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Chapter 77: News from the Frontlines
🕑 Added 2024-12-09 13:24:15 +0000 UTC"Miss Carter, would you mind telling me exactly what Whitney is accused of stealing? After all, she is my employee. If she truly broke military law, I will let you handle her as you see fit. But if she's being wrongfully accused, I must take responsibility for her!" After answering Peggy Carter's series of questions, Josh asked in return.
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Kahn, but I can't disclose too many details... As for Miss Whitney, we only need her to cooperate with the investigation for now. If she is found innocent, she will naturally be released," Peggy Carter replied. Perhaps due to Josh's association with Captain America, she revealed a bit of information about Whitney despite being tight-lipped.
The implication was clear: Whitney was highly suspicious but not yet convicted.
"Hahaha! What’s there to keep secret about? Josh, can you believe it? They claim your starlet tried to steal Midnight Oil!" A hearty voice sounded from the doorway—it was General McGinnis.
"General, 'Midnight Oil' is classified information of the Strategic Science Reserve. Publicly discussing it like this seems inappropriate," Peggy Carter said firmly, her tone showing clear displeasure.
"Hah! Classified? To me, it's a joke. And Josh isn't exactly an outsider to the Army!" McGinnis retorted dismissively. "Let me tell you, Carter: under Mr. Kahn's leadership, our Army has developed a groundbreaking combat-ready serum. Compared to your Midnight Oil, to which even a dog would turn its nose up!"
Peggy Carter's expression turned sour, though her surprise overshadowed her irritation. She couldn't help but ask about this new serum.
"General, Mr. Kahn, could you tell me more about this serum?" she inquired.
"Hah! What, worried we copied your precious Midnight Oil? This is above your clearance. Ask your superiors!" McGinnis said, obviously not impressed.
Peggy Carter was clearly embarrassed. As a British liaison working temporarily with American forces, her authority paled in comparison to the general's. There was little she could do but endure his rebuke.
"General, perhaps we could be more gracious to a lady," Josh interjected diplomatically, easing the tension. Despite his indifference to Carter personally, he had no reason to humiliate her—especially given her connection to Captain America.
"Haha, you're right. Fine. Miss Carter, we have private matters to discuss. If you have no further business, might we have a moment?" McGinnis said, his tone softening slightly but still firm in dismissing her.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Kahn. We’ll leave you to it," Peggy Carter said, forcing a polite smile as she prepared to leave.
Josh nodded but said nothing in reply.
As Peggy walked away, McGinnis chuckled, clapping Josh on the shoulder. "What, taken with her? Can’t blame you—her figure’s a knockout. If I were younger, I’d have a hard time resisting!"
"You’re mistaken, General. My interest is purely professional; I merely respect my acquaintance with Captain Rogers," Josh replied flatly.
"Steve Rogers? That woman?" McGinnis asked, momentarily confused.
"Yes. They knew each other before Rogers underwent his transformation," Josh confirmed.
"Ah, that explains it. I suppose we ought to treat her a bit more kindly, then," McGinnis said thoughtfully. Captain America’s growing importance in the war effort clearly warranted a more considerate approach to those close to him.
"Care for a drink?" Josh offered.
"Whiskey. Got any?" McGinnis asked casually, clearly comfortable in Josh’s company.
"Of course." Josh retrieved a bottle of high-quality whiskey from his liquor cabinet and poured a glass for McGinnis. "So, what’s the story?"
"Fine whiskey. Where’s it from?" McGinnis asked after savoring a sip.
"Private brew, with some special ingredients. If you like it, take a couple of bottles back with you. I don’t drink much anyway," Josh replied with a smile. The whiskey, brewed with top-tier barley and spring water from Westeros, was a rare treat he occasionally used to entertain.
"Don’t mind if I do. As for the matter at hand, it’s simple. Two Midnight Oil serums from Stark’s lab were switched out. Your actress just happened to be in his bedroom when it was discovered. She’s had the most contact with Stark recently, so naturally, she’s the prime suspect. That said, there’s no concrete evidence against her.
"As for you, I sent Colonel Phillips some samples of your serum, and that was the end of it. Your product is miles ahead of Stark’s junk. If they want to pin something on you, they’d have to clear it with General Eisenhower first!" McGinnis downed the rest of his whiskey, clearly pleased with himself. "Shame we couldn’t see Stark’s reaction—must’ve been priceless!"
"Eisenhower knows about this? From the frontlines?" Josh asked, intrigued.
"Of course. Using experimental combat serums requires his authorization. But don’t worry. The airborne units that departed early this morning have already reported back. The 2nd Battalion of the 506th, which used your serum, performed exceptionally well—far exceeding expectations. Now it’s up to Colonel Ross’s 8th Infantry to prove their mettle," McGinnis said, clearly elated.
Josh smiled at the coincidence. The 506th? That was Easy Company’s unit. It seemed destiny liked to weave threads in unexpected ways.
