Chapter 35: Exchange of Interests

Chapter 35: Exchange of Interests

The operation of Overwatch is on track, and Stern will definitely not continue to be the commander when the time comes. They need an excellent commander.

Fortunately, Hydra has no shortage of talented individuals. Warren decided to choose one to take on this great responsibility.

He looked at the information provided by Stern, and one candidate caught his eye.

John Garrett, Level 8 agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., codenamed "The Clairvoyant" within Hydra. He controls a vast intelligence network, so much so that it gives the illusion that he possesses clairvoyant abilities, but in reality, he is just an ordinary person.

An ordinary person with a terminal illness.

Very well, if he managed to rise to Level 8 as an ordinary person, it shows his exceptional competence. And with the ability to control such a massive intelligence network as an ordinary person, joining Overwatch and leveraging the special abilities of certain mutants would instantly boost Overwatch's intelligence capabilities, even surpassing S.H.I.E.L.D.

A commander doesn't need to go out on missions. Isn't it good to stay at headquarters and play with cameras? Being able to make it interesting is also a skill.

Warren arranged a meeting with John Garrett through Stern's connections, while Stern had some troubles to deal with.

...

"Senator Stern, do you know what your Overwatch is doing?"

"Of course, we're investigating mutant crimes."

"But he's a general!"

"He could also be a criminal impersonating a general."

Stern, after being brainwashed with twisted beliefs, held a strong stance and refused to release Ross, even if it meant going against the President.

"We will conclude the investigation within 24 hours. During this time, no one can take him away unless you sign a special order, but I do not recommend you do so."

Matthew Ellis said in a stern voice, "You are forcing me to do that!"

As a general, there were vast interest groups involved behind him.

As soon as the absurd situation of detaining Ross by Overwatch occurred, they immediately leveraged their connections and demanded his immediate release. But the key problem was that Overwatch didn't know what went wrong with them. They simply refused to let go of Ross.

"In fact, if you do that, I have reason to suspect that you are being controlled."

Boom!

Matthew Ellis slammed the table in anger.

"Do you understand the weight of your words, Senator Stern?!"

Stern responded with a serious expression, "Overwatch is a legitimate organization empowered by the law. We have the right and the obligation to investigate every possible mutant crime. Mr. President, please uphold the law and refrain from easily exercising your power."

"...Ross must not be harmed!"

"Of course, we don't let any criminals go free, nor do we wrongly accuse anyone who is innocent."

"Also, tell me, what's with the mecha today?"

Matthew Ellis, who had just shown anger, immediately put Ross aside. That was the self-discipline of a politician.

Naturally, there were forces behind Ross causing a commotion, but compared to Ross... Matthew Ellis and his aides believed that the mecha that appeared on the battlefield today could be used as a bargaining chip.

Because Nick Fury had already discussed it with them, S.H.I.E.L.D. had placed the freshly released analysis report in front of Matthew Ellis, informing him:

"After research, we believe that Warren Worthington has had a team of mutants working on research and development. Some mutants' brains may have undergone mutations, greatly exceeding ordinary individuals' intelligence, allowing them to develop many high-tech products.

As an example, the X-Men also have many cutting-edge technologies, such as the invisible aircraft that can take off from a basketball court... Damn, a school can actually create such a thing.

And not long ago, our agents discovered that Worthington secretly recruited two foreign scientists, Anthony Vanco and Ivan Vanco, father and son. Anthony Vanco is a genius scientist who lived in the same era as Howard Stark. His abilities were acknowledged by Howard Stark himself, but he was expelled due to some character issues.

The most crucial thing is that Warren Worthington is willing to spend billions of dollars without blinking an eye. So, they have this."

There were many photos of the Black Cat Luna, along with analyses from S.H.I.E.L.D. scientists.

"According to the data, this should be a fusion-powered mecha. The miniature missiles equipped on it are the new models that Hammer Industries is about to sell. I've seen them. They are as big as cigars, but one shot can destroy a twenty-story building, and they are very fast, agile, and can carry passengers..."

Nick Fury went on to detail some of the advantages of the Black Cat Luna, but between the lines, there were two words being conveyed:

"Money talks!"

Matthew Ellis was somewhat troubled. He called his aides for an emergency meeting and made some decisions.

First, Warren having powerful technology was a good thing. As long as they could acquire it, that shouldn't be a problem.

Secondly, Nick Fury's demands should be met, and investment in S.H.I.E.L.D. should be increased.

They couldn't let a pharmaceutical company surpass them in the field of military equipment. It would be too embarrassing!

Lastly... General Ross, let him sit in jail for a while. Use him as a small bargaining chip and have a good talk with Overwatch and Worthington.

So, at first, Matthew Ellis was firm, even angry, but in reality, Ross had already been abandoned. After all, it was just a 24-hour detention.

...

"That's Warren Worthington's newly developed controlled fusion reactor-powered mecha."

"Is it in production?" Matthew Ellis was concerned about this point.

According to the data, the speed, agility, and maneuverability of the Black Cat Luna, as well as its ability to become radar-invisible after leaving the battlefield, proved that it was the epitome of black technology.

The interests involved were much greater than a General Ross.

"Sorry, ordinary people can't achieve what Warren did with Vibranium as the reactor's shielding material."

"..."

Matthew Ellis was speechless.

Damn it!

Yes, it can be used, and undoubtedly, its effect would be excellent even if you think with your toes. But how much does it cost?! How much?!

"In fact, he also has a Vibranium battle armor, oh, maybe it's the Adamantium alloy. It's normal for young people to show off, especially when they're rich."

"..."

Matthew Ellis felt a bit mentally exhausted.

Why? Why?

I'm the President, why do I feel like I've been flaunted with wealth?

"But Warren has some other interesting things. Take a look at this."

Stern obviously came prepared.

"Miniature missiles, I know about these."

"Keep reading."

"Hmm, hoverboard, this is good."

"Super soldier serum, you're also researching... wait, super soldier serum?!"

Matthew Ellis stood up suddenly, unable to stay seated.

Because the information stated, "After analysis, we have successfully decoded the super soldier serum and produced the final product. The final product has been tested and confirmed to be Dr. Erskine's super soldier serum."

"Success?! Has Worthington really decoded the super soldier serum?"

He couldn't remain calm anymore.

"Keep reading, Mr. President."

Matthew Ellis tried to contain his excitement, "What's the matter? Are the materials hard to find or flawed?"

"You'll see for yourself."

Matthew Ellis continued reading.

"After testing, it has been determined that the super soldier serum has the 'the better they are, the worse they become' effect as mentioned by Dr. Erskine. From a scientific perspective, this is due to the serum's influence on the secretion of certain hormones in the human body, which in turn affects human emotions, amplifying certain aspects of human emotions, namely: the better they are, the worse they become. In the final analysis, the super soldier serum is considered a—"

"A failed product!"

Matthew Ellis exclaimed in disbelief.

"No, no, they have successfully replicated the super soldier serum, so why is it considered a failed product? Why?"

"As Dr. Arnim Zola stated, Dr. Erskine's original super soldier serum was a failed product because it affects the secretion of hormones in the human body, thus affecting a person's character, similar to certain banned substances."

Although it was explained clearly, Matthew Ellis found it hard to believe.

"No, that's not true... Captain America succeeded, the super soldier serum can be used!"

Stern calmly explained, "Steve Rogers, before receiving the serum, had a weak physique but still volunteered to join the military to contribute to peace. He was a noble person, but not everyone is like him."

"We can select trustworthy individuals," Matthew Ellis couldn't let go of the super soldier serum.

"For safety reasons, Warren's suggestion is to choose a volunteer. Dr. Arnim Zola advises against using it and continues the research until the serum's flaws are overcome."

"No, I'll give you three volunteers."

Matthew Ellis completely ignored Dr. Arnim Zola's advice, "Three volunteers. When can we see the results?"

"The enhancement process takes less than fifteen minutes, but the power supply on Aicaz Island is a bit insufficient."

"Get it done as quickly as possible. The list of volunteers will be given to you tomorrow."

He could afford this bill.

"Very well, Mr. President."

Stern, having perfectly accomplished his mission, made a phone call to Warren on his way back.

...

"John Garrett, interested in changing sides?"

"I'm a Level 8 agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., can Overwatch match that?"

"But Overwatch is in need of a commander. Stern and I aren't suitable, but he recommended you to me."