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Chapter 78: Everything Is Over? How Naive!
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 13:34:06 +0000 UTCAs Josh and General McGinnis indulged in their drinks, Peggy Carter stormed back to the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) headquarters and barged into Colonel Phillips' office.
There, she found Howard Stark in the midst of a conversation with the Colonel.
"Peggy, you're back!" Colonel Phillips greeted as she entered.
"Colonel, I met General McGinnis at Josh Kahn’s estate. He mentioned something called the Brightlight Serum. What is that?" Carter asked directly.
Phillips didn't respond immediately but instead looked over at Howard Stark.
"They sent over some samples, and I analyzed them briefly. It's a potent neuroactive drug, similar in function to the 'Midnight Oil,' but far more effective. It’s significantly stronger than the amphetamines and methamphetamines currently used by the military, without the severe side effects of the Midnight Oil. However, like the others, it does have a notable addictive quality. But compared to Midnight Oil, its chemical composition is entirely different," Howard explained with a shrug.
The substances Stark mentioned—amphetamines and methamphetamines—might be infamous in the future, but during this era, they were staple tools for military use. Amphetamines were standard for the Allies, and methamphetamines were heavily used by the Axis powers. Even after World War II, the U.S. military continued using them until the 1970s.
In this context, the mild addiction caused by the Brightlight Serum wasn’t a significant concern.
"So, does this mean that this Josh Kahn is entirely cleared of suspicion?" Carter asked with a sigh of relief. Investigating someone of Josh's status was no easy task, given his extensive connections and influence.
Both Phillips and Stark nodded. The advent of the Brightlight Serum had rendered the Midnight Oil practically obsolete. Any suspicion that Kahn had orchestrated the theft of Midnight Oil was now baseless.
"What about the actress?" Carter pressed, casting a pointed glance at Stark.
Howard scratched his nose awkwardly.
"Detain her for 48 hours, then release her. She hasn’t confessed to anything, the polygraph shows no deception, and there’s no substantial evidence tying her to the replacement of the serums. Besides, her status rules out harsher measures," Phillips concluded after a moment's thought.
"And that’s it? We just let her go?" Carter's tone was filled with frustration. To her, Whitney seemed the obvious mastermind.
"We don’t have a choice. Reports from the frontlines regarding the Brightlight Serum are overwhelmingly positive. The higher-ups don’t want to pursue this matter further," Phillips replied. Then, with a sly smile, he added, "But whether it’s really over isn’t entirely up to us."
"What do you mean?" Carter asked, confused.
Two days later, the tide of good news from the frontlines continued.
The Normandy landings had been a resounding success. Following the remarkable performance of the 101st Airborne’s 506th Regiment, the 8th Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division also delivered exceptional results.
Without hesitation, the Allied Headquarters placed a massive order with Josh's newly founded Kahn Industries: 10 million doses of Brightlight Serum, priced at $20 per dose.
This high price was carefully set by Josh, balancing the serum's production costs and its value as a consumable good. Unlike the permanent effects of the Super Soldier Serum, Brightlight was a temporary enhancement with a 24-hour duration. Regular use was required to maintain its benefits.
Though the U.S. bore 50% of the cost, the rest was divided among the UK (30%), France, Canada, and other Allies (10%). If these nations lacked funds, the Lend-Lease Act ensured America was more than willing to lend them the money.
Amid this backdrop, Whitney, having neither confessed nor been proven guilty, was finally released from military custody.
"Welcome back, Whitney!" Josh greeted as the actress, exhausted and disheveled, emerged from the military police station.
"Mr. Kahn, was it you who got me out?" Whitney asked, surprised.
During her strict confinement, she’d been cut off from the outside world and had mentally prepared herself for a prolonged detention. Being released after just 48 hours was entirely unexpected.
"It was. Whitney, I believe in your innocence. You just had some bad luck—especially with Howard Stark…" Josh trailed off with a shake of his head.
"Yes, I misjudged him," Whitney replied, seizing the opportunity to shift the blame.
"Let’s not dwell on it. I’ve arranged a celebratory dinner for you. Have a good meal, get some rest, and put it all behind you," Josh said, gently patting her shoulder before ushering her to the car.
Whitney didn't resist. After two sleepless days, she was starving and weary.
As the car drove away, Whitney noticed they weren’t heading toward her usual accommodations.
"Aren’t we returning to the hotel?" she asked, puzzled.
"I bought a countryside estate recently. Since the war has put a halt to the troupe’s activities, everyone has moved there temporarily," Josh explained with a smile.
Satisfied with this explanation, Whitney nodded, though she remained mildly cautious.
Her suspicions eased as the car approached the estate, where she saw her fellow performers relaxing in the garden.
By the time Josh led her to the dining room, where a feast awaited, her wariness had all but vanished.
"Go ahead, eat. I’m hungry too," Josh said, taking a seat and starting to eat himself.
Encouraged, Whitney eagerly dug in.
But as she ate, a sudden wave of weakness swept over her. Her limbs grew heavy, and her vision blurred.
As her consciousness faded, she glimpsed Josh standing over her with a cold expression.
"You really thought this was over? How Naive."
