= Chapter 181. The Illuminati =
Commentary on Chapter 181. The Illuminati If anyone would like to support your favourite and invaluable author by deed rather than word (although I appreciate comments with your detailed opinion no less), you are welcome to do so: 5469980470822129 - Sber Sanctum Sanctorum.
21 December 2014.
- That's why Spider-Man and I brought you together," Dr Strange finished his introductory speech. - Sanctum Sanctorum has been chosen as neutral ground for the first meeting, please make yourselves at home," the brunet waved his palm and cups of tea hovered in front of each member of the meeting.
- Um, aren't there any normal chairs here? - Iron Man asked, raising his hand.
- Bloody inappropriate and rude, Tony," I replied to my teammate and friend with a facepalm.
- It's inappropriate and rude to appear in front of me and Pepper in astral form and call me out of the blue," Stark pointed at his nonchalant bearded brother (I'm going to call those two exactly that from now on. It's like they go to the same stylist...) - Especially since we were in the process of...
- Come on, Tin Man, we're heroes, stuff happens," I roll my eyes. - I teleported out of bed just yesterday, too. The girls were a little pissed off, but they understood, plus I calmed them down pretty good...
- No one is interested in listening to this," the ruler of Atlantis glared at me and GMPF unhappily. - Why are we here, sorcerer? More importantly, why is this one here," Mackenzie pointed at me disrespectfully.
T'chala and Reed simply remained silent. I didn't know what was on the African cat's mind, but Richards was free to ponder the deception of the flying mugs. It was Mr Fantastic who didn't believe in magic.
Meanwhile, Doc continued.
- First of all, please show respect for Spider-Man, he's here because of his status as guardian of the Mind Stone," Stefan pointed at me. - As for the main reason for the gathering... I'll tell you the story of these very Infinity Stones.
Everyone fell silent as Strange opened the Eye of Agamotto, accompanying the story with illusions of his own creation. For clarity.
- So, there is a certain Thanos and his purpose is these stones, - first, after the explanation, the cleverest man on Earth put the puzzle together. - What for?
- There are many versions, - now I join the discussion. - But the main ones? To wipe out all living things for the sake of his beloved Death... don't ask, or half of all living things, in the name of "balance of the universe".
- Madness," Tchalla shook his head.
- One of his names is Mad Titan," I shrugged.
- So it was us you decided to gather and initiate into something like this," Tony glanced around at the people there and stopped at me. - When you get a vision of something global, you go to the Avengers and tell them everything, that's what it means to be a member of the team, Stenolaz.
- Dr Strange was already informed about the stones and my visions, so I decided to be proactive," I shrug, "unprepared information dumping is sometimes far worse than a common sense approach, Tony.
- Anyway, you've explained why it was us," Richards changed the direction of the discussion, "but where is Professor Xavier?
- As you know, the day before yesterday there was a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C., for which the mutant representatives took responsibility, - Stephan sighed. - The professor's presence is required at the meeting with the US government. He needs to be focused on this issue right now.
Yeah, I hope Charles can handle it and they can come to some kind of consensus.
- Okay, let's say," Nemore folded his arms across his chest in frustration. - Why weren't the Unhumans invited?
What?!
- I thought about it," Stefan said, surprising the hell out of me, "I had planned to go on a guest visit to Black Thunder, the king of the moon people, but when I thought about the fact that the Nonhumans had chosen to live a separate life, I decided that it would be necessary to choose a representative from among them only if they returned to Earth.
I didn't realise we had Inhumans...
- Tony levelled himself on the pillow. - What are the Inhumans?
I'm not the only one.
The discussion, with details, went on for another two hours.
- So, now that the bulk of the questions have been settled, we need to decide," the Greatest Mage of Earth folded his palms together, "if this venture makes sense, and if we're ready to take responsibility for making decisions about threats we can't even tell our families and closest allies about?
Everyone was silent for a while, looking at each other.
- Let me be the first to speak," Mr Fantastic spoke. - I've been studying the phenomena of other dimensions and micro-universes for as long as I can remember. And there are many threats that can come from outside, and my family has met them more than once," Mr Fantastic smoothed his beard. - And now, with this information, confirmed by the Chitauri invasion, I find it necessary for this council to meet," Reed nodded. - Aye.
First vote.
- Allow me to continue," the African spoke. - Alas, this is the first time I've met most of you personally, but I've heard of many of you," T'challa gave Tony and me a quick glance. - On behalf of Wakanda, I would like to thank the Avengers for stopping the artificial intelligence that attacked my country, and also, if you don't mind, to pay a visit to the Avengers Tower in the future to settle any outstanding issues, - we answer the Panther with a double nod. - Thank you. And now, to the point of our meeting, - the Wakandian put his palms together. - As a king, I understand perfectly well what it is like to take responsibility for the fate of your people, how hard it is and how it corrupts, - Panther totem looked at each of the gathered. - All of those present here are honourable people... in their principles," Nemore snorted at this remark. - And yet one has to wonder why we can decide matters without many other heroes knowing about them. Who gave us the right? - The panther shook his head. - Against.
So it's one-to-one.
- Atlantis doesn't depend on anyone. Against,' Mackenzie threw in.
Damn fish... two-one.
- As previously stated, the idea came to Spider-Man and me, and we have explained our position," Stefan spoke, apparently feeling the need to be reminded of it. - I don't intend to speak for my student, and due to the absence of Professor X, we'll assume that he abstained. But my position is clear - in favour.
Two-two.
We glance at Tony and I gesture for him to speak.
- I have heard, analysed and understood every opinion expressed," said the genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist. - I respect each of the parties, as I understand their views or concerns," the espagnole stared straight ahead. - Still, I believe that such a meeting is necessary and would be called sooner rather than later... because threats don't always come from outside. Sometimes the danger is much closer. But I think I'll leave that discussion until the next meeting," Tony relaxed, resting his clenched palms on the back of his head. - And I believe the Illuminati, which is a great name by the way, Spiderweb, will be reassembled," the brunet smirked. - Pros.
Three-Two.
Five pairs of eyes from everyone present fixed on me.
- You know, a couple of years ago I would have broken a cold sweat at the attention of people of your level," I said, grinning a little. - But with everything I've been through in recent years... your personalities still command respect, but not awe," I scratch the back of my head awkwardly. - Though the fact that I talk so much out of turn is an indication of my nervousness, isn't it? - I cleared my throat. - All right, to the point," I look at those present. - I understand Black Panther's apprehension, Mr Fantastic and Iron Man's arguments... even Nemore's disagreement about teamwork, and of course I agree with my mentor about the magical arts, but I should remind you that I'm not an adjunct to Dr Strange or an empty label because I'm an Avenger," I get up a little. - I wore the suit for the first time when I was sixteen years old, and I set out on this journey alone. All this time I have been guided by teachings spoken by a man who has influenced me more than any other," I tap the table, immersed in my thoughts. - With Great Power comes Great Responsibility. So perhaps, despite the fear and apprehension our power causes, we should take responsibility and protect what is dear to us, even if it means not revealing the truth until the end? Pros.
Four-Two.
- Well, the vote has passed," Stefan exhaled. - We understand those who refused, and you are free to never attend a meeting again, but invitations will still be sent to you to keep you informed. Out of respect," the mage continued. - If no one minds magical messages...
- If you don't mind, Doctor, I'd like to provide encrypted transmitters for communication," Mr Fantastic said.
- So be it," nodded Stefan.
- Well, now that we've summarised it, I don't see the point in continuing, - the ruler of Atlantis got up from the cushion. - How do I leave this place?
In response, the Master of Mystic Sciences pointed his palm at Nemor and was swallowed by the orange funnel of the portal.
- If you don't mind, I'd prefer the door," Tony said, followed by the others.
- King T'challa, may I have a moment of your time," I caught up with the Wakandian.
- Of course, Spider-Man," the African cat turned round and held out his palm to me. - We haven't been properly introduced before.
- Pleased to meet you," I replied with a firm handshake. - Actually, I wanted to talk to you and give you back what's rightfully yours.
- What do you mean? - The African was surprised.
- About the vibranium that was stolen from you," I fold my palms behind my back. - The unpleasant residue left by the smuggler Willis Clo.
- How do you know that? - The Wakandan frowned.
- I visited him recently and managed to steal the stolen goods, and now it's time to return the metal to you.
- I think we should continue this conversation elsewhere," Panther put on his mask. - Would you mind taking a tour of Wakanda?
* A few hours later.
Africa. Wakanda, Black Panther Palace.
They really gave me quite a tour. And if there is nothing to see in 90% of the continent, in Wakanda every corner is worthy of attention.
There's cool architecture.
And I managed to spend a minute in the high-tech labs run by T'Challa's genius sister.
She's a funny girl, even if she's cheeky.
Eventually, I asked to be taken to the room where the containers were stolen from.
I had to agree to double escort, but I don't care, I'm not a thief, the Wakandans are on edge, so I'll win a few points for showing understanding.
Teleportation and half an hour of time.
- So, is that it? - T'Challa asked, watching me secure the last of the containers.
- Right," I landed on the floor. - Fourteen containers of vibranium," I folded my arms across my chest, "probably the rest the bandits sold off before I got here," I said, blatantly lying about the fate of the couple of barrels I'd saved.
What? I was talking about building relationships, not being a do-gooder. Such valuable material should be kept, at least because I have another interesting costume in mind.
And I've made sure the leftovers are untraceable. Two barrels of... well, two and a half.
Black Panther just looked at me thoughtfully.
I hope he's not going to taste the suit's coating?
- Thank you, Spider-Man," T'Challa said only. - My people and I in particular are grateful for the return of our national treasure," I received a hand on my shoulder. - You are welcome in Wakanda from now on.
Ignore the sentiments ignore the sentiments ignore the sentiments ignore the sentiments ignore the sentiments...
- Thank you," I nod to the line. - It was an honour to help, and I hope you change your mind about the Illuminati... I didn't return the vibranium to influence your decision, by the way," I hasten to assure my fellow totem essence.
- I see," the African smiled slightly. - Perhaps I will think about what was said during the meeting.
- Great," I nod, "now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do.
- Sure, have a good evening and have a good journey, Spider-Man.
I bow my head respectfully and teleport away.
I move to the basement and quickly take off my costume.
So I'm not late...
I quickly combed my hair, put on the dinner jacket I'd thoughtfully left behind, and ran upstairs.
I quietly enter the house and look into the hall.
- I'm home," I said with a smile, looking at my girls helping each other zip up their dresses.
- Finally, Tiger, I thought we were going to be late," Mary Jane smiled, putting on her shoes.
- The limousine is waiting outside," Fey added, checking her hair.
- So my beautiful nymphs are ready for their date? - I arch an eyebrow.
- Lead the way, Tiger," Red picks up the clutch and takes me under his elbow.
Our blondie braids my limb on the left side.
A date with your wife and lover, what could be better? - Raj teases.
Don't be jealous, slimeball," I smile, leading my girls under my arms.
Nothing's going to ruin my mood now.