"Fight fatigue?" Peter asked with genuine interest, following me to laboratory table.
"Not just fight. We will cancel it," I grinned. "Will create miracle support pills that solve three main problems causing fatigue and allow body and brain to work at peak efficiency for extended time."
"Adenosine, neurotransmitter depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction," Peter immediately muttered, demonstrating why he is genius. He correctly identified three horsemen of apocalypse for anyone trying to work longer than prescribed.
"Exactly!" I snapped my fingers. "Adenosine, which accumulates in brain throughout day and causes drowsiness. Depletion of dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine reserves responsible for attention and motivation. And banal physical fatigue when mitochondria stop efficiently producing ATP energy."
"Pharmaceutical corporations from all over world have been struggling to create something similar for decades," Peter grumbled. "And for some reason I suspect your recipe is not about improved version of caffeine..."
"Caffeine is like building dam against rising river of adenosine," I waved off. "It temporarily blocks receptors, but adenosine itself does not go anywhere and continues accumulating. And then dam breaks, and you get hit at once by wave of fatigue. This is not our way, Peter!"
"Ha, thanks for explaining what is already obvious," he grinned. "But if you really manage to create such miracle pills... John, this will open incredible opportunities for us!"
"I can. Everything is relatively simple there, and everything necessary is available in laboratory. But there is nuance: this is not full replacement for sleep. Sleep is not just rest. Pill does not affect number of processes: memory consolidation, removal of other metabolic toxins, receptor restoration... After 72 hours without sleep these side effects will accumulate to critical level. So limit of wakefulness under pills is three days."
"Three days?!" Peter's eyes widened. "John, most advanced military stimulants give 36 hours, after which you start seeing shadow people. 72 hours of peak cognitive function is not stimulant. This is temporary rewriting of rules of human biology. Do not drag it out, tell me recipe!"
Scrolling through components in head, I began explanation.
"Key idea is molecularly imprinted graphene. More simply, graphene nanoparticles on surface of which we will artificially create 'casts' or 'pockets' in shape and chemical properties ideally suited for adenosine molecules. Getting into brain, these nanoparticles act as passive molecular traps."
"Wow..." Peter exhaled admiringly. "So this is not chemical reaction, but physical adsorption. Like activated carbon absorbs toxins, only at nano-level and with surgical precision!"
I nodded in agreement.
"Next components are simpler: neurotransmitter precursors like L-tyrosine and Alpha-GPC, widely known and legal nootropics. And creatine triphosphate complex for mitochondrial support, which we easily synthesize. Well, and auxiliary substances for form."
"Now clear why 72 hours!" Peter guessed. "All 'pockets' on nanoparticle surface will simply be filled with adenosine molecules. They will become 'saturated' and stop working. Body needs time to naturally filter and eliminate them. Elegant!"
"Exactly," I agreed, putting on lab coat and gloves. "And now, to practice."
Like my other projects, I broke this one into stages. Stage one: synthesis of graphene oxide. I turned on fume hood, and Peter and I approached glass reactor with magnetic stirrer.
"So, while reaction proceeds here, we have couple hours," I said, pouring ordinary graphite powder into reactor. "Perfect time to tell you where I disappeared last night."
Under measured hum of stirrer and hiss of chemicals, I began my story. About Blade, about Fisk who is Kingpin, about Empire State Building. Peter listened, his eyes growing wider. He paled when I mentioned Gwen and how she fought with other meta-mercenaries of Fisk. His jaw practically dropped when I described EMP gun.
"So you better understand what we are talking about..." I said and, to illustrate my story, extended hand into empty space next to workbench and pulled mentioned EMP gun from inventory, placing it on table.
Peter recoiled. His scientific brain momentarily malfunctioned, trying to process what he saw.
"This... what... how?.."
"Spatial type ability. I can store items in small pocket dimension," I explained simply.
By time I finished my story and answered dozen questions from stunned Peter, first phase was completed. Having mixed graphite with acids and potassium permanganate in reactor, I obtained thick, dark brown suspension. After washing and separation in centrifuge, it turned into pure graphene oxide.
"And now," I said, placing flask with result on table, "most interesting part. Molecular imprinting."
Without exaggeration, most genius stage, and considering recently downloaded NE-mage knowledge package, I understand how much, I thought, starting second phase.
At this stage I first mixed graphene oxide suspension with template molecule. In our case, with caffeine, which is structurally very similar to adenosine, but cheap and available. Then I added liquid polymer precursor, combination of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. This polymer, biocompatible and widely used in medicine, was to become our "clay" for molding.
After mixing, I treated mixture with ultrasound in sonicator so template molecules of caffeine would be evenly distributed on surface of graphene sheets. Then, adding initiator, I launched polymerization reaction. Polymer began growing on graphene surface like bark, enveloping template molecules and creating strong nanoscale "casts" around them. All I had left to do was use solvent and multiple washing in centrifuge to wash out template molecules. As result, empty cavities remained on graphene surface, ideally suited for capturing adenosine.
Third, final stage, was already routine. Obtained molecularly imprinted graphene (MIG) I dried in vacuum oven to state of finest black powder. Under electron microscope I verified perfect structure of nanoparticles. Parallel to this, Peter, following my instructions, synthesized creatine triphosphate complex. In end, all powder components, MIG, nootropics, creatine and fillers, I simply mixed in planetary mixer to ideal homogeneity. Ready mixture I loaded into tablet press. Click, click, click. Everything was ready.
I held in hand small, gray, unremarkable tablet. Breakthrough drug created practically without outside help and, most importantly, without using rarest components. Is this not reason for pride?
[Created medicine "Fatigue Pill." Complexity: Normal. Received +200 OP!]
Pill that suppresses fatigue. Maintains body and mind at peak performance, allowing hours of maintaining maximum concentration and energy without sleep.
[Created medicine "Fatigue Pill." Complexity: Normal. Received +150 OP!]
...
[Created medicine "Fatigue Pill." Complexity: Normal. Received +10 OP!]
For several dozen tablets I received total of 750 OP. Limit of point accrual for them was exhausted, but who cares. I recouped costs and even came out to pleasant plus. Without thinking, I swallowed one tablet, washing it down with water, and extended second to Peter.
He looked at it doubtfully, but then shrugged and also swallowed. Several seconds passed. And then... effect came. It was like veil falling from eyes. Fatigue accumulated over crazy day not just dulled, it disappeared. Evaporated. Thoughts became crystal clear, and body filled with even, calm energy.
"Wow..." Peter exhaled. "This... like my brain just rebooted."
"Welcome to productivity 2.0," I grinned. "And now, while we are both at peak, let's proceed to creating suit for Blade."
Good thing I have measurements, improved design philosophy too.
"Look, what is problem," I began bringing Peter up to speed, displaying on laboratory computer screen 3D model of human mannequin. "Standard 'Proteus' suit for superhuman like Eric or Gwen will become more like prison. Imagine: sharp jerk or strike. Fabric on joints, in area of elbows, knees, shoulders, instantly hardens. Fighter for fraction of second turns into clumsy statue. And their life may depend on these moments."
"I thought about this too," Peter nodded seriously. "One-piece suit will not work. Need system that separates protection and articulation."
"Exactly. Therefore suit for Eric should be not just armor, but high-tech combat system. Solution is in thoughtful modularity and hybrid approach."
"At minimum, need to ensure maximum protection of vital zones with solid 'Proteus' panels," Peter began thinking. "And for joints... to preserve mobility... can use something like floating hinges? Segmented protection?"
"Hmm, good thought!" I picked up idea. "Conditional knee pad not from solid piece, but from three to four narrow strips of 'Proteus' sewn overlapping on strong elastic base. When Eric bends leg, these strips freely slide over each other without hindering movement."
"Yes! And when bullet hits such joint, only that specific strip that took hit hardens!" Peter exclaimed enthusiastically. "Rest remain flexible! Joint does not lock completely, and shock wave is still effectively distributed over entire segment area! This is genius!"
"Excellent, then let's settle on this concept of laminar armor," I nodded, feeling surge of creative energy. "I have measurements. Let's get to work!"
Spurred by newfound clarity and complete absence of fatigue, Peter and I began modeling. I sat down at laboratory computer and adjusted standard human model shown earlier to Blade's exact parameters. Then, constantly consulting with Peter, I began "drawing" on digital avatar exact location of each protective panel.
"Center of mass, chest and back, cover with solid plates," I began, overlaying large panels on model.
"Correct, but abdomen needs to be segmented," Peter immediately picked up. "Three horizontal strips, like lobster. Otherwise he will not be able to bend normally."
We worked like single mechanism. Next I created 3D models of "floating" hinges for elbows and knees, calculating with jeweler's precision ideal size and overlap of narrow plates. Then came turn of katana.
"Not just belt," I said, removing standard mount. "Magnetic mounting panel with quick release. No fasteners. Touch and sword is magnetized. Sharp jerk and it is in hand."
As cherry on top, I added several reinforced polymer MOLLE straps on belt and chest, modern modular mounting system for all his anti-vampire arsenal.
Another couple dozen minutes we rotated resulting model, making microscopic adjustments and achieving ideal balance between brutal protection and predatory ergonomics. Finally, design stage was officially completed. Time to move from digital model to physical embodiment.
Our laboratory turned into high-tech workshop. Peter took on base. On industrial weaving machine he created seamless jumpsuit from mixture of aramid and elastane fibers. It was supposed to fit body tightly, wick away moisture and serve as armor frame. According to our shared concept, hood became integral part of suit, providing seamless transition from torso to head and additional protection.
Meanwhile I, under deafening roar, using 5-axis CNC machine, cut from blocks of heat-resistant polymer negative mold matrices for each panel. Then into these molds I manually, layer by layer, laid out "Proteus" fabric, impregnated it with polymer glue and sent under heat press. After few minutes I had perfectly formed, hard but potentially flexible armor panels in my hands.
By same method I created smaller plates for joints. Then, having cut base from ballistic nylon, Peter and I, using high-strength elastic straps, sewed these plates onto it with slight overlap. Mobile but protected hinges were ready.
Assembly stage began. Taking jumpsuit base, I again using heat press and glue secured main armor plates on it. Edges I additionally stitched with reinforced thread for maximum reliability. Ready hinge modules Peter carefully sewed into corresponding places on jumpsuit.
Next came integration of mounts. Powerful electromagnetic lock was implanted in left side of belt. Polymer straps I secured on suit by ultrasonic welding method, fusing them with base at molecular level.
Gloves with knuckle protection and reinforced shafts were created separately, which will be well integrated with his combat boots. Thin, flexible "Proteus" plate for forehead and back of head protection was also sewn into hood. Suit was ready. It was functional. But it lacked soul.
"It is too... clean," I said when we put suit on mannequin. "It will glare. Blade is night hunter. He needs shadow."
And then it hit us. After brief discussion, we developed special coating. This was matte, black-gray polymer paint, to composition of which we added ferrite microparticles for radio wave absorption and hollow ceramic microspheres for thermal signature reduction. Using sprayer we applied it in several layers. Now suit not only became less noticeable to radars and thermal imagers, but absolutely did not rustle when moving.
[Created light armor "Proteus Suit X-01." Complexity: Normal. Received +400 OP!]
Light modular suit with durable panels from "Proteus" fabric protecting vital zones. "Floating" hinges ensure full joint mobility, maintaining high protection without loss of agility.
Suit was ready. Perfectly fitted, deadly and practically invulnerable. True work of engineering art... which system rated at only 400 OP. Considering we killed entire night on it, and what colossal work was done, this was little disappointing.
Well okay. Sin to complain. I looked at mannequin clothed in our creation. I made this suit not for points, but so Blade in his eternal war would have easier time. And I think our concept succeeded one hundred percent.
"Oh, finally finished, lovebirds," Blade's mocking voice rang out. He sat on couch in hub sipping something from flask as soon as we left laboratory. But this was not what caught my eye. "Spill it, what were you so actively creating all night that you did not even notice me?"
"What is Frank doing here?" I nodded chin at man who lay unconscious on second couch, connected to IV drip.
"Ah, this... Well, he is like regenerating very quickly. Too quickly for ordinary person. In hospitals they may start asking uncomfortable questions, nurses already gossiping. I decided to save everyone from extra paperwork and took him," Blade explained carefreely. "Something like ten hours left until full recovery. Will lie here, come to his senses, I will chat with him. Do not worry."
"Okay." Who cares he kidnapped person, we do not need extra suspicions. "Everything went normally with Uncle Ben?" At this question Peter held his breath.
"Yes, everything hunky-dory, drove home for 24 hours, with his diagnosis this is permissible, I made sure no one suspected anything. True, I also processed his wife so she would not pay attention to his condition while he rapidly recovers. Will write everything off as miracle, well, or your friend will explain everything to them himself," Blade answered with shrug.
"Yes... Thank you very much!" Peter thanked us both, who did not even protest about Blade's mental magic.
"Well, Peter, as Eric says, our people should stick together. As for what we were doing... Come on, let's show," I waved hand toward laboratory.
Intrigued Blade followed us. On spacious table, on special mannequin, lay brand new, matte black protective suit.
"You can change clothes, test. As agreed, suit in exchange for blood."
"Blood?" Peter asked with bewilderment, while Blade, without wasting time, began pulling off old equipment.
"Yes, vampire blood. And Eric's own. He is dhampir, by the way," I explained in whisper. "Half-human, half-vampire. Does not have their weaknesses. I believe his blood can help in research and creation of sort of super-soldier serum at minimum level."
"Wait... vampires... REALLY exist?!" Peter whispered with bulging eyes, his scientific world cracked.
"Vampires, mages, demons, aliens, world government, mutants, gods," I listed indifferently with shrug. "Easier to say what does not exist in this world."
"And what?" Peter asked, obviously taking my answer as joke. But Blade, already pulling on new jumpsuit, looked at me surprisingly seriously.
"Limited edition Szechuan sauce from McDonald's that was sold in limited run in 1998 in honor of 'Mulan' cartoon release," I reduced everything to joke. "Well, how is it, Eric?"
Blade, already fully dressed, made several sharp, lightning-fast movements. Strike, dodge, turn. Suit fit him like glove without making single sound.
"Fucking awesome!" he finally delivered verdict. "This shit is like second skin. Just amazing. If only some creepy mask to scare evil, and can say I rebranded."
"Your mug scares them worse than any mask," I grinned. "But idea is interesting, will think what can be done with this."
"Thanks. Will not remain in debt."
"It is rather me who is in eternal debt to you..."
"Hah, yes, money is renewable topic," he waved off. "But such suit or your stimulants you cannot get anywhere. So do not play poor."
"Well, also true. By the way, Peter, are you going to university lab today? Or maybe will stay here?"
"Well, Gwen seems to be there now, so in theory I can stay here if needed. Why?"
"Basically, I will now go to one proven law firm, consult about couple patents. And you, if not difficult, create as many stimulants and NZT as you can. We will need stock."
"Oh-oh, kid, decided to go public, and right away with trumps!" Blade said appreciatively, assessing my plan.
"Um, what exactly will you patent?" Peter asked after nodding to my request.
"Just consulting for now. Patent is not quick matter... But since I most likely attracted extra attention, there are options to speed this up. Buy off with same 'Proteus,' get protection. Basically, I do not know yet how everything will work out, but at minimum I want to understand essence of bureaucratic process."
"Where are you going, if not secret?" Blade asked, and curiosity slipped into his voice.
"Not secret. Law firm 'Nelson and Murdock.'"
I saw it. This was not just spark in Blade's eyes. He froze for moment, and barely noticeable, knowing grin appeared on his face. He definitely knew Matt Murdock. But I did not.
Well, not for long.