Marvel: A.T.L.A.S. - Ghost Protocol

Phillips Academy, Andover - Winter 1978

The crack of wood against wood echoed through the converted basement as Caspian moved through an advanced weapon kata. At eight years old, his small form wielded the practice sword with deadly precision, each movement a perfect fusion of Ninjak's muscle memory and the Emperor Eye's predictive capabilities.

"Your integration continues to improve, young master," Walter observed, adjusting Caspian's stance with minute corrections. "Though remember—"

"Excellence in shadow requires excellence in light," Caspian completed the familiar saying, understanding its deeper meaning. His training couldn't come at the cost of his public responsibilities.

Above them, Phillips Academy carried on its normal evening routines, unaware of the martial arts session taking place in what officially appeared to be a storage room. The space had been carefully converted under A.T.L.A.S. supervision, complete with sophisticated sound dampening and security systems.

A subtle vibration from his custom-designed watch—a joint project between his father and Howard Stark—alerted him that Tony was approaching.

"Speaking of excellence in light," Walter noted with slight amusement, "your study session begins in ten minutes."

Caspian nodded, quickly moving through his cool-down routine. By the time Tony's distinctive knock sounded at the door, he had changed back into his school uniform, his breathing perfectly controlled to show no sign of exertion.

"Finally!" Tony burst in with his usual energy. "You won't believe what I found in the archives. Did you know this place has original schematics from the Industrial Revolution? The engineering principles are practically prehistoric, but—" He paused, taking in the room. "Why does it smell like sandalwood in here?"

"Meditation helps with complex problem-solving," Caspian replied smoothly. It wasn't entirely a lie; the incense did help mask the scent of training.

Tony rolled his eyes. "Right, your whole zen thing. Anyway, look at this." He spread out several aged blueprints on a table. "I think we can modify these principles for that project we've been working on."

Their "project" was an advanced computer system of Tony's design. While not quite the AI that Caspian remembered JARVIS would become, it showed the early signs of Tony's genius with artificial intelligence.

"The power routing still needs work," Caspian pointed out, his Emperor Eye analyzing the designs. "And the cooling system won't handle the processing load."

"That's why I need your weird ability to spot problems before they happen," Tony grinned. "It's like you can see the future or something."

Caspian maintained his careful composure, though inwardly he appreciated the irony. "Experience and observation, nothing more. Speaking of which, did you finish the quantum mechanics assignment?"

"Please," Tony scoffed. "Did it during breakfast. Harrison's face when I turned it in early was priceless. Pretty sure he stayed up all night preparing 'challenging' problems for us."

Their professors had long since given up treating them like normal students. Instead, most had adopted a graduate-level approach, essentially letting the two prodigies pursue their own research while providing guidance and resources.

"Mother expects a full report on our academic progress," Caspian mentioned, carefully watching Tony's reaction.

"Still find it weird how your mom's more interested in our physics projects than Howard is," Tony said, a hint of old pain beneath his casual tone. "Speaking of Director Scary, when's she visiting next? The lab could use some of that A.T.L.A.S. funding."

"Next week. Though I suspect she's more interested in our practical applications than theoretical work."

"Yeah, well, better than Howard's 'why aren't you working on weapons' speeches." Tony's fingers drummed restlessly on the table. "Sometimes I think... never mind."

Caspian caught the unfinished thought but didn't press. His knowledge of Tony's future relationship with Howard weighed heavily, but he couldn't intervene too directly without raising suspicions.

"Your father sees your potential," he said carefully. "He just expresses it... uniquely."

Tony snorted. "That's one way to put it. At least your dad shows up for parent meetings without bringing military contracts."

Their conversation was interrupted by another alert from Caspian's watch: time for his scheduled call with his mother.

"Same time tomorrow?" Tony gathered his blueprints. "I want to run some simulations on the new cooling system design."

"Of course. Though perhaps we should avoid any actual testing until the lab repairs from last week's 'minor thermal incident' are completed."

"One small fire and nobody lets you forget it," Tony grumbled good-naturedly as he left.

Once alone, Caspian activated the secure communication system built into the room's walls. His mother's face appeared on a hidden screen, her expression as composed as ever.

"Report," she said simply.

"Academic progress continues above projections. Tony's work with computational systems shows particular promise. The faculty remains appropriately impressed but not suspicious."

"And your other studies?"

"Walter says my integration of abilities is improving. The Emperor Eye's predictive capabilities are particularly useful for advanced combat sequences."

Carrie nodded slightly. "Good. Remember, Caspian, these years aren't just about education. They're about building foundations—relationships, covers, capabilities. A Valemont operates on multiple levels simultaneously."

"Yes, mother." He hesitated, then added, "Tony's been asking more questions about A.T.L.A.S."

"Natural curiosity, given his intelligence. Manage his interest without discouraging it. The Stark boy could be a valuable asset in the future, but he must come to us through the proper channels."

After the call ended, Caspian returned to his training, his young mind already processing the complex web of relationships and responsibilities he navigated daily. Phillips Academy was more than a school for him—it was his first real test in balancing his various roles: student, friend, heir, and future agent.

As he moved through another series of katas, he reflected on how his friendship with Tony anchored him to a normal life, even as his training prepared him for an extraordinary one. It was a delicate balance, but then, that's what being a Valemont was all about.