AN: Story's Shadow and I are back. Hope you all enjoy this amazing update. I want to thank Story's Shadow for all his hard work, and I wany everyone to thank Rushstar32 for her advice on writing certain elements. It's a team effort, I couldn't do this alone. Thank you everyone, and thank you all you lovely fans, God Bless you all.
-S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, One Of Many Conference Rooms, Several Minutest Later-
The Secret Warriors and Vulpine sat around a table, their gazes turned to Director Fury who stood at the head of the room. Quake spoke first.
"Why did you call us here, sir?"
"Have any of you seen the news?"
Doreen nodded to Rayshaun, who nodded back before turning to the Director.
"Squirrel Girl and I have, sir."
Director Fury nodded before motioning his hand. A holographic image appeared behind him that nearly extended from the floor to the ceiling and to both side of the room. The image showed a city seemingly with no light and smoke rising from several locations. Some of the team gasped at this before the Director spoke.
"Hours ago China was hit by a cyber attack. This strike was so damaging it almost totally destroyed the entire country's power and severely weakened its defense systems. Millions are without water or electricity, there's little chatter amongst politicians and the country's armed forces."
Many of those who hadn't watched the news gasped as their eyes widened and some of them felt as if their jaws had dropped to the floor. Director Fury nodded.
"Both civilians and officials in China are speculating various causes behind this attack. But the brass or some of the higher ups believe the U.S. is behind this."
Doreen nodded.
"We saw some reporter interviewing a military official who was cursing and swearing retribution for this attack."
Dante gasped.
"This isn't a little match, it's a powder keg that's blown sky high."
Director Fury didn't respond at first. He typed something on a device in front of him on the table. A video of Chinese military and government officials speaking to a reporter appeared on the holographic screen..
"To say they're pissed about what happened is putting it mildly. President Langford was in New Mexico to attend a rally for a candidate for a local election there heard the news from one of his present staff. He was seen basically running to the airport after apologizing to explaining the situation to the candidate. All air traffic from there to D.C. was canceled or directed to take a different course as he and his staff flew back to the White House."
He pushed a button on the device in front of him. The live recording of the President and his Vice President standing before a podium with the former speaking into mics.
"The United States has just heard the news of the cowardly cyber attack that struck China hours ago. We are here to speak to the people of both countries that we are horrified and appalled at what has happened to the people of China. I understand in times of shock and turmoil, fear can make even the best of people make rash or misguided choices. The United States is not responsible for this attack. While there may be opposing views or positions between our countries, the United States is not responsible for this attack. Vice President Mason and I have been and will continue to speak with intelligence officials of what happened and we will offer aid to the people of China in the search for who is truly responsible for this attack."
Fury pushed another button which showed an image of the globe.
"The United States was not responsible for this attack...nor was any other country behind this...no organization on Earth was the cause of this either. There's only one present, reasonable answer for who had the power to do this to an entire country with world officials scratching their heads.
Everyone's minds instantly came to the answer, with Vixen speaking as her ears flattened and her teeth bared.
"Imperious."
Fury nodded.
"Imperious is preparing to invade Earth with his armies...he's conquered other Earths and countless other worlds and dimensions in the past. He knows what he's doing. A world that's at war with itself is far easier to invade and conquer than one that is united...more or less."
Vixen nodded.
"My father said he was one of the most cunning foes he'd ever faced...he's likely done this same thing on other Earths and succeeded or adapted to such things."
Fury looked to the group.
"There's no time for lallygagging or joking around. We're close to full on invasion. He'll have us fighting one another before he sends in his soldiers."
Rayshaun slowly nodded.
"Haven't you informed the United Nations?"
Fury almost laughed.
"We have no credible evidence that will convince them of Imperious until likely he starts his invasion. And China will think this is a stupid ploy...ridiculous enough perhaps to momentarily shift them blaming the States. China's pissed, son, and we're gonna have to scrounge up enough credible evidence to inform the world of the invasion and help prepare them for it."
Rayshaun slowly nodded his head.
Fury turned to look at them as a whole.
"Stay sharp people. S.H.I.E.L.D. as a whole is on high alert. We're monitoring as much of the planet as we can for any other such possibilities to prevent or if we can't, identify the route while we prepare to defend the world against an invasion they have no idea is coming."
They nodded to the Director before exiting.
AN: So what does everyone think of this revelation? Seems Imperious has been a crafty little Dragon while operating in the shadows... Also be prepared for an emotional chapter next time... Got a certain romance to revive, one kindled for many years... the embers have been fanned into a flame... pun fully intended ;)
