Chapter 65: Competitive Social Club

In the northern part of Hollywood, Burbank County, in a laboratory of the Isodyne Energy Group, the actress Whitney Frost, who had been dressed in fashionable clothes only a few hours ago, had now shed her glamorous appearance. Dressed in a lab coat, she operated various advanced technological devices of the era with a solemn expression, eagerly immersed in her work. There was no trace of her Hollywood stardom.

As she worked, the lab door opened and a middle-aged gentleman with a frivolous demeanor entered.

The man was Calvin Chadwick, head of the Isodyne Energy Group and one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States at the time.

"Honey, I heard you had a little trouble at the movie company today?" Chadwick didn't speak right away. He waited until Whitney had finished her task and had nothing in her hands before he asked.

Interrupting this woman in the middle of her research could have serious consequences, something Chadwick wanted to avoid.

"Just a small problem. If it wasn't for my idiot manager, there wouldn't have been any problems at all!" Whitney took off her gloves and exhaled deeply before recounting the day's events.

"Oh? Josh Kahn? Austrian? I think I've heard that name before." After listening to her story, Calvin didn't seem overly concerned about Whitney's inability to get out of her contract. Instead, he seemed intrigued by Josh-he himself was of Austrian descent.

"You better not get distracted. The club's primary focus is still the Manhattan Project." Whitney immediately saw through Calvin's thoughts and warned him sternly.

Clearly, their relationship was not just a tale of a starlet clinging to a tycoon. It was clear from her tone that Whitney had the upper hand in their relationship.

"Of course I know that. But frankly, the military and the White House have such a tight grip on the project that even with the critical technologies you've provided, we've been unable to access the core secrets for the time being," Calvin shrugged.

"Those old bureaucrats have no other options?" Whitney frowned.

"None at all. That bastard Schmidt has caused too much trouble, wasted a lot of our resources and made the entire country's leadership overly cautious," Calvin shook his head.

"Hmph, that fool will eventually destroy himself with his arrogance!" Whitney's face darkened at the mention of Schmidt.

Undoubtedly, the Schmidt they were talking about was none other than the infamous Red Skull who was wreaking havoc in Europe.

"Exactly. Judging by recent events, that Captain America fellow has been giving him a lot of headaches. He's probably a complete mess right now," Calvin said with a smug grin.

"Well, why are you here? Surely not just to talk nonsense?" Whitney gave him a look.

"Oh, honey, that hurts my feelings. We're about to get engaged, and you think I can't just drop by to check on my fiancée's work?" Calvin pretended to be hurt.

"Hmph, save your lousy acting for someone else!" Whitney replied coldly.

"Fine, fine. The United Service Organizations is organizing a morale trip to the British front. The club wants you to go as Whitney Frost," Calvin said, dropping his theatrical expression.

"To Britain? Why?" Whitney asked, confused.

"According to the club's intel, Howard Stark developed a serum in Britain called Midnight Oil. It was originally designed to increase the alertness of soldiers in combat, but was shelved due to severe side effects. Our agents were unaware of its existence until recently, when General John McGinnis stole it from Stark's lab and delivered it to Finow's Soviet forces."

"What side effects? Did something go wrong?" Whitney asked.

"Of course - severe side effects. It drives users insane, causing them to turn on each other. Even those who survive eventually suffocate and die horribly. However, the club believes it could have practical uses for us, so they want you to get it."

"Indeed, it does sound useful. I understand. I'll sign up for the morale trip tomorrow," Whitney nodded after a moment's thought.

"One more thing. The Soviets have set up a new organization called Leviathan. If possible, gather some information about it as well," Calvin added.

"Leviathan... Got it," Whitney murmured the name before nodding. Then she turned back to her work and remarked, without looking up, "Why are you still here?"

"Fine, I'll leave now!" Calvin shrugged helplessly and walked out of the lab.

"Investigate this Josh Kahn," Calvin ordered one of his subordinates as he walked out.

Clearly, he hadn't taken Whitney's warning about not getting distracted seriously.

Shortly thereafter, Calvin drove to an upscale club in the city. The sign on the building said "Competitive Social Club.

...

Meanwhile, Josh was unaware of the conversations going on at Isodyne Energy Group. He was in the study of a Beverly Hills mansion, listening to Yuri explain a new product over the beacon.

"This is the Magnetic Storm Infantry Armor. It uses a portable magnetic coil as a power source. Despite its bulky appearance, the mechanical exoskeleton technology ensures that the wearer doesn't feel much weight. The outer armor is resistant to direct rifle fire, and the joints are reinforced with hardened dinosaur leather. The high level of sealing also provides strong chemical protection. The only drawback is that it's a bit slow and can't fly," Yuri said confidently, pointing to the armor next to him. (T/N: There may be changes in the Name of Armor in Future Chaps)

Looking at the armor on the screen, Josh couldn't help but feel excited. Although it retained a certain ruggedness typical of Soviet designs, it was undeniably more aesthetically pleasing than what he'd seen in games.

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