"So, are you still planning on convincing your friends to come here and risk it? Kraven might give them a very enthusiastic welcome."
Felicia asked casually as they left the main gate of the Kravinoff estate. She was actually more interested in what her father had encountered in the Soviet Union. It was clear from Kraven's words that Walter Hardy had been in contact with the Soviet super-soldier serum research project and might have even tried to sneak into a secret former Soviet base to steal a sample of the serum.
If Walter Hardy had succeeded back then, he might not have run into trouble.
However, Peter didn't see it that way. Based on the information he had, it was highly likely that the entire theft was a Hydra scheme, a way to use the "Soviet super-soldier serum" to push a long-shelved "weapons upgrade" plan in the US. So, regardless of what happened, it seemed Walter Hardy couldn't have escaped his fate.
What about Felicia? Why wasn't Felicia a target for Hydra?
Peter suddenly realized there was an inconsistency in the whole affair and asked, "Have you noticed anything strange happening around you?"
"Are you worried that I've been targeted by Hydra, or already have been?" Felicia thought for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary yet. Besides, it's pretty safe around me because you're here. No matter what, Hydra wouldn't try to take down an Avenger so quickly. Since they're still in hiding, it means they want to stay that way."
As long as Hydra was lying low, they would turn a blind eye unless Felicia uncovered something truly explosive. Also, since the Defenders' League had destroyed a "US military illegal human experimentation base," which had no official connection to Hydra, Hydra was happy to let them take the fall.
In fact, if not for that one super-soldier serum vial with the Hydra logo on it, Walter Hardy's death might never have been linked to Hydra, which had been publicly gone for decades. Instead, everyone would have believed it was a US military cover-up. It must be said that Hydra was truly skilled; all the bad things they did became plausible when pinned on the US military.
Hmm, maybe the US government really is like that.
"Harry… even though it's not dangerous around here right now, I think it's better that he doesn't come, just in case. Besides, the girl he likes is inviting him over for dinner in a few days. Once he hears that, he probably won't be in the mood for an adventure anyway."
Peter said, looking at the Kravinoff estate in the distance. The old mansion looked mysterious and eerie under the moonlight. Kraven didn't immediately agree to Peter's invitation. Instead, he said he needed to consult with someone who had the authority to make a decision and suggested that Peter also have a serious talk with the Avengers' leaders so they could communicate first.
Other than that, the one thing that concerned him most was the whereabouts of the Chameleon's mask.
But Peter didn't know where it was. He really had no idea.
On this same night, the events sparked by "Kraven" were not the only things happening.
Colonel James Rhodes, War Machine, was urgently summoned to the Pentagon. Waiting for him was General Ross, the former leader of the Hulk containment team. He was in a conference room watching footage of the Hulk's immense power during the Battle of New York.
"Sir."
"It's ironic, soldier, Colonel Rhodes." General Ross sighed and turned off the video. "In just one day, a monster can become a hero. What do you think of your friend Tony Stark and his colorful friends?"
"Are you trying to talk about the Avengers' illegal or overreaching actions?"
"I'm more concerned about the 'Avengers' of other countries, while we have no Avengers." General Ross didn't say anything more. Rhodey walked over and opened a report that showed that all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, except for France, were starting to form their own official superhero teams.
However, the Avengers were not an official team. In fact, this group, which was almost entirely made up of American citizens, didn't even consider themselves subject to the US government. When President Ellis asked the official in charge of superhuman affairs, "How many superheroes do we have?" the response was:
"We only have War Machine."
"We only have War Machine, Colonel Rhodes." General Ross finally stood up and handed another file to Rhodey. Rhodey saw the file's cover, which read "US Avengers Program," but he didn't take it. Instead, he gave his own answer.
"If America is under attack, I believe the Avengers will protect us."
"And if America isn't under attack?"
Ross's words made the air grow colder. He slapped the file on Rhodey's chest, forcing him to take it.
"You're a soldier, Colonel Rhodes. You know what a soldier's duty is. Take a good look at the people inside and pick a team you need. You will be the leader of the US Avengers."
General Ross left without another word. Rhodey took the file and opened it, looking at the dozen or so files. He had no idea the US government was hiding so many superhumans outside of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The son of a scientist who, after his father was assassinated by an unknown killer, fell into a vat of a special substance and became one with it, turning into a pure energy being that couldn't coalesce without special equipment. A young man who became a living ball of lightning in a subsequent military gamma experiment. A young high school student who allegedly found alien technology and got an alien battlesuit. And another one with the American flag seared onto his armor and a red cape, who called himself Citizen V... a robot?
And these were the most reliable people in the whole file.
"...My God."
Rhodey muttered to himself as he walked out of the Pentagon. He activated his War Machine armor and flew into the sky. He opened a private communication channel with Tony Stark, feeling exhausted. He told his old friend some things that didn't violate the non-disclosure agreement but were likely to be made public soon.
"Tony, I know you're probably not up yet, but listen, buddy, you—more specifically, the Avengers—are in big trouble."
Today's update will be a little late, sorry.
Yesterday was also pretty late.