Wenwu reflected on Alex's proposition, the gravity of their dialogue palpable in the silence that followed. "Very well, Mr. Ricci," he finally responded, his tone carrying a mixture of intrigue and caution.
"Your proposition is compelling, and the potential rewards of the information you possess could indeed justify the cost of the seat you seek. Nevertheless, I require solid proof. Your information must be demonstrably viable before I agree to such a significant exchange."
Alex could only shake his head upon hearing that demand. After all, he didn't have the ability to bring the dead back to life. He clearly remembered reading that the Foundation itself was working hard on figuring that out.
"I have no way to demonstrate this to you, though I am more than willing to simply let you pay me once you have your wife back. After all, as far as my intel is concerned, there is but a single chance to bring the dead back right now. More might be made available, but right now, just one."
He had no choice but to take a step back and allow the Mandarin to use credit for now. After all, he was right now at a weaker stage than he would have wanted. Something that Wenwu clearly knew.
Wenwu's eyes narrowed slightly, assessing Alex's revised stance. The absence of immediate proof presented a risk, but the allure of reuniting with his lost wife was a powerful motivator that outweighed the uncertainty.
"I am prepared to proceed on these terms," Wenwu conceded after a moment's contemplation. "However, I must emphasize the importance of your information being accurate and effective. The success of this endeavor will determine the extent of our future cooperation."
Despite his youthful appearance, Alex nodded gravely, understanding the weight of Wenwu's decision. "I assure you, the information I provide is based on thorough research and intelligence gathered from my network. While I cannot offer a demonstration myself, I am confident in its potential to achieve our mutual goal."
Wenwu was satisfied with what he heard so far. Plus, the whole potential lead to the masterminds behind his wife's murder alone had already made this meeting worth it.
"I think it is time I introduced what it is I have brought with me. Well, what I had intended to bring with me and, in the end, had to go on ahead of me."
"The lock boxes." He commanded loudly, causing the staff within Wenwu's throne room to step up and move the heavy, strong boxes up towards him, placing them down just in front of the table that held the communication equipment the meeting was held through.
"These were specially designed. They can only be opened by me personally; however, given that I am no longer personally present, unlocking them is a bit more difficult."
Wenwu wasn't a fool by any means and quickly figured out the purpose of those secured containers. They no doubt contained some kind of mechanism that would destroy their contents should they be forced open. A standard measure should a deal go sour.
"Very well then. I can wait long enough, so go ahead and take your time unlocking them."
"Thank you for being so understanding, Mr Xu." Alex replied with a smile while his men got to work.
They placed all kinds of tools and electrical doodads all over the locking mechanisms of the strong boxes. Many of the instruments seemed rather primitive, with exposed wiring and other signs that had been made quickly and with little attention to artistic design.
It was stuff put together in the few hours they had from the airport to this place. Constructed by inexperienced hands who followed the guidance of brilliant scientists and engineers, and hackers back at SITE-311.
It's the very fact that they've been able to construct it, which was nothing less than a miracle. After all, the lock boxes themselves had been designed in a way that hacking was supposed to be impossible.
Yet here, mere hours later, many of the protections and mechanisms were circumvented, allowing Alex to unlock it remotely.
Once everything was set up, Alex started to activate each device from his end by putting in his fingerprints as well as passwords and other identification. At the same time, the men at the Mandarin's compound carefully inserted some of his DNA collected from the tarmac into one of the devices.
After a few minutes of tinkering and turning, the box finally responds by unlocking.
"The first box here contained within the information of a secret project code-named T.A.H.I.T. It is, in fact, a shield project, highly secretive stuff. The file includes most of the details but shortly. Scientists used an alien corpse from the Kree invasion back in 95 and developed something that can heal and regenerate as well as supposedly resurrect."
"Only supposedly?" Wenwu asked while raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, they haven't had quite complete success yet, but it has potential. There is, however, a big side effect of using this. But no need to worry Mr Xu. Contained within strongbox is not just all the information we have from the project but also a very powerful amnestic drug, which should deal with the side effects."
Alex quickly explained a broad overview of the information he was selling as well as a few vials of multiple levels of amnestic drugs. Could, after all, remember that those who undergo this treatment apparently started drawing some strange alien symbols and that only forgetting about them seemed to fix them.
"The first method is perhaps less of a resurrection in itself and more a method of carefully restoring the body and preparing it to host life. it does have a possibility for resurrection, but I'm not certain how it will bring back the soul."
"My personal theory is that a new soul is born inheriting the memories of the body. For most people, this might be fine. There were people like us who understood the importance of the soul and the spiritual aspect of people. Well, the second solution might interest you."
Wenwu listened carefully to the explanation he was given and only barely helped himself off from forcefully bringing over the files to have a read of them himself. Yet he didn't notice that this avenue would bring him into conflict with Shield.
Something that right now, given the potential role in his wife's murder, wasn't that issue before. It could very much have played into Ricci's personal motives.
"I'm sure you are aware of The Hand? An organization of assassins originally hailing from China before being driven off to Japan by you. Their true origins are some rejects from Kun Lun. Rejects they might be, but for normal people, they are monsters in human flesh. Possessing the power of eastern Qi and living for centuries."
"The real secret behind their apparent immortality is something referred to as resurrection serum. It is rare, apparently supposedly at least containing dragon bones. Something which I had no idea where to find myself. I have, however, been able to confirm that they have at least one dose of resurrection serum available to them."
"The true abilities of the theorem are unknown to me, but I do have a report saying that it is indeed able to resurrect the dead a confirmed case. So again, apparently, the Hand, through whatever ritual the serum is used in, is able to manipulate the memories of the dead."
"So again, I have packaged some amnestic drugs. as a way to ensure that there were no new affected memories is planted. My advice is undoubtedly to use both methods. Furthermore, I advise you to take your wife to Ta Lo."
Hearing the name of the mysterious realm from which his wife originates shocked Wenwu. It was, after all, a secret known only to him and his wife, yet here Ricci seemed to know this secret.
"I am very curious as to how you know about Ta Lo, Mr. Ricci, but for now, I will give you the benefit of the doubt. Can you explain why I should travel there?"
"I've made I know little of the place, only that it granted your wife some kind of powers. In truth, it is probably of little import and slow. I can say with 100% confidence that carrying out the resurrection within Ta Lo should have no negative effect."
"I cannot say the same for reverse, however. Would her spirit be lacking something if brought back outside of this mysterious realm? Uncertain, but being on the safer side wouldn't hurt, now would it."
Wenwu's gaze lingered on the now open strongboxes, his mind processing the wealth of information and the potential it held. The mention of T.A.H.I.T and The Hand's resurrection serum and I intrigued him, as did the suggestion to conduct the resurrection within the mystical boundaries of Ta Lo.
The thought of returning there, to the realm that had blessed his wife with her extraordinary abilities, resonated deeply with him. It was a place of power, one that might indeed be key to ensuring the success of this audacious plan.
"Your suggestions are... well-founded, Mr. Ricci," Wenwu acknowledged, the wheels turning in his head. "Ta Lo's connection to my wife is profound. It's a place where the fabric of our reality thins, where the impossible becomes possible. If there's any hope of not just reviving her body but fully restoring her soul, it would be there."
Alex watched Wenwu's reaction closely, gauging his acceptance and understanding of the plan's intricacies. Despite his childlike appearance, his strategic mind was entirely at work, calculating the implications of each move in this high-stakes game.
"I'm pleased you see the wisdom in the approach. Remember, the journey to Ta Lo is not without its challenges, but I believe you are more than capable of overcoming them."
Wenwu nodded, his resolve hardening. "I will make the necessary preparations. The artifacts and information you've provided will be invaluable. In return, I will ensure that your desires for influence in China and the Security Council seat are fulfilled. We both stand to gain significantly from this partnership." influence in China and the Security Council seat are fulfilled. We both stand to gain significantly from this partnership."
Alex was very satisfied with the outcome of this meeting. Sure, he would have rather gone without the whole dying part, but in the end, everything had thankfully worked out.
Still, he had to admit that he was somewhat tempted to remotely detonate the nuclear device his agents had brought with them. After all, he knew very well that the Mandarin was very dangerous; he also knew of the dangers of his rings and of the danger hidden within the realm of Ta Lo.
Yet, with signs that the man's power might be closer to his comic counterpart, he was able to restrain himself. After all, if that was indeed the case, the Mandarin might have the powers of teleportation.
Should he survive such an assassination attempt that destroyed his house and murdered his children well Should that happen, Alex would have quite a headache on his hand as he will have to deal with a fully enraged Mandarin.
He could only hope now that the methods of resurrection would prove successful and that his wife would be able to ensure that he did not go mad, it would not lured Into Darkness, and that he restrained himself from making any moves as he had done before her death.
"Then I look forward to hearing of your success, my friend; perhaps we will have a chance to meet again, hopefully, next time, it will truly be face-to-face, and you will be able to introduce me to your wife."
"And remember, we both have an enemy in Shield and in Hydra, so should you need anything, let me know." Alex said with a bloodthirsty smile that did not belong on that childish face.
While this meeting might be over now and with both Alex and the Mandarin getting what they wanted.
This whole chapter of events was far from over. Natasha Romanoff still needed to be maneuvered in the dark, preparing her for her eventual role as a spy for the Foundation, which was embedded deeply within the higher ranks of Shield.
Then, there was the matter of revenge both for himself and the Mandarin. Such action would have consequences, and opportunities abound. Given the difficulty play in navigating those murky turbulent waters.
Then were the consequences of the news of his death spreading. While it would have little consequences within the Foundation itself, his true power always came from his identity as an O5 council member.
No, the true risks and dangers of the news of his death lay in other forces that might be emboldened to act, thinking that he was dead and his crime empire in chaos
.