"How's the situation?" asked Fury, anticipating a negative answer. Maria Hill did not disappoint him.
"Bad, sir. Several high-ranking officials from multiple countries claim that Wakanda is a terrorist nation and that it has attacked several countries and delegations.
They are manipulating public opinion to see Wakanda as the villain, demanding that they hand over all their technology and minerals to the world government.
With so many countries supporting that idea, Wakanda's image is being destroyed. No matter what they say now… it's their word against the entire world's."
Fury sighed.
Those bastards…
"And the governors' stance?"
"Most of Wakanda's detractors are high-ranking officials. The president says we must give in to the pressure, though they assure they will investigate the situation further."
"They're leaving themselves a back door to escape, huh?"
Fury knew that move well. The last time they tried to discredit S.H.I.E.L.D., it backfired. They underestimated the storm that was coming and failed to calculate how influential the Avengers would be to the public. A single word from any of them was enough to sway most of the planet. The team's positive impact had even forced presidents and politicians who accused them to resign. After all, there is no position more dependent on popular support than that of a politician.
"Looks like they learned their lesson…" muttered Fury.
"Speaking of which, there are rumors going around that S.H.I.E.L.D. is protecting them."
Rumors… Fury knew that, unlike the public, the government understood very well the difference between the Avengers as subordinates and as allies. This time they were being more subtle: instead of condemning them openly, they wanted it to seem like an idea born among the people. But Fury saw right through it.
Instead of worrying, he smiled.
Good… they think the Avengers are the reason for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s power. Let's show them how wrong they are.
"Organize a world assembly on the matter. Call our man in the World Government and make sure he approves it."
It was something that sooner or later would have to be done. Until now, Fury had delayed the moment to gather more information and decide on the ideal location. Switzerland, as neutral territory, was an option. Another was Wakanda, which would send a message of strength and openness, as well as an opportunity to showcase their technology. That would dissuade many who thought them weak, though it would provoke extremists. Still, it was easier to deal with a few fanatics than with the whole world.
But now, Fury changed his mind.
"As for the location… it will be at the UN headquarters in New York."
Right in the heart of the country that most desired Wakanda. It would be a show of power: even in front of their harshest critics, they wouldn't be able to do anything. Deep down, Fury hoped they would try.
It was a drastic but effective move. Countries did not keep the peace out of friendship, but out of fear of nuclear weapons. And S.H.I.E.L.D. needed to show that they also had theirs, besides the Avengers.
At that moment, Coulson entered unannounced.
"That will be impossible. At least, in the near future."
Fury was not bothered by the lack of protocol. If Coulson interrupted like this, it was for something urgent. He looked at him, waiting for the explanation.
"If we organize any political meeting in the United States now, they could consider it an act of terrorism."
At that instant, a file appeared on Fury's screen. He opened it and frowned.
"Bad timing…" he muttered. The image showed a completely devastated city.
"The city is Midtown Manhattan," Coulson continued. "The disaster seems to have originated in Hell's Kitchen. Everything has collapsed in on itself, as if there had been massive explosions or excavations underground. The objective, for now, is unknown."
"Suspects?"
"Two. In different areas, unconscious people were found dressed similarly, suggesting an organization… they look like ninjas."
Fury was not surprised. He knew that The Hand, a foreign organization with strange methods and rumors of immortality, operated in Hell's Kitchen. They had never been able to infiltrate them, which spoke of their ability to detect spies.
"And the other group?"
"Judging by the injuries, the ninjas were attacked by another team. They don't seem to be many, suggesting a specialized group. Some wounds come from impossible angles for a normal human; others leave no visible marks. There is also damage concentrated in a single point, structures collapsed by unknown forces, and deaths with no apparent resistance. Everything points to abilities such as flight, super strength, explosive energy, mental powers, or extreme stealth."
Coulson finished his report and watched him, waiting for an order.
Fury remained silent for a few seconds, tapping the desk with his index finger.
"Call the Avengers. We have work to do."
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