In the end, whether it was Howard or Hank, they had a lot to say when it came to theoretical debates, but they were just all talk.
When it came to actually getting things done, it was Dr. Zola you had to look at.
Zola picked up that small ball, put on a pair of multilayer glasses that watch craftsmen often wear, and started working with a pile of tools.
Since Deathstroke said this was a tool for data transmission, well, whether through radio waves or other means, there should be some component inside that looks like a transmitter. Then, through triangulation tracking of the test frequency it emits, he should be able to locate the target.
As for which part inside this small ball is the transmitter and which are data conversion components, a thorough analysis would reveal the answer.
Faced with the threat of life and death, Zola burst with great enthusiasm as usual, his arms moving so fast they were almost a blur, looking quite comical alongside his short stature and big head.
He might have just heard Fury's threat—if he couldn't find Lady Nine-Heads, he would become either the punching bag or scapegoat, and he didn't want to die.
Meanwhile, Howard was sitting with his legs crossed, sipping coffee and occasionally nitpicking Zola's work, criticizing his electric cutting posture as lacking flair or the sweat running into his eyes as unhygienic.
"Alright, clearly you have nothing better to do. Come with me, I need your help with something."
Seeing Howard acting all cocky, giving Zola a hard time as though he was using a slave, Su Ming reluctantly grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out like a cat.
Fury couldn't say anything and could only cast a sympathetic glance at Howard, watching Deathstroke lead him toward the hallway toilet.
"Tell me, what do you want from me that you had to say it in the women's restroom?" Howard didn't want to be here at all. Deathstroke's actions were limitless because he was masked; he wasn't, and if someone saw him coming out of the women's restroom, he'd be gossiped about.
Why did Deathstroke choose a place like the restroom? That's because Fury was back, and now that SSR was leaderless, he, as the head of the Roaring Assault Team, held decision-making power in such situations.
And indeed, during wartime, Fury had the backing of the Roaring Assault Team, the highest gun power except for Captain America.
Besides, Su Ming suspected the Second Captain America was under Fury's control; although he had been re-assigned temporarily, his influence was actually growing.
Now SSR had discovered a bunch of internal traitors, and Fury would surely take precautions against more espionage during this chaos, so the simplest method was first to raise the internal security level.
Listening devices and surveillance cameras must have been activated, and if you want to speak within the SSR Base, the safest place is only the restroom. Compared to that, the women's restroom is even safer than the men's because Fury, being a Black Man, would cause a big issue if he installed listening or monitoring equipment in facilities used by White women in this era.
Fury wants to be the Director, the boss, and he can't have such a scandal on his record.
The desire in his heart equals weakness and vulnerability, and he's still a bit inexperienced.
"There are a few issues I'd like you to look into: Faust didn't mobilize the National Guard; it was Lady Nine-Heads who did through some way. So, who activated these troops? Where did they put on the enhanced anti-toxic masks? That's the first issue." After confirming confidentiality, Su Ming raised a finger and drew a little figure on the mirror and wrote a question mark beside it.
Howard crossed his arms, flexed his jaw: "Someone from the military or Congress perhaps? Then there are Hydra's spies too? I'm exhausted; you have good relations with the military, go check it yourself."
Su Ming knocked on his Mask: "Slade has good relations with the military, not Deathstroke. My business identity wasn't involved here; if I suddenly chase this matter, it would give me away."
Howard sighed, nodding reluctantly but still griped: "I really don't understand your thinking. If I were a Superpower User or someone extremely capable, I would hold a press conference and let the whole world know how strong and great I am."
From behind the Mask, Su Ming rolled his eyes, honestly; it seemed like the desire to expand and boast was a hereditary trait in the Stark family.
Howard's biological son was Arno, who for various reasons could only be considered among the Dead; even after lying in bed for decades, he remained quite boastful. Tony, though adopted, after inheriting the family business and everything, was even more boastful beyond boundaries.
Speaking of which, fortunately, Tony's personality was quite like the MCU's Ninni, otherwise if he was more like the comic's White Iron Man, that would be a huge issue. It seems for Howard's future parenting, Su Ming would have to intervene.
Should I somehow concoct a situation to send him off to Zhongsi Academy for education...?
"Second matter," as Su Ming thought about this and other things, he continued without delay: "You likely have connections in Japan; I'll have someone discreetly investigate. You, meanwhile, from the official standpoint, help me find a person named Romulus. I want to have a chat with him."
"Who is so unfortunate to be targeted by you?" Howard chuckled as misfortune loves company; the more people tormented by Deathstroke, the less pressure on him, and that sounded delightful.
"An Omega-level Mutant, Ancient Rome's founding Emperor, whose power is Infinite Healing. I want to discuss a deal with him," Su Ming said calmly and drew another figure on the mirror: "I know what he wants to play at; he wants me not to interfere, and provided he doesn't mess with me, his toy won't get broken."
"Hmm, this topic feels dark; why does his toy sound like a person?" Howard touched his Xiaohuzi, was it an illusion? Deathstroke wouldn't trade his friends, right?
"No, it's just a Wolverine," Su Ming stated, expressionless and in a neutral tone.
"A grown man, an Ancient Rome Emperor, still playing with pets..." Howard scoffed dismissively but agreed, though his eyes turned sly, and he extended a paw, gesturing: "I can help with these favors, but what's in it for me? You have to give me some service fee, right?"
Su Ming smiled, recognizing Howard not only as a clever scientist but also a shrewd businessman, and he quite liked people like him.
"Since you already know I'm Deathstroke, with your social status, you can probably find out a few things in the Magic Realm. I happen to have many Mages under me, and prophecy happens to be one of the magic forms. I know where your future wife is. How about it? How's that for a condition?"
"Deal!" Howard grabbed Su Ming's hand and shoved his own into it, as if afraid Deathstroke would back out.
"Alright then, you go make the call. I'm going to South America while waiting for you to conclude. There's also a woman I need to talk to." Su Ming headed towards the door, as he'd appeared before the Hellfire Club. To be on the safe side, he needed to meet the future boss of Hellfire.
Howard's ears perked up, and he chased after him, "Wait, you're going to see a woman? Is she beautiful? Does she also have Superpowers like you?"
"Sort of. She's both dark and mysterious. Throughout history, many people have worshipped her as a Goddess. She has snow-white skin, long black hair like satin, and eyes like a dark Abyss..."
Seeing Howard's increasingly enchanted expression, Su Ming changed his tune:
"But she's a Vampire, a Succubus Old Witch, best at eating people's Souls mouth-to-mouth. She's not your future wife."
In fact, Selene doesn't need such means to consume Souls. Nowadays, she only needs a contact-type magic to cause someone's Soul Emergence.
Howard's face grew rigid; he thought Deathstroke was going to South America to find him a wife: "Never mind then, I'm off to make the call. Have fun."
With that, he dashed away.
Only a maniac would visit Selene for fun; Su Ming was going to conduct serious business and negotiate terms by selling future intel about the Hellfire Club to get Selene's support in this event.
With Su Ming getting involved in more and more aspects, the 40K World's direction was changing significantly. Information from the comics was losing value rapidly, better to trade it for benefits while it still holds value.
Without saying much else, Su Ming walked out of the base as if everyone else didn't exist, quickly heading back to New York and returning to Kama Taiji via the Holy of Holies.
..............
"Mordo? Mordo? Where the hell did he go?"
Back in the reception room, he picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea before calling Mordo's name.
However, unlike before, Mordo didn't appear. After calling for a long time, it was Hamill who showed up instead.
"Mordo's not here."
He succinctly explained the situation. Since Deathstroke no longer required the Great Mages to stay at Kama Taiji, many of them were free to travel the world.
After all, what kind of expert could anyone become practicing in such a limited area? Like Martial Arts, magic also requires real combat experiences.
"Where did he go?" Su Ming originally wanted Mordo to buy some snacks, but hearing he wasn't around, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
"Philadelphia." Hamill squinted as he spoke. Since Mordo returned from the trip to Philadelphia, he had changed entirely; now he likes others to mistreat him.
Hearing Philadelphia, Su Ming also figured what was going on. Mordo had become a member of the 'Elixir of Immortality' club, huh? Wonder if Satanah gave him the membership card.
Though liking to wear black bondage isn't such a big problem, at least he won't seek Dormammu's favor, right?
"Cough, never mind. Help me check on South America's Amazon River Basin news and magical fluctuations. There's a pretty big Fire Worship Sect group there." Su Ming coughed lightly, handing the task over to Hamill.
Monac shirked responsibilities, so maintaining Kama Taiji fell to Hamill.
"Understood." The Guardian nodded, planning to leave.
Fire Worship Sect was a religion that thrived in Ancient Persia, and now it's developing in South America, there must be some issue with that. He just needs to contact some local Warlocks friendly to Kama Taiji, and he should be able to find clues.
"Wait, take this." Su Ming tossed him a black object, and the Mage used magic to let it float in the air without soiling his clothes.
Hamill stared at the thing, his iceberg face showing rare confusion: "Voodoo Monkey?"
"Traitor Jibo, he fought me and was backlashed by Casting Cost. Find a jar and preserve him as a teaching material, let him continue contributing to Kama Taiji's cause even after death." Su Ming picked up his teacup and took a gentle sip, the room filled with the fragrance of tea leaves.
Sip... Ah... This tranquil and effortless state of mind...
Hamill's lips twitched slightly, using magic to carry away the corpse curled into a ball: "As you command, Master."