As the Raft Prison lay paralyzed in the Atlantic Ocean, a flash of light erupted from Tony Stark's mansion on the West Coast. After a few brief words to Pepper, Tony took to the skies in a brand-new suit of armor. Watching through the cameras, Killian stared at the new suit, feeling a vague, inexplicable sense of dread.
It was a red suit in the classic color scheme, with certain sections sprayed in traditional gold. However, the most distinctive features were the brand-new hexagonal Arc Reactor on the chest and the sleek, streamlined contours that mimicked human musculature, moving away from a heavy mechanical aesthetic.
"Shoot him down!"
Killian made a snap decision. This attack helicopter was destined to return empty-handed, but that didn't stop him from wanting to see what kind of trick Tony Stark had pulled out of his sleeve. Tony didn't go easy on him either; he directly caught the air-to-air missile fired at him and hurled it back at the helicopter, ending the transmission.
"Sir, the fuse indicates it didn't meet the trigger requirements," an analyst reported, looking as if he had seen a ghost while reading the missile's data. "The tracking radar didn't detect any heat source at all!"
Killian frowned and then decided instantly: "No matter what trouble he brings, leave it all to the Super-Adaptoid. Notify the Mandarin; tell him to get ready to move."
"Jarvis, report status."
[Spider-Man has sent word; he has headed to the Raft. However, the specific situation at the prison is currently unclear, and no data has been transmitted back from Ultron's side.]
"Alright, let's see what we can do... A message from the Captain?"
Tony was surprised to see Steve's message. Apparently, the President's public appearance was under threat from the Mandarin's terrorist activities. Furthermore, the President—for some unknown reason—had actually been successfully persuaded by a "close aide" to let the U.S. Avengers protect him against the evil Ten Rings terrorists. It was a move to prove to the world that the U.S. government and the President did not fear any enemy.
"How about we let this guy get kidnapped first?" Tony asked the Captain in all seriousness. "I feel like our Lord President won't make any progress unless he suffers a little."
"Tony... we can't do that."
"What's wrong? Captain America has to protect the American President? It feels weird regardless of whether the answer is yes or no."
Naturally, Steve didn't feel responsible for protecting the President just because of the 'A' on his head, but rather because of that extreme future: "If Matthew Ellis dies, it will likely accelerate the birth of the Nimrod Sentinels."
"Perhaps, but it's more likely because I die."
"...When can you get here?" The Captain was finally left speechless. "We are arriving at the venue now. When can you make it?"
"Probably faster than you guys. What about the Raft?"
"Spider-Man notified the Fantastic Four. They will help us investigate the situation there."
Leading the remaining three members of the Avengers—Hulk, Thor, and Black Panther—the Captain arrived at the Pittsburgh area via Quinjet. The President was currently giving a speech there, and it was the location where they received reports that the Mandarin planned to launch a terrorist attack.
When the Captain and his team arrived at the venue, they were decisively intercepted by the U.S. Avengers. War Machine, as the team leader, quickly moved in front of the Avengers, raising a hand in a stopping gesture. "Sorry, Captain, but you can't pass."
"We have very important matters to report to the President, Colonel Rhodes." The Captain tried his best not to arouse suspicion, though the Avengers' sudden arrival was suspicious enough. However, considering the proximity between the U.S. Avengers and the President, if they acted now, they would not only lose the PR battle due to a lack of evidence but would also make it easier for the enemy to seize the President.
So, the Captain's plan was to first pretend the Avengers were concerned about the situation, suggesting that the Avengers and the U.S. Avengers work together to safeguard President Ellis.
But the War Machine before him was undeniably uncompromising, simply blocking them repeatedly. "Sorry, Captain, we are responsible for the President's safety. The Avengers are not permitted entry."
The Captain sighed helplessly. "Are you implying the Avengers are a security risk, or do you believe the Avengers lack the ability to assist in the President's defense? I'm a soldier, Colonel Rhodes. We heard the news and came specifically to protect the President."
"The U.S. Avengers are sufficient to protect the President."
"And if they aren't?"
"...You are doubting the capabilities of the U.S. Avengers."
"I am ensuring there are no mistakes." The Captain suppressed his anger as much as possible. "You should be aware that if something happens to the President right after the Ten Rings issued an attack warning, it's all over."
"We will ensure everything is foolproof."
"Is that so? The speech is about to begin. Are your reconnaissance outposts in place? How many suspicious individuals have you identified? Have agents and security lookouts been stationed at the surrounding high points?"
The Captain scanned the perimeter and reached an obvious conclusion: they hadn't done any of it. He looked at War Machine, who still stiffly replied, "The U.S. Avengers will be responsible for this..."
"Can you take responsibility if something actually happens?! You bunch of rookies can't even handle basic perimeter security, yet you're standing here making vows? You haven't caught a single dangerous individual, everyone attending the speech is entering without any inspection, and your only action since arriving here has been to stop the Avengers?!"
The Captain roared at War Machine, pointing to the large letter 'A' on his helmet: "Look at my head! What do you think the 'A' on my head stands for?! France?!"
War Machine seemed startled by the roar. Seeing the Captain's fury, he obediently moved aside to clear the way. "The Avengers will participate in this mission alongside the U.S. Avengers, but it needs to be arranged properly."
"Thank you, Colonel."
Tony, who had been listening via comms, couldn't help but laugh. Only after the Captain led the Avengers inside did Tony tease him over the link: "Captain America's roar... you know, if someone filmed that, those 'Old White Men' would be absolutely thrilled."
"I don't care about that, Tony. You need to get here fast. Ultron's intel was correct. There is something wrong with the U.S. Avengers. At the very least, there is something wrong with War Machine."
Tony looked at the images Jarvis provided of black smoke rising from the Raft, then looked at Ms. Marvel flying in the sky on guard. "That might be a bit of a problem, Cap. I'll get there as soon as I can."
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