259 Chapter 254: The Markovia Situation Part 1

A few days later, in Markovia, incredible pressure was felt by everyone, be it the Markovian Army or the opposition. 

The arrival of Wonder Woman, Harley, and young Kara also did not do much to change the balance of power between the two sides. Many showed support for this, making it so that any governments that opposed Markovia would face incredible public backlash within their countries. 

For countries with political systems that centered around voting, this was an incredibly risky maneuver to take. It was more than likely that whoever was in power now, during this chaos, would need to suffer the damage in public opinion. 

This was a struggle numerous countries had to bear, but it was the US's President Ross who felt this the most. 

With an election mere months away and his reputation already in the negatives, it was beginning to look like there was no salvaging it. However, the problem was, if he couldn't win, then it was very likely Slade Wilson would, and despite all his efforts, the federal government could find no new charges to place on Slade Wilson's head. 

Funnily enough, the only criminal record he held had been wiped clean by President Ross himself, in exchange for participation in Project Suicide Squad, once led by Amanda Waller. Because of that, Slade practically had a clean slate, and although he had a criminal history, it wasn't applicable in court. Thus, they could do nothing.

At this moment, the president was seated in his office, looking over multiple reports regarding the situation in Markovia and the recent attacks on major and minor cities.

Unsurprisingly, after a thorough investigation was done in the past few days, it was quickly discovered that the cause of this spore attacks was indeed Poison Ivy, and thus she was now on the most-wanted list for domestic terrorism. 

And despite the gravity of her actions, the president had so much on his mind, he really couldn't focus on it. Most of the work regarding that situation was relegated to his subordinates, asking them to go about it in such a way that his public opinion could rise.

However, with the situation in Markovia growing more tense, it was beginning to seem impossible, and he knew this. 

While immersed in thought, the president felt a breeze from behind him and quickly turned his chair, only to see Superman's figure hovering right outside the window to his Oval Office. 

A look of surprise was present on the president's face, but it didn't last, as he quickly opened the window. However, Superman stayed stationary in the air as he asked, "What do you plan on doing about the situation in Markovia? If this stalemate goes on any longer, it's very likely a lot of innocent people will die, and I won't allow that," Superman warned, having been keeping a close eye on the situation there himself. 

It was only natural that he, along with the League, would seek a solution in which both parties would be content.

President Ross let out a sigh, clearly having pondered the situation himself quite a lot. "You've seen how things are going yourself. Right now, the government doesn't have a choice. We can't allow Markovia to continue monopolizing the metahuman population. The consequences could prove disastrous." 

Superman met the President's gaze and asked, "And if Markovia were to allow metahumans to return to their countries of origin, are you sure they won't be taken advantage of? Used for experimentation or the military?" 

Hearing that, the president quickly responded, "Of course not. They will be given an education like everyone else. Where they end up in life will be completely free to them."

"You say free, but you actually mean they will all be under you right? And who's to say the other countries will listen? You've made it very clear that the states and the other nations are in agreement, and so I doubt you're going to step over the toes of another nation over this. Which means there's a very high possibility that the metahumans who return to other countries may very well be exploited." 

"As it stands, honestly, Markovia is the safest place for them. Both Batman and I have had an in-depth look at the facilities and lives the superhumans there are currently living, and I find it hard to believe some other nations may provide the same, be it in terms of healthcare, food supply, or just general acceptance." 

President Ross couldn't help but get angry upon hearing Clark's views. "You and I both know Arias Markovic has a huge hand in this. Whatever he's planning can't be good!"

Superman frowned upon hearing Arias's name. "Of course, I have suspicions of Arias's obvious role in the matter, but I can't overlook the facts." 

It was clear Superman had pondered the situation deeply, especially for him to oppose President Ross in favor of Arias, whom he clearly disliked. However, the facts couldn't be ignored. 

The moment everyone's attention centered on Markovia, he paused all illegal operations to do with trafficking metahumans, as well as the experimentation cast on some. As far as the world and the Justice League were concerned, it really was a haven for metahumans, even better than the Ark Academies. 

And when numerous surveys were made, no metahumans stated that they wanted to return to their origin countries.

At the same time, news reports were coming out of certain nations threatening their relatives if they didn't come back. Due to these and numerous more factors, the world really was in support of Markovia, and seeing Superman here say these words, President Ross was now more than ever sure of it. 

However, he let out a sigh and shook his head. 

"I'm sorry, Clark, but I have to do what's best for the nation. Either you help me, or you stay out of my way."