United Nations General Assembly
Extraordinary Session on the Chitauri Invasion
The murmur of simultaneous translations fills the hall. An image of New York remains suspended in the air.
"The Chitauri invasion," speaks the representative of the United States of America, "marked a before and after in the history of global security. It was not just an attack against my country. It was a warning to everyone."
He makes a measured gesture with his hand.
"The response was immediate. Coordinated and effective thanks to the leadership of the U.S. government and the joint deployment with the team known as the Avengers, the threat was contained and repelled from North American skies."
The delegate from the United Kingdom slightly inclines his head before speaking.
"From our perspective," he says, in a diplomatic tone, "the actions of the Avengers established a necessary precedent. We are not talking about improvised vigilantes, but about individuals who acted under clear coordination in a situation of global emergency."
He looks around.
"Without that structure, the outcome would have been… considerably worse."
"We agree," adds the representative of Canada. "The speed with which critical zones were evacuated shows that when institutions and recognized heroes work together, the human impact can be reduced."
The American nods, appreciative.
"Exactly. The evacuation of New York was a success. Millions of civilians brought to safety thanks to early warning and cooperation from law enforcement."
The delegate from Russia lets out a faint nasal laugh before activating his microphone.
"An interesting definition of 'early warning,'" he comments. "According to our reports, much of the civilian population began evacuating hours before the portal opened, and your country's excuse that knowledge of what would happen came from… 'intelligence,' a conclusion based on SHIELD reports."
The room tightens slightly.
"The situation was chaotic," the American responds. "Even so, a greater catastrophe was avoided. Our intelligence agents were crucial in determining where the incident would occur. We preferred to evacuate a city in the face of an extraterrestrial threat."
"No one disputes that," interjects the delegate from France, hands clasped. "What is being discussed is the narrative."
She gestures toward the screen.
"Speaking of a clean response is… convenient. But incomplete."
The American frowns.
"What do you mean?"
"That not only the Avengers acted in the city."
Some delegates shift in their seats.
"The so-called street-level heroes," she continues, "actively participated. Spider-Man, Jewel, Daredevil, and several others whose identities we do not know. They were not fighting ships, they were fighting panic. Guiding civilians, clearing routes. They were crucial to the evacuation."
The delegate from the United Kingdom intervenes carefully.
"That does not invalidate the central role of the Avengers."
"No," France replies. "But neither does it justify everything. Denying them recognition would be a lack of respect for their commitment to the common good and to everyone they helped."
Her words are soft and perfectly measured.
"And then there is Legion."
The name slides through the room.
"Legion confronted the one known as Terrax," she continues. "An enemy who, according to multiple records, pushed even the two most powerful members of the Avengers team to their limits."
"Allow me to correct that," the U.S. representative interrupts quickly. "Terrax was defeated through a joint effort."
"Then," interjects the delegate of the Argentine Republic, without raising his voice, "why was that effort not mentioned from the beginning?"
Brief silence.
"It does not seem like a minor omission," he adds. "It seems selective."
The delegate from Brazil joins in, measured in tone.
"From our region we followed the events closely. And the truth is that the reconstruction of New York drew more attention than the invasion itself."
The screen shows the intact city again.
"Our analysts agree on one thing," he continues. "That reconstruction was not the work of any state body nor of the Avengers."
The American tenses.
"The city was restored thanks to multiple factors…"
"In minutes," interrupts the delegate from Germany. "Not weeks. Not months. Minutes."
He leans toward the microphone.
"We do not diminish the Avengers' merit. They were essential. But New York's current integrity is due to the direct action of an individual whose name is being avoided here. Legion was a key piece on the board. Ignoring his participation would be a mistake."
================================================================
The Helicarrier's gym was almost empty.
White lights reflected off the polished metal, and the constant hum was barely noticeable inside.
At one of the side tables, improvised as a dining area, Steve Rogers sits with a tray in front of him. Chicken breast, vegetables, bread. A simple, satisfying meal.
In front of them, a screen shows the UN session in progress.
Natasha leans back in her chair, idly twirling a fork between her fingers. Clint chews calmly, eyes fixed on the television.
"Look at that…" Steve says, breaking the silence. "Countries supporting a joint initiative without threatening each other. In my day we barely managed to agree on fighting the Nazis… and the enemy was pretty clear."
Clint smiles sideways.
"Welcome to the twenty-first century. Sometimes they cooperate. Sometimes they just pretend to."
Natasha tilts her head, watching one of the delegates take the floor.
"The world changed," she says. "Now threats come from the sky, from other dimensions… or from people with impossible abilities. That forces conversation, even if they don't want to listen."
Steve nods slowly.
"Still…" he frowns. "There's something I don't understand. According to SHIELD reports, the government never issued a formal alert during the invasion. The evacuation was never officially ordered."
Clint swallows and points at the screen with his fork.
"Yeah, well… I'd bet that was the kid's doing."
Steve looks at him.
"Legion?"
"Yep." Clint shrugs. "He evacuated entire neighborhoods before anyone in an office picked up the phone. But since there was no public confirmation, the government took the credit. It sounds much better to say 'we repelled an alien invasion' than 'a teenager showed up and saved our asses.'"
Natasha lets out a small laugh.
"Great for the image of a strong, self-sufficient great power."
Steve lowers his gaze for a second, uncomfortable.
"I always focused more on the army, on battles… I never noticed politics was… such a dirty game. I wouldn't like to be part of that."
Natasha leans forward, elbows on the table.
"Sorry to tell you, Captain," she says with a crooked smile, "but if you're an Avenger, you're already part of the game. Like it or not, you're a piece. We all are."
Steve doesn't answer right away. On the screen, a delegate mentions the "efficient reconstruction of New York" without details.
"So…" he finally says, "is that why they also avoid mentioning that Legion rebuilt the entire city?"
Natasha scoffs softly.
"Yeah. Giving him official credit would mean admitting they owe him a huge one," she explains. "It would mean accepting him as a key piece of the operation. And if they do that… they can't talk against him later. Much less try to stop him."
Clint nods.
"From the outside it would look like the United States attacking one of its own benefactors. That doesn't sell."
"It breaks the story," Natasha adds. "The 'American dream,' the free country, the savior of the world. It doesn't fit that an unknown, without a flag or authorization, did their job… and better than them."
Steve watches the screen in silence.
"That's not fair," he says at last.
Natasha shrugs.
"It never is."
The broadcast continues. Diplomatic voices, measured applause, carefully chosen words.
==========================================================
The murmur grows again in the General Assembly when the Avengers emblem reappears on the screens.
The session president grants the floor to the representative of Japan.
"Japan recognizes the strategic value of the team known as the Avengers," he declares, with a formal bow. "Their intervention during the Chitauri invasion prevented incalculable losses, both structural and human. However, we believe it necessary to point out that the current model presents structural limitations."
Some delegates exchange looks.
"In a world where threats respect neither borders nor traditional response times," he continues, "relying on a small group of individuals, however exceptional, may not be sufficient in the long term."
The U.S. representative activates his microphone almost immediately.
"Are you suggesting the Avengers project is inadequate?" he asks, calm but firm. "Because, frankly, no country here would be able to respond with the necessary speed to a threat of that magnitude. Without that team, today we'd be debating ruins."
From Australia's section, a delegate visibly nods.
"We agree," he intervenes. "The Avengers proved to be an effective tool against an unprecedented threat. Canceling or weakening the project would be irresponsible."
The Japanese representative raises a hand, serene.
"I never proposed its cancellation," he corrects. "Japan supports the Avengers initiative. What we propose is strengthening it."
He pauses briefly.
"We believe the project should not be limited solely to its founding members. Under a strict process of evaluation, international oversight, and transparency, other individuals with extraordinary abilities could be integrated."
The murmur intensifies.
The delegate from South Africa takes the floor.
"From our perspective, expanding the team could allow for more equitable representation," she notes. "Exceptional threats require exceptional solutions. It should not be concentrated in just a few actors."
From another row, the representative of Hungary intervenes neutrally.
"That opens a delicate question," he says. "What criteria will be used to define who is suitable? Some of these 'special' individuals possess… characteristics that generate concern among broad sectors of the population."
A shared understanding hangs in the air.
"Integrating them could be perceived as a hasty normalization of elements we still do not fully understand," adds the delegate from Italy cautiously, "especially if we speak of people who do not fit traditional security parameters."
Before the atmosphere worsens, New Zealand's representative asks to speak.
"With all due respect," he says, "we are dangerously close to stigmatization. If we speak of individuals with extraordinary abilities, then we must evaluate them by their actions, not by their nature, something clearly no one can change no matter how much they want to."
A brief, uncomfortable silence settles.
The Japanese delegate nods.
"That is precisely why we speak of rigorous processes," he resumes. "Not automatic acceptance nor preventive exclusion. Japan believes this debate must occur without prejudice and with a vision of the future."
The Assembly president intervenes, adjusting the microphone.
"We appreciate the proposal," he says. "Any modification to the Avengers project will require consensus, clear protocols, and deep evaluations. This is not a matter that can be resolved in a single session."
He looks around the hall.
"But it is clear that the world has changed."
He taps the gavel lightly.
"It is hereby recorded that the possible expansion of the Avengers project will be discussed in future meetings," he declares. "We proceed to the next item on the agenda."
The screens change image.
==============================================================
Somewhere in New York, an apartment in a strange balance between lived-in disorder and comfortable home. Jessica Jones sits with her elbows propped, watching television with little faith in humanity, while her sister happily chews, swinging a foot in the air.
A pleasant afternoon snack between sisters.
On the screen, the UN broadcast continues.
"…the possible integration of other individuals with extraordinary abilities into the Avengers project…"
"DID YOU HEAR THAT?!" her sister shrieks suddenly, almost jumping out of her chair. "Jess! Jess, Jess, Jess!"
Jessica barely blinks.
"Yes, I heard it. You don't need to—"
"YOU'RE GOING TO BE AN AVENGER!" she declares, as if fireworks had just gone off. "I knew it, I knew you'd be famous. I knew it from the first punch you threw in that alley. This is huge."
She starts talking without breathing.
"Okay, first: new suit. No more sad leather, something more… iconic. Second: an A. Not huge, but visible. Third: interviews. Fourth: you'll introduce me to Captain America."
Jessica grimaces.
"Don't you think you're rushing—"
"CAPTAIN AMERICA!" she continues, ignoring her. "Did you know he's single? I read it. On the internet. A reliable source. Well… several. Jess, that man is living history and on top of that has pecs carved by angels themselves. Total hunk."
She gestures with her hands as if kneading invisible dough.
"I'm pretty sure you could bounce a coin off those."
"Okay, stop," Jessica says, leaning forward and grabbing her hands. "Brake. We breathe. One thing at a time."
Trish looks at her, eyes still shining.
"There's nothing confirmed yet," Jessica continues, softer. "They haven't approved anything. They haven't recruited anyone. This could take months. Years. Or never happen. That's how politics works."
A second of silence. Trish's eyes return to normal as her breathing settles.
"You're right…" she admits, shoulders dropping a little. "Sorry. I got excited."
Jessica releases her hands with a small smile.
"A little, yeah."
They both turn back to the television. Diplomatic murmurs fill the apartment.
A few seconds pass.
Jessica tilts her head.
"Hey," she says, with a crooked smile. "Why are you still moving your fingers?"
Her sister looks down. Her hands are still there, slowly squeezing the air.
"…Am I being very obvious?"
"Very."
Trish smiles shamelessly.
"I'm still imagining Captain America's pecs."
Jessica snorts, leans back in her chair, and shakes her head.
"Great. When the world falls apart, at least I know exactly what'll motivate you to save it."
==============================================================
The X-Mansion is steeped in dense silence. The living room remains in half-light, illuminated by the screen where the UN broadcast advances through measured speeches and polite applause.
Ororo slightly furrows her brow and looks around.
"And Logan?" she asks. "I thought he'd want to see this."
Jean smiles faintly, almost amused.
"He said long talks and politics bore him," she replies. "He's in the garage, fixing his motorcycle… or pretending to."
A soft snort travels through the room, easy to imagine coming from the absent Canadian.
To one side, Charles Xavier watches without moving, fingers interlaced, gaze fixed on the screen.
Beast leans slightly forward, attentive eyes behind his glasses.
"It is… evident," Hank says, in his ever academic tone, "the caution. Some countries don't even bother hiding their distrust. When they speak of 'special individuals,' the subtext is clear: mutants."
Charles brings a hand to his chin, thoughtful, without looking away from the broadcast.
"Fear rarely needs names," he replies calmly. "Insinuations suffice."
Ororo crosses her arms, her expression hardening.
"I'm not surprised. These days no one dares openly speak against us," she says, "but neither do they defend us. They barely mention us."
Jean nods, leaning against the back of the couch.
"Our image hasn't worsened," she adds, "but the margin for improvement is minimal. We're still stuck in the same place."
Scott, standing by the window, clenches his fists.
"And Magneto doesn't help," he says tensely. "Every action by the Brotherhood stains the mutant name even more. We stop them, again and again, but to the world we're just 'the other mutant group.' Nothing more."
Silence falls again. Scott slowly turns toward Charles.
"We should have gone to New York."
Charles looks at him, serious.
"Scott…"
"We could have helped," he continues. "Fought the invasion. Saved people. Shown them who we really are. That there are mutants who fight for justice, for the innocent. That we can be heroes too."
Charles lowers his gaze for a moment.
"Perhaps… you're right," he admits. "Perhaps I should have listened to you. But the scale of the invasion was enormous. I feared for you. I feared something terrible could happen to you."
Scott steps forward.
"We've trained for this since we were young," he says. "We know what's at stake and we're willing to risk our lives. If we always fear what might happen to us, the world will never understand us."
He looks at Jean, at Ororo, at Beast.
"If you want to see change, Professor, sometimes you have to take risks. That's what the X-Men are for. To protect the defenseless."
He pauses, firm.
"Not only mutants. Everyone."
Charles closes his eyes for a second, still thinking of the implications such actions would have for them.
The room returns to silence, broken only by the voices from the television.
Jean stands and approaches Scott. He watches her for a few seconds before she places her hand on his arm and smiles warmly.
Scott's shoulders relax as she nestles against his chest. He wraps his arms around her waist and rests his cheek against Jean's head.
"We'll find our opportunity, Scott. We'll show the world that the X-Men are heroes too."
Those words echo in Scott's mind, a psychic message from his beloved that strengthens his determination even more.
================================================================
The council chamber fills with murmurs again when the session president announces the final item of the day.
"We proceed to the analysis of the individual known as Legion."
The atmosphere shifts immediately. There is no comfortable formality now. There is real discomfort.
The delegate from China requests the floor.
"The People's Republic of China considers it deeply concerning that an unidentified individual has operated within multiple sovereign states without authorization," he declares. "This constitutes a direct violation of international law and sets a dangerous precedent. No actor, however capable, should be above the laws of nations."
Before he finishes, Russia activates its microphone.
"We agree," he says, voice grave. "Today he stops criminals. Tomorrow he might decide he dislikes a government. We propose his immediate location and detention under international custody to determine his true nature and intentions."
An uneasy murmur ripples through the hall.
From Iran, the representative nods firmly.
"This individual has intervened in sensitive regions without any permission," he adds. "What guarantee do we have that he will not act as a tool of foreign influence? The lack of identity is, in itself, a threat."
"Or a convenient excuse," interjects the delegate from Norway, visibly annoyed.
North Korea's delegate takes the floor, tone cold and almost robotic.
"Our position is clear," he says. "No individual with extraordinary capabilities should operate freely. History shows that uncontrolled 'saviors' end up becoming weapons. If he cannot be regulated, he must be neutralized."
The mention of neutralization sparks brief discussion, many representatives condemning such a measure.
From Turkey, the representative leans forward.
"Our country has experienced unauthorized interventions in the past," he says. "While we acknowledge Legion's positive results, we cannot ignore the risk of allowing someone to act without accountability."
"Positive results," repeats Brazil, taking the floor. "In my country, Legion saved entire sectors during natural disasters when international aid took days to arrive. Speaking of neutralizing him without acknowledging this is dishonest, and that's without even mentioning his help against organized crime."
Saudi Arabia's delegate intervenes, diplomatic but firm.
"Intent does not replace legality," he states. "If we allow this, tomorrow any sufficiently powerful individual may cross borders and decide what justice is."
From Germany, the voice is more cautious.
"We cannot ignore that Legion has acted where traditional mechanisms failed," he says. "But we also cannot accept a total lack of oversight. The problem is not his help, but the absence of dialogue."
India intervenes with a slight bow of the head.
"It is striking that some countries only speak of sovereignty when they cannot control the actor involved," he points out. "Legion has not overthrown governments, demanded resources, or imposed ideologies. He has only helped."
"That does not mean he couldn't," China replies immediately.
From Canada, the delegate speaks calmly.
"We propose exploring voluntary channels of communication. Not persecution, not glorification. Cooperation."
"And if he refuses?" asks Nicaragua. "Do we wait until he acts against us?"
Sweden's delegate frowns.
"What I hear," she says, "is a desire for absolute control disguised as global concern. There is talk of imprisoning, studying, neutralizing… we are talking about a person."
"A person?" Iran responds. "No one can ensure that he is."
"And that kind of language," New Zealand counters, "is exactly what has historically justified abuses."
Voices begin to overlap. France supports regulation. Turkey demands clear limits. Canada urges caution. Russia insists again on containment. China speaks of dangerous precedents. The tone rises, words sharpen.
The United States attempts to mediate… with little success.
The tension escalates.
"Order!" exclaims the session chair, standing. "This council is not a verbal battlefield."
Silence falls, tense.
"This body exists for diplomatic dialogue, not veiled threats nor adolescent disputes," he continues. "Given the absence of any consensus, the matter of the individual known as Legion is suspended until the next session."
He strikes the gavel.
"I expect that by then, each delegation will attend with clear, rational, and civilized proposals."
The cameras shut off one by one. Delegates rise amid loaded glances and whispered conversations.
The name Legion lingers in the hall, a subject the nations have yet to find a way to deal with.
================================================================
The chamber was spacious, bathed in golden light filtering through the organic shapes of Wakandan architecture.
Floating screens displayed the UN meeting, where echoes of accusations, fears, and heated speeches still resonated.
Seated with regal bearing, T'Chaka watched the scene with arms crossed, brow marked by a mix of disdain and weariness.
"They argue as if the world were upheld by words alone," he pronounced. "Useless and arrogant. They believe themselves pillars of an order they cannot defend without help."
Beside him, Queen Ramonda said nothing. She simply gave him a look. One that needed no translation.
T'Chaka cleared his throat, uncomfortable.
"It is not an attitude you should show before our children," she said calmly, but firmly. "Even less so as king."
A second of silence.
T'Challa and Shuri exchanged a glance… and barely suppressed a complicit smile.
"Mom scolded dad," Shuri murmured, barely moving her lips.
T'Challa let out a brief amused breath… cut short when Okoye, standing behind them with the Dora Milaje, gave him a light tap on the leg with the tip of her foot.
The message was clear: behave.
T'Chaka straightened in his seat, back upright.
"Wakanda has stood for centuries," he continued, voice deeper. "No one who has tried to invade us has lived to tell the tale. We have grown stronger with each generation, bowing to no one."
A young Shuri raised her hand.
"With respect, father," she said. "Other countries are at a clear disadvantage. They do not have nearly unlimited vibranium as we do."
T'Chaka turned to her, serious.
"What made us great was not vibranium, my daughter," he corrected. "It was the wisdom of our leaders. Kings and queens who knew when to fight, when to wait, and when to protect. Metal is a tool. The mind is the true strength."
Ramonda nodded slowly.
"On that, I agree with your father," she added. "Power without wisdom only hastens the fall."
T'Challa, who had remained silent, watching the screen, spoke then.
"And if Legion entered our territory?"
T'Chaka let out a brief, dry laugh.
"That is not something we need consider," he replied. "He could not even enter. Wakanda is not like the rest of the world. Those concerns belong to other nations."
The screen now showed delegates raising their voices, cross-accusations, fear disguised as diplomacy.
T'Challa did not answer. He only exchanged a brief look with Okoye.
It was not a look of fear. It was one of doubt.
And in Wakanda, even doubt was something worth listening to.
========================================================
HEEEY, HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING? HOPE YOU'RE DOING WELL
THIS IS WHERE WE'LL LEAVE THE UN AND THE NEWS FOR NOW. WE MAY SEE OTHER POVs IN LATER CHAPTERS
POLITICS IS A VERY COMPLICATED GAME. MANY COUNTRIES, MANY OPINIONS, MANY POINTS OF VIEW. WHO IS RIGHT? WHO IS WRONG? WHO IS GOING TOO FAR? THE WORLD HAS CHANGED, AND THE LEADERS OF EACH COUNTRY ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW THEY MIGHT FACE THE FUTURE
I WONDER WHAT AWAITS US DOWN THE ROAD… BUT IN THE MEANTIME… THE MUTANTS ARE DRAWING CLOSER X-MEN THEME MUSIC
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER, BABES. TAKE CARE :)
PS: I'M STILL DEBATING THE PATREON THING. I WOULDN'T REALLY BE ABLE TO OFFER MUCH BEYOND DIALOGUE OR OPINIONS, MAYBE A POLL OR TWO? IF THAT WERE THE CASE IT'D BE 1 DOLLAR. ASKING FOR MORE WOULD FEEL LIKE A RIP-OFF, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF I FEEL GREAT ABOUT THE IDEA EITHER… EH