Chapter 128: Taking the Fall for Another

Before his transmigration, Clark had never flown on a plane.

After transmigration, though he frequently flew, riding a supersonic stealth fighter was a completely new experience for him.

He had heard that flying in such planes required a high physical standard and often caused discomfort for first-timers. Every pilot had to undergo extensive training before they could adapt to the demands of the job.

However, Clark felt no discomfort while sitting in the fighter, aside from the pilot's insistence on wearing a helmet that made communication difficult and somewhat boring.

From Washington to the Middle East, the distance seemed trivial on a supersonic flight. Upon arriving at the secret military base, Agent Hill personally greeted him.

Seeing Hill in her tight-fitting agent attire, looking sharp and spirited, Clark joked, "I wondered why you turned down that generous offer from Nirvana Films. It turns out you found a better job. Now, I, your boss, am under your command."

"Mr. Clark is joking," Hill responded with a polite smile, explaining, "Your status within S.H.I.E.L.D. is quite special. Even Director Fury doesn't have the authority to directly command you. It cost him quite a bit to ask for your assistance, didn't it?"

While speaking, Hill led Clark into the relatively rudimentary outpost.

There, Clark finally met the gravitational scientist, an unremarkable skinny white-haired old man whose appearance was so forgettable that one might not remember his face after turning away.

Alone with Hill and the scientist, Hill unfolded a military map to discuss their action plan.

"The field mission is complete, but the doctor has become a prime target for terrorists. Ensuring his safe return home presents us with two serious challenges," Hill explained, pointing to their current location on the map. "The first issue is making our way from here to the main base's airport, a safe zone. However, we might encounter terrorist attacks at any point along the way."

As Hill traced a route on the map to the airport, she continued, "Although the airport is secure, it's still busy. We need to take precautions until the doctor is safely on a plane."

Clark felt uneasy about the plan and asked, "As S.H.I.E.L.D.'s tactical advisor, can I offer my opinion on this operation?"

"Of course," Hill welcomed his input. "Do you see any flaws in my plan?"

Clark suggested, "The journey is too long and slow, which could lead to unexpected incidents. My idea is to take a different approach."

"Given the doctor's physical condition, he can't meet the flight requirements for a combat aircraft, leaving the airport as our only exit. But since the enemy can track the doctor's movements, it's not safe. Am I right?"

Hill nodded, waiting for his further plan.

Clark then proposed, "Coincidentally, the doctor and I are of similar height. If we switch identities, allowing me to take on the risk, wouldn't that solve the problem? Isn't this what Hank Pym was willing to pay a hefty price for my help?"

Without further ado, Hill pulled out two high-tech facial masks.

Indeed, Hank Pym had hoped Clark would draw the fire away from the doctor, but this was only one plan, which had to be suggested by Clark himself to avoid seeming manipulative.

Clark's survival abilities were far superior, but his life was also much more valuable than that of a scientist.

Disguised as the gravitational scientist, Clark and Hill boarded a jeep heading to the airport. Initially, Clark suggested Hill stay behind to protect the real scientist, but Hill argued that if she didn't accompany him, the plan would seem too contrived. She insisted on staying by Clark's side for close protection.

The Middle East's instability was something Clark experienced firsthand that day.

From their departure to boarding the plane, they faced two attacks. The first was an armed ambush on the way to the airport, resulting in the loss of five soldiers. The second attack happened at the airport, involving gunmen and human bombs. Despite Clark's early warning, two agents died, and three soldiers were injured, with one possibly sustaining life-long disabilities.

Finally on the plane, Clark, seeing Hill's exhaustion, offered her a bottle of water, saying, "Take a sip to calm your nerves. We're safe now, aren't we?"

Hill didn't immediately open the bottle, instead turning to Clark, "I've seen plenty of such scenes. It seems you're the one who's not quite used to it."

Clark sighed, "If I could have acted, those people didn't have to die, and no one had to get hurt."

Lying down, he reflected on the powerlessness he used to write about in his novels, which motivated his protagonists to become stronger. "Now, I realize that feeling powerless can be comforting at times. But when you have the power to change everything and can't use it because of certain reasons, that's truly frustrating."

Hill remained silent, looking out the window as the plane ascended, breaking through the clouds into the sky.

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