The Ant-Hill:
Part 1
Credits: Welcome to the Ant-Hill
Written by ScriptMaster77
Ant-Man/Hank-Pym created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby
Wasp/Janet van Dyne created by Stan Lee, Ernie Hart and Jack Kirby
Scott Lang and Cassie Lang created by David Michelinie and John Byrne
Eric O'Grady created by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester
Nadia van Dyne created by Mark Waid and Alan Davis
Ant-Man and all associated characters are owned by and all rights go to Marvel Comics and Walt Disney.
Somewhere in San Francisco:
Two women, Janet van Dyne and her stepdaughter Nadia van Dyne, sit at a café and drink coffee.
Nadia van Dyne: Sorry Janet, I'm just trying to figure this out. He wants me to move in with him at the research facility?
Janet van Dyne: Your father's got a special project he'd like you to be a part of.
She folds her arms in displeasure.
Nadia: Don't get me wrong I'm flattered that the old man's giving me some attention but how do I fit into Hank Pym's vision of a perfect world?
Janet sighs in discomfort.
Janet: You know he cares about you, Nadia. He's just not the best at showing his feelings.
Nadia now looks at her sincerely.
Nadia: Why me?
Janet: It's not just you. There are others…
Apartment of Scott Lang-Miami:
An exhausted Scott Lang stumbles into the kitchen to find his daughter Cassie helping herself to a bowl of cereal.
Cassie Lang: Morning Dad.
Scott Lang: Huh? Oh… Mornin'.
He then looks back at her in confusion.
Scott: Cassie, what are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be on your way to school?
He opens the cupboard whilst Cassie looks up at him.
Cassie: I wanted to make sure you were up before I left. The bus arrives in ten minutes anyway.
Scott looks at her, somewhat ashamed.
Scott: That should be my job sweetie. I should be making sure you're up.
Cassie: I'm sixteen, Dad. I can take care of myself.
He pulls a mug and a pack of coffee from the cupboard.
Scott: That doesn't mean you should be taking care of me. Did you finish all your homework?
She rolls her eyes.
Cassie: Yes Dad.
Scott: Anything you need help with?
As he puts the kettle on, she gathers her things.
Cassie: No. Algebra's pretty straightforward.
Scott: I swear, no kid has ever said that in the history of ever.
Cassie heads out the door, waving to Scott as she leaves.
Scott: Tell your mom I said hi.
Cassie: I will. Love you.
Scott: I love you too.
Scott pours the water from the kettle in the mug. His phone, in the foreground, begins to ring.
He answers the phone. On the other side is the lower-half of a man, standing in a laboratory.
Scott: Hello?
Phone: Scott? It's Hank Pym. We need to talk.
Pym Technologies, Treasure Island, San Francisco.
Scott sits in a waiting room, where he is approached by Janet van Dyne (CEO of Pym Tech; former Wasp) holding a ring-binder folder.
Janet: Scott Lang?
Scott gets out of seat and hugs her.
Scott: Miss van Dyne?! It's so good to see you!
Janet smiles as she returns the hug.
Janet: It's good to see you too Scott.
She gestures to the elevator.
Janet: Please, follow me.
She shows Scott her hand, revealing a wedding ring on her finger. Scott is surprised.
Janet: It's Mrs van Dyne now by the way.
Scott: You?
They approach an elevator.
Janet: And Hank? Yep. It's been hard but…
As the elevator opens, she smirks at him.
Janet: We're making it work.
They get in.
Scott: I'm happy for you. Both of you.
Janet: Why, thank you.
Scott sheepishly rubs the back of his head.
Scott: But I'm taking my visit has something more to do with some 'Pym-patented' project rather than catching-up.
Janet: Well, you know how Hank gets. He's as work-obsessed as ever, especially these days.
The elevator opens. Janet gestures to the underground laboratory in front of them. Several scientists work in pristine white labs, with see-through walls and doors.
Janet: Behold! Pym Tech! A pioneer of 'small' science, made 'big'.
Scott is taken aback by the sheer size of the complex.
Scott: Fancy place.
She whispers to him.
Janet: We modelled it after the ant-hill in the office gardens.
Walking down a corridor, they look at a pair of scientists growing tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Janet: Hank's been working with scientists across the globe, seeing if we can use Pym Particles to enhance the growth of crops and increasing their yields. If we can, it'll revolutionize agriculture in third-world countries.
In another room, technicians work on computers and smartphones.
Janet: We're also looking to develop a new form of micro-chip. Half the size but double the power.
Scott raises an eyebrow.
Scott: This is nice and all but how do I fit into this? I'm not here to be a lab rat, am I?
Janet stifles a laugh.
Janet: Don't be ridiculous.
They approach the end of the corridor. In front of them is a steel door marked: RESTRICTED ACCESS- AUTHORISED PERSONEL ONLY.
She scans her ID card, the door opens.
Janet: This is what you're here for.
The door opens to reveal a conference table. Already sitting at said table are Nadia van Dyne (Hank's daughter and Janet's step-daughter; current Wasp) and Eric O'Grady (Black Ant).
Eric: Well, well, well. The prodigal son returns.
Scott turns to Janet and points to him, somewhat irritated.
Scott: What the hell is he doing here?
Nadia: That's what I said.
Scott shakes her hand. They smile at each other.
Scott: I'm Scott. It's nice to meet you.
Nadia: Likewise. I'm Nadia.
Eric: That's cute and all. But what exactly are we doing here?
Dr Hank Pym (Head of Research; former Ant-Man) enters the room, dressed in a lab-coat.
Hank Pym: You're here to be part of something new.
Hank sits down at the table. Janet moves to be beside him.
Hank: Throughout the years I've allowed you to use the suits and technology I developed to serve a greater good. I see an opportunity to do even more. I'm asking you all to form an elite group of superheroes.
Eric rolls his eyes. Scott and Nadia raise their eyebrows.
Eric: Jesus Christ, it's the Academy all over again.
Hank is unfazed.
Hank: I assure you, you'll be fully compensated for your time. Free accommodation, catering and any additional requests you may have. You'll also receive salaries as employees of Pym Technologies.
Scott widens his eyes while Eric folds his arms. Nadia also seems sceptical.
Scott: You're serious about this?
Nadia: This'll never work.
Eric: I agree. Besides, what will we call ourselves, the 'Ant-ourage'? But hey, at least we get paid this time.
Hank smirks while Janet puts her hand on his shoulder.
Hank: People, welcome to the Ant-Hill.
Author's Note: Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next part. Please leave a review and check out my other stories. It would be greatly appreciated.