Chapter 178: C174
Under intense public pressure, the federal government and the military maintained a coordinated silence. Both the new White House spokesperson and the military representative held press conferences, offering vague statements that avoided admitting any direct responsibility for the creation of the Abomination.
At the same time, to quell public outrage, the federal government began compensating the families of police officers and civilians who lost their lives during the attack. To further placate the masses, they dismissed a few low-level officials from the military and federal agencies—mere scapegoats.
Shortly afterward, a series of high-profile news stories in Hollywood and other entertainment circles dominated the media, effectively diverting public attention. The controversy surrounding the Abomination, the military, and the government was pushed aside and soon forgotten.
"Sir, as you predicted, General Ross was indeed saved."
In a Chevrolet SUV parked outside Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Maria Hill turned to Nick Fury in the passenger seat, her hands resting on the steering wheel. She listened intently to her headset before speaking softly.
The car came to a halt in the parking area. Fury and Hill opened their doors and stepped out. The campus was serene, with a winding road leading to the main building. As they walked, Fury spoke, his tone calm but firm:
"Hill, as an agent, you should know by now—this world has never been the utopia ordinary people imagine."
His gaze remained fixed ahead as he continued. "Driven by self-interest, they'll abandon anyone, even us, if it suits their agenda. They'll rewrite the truth at any cost. The truth doesn't matter to them."
"But SHIELD protects these people, enabling them to act with impunity," Hill said with a cold snort.
"What we protect has never been them, Hill," Fury replied, his voice low and steady. "It's the world—the billions of ordinary people who rely on us, whether they know it or not. Forget the politics. Our job is to focus on what matters."
Their conversation ended as they approached the Mutant Academy's main building. In front of the entrance stood Jean Grey, wearing a brown coat, and Logan, the Wolverine. The two mutants seemed to be waiting for them, engaged in quiet conversation.