Chapter 57: I'm Airsick!

As soon as Colonel Rhodes finished speaking, the room erupted with congressmen voicing their opinions.

"I think we should proceed. The Mandarin is too dangerous. We can't leave the fate of this country to something as absurd as luck!"

"I agree! Relying on luck is ridiculous."

"We should strike now! The Mandarin is surrounded. What are we afraid of? If he resists, we'll bury him under a hail of missiles! I don't care how powerful he is, he can't survive that!"

"Yes, I agree too!"

The overwhelming consensus of the congressmen made it clear that Colonel Rhodes' concerns had fallen on deaf ears. Frustrated, Rhodes couldn't hold back and shouted:

"You're setting everyone at the radio building up for a massacre!"

General Chris, clearly enjoying the outcome, smiled smugly. He turned to Rhodes and spoke with mock politeness.

"Colonel, please mind your tone. Remember your rank."

With a patronizing shake of his head, Chris added, "Besides, even if this mission fails—which it won't—aren't there still plenty of superheroes to clean up the mess? Surely, with so many of them, they can handle one Mandarin?"

He let out a long, exaggerated sigh, his tone dripping with arrogance. "But let's be honest, Colonel. This plan is flawless. It's bound to succeed."

Rhodes clenched his fists, holding back the urge to deck Chris right then and there. He glared at the Defense Minister, who had now turned his attention to Chief Matthew Ellis.

"Chief Ellis," Chris said respectfully, "you know me. I've served this country as Defense Minister for years. My record speaks for itself. This operation—this strategy—is the result of meticulous planning by all of us. The Mandarin is within our grasp. Now is not the time for hesitation."

Chris threw a smug glance at Rhodes, who stood fuming in silence. He continued, "I'm not saying Pyro isn't powerful. But can he take down the Mandarin alone? Luck? What can luck possibly prove?"

He paused for effect, making sure everyone was watching before delivering his final blow. "In fact, I believe Pyro's refusal to go to the Radio Building isn't strategy—it's fear."

Chief Ellis remained silent, his face impassive, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Chris noticed and seized the moment.

"If this plan fails, I will resign as Defense Minister," Chris declared boldly.

Ellis's expression shifted to one of surprise. "That's quite the statement, General," he said after a pause. "But if you're that confident, let's move forward. Inform the team—begin the operation."

Rhodes opened his mouth to speak, but Chris cut him off, his smile widening. "Colonel, I don't want us to be on opposite sides here. But I promise you, the Department of Defense has this covered, even without Pyro."

Outside, Happy parked the car and checked his phone. "We're close to Anna's location. Let's get out here," he said, pointing to a red dot on the screen.

Jiang Chen, Happy, and Lorna Dann exited the car. Happy handed the phone to Jiang Chen. "Look, we're right here," Happy said, pointing again.

Jiang Chen examined the phone, but Lorna interrupted, flashing a playful smile. "I think I can fly us there," she said, referring to her ability to control the magnetic field, a gift inherited from her father, Magneto.

Jiang Chen nodded. "Good idea."

Happy, however, frowned. "Uh… what about me?"

Lorna glanced at him apologetically. "Sorry, Happy, I can't carry you. Maybe try running—you might meet a nice girlfriend along the way."

Before Happy could protest, Lorna grabbed Jiang Chen, and they soared into the sky, leaving Happy behind.

As they flew, Jiang Chen looked over at Lorna. "Is flying all you can do?"

Lorna grinned. "I put metal in my shoes, so I can manipulate the magnetic field to fly."

Without warning, Lorna lost focus, and they plummeted briefly. Jiang Chen stumbled as they landed, struggling to regain his balance.

Lorna chuckled. "What's the matter? Not used to flying?"

Jiang Chen, regaining his composure, gave her a serious look. "Maybe I'm just a little… airsick."

Lorna blinked, confused. "Airsick?"

Jiang Chen's gaze drifted downward, and Lorna followed his eyes. Realization dawned, and she flushed with annoyance.

Before she could respond, Jiang Chen added with a mischievous grin, "You should be grateful, though. You've got an airport most people would envy."

Lorna glared at him, flustered. After a moment, she hesitated, then asked quietly, "Wait… is it really small?"

Jiang Chen smirked, not answering, leaving Lorna both embarrassed and fuming as they continued their mission.