Chapter 125: Plan
"Not selling? What's the point of keeping it? We could supply the government in small batches in exchange for more favorable contracts and development opportunities," Howard explained.
Mason shook his head.
He was a traveler from another reality, intimately familiar with this world's economic development trajectory. Now, with vast sums of money at his disposal, money was no longer the primary concern.
"We can sell this, but only the first version."
"We can sell the first version, but we don't want money. We want something of equal value in exchange!"
"Equal value?"
"Something that enhances physical abilities and extends lifespan. For those who truly wield power and hold status, this is practically a second life." Mason looked at Howard.
"How much do you think your life is worth?"
"One million, ten million, or one hundred million?"
Howard gasped, finally understanding Mason's intentions.
Mason wanted to use this improved serum to win over influential people and build a vast network loyal to him.
Initially, he needed to proceed cautiously, building it carefully. But once the organization grew large enough to attract national attention, it would have become an inseparable part of the country.
By then, harming the organization's interests would be tantamount to crippling America's own strength. Even without Mason's intervention, countless people would automatically step forward to protect his interests.
In Mason's view, Hydra's biggest failure was its brutality; it could have used more subtle methods to gradually infiltrate the entire nation.
But its notorious reputation, coupled with its extremist ideology, made it incompatible with society, placing it inherently on the opposite side of the world.
The wealthy and powerful who received the first improved serum, their bodies enhanced and their lives extended, were merely the outermost layer of the organization. Their desires were insatiable, their pursuit of power endless.
Having used the first serum, they would want the second; having used the second, they would want the third. When everyone's interests were finally intertwined and inseparable,
Mason wouldn't even need to make any grand gestures; this vast network of mutual interests would crush any enemies in its path.
Of course, he wasn't doing this out of megalomania or world domination fantasies.
Mason realized he couldn't exist outside of the Time-Space Express Company for the time being; his actions would significantly alter the timeline and make his subsequent missions more difficult.
To maintain his foreknowledge advantage, he needed to continuously cultivate his power and influence in this world, gaining leverage once the plot changed.
Take his current Winter Soldier mission, for example. If Mason had a robust intelligence network capable of detecting Issa Gregory's movements immediately, even without prior knowledge of the plot, he could leverage this intelligence advantage to correctly navigate the storyline.
After all, compared to the world-threatening forces of the later Marvel Cinematic Universe, Earth's defenses were woefully inadequate.
However, things had to be done step by step. Who could guarantee Mason's influence wouldn't eventually extend beyond Earth and reach into the cosmos?
"When will human trials begin?" Mason asked a crucial question. Human trials were unavoidable with serums like this.
As far as Mason knew, many test subjects had died during Dr. Erskine's development of the serum.
"The formula is nearly perfected and has passed animal testing. The next stage will be human application."
Mason patted Howard on the shoulder with a smile, showing his teeth. "Don't worry, I'll handle the test subjects. It won't delay your experiment."
"There are plenty of volunteers in this world. Don't worry about recruitment. Go ahead and proceed. I need stability and safety!"
Although Mason's smile seemed warm, Howard felt an inexplicable chill. After discussing the detailed experimental timeline, he departed quickly.
"Look how scared you made him." Kardashian covered her mouth and laughed.
"Would you believe me if I said his behavior just now was 90% performance?"
"Really?" Kardashian hesitated.
"From building Stark Industries from the ground up to its current scale, while his genius and Robert's management are important, do you think they're completely clean?"
"From the very first day of developing the improved serum, human experimentation should have been considered. Do you think Howard, with his intelligence, wouldn't have thought of that?"
"I think even without my help, he would have found a solution, just not as direct as mine."
"Kardashian, don't underestimate anyone!" Mason cautioned.
Under Mason's guidance, Kardashian's wealth accumulated too easily, inevitably leading to some overconfidence.
But Mason was different; he always walked a tightrope, constantly vigilant. His power wasn't yet sufficient to disregard anyone.
Compared to Howard, the future Iron Man seemed much simpler. Tony Stark was proud and sharp-tongued, but beneath his abrasive exterior lay a passionate and heroic heart.
While Howard wasn't exactly ruthless, he was certainly no saint either.
After a few more days, once Carter's emotions had stabilized somewhat, Mason directly asked her for help investigating Issa Gregory's whereabouts.
Carter looked utterly exhausted from losing Steve, yet she remained steadfast at her post.
"Bucky disappeared while tracking Issa Gregory, and as a friend, I must find him no matter what," Mason declared, adopting a determined expression.
Carter's eyes welled up. "Steve is so lucky to have a friend like you!"
"I thought you'd blame me for making him Captain America. If he hadn't accepted the transformation, perhaps…"
"No, Mason, it's not your fault. He's just that kind of person; it's his destiny," Carter reassured him.
"Take care of yourself. You still have him," Mason smiled, gesturing to Carter's abdomen.
"Our contacts in the Soviet Union recently sent word that they saw someone resembling Issa Gregory on the Volokolamsk plains near Moscow." After Mason's words of comfort, Carter's mood improved considerably.
"They're short-staffed right now, and apart from this message, they haven't received any other intelligence."
"Moscow? I didn't expect him to have gone to the heart of the Soviet Union."
"That's not surprising. Issa Gregory was expelled from Russia as a charlatan. Given his arrogance, he'll definitely find a way to retaliate when given the chance."
"Although the Allied victory is imminent, the overall situation in the Soviet Union isn't stable. Political turmoil and displacement make it a perfect opportunity for con artists like him to make their mark," Carter explained.
"Furthermore, during his time working for Hitler, he recruited a female scientist—Mary—who had participated in biological experiments. I think his return this time is probably not just about becoming a cult leader."
"If Barnes is really taken by him, it could be very dangerous."
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