Chapter 51 : S.H.I.E.L.D And A.R.G.U.S.
"The principle S.H.I.E.L.D. was founded upon was pure."
"Protection."
"Protection. One word. Sometimes, to protect one man against himself. Other times, to protect the planet against an alien invasion from another universe. It's a broad job description."
―Nick Fury and Melinda May
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In the dimly lit room, Nick Fury and Amanda Waller sat, their figures silhouetted against the somber backdrop. Nick Fury, the seasoned Director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, more commonly known as the Director of the S.H.I.E.L.D.
A war veteran who had weathered the storms of World War II and persevered into the present, Nick Fury lacked the flashy superpowers often associated with figures in their line of work. Instead, he had been subjected to a regimen of unlimited formula potions, a concoction that prolonged his vitality, delaying the ravages of time and preserving his body in a perpetual state of peak physical condition.
Decades of unwavering dedication to missions in service of the country had propelled Nick Fury to the helm of S.H.I.E.L.D. His ascent marked the culmination of a career that rivaled, if not surpassed, many of the top figures in the corridors of power. Across the table, Amanda Waller, a sharp-minded woman in her 30s, represented a different facet of this clandestine world.
Amanda Waller's trajectory had not been carved on the battlefields like Nick Fury's. She lacked the extensive combat experience and the covert missions that defined Fury's legacy. Nevertheless, Amanda Waller held a distinct edge – an unparalleled caution when dealing with superhumans. Her outlook on individuals possessing extraordinary abilities was steeped in suspicion and vigilance.
A relentless speculator on the motives of superhumans, Amanda Waller harbored a profound belief that those not of human origin harbored disparate intentions. Her unwavering commitment to prioritizing the interests of the US government had elevated her to a meteoric rise at a remarkably young age. The accolade of trust bestowed upon her by senior government officials included the authorization to form a specialized research group, now known as the Director of A.R.G.U.S, dedicated to the study of advanced superhumans.
Amidst the hushed conversations in the room, the old white man, presumably the President, glanced at his mobile phone. A recent article from the Daily Bugle caught his attention. The report, purportedly based on a clandestine study conducted by the Wayne Group, provided a skewed definition of the ongoing attack. Aware of the media's penchant for sensationalism, the President regarded it as a mere jest, yet a potential source of a clue.
Nick Fury's single-eyed gaze shifted to Amanda Waller as he began addressing the President. With a calculated poise, Fury asserted that supernatural forces were undeniably at play in the unfolding attack. The rationale? The extinction of dinosaurs, an event dating back hundreds of millions of years, pointed to an otherworldly involvement.
As the discussion unfolded, Nick Fury hinted at a connection between the attack and the notorious League of Assassins. However, the specifics awaited the completion of investigations by his diligent agents, promising a detailed report soon. The President, recalling the name "League of Assassins," recognized it from past encounters – an organization driven by a creed of redemption, intervening when they deemed a city had fallen, seeking to birth a new one.
Amidst the anecdotes, Amanda Waller interjected with insights gleaned from her intelligence network. The revelation went beyond the Assassin League; she unveiled the involvement of a lesser-known gang, Bigfoot. Nick Fury acknowledged the name, acknowledging its existence as an outsider in the underground of New York, squeezed out by local gangs and maintaining a modest sphere of influence.
Amanda Waller, seizing the moment, passionately conveyed that S.H.I.E.L.D. might be overlooking a significant threat by focusing solely on global concerns. The seemingly insignificant Bigfoot gang, though modest in scale, concealed substantial power. Waller's assertion subtly hinted at a gap in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intelligence, prompting Nick Fury to realize he was trailing behind.
The President, concluding the meeting, expressed a newfound interest in delving deeper into the world of superhuman activities. Nick Fury and Amanda Waller were dismissed, leaving conference room No. 1.
In the corridor, Nick Fury observed Amanda Waller's departure with an enigmatic smile, acknowledging her effective navigation of the complex landscape, seemingly outperforming even the S.H.I.E.L.D. Bureau.
As they parted ways, the conversation veered towards the A.R.G.U.S's ambitious endeavor to form a superhuman team. Fury, ever the collaborator, offered superhuman contacts to facilitate Waller's efforts. However, Amanda Waller, ever cautious, declined the offer, expressing her desire to maintain exclusive control over the A.R.G.U.S. Despite Fury's seasoned advice on the benefits of collaboration, Waller remained steadfast, promising to contact S.H.I.E.L.D. when deemed necessary.
Exiting conference room No. 1, Nick Fury watched Amanda Waller's retreating figure, lips trembling slightly with a subtle mixture of admiration and intrigue.
In the nocturnal embrace of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne adorned the iconic bat suit once again. The temporary resolution with the League of Assassins had given way to a more profound threat – the owl's disruptive actions. Several officials, committed to the reform of Gotham City, fell victim to ruthless assassinations. The peril even touched Batman's inner circle, with Alfred teetering on the precipice of mortality.
Contemplating the cryptic mentions of the court members by Jude, Batman steeled himself for the challenges ahead. The unfolding events in Gotham City beckoned him to embark on a perilous journey, setting the stage for the next chapter in the city's complex tapestry.
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