NOVEL NEXT Chapter 265: The Life Foundation
The next day.
After a full night's work, Eddie Brock and his entire team had edited together the footage from yesterday's exclusive interview. Carrying the results of their labor, they excitedly hurried back to the Daily Globe.
While they hadn't gotten any shocking revelations, securing an exclusive interview with Smith Dole was still a huge scoop. Moreover, some of Smith Dole's views were important — after all, he wasn't just a super-rich tycoon, but also the world's foremost pioneer in unlocking human potential.
Back at the office, Eddie Brock pushed open the door to his boss's office and said excitedly,
"Boss, yesterday we landed an exclusive interview with the 'God Among Men' — Smith Dole!"
"The video's been edited and is ready to air."
Hearing this, Daily Globe owner Barney Bushkin smiled.
"As expected of you, Eddie Brock. You're the first to get an exclusive with Smith Dole. I'm sure your reputation will rise to a whole new level."
"Did you dig up any explosive news?"
"Sorry, nothing too sensational. But some of his views will bring people hope. Oh, and I got a photo with the 'God Among Men' himself."
"Perfect. That's plenty to work with. This is Smith Dole we're talking about — his opinions will absolutely influence many people."
"I believe when we air this, our ratings will be through the roof."
"Eddie Brock, your bonus for this month is doubled!"
Hearing his bonus had doubled, Eddie grinned.
"Thanks, Boss!"
"Oh, and Eddie — I've got a new assignment for you."
"There's another big name I need you to interview."
Another big name? Eddie asked curiously,
"Alright, who's the interview with?"
"Carlton Drake."
Eddie looked surprised.
"Carlton Drake?"
Barney Bushkin explained,
"He's a dreamer. Wants to talk about space rockets — tell the public they're safe, that the crash was just an accident."
Hands in his pockets, Eddie said,
"Uh, that guy… he's probably crazy."
Bushkin's tone turned serious.
"Truth is, if Drake so much as twitched a finger, he could buy this company. If he wanted, he could turn this building into his garage."
"So, just go ask him a few questions about the space program, thank him, and wish him well. That's all."
Eddie knew enough about the man to answer immediately,
"He's a fraud."
Leaning back, Bushkin played the sentiment card.
"Eddie, when you were down and out, we took you in. Now the Brock Report is a top-rated show, and you're the station's best investigative reporter — but at the end of the day, you're still an employee."
"So do me a favor, Eddie."
"Don't give me this routine again."
Hearing that, Eddie could only agree reluctantly.
"Alright, fine."
"Think of it as doing me a solid."
"Okay, I'll do it."
After agreeing to his boss's request, Eddie left the Daily Globe.
…
Elsewhere.
Smith Dole stepped out of the gravity chamber, where Fox was already prepared with all the intel on the Life Foundation. Under the vast resources of Capsule Corporation and the League of Assassins, investigating a single company was simple — once the order was given, a full report could be compiled in a single day. And with AI assistant Dada's help, omissions were kept to a minimum.
"Fox, tell me the details on the Life Foundation."
Fox tapped at a virtual display, pulling up a flood of information on the company and its founder, Carlton Drake.
"Carlton Drake, founder of the Life Foundation. Holds a doctorate. British parents. At age nineteen, he developed a new genetic therapy that could double the life expectancy of pancreatic cancer patients.
"That research led, five years later, to the creation of a massive medical company in San Francisco. But aside from that breakthrough, there have been no other major achievements in the medical field.
"Currently, the company has heavily invested in aerospace, building rockets to explore space. The goal: to find new, habitable worlds for humanity.
"The Life Foundation, operating in both medical and aerospace sectors, was valued at $23 billion — but after yesterday's crash of their first exploration craft, Life One, the market cap fell to $22 billion, losing $1 billion in a single day."
Fox then played a video file.
"This is footage Dada intercepted — a rescue operation at the crash site."
Seeing the crash, Smith Dole immediately understood — the symbiotes had arrived on Earth. Aside from Venom and Riot, the others had likely already been secured by the Life Foundation.
Recalling the Venom movie, Smith remembered: the Life One mission brought back four symbiotes. Two died during experiments, leaving only Riot and Venom. In the end, Riot and its host were killed by Venom and Eddie.
With Carlton Drake's death, the human experimentation on homeless subjects, and the destruction of the second rocket, the Life Foundation collapsed completely — bankrupt, absorbed by others, with its assets sold off. Part of the proceeds supposedly went to compensate the families of the homeless test subjects who died.
But… dead homeless people? Who was compensated? Did they even have family?
If they had heirs, they wouldn't have been left as abandoned nobodies on the streets.
Thinking about the Life Foundation's disregard for human life — kidnapping people for experiments — Smith decided the League of Assassins' next target would be the Life Foundation.
The perfect job for Red Guardian Alexei, vampire lord Selene, and werewolf chieftain Mike — they could handle Riot.
With the plan in mind, Smith gave the order.
"Fox, assign people to shadow the Life Foundation around the clock. I want to know their every move."
Fox nodded.
"Alright, I'll see to it. Smith, is there a problem with this company?"
Smith didn't answer directly.
"Once the League of Assassins makes its move, you'll see the problem for yourself."
(End of Chapter)
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