures I don't end up regretting this. And I'd also like you to have a small role in the corporate side too. If I have you. "
He grinned. "Consider it done."
As they shook hands, Angela felt a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in years. She had no idea what the future held, but for the first time, she was in control.
March 9, 2012 – New York City
In a luxurious, five-star hotel suite in Manhattan, Ben stood dripping with sweat in a training room he had set up two years earlier. It was early morning, and he was midway through a grueling workout. Since beginning this intensive regimen five months ago, he had transformed the room into a personal training space, equipped with everything needed for his physical, martial, and mental development.
Morning Training: Full-Body Workout
Ben began each day with a high-intensity full-body circuit. His exercises were meticulously planned to balance strength, speed, and endurance, as well as to maintain a lean, agile physique:
3 sets of 20 Squats
4 sets of 40 Punches
5 sets of 10 Jumping Lunges
5 sets of 10 Push-Ups
3 sets of 10 Shoulder Taps
3 sets of 20 Slow Mountain Climbers
4 sets of 10 Sit-Up Punches
3 sets of 10 Leg Raises
3 sets of 10 Sitting Twists
Afternoon Training: Martial Arts Mastery
In the afternoon, Ben shifted his focus to martial arts. He was steadily building a foundation across multiple disciplines:
Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, Savate, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung-Fu
Ben's plan was to incorporate additional forms as he progressed, carefully analyzing each discipline to integrate its strengths into his style.
Weapons Training
His martial training wasn't limited to hand-to-hand combat. Ben also spent time on weapons training, learning to handle firearms, swords, staffs, and throwing stars. His goal was not just to wield these weapons but to learn how to counter them, adapting his defenses against a wide range of potential threats.
Endurance and Agility Training
Ben's endurance sessions were intense, designed to enhance his stamina and flexibility:
100-meter sprints and 100-meter swims to build explosive energy and control.
Rock climbing, parkour, and acrobatics for agility, essential for dodging projectiles and maneuvering through complex environments.
For Ben, rock climbing and swimming provided mental clarity, helping him center himself and stay focused. However, his agility training demanded a balance—he needed to be strong and capable without becoming overly bulky, which could compromise his speed.
Mind and Mental Conditioning
Ben recognized that physical strength alone wasn't enough; mental resilience was critical. While he intended to undertake more intensive mental training later, he had already begun exercises to sharpen his focus under pressure. He put himself in simulated high-stress scenarios, practicing mindfulness to maintain a clear, calm mind.
Inspired by Batman
Ben's entire training plan drew inspiration from the DC Comics character, Batman—the Caped Crusader, known for his unmatched discipline and drive. However, Ben tailored the regimen to suit his own physical capabilities and goals, recognizing that Batman's rigorous training stemmed from superhuman determination in the comics. Ben adopted similar principles but with realistic adjustments, allowing for intense yet sustainable growth.
The Schedule and Diet
Ben's days followed a strict regimen: early morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. He cycled between shorter, intense 15 to 30-minute strength sessions, performed five to six days a week, while dedicating longer sessions—often an hour or more—to martial arts, agility, weapons training, and technique work. Each element was paired with a precise diet plan, carefully calibrated to fuel his body, maximize recovery, and enhance his performance.
Ben's mornings began with an intense two-and-a-half-hour training session, leaving him drenched in sweat. He wore a grey tank top, black shorts, and hand wraps—his knuckles red from the workout. This routine pushed him to his limits, but he was driven, using every tool at his disposal to enhance his training.
He also discovered he had a unique advantage: he could remove the Omnitrix from his wrist whenever he wanted, unlike in the original Ben 10 series. This added a new level of flexibility to his training and daily life.
As his workout ended, Ben took a deep, steady breath, settling into a meditative state. He crossed his legs and focused on clearing his mind, pushing away any distracting thoughts. This exercise, one of the first he'd learned from his martial arts masters back on his Earth, helped him release the tension built up from his rigorous training.
Ben remained in this meditative state for nearly thirty minutes, his body gradually recovering as his mind centered. Opening his eyes slowly, he took in a deep breath, a faint scent of sweat filling the air. Refreshed, he felt ready to tackle the day with renewed energy.
Ben's training schedule varied week-to-week to keep him engaged and fully focused during each session. He prioritized endurance and agility—both essential for the kind of combat readiness he aimed to develop. There were also several advanced techniques and training regimens he had yet to incorporate but planned to tackle over time.
While Ben had a background in Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, he knew these alone wouldn't prepare him to take on multiple adversaries or serious threats. The only reassurance he had was that he'd started training young, which allowed him to handle the intense regimen he now undertook. But to reach the skill level of someone like Daredevil or The Punisher? That would take far more time and work.
The Omnitrix granted him immense power, yet he refused to rely solely on it. He wanted to build his own strength, skills, and capabilities, even in human form, aiming to be as capable without the Omnitrix as he was with it.
The current training and diet plan had been developed with the help of Brainstorm's intelligence and XLR8's speed-reading abilities, creating a specialized regimen suited to his specific physical and mental limits each week. However, his progress in mastering 12 martial arts was slower than he'd like. He considered seeking out expert trainers in each art. Alternatively, he thought about designing a virtual assistant or AI to correct his form and pinpoint mistakes in real time.
And he'd already begun a project of building an AI within a mechanical body, giving him a sparring partner to practice with—a vital component in martial arts training. But that was neither here or there for now.
Rising from the training mat, Ben made his way to the bathroom for a much-needed shower, then breakfast.
Walking through the luxurious apartment he could only have dreamed of back in his old life, Ben was still getting used to the technological differences—everything was about 13 years behind compared to what he was used to. But that gap was an advantage, so he didn't complain.
After finishing his shower, he checked the time; it was just after eight o'clock. Breakfast was simple yet nutritious: oatmeal with sliced banana, two hard-boiled eggs, and a tall glass of orange juice. Finishing his first meal of the day, Ben reflected on how different his diet was from what he'd had before his unexpected transmigration to this world.
As a martial arts enthusiast, he'd been used to structured meal plans, with six small, balanced meals daily and plenty of water throughout the day. This routine was crucial for maintaining the high energy he needed for training.
His training regimen just two years ago, he was confident of going toe to toe with a few of the best fighter for a couple of rounds in his human form.
" Olivia please turn on the TV and turn on to the news. " As Ben's voice rang in the room a robotic female southern Texas voice replied. " Sure, things boss." With the that the large screen turned on and a female reporter appeared on the screen.
News Reporter: "Good evening, New York. As of the last two years or as even last five years. Since Tony Stark announced to the world that he was Iron Man more and more strange individuals have begun appearing all over the place. And more recently strange almost disturbing creatures mostly famously the Hulk, other like home have been appearing all across the state of New York."
Grabbing his bowl of oatmeal with slices of banana Ben moved to the couch and took his seat while listening to the News.
" Despite their appearance, these creatures have shown behavior that suggests they might be protecting civilians. Some are helping with rescues, while others seem to be actively disarming the criminals. Yet, their motives are unknown, and so are their names or origins."
The broadcast cuts to interviews with witnesses from across New York City.
Civilian #1: "I didn't know what I was seeing, honestly. The tiger-looking one is fierce, just ripping through mental pillars and concrete like it's nothing. But he wasn't hurting any people."
Civilian #2: "I was terrified at first! But then I saw the creature made of diamond put up a barrier around us. It didn't even seem to care —it was like it just wanted to protect us."
Civilian #3: "Are they from here? Are they… friendly? They're just as strange as the Hulk. We don't know if we're safe around them."
Civilian #4: "The blue ghost… it was unbelievable. It froze if few muggers in seconds. It was terrifying but amazing—I've never seen anything like it."
News Reporter: "With the city on edge and the authorities just as in the dark as the public, speculation runs high. Could these beings be new allies, a precursor to something greater, or are they harbingers of an even larger threat to come?"
In the studio, the anchor offers a final thought: "We still don't know who—or what—they are since these creatures began appearing one after theother, but their impact on New York is undeniable. Until more is revealed, New Yorkers remain on high alert, wondering just what these powerful creatures signify for the future."
" We still haven't gotten any concrete statements from the state government or New official.." The screen suddenly went dark as Ben held the remote in his hands. Grabbing his keys of the counter and putting on his green jacket he quickly left the apartment.
Ready for another day at work.