Hearing his proposal caused a different reaction. Michael wanted to protest but a single glare from Ashborn shut him up. For his woman though it was indifference, it was their husband's word so they chose to not interfere. Nick however made the most serious face that he ever had, it wasn't because of Michael's joining shield and the avengers but because of the second subject.
Of course he understood the key meaning behind 'The snake problem.' He didn't doubt Ashborn's words as he knew that he doesn't have a reason to lie about such a thing,and his mind is working overtime to find out who the spies are. He already has an idea about who they are but he doesn't want to believe it.
" It's truly a generous offer Mr. Ashborn, but my question is : What Is It To You? don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be rude here but in my years of experience I was taught that nothing is truly free in this world and I doubt my organization can provide you of something that you don't already have, even your technology is higher than ours as it was shown though the Hover technology."
" Well, you are right about that. But as I said before, Michael here needed to be taught how to follow orders and experience being in the field. But you can do something else to me too."
"... And that is?" Asked Nick while studying Ashborn's facial expressions although it's useless.
" Keep the military away from me. I hate to destroy a whole country because of its reckless government. They've been trying to get my technology for too long and although my subordinates can keep them out, your interference is not unwanted." Ashborn said while enjoying his breakfast, he finds playing on earth a true entertainment. 'No Wonder that devil loved it.' He thought to himself.
" Oh by the way, you don't have to worry about anyone listening to our conversation, so you've free to ask anything you want." Added Ashborn with a smile. Causing Nick to be relieved as he wanted to know more about the snake situation.
" Who ...." Nick was about to ask but Ashborn cut him off "hydra." The reaction of fury was priceless as even though he suspected that organization was involved but didn't believe himself, he couldn't keep his poker face.
"Captain America and shield thought that you have finished them but in reality ... You didn't. Now, they're Roots in the world are deep, too deep actually that they have reached the World Security Council. Alexander Price the secretary of defense, I believe you are familiar with him? He's one of their members." Ashborn's found this situation amusing even though he made the old man Infront of him having the shock if his life. For him, if he truly wanted hydra gone, all he has to do is a word and they will be gone, but where's the fun in that. Plus it's an opportunity for Michael to show off his not only his battle powers but intelligent too.
" It's a lot worse than I thought huh? I guess I don't have any time to waste." Standing up Nick added:" Mr. Ashborn I thank you for your generosity, and as you already may have guessed, I have accepted your proposal. Unfortunately, I have no time to waste, So I will have to excuse myself."
"Of course. Michael walk your new boss away. I expect that you won't embarrass me out there, and if I heard anything about you not following orders, just know there will be consequences." Ashborn with the same friendly smile on his face but Michael knows that his brother is not joking.
" Lead the way kid." Said Nick with a hurrying voice. Michael obeyed and they both went down the elevator to the lower floors. Just after they got down, Melina said:" It was the right decision. Michael was getting arrogant with his powers, and his naiveness would've gotten him killed when he face truly powerful person." To which Yelena surprisingly agreed to :" Ага (yeah), your right and would be a pity to see that kid lose his life for something as stupid as being overconfident, even I still don't have the full control of my ruler's power."
Ashborn wasn't paying attention to them as he was mentally speaking to Demiurge:" What is it, Demiurge?"
"My lord, the inhumans have proven to be a difficult Nation to speak with, as they have quite the paranoid ruler. Should we use a more 'forceful' approach?" Demiurge asked.
(Thank you for reading and sorry if the quality of writing is poor.
Just a side though, all of the peerage power levels in their human form are in The National-class level, only Michael is a mid to low S-class. In their Ruler form however, they are a lot more stronger.)