Chapter 43: Extracting the Marrow in Pursuit of Eternal Secrets
"Blood cells show heightened activity, and their cellular membranes differ significantly from baseline human samples. Could this be how they channel cosmic energy?"
Ryan compared his own blood with Phastos's extracted samples. The genetic similarity reached 99.99%, with only this single cellular variance.
Yet he detected no trace of cosmic energy within the blood itself—a perplexing discovery.
"Perhaps the energy dissipates upon death?"
Unwilling to abandon his research, Ryan continued examining other tissue samples.
"Cardiac tissue? Negative. Neural matter? Still nothing."
He systematically analyzed every organ and tissue type from Phastos's remains, finding no anomalous energy signatures.
"This shouldn't be possible!"
Energy must manifest in some detectable form, whether visible or not.
Whether it could be harnessed was secondary—Ryan's primary objective was confirming cosmic energy's existence within Eternal physiology.
"Is a deceased subject insufficient? Do I need a living specimen?"
Ryan sat motionless for an extended period, staring at the skeletal remains.
Just as he prepared to abandon this approach, his focus sharpened. He quickly donned fresh gloves and approached the bones.
"The bone marrow!"
Bone marrow serves as the body's primary hematopoietic organ, containing stem cells and various stromal components.
Eternals possess near-infinite lifespans. Sustaining such longevity presents enormous metabolic and cellular regeneration challenges.
If Eternal blood contained cosmic energy, it originated from marrow production.
Therefore, the source of cosmic energy manipulation likely resided within their bone marrow.
The next challenge proved formidable—Phastos's bones possessed incredible density, far beyond standard surgical instruments' cutting capacity.
"Damn it, I'll crack you open regardless. Let's see exactly how durable you are."
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s temporary headquarters operated from a secure facility outside New York City.
Nick Fury reviewed dossiers of enhanced individuals at his desk.
Maria Hill entered, prompting Fury's inquiry: "How's recruitment proceeding for the new Avengers?"
"Reasonably well. Our Asgard contacts report Thor remains unreachable."
Thor was currently traveling with the Guardians of the Galaxy, making communication nearly impossible.
"Any luck locating Dr. Banner?"
"Yes, he's found civilian employment after reverting to human form."
During the Manhattan incident, Ryan's actions had cost Banner his teammates. Despite his enhanced physiology, he suffered severe psychological trauma.
The traumatized scientist never transformed into the Hulk again, losing interest in academic research entirely. He'd taken a simple assembly job at a manufacturing plant.
Nick Fury handed Maria Hill a substantial stack of files. "These are our priority candidates. Schedule contact meetings with each of them."
"This many? Are you assembling an Avengers army?"
S.H.I.E.L.D. maintained global registries of enhanced individuals, most prohibited from using their abilities in civilian contexts.
"Proceed with preparations. We'll wait for Carol Danvers's return."
Fury felt a pang of regret. If Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch remained available, this task would be manageable. Now he could only await Captain Marvel's arrival.
Over two weeks passed in preparation.
During this period, Fury continuously contacted various enhanced individuals, laying groundwork for the new Avengers initiative.
Ryan remained equally busy. He'd successfully cracked open Phastos's bones and extracted the Eternal's bone marrow.
Extended research revealed that Eternal marrow differed dramatically from human samples.
A unique substance within their marrow continuously absorbed ambient cosmic energy, maintaining activity even after Phastos's death.
After absorbing this energy, it transferred to marrow stem cells, which then produced blood capable of cosmic energy transmission.
As long as cosmic energy persisted, fresh blood would regenerate indefinitely—the true mechanism behind Eternal longevity.
Ryan coveted this substance but worried whether it could integrate with his own marrow, potentially overriding his existing Thanos-derived genetics.
After studying the Eternal's biological secrets, Ryan immediately focused on isolating the mysterious substance.
Within several attempts, he successfully extracted it.
Testing with his own blood samples showed perfect fusion, but rapid metabolic breakdown prevented absorbed energy from converting through hematopoiesis.
This raised a critical question: how could he inject this substance directly into his bone marrow?
Standard medical needles lacked sufficient penetration power for dense Eternal bone matter.
Currently, only Wakanda possessed the necessary technology and materials. The African nation boasted Earth's most advanced science while maintaining traditional aesthetics.
Given his adversarial relationship with the Avengers, Wakanda would certainly refuse assistance.
"This is problematic."
While Carbonadium alloy wasn't as resilient as Vibranium, it might suffice for his purposes.
The procedure would require at least two bone marrow aspirations. The first would extract existing marrow for substance testing and safety confirmation, followed by a second injection.
If complications arose, additional aspirations might prove necessary.
Ryan dreaded this ordeal but saw no alternatives. Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch could return at any moment, alongside Thor and Captain Marvel.
Continuous power enhancement remained his only survival strategy.
Ryan immediately contacted a Carbonadium alloy manufacturer.
"Osborn Metallurgy, how may I assist you?"
"Can you fabricate 16-gauge bone marrow biopsy needles from Carbonadium alloy? If so, I need two complete sets."
Carbonadium alloy, also known as carbon-steel nanometal, ranked second only to Vibranium in hardness. Doctor Octopus's mechanical arms utilized this material. Though artificially synthesized, it commanded premium prices.
"Yes sir, please hold for specifications verification."
Minutes later, the representative returned: "Sir, we can fulfill this order, but you'll need to confirm design specifications in person. Upon confirmation, we require a 50% deposit."
Ryan considered briefly. "Provide the address. I'll schedule a visit."
He recorded the information and ended the call.
Their Chicago operation was essentially complete. All marrow tissue had been collected, and Phastos's remains were sealed in a metal container for later disposal in a remote location.
Several days later, Ryan extracted all viable material from Phastos's bone marrow before departing Chicago.
Osborn Metallurgy's headquarters in Philadelphia represented a specialized smelting operation—the only accessible source for Carbonadium alloy.
Days later, Ryan arrived at Osborn Metallurgy and received exceptionally cordial treatment.
"Sir, we've prepared a private lounge with refreshments. Please follow me."
Experienced in dangerous situations, Ryan remained uncertain of their intentions but anticipated discovering their motives shortly.
Following the escort into the lounge, he observed luxury accommodations: plush seating, a large television, and tables laden with various foods, beverages, and premium cigars.
Ryan avoided touching anything. After several minutes, the lounge door reopened.
End of Chapter 43
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P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)