Chương 366: Chapter: 366
"Alright, Uncle Rhodey, you and Coulson don't need to argue anymore. We all know who's to blame for this situation."
Mark approached and gave Rhodey a hug, gently patting his back as if to soothe his agitated emotions.
Unnoticed by anyone, while embracing Rhodey, Mark leaned in and whispered a few words in his ear: "You did great, Uncle Rhodey. T'Challa should already be in action on Captain's side. Everything is under our control."
"Director! Director!"
Just at that moment, a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent rushed into the meeting room, urgently calling for Coulson, his expression full of anxiety.
"Director, General Ross has called in on a secure line, saying that the Raft prison has been attacked and S.H.I.E.L.D. support is needed immediately! Director, please issue the orders quickly."
"When did this happen? And why didn't General Ross contact me directly on my communicator?" Coulson swiftly approached the agent, asking with a serious tone.
"Sir, this happened several minutes ago. General Ross mentioned that he couldn't get through to your communicator and had to contact headquarters first to inform you."
"Several minutes ago! How could you delay reporting such an important matter to me for so long?" Coulson reproached.
The agent seemed rather frustrated and immediately defended himself, "Director, it's not that I didn't want to inform you promptly.
When I came in, the security personnel at the entrance of the Avengers base told me that there were numerous confidential technologies and important files inside the base.
To prevent information leakage, my identity and belongings had to be checked by them. Only after passing their inspection was I allowed in.
I wanted to contact you and have you come out, but your communicator wasn't working either. The security at the entrance wouldn't listen to my explanations, insisting that I follow their protocol.
I had no choice but to delay a few minutes until I cleared the inspection and could come in to deliver the message."
First, the communicator couldn't receive incoming calls, and then, a S.H.I.E.L.D agent had to undergo a previously unheard-of inspection process to enter.
If it were just one of these incidents, it could be explained as a coincidence. However, when such troublesome occurrences coincided with the attack on the Raft prison, there was only one plausible explanation.
Coulson turned to Tony and Mark, who appeared composed, his eyes filled with suspicion, and asked, "Do you have something to tell me?"
Facing Coulson's inquiry, Mark feigned ignorance, avoiding eye contact and glancing around, refusing to answer his question.
Tony then clapped his hands as if suddenly remembering something, "Oh, right! I almost forgot to tell you, Coulson.
During our confrontation with the Green Goblin, our intelligence was severely compromised, making our actions extremely difficult and constantly under the control of the enemy.
To prevent further information leaks, this morning we implemented additional security measures within the base, strengthened the control over incoming and outgoing personnel, and installed signal-blocking devices for communication and wireless networks within the base.
Be cautious when you enter in the future. We wouldn't want you to face situations like today, where urgent matters couldn't be communicated."
After Tony finished, he shrugged at Coulson, adopting an innocent expression of someone who had just recalled something important.
"..." Faced with the behavior of Tony and Mark acting so nonchalant, without any evidence, Coulson couldn't accuse them of anything. He quickly turned to the agent who had brought in the news and left the Avengers base.
Outside, the two quickly boarded the Quinjet on the tarmac. It was then that Coulson took out his communicator and saw that the communication signal had returned to normal.
He immediately contacted the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent at headquarters, officially issuing the director's order, demanding that all agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. who were not on active missions immediately depart for the Raft prison.
After ending the call, he immediately dialed another number to contact General Ross, "General Ross, this is Phil Coulson. How's the situation at the Raft prison? I've issued the support order, and all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents currently in position are on their way there."
"Why did you take so long to provide support? And why couldn't I reach you earlier? It's too late now, far too late! Steve Rogers and the others have already been taken by unknown invaders."
"What about the other inmates? Did any other dangerous felons take advantage of the situation to escape?" Coulson asked anxiously.
"No, this time only Rogers and the two others were rescued; no other major criminals managed to escape. But this is the most significant disgrace the Raft prison has faced since its establishment!
Never before has a prisoner managed to escape from the Raft prison. Today's attack broke that record, three inmates have escaped..."
Hearing the regretful and angry tone from General Ross on the other side, Coulson actually breathed a sigh of relief.
On one hand, Captain and the others successfully escaped the Raft prison, regaining their freedom. On the other hand, no issues occurred with the other inmates, and Tony's group meticulously controlled the impact of this operation, avoiding further losses.
Even though Captain and the others would be globally wanted like his old colleague Natasha in the future, it was still something that made him feel happy. He believed that since Tony and Mark had orchestrated this operation, they must have made thorough arrangements.
Moreover, he didn't want to see the heroes who had saved all of Europe subjected to unjust treatment.
...
"T'Challa, how's the mission on your end?"
Just as Coulson left, Mark couldn't wait any longer and immediately established communication with T'Challa.
"I've managed to bring everyone out, but it's not a good time for them to show up at the Avengers base. I won't bring them there; we're heading back to Wakanda on the spacecraft."
"Alright, take care of yourselves. When we have some free time, we'll find an opportunity to meet up!"
Upon hearing T'Challa's affirmative response, Mark also displayed a joyful smile on his face.
"Wait a moment!" Mark interjected just as T'Challa was about to end the conversation.
"I left a farewell gift for Cap in the old building of the Mark Research Center. The location is right along your flight path to Wakanda. When you pass by, you can go down and pick up the gift."
The gift Mark was referring to was none other than the Winter Soldier, Bucky.
Bucky's situation was similar to that of Captain and the others. He was globally wanted as well. Instead of keeping him hidden in the laboratory, it would be better for him to join Captain and the rest in Wakanda.
Unfortunately, after Natasha's disappearance, she had managed to evade capture so thoroughly that Mark still hadn't been able to locate her. It's no wonder she was once S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top spy. Otherwise, he would have arranged for her to hide in Wakanda with T'Challa's help.
"That's quite a coincidence!? Cap has also left something for you. I've already had my associates send it to you via postal service. Don't forget to collect it when the time comes.
By the way, do you want to bid farewell to Captain and the others? I can connect the communication line for them."
"No, there's no need. Farewells are temporary. I believe that when the Earth faces another immense crisis that requires the Avengers to step up, we'll gather together again."
...
The disappearance of Captain, Scarlet Witch, Natasha, and Falcon left the entire Avengers team in an unprecedented void.
In light of this situation, Tony, who had initially planned to retire from the Avengers, could only temporarily stay on to stabilize the current situation.
Over the past few days, Tony simultaneously completed the signing of the "Seoul Accords" with the United Nations and organized internal management work.
"Now Captain and the others are globally wanted by the United Nations. They need to go into hiding temporarily and halt their activities as the Avengers.
Hawkeye has voluntarily left the Avengers to be with his family.
After Banner's last accident, he's still missing without any relevant information.
Apart from me, there are only Mark, Rhodey, and Pete left in the entire alliance, a total of four people.
There are also some support personnel handling our related daily tasks.
In other words, the four of us are the only remaining core combatants..."
Knock, knock, knock!
Just as Tony was only halfway through his sentence, a series of knocks suddenly sounded from outside the base, interrupting his speech.
Everyone turned their heads to look at the glass door. The one knocking was an elderly postal courier with white hair and brown-tinted sunglasses.
"Tony Stank, which one of you is Tony Stank? And Mark Stank, there are packages for both of you."
Chuckling could be heard as soon as the courier said their names. Both Rhodey and Peter found it amusing.
"Right here, Tony Stank and Mark Stank are here, hahaha!"
Rhodey pointed his finger at Tony and Mark to the elderly courier.
"These are your packages. Please sign for them here."
The courier handed over two packages to them.
The larger one was for Mark, and the smaller one was for Tony.
"This should be what Cap left for us." Mark said, looking at the substantial package in his hand.
Tony nodded, his attention also focused on the package in his hand, lost in thought.
After seeing off the courier, Mark couldn't wait to open the package in front of everyone.
Rip — he tore off the outer packaging, revealing the contents inside.
There were only two things in the package: one was the Flash costume Mark had customized for Cap, and the other was a letter.
Without paying much attention to the familiar suit, Mark picked up the letter and began to read.
[Mark, there's not much I need to say between us.
Though there's a significant gap in age and background, I believe we both sense the understanding between us.
Among all the companions in the Avengers, our thoughts and ideals are probably the most alike.
This Flash suit has accompanied me through all kinds of trials, big and small. But I had promised Tony before that after dealing with Green goblin, I would return it.
Now, as per my promise, I'm returning this suit to your hands, its creator.
I hope that one day, when I'm once again worthy of wearing it, I can take it back from you.]
After reading the letter Cap left for him, Mark looked at the neatly folded Flash suit with a hint of helplessness. Captain was Captain – always serious and committed to his promises.
On the other side, Tony had also opened the package Cap left for him. Just like Mark's package, Tony first took out a letter, with his name handwritten on the envelope.
[Tony, I'm glad that after what happened, you still returned to our side to fight alongside us when the Avengers needed you. I didn't want to see you wandering alone in that huge mansion.
We all need family, and compared to me, the Avengers are more like your family. Maybe other members haven't noticed your thoughtful side, but I know that in places unseen, you've considered each member as family with a warm heart.
I've been alone since I was eighteen. I can say I've never truly fit in anywhere, even in the military back then.
I believe in people, in everyone! And what brings me comfort is that in most cases, they've never let me down. That's also why I can't let them down.
Life can start over, but they can't be let down. Tony, I know I hurt you. I thought keeping the truth about your parents from you would make things easier for you.
But now I realize, that was just my self-comfort. I'm sorry! But I still hope that someday you'll understand my perspective, and I genuinely wish we can come to an agreement on the Accords. I really hope so.
I know you've been sticking to what you believe in, and we all are and should be. So, I promise you, whenever you need us, no matter when, I'll be by your side.]
After reading the letter in his hand, Tony pulled another item out of the package – a flip phone that seemed completely out of touch with the current era of smartphones.
Seeing this phone, Tony instantly understood the meaning behind Captain's final words in the letter, "Whenever you need, I'll be by your side." This type of old-fashioned phone, a relic in their midst, only Captain, who is also a relic, would use.
Tony seemed to be relieved suddenly. He looked at the letter and the phone in his hand, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face. He then placed the phone into his pocket.
"Alright, stop staring at me. Are you jealous that Cap didn't leave you anything?
Now, let's continue with our previous discussion. There are only four of us left as the main fighting force in the Avengers. And in the future, once this settles down, I'll eventually be leaving too for personal reasons.
So, considering potential future dangers and the needs of the Avengers Alliance itself, we have to bring in new forces to the organization. If you have any recommendations, speak up now."
Having said that, Tony looked expectantly at the other three, hoping to get useful information from them.
Quicksilver's movement was the fastest; he expressed his complete inability to help. After all, whether it was in terms of life experience or social relationships, his qualifications and circle were the shallowest. He was truly powerless when it came to recommending people.
"As I see it, T'Challa seems pretty good. He's kind-hearted, stands for justice, and unlike someone who stirs up internal conflicts for revenge, he can put aside his inner hatred and possesses the qualities of a great superhero.
Coupled with his exceptional physical qualities, advanced combat skills, and the high-tech Black Panther suit made from vibranium, it can be said that he's the most suitable candidate for the Avengers in both internal and external aspects."
Quicksilver didn't have any suggestions. On the other hand, Rhodey immediately thought of T'Challa's name and brought it up.
However, Tony sensed the sarcasm in Rhodey's words. With their years-long camaraderie, Tony certainly wouldn't hold a grudge, but a little counterattack was necessary.
"Rhodey, you're so innocent, it's almost adorable! T'Challa is the prince of Wakanda, the future king. He's going to inherit the entire country's political leadership.
Dealing with the internal affairs of his own nation every day is already busy enough. Do you think everyone is as free as you to participate in various actions and tasks?"
Both Quicksilver and Rhodey didn't have any good candidates to recommend. Now, the only hope rested on Mark. Tony couldn't help but turn his gaze to him.
"Well, I do have two candidates who are suitable to join the Avengers. But whether we can convince them to become new members, that's a task I'm not taking responsibility for.
Since you're leaving the team, Dad, I think I'll leave this matter entirely in your hands. If you don't manage to bring in new recruits, don't even think about leaving yourself."
"You have to first give us information about who they are. Only if we genuinely believe they are qualified to join the Avengers, can we proceed with inviting them!
If they don't possess the necessary strength and heroic qualities, then what's the point of discussing their inclusion in the Avengers?"
Tony wasn't fooled by Mark's tactics and demanded that he share the information first before deciding the next steps.
"Baymax, project the profiles of Scott Lang and Peter Parker for me. Let them see whether these two individuals truly have the qualifications to become reserve members of the Avengers."
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