Southern District Court of New York.
At seven o'clock in the morning, surging masses had already surrounded the courthouse, making passage impossible. Not only the New York Police Department but also the National Guard were present to maintain order. The crowd was so dense it seemed endless—at least a hundred thousand people.
Today was the day Nick Fury, Director of SHIELD, would stand trial. Yesterday, Nick Fury had appeared publicly, stating he had absolutely no connection with demons. He claimed ignorance about why Clint Barton had become a fiend's helper. SHIELD was innocent, as was he. To provide explanation to the global populace, he voluntarily agreed to trial at the Southern District Court of New York the following day.
This speech quickly generated responses. Masses of reporters and citizens rushed to the courthouse entrance immediately. Journalists reported breathlessly before cameras, while the public chanted slogans, demanding the court sentence the "traitor" to death.
At the Avengers' headquarters, Jason watched the television coverage.
"Ring... Ring..."
His phone rang again—likely President Freeman calling. He'd made hundreds of calls over recent days. The President believed the only person worldwide who could rescue him was probably Jason.
However, saving Freeman now meant opposing the masses, and Jason preferred avoiding such entanglements. Under immense pressure, desperate Freeman had abandoned his principles.
He promised Jason numerous conditions, including priority law enforcement rights and temporary judicial authority across America for Jason and the Avengers. The government would subsidize the Avengers through covert fund transfers, provide substantial support, unlock America's advanced technological secrets, and directly grant bases.
Additionally, Freeman pledged that if Jason saved him, he'd leverage the situation to dismantle SHIELD and surrender SHIELD's Washington DC headquarters—the Triskelion Building—plus many SHIELD assets to Jason.
Jason was deeply tempted by this generous offer. But he understood Freeman's promises were mere wishful thinking. Currently, his commands couldn't even leave the White House.
To make Freeman fulfill his promises required changing public perception of him and placing nuclear attack blame on New York elsewhere. After discussions, Freeman reluctantly selected two sacrificial lambs: Vice President Barden and Defense Secretary Leland Parner.
But this wasn't sufficient. To make people believe required adding more explosive plot developments and surprises. They rapidly crafted their narrative.
The Vice President, Barden, always coveting the presidency. Due to countless recent catastrophes, the President had suffered depression and overwhelming stress. Thus Barden conspired with the presidential medical staff, administering excessive anxiety medications, causing abnormal mental states characterized by irritability, rage, and impulsiveness.
During New York's demonic invasion, the Vice President and Defense Secretary spread falsehoods, misguided the public, and instigated nuclear strikes. They were the genuine culprits.
After Jason and Freeman finalizes their scheme, Jason secretly journeyed to Washington. Freeman contacted these concealed subordinates, expressed friendly concern about their circumstances, and successfully obtained their addresses. Last night, Jason located them and administered Stryker's son serum to their neck bases, bringing them under control.
Jason's strategy was straightforward. If Nick Fury dared face trial this morning, he'd never depart the courthouse alive. Simple reason: this was New York, where he might easily be gunned down.
When Nick Fury entered the courtroom, Freeman would present medical examination reports and evidence detailing Vice President Barden and Defense Secretary Parner's transgressions while confessing to the nation.
Second phase: Upon realizing truth's exposure, Defense Secretary Parner would leave a suicide note and end his life.
Vice President Barden would deliver a televised declaration admitting guilt and accepting punishment. But enraged masses would discover his location, storm inside, and kill him.
Third phase: Freeman would mobilize remaining resources to encourage senior administrative officials, justices, and legislators to declare support.
Fourth phase: The White House would announce Clint Barton as the primary perpetrator of New York's demonic invasion, declaring secret intelligence organization SHIELD bore inescapable responsibility.
Immediate commands would deploy Washington police and National Guard to encircle SHIELD headquarters—the Triskelion Building—demanding complete SHIELD personnel capitulation.
Fifth phase: The Avengers and Jason would publicly declare backing for Freeman.
Sixth phase: Freeman would deliver a heartfelt televised apology.
The strategy wasn't flawless, but optimal given emergency circumstances. They'd assess initial stages first. If conditions proved unfavorable, phase five would be canceled.
Just then, television imagery shifted. A motorcade navigated through masses toward the courthouse entrance with difficulty. Some suspected this conveyed Nick Fury, SHIELD's director.
Suddenly, an explosion of profanity erupted from the masses, followed by hails of stones, bricks, clubs, decayed eggs, and spoiled produce striking the vehicles. Several "BANG! BANG!" sounds emerged amid chaos. Multiple silvery dents appeared on dark car exteriors.
Fortunately, vehicles were armored, while police and National Guards preserved order nearby. The convoy charged directly into the courthouse's underground parking without hesitation.
From his television viewpoint, Jason slightly furrowed his brow. He immediately sensed something irregular about Nick Fury's action to appear and willingly face judgment. Would this veteran tactician—resolute, merciless, and cunning—yield to public criticism and accept prosecution? Or had he predicted SHIELD faced existential threats, voluntarily sacrificing himself to preserve the organization? Was he that selfless?
Or... Jason's lips suddenly curved knowingly. Perhaps Nick Fury chose exactly what Jason anticipated most!
He checked the time—precisely eight o'clock. Proceedings had commenced. He approached the window—he needed witnessing this spectacle personally!
"WHOOM~"
He gestured, and Mjolnir flew automatically to his grip. Silver armor with crimson cape materialized instantly. His silhouette flashed, cutting across the heavens.
Proceedings commenced, and complete silence filled the courtroom. The judge surveyed the camera assemblage below while examining Nick Fury, who stood erect in his dark coat, cleared his throat, prepared to speak.
Unexpectedly, Nick Fury preempted him.
"Your Honor, I'm not here for judgment!"
He rotated, confronting countless cameras: "Today, this court may sentence as it wishes, but what I declare is—I'll never plead guilty!"
The judge remained speechless.
Nick Fury inhaled deeply, expression grave, voice passionate: "Esteemed citizens, I understand SHIELD operates covertly, but that doesn't make us villainous. How can you disregard our global contributions? During nights while you rest, celebrate, or remain oblivious—SHIELD agents battle worldwide evil!
Some sustained injuries, others perished in these conflicts! We've sacrificed far beyond your comprehension! Every SHIELD member eternally prioritizes maintaining global peace and protecting civilian existence!"
His single eye betrayed momentary sorrow: "You all categorize Clint Barton as demonic. Did none consider possible manipulation? Go ask that bastr... ahem, Savior Jason— If he and Barton ever fought together? If they ever safe New York together?
Ladies and gentlemen, I possess abundant proof demonstrating..."
By the courthouse entrance, Jason's flyover generated screams and celebration from masses. He descended before the courthouse stairs, acknowledging everyone. As he prepared entering the chamber, a reporter abruptly called: "Savior! Sir Savior, why are you here?"
Jason hesitated slightly, contemplated briefly, descended stairs toward camera arrays. Solemnly, he declared: "People, I won't deceive you—I've fought alongside Clint Barton. At that time, he was a hero. Despite SHIELD agent, he meaningfully contributed to New Yorkers. This truth remains immutable.
Yet I genuinely cannot understant his transformation! How does virtue become vice, champion become monster? What transpired? Shouldn't SHIELD give us the answer? I'd question Mr. Nick Fury: why did my former brother-in-arms turn weapons against me? Why was I forced to kill him? What significance held Clint Barton's dying warning: 'Beware of Nick Fury'?"
BOOOM!
Masses erupted again! Clint Barton cautioned against Nick Fury? The revelation emerges! Nick Fury surely betrayed humanity!
"Skip trial—execute him!"
"Assassinate Nick Fury!"
Jason shook his head: "People, I've arrived today seeking answer!"
With that, he proceeded courtroomward.
The trial progressed while two bailiffs guarded the chamber entrance. Typically, despite nationwide broadcast, excessive attendance prevented newcomers.
But facing them, he inquired casually, "May I enter?"
"Absolutely! Mr. Savior!"
Within the chamber, Nick Fury's speech proved emotionally compelling. Pumping his fist, he proclaimed: "Beloved people, open your eyes—we, SHIELD..."
"CREEEEEAK..." An exceptionally amplified sound. The courtroom portal swung wide.
"THUD... THUD... THUD..."
Measured, commanding footfall resonated as an attractive visage emerged, captured by cameras worldwide. The chamber immediately stirred, numerous murmuring commenced.
"Amazing—the Savior!"
"Magnificent! Earth's most attractive hero!"
"Is that legendary Mjolnir? Fitting for heaven's chosen champion!"
Nick Fury suspended his discourse, studying Jason with predatory focus. Jason positioned himself oppositely, then unexpectedly grinned.
"Monster, I can see that you are not a human!"
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