Chapter 29: Finding Ross

Disclaimer- before you read, do note that the some places, people and facts here are based on true events and are purely for entertainment and historical accuracy purposes only.

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[Rohan' Pov]

It had been about a week since I had stolen the Wasp suit. Upon my return, I handed the suit over to the Ancient One. She assured me that she a master craftsman here would be able to make it work. For some reason, she was really confident, so I chose to take her word for it. My primary concern now was whether this would be completed before my time of return.

Now, I was trudging up a narrow mountain road. It was morning and freezing, but I had no other option. Eventually, I reached a secluded cabin away from the main Kamar-Taj. This was where the Ancient One worked on the stuff I brought from the HPU. Since she spent most of her time there, I had to come if I wanted to talk to her.

On a small clearing on the mountain, a small stone cottage with a sloping roof greeted me. Stepping inside, a warm air surrounded me, dispelling the cold. I breathed in the warm air and sighed in relief.

When i looked around i saw, an array of suspended items on tables, held in eldritch prisms. These were all the items i had brought with me. Progressing further in, I reached a small greenhouse where the Ancient One was tending to the magical plants I had brought.

Opening the door, I entered to find the garden filled with these magical plants. The varied pots emitted an aura of eldritch magic, The most astonishing part was that it had only been a few weeks since I came and she had already bred the magical plants to this number.

"What brings you here this early in the morning?" the Ancient One inquired, focused on a plant in her hand.

"Good morning. I apologize for the early disturbance; I forgot New York was five hours behind,"I said, bowing.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" she asked, still busy with her plants.

 "Unfortunately, no." I sighed.

The truth was, for the past week, I had scoured the world in search of the super-soldier serum formula and a sample of Steve Rogers's blood. Yet, my efforts had been in vain. What I wanted was the genuine super soldier serum formula and so, my focus turned to Dr. Abraham Erskine. I did find that his noted may be hidden somewhere but then i discovered that the U.S. government had found his hidden documents in the '60s.

SHIELD or Hydra were my next option but they had all the data encrypted and because of their advanced technology, I failed again.

Then I considered General Ross as my last option. I knew from my knowledge that he had the information on the Perfect Super Soldier Serum, thanks to the government's approval to restart 'Project Rebirth' after 9/11.

Betty Ross, his daughter, became my link to General Ross, but my search hit a dead end again.

"I have been failing again and again. If I keep playing it safe, it will take who knows how long. So from now on, I will take a riskier approach. And for that, I need some of the potions I brought with me. Are there any potions you don't need anymore?" I said to the ancient one with determination.

"Why yes," she gestured towards the back. "I have kept left over potions there; you can take all of them."

A cabinet housed several bottles of potions at the back. These were potions that she was done examining or were just extra I had brought with me. I went through them, taking Wiggenweld Potion first and placing them in my bag. As I carefully examined each potion, I noticed a few that would undoubtedly prove useful.

Once I had what I needed, I asked the Ancient One to send me to the New York Sanctum. Back in my room, I slept, as i knew i was going to have a very busy day tommorow.

===

[New York Sanctum] [Next Morning]

[Wong Pov]

The massive stone doors slowly opened as I walked through them, offering a greeting to the master of the sanctum before making my way to Rohan. The door I had just passed through was one of three that connected the three Sanctums to Kamar-Taj. Every morning for the past week, I came to the New York Sanctum, where Rohan was currently residing.

Rohan himself was an enigma to me. He appeared unremarkable, lacking proficiency in the mystic arts and displaying only no skill in physical combat. Initially seeming like an ordinary guy, his actions, such as stealing, left me uncertain about what kind of man he truly was.

There was also some mysterious connection between Rohan and the Ancient One that eluded me. Even Mordo, when questioned, remained tight-lipped. Whatever the nature of their bond is, it ran deep, as evidenced by her directive to protect and assist Rohan in any way possible.

I anticipated more combat, but my recent days were filled with opening portals and discreetly observing people, including yesterday's recent day spent stalking a girl. Rohan claimed he was searching for her father Ross, though the purpose remained a mystery.

Approaching Rohan's room, I found the door unlocked.

Entering Rohan's room, I found him dressed and ready. "Morning, Wong."

"Morning. I see you're all set."

"Yeah, got up early, had to make plans you see," he replied.

"Don't overdo it," I cautioned.

"Thanks, Wong. But today's special. I believe we'll find what I'm after. And then, a day off for both of us, maybe?"

We headed to a nearby diner, a common meeting spot not far from the Sanctum. It had become our routine to have breakfast here while discussing our plans. Rohan loved the pancakes, but they were too sweet for my taste so I only had coffee. The best part was the lack of prying ears here, allowing us to talk freely.

"Where to today?" I asked.

"The Pentagon," Rohan said, sliding a magazine my way.

"The Pentagon?" I echoed in surprise.

Rohan nodded. "I've been searching everywhere for General Ross, even his daughter doesn't know. So, we'll go straight to the source. The Pentagon should have the info. We'll use the mirror dimension for infiltration and find someone who knows."

Agreeing with his plan, I examined the magazine with the Pentagon's picture. "Why Ross, though? Why are you looking for him?"

"Do you know about Captain America?" Rohan asked.

"The WW2 hero?"

"Yeah. He was the result of an experiment called Project Rebirth, A scientist called Dr. Erskine created a serum that could improve the physical abilities of anyone. Sadly he died taking the secret formula with him. The Government is trying to recreate serum for decades

Ross was newly appointed to restart the project after 9/11. Finding him will leads me to Project Rebirth and all its secrets."

"But why?" Why do you need it ?"I pressed.

"I'm not talented in mystic arts or capable of physical training due to my injuries. The Ancient One believes Project Rebirth can heal me like it did for Captain America."

"She said that?"

"Yeah. She thinks the incomplete formula can help me heal my body."

"Well, i wish you luck then, Let's hope we find it soon then."

"Okay, let's go," I said, leading us into an alleyway where I opened a portal.

===

[Rohan Pov]

I hopped into the portal, and suddenly, I was in an open area surrounded by parked cars. I look around to see a building nearby. It was The Pentagon

"Let's go to the mirror dimension quickly before anyone spots us," I said, scanning the surroundings for onlookers.

Space crackled around us, and we smoothly shifted into the mirror dimension. Looking at Wong, I suggested, "There are only a few people who would know the new Project Rebirth location. Let's go to the top—the Secretary of Defense."

"But do you know where he is?" Wong asked.

"Well, his office should be opposite the crash site so lets start there."

We strolled through the rings, listening to people and searching for the Secretary's office. There were a lot of people running about even though it was early morning, The US was at war in Afganistan after all.

we soon found the main office of the Secretary of Defense. walking past the guards, we entered to find a man working alone on his desk.

"Is he the Secretary of Defense?" Wong asked me. I compared pictures and grinned, "Donald Rumsfeld. Yes, this is the Secretary of Defense. We found him."

"Okay, now what? Search his office?" Wong's voice carried a hint of excitement.

"No, we need to get him to talk," I replied, scanning the room for any signs of surveillance.

"How? He will call the guards as soon as he sees us," Wong's concern was palpable.

"Yes, that's why we will bring him into the mirror dimension," I explained, keeping my tone low to avoid drawing attention.

Wong sighed, his frustration evident. "You want to kidnap him."

"Hey, 'kidnap' is a strong word. We are technically not even leaving this room," I reassured him, offering a reassuring smile.

"Okay, but how are you going to make him talk?" Wong's curiosity peaked.

"Let's just say, I brought some 'toys' with me to play," I replied cryptically, patting the bagpack slung over my shoulder.

"What?" Wong's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Don't worry; you'll see. Now, here's the plan," I said, leaning in to share our strategy in hushed tones.

//A few minutes later//

Donald was engrossed in reading when a creak interrupted his focus. Startled, he turned, only to witness an unbelievable sight—two men emerging from a crack in thin air. An old man with a long, flowing white beard and hair, accompanied by a hooded figure, entered his room.

"Who are you? Guards!" Donald shouted, rising from his seat in alarm.

"Please don't strain yourself, Mr. Rumsfeld. They won't hear you," the old man reassured, pulling out a chair and seating himself opposite Donald. Despite his simple attire, his piercing gaze betrayed a deep sense of wisdom.

"What did you do to them?" Donald demanded, his apprehension evident.

"You might want to look out your window. It'll make things easier," the old man suggested calmly, pouring a glass of water.

Donald turned to the window and gasped in horror as familiar streets and buildings appeared to be floating in the sky.

"Dear lord!" Donald exclaimed, turning back to the old man. "What is this? What did you do?"

"Nothing much. We just took you somewhere we could talk in peace. Once we're done, we'll send you back. Now, please have a seat," the old man said, placing the glass down with a thud, his eyes fixed on Donald with an unwavering intensity.

Despite his initial fear, Donald managed to calm himself and returned to his desk, albeit reluctantly. "You-you're one of them, aren't you? What do you want from me?"

"Who I am does not concern you. As for why I'm here, it's simple. I just want to know the location of the newly rekindled Project Rebirth."

Though the fear in Donald's eyes had diminished, his resolve remained steadfast. "That's classified information integral to national security. I'll die before revealing that to the likes of you."

"I know, Mr. Rumsfeld, I know," the old man acknowledged, raising his hand. The hooded figure beside him conjured a rope of light, binding Donald to his chair.

"You will not get away with this. They will find you!" Donald exclaimed, struggling against his restraints.

Undeterred, the old man approached Donald, forced open his mouth and poured a liquid into his mouth. Donald's attempts to resist and throwup were futile.

"What did you do to me? Poison?" Donald recoiled at the taste.

"Relax. It's just a truth serum, One so powerful that three drops would have you spilling your innermost secrets. And I gave you far more than that," the old man explained with a smile.

The old man asked calmly "Mr. Rumsfeld, answer me truthfully. Who is spearheading the newly restarted Project Rebirth?" Despite Donald's attempts to not open his mouth and even biting his tongue, he spoke "Thaddeus E. Ross, Lieutenant General of the United States Army."

"It works!" The old man applauded. "Now, for the location."

Donald asked gasping, "Huh...huh...What do you want with Project Rebirth, Why are you doing this?"

"Why i am doing this? I just don't want it to fall into the wrong hands. And by wrong hands, I do mean the US Government of course." after a pause the old man continued "You know, I am the good guy here, so please cooperate FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE and bla bla bla"

Donald's skepticism reached its peak. "You, the good guy? What a joke! We're fighting a war against terrorism, protecting the world. And here you are, just a kidnapper trying to steal state secrets."

The old man's demeanor grew serious, he stood up and started walking about the room. "Why can't I be the good guy? Does the US have some trademark on being the good guys?"

Donald defended, "We're a force for good. We are fighting against those who threaten the peace and stability of the world."

The old man leaned forward and said "Force for good? Don't make me laugh. How many times has the US destabilized other countries for its own interests? from Iran to Nicaragua to Hawaii to Cuba? Man for a so-called 'force for good' you've been causing chaos everywhere.

The old man stopped walking as if he had an idea and looked at Donald sitting and laughed lightly "Heh You see Mr. Rumsfeld. Everyone thinks their ideas are right, that's why the people you call terrorists call themselves freedom fighters. The fundamentalists think they're right, the capitalists think they're right, the communists think they're right, and no one will ever convince anyone of anything.

And all these Powerful men lecturing the world from the floors of congresses and parliaments whose time has long since passed refuse to admit, publicly at least, that ideas don't determine who's right, power determines who's right. " The old man leaned on the table looking closely over Donald and said " And I have the power, so I'm right "

Overwhelmed, Donald muttered, "You're insane."

Undeterred by Donald's defiance, the old man resumed his seat. "Now, where was I? The location."

With Donald's resistance futile, he answered all questions truthfully, even divulging details he barely remembered.

After Donald went limp, Wong, now revealed as the hooded figure, confirmed his unconscious state. The old man leaned in and addressed Donald, receiving no response.

"Hmm, he should be out cold for at least a few hours. Looks like the potion took a toll on him. Don't worry, he is just tired. All he needs is a good sleep," the old man reassured Wong.

Relieved, Wong remarked, "So that's it, then. I can't believe we pulled this off."

"It went well. I got what I came here for," the old man replied, his appearance transforming to reveal his true identity as Rohan.

Surprised, Wong exclaimed, "I've never seen or read about such magic before."

"Yeah, they are rare. Now, let's go back to the real world," Rohan declared, dismissing Wong's amazement.

As Wong transported them back, Rohan seized the opportunity to search for hidden files in Donald's safe. With one related to General Ross and Project Rebirth in hand, they prepared to depart.

"If that's all, we should go there right away. Someone might come knocking," Wong suggested, ready to open a portal.

"Wait, there's something left," Rohan interjected, turning on Donald's computer and loading a CD.

"What is it?" Wong asked urgently.

"Remote Access Trojan or RAT for short. It's an undetectable malware that will spread through all of the computers in the Pentagon, giving me remote access to their files anytime I want. There's no better place to introduce this than here. Hell, it might even reach the White House in a few days."

"Whatever it is, now let's go."

After that, I took my CD, and we left through the portal.