Chapter 179: C175
"With all due respect, I don't think the government trusts us enough yet," Professor Xavier said calmly, addressing the underlying concern with precision.
He could allow his students to join Nick Fury's team, but there was a lingering danger that weighed on his mind: humanity's deep-rooted prejudice against mutants. While the public might remain silent, their opinions often followed the tides of manipulated narratives and public sentiment. What truly concerned Xavier wasn't the people—it was the federal government.
The prejudice of government officials toward mutants was no secret. For decades, high-level initiatives had sanctioned experiments targeting mutants, atrocities drenched in blood and tragedy. Could the federal government claim ignorance of such events? No one could answer with certainty. Until Xavier could trust the motives at play, he would not risk sending his students into a potentially hostile situation.
Nick Fury, catching the hesitation in Xavier's demeanor, leaned forward, planting his hands firmly on the desk. His single eye locked onto the professor's, his voice resolute.
"The team I'm creating exists solely to protect this world. No one has jurisdiction over it." Fury's tone was firm and unyielding. "It doesn't follow orders from any government, and it answers to no one. As long as I'm Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., that independence will be protected."
He straightened, his expression shadowed by concern. "Charles, the world is changing—faster than either of us could have predicted. I feel it. Crises are brewing, spreading like wildfire. While the federal government and the military are busy scheming for power, I need a team strong enough to face what's coming."
The room grew quiet as Fury's words settled. Those standing nearby exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of intrigue and doubt.
After a long silence, Xavier finally broke it, posing a question with careful deliberation. "So, who exactly do you have on this team?"
Fury met his gaze without hesitation.