For the first time in a long while, the Avengers Tower housed all its members. Given the size the team had reached, such full gatherings were no longer common.
The fifteen were assembled for two main reasons. The first, to officially consolidate the new organizational model of the Avengers as a global force dedicated to the protection of peace.
The main base would remain the Avengers Tower (formerly Stark Tower), but multiple strategic headquarters would be established worldwide. The goal, to guarantee immediate deployments anywhere on the planet. For that to work, the team had to transform. What was once a compact group had to evolve into a decentralized structure, more like a response network than a fixed squad.
From now on, the Avengers would stop operating as a single indivisible body. Instead, they would function as an international organization capable of integrating new members. Each regional headquarters would have authority to propose candidates with special abilities. These candidates would be evaluated and, if approved by at least ten of the founding Avengers, could be officially admitted into the network.
The organization would operate under a dynamic deployment system. There would be no fixed lineups, each mission would define its own team based on the skills required. Minor threats, like thefts, kidnappings, or low-impact superhuman crimes, would be monitored and neutralized by Vision and the Iron Legion, an ever-expanding automated fleet. This would allow the Avengers to reserve direct intervention only for larger-scale threats or those requiring specialized responses.
To implement this new system, S.H.I.E.L.D. negotiated with the UN to authorize the establishment of operational bases in most countries around the world. Approval was granted provisionally, as part of a pilot program. One of the conditions was that the Avengers formally became independent from S.H.I.E.L.D. Although they still collaborate closely, they no longer operate as a subordinate subdivision, but as an associated entity, autonomous yet subject to certain emergency protocols and agreements. Although it seemed the Avengers accepted this to accomplish their mission, the truth was they had already considered this and had similar intentions.
Along the same lines, another organization also gained autonomy, the Black Room. Born from the remnants of the Red Room, this group of Black Widows was originally led by Antonia Dreykov, known as Taskmaster, but its leadership changed recently.
The new leader is Natasha Romanoff. She decided to step aside from the frontline combat and redirect her skills toward more tactical and strategic work. Though she did not say it openly, everyone knew her daughter Jean was the reason, the little girl got anxious every time her mother went on a mission, fearing she might not return. Upon learning her decision, Antonia did not hesitate to offer her position, convinced Natasha could better guide the group. Natasha accepted without hesitation, relieved to keep contributing from a different place.
Thus, S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, and the Black Room transitioned from a command hierarchy to three cooperative entities, aligned but independent, united by the common mission of preserving global balance.
That day's meeting was, in essence, a final review. Everything was already underway.
"For so… the five are going to Asgard?" Rhodey asked, curious as one preparing to see another world for the first time.
"That's right. My parents want to meet Jean, so I'll go introduce her," Loki replied. His tone no longer carried the arrogance that used to mark his voice, but he still kept that Asgardian pride that never left him.
"And I'll take the chance to introduce Jane," Thor added with a smile, "I'm sure they'll be delighted with her."
Rhodes looked away toward Natasha, who watched silently. She noticed his expression and, without words, understood what he wanted to ask.
"Jean is my daughter. Of course, I'll go too."
"Yeah, I know. I meant… you two? Are you… together?"
Their simultaneous answer only left him more confused.
"It's complicated."
"It's complicated."
Half satisfied with the vague clarification, Rhodey withdrew to talk with others.
Thor and Loki stayed exchanging a few private words.
"You know this call isn't just about that, right?" Loki said.
"I know. As much as it pains me to admit it, Father isn't exactly affectionate. If he's calling us, it's for something else."
"It probably has to do with the succession to the throne."
Loki raised a glass to his brother, with a smile that didn't hide the implicit game.
"So… may the best win."
Thor, surprised by the gesture, one he'd never have received before, at least not without double meanings, raised his glass as well.
"May the best win."
Both drank in one gulp.
"I still prefer beer," Thor murmured, moving toward the mug surely set out just for him.
Loki went to follow him but stopped when a dry voice intercepted him.
"Don't drink beer. It smells too much, and it will bother Jean later."
With no other option, Loki obeyed while Thor laughed, enjoying the moment.
"Haha. To think the god of mischief ended up tamed like that."
Loki ignored the comment, but Thor wasn't done.
"You know, Natasha? Being king is a full-time job. Demanding. There might not be much time left to take care of Jean."
Loki looked at him, not because of the words themselves, but their intention. Even a fool would know what he was hinting at. Still, he didn't get angry. He just smiled.
"Wow, to think my brute brother learned to use little tricks."
"I learned from the best," Thor teased.
"You don't have to worry about that. We already discussed it," Natasha interjected firmly.
Loki nodded, smiling proudly again. But this time, not for himself.
"My daughter is already a princess. What better gift than to have the whole world recognize it too."
______________________________________
+20 chapters in advance on Patreon.
p-atreon.com/IAMME26
(just delete the hyphen)
80 power stones = 1 extra chapter (cumulative)