Interlude President Matthew Ellis
President Matthew Ellis watched the assembled crowd. There was a secret conference at night in his office. All because of aliens in New York. It was a disaster. Not only the public learned about the aliens, but also this nuclear missile! The opposition will definitely use it in the next campaign! The president couldn't believe that such a thing had happened. What's more for his presidency! A complete disaster of his image! His specialists worked frantically to somehow distract the public. So far, it has only been achieved halfway, and only thanks to the appearance of the Avengers. However, people were asking uncomfortable questions. Questions for which only a few people knew the answers.
The public did not know the real perpetrator of the attack.
Loki of Asgard.
God of Lies.
Brother of Thor.
The myths turned out to be not only true, but also a source of trouble for Earth.
The Avengers were currently in turmoil.
Barton has been kidnapped by Loki and Banner has also disappeared.
Banner has likely been hijacked as well. After all, Loki would like to get rid of his potential opponent.
There were 5 people in the president's office.
Current Director of Shield, Nicolas Fury. He had a hard and implacable expression on his face. However, the president knew such a face. Completely official. The tightened facial muscles clearly indicated the concern of Shield Director.
US Vice President, Diego Rodriguez. He himself was sitting too upright, which he always did in times of stress. His daughter lost her leg during the invasion. Lucky she didn't lose her life.
Secretary of World Security Council, Alexander Pierce. He looked most at ease, as if he had everything under control. If it was, the mask was brilliant. No visible signs of stress or anxiety. Pure professionalism and full control over your own body.
General Thaddeus Ross was still smoking. His fingers twitched nervously, but his mouth was open in a bitter smile. As if he was mocking and angry at the same time.
And Agent Natasha Romanoff as representative of the Avengers. As calm as Pierce. No emotion and absolute control over the whole body. She was dressed in a black suit that pleased the male eye.
"Director Fury, please report back," said the president.
"The readings do not change. They are still the same from the moment they were first sighted at 8 a.m. the day after the New York invasion. Loki is playing with us. I'm sure what used to be a farce. Loki has not only a tesseract. He also got Barton, Banner and Selvig. I assure you we're looking for them, but our resources are split into looking for Loki, Sylvie, Selvig, Banner "said Shield director .
"As usual, Banner is having trouble," General Ross interjected.
"We needed it to find the tesseract for the first time," Shield director replied.
"I'm not surprised Loki played you like that. Banner is dangerous and he can't just walk free" General Ross replied.
"Banner is our only chance against Loki. We have to find him before Loki neutralizes him effectively. It will take him some time. The Hulk is a powerful being," said Agent Romanoff.
"You want to trust this beast, Romanoff?" General Ross asked.
"This beast, as general eloquently puts it, managed to knock Loki to the floor. We need him," Agent Romanoff replied.
"Banner ..." General Ross was saying.
"Enough. We can't argue about Banner. First of all, we need to establish the whereabouts of Loki and Sylvie," Secretary Pierce said.
"Even if we do, what's next? Loki will effortlessly kill normal agents," Agent Romanoff replied.
The president listened to this conversation.
Loki wanted power. Absolute control of the Earth. Unify her. All these scattered governments all over the Earth. All kings, presidents, prime ministers. Each of them was to be murdered. Including Matthew Ellis himself. Fear seemed to be obstructing his breathing. For now, Loki would be focused on the Avengers and Shield in order to get revenge on them. But what then? Who's first? Was he alone?
Only Hulk managed to defeat Loki.
President Matthew looked at General Ross. Banner was a priority.
"General, I want all resources to be focused on finding Banner. We need him," said the president.
"You want to pursue him like an animal? He's a hero, our only hope. We can't treat him that way!" Agent Romanoff protested.
"Agent Romanoff is right. Banner won't help us if we treat him that way," replied Director Shield.
"You are sentimental. Banner is a asset. And an effective asset. Not a hero," replied General Ross.
"Perhaps it would be beneficial, but I believe we can do without Banner," said Secretary Pierce.
"You must be kidding, Mr. Secretary. I've read the report on Loki, except Banner, we have nothing to stop him," General Ross mocked.
"And his own brother?" Secretary Pierce asked.
"Sentimentalism won't help this case," General Ross said coldly.
"You are wrong, General Ross. I think his brother is all we need to be successful," said Secretary Pierce.
"Vice President Rodriguez, what do you think of all this?" President Matthew Ellis asked.
"Loki is about to be neutralized. I have an idea, but it is currently unavailable. Although scientists will be working on it," said Vice President Rodriguez.
"What's that idea?" Director Shield asked.
"Top secret. Shield doesn't have to interfere with all projects," Vice President Rodriguez replied.
President Matthew Ellis looked at everyone in his office.
They completely did not understand his position! He was potentially the first victim of Loki's attack. The US president would be a good start. Add to that Loki's cunning and intelligence.
Banner was the only chance.
Perhaps, if Matthew Ellis had never become a politician, maybe he would have been moved by Banner's fate.
However, he was a politician, and he cared only for his own benefit.
The hunt for Banner was about to begin.
"General Ross, despite the differences of opinion, I want you to find Banner. Use whatever resources you can," said President Matthew Ellis.
"You're making a mistake," hissed Agent Romanoff.
"Big one mistake. I'll have to wipe the stains off your bodies afterwards when you free the Hulk," replied Director Shield.
"Personally, I think Thor is good enough for us. It's your decision, however, Mr. President," said Secretary Pierce.
"I agree with the Secretary, it is nevertheless your decision, Mr. President," said the vice president.
Matthew Ellis decided.
He intended to survive at all costs.
And Banner was just a means to it.
"I'm giving a special award for Bruce Banner / Hulk. Million dollars," President Matthew Ellis replied.
"The Hulk is worth more," General Ross muttered.
"Fortunately our citizens don't know this," President Matthew Ellis said.
Agent Romanoff stood up and looked at everyone.
"I told Loki that I don't care if he will rule as long as he spares Barton. It was a trick, a lie. Today I know I would get more from this alien maniac than from you. If he did not hurt Barton, I'd be on my way to Loki by now. He may be crazy, obsessed with power, but at least he's not a hypocrite like you. You know what? I'll do anything to stop Loki. But even I can see the odds are against us. When Loki wins and wants to kill us all I will ask him for a favor before he kills me so I can kill you all" Agent Romanoff said and left.
"Nothing to add," Director Shield replied and left.