Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 1663 Organizing Infiltrators

"Secretary of Defense?" The word startled Tony Stark. He then imagined how ridiculous his surprised expression and exaggerated movements would be if he could access surveillance footage, but that idea was now impossible. "Tell me, which genius wanted me to be 'The Boss' of the Pentagon?"

"You can think of it, Stark, but definitely not God." The general pointed to the sky, managing a meager amount of humor, like a teenager squeezing oil from his pores. "The Pentagon is about to undergo a reshuffle. Many generals are facing investigations because of projects they once led. We need someone from our own ranks. Stark Industries has bid on many Pentagon projects. Overseeing these projects can sometimes make someone a brigadier general, sometimes a general. For example, I oversaw the development of the air-launched version of the multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) – the Jericho-3 – and with that background and General Ross's help, I rose from a high-ranking officer hunting the Hulk to a brigadier general."

"We need someone on our own to take control of the situation from this president's campaign team and their backers. There's been too much hot money pouring into the defense industry lately, and there are some things that Silicon Valley guys shouldn't know. Coincidentally, the new president likes you a lot, especially after you became a so-called superhero," the general said calmly. "Now you know why we need you, right? Don't worry, we'll make some concessions. For example, pardoning certain Avengers members for their crimes, stopping the...out-of-bounds arrests against them. You really don't think the Avengers can escape the CIA's attention after fighting at a German airport—though General Ross is missing, I still hope he's alive—destroying several planes, terminals, and parking garages, even endangering the lives of ordinary citizens. Especially certain dangerous targets, like Natasha Romanoff. You know what will happen to her in the CIA's hands. I've visited Guantanamo and those deep-sea cargo ship dungeons. If she's caught by the CIA, then death will be a gift."

"Are you threatening me?" Tony Stark muttered under his breath. He took a few steps forward, a few lines of data swishing across his glasses but he didn't read them. Anger consumed him until Colonel Rhodes pressed his hand to his chest. "You're my friend, Rhodes," he said, stroking his wristwatch with his other hand. "I don't want you in my way."

"This isn't a threat, it's just telling you the facts," the general said. "Right now, only the Pentagon can help you, and the hyperspace engine... it's a massive project, a compensation from the new president. It has many critical sub-projects that need oversight, and it requires the involvement of many companies and research labs. This is a complete revival of the military-industrial complex, which is what the new president wants to see, and we will receive a great deal of support."

Tony Stark sighed. He knew he had no choice if he wanted to maintain Stark Industries. He was certain Pepper Potts was unaware of this, and even if he did, there was nothing he could do; it meant his retirement plans would be delayed by at least four years. Stark Industries was about to face a siege from established energy families in the clean energy sector. Pepper Potts had repeatedly negotiated with Rockefeller-owned companies, but the results had been unsatisfactory. Coupled with the new president's full support for shale oil development, he knew he needed to find a new protector to safeguard Stark Industries' interests and position; his "superhero" status alone was insufficient.

"Sir," the colonel whispered in the general's ear as he approached.

"real?"

"Yes. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that the person who posted the video on YouTube and the person who entered the command center belong to the same organization." The colonel held up a tablet and played two videos for the general. One was terrorist rhetoric that had already been deleted from YouTube, and the other was footage from a camera at the cargo entrance of the command center, followed by several surveillance clips showing the intruder's movements. The surveillance showed the intruder posing as a maintenance worker, using a forklift to transport many extremely heavy objects into the command center. "It could be a bomb, or it could be something else. We must proceed with the emergency evacuation procedures."

"There are still tasks to be completed here."

Tony Stark pricked up his ears to listen carefully, while looking at Colonel Rhodes.

"Are we in trouble? Which guy smashed the fire alarm with a mug?"

"No, Tony," Colonel Rhodes pressed his earpiece, "we must evacuate. Terrorist organizations have designated this place as a target."

"I brought my armor; it's on the plane," Tony Stark said, looking down at the oblivious researchers. "I can help, Rhodes."

"Now come with me, Mr. Stark." The colonel turned and walked towards Tony Stark. "The alarm will sound soon, but you must come with me now. We're going to the emergency exit to the tarmac. Forget about them; your lives are far more valuable than theirs."

"A terrorist organization cultivated overseas by the CIA decided to launch an attack on the U.S. mainland because of betrayal. From personnel entry to material preparation, everything was carried out by this organization and its followers in the United States. Victor's job was simply to select the target and the time of the attack, nothing more. There will be no evidence to implicate us."

Even before he uttered those words, Fisk Wilson, the "King of New York," had already ordered his men to kill an undercover FBI agent. The so-called "guide" was actually this agent, who had infiltrated a terrorist sympathizer organization within the country. Under the lure of money and the threat of gunfire, this agent repeatedly offered suggestions to the terrorist organization and ultimately determined the time of the attack. This agent also had financial dealings with Fisk Wilson and was extremely easy to control; Regent Victor von Doom had carefully selected this agent after much deliberation.

Although Regent Viktor von Dum never told him the details, it didn't prevent him from seeing everything. As the people of the Yugoslav Federation said, the emperor knew everything, and some superstitious commoners even began to believe that as long as they prayed to the emperor at home and spoke of injustices, they could gain his attention.

He used his hands to pull the ribs out of the tender, roasted pork ribs, while simultaneously ordering a ghostly hand to prepare vegetables and toasted bread. He planned to keep enough sandwiches for two days in the refrigerator, some there and some to take to his office (the throne room in the Yugoslavian capital castle), since he rarely had time to enjoy the elaborate meals prepared by the chefs and Dinah hired by Regent Viktor von Dum. Everything was for efficiency, even his rest time; his schedule was packed with important meetings, leaving only meager moments for respite. With a severe shortage of reliable officials, he had to fill the power gaps in the administrative system, even if it made him appear like a dictator. This land, once inhabited by Thracians and Illyrians, was now a melting pot of Slavs, Vikings, and Anatolians; without a strong hand, it was impossible to govern this chaotic region.

Laura Crawford, sipping chilled juice by the pool, vaguely heard his hushed conversation with the witch, utterly bewildered. What should have been a time of carefree enjoyment had turned into a tense affair, with the witch and emperor looking utterly serious, as if discussing something of utmost importance, as if the witch were wearing a suit instead of a matching bikini. Then, the serious atmosphere vanished, a smile returned to his face, and neatly chopped vegetables and bread floated to the surface until he added grilled meat and squeezed on sauce, creating a mouthwatering sandwich.

"There is no such thing as an absolutely constant temperature object in this world. All matter is constantly exchanging heat. If you block the heat exchange process, you can keep an object at a constant temperature." He smiled at Laura Crawford. "This technology means controlling entropy. Stopping the movement of atoms also means stopping time. So don't underestimate the technology used in this food box. The technology used in libraries to preserve precious documents is exactly the same."

"He's just trying to change the subject; you can ignore him."

Bayonetta blinked, a smug smile spreading across her face. She had indeed interrupted the emperor's ramblings. He had just been about to ask some pointless question, like, "If a human were to travel back to the Cretaceous period, what animal would they choose as a pet if they didn't have a cat?" but Bayonetta had stopped him with her sharp high heels. She definitely didn't want his terrible sense of humor to spoil the evening's enjoyment.

"I think the ointment has worked, or would you like more to overcome your shyness?"

"This was a premeditated attack, sir." The colonel pressed his hat down to avoid it being blown away by the wind whipped up by the helicopter rotor. He shouted into the general's ear, "The FBI informed us of this, and the undercover agent sent over a detailed plan and requested Mr. Stark's assistance."

"Fuck Stark! I don't trust him. Iron Man has messed up too many things." The general walked towards the helicopter without looking back. He got on, fastened his seatbelt, and put on his headset, and the colonel had no choice but to do the same. At the same time, several fully armed soldiers arrived and accompanied the general on the helicopter as security.

"Sound the alarm, abandon the mission. I'm not going to risk my life on a superhero who doesn't follow orders."

(End of this chapter)