Colonel Blonsky frowned. "General Ross, are you sure about this?"
Ross fell into a heavy silence, his gaze fixed on the ground as he processed what had transpired. His initial judgment had been disastrously wrong… he had not only provoked an immensely powerful individual but had also grossly underestimated his capabilities.
The doctor was not only a brute with overwhelming strength; he possessed mysterious medical skills that defied logic.
"Blonsky, return to your quarters." Ross finally said, his voice steady.
"Adjutant, make arrangements. Tomorrow morning, I will visit the Everlife Medical Center in person."
His officers exchanged glances but knew better than to question him. "Understood, General." The adjutant replied with a crisp salute.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn spilled across the city, Soren stretched his arms and prepared to open the doors of the Everlife Medical Center. His mood was considerably lighter than the previous day.
Healing Blonsky had not only granted him a new ability, but it had also unlocked the long-awaited mission gift package, complete with a gene laboratory and a pharmaceutical research wing.
His mission points had reset to [0/300], which meant more opportunities lay ahead. He was eager to get back to work.
As soon as he swung the doors open, his eyes noticed the armored military vehicle parked at his entrance. Standing before it was General Ross, flanked by two armed soldiers. Their posture was tense but respectful.
Soren raised an eyebrow. "Why are you here again?"
Ross's face was unreadable, but after a brief pause, he took a breath. "Doctor, I'm here to apologize."
"Apologize?" Soren let out a quiet chuckle. "That's quite the turnaround, General."
"I was wrong." Ross admitted, his expression sincere. "I misjudged the situation, and I regret the trouble I caused. I realize now that I acted rashly."
Soren studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. Come inside."
Once seated, Ross didn't waste time. "Mr. Macaluso, what we did last night was a mistake. I acknowledge that. And I appreciate what you did for Colonel Blonsky."
Soren leaned back, folding his arms. "Like I said, I'm a doctor. It's my job to heal. But if you're here expecting special treatment, you're wasting your time."
Ross held up a hand. "Not at all. In fact, I came with an offer. Our military personnel frequently sustain injuries on missions, men and women who put their lives on the line for the country."
"With your skills, you could help them recover faster, ensuring they can return to duty in peak condition. The military is willing to compensate you generously. And in return, we can guarantee you certain... privileges."
Soren tapped his fingers on the armrest, considering. The military had deep pockets, that much was certain. But beyond that, treating special forces soldiers meant more opportunities to gain rare abilities through his system. It was an enticing prospect.
"I'm not opposed to the idea, General," Soren said finally. "But understand this… I have my own rules. Anyone who comes here for treatment will follow them. I won't tolerate interference or attempts to strong-arm me."
"And one more thing, General... you have a habit of being overly domineering. That won't work with me."
Ross exhaled through his nose but nodded. "Understood. We will abide by your rules."
"Good." Soren said, standing. "Then our business is concluded. You can send your injured soldiers when needed. Now, if there's nothing else..."
Ross took the cue and rose. "Thank you for your time, Doctor. I'll be in touch."
With that, he and his soldiers exited the medical center. As the door closed behind them, Soren smiled.
His day had barely begun, but already, things were looking interesting.
Ross, who returned to the military camp, was in a good mood. Establishing a connection with Soren Macaluso meant that his influence in the military would increase significantly.
"Issue an order, keep an eye on Everlife Medical Center. If anyone causes trouble there, handle it immediately." Ross instructed his adjutant his tone strict.
"Understood, General. Also, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent was looking for you. He's already waiting in the meeting room." The adjutant reported.
Ross's expression darkened for a brief moment. He hadn't expected last night's incident to spread so quickly. S.H.I.E.L.D. had already come knocking.
In the meeting room, a well-dressed man in a suit and tie stood up as Ross entered. He extended a hand and gave a polite smile.
"General Ross, I'm Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Ross eyed him warily but shook his hand. "Agent Coulson, what brings you here?"
Coulson set a folder on the table and flipped it open, revealing surveillance images from the previous night's incident outside Everlife Medical Center. One picture in particular showed Soren standing at the entrance, an unbothered expression on his face.
"General Ross, do you have any information on this man?" Coulson asked, tapping the image.
Ross exhaled slowly. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence network never failed to impress or annoy him. But he wasn't about to let them interfere with his new connection.
"He's a doctor." Ross said, his tone neutral. "Last night's events were a misunderstanding. I spoke with him today, and we've come to an agreement. He'll be providing medical treatment for my soldiers moving forward. What exactly does S.H.I.E.L.D. want with him?"
He crossed his arms. "Or are you here to try and poach him?"
Coulson chuckled lightly. "General, you misunderstand. S.H.I.E.L.D. has no intention of interfering with your arrangement. We simply keep track of individuals with… unique abilities. From what I gather, Mr. Macaluso's medical skills are extraordinary. That makes him someone of interest to us."
Ross wasn't buying it. "And if he refuses to cooperate with you?"
Coulson shrugged. "Then we move on. No coercion, no conflict. We like to know who's out there. Since you've already spoken with him, I trust you'll inform us if anything… unusual arises."
Ross held his gaze for a moment before giving a curt nod. "I'll keep that in mind."
Coulson closed the folder and stood. "Then I won't take up any more of your time, General. Have a good day."
After Coulson left, Ross's expression hardened. He knew S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't just let the matter go.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
Fellow Phantoms and aspiring Phantoms to be, if you seek to access advanced parts of this story procced to my shadowy realm of p@treon.
PhantomDream