Chapter 7: A Chance Encounter
Rory's serum experiments were progressing frustratingly slowly.
Reviewing the data for the hundredth time, Rory couldn't pinpoint the exact problem. The compressed Thanos serum showed promise in initial tests, but his human blood simply couldn't integrate the complex genetic material. It was like trying to download a terabyte of data onto a floppy disk - the storage capacity just wasn't there.
The issue was fundamental: human genetic structure had limitations that even the Mad Titan's blood couldn't overcome. Only beings like the Celestials, who had created the Eternals in the first place, possessed the power to alter genetic foundations at such a deep level.
Rory leaned back in his chair, considering alternatives. "What if I could get a blood sample from someone with enhanced but stable genetics? Steve Rogers, maybe? With a super-soldier serum baseline for comparison, I might be able to find a bridging mechanism."
The surveillance alarm suddenly chimed, interrupting his thoughts.
Rory quickly switched to his security monitor. On the grainy feed, he could see Hawkeye talking to the building's receptionist, holding what appeared to be a photograph.
"Have you seen this person?" Barton asked, showing the photo.
The receptionist shook his head. "No, sorry. Maybe try the buildings down the street?"
Hawkeye flashed his S.H.I.E.L.D. credentials. "Mind if I take a look around upstairs?"
"Of course, go ahead."
Rory remained calm. His lab was well-hidden in the building's sub-basement, accessed through a maintenance tunnel he'd discovered during his initial reconnaissance. The receptionist had no knowledge of his existence - the space was officially listed as unused storage.
"So the Avengers are actively hunting me," Rory mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
He switched off the surveillance feed, lay down on his cot, and pulled a blanket over himself, feigning sleep. If Barton somehow found his way down here, playing the part of a homeless squatter might buy him some time.
Twenty minutes later, footsteps echoed in the stairwell above, then faded as Hawkeye left empty-handed.
Through his window feed, Rory watched as Barton met up with Captain America on the street.
"Nothing," Barton reported, shaking his head. "This guy's smart, Steve. He played both you and Tony during that time heist, remember? We're going to have to be more systematic about this search."
"The blood sample is our priority," Steve replied grimly. "We can't let him complete whatever he's working on."
It was 2:30 AM when Rory finally stirred from his hiding spot. After a quick wash using bottled water, he sat at his computer and checked the street cameras. The area was deserted.
Time to expand his surveillance network.
Rory gathered several homemade signal interceptors he'd constructed from salvaged electronics and headed out. His plan was to tap into the city's existing camera infrastructure, giving him eyes on multiple blocks around his base of operations.
He worked methodically, carefully splicing into fiber optic cables and hiding his devices behind junction boxes and under service panels. The work was tedious but necessary - the Avengers had resources he couldn't match, but he could at least level the playing field with better intelligence.
The final interceptor needed to be installed across from O'Malley's Pub, a dive bar that stayed open until dawn. Rory waited in the shadows, timing his approach between the comings and goings of late-night drinkers.
Just as he finished connecting the device and was about to close the access panel, someone stumbled into him.
The smell of whiskey and beer hit him like a physical force.
"Watch it," slurred a woman's voice.
Rory looked up to see a tall woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a leather jacket and dark jeans. Even drunk, she moved with an underlying strength that set off alarm bells in his head.
Jessica Jones. Private investigator. Enhanced strength, limited flight capability, and according to the files he'd read, serious trust issues stemming from mind control trauma.
An idea began to form.
"Sorry," Rory said, quickly closing the panel. "Didn't see you there."
Jessica squinted at him suspiciously. "You're not from around here. What are you doing messing with city property at three in the morning?"
"Maintenance work," Rory replied smoothly. "Third shift pays better, and I need the money."
She studied him for a long moment, swaying slightly. "You look familiar. Have we met?"
"I don't think so. I'd remember meeting someone like you."
Jessica snorted. "Someone like me? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Someone who could probably bench press a car," Rory said, taking a calculated risk. "You're Jessica Jones, right? The private investigator?"
Her expression darkened. "How do you know that name?"
"Your reputation precedes you. Word is you help people when the regular cops can't handle the weird stuff."
"Yeah, well, the weird stuff doesn't pay the bills." Jessica turned to walk away, then stopped. "Why do you care?"
This was his opening. "Because I might have a job for you. Something that requires someone with your... particular skill set. And discretion."
Jessica turned back, interest flickering in her eyes despite the alcohol. "What kind of job?"
"The kind that pays well and asks no questions. But not here, not in the street. You know Mickey's Diner on 47th? Meet me there tomorrow at noon if you're interested."
"And if I'm not?"
Rory shrugged. "Then forget we met. Either way, you might want to get some sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
He walked away before she could respond, leaving Jessica Jones standing under the streetlight, too drunk and curious to pursue him but sober enough to remember the conversation.
Back in his lab, Rory smiled as he reviewed the evening's work. The surveillance network was complete, and he'd potentially found a solution to his super-soldier serum problem. Jessica Jones possessed enhanced genetics, but unlike the Hulk or Thor, her abilities were stable and manageable.
If he could convince her to help him - or at least get close enough to obtain a blood sample - he might finally have the key to making his Thanos serum work.
The hunt was becoming a game of chess, and Rory was ready to make his next move.
End of Chapter 7
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