The quiet days at the beginning of the New Year did not last long. As expected, before the dust from the collapse of Hammer Industries had fully settled, and while the presence of "extraordinary individuals" like Tony Stark and Artoria only grew due to the press conference and subsequent public discourse, certain forces finally became restless and began attempting to place "reins" on these uncontrolled variables.
A week later, Artoria received a formal invitation to meet from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Nick Fury. The location was not the Triskelion headquarters, but a high-level private club conference room in Manhattan that appeared ordinary but was actually heavily secured. The guest list was very short: Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, and herself. No Rhodes, no Natasha, and no Coulson.
"Looks like the one-eyed dragon is planning something big." Tony's hologram flickered in Artoria's study as he adjusted an overly bright tie in front of a mirror. "I'm guessing the 'Avengers Draft' has finally been dug out of the archives by those old men, and they're ready to dust it off and use it. Banner has probably been notified already; he definitely won't want to go, but Fury always has a way."
"The Avengers Draft?" Artoria was not unfamiliar with the term, but she wanted to hear the "insider info" of this World.
"In my father's era, Howard and some of the old-timers from the Strategic Scientific Reserve came up with a concept after seeing those extraordinary things like Captain America and the Red Skull." Tony curled his lip and pulled off the tie, tossing it aside in resignation. "The general idea was to form a rapid response force composed of 'extraordinary individuals' to handle global threats that conventional military and intelligence means couldn't manage. It sounds cool, but it was basically shelved after my father died. The reason... well, you know, controlling a group of'supermen' is much harder than controlling a group of soldiers. Now, some people feel it's time for'supermen' again, and they happen to have a few ready-made ones on hand."
He looked at Artoria: "Do you plan on going?"
Artoria pondered. She held reservations about joining any official or semi-official organization, but it was necessary to understand the other side's intentions and bottom lines. "I'll go see what they have to say. It doesn't mean I agree."
"Wise. I think so too. By the way, remember to dress... well, with a bit more of an 'Alien Traveler' vibe to intimidate them."
On the afternoon of the meeting, the atmosphere in that conference room—which boasted an excellent city view and understated luxury decor—was anything but comfortable.
At one end of the long table, the one-eyed Nick Fury sat expressionless in his black leather coat. Behind him stood a refined and capable middle-aged man wearing glasses, introduced as the special representative of the World Security Council, Alexander Pierce. On either side of the table sat Tony Stark in a casual suit with a sour expression, Bruce Banner in a simple jacket looking nervous and silent, and Artoria sitting quietly in a simple dark trench coat. Minerva stood behind Artoria's chair like a shadow; her presence was low, yet it caused Fury and Pierce's gazes to inadvertently sweep over her several times.
"Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules." Fury got straight to the point without pleasantries, his single eye scanning the three of them. "I believe you all have some experience with the recent series of events and the changing nature of the threats facing our World. Single-soldier tactical armor, biological gamma-radiation mutants, energy manipulation, and spatial technology... the old defense and response models are failing. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s duty is to protect the World from all threats, and we need a new order, a new... cooperative framework."
Pierce took over, his tone gentle but carrying an indisputable official weight: "Following an assessment by the Security Council, the restart and update of the 'Avengers Initiative' has been put on the agenda. This is not a military formation, nor is it an intelligence agency. It aims to establish an alliance of individuals with special abilities and the will to act, capable of responding quickly and acting in coordination when facing global, extraordinary crises. Members enjoy a high degree of autonomy, accepting S.H.I.E.L.D. coordination and strategic guidance from the World Security Council only in specific circumstances. Correspondingly, S.H.I.E.L.D. will provide members with intelligence support, logistical backing, necessary political asylum, and a legal immunity framework."
He pushed up his glasses and looked at Tony: "Mr. Stark, your technology and leadership are vital." He looked at Banner: "Dr. Banner, the power of you and... the one inside you, is key to dealing with certain threats." Finally, his gaze fell on Artoria with deeper inquiry: "Miss Artoria, as a... friendly visitor, the abilities and stance you have shown are impressive. We sincerely hope that you can establish a connection with this initiative as a special consultant or supporter."
Tony leaned back, arms crossed, a signature mocking smile on his face: "Sounds nice. 'High autonomy'?'Strategic guidance'? Does that translate to 'don't cause trouble normally, take the blame when things go wrong, follow orders, and pay for your own armor repairs'? Also, who decides what a 'global, extraordinary crisis' is? You guys? If I think Hammer selling junk weapons is a global crisis, can I use the Hulkbuster to tear down his factory?"
"Mr. Stark, what we need is a constructive discussion," Pierce maintained his smile.
"I'm being very constructive. My opinion is, this idea is terrible," Tony said bluntly. "Cramming a bunch of guys with distinct personalities and excessive power into one box and expecting them to be as obedient as soldiers? The 'Big Guy' inside Dr. Banner would be the first to disagree. As for our alien neighbor..." He glanced at Artoria, "She has her own ship, her own business; why should she be boxed in by your 'initiative'?"
Banner kept his head down, his voice low but clear: "I... just want to do my research in peace and keep myself under control. I don't want to join any... organization that requires using that kind of power. It's not safe for anyone."
The pressure shifted to Artoria. Both Fury and Pierce were looking at her.
Artoria picked up the water glass in front of her, took a light sip, and then raised her eyes, her emerald gaze calmly meeting Fury and Pierce's.
"Mr. Pierce, Director Fury," her voice was clear and steady, "I helped Tony, I helped Dr. Banner, and I rescued civilians because I believed it was the right thing to do, as a 'friend' and... as a capable individual. It has nothing to do with any 'initiative' or 'organization'."
She set down the glass, her fingertip lightly tapping the polished tabletop: "I understand your duty to maintain order. But order should not come at the cost of binding goodwill and stripping away choice. I can promise that during my stay on Earth, I will not actively commit acts that harm the stability and life of this World. Within my capabilities and provided it does not violate my personal principles, I am also willing to provide help in dealing with true, massive crises. But—"
She paused, her tone still calm but carrying a hint of indisputable resolve: "—I do not accept any mandatory affiliation, task assignments, or monitoring beyond what is necessary. How my power is used, whom I help, and when I act will be determined by me. This is my bottom line as a 'Traveler'. If this limited, voluntary, and goodwill-based cooperation is not acceptable, then I can only express my regrets."
She spoke politely, but the meaning was clear: help is possible, but it must be voluntary and limited; any attempt to recruit or command her was out of the question.
A brief silence fell over the conference room. Tony raised an eyebrow, giving Artoria a "well said" look. Banner also seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Fury's expression remained unreadable, but a light flickered deep in his single eye. Pierce's smile faded slightly, though he maintained his poise.
"Miss Artoria's position is understood," Fury spoke slowly. "The 'Avengers Initiative' itself also emphasizes voluntarism and cooperation. The specific regulations, authorities, and coordination mechanisms can be discussed further. Today is just an initial communication of intent. We do not seek control, only the possibility of synergy when a crisis arrives."
The meeting ended without any concrete agreement. Fury and Pierce had clearly anticipated resistance, especially from Tony and Artoria. This was more of a probe and a boundary-setting exercise. The so-called "Draft" was still a long way from becoming a reality; all parties needed time to weigh their options and play the game.
Leaving the club, Tony, Artoria, and Banner had a brief conversation in the parking lot.
"They won't give up," Tony said. "Especially regarding you, Artoria. Your power is too... special, and too useful. They want to use it, but they're also scared to death of it."
"I know," Artoria nodded. "I'll be careful. Dr. Banner, you..."
"I'm going back to Stark Tower," Banner gave a bitter smile. "At least there... it's still relatively safe for now. Thank you for what you said earlier, Artoria."
On the way back to Long Island, Artoria was deep in thought. S.H.I.E.L.D., the World Security Council... they represented the anxiety and desire for control of this Planet's "conventional" forces when faced with the unknown. And her power, and even Tony's armor, were part of that "unknown". This tension would not disappear.
Perhaps it was time to reach out to another system of this World, another layer of "reality". That system ran parallel to technology and physical laws, yet was entirely different—magic.
She thought of the Ancient One, of Kamar-Taj, and of those sorcerers who guarded dimensions and manipulated energy. Their understanding and use of power might give her new inspiration and a more comprehensive understanding of the "extraordinary" side of this World. More importantly, as one of Earth's Guardians, the Ancient One's position seemed more detached, perhaps offering a different perspective.
"Minerva," she said to her silver-haired companion, who was tending to the plants after they returned to the cottage, "I want to go to Kamar-Taj to visit the Ancient One. I have some questions about... the nature of energy and dimensional cognition that I want to ask her."
Minerva put down the watering can, her optical sensors turning toward her: "Kamar-Taj, the sanctuary of mystic artists in the Himalayas. Based on the Ancient One's abilities and attitude shown last time, the risk assessment for a visit is low to moderate. However, involving the unknown field of mysticism, the information asymmetry is high. Do you need me to accompany you?"
"No, I want to go alone this time." Artoria shook her head. "It's for learning, not fighting. You stay and watch the house with little ai. I will keep in touch through a magic mark."
Minerva was silent for a few seconds, seemingly performing a rapid assessment, then nodded: "Understood. This trip has been logged. Please ensure communication remains open and stay safe."
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