[ I just love the idea that Maximus is able to create things that seem impossible because he just has a different knowledge base. Humans are taught certain fundamental foundations for science, but Maximus, as an Inhuman, was raised without them. That enables him to think beyond them.
If you grew up with English, you learned the rule "i before e, except after c". We all just accepted it. Someone who wasn't raised with that rule would probably get a good laugh out of it, though, because it isn't always true. They wouldn't be constrained by it and would likely have a better method of figuring out how to spell a word.
Now, apply that thinking to something like the laws of thermodynamics. We do not question them. They are an indisputable fact to us, so we create with them in mind. They have arguably become a self-imposed limit to us. Maximus has never operated within the constraints of the laws of thermodynamics, though. Is he breaking them--or does he just have a greater understanding of thermodynamics than we do? He likely learned a different set of laws about thermodynamics. They must have been similar, but different. More expansive. Less...limiting. ]
Tony: My first clue was energy can neither be destroyed nor created, so-- Maximus, interrupting the conversation: Why? Tony: What do you mean? Maximus: Sorry, I'm late to the conversation. You said energy can neither be destroyed nor created. Why? Tony: It's...the first law of thermodynamics, Max... Maximus: Oh! Why was that put in place, and who enforces it? Tony: Wh--? It's just...a fact of physics... Maximus, composing himself after a sudden laugh: I'm sorry. Ignore me. Carry on with your story. Reed: What's wrong? Tony: I think Max has cracked, and I don't know how to approach Black Bolt about it... Reed: I don't think he "cracks". I think he's just constantly-- Tony: He acted like I was telling a joke when I mentioned the first law of thermodynamics, Reed. Reed: ...I don't know if this is true, but...from what I was told, Maximus made a perpetual motion machine. Tony: MAX! MAX, WHAT DO YOU KNOW THAT I DON'T KNOW!? Maximus: My brother has told me to behave myself and stay away from others if I cannot be nice... Tony: Then...be nice? Maximus: I cannot, not after the ignorance you just displayed.
Bonus:
Tony: A perpetual motion machine is impossible... Maximus: I loathe such unforgiving work too. Sometimes, it's necessary, though. I had to make one for a scheme. It simply would not work without it. Tony, pinching the bridge of his nose: ...Max...I'm begging you...Put me out of my misery and tell me you're messing with me... Maximus, rolling his eyes: You act like a perpetual motion machine is literally impossible. Next, you'll tell me a metal kite shouldn't float without wind or power. Tony drops his face into his hands and whimpers.
