72: The Unfolding Trend! Damn You, Ross!

It's undeniable that Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., a master of politics, navigated its waters with ease. His understanding of the mutant situation is truly remarkable.

While mutants' image has shifted considerably due to repeated shifts in public opinion, with increasing numbers of people beginning to believe in and support them, it's essential to recognize that an image is just that—an image.

This illusion alone won't suffice to bring mutants fully into the light. Without official government recognition, mutants might still find themselves marginalized. The question remains: will humanity ever grant them official recognition?

The answer is undoubtedly no. If mutants were to gain legal recognition, it would significantly disrupt the political landscape. Given mutants' vast superpowers, how could regular individuals possibly compete?

Consider Wolverine, impervious to harm; should he choose to become a police detective, what numerous major cases would he need to solve and criminals to apprehend?

And Professor X, the mind reader—should he become a judge, what crime could go unnoticed?

Then there's Cyclops, his laser vision capable of immense destruction; imagine his battlefield prowess and military successes.

There are numerous mutants like this. If they enter government ranks, who could prevent their rapid advancement, infiltration into various branches, and the accumulation of power?

Would the country still represent the common people?

This paradox remains unsolvable. Those in power are reluctant to relinquish it, even to the extent of starting a war to kill them all if necessary.

This is why, despite not formally implementing the "Mutant Registration Act," governments continue to conduct secret mutant superpower research. Certainty of victory is absent, so they bide their time.

Politicians are patient by nature.

However, regardless of Nick Fury, the White House's president and congress, or the military's high-ranking officials, none foresaw the emergence of a monster like Lynn among mutants.

Lynn is also aware of this. Rather than confronting the situation head-on like Magneto or compromising like Professor X, he aims to exert control.

His strategy? "The enemy retreats, we advance." Like boiling a frog slowly, he exploits opportunities in the background.

Starting the next day, news of Hulk's and the Abomination War spread rapidly, leading to the inevitable focus on General Ross and his super soldier initiative.

As anticipated, outrage ensued.

"Monster makers get out of the city" became a viral meme. Countless individuals, feeling threatened, took to the streets this time instead of confining their protest online like for William Stryker.

However, real-world protests outside the White House unfolded, condemning General Ross with an uproar that echoed like crashing waves.

Some even linked William Stryker and General Ross, demanding an official inquiry into this influential military duo.

Predictably, officials remain silent on the matter. Not one influential figure publicly spoke out. But within the team, there are spies at play.

On the third day, an unexpected figure made an appearance on TV, being interviewed by Eddie Brock, the highly acclaimed reporter from Daily Global.

"I'm Moira MacTaggert, a retired senior CIA agent who formerly served as the head of operations," her simple introduction immediately disclosed her identity.

She was none other than the female CIA agent from the X-Men documentary, known as Professor X's girlfriend during his youth.

Appearing in the Daily Global studio, it seemed more like she was there not just for an interview, but to raise her voice in support of mutants. In light of the recent major scandals involving the military, she believed that the ugliness of human nature was far more terrifying than genetic mutations.

While the military had been creating dreadful weapons, the X-Men could ensure the safety of people's lives—an ironic twist of fate.

At seventy years old, living not far from Broadway, she didn't wish to one day have a monster invade her home while she slept, causing her to die without explanation. As a result, she publicly sued General Ross, claiming her life and property were endangered, and filed a lawsuit in federal court.

Simultaneously, there was a strong call for the establishment of a Mutant Affairs Bureau, dedicated to managing mutant-related matters. The aim was to empower the X-Men as an official organization with law enforcement authority.

This call created ripples upon ripples.

Moira's authoritative speech gained weight due to her former senior CIA position. Her perspective aligned with the public's, and as a septuagenarian, she offered an unimpeachable standpoint.

Was it really possible for a retired individual to stand up with such force?

Absolutely. She was advocating for the people's safety.

Consequently, those who had been fiercely angry seemed to find their backbone, awakening as if from a dream, wholeheartedly joining the movement spurred by Moira.

Numerous lawsuits flooded the courts.

"Public trial of General Ross! Public trial of William Stryker!"

"Establish the Mutant Affairs Bureau!"

"Elevate the X-Men to official status!"

"The military can't protect us—let the X-Men step in!"

"The White House must not shield the military!"

The profound impact of the Abomination and Hulk clash cast a long shadow over the entire city. As Moira had noted, no one wanted to witness another monster and endure its wrath.

Thus, the city became enveloped in an unparalleled frenzy, a wave not seen in a century.

"Unbelievable! Is Moira out of her mind? How could such a traitor appear in the CIA?"

News of this nature struck the top officials of the White House like lightning. Their shock and anger led to the scattering of objects across conference room tables.

Equally astonishing was that Catherine Bergert, the police superintendent of the 17th NYPD Precinct, publicly endorsed Moira's proposal.

Subsequently, the New York State Court accepted these lawsuits.

They were presided over by a female judge named Kate Mara (the same woman who served Tony Stark a subpoena in Iron Man 2).

"This is a betrayal!"

"That police detective, Catherine—she was responsible for arresting William Stryker last time!"

"But she's a police detective. How did she get promoted?"

"She must be a hidden mutant, just like Kate Mara!"

"Both of them should be apprehended immediately!"

"Fuck!"

Angry curses reverberated.

However, some within the crowd furrowed their brows. "I can assure you, Kate Mara is definitely not a mutant. Her resume is impeccable. She previously served as a court clerk and earned a promotion to judge due to her exceptional performance."

Others defended Catherine: "She thwarted an attempt on the president's life—a feat known worldwide. Her promotion is justified. Even if she wanted to step down now, it wouldn't be feasible. The priority is to mitigate the fallout from this incident."

Amidst the cacophony, the meeting room abruptly fell silent.

Then, nearly in unison, voices filled the air with expletives.

"Those damn military officials!"

"Ross, you damn bastard!"