Chapter 65: I'd Like To Thank The Academy...

Chapter 65: I'd Like To Thank The Academy...

2013

Seoul, South Korea

Mt. Ansan Jarak-gil Trail

A few Minutes Later

(Brock POV)

"So... you and my husband have been secretly trying to stop this...clandestine Hydra organization?" Dr. Cho asked in a hushed whisper, " And the reason you approached me to inform me personally is...you need my help to heal one of your teammates?" She inquired further keeping her voice barely audible while observing my face closely for any sign of deception.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Instead of responding verbally, I nodded slowly, gazing straight back with a mask of sincerity as I studied her reaction to the elaborate lie.

We stared at each other for a long moment, before Dr. Cho spoke again. Her voice sounded strained, holding strong emotions contained beneath layers of controlled composure.

" Why?... Why didn't he trust us with these secrets?" Confusion filled her words as she tried unsuccessfully to comprehend how the man she loved could live such a dangerous double life.

Was she buying this?

"Phillip didn't want to get you involved in danger unnecessarily," I said gently. "But I believe your medical skills may prove useful in helping bring an end to this menace plaguing Seoul." I paused momentarily forcing emotion to fill my voice. "If you truly love him and wish to save and bring him home....then please, help me!" I declare admirably, like a true hero ready to risk his own safety fighting against formidable odds.

Dr. Cho went quiet for several seconds and I was slightly worried I would have to move to Plan B, which would just get...messy. Before moving ahead, however, she finally responded to my 'heartfelt plea'.

"If you really mean what you say...then yes." Tears began streaming freely down her cheeks as relief spread throughout her body, allowing tension to drain out of her frame. "I will do everything I can to help you. But you must promise me you'll take me to see Phillip when it's safe." She pleaded earnestly wiping tears angrily falling from her cheek with shaky hands trembling uncontrollably.

Momentarily stunned by her emotional acceptance of the dubious tale, I hesitated uncertainly, unsure of how I should respond.

Truthfully... I didn't think she would buy the manipulative lie this easily.

"I promise...when this ordeal ends, I will reunite you two once again," I replied with fake sincerity as a reassuring smile was plastered on my face, patting her shoulder lightly. With renewed strength, she wiped the rest of her tearful display hastily composing herself.

"So...what now? Do we leave immediately? Or wait until morning? You know it's dark outside already. I also have to make arrangements for the kids and work." She remarked anxiously, glancing around nervously at the passing pedestrians.

"Don't worry, we'll leave when you've made all your preparations here first," I assured confidently. "Just call me at this number when you're ready to depart," I add as I hand her a piece of paper.

She pockets it without hesitation. "Thank the heavens you came upon me today! If not..this whole mess probably wouldn't have ended for me. I would have just been left wondering...." Hesitating briefly, she adds. "if he actually did run away on purpose or something terrible happened to him." Tear streams continue flowing unabated as she falls apart emotionally, unable to contain the feelings bottled up inside any further.

Sighing inwardly, I reach over and give a gentle squeeze on her shoulders, trying to calm her nerves as best I could given the circumstances.

"Sorry..." Smiling wryly, she apologizes looking embarrassed. "I guess I should be goingbefore the kids start getting worried." Sniffling repeatedly, she turns around clearing her throat forcefully making attempts to compose herself. "Thanks so much, Mr.- uhm- Brock"

Saying that Dr.Cho stood up abruptly, heading toward the path leading downhill toward the parking lot. The wind blew briskly carrying cold air mixed in with lingering traces of warm humid summer heat.

But what drew Pierce's eyes the minute he walked into the room was a long metal tube, with the Soviet Union emblem emblazoned prominently on top, that sat upright and vertically aligned parallel to the floor.

"Herr Oberst Pierce, sir, welcome," greeted General Karpov, director of research operations, bowing respectfully as he approaches Pierce.

He extends his arm, motioning toward the elongated metallic cylinder lying in the middle of the laboratory. "May I present to you one of Hydra's greatest achievements yet-" He pauses dramatically. "The Winter Soldier, a highly trained combat specialist capable of operating at the Super Soldier level." His voice trembles suddenly becoming almost reverential sounding as if speaking about sacred relics instead of military hardware. "This soldier was developed exclusively for use in covert missions requiring stealth capabilities, infiltration tactics, and assassinations."

Pierce looks impressed, listening intently and staring at the large tube laid before him.

He moves closer to the container, studying it carefully and noting the scratches and dents visible even though no damage appeared obvious otherwise.

General Karpov continues explaining. "We had a little trouble shipping him here over from the Siberian Facility because of certain complications encountered due to weather conditions."

"Will this affect performance?" Pierce inquires, curiously eyeing the device suspiciously.

Karpov shakes his head adamantly, "No Sir, the scientists have assured me that as soon as they're able to recalibrate the weapon, he should perform perfectly fine."

Moving aside as Pierce inspects more closely, he watches attentively as Pierce examines every inch of the object, scrutinizing details and meticulously checking for imperfections and flaws where applicable.

Finally satisfied with the inspection he turns to look at General Karpov frowning skeptically. "How long?"

"Only a few months, Sir," replies Karpov.

Pierce's face pauses for a moment before he smiles politely. "That sounds fine. Thank you for bringing him here personally, let's hope nothing goes wrong between then and now shall we? Also, tell your scientists not to rush things too quickly okay? Let's ensure perfection rather than speed."

Taken aback by Pierce's composure, Karpov hesitates momentarily, as a sense of dread permeates the atmosphere. Finally responding cautiously. "Yes, Herr Oberst.we won't compromise quality for time." Turning toward the researchers watching nearby, he shouts. "Okay guys, stop messing around! Get cracking right NOW!" Shaking hands frantically signaling urgency. "You heard the man! Get to Work!!" Everyone stops talking amongst each other instantly turning their attention solely focused on finishing whatever task assigned to them.

Standing alone in front of Pierce, who was still wearing the same professional mask covering most of his facial features while remaining silent, Karpov bows deeply in respect. Saying goodbye to Pierce, he leaves and hurriedly rushes to help out anywhere he can.

"Is he needed?" Pierce asks aloud, pointing at Karpoff leaving the area.

"He oversees the entire Winter Soldier Program and was the one who successfully arranged the assassination of the elder Stark several years ago," explains a guard standing beside Pierce.

"hmmm.....very well. Keep a close eye on him, if you see he's incompetent...then get rid of him," Instructs Pierce, tapping fingers against the sides of his chin pensively as he contemplates the options available to him based on the current situation unfolding.

Moving toward a chair positioned strategically opposite the Winter Soldier containment unit. He sits down, crossing his legs and comfortably leaning back as he gazes blankly at the metallic chamber, pondering the next phase of Hydra's grand plan.

"I'm close..." Pierce mutters quietly to himself as he stares ardently at the Cryopod. "I'm so very close..."

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A/n: Hey guys, I hope you are enjoying the story so far, and as always, thanks for reading!

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