Boratz

Hope you all enjoy

Chapter 79: Unlikely Alliances Tatooine The bright rays of the Twin Suns had faded out with the harsh sandstorms that plagued the planet's surface. While it was nothing short of a common occurrence, it did not make the storms any less dangerous. When the sandstorms struck, the residents of Mos Eisley, Mos Espa, and other settlements across the planet would have to find shelter as quickly as possible. It is safe to say that Tatooine is a dangerous place that is not for the faint of heart. From the dangerous criminal syndicates to the creatures that dwelt beneath the sandy surface, almost every inch of the planet proved to be a home to life-threatening conditions. Despite the grueling dangers that presented themselves on this sad-covered planet, it was a planet that proved to be a central location for many. Whether that was a home to many well-known faces in the galaxy or the base of operations for different criminal operations, Tatooine was constant spot for many in the galaxy. As the sands covered the Twin Suns, Leia Organa stood within the palace that stood on the fringes of the Northern Dune Sea. While the world around was desolate and hot, Leia felt as if she were overwhelmed by memories of the past. A painful cold chill ran down her spine as she walked through this palace that had brought many painful memories. While she could not argue that a lot had changed since the days of Jabba the Hutt, she could not forget all that had happened in this cruel place. The walls stood as a reminder of the harsh realities that continued to haunt the galaxy. Even with the Emperor gone, the galaxy had been preyed upon by the criminals and the corrupt. Despite the efforts of the New Republic, their influence and strength within the galaxy meant little when criminal syndicates continued to thrive on the disarray that was left after the Empire's collapse. Despite her trepidations about this place and the bitterness that she held towards criminal syndicates that preyed upon the weak, she found herself in a peculiar spot when walking through the corridors of this palace that was once home to Jabba the Hutt. She was there for help. Leia was there for an alliance with the new Daimyo of Tatooine. As she sauntered into the Throne Room of the Daimyo, her mouth went dry as a sour taste slithered down her tongue. Even with the warm air pressing against her flesh, her skin was as cold as ice. Her dark brown eyes were fixed on the armored figure sitting upon Jabba's former throne. Memories flashed through her mind as she remembered the armored bounty hunter that the entire galaxy once feared. He sat on that throne with a calm and collected expression plastered upon his face. He held that infamous helmet down at his side. It was that same helmet that became an image of fear for many that were on the run from the once thriving criminal empire of Jabba the Hutt. It was that same helmet that even caused Han to panic. While the helmet looked as if it were cleaner than it once was, it did not change the history that it would forever carry. The armored figure that sat upon Jabba's old throne was none other than Boba Fett. His calm and collected expression did not change, but there was a slight shift in his demeanor. "What do I owe this unexpected visit?" Boba asked while keep his piercing gaze upon the New Republic general. Leia's dark brown eyes turned slightly toward the figure standing beside the throne. While the figure stood in the shadows, her image was obviously visible to the former Princess of Alderaan. Immediately, Leia recognized the figure from her research into criminal syndicates. The black and orange suit was nothing short of a symbol for the elite mercenary that had carried out dangerous jobs for an assortment of criminals. Fennec Shand stood quietly beside Boba while keeping her watchful gaze upon Leia and her comrades. "It should be said here and now that I do not trust you, Boba." Leia responded while confidently lifting her head and standing tall before the Throne. "The New Republic has come to request aide." "The New Republic..." Boba replied before taking a slight pause. "Or you?" There was a moment of silence before Leia reaffirmed what she had previously said. "The New Republic and other galaxies are requesting aide against a new threat." "This is a not a dance, Princess. What are you asking of me?" Boba hissed. Leia closed her eyes for a moment as if she were disgusted with what she was about to say. "We are asking for your help, Boba. The New Republic is willing to pay..." "Credits are not much of my concern... What enemies are you asking me to go to war against?" "We don't know exactly..." Leia reluctantly responded before becoming firmer in her tone. "Whoever or whatever it is has allies in other galaxies and on different worlds! They have near unlimited resources! Something is brewing, and whatever it is, I don't see your precious little organization surviving it without the New Republic or any of our new allies! We are asking you to be our ally!" A grin formed on the side of Boba's cheeks as his demeanor turned into one that was more relaxed. "That is all you have to say, Princess. Send me what you have and what you need. I will let you know what we plan on doing." Boba shifted his glance toward Fennec. "So, do you plan on helping us?" Leia asked. "I haven't decided yet." Boba replied with a cold expression that could not be read. Leia and her comrades left the throne room of Boba Fett behind, not in disappointment but rather with more questions than when they had arrived at Boba's palace. When they left Earth, they were going to try to return to their galaxy in search of allies but the dangers that they faced on the return journey left them with more troubles than they had anticipated. While they gained a few allies after their debacle at the space port in between galaxies, there was still the lurking issue of Prince Xizor and whoever hired him. While they were back in the own galaxy, the process of finding allies had become harder than Leia would have like. Many across the universe were not looking for a war to fight. Leia knew all too well that this fight had started long ago. Meanwhile, While many were working diligently in his presence, Boba was left to ponder about his meeting with Leia and the New Republic. Even though he was not looking to get into another conflict, he also did not want to turn a blind eye to the threats that we looming. The question that he was faced with was what side of the conflict would he find himself in this time. The legendary assassin, Fennec Shend, leaned close toward Boba Fett. As others worked, she quietly asked him, "You're not seriously considering this are you?" Fennec asked quietly in Boba's ear. "I have already considered it and I have made my decision." Boba responded swiftly. "What's your play?" Fennec asked. "There's been enough dark times in this galaxy to last a hundred lifetimes. We'll lend the New Republic our help... For the right price, of course." Fennec sighed before responding, "Understood." The U.S.S. Cygnus, Within a massive ship was a design that had intricate truss structures and an internal observation deck that also glowed with translucent hulls. It seemed to resemble that of a floating, cathedral-like crystal palace that was caught on the edge of a gravitational abyss hovering around a tunnel-like force in the endless vacuum of space and time. It was not a black hole, but a wormhole that was operating from a device that had been created by Professor Robert Callaghan and perfected by Buddy Pine. The U.S.S. Cygnus was a ship designed for state-of-the art deep space exploration with the purpose of studying the black hole, but now it was used to oversee this wormhole teleportation device perfected by Syndrome. These devices were then replicated throughout different galaxies in the vast and infinite universe. Each one used for the sole purpose of the Council. Following his failures, Syndrome was tasked with overseeing the protection of this teleportation wormhole device. Many of the original crew had been dispatched and this new scientific vessel had become his new home after he fled Earth. Even with the state-of-the art design and cathedral like beauty of the ship itself, it was still a far cry of the freedoms of Earth. After his defeat at the hands of the Armored Avenger known as Iron Man, Buddy longed to return to his home. He would have even settled for another planet, but he was given orders to oversee this space station and the wormhole teleportation device that he helped create. There was a lot of beauty within this vessel, though, it was not home and it was still far less advanced than Thrawn's Chimaera. While he longed for a return to his home on Earth, it was not all lonely as he was accompanied by the familiar faces of Durge, Juggernaut, and Xenia Onatopp. There were even new faces that were recruited by Thrawn as well as other members of the Council. One of these new faces was Gazelle. What stood out with her was her blade-equipped prosthetic legs. He heard stories that those blades could cut through human flesh like a knife could cut through butter. There were even rumors that she even aligned herself with the Cobra Organization before its fall and had taken out several well-known New Republic Marshall known as Cara Dune. After Cobra Commander's demise and the fall of his organization, Gazelle had now found herself here. With a tap of a button on his wrist gauntlet, a holographic image appeared of a security feed. The feed was of the assassin with bladed prosthetic legs cutting down several New Republic Rangers before ultimately putting an end to the New Republic Marshall Cara Dune. Syndrome grinned before letting out an obnoxious laugh. "OH, COME ON! Even I have to admit that was cool!" Sydrome exclaimed while pointing at the holographic security feed. "What do you want?" Gazelle asked. "Right down to business..." Syndrome replied before shutting off the feed. "Well, as you may be aware, I have multiple teleportation devices in different galaxies. The upkeep can be a little trick and security might even be a lit..." "What are you asking of me?" Gazelle asked with curled lips. "There is a planet in which one of these devices have set up. I just need you to keep a little eye on it. We wouldn't want any of those nosy New Republic Rangers sniffing around where they don't belong." Syndrome replied with that same freakish grin. "Huh, and why exactly don't you send your little robots for the security duty?" Gazelle asked while rolling her eyes with an unapologetic smirk. Syndrome's smile faded as he noticed her dark eyes glaring at him. Remembering his Omni-droids failure against the transforming robot, Syndrome swiftly changed the subject. "Don't worry, you won't be alone. There are some.... others that will be accompanying you on this little security detail." "Can't wait...." Gazelle replied in a cold and sarcastic tone. Elsewhere, After receiving intel of possible unusual activity in a former Imperial outpost, a few New Republic intelligence officers brought the news back to their superiors. After the information rose up to Leia, she was distraught to learn the location of the outpost. Leia sighed and shook her head. "In the pit of the entire galaxy. It's a wonder how the Empire was able to keep it under control." "Any sign of New Republic ships and these syndicates are going to push back. They'll pushback hard." A New Republic intelligence officer responded. "We need to know what's hiding in those walls." Leia grumbled while looking over the intelligence that was gathered. "There's definitely a lot of activity for an abandoned outpost. Even for one sprawling with piracy and syndicate activity." "We can send some of our spies undercover to take a look inside." "Too risky..." Leia responded before a thought crossed her mind. "Fett..." "Pardon..." "Fett has the skills, and if not him, then his little assassin that he has working for him. She can get inside and find out what is taking place there." Leia replied. "Even if they agree to help, what if she stumbles upon something big? Something that she can't handle alone." The intelligence officer asked. "I have an idea." Leia said with a grin. On the outreaches of the Outer Rim, When the Empire was thriving, the area had been under a tight control by Imperial forces but everything was different now. The New Republic had little to no influence in the area thanks to waring crime families and vicious pirate crews. This area of space and the different planets that were situated here were left in disarray. It was in a dangerous portion of space, but one that was hidden from the watchful eyes of the New Republic. On a moon sat a former outpost of the Empire. One that had seemingly been abandoned after the fall of the Empire. Even though it had been left to the criminal elements following the Empire's fall, something nefarious has since taken up residence in the same walls as the former Imperial Outpost. The darkness kept Fennec from the world around. After being dropped off in a secluded spot, the deadly assassin traveled in the cover of night. With the use of her sniper scope, she studied the outpost. It was crawling with activity but not by the Remnants of the Empire. This was something else entirely. These were no pirates, nor were they any syndicate that she was aware of. After studying the activity and piecing together the patterns, Fennec snuck inside. She was able to evade the different patrols of security and guards. Some were droids while others were armed guards. Eventually, she stumbled into an area with a device that she did not recognize. That's when she saw her. It was a face that she recognized from an image that had made its rounds across the galaxy, and it was the face of the assassin with blades for legs. After taking cover, Fennec watched the device in action. A wormhole opened and beings from far away galaxies came through. A dark realization came over the deadly assassin. This was not some simple criminal syndicate that the New Republic was keeping tabs on or fragments of the Empire. This was something far worse. Most of the time, she worked in the shadows and completed her tasks. But this time, things were different. This could be a turn in the war that was causing chaos across the universe. Fennec gazed at the assassin with the bladed legs. She was the assassin that had killed Cara Dune, and she was the one overseeing this outpost. Fennec saw a large number of species inside these walls. She knew that if she took her shot then she would be surrounded. Then the thought crossed her mind that she was not sent here alone. All she had to do was create a signal for the others that dropped her off. She had the perfect idea on how to create that signal. Her hands tightened around her blaster as she looked for the assassin with the bladed legs. As Fennec stepped out, a silent alarm went off. Gazelle grinned while looking over a data pad. "Finally, a little fun..." ********** After Lex's defeat at the hands of the X-Men; Leia, the surviving members of the New Republic, and some of the heroes of Earth have returned to the Star Wars galaxy. In an attempt at finding allies against the Dark Council, Leia has gone to Boba Fett fir help. Boba eventually agrees. Meanwhile, Syndrome has built more wormhole teleportation devices and on orders from the Dark Council, has placed them throughout the different galaxies. One if which was placed in the Outer Rim in an area surrounded by pirates and criminal syndicates. Syndrome places Gazelle in charge of that outpost. Leia receives intel about activities going on in this outpost but doesn't know the full extent. She has Fennec sent to gain intel. Fennec discovers the wormhole device and realizes that it must be stopped. She sets out to kill Gazelle but Gazelle also learns of Fennec's presence

Cool! I like the shark theme! Part of me is leaning towards Mako sharks because or their intelligence but the Six-Headed sharks might be slightly worse With how many sharks there are, I feel like this one will take a while and be a welcome arc just to get some use out of all the assortment of sharks

An odd but interesting but interesting match up! Awesome continuation

Oh cool to see Ringmaster get used As always, great job and love seeing the continuation

Hope you all enjoy

Chapter 78: The Retaliation of Lex Luthor For weeks, the news could only talk about Lex Luthor. From his involvement with the recent world changing events to his involvement in several political conspiracies. Around the world, several groups exhausted countless hours searching for the genius billionaire. From the World’s Greatest Detective to the Armored Avenger, several used any and every resource that they had in located Lex Luthor. Every lead came up short and every potential breakthrough ended with a dead end. It seemed as if many of these groups were chasing ghosts. Only a few knew truly knew where Lex Luthor had been all this time. The genius billionaire had not been on Earth in quite some time. While everyone believed that he was hiding, little did anyone know but Lex was coming home. There had been several setbacks in this war, and Luthor was determined to unleash a devastating blow that would send shockwaves across the stars. Against the recommendations of his fellow members of the Dark Council, he set his sights for a return to Earth. Time after time, it seemed that their enemies proved to be thorns despite the vest efforts of the Council. Even though there were still several moves ahead, Lex knew all too well that underestimating foes such as the Justice League, the Avengers, or any of these other groups could prove to be the downfall of the Council. As he sat in contemplation, one thing that kept circling in his mind was the idea of keeping their enemies separated. The moment that these different heroes united, then everything that the Council had worked so hard for could crumble. Despite them having political influence and control over leaders across the universe, the heroes could still find ways to unite. There had to be a way to keep the heroes divided. Then a thought flashed through his mind. There was one that could unite the heroes from across the universe without political leaders even knowing. There was one that had spent an entire lifetime providing a haven for the unusually gifted while also providing a place for education and growth. This man, this mutant also led his own group of heroes that could prove to be a threat to the Council. Professor Charles Xavier had been an influential figure in the mutant issue, but he was also one of the most powerful telepathic individuals in the world. From his knowledge of the powerful mutant, Xavier could be a link that brings together not only the world's heroes, but many throughout the universe. While continuing to ponder and contemplate, the billionaire genius figured the best course would be a direct assault. Even though most of his assets had more than likely been frozen and most of his facilities shut down, Luthor still had a vast amount of surprise hidden away throughout every corner of the planet. Hidden far from public eye were stockpiles of wealth, weapons, and advanced technology that could arm entire countries. Most of that meant little to him compared to his warsuit. It was that suit that he used to battle the ridiculous Kryptonian on multiple occasions. If the suit was powerful enough to keep up with the Man of Tomorrow, then it would be powerful enough to handle Xavier's band of mutated freaks. The armor would even shield him from Xavier's telepathic abilities. In an undisclosed location, A lot had transpired in the weeks following his confrontation with Victoria Neuman. The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a face a lifetime’s worth of dangerous enemies and powerful leaders. While he took precautions and had contingency plans, he was surprised to find that the confrontation itself was nothing short of unexpected. The President did not put up a fight, nor did she try to use her powers against the skilled agent. There was not much opposition as far as Secret Service or tricks that she had up her sleeve. In fact, it almost seemed as if she welcomed him in with open arms. It was not a battle, not in the traditional since. Fury had prepared for the worst, he always did. They spoke for hours. While he did not agree with her reasoning, he saw why she originally aligned herself with Lex Luthor. Even though she was left in the dark as far as who Luthor’s accomplices were, she shared that Luthor was on a Council with other forces from Earth and beyond the stars. To his surprise, she agreed to help Fury in any way that she could. Despite her willingness to help, Fury made it clear that he was going to leak her involvement in the world along with other political leaders across the globe. She wasn’t thrilled about the idea, the devastation that had been caused needed to be repaired by any means necessary. As he thought about all that had transpired with Neuman, Fury walked through a corridor and into what appeared to be a meeting room. Within the room were two of his most trusted agents, Phil Coulson and Natasha Romanoff; along with Jack Bauer of CTU, and Abe Sapien of the B.P.R.D.. In the back of the room were a series of television screens that had reported on the corruption that had been exposed. Even though these different media had reported on the corruption, the full extent was still undetermined. Fury walked up to a chair and sat down before the others. “Well, things might actually be taking a turn for the better.” Coulson said with an optimistic grin. “Unlikely…” Fury muttered before waving his hand through his hair. “We still haven’t caught Luthor, and the rest of his allies are still unknown to us.” “Just a matter of time…” Coulson added with reassurance. “Any word on the whereabouts of Luthor?” Bauer asked. “None…” Fury replied while rubbing his hand against his eye. “What’s the update on Dr. Strange?” “He is still assisting the Ministry of Magic with the cleanup in Gringott’s Bank. It has been confirmed that Albus Dumbledore is one of the casualties.” “What is the status on that Bracelet and those books?” Fury asked. “They are unaccounted for.” Abe replied. “It is believed that they were taken, sir, but with many agencies still compromised and communications potentially unreliable, we don’t know for certain who can trust and who we can contact.” Natasha replied. “In London, there were a multitude of assassins that attacked after the Kaiju left. Assassins both of this world and beyond. Hell, I even crossed paths with one. We all know that Rodgers was one of the casualties over there. With what we know, it’s believed he was killed by one of those enemies from that far away galaxy. Reports came in of a transforming helicopter in New Orleans along with some big red lobster that injured Hellboy. Not to mention that dust-covered Mummy and all the hell that it caused down in Louisiana. Even Stark had a run in with some psychotic maniac with an island.” Fury said while shaking his head. “What are you getting at, Fury?” Bauer asked. “This Council or whatever it is has resources. They have allies from all over the globe and beyond. I think it’s about time we start gathering our own forces.” Fury replied. “With communication being unreliable with the corruption of governments across the world, that might be a little difficult, boss.” Coulson added. “I’ve got an idea around that.” Fury added. Westchester, New York Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters Rogue was laughing with Gambit while they sat beside one another in the courtyard. Nightcrawler hung from the limb of a tree with a book in his hand. Colossus was helping Kitty study inside the library. Beast and Forge were working on the Blackbird. Jubilee and Dazzler were planning a night out in the town. All seemed normal within the walls of the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. Within Professor Xavier’s office, Scott and Jean sat across from the powerful telepath while Storm stood looking outside the window. With a wave and a twist of her hand, Jean turned off the television screen that reported on the recent events from around the world. Each one of them looked troubled as the screens went black. “Still no word from Logan?” Scott asked while resting his lower face against his hand. “Ever since he was asked to go into the Upside Down, I have lost all track of Logan.” Xavier replied. Scott sighed before responding “Do you think…” “No, I…” Xavier went quiet for a moment before shaking his head. “I believe that Logan is alive.” “What now, Professor?” Jean asked with a worried look. “I do not know for certain.” Professor Xavier responded while thinking over all that had transpired. “It seems as if the world has shifted its focus away from the discrimination and vile acts against our mutant brothers and sisters to this.” Xavier said while gesturing at the television screen. “The world… It doesn’t seem safer for mutants, Professor. Scott replied. “You’re right, Scott. In fact, it doesn’t seem safer for anyone. I have a feeling that something is brewing. Something that is more than simply our planet.” Professor Xavier said as he closed his eyes. “I feel that there is a war coming and we need to be a part of it. We need not only fight for our brothers and sisters, but for our planet… For a galaxy, for all life.” “What if we are not enough?” Storm asked quietly. “There are others across the world and the stars.” Professor Xavier said with an optimistic smile. “We either fall alone, or we all fight united.” Suddenly, the ground shook beneath them. An overpowering boom sent shockwaves throughout the entire mansion. Glass shattered and explosions went off throughout the different areas of the mansion. From outside, they saw an outline of a bulky metallic figure. An amplified voice projected itself from within this warsuit. “Come on out, Professor Xavier. I will make it quick, and I will even grant mercy to your students. If you refuse, then I will be forced to exterminate as many of these abominations until you surrender yourself.” The Professor was trying to use his power to see inside the mind of this armored figure, but something was blocking his ability. Despite his power being blocked, he recognized that voice. “Luthor. Lex Luthor.” Professor Xavier said as his jaw dropped. Scott glanced outside from a covering before shouting, “It looks like he has drones circling around the Mansion!” “We cannot underestimate him. He is smart and he is dangerous!” Jean responded. “Gather the team. We will not fall today!” Scott declared. As the drones unleashed a series of attacks along the Mansion’s security mechanisms, Luthor prepared his full assault on the Mansion itself. He then heard a voice shout out from within the dark smoke that surrounded the Mansion, “TO ME, MY X-MEN!” Black clouds formed overhead as the smoke started to clear. A cold smile formed across Luthor’s cheeks from within his warsuit. Before him stood the legendary X-Men. If this was how it was going to be then he was going to enjoy executing these abominations before putting an end to Professor Xavier and his home. ******* This takes place after the events of Nick Fury’s confrontation with Victoria Neuman. Nick was able to convince Neuman to help him in exposing several other political leaders along with details surrounding her involvement with Lex Luthor. He now knows that there is a Dark Council but is unsure who exactly is a part of it from Lex Luthor. Lex has decided to return to Earth despite the urging of his fellow Council members. Knowing that their enemies are more than likely to unite despite being in control of a majority of the world leaders and global communications, he has determined the one way for them to unite is through Professor Xavier. He plans on executing Professor X with his warsuit so that he can prevent him from using his telepathic abilities of uniting different heroes from around the universe. Luthor attacks the X-Mansion. The X-Men are consisted of Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Beast, Forge, Gambit, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Colossus, Jubilee, Dazzler, and Nightcrawler. Lex Luthor is armed with his warsuit along with dozens of powerful drones.

I really do appreciate it! I can say that I don't plan on abandoning it, but with 2 kids along with being tired and lacking motivation at times, it may come be treading water to an eventual finish line

I'm really loving this crime war territory arc! Keep it up!

Hope you all enjoy It's been a while since I've continued this particular arc but hopefully I can bring it to a conclusion

Chapter 77: The Conspiracy Most High Natasha's battle with Mercy Grave did not go unnoticed. While the Black Widow longed for stealth and hoped to leave without a trace, the battle was anything but. The battle meant more than any of them could have realized as some of LexCorps' darkest secrets were uncovered. The master spy and Avenger knew all too well that the consequences would be swift. Lex Luthor would take stern and immediate action. The question that lingered in Natasha's mind was what kind of action he would eventually take. With the evidence that she gathered, she knew most of the world leaders were under his control. Despite this knowledge, she did not know what Luthor had planned or who exactly his true associates were. She saw some files mentioning the Dark Council, but even Luthor kept that information from his company's data. She traveled off grid and kept herself hidden as several powerful entities would be searching for her. The Black Widow made sure that no one was following her as she headed to her rendezvous spot to meet with Nick Fury. The rain hammered against the windows of the safehouse as Nick Fury stood motionless in the center of the dim command room. A dozen holographic screens flickered around him, each displaying fragments of stolen files, surveillance photos, and encrypted communications pulled from the shattered remains of LexCorp databases. Across from him, Natasha Romanoff leaned against a steel table, bruised and exhausted from her recent battle with Mercy Graves. The fight inside a hidden LexCorp facility outside Metropolis had nearly killed them both. Mercy had fought with terrifying loyalty, refusing to surrender even after sustaining devastating injuries. In the end, Natasha had won and buried beneath layers of LexCorp encryption; she had found something far more dangerous than weapons research. Governments, manipulated elections, engineered political crises, and assassinations disguised as natural deaths. Entire administrations placed into power through economic sabotage, blackmail, and media manipulation orchestrated by Lex Luthor himself and his other mysterious associates. The only issue was that these other accomplices and allies were removed from every file that was recovered. Luthor had made sure that all this information could not be traced or even found. After the events in London and the visit from the New Republic from the galaxy far, far away; Fury suspected that there had to be a connection between the enemies that they faced in that far away galaxy and Luthor. The only issue was that he did not have all the information, which for a man that dedicated his life to intelligence agencies and defense, that troubled him. Even though Luthor kept his associates out of the files, there was one name that had popped up time and time again. One face appeared repeatedly throughout the files, President Victoria Neuman. She had taken office after the deaths of the President and Vice President during the tragedy that surrounded the Kaiju attacks in London. Looking over the images of Neuman, Nick Fury studied the image in silence. One image showed Neuman standing at a podium while another showed her shaking hands with foreign leaders. There were additional images of Neuman entering private meetings with LexCorp intermediaries. Some of the files suggested financial backing while others implied political leverage. A handful of heavily encrypted documents carried wording Fury hated more than anything else: "Asset secured." "Influence confirmed." "Contingency active." That was not the language of partnership. That was ownership. A silence had been lingering inside the room ever since Fury started looking through the files. It was as if the silence itself carried a massive weight that pressed down on the shoulders of both Nick Fury and Natasha Romanoff. After the silence became too overpowering, the Black Widow found herself wrestling with the words to say to the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Natasha finally the heavy silence that had filled the room. "She's either working for Lex willingly... or she's trapped so deep she can't get out." Fury's remaining eye narrowed. "Doesn't matter which one it is." He enlarged another stolen image. A blurry photograph taken in secret showed Neuman seated beside several shadowed figures at a private gathering deep beneath LexCorp Tower. Only one face was fully visible, Lex Luthor. The others remained hidden by distortional algorithms or technology far too advanced for this world. The identities of the other members of this mysterious Council were deliberately obscured even within LexCorp's own archives. Even with the obscured images, Fury noticed details. One silhouette appeared unnaturally massive while another seemed to have chilling red eyes. One figure wore a metallic mask of some kind that was hidden in shadow. There were more but he couldn't make out who or what they were. This Council hidden in dark were not politicians, at least not any that Fury was accustomed to. They were not businessmen. They were something else entirely. They were powerful, and they were dangerous. With all of his years of experience, Fury knew that if these different individuals were associated with Lex Luthor, they held a wide variety of strengths and influences that could not be underestimated. Natasha crossed her arms before asking, "Think these are his backers?" Fury remained silent for several seconds. He shook his head while answering quietly, "No. I think Lex is in league with them. Almost... Almost as if it is a Council or a group." "What kind of Council?" Natasha asked with furrowed eyes that seemed as if they were staring through Fury's soul. The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. did not answer immediately. The room seemed colder after that. For decades, Fury had prepared for invasions, rogue nations, alien empires, terrorist networks, and superhuman catastrophes. This felt different. This was infiltration at a global scale. His blood started to boil once he realized that with the connection to the far away galaxy, this was more than infiltration at a global scale. It was infiltration at a scale beyond the galaxy itself. On this world there were power structures being rewritten from the inside without the public ever realizing it. Sitting directly in the center of it was Victoria Neuman. Fury activated another file that was filled with medical records. He saw unusual neurological scans and biometric abnormalities. There was evidence confirming rumors that the President possessed abilities far beyond normal human limits. Natasha looked at him carefully. "Are you really going to do this?" Natasha asked nervously. "We don't know what she is even capable of." Fury gave a humorless smile. "World's already too full of gods and monsters. Can't let politicians start thinking they're untouchable too." ******* Days later, Washington D.C. stood buried beneath storm clouds as black SUVs moved through flooded streets toward the White House perimeter. Inside one of them sat Nick Fury alone. There were no Avengers, no S.H.I.E.L.D. Backup, and no official operations. Fury understood something most people never did. The moment institutions became compromised; trust became a liability. According to the LexCorp files, compromise had already spread further than anyone realized. The world, the galaxy, and the universe were in a war with powers that hid within the shadows. With the devastation in London, the attacks in New Orleans, and the strike on the Wizarding World after the death of Albus Dumbledore; Fury knew that something had to be done now if they were to have a chance in the war that had unfold. Deep inside the White House, hidden behind layers of Secret Service security and reinforced walls, Victoria Neuman dismissed her final advisors for the evening after being informed of the recent attacks on LexCorps. There was a sinking feeling deep in her chest, but she carried herself with the confidence of a world leader. The moment the doors shut behind them, her expression changed completely. She was calm, cold, and calculating as she pulled out a DataPad. A small flashing light had been blinking on and off on the device. The President pressed her fingers against the device before resting it down on the Resolute Desk. A holographic image of Lex Luthor appeared before her. "I suspect you have been made aware of the recent events, Madam President." Luthor said with an emotionless tone. "What information was uncovered, Lex?" Victoria asked. "That is none of your concern. What should be your concern now is Nick Fury." "I can handle him; I just need reassurance that you and your allies..." "I will stop you right there, Madam President. You do not need to burden yourself with the knowledge of the Council. You need to concentrate on the task that we assign to you." Victoria paused for a moment as that cold and calculating expression changed to one that was vulnerable. "What happens now?" "I am making arrangements to return to Earth. For true peace to be achieved, we must make retaliations against those that can oppose us. I have been away for far too long, and now it is time for me to come home." Lex replied before shutting off the hologram. Victoria sat in silence for a moment. She quietly stood to her feet and approached the window overlooking the rain-soaked capital. With the warning that Lex gave to her about Nick Fury, Victoria knew that he was close. "He's here..." She said softly. A voice emerged from the darkness behind her. It was one of her personal aides. "Fury?" Neuman never turned around. "It was inevitable." The shadowed figure stepped partially into view, though its features remained concealed beneath darkness. "Do you require assistance?" Neuman smiled faintly. "No." Her eyes narrowed toward the distant gates of the White House. "Nick Fury is a narrow-minded relic from a forgotten generation." A subtle pulse rippled beneath the skin around her eyes. It was almost invisible. "He has no idea what's coming." Meanwhile, After ending the transmission with Victoria Neuman, Lex heard the faint sound of clattering footsteps from behind him. He glanced back to see the blue-skinned Imperial Grand Admiral approaching him. "The inevitable cost of war is one that will always be paid with blood, Mr. Luthor. I understand that Mercy Graves will be a loss to you, but rest assured that it is a small price that will be paid in this war. It is only a small price paid in the victories that we will achieve in this war." Grand Admiral Thrawn said while crossing his arms behind his back. ******************* This takes place after the events of Black Widow vs. Mercy Graves. Natasha has uncovered more information regarding LexCorps involvement in the recent events. Nick Fury has become aware that there is a shadowy, galactic Council of some dangerous and powerful individuals. But he does not know who exactly. He has learned that this mysterious Council has placed many major political figures in a place of power and control. One of these figures is Victoria Neuman. Fury has decided to go and confront her himself. Can her either stop her or convince her to help him, or will Victoria put an end to the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.?

Another great set up and addition, Johnny Clever idea for a match, too