73: Shocked! Hydra Might Emerge as the Ultimate Winner!

The officials gathered in the conference room could never have foreseen that at that very moment, General Scudder, the military's leader, was also unleashing his frustration on General Ross.

"That idiot Ross swore to me that the operation was foolproof. We were on the brink of having an army of Hulks, only to fall right into someone else's trap..."

In a secret meeting room, Admiral Scudder didn't mince words about his dissatisfaction. "No matter how the White House handles him this time, the military won't object."

When the other three people in the meeting heard this, they all secretly rolled their eyes.

Admiral Scudder seems to have shifted the responsibility to Ross, but he pointed out the key point of this matter in one sentence—

Ross had been tricked..And the architects of this trap were mutants.

The other side hadn't even bothered concealing their involvement. They had first utilized the Daily X mutant platform openly and then somehow managed to enlist Moira MacTaggert to advocate for the mutant cause.

The implications were serious. Had mutants infiltrated the CIA, the police, and even the judiciary?

Was it possible?

"In the current scenario, it's crystal clear that dealing with General Ross is futile," Vice President Rodriguez finally spoke after a few seconds of silence. "The revelation of the Weapon X program previously can also be seen as mutants' retaliation against William Stryker. Numerous mutants—"

"But this time, their target was General Ross and his super soldier initiative."

"It's evident this was premeditated."

"It's apparent that mutants don't merely seek a change in their image; they have grander aspirations."

He sharply identified the crux of the issue, continuing, "This incident tests our limits. If we concede to establishing the Mutant Affairs Bureau, they'll inexorably inch their way forward, claiming power that doesn't rightfully belong to them..."

It must be stated that individuals attaining such positions weren't unintelligent. During the last instance, he hadn't stood up for William Stryker because the Weapon X program exposure hadn't impacted him directly, and he had been able to exploit the situation to curtail military power.

That had been an internal power struggle.

However, this time, the mutants had evidently crossed his personal threshold.

While the White House had initially contemplated creating a Department of Mutant Affairs to manage mutant-related offenses, it had been planned as a minor agency under the CIA—a mere facade to placate the public, existing outside the sphere of core power.

In contrast, the Mutant Affairs Bureau was an entirely different matter.

"Division" versus "Bureau"—just one word could delineate an entire world of difference.

How could the White House entertain the notion of mutants establishing a department equal in stature to the CIA, FBI, and S.H.I.E.L.D.?

And one vested with law enforcement powers, no less? This would be akin to undermining the foundations of the White House!

"You're spot-on, Rodriguez..."

President Matthew Ellis's disposition also shifted, his face now etched with skepticism. "The mutant group has evolved from its previous state. They're no longer relying solely on their superpowers, but are instead navigating through regulations to secure their own interests..."

"This isn't in line with Professor X's character, nor would a reformed Magneto engage in such tactics..."

"Perhaps mutants have a new leader!"

"Someone unfamiliar to us!"

The expressions of both Rodriguez and Admiral Scudder subtly altered.

They exchanged a glance, each detecting a profound fear mirrored in the other's eyes.

Shortly thereafter, almost in unison, they voiced their thoughts, "Should this be the case, we can't concede. The establishment of the Mutant Affairs Bureau must be off the table!"

It must be emphasized that the alignment of the vice president and the military general, setting aside their power struggles and uniting in common cause, exemplified the efficacy of Lynn's efforts during this period.

The perceived threat posed by mutants had escalated several notches in their estimation.

The same held true for President Matthew Ellis.

Nevertheless, despite understanding the situation, the president sighed deeply rather than issuing agreement, "However, have you considered that this time's circumstances differ from the last..."

Observing the puzzled expressions of Rodriguez and Admiral Scudder, he proceeded at a measured pace:

"Previously, we faced public opinion from the general populace. But now, we're confronting something more significant. Numerous individuals—our own people—are involved."

As these words hung in the air, Rodriguez and Admiral Scudder's countenances turned as dark as thunderclouds.

They instantly comprehended the president's intent.

The cataclysmic clash between the Hulk and the Abomination had laid waste to nearly half of Broadway, resulting in an immeasurable number of casualties in a short span...

This had undeniably induced deep-seated insecurity among the city's members.

Moreover, it wasn't solely the average inhabitants of the chaotic city.

It also encompassed individuals from a myriad of state institutions.

From low-ranking personnel, to middling authorities wielding some influence, and even the senior officials gathered in the grand conference room—how many harbored intense resentment for the uncontrollable super soldier plan?

How many were thankful for the X-Men's intervention, turning the tide?

"Let's leave aside the female judge, Kate Mara, and shift our focus to Catherine Bergert from the Seventeenth Bureau..." The president's expression soured further. "She's genuinely a mere police officer. A simple phone call could address her, but you're aware that ever since she led her team in aiding the X-Men and dismantled William Stryker's base, she's garnered significant prestige within the police circles?"

"Consider Moira as well. She formerly headed the CIA's operations department before retirement. Do you comprehend the number of CIA agents she trained? How many of these agents have since risen through the ranks and assumed managerial roles?"

"In these two domains alone, there exist innumerable supporters for establishing the Mutant Affairs Bureau!"

Rodriguez and Admiral Scudder fell increasingly silent.

Only then did they realize that individuals they hadn't deemed pivotal could, at specific moments, wield influence far surpassing their imagination!

They might overlook the general public's opinion. But how could they ignore the huge noise within themselves?

If the tumult grew too intense, it could potentially overwhelm them!

Ultimately, this incident had stoked the hornet's nest within the military. The mutants, however, had precisely timed their counterstrike.

"Then deal with Ross, publicly announce the end of the super soldier project, and calm public opinion"

Admiral Scudder pondered for a moment, a glint of ruthlessness gleaming in his eyes. "No matter what, the establishment of the Mutant Affairs Bureau must be prevented. Otherwise, it will lead to endless troubles."

The president and vice president exchanged glances, their thoughts intermingling.

At that moment, the final attendee of the covert meeting smiled faintly, interjecting into the conversation. "It's merely the formation of a new department. Why treat it like an enemy?"

As the voice echoed, the attention of the other three gravitated towards the speaker.

Admiral Scudder's expression soured. "Pierce, what's your perspective?"

Alexander Pierce, Secretary of the World Security Council, and the direct superior of S.H.I.E.L.D., held considerable authority given the composition of the World Security Council, which consisted of heads of state. His involvement in this secretive meeting was indicative of its gravity.

"Establishing an entirely new department isn't a simple task. No budget, no personnel, no equipment or weaponry, no backing from other departments... Isn't it merely an empty shell?" Pierce's tone remained composed.

"Even if this Mutant Affairs Bureau were to hold a similar status as the CIA, FBI, or even S.H.I.E.L.D., its authority would be restricted to managing mutant-related crimes. It diverges from the scope of the original Mutant Affairs Department, your Excellency. So, what's the distinction?"

His standpoint diverged from those of the other three. "Don't forget, the FBI, CIA, and S.H.I.E.L.D. have been unable to pinpoint the location of the X-Mansion. They can't even keep them under surveillance..."

"But if the Mutant Affairs Bureau is established, it's tantamount to shining a spotlight on them..."

"Wouldn't it facilitate our management of mutants down the line?"

The president, vice president, and Admiral Scudder were taken aback.

Then, realization dawned.

Indeed, Pierce's argument held merit. When all was said and done, the establishment of the Mutant Affairs Department or Bureau was merely a matter of nomenclature.

In other words...was it really that consequential?

The trio exchanged glances. The vice president shook his head slightly. "Yet, once initiated, it signifies acknowledgment of mutants' participation in politics. What if..."

"Can it be averted?"

Pierce sneered. "Your Excellency Rodriguez, regardless of whether you accept it or not, today's mutants aren't the mutants of yesteryears...they won't be reined in any longer."

"Conflict is imminent, and the war drums already echo."

His words cast a palpable chill over the meeting room. "And what we presently require is time! As long as the antidote for mutants being developed at the Worthin Laboratory proves successful or General Ross's super soldier program attains a significant breakthrough... What's stopping us from infiltrating the X-Mansion and eradicating all mutants by then?"

Rodriguez and Admiral Scudder's gazes flickered momentarily.

The former turned to the president. "Worthing Laboratory's research is at its most critical juncture. We're nearing the production of the superpower-nullifying agent for human experimentation."

The Worthing Laboratory, affiliated with the White House's mutant research initiative, fell within his purview.

Admiral Scudder received the information without qualms. "Ross has the Abomination at his disposal. Developing the Hulk serum shouldn't be an insurmountable obstacle. We merely need to devise a means of suppressing its violent tendencies and ensuring its manageability—a horde of controllable Hulks at our disposal."

The president absorbed their comments but abstained from responding.

Instead, his gaze turned to Pierce, a peculiar expression flickering across his face. "Pierce, as Secretary of the World Security Council, you possess intimate familiarity with our covert plans."

"Isn't that the purpose of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Pierce seemed unfazed by the underlying dissatisfaction within the president's tone. He flashed a smile and continued, "Your Excellency, our world confronts unparalleled shifts. Mutants represent but a minuscule fraction of these transitions—hardly worth your focused attention."

Yet his words appeared to carry a secondary connotation.

The trio of presidents exchanged glances, inquiring, "What do you imply?"

"Behold."

Pierce's grin broadened, retrieving a compact projector and aiming it towards the conference room's wall. "Just as you grapple with the mutant predicament, S.H.I.E.L.D. has discovered Earth's interaction with extraterrestrial beings. Following initial contact, we procured this..."

The image projected on the screen unfolded before their eyes.

A desert landscape unfolded, a vibrant beam of rainbow light streaking through the sky. Thereafter, a peculiarly shaped robot materialized out of thin air, its eyes aglow in crimson, erupting in a violent explosion that razed a small desert town.

In the aftermath, a brawny figure emerged from the wreckage, brandishing a colossal hammer. Thunderstorms roiled, lightning crackling in a frenzied display—

A skirmish between Thor and the Destroyer ensued (harkening back to the events of Thor 1)!

The pupils of the three presidents contracted drastically. Even as they watched the video, the raw might exhibited by the duo was palpable.

"Are you suggesting...the aliens have returned?!" The president swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Pierce.

As the president, he was privy to a multitude of confidential files. Captain Marvel's battles against the Kree on Earth and her collaboration with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Nick Fury were all documented.

Given his position as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s preeminent financier, the various countries' leaders deemed it crucial to lend support for the organization's inception!

"Yes, Your Excellency the President."

Pierce showed no intent to discontinue the projection. Instead, he leaned in slightly, focusing on the superimposed image of Thor and the Destroyer. "This individual, who answers to Thor, hails from the mythical realm of Asgard, a prince and Odin's son."

"They seem to have visited Earth millennia ago, and now they've returned."

The trio present were all seasoned political operatives, thus Pierce offered only a concise overview, swiftly transitioning to his main point:

"Your Excellency, Earth confronts an unprecedented threat. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s current capacity falls significantly short."

"We require greater support."

As these words resounded, Pierce's expression grew somber, as if poised to embark on a fierce battle against extraterrestrial forces in a bid to safeguard Earth's survival.

Yet, internally, elation surged within him. The mutants were playing their part admirably.

All that remained was to concoct a pretext allowing General Ross to retain his role overseeing the super soldier program, sans retribution. S.H.I.E.L.D. could exploit this opportunity to insert itself—provided...

The Asgardians were similarly playing their role exquisitely.

The greater their menace, the more imperative S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existence became. In turn, the world's nations would escalate their support, contributing manpower, funding...

As these two spheres converged, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s influence would burgeon, eventually evolving into a juggernaut beyond anyone's control...

And who would ultimately benefit from this? Hydra, naturally.

Long live Hydra!