Chapter 68: An Old Friend Returns - Can You Do Me This Favor?
During the Avengers Civil War, Secretary Ross had constructed the Raft—a maximum-security prison in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean—to detain superheroes who violated the Sokovia Accords.
Millions of taxpayer dollars were spent on the facility, yet it had proven utterly ineffective at keeping enhanced individuals contained.
Ross should have learned from the disasters at the Vault and other failed superhuman detention centers that traditional imprisonment methods were useless against people with extraordinary abilities.
After Luke Cage was transferred, Ryan returned to his laboratory to continue his work.
His enhanced soldier program had grown to twenty-one operatives, with the military providing each with vibranium-enhanced tactical gear and advanced weaponry systems.
The test subjects Anthony Martinez and Marcus Payne remained under psychological evaluation and couldn't yet be considered operational assets.
Ryan had completely lost interest in unpredictable mutation serums, sealing away the remaining radioactive enhancement formulas in cryo-storage.
His current research focused on analyzing the genetic differences between Thanos's Titan physiology and the cosmic energy manipulation capabilities of the Eternals. Despite his own enhanced abilities, Ryan never stopped pushing the boundaries of enhancement science.
The laboratory door hissed open as Knight-1, his lead enhanced soldier, entered with urgent news.
"Sir, the convoy transporting Luke Cage was ambushed by unknown hostiles. The prisoner has been liberated. Secretary Ross is requesting permission to deploy the Knights for immediate recapture."
Ryan remained hunched over his electron microscope, studying cellular samples without looking up. "That won't be necessary. I've introduced a genetic time bomb into Cage's system. His enhanced metabolism will burn through his cellular structure within weeks."
"Understood, sir!"
Knight-1 saluted and exited the laboratory.
Moments later, Ryan straightened up, removed his protective eyewear, and rubbed his temples in frustration. "What exactly is limiting the rate of cosmic energy absorption in these subjects?"
Ryan had always wondered why Ikaris, the most powerful Eternal, couldn't maintain continuous energy beams from his eyes like Superman's heat vision. Instead, his optic blasts came in short, seemingly ineffective bursts.
Now Ryan understood: Ikaris's cosmic energy reserves were finite, requiring recovery time between attacks.
With unlimited cosmic energy access, Ikaris could theoretically maintain devastating continuous beams until his targets were completely obliterated.
Since Ikaris was the strongest among the ten Eternals, the others would face the same energy limitations.
Something was clearly restricting their ability to absorb and process cosmic energy efficiently.
Ryan believed that solving this mystery would make him truly unstoppable.
When Ross arrived at the compromised S.H.I.E.L.D. safe house with his Knights squadron, he found nothing but empty rooms and disabled security systems.
"Damn it! Issue APBs to every agency! I want satellite surveillance, facial recognition, everything! A group this size doesn't just disappear into thin air!"
But they had. Not only had the fugitives escaped, but they'd also stripped the facility of useful equipment and intelligence.
Twenty-four hours later, intelligence analysts delivered promising news to Ross's desk.
"Mr. Secretary, thermal imaging detected Hulk signatures in Savannah, Georgia, approximately three hours ago. The readings suggest Dr. Banner may be attempting to reach the Atlantic coast."
Ross slammed his fist on the desk. "Scramble everything we have! This time Banner doesn't escape!"
The Hulk represented Ross's greatest obsession. If he couldn't capture the other fugitive Avengers, Bruce Banner would be an acceptable consolation prize.
Ross immediately boarded a military transport and led his Knights toward the Georgia coastline.
As soon as Ross departed, Ryan received notification of the Hulk hunt through military channels.
Ryan smiled knowingly. Ross was chasing shadows—there was no way he'd locate Banner, who had years of experience evading capture.
As darkness fell over the base, Ryan exited his laboratory complex, climbed into a military jeep, and drove away from the compound.
Two hours later, he entered New York City limits. Two and a half hours after that, he reached Midtown Manhattan.
Hell's Kitchen in the present day looked remarkably similar to how Ryan remembered it from years past.
Following his memory, he navigated to his old hiding spots, a nostalgic smile crossing his face.
While it felt like he'd only been away briefly, he realized how dramatically his life had changed.
"Move it, asshole! You're in my way!"
Three street thugs approached aggressively, the leader reaching out to shove Ryan aside.
The scene felt familiar—possibly the same crew from before.
A flash of golden cosmic energy materialized from Ryan's hand. The thug's extended arm was instantly severed at the shoulder, the limb hitting the pavement with a wet thud.
The man stared in shock for a moment before the pain registered, then began screaming while clutching his cauterized stump.
"AHHH! What the hell—"
Ryan didn't bother finishing the conversation, stepping over the writhing criminal and continuing down the street.
Following his mental map, he located the surveillance equipment he'd installed years ago. The camera across from the old bar still transmitted to its receiver.
Continuing along his remembered route, he soon arrived at Jessica Jones's apartment building.
Golden energy formed into a precision cutting tool in Ryan's right hand, slicing through Jessica's door lock like warm butter. He pushed the door open and walked inside, settling onto her couch to wait.
Ten minutes later, Jessica Jones returned home under cover of darkness, her face hidden beneath a hood.
Approaching her door, she immediately noticed the destroyed lock. She burst through the entrance, then froze when she saw Ryan sitting casually on her sofa, smiling at her.
"I'd advise against fighting—you're outmatched. And don't consider running—you won't get far."
Jessica assumed a defensive stance. "Look, whoever you are, this is breaking and entering. I don't know what you want, but—"
"The question isn't what I want from you."
Ryan stood and approached Jessica. The energy blade in his hand extended until its point rested against her throat.
If Jessica hadn't participated in Luke Cage's rescue operation, Ryan might have maintained their previous cordial relationship.
"You shouldn't be making demands of me. I'm the one with questions that need answers."
The materialized cosmic energy felt solid against Jessica's skin but generated no heat. With the blade at her throat, she tilted her head back as far as possible without daring to move her feet.
"What do you want to know?"
Jessica clenched her fists, fighting to keep her voice steady.
"Luke Cage was broken out of federal custody. Who orchestrated his rescue?"
"I honestly don't know what you're talking about." Jessica's confusion appeared genuine.
Ryan reached into Jessica's jacket, extracted her phone, and pressed it into her hand. "Call Danny Rand. Tell him to get over here immediately."
Secretary Ross had proven incompetent. Despite unlimited resources, he'd failed to capture a single fugitive Avenger and had even lost the one prisoner they'd successfully detained. The man was more liability than asset.
Ryan had decided to handle the situation personally.
Jessica hesitated for several moments before finally making the call.
Thirty minutes later, Iron Fist Danny Rand arrived at Jessica's apartment, equally shocked to encounter Ryan.
"I've come to see you both for a simple reason—I'd like to invite you somewhere for a private conversation. I trust you'll do me this small favor?"
End of Chapter 68
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Power Stone or Review!
P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)
Buy me coffee - ko-fi*com/soulforger01