On the TV, under the dome of the Federal Court in Washington District, flashlights poured down like a storm.
Steve Rogers, dressed in a dark blue suit, slowly walked towards the witness stand. His steps were steady, but the white Marks pressed into the edge of the document by his knuckles revealed his inner tension.
Natasha Romanoff sat beside him, her red hair pulled into a neat bun, and her dark green suit made her look like a sheathed dagger. When Steve took his seat, she nodded almost imperceptibly—a silent understanding unique to S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents.
"Captain Rogers," the Chief Justice struck the gavel, "As the primary author of the 'S.H.I.E.L.D. Infiltration Incident Investigation Report,' please present your findings to the court."
Steve opened the thick document. The gilded "HYDRA" on the title page was crossed out with a blood-red slash, and below it, alarming data was printed:
4782 Undercover Agents
37 Controlled Global Projects
12 Secret Bases
The TV screen suddenly switched, the camera turning to a chaotic scene in front of the Capitol Building. Several Congressmen were escorted out by Agents, their ties askew, suits disheveled, faces filled with terror and unwillingness.
"This is a CNN special report," the anchor's serious voice announced, "Following Captain America's unveiling of startling evidence of HYDRA infiltration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a large-scale arrest operation."
The screen cut to a set of archived documents, showing that Senator Richard Morrison, who had been arrested, had used his position to arrange 27 government key posts for HYDRA Agents over the past decade.
"According to encrypted files provided by the superhero organization, Arbitrators," the anchor continued, "World Security Council Vice Chairman Emma Zhang had repeatedly altered the deployment plans of United Nations peacekeeping forces to provide cover for HYDRA's secret Base in Africa."
The camera swept across the New York Stock Exchange, where dozens of financial elites were handcuffed. The anchor added: "These Wall Street bankers are suspected of laundering over 12 billion U.S. dollars for HYDRA's 'HYDRA Protocol' project through a complex financial network."
Suddenly, the screen switched to the European continent, where the news spokesperson for the German Chancellor was being taken away by the police. "Latest news indicates that this spokesperson had assisted HYDRA scientists in obtaining EU research funds for the development of the 'Soul Forge' control system."
The camera returned to the studio, the anchor's face grim: "Even more shocking is that some of these arrested high-ranking officials had been undercover in politics for over thirty years. They used the 'Operation Paperclip' from the Cold War era as a cover, gradually infiltrating the core of power in various countries."
The TV screen suddenly flickered, switching to a blurry surveillance video. An unknown Council member was seen in a secret meeting room, saluting several dark figures on the other end of a video call: "Hail HYDRA."
"This video evidence, provided by Captain America," the anchor's voice trembled, "confirms that the terrorist organization HYDRA is still trying to subvert this World from behind the scenes."
The TV screen suddenly cut back to the Federal Court. Steve Rogers stood before the witness stand, a determined light shining in his blue eyes. Behind him, a holographic projection displayed the Arbitrators' logo—a sword.
"Ladies and gentlemen, history has given us a painful lesson," Steve's voice was steady and powerful. "When S.H.I.E.L.D. was infiltrated by HYDRA, we lost our strongest line of defense. When governments were secretly controlled, we almost lost the entire Planet."
The camera swept across the spectator seats, the expressions of the national representatives solemn. Natasha stood beside Steve, her fingers rapidly sliding across a tablet, pulling up a set of data charts.
The screen switched to a holographic image of the Battle of Washington District, showing Arbitrators members fighting the Chitauri army.
"What we need is not another bureaucratic agency that might be infiltrated," Steve clenched his fist, "but a truly transparent, non-governmental global defense system. The Arbitrators have proven through their actions that they can be the core of this system."
"This is not to weaken national sovereignty," Natasha took over, a cold smile playing on her red lips, "but to build an 'immune system' that even HYDRA cannot corrupt. Think about it, if there was such a system..."
The screen suddenly showed the tragic scene of Washington District's fall, with the Chitauri army massacring civilians and destroying skyscrapers. A suppressed gasp rose from the audience.
In the studio, the anchor's voice grew excited: "Captain Rogers is calling for the establishment of a superhero alliance that transcends national boundaries! This will be the most significant security architecture reform in human history!"
"Finally, I want to say," Steve took off the Stars and Stripes emblem from his chest and gently placed it on the witness stand, "This emblem represents my belief, not any political entity. Today, I choose to believe in the common future of humanity."
He turned to the camera, his gaze piercing: "HYDRA taught us a truth: the strongest fortress is often breached from within. The Arbitrators are the 'external oversight' we need, the Guardian that will never be corrupted."
The TV signal suddenly flickered, switching to anti-HYDRA protests erupting simultaneously around the World. Crowds held up signs saying 'Trust the Arbitrators,' converging into an ocean on the streets of major European and U.S. cities.
In the Arbitrator Tower's top-floor command center, outside the 270-degree curved floor-to-ceiling windows, the Pacific Ocean's moonlight and the blue light of holographic projections intertwined into a flowing light curtain.
With a 'ding' system prompt, the live broadcast screen abruptly ended, leaving only the sound of waves crashing against the shore echoing in the space.
Tony Stark leaned against the quantum data terminal, raising his mug, cold coffee sliding down his throat. "So far," he said to Chen Tian, who was adjusting the holographic sandbox, his voice carrying a long-lost sense of relaxation, "your plan has succeeded."
Chen Tian's slender fingers glided over the floating tactical data stream. He turned around, and the command center's intelligent lighting system cast varying shadows on his face. "At least,"
He smiled slightly, "we won't have to apply to certain governments for rescue operations when people in crisis need us."
Tony put down the ceramic cup, the soft clink of the cup bottom against the Vibranium tabletop. "You know," he suddenly pointed to the dark sea outside the window, "while we were fighting the Chitauri army, the people at the Pentagon were still worried that the Arbitrators would snatch their toy soldiers."
Chen Tian walked towards the curved floor-to-ceiling window, his fingertips lightly touching the smart glass. The entire curtain wall instantly transformed into a tactical display, and 37 global security alerts, currently turning from red to green, cast tiny specks of light onto his irises.
"Now they should understand," his voice was calm, "some tsunamis require transcontinental breakwaters to withstand."
Tony strolled to the window, the miniature arc reactor on his chest casting a faint blue reflection on the glass. "Jarvis did a global public opinion scan," he waved his hand, and social media data streams exploded like fireworks over the Pacific Ocean, "The approval rating is 18 percentage points higher than expected—I have to say, the data curve for East Capital's approval rating is as beautiful as a perfect sine wave."
"Truth is always the sharpest weapon," Chen Tian watched the street scene in Berlin flash through the data stream, where Arbitrators' rescue mechs were assisting the police in maintaining order.
Tony suddenly laughed: "Seriously, when that Old Judge's robe revealed a HYDRA tattoo—"
He exaggeratedly mimicked the World Security Council Secretary-General's instantly stiff expression, "Jarvis, pull up the 4K holographic recording. This is definitely worth making into the opening animation for the next global summit."
Chen Tian shook his head with a laugh, his gaze turning to the holographic Earth in the center of the command center. Blue pulse signals representing Arbitrators' Bases were simultaneously flashing across the continents, with the light column from the Malibu headquarters shooting straight into the sky. "But the real battle has just begun," his smile faded, "The Higgs field stabilizer for the quantum defense network still needs—"
"Hey," Tony put down his coffee cup and picked up a crystal glass filled with liquor, interrupting him, "Let the protocols and contingency plans go to hell tonight."
He winked, "Think about it, Captain America taking off that emblem, cherished for eighty years, in front of seven billion viewers—that's definitely worth opening a 45-year-old Macallan."
Chen Tian picked up the crystal glass from the control console, and the containers in their hands gently clinked together under the Pacific Ocean's moonlight.
Amidst the crisp sound of crystal clinking, the entire command center's lighting system suddenly switched to celebration mode, and Jarvis's British accent chimed in: "Shall I play Beethoven's Ninth Symphony for the gentlemen?"
"Are you kidding me, Jarvis?" Tony almost spat out his drink. "Are Chen Tian and I the kind of people who like to listen to that stuff? Play my favorite victory rock!"
At Tony's command, the command center's ceiling suddenly projected dazzling laser beams, and AC/DC's iconic electric guitar intro of "Back in Black" roared like thunder. Tony raised his crystal glass, swaying to the rhythm, his arm tracing shining arcs in the air.
"Now that's celebration music!" Tony shouted at the smart system, his voice almost drowned out by the deafening drumbeat. He turned to Chen Tian, "Come on, rock out! Don't be so stiff!"
Chen Tian burst into laughter, his laughter echoing through the command center like fireworks exploding over the Pacific Ocean. He ripped off his dark blue tie, the silk fabric tracing an elegant arc in the air before being precisely caught by a robotic arm descending from the ceiling.
"Are you kidding me, Tony! Who am I? I've been ready for this!"
"Jarvis!" Tony snapped his fingers, and nano-armor instantly covered his right arm, transforming into a shining DJ controller, "Let's turn this place into the hottest nightclub in Malibu!"
In an instant, the entire command center began to transform. Tactical holographic projectors retracted, replaced by an array of circular laser lights; data terminals sank, revealing hidden champagne ice buckets; even the bulletproof glass curtain walls switched to a holographic starry sky mode.
With a burst of static, Deadmau5's iconic glowing helmet appeared on the central stage—a virtual DJ created by Tony using holographic projection technology. The classic riff of "Back in Black" was remixed, with heavier electronic beats that made the wine glasses on the bar subtly vibrate.
"Boss, your party supplies have arrived!" Happy Hogan pushed in a hovering cart laden with top-shelf champagne, his "Stark's Party Provisions" T-shirt glowing under the UV lights. Behind him followed a squad of supermodels in futuristic gowns, their fluorescent cocktails tracing dazzling light trails in the darkness.
Behind him, Dr. Banner pushed up his glasses, walking in a bit reservedly; Barton whistled, already holding a glass of champagne; Natasha's red hair glowed like burning flames under the lights, and she blew Tony a kiss.
Steve Rogers, who walked in last, was still wearing his dark blue suit, but his tie was already loosened. He hesitated for a second at the door before Barton pulled him in.
"Relax, Old Ice Pop!" Barton laughed, handing him a glass of whiskey. "Tonight, there's no Captain America, only Steve Rogers!"
2B had appeared beside Chen Tian at some point. She had changed out of her combat suit today, wearing a silver sequined miniskirt, her slender arm naturally wrapped around Chen Tian's arm. Her eyes sparkled with an unusual light under the lamps.
"Looks like I missed a good show." 2B tilted her head, leaning close to Chen Tian's ear and whispering, "Master, you need to relax. I've prepared the uniform you like."
Chen Tian's eyes lit up as he looked at 2B, making her a little embarrassed.
Tony raised his glass high, champagne bubbling cheerfully within: "To our great victory! To Steve's wonderful speech! To—"
"To HYDRA's stupidity!" Barton suddenly interjected, eliciting a burst of laughter.
"To HYDRA's stupidity!" Everyone echoed in unison, glasses clinking crisply in the air.
Steve stood in the corner, watching the lively scene, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips. Tony walked over with two drinks, handing him one.
"What's wrong? Not used to it?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.
Steve shook his head, taking the glass: "It's just... I haven't been this relaxed in a long time."
"Then enjoy it!" Tony patted his shoulder. "Starting tomorrow, you'll be busy." As he spoke, he subtly glanced at Chen Tian.
Steve fell silent. He knew that the issue of him letting Bucky go was still unresolved.
2B pulled Chen Tian onto the dance floor. Her dance moves were elegant with a mechanical precision, perfectly coordinated with Chen Tian. Happy whistled from the side, and the models cheered.
The holographic projection on the ceiling suddenly transformed into a sky full of fireworks, and Jarvis's voice sounded in the musical interlude: "Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy the specially prepared victory fireworks display."
Colorful fireworks bloomed in the virtual night sky, each transforming into the Arbitrators' symbol. The last image to appear was a sharp sword — the Arbitrators' emblem, shining brightly above everyone's heads.
Tony jumped onto the bar, raising a bottle: "To a new era!"
"To a new era!" Cheers echoed throughout the command center, even drowning out the sound of the Pacific Ocean waves. On this sleepless night, at the Arbitrator Tower in Malibu, a heroes' carnival was in full swing.
— — — —
At six in the morning, the Arbitrator Tower on the Malibu cliff was still shrouded in mist. Steve Rogers pushed open the titanium alloy door of the training room, only to surprisingly find Chen Tian already sitting inside.
The smart glass curtain wall of the training room had just switched to sunrise mode, and the first rays of dawn from the Pacific Ocean filtered through the nano-level filter, casting dappled light and shadow on Chen Tian's face.
He was wearing a loose hoodie, slumped in the sofa, yawning, with faint dark circles under his eyes.
2B stood behind him, her slender mechanical fingers precisely pressing his temples, the lace trim of her maid outfit glowing with a pearly white luster in the morning light.
"Morning, Captain." Chen Tian's voice was still sleepy. He raised a hand, gesturing to the coffee machine by the wall. "Freshly brewed Guatemalan, 90-degree extraction."
Steve raised an eyebrow. As he walked towards the coffee machine, his gaze swept over the holographic projection in the center of the training room — it was a 3D record of last night's party, the image frozen at the moment Tony jumped onto the bar, raising a bottle.
"I thought you'd sleep in more." Steve pressed the cup volume button. "After all, last night..."
"2B is more punctual than an alarm clock." Chen Tian took the coffee handed to him by 2B and took a sip, then suddenly raised his hand, interrupting Steve. "Don't be surprised, I was waiting for you here."
Steve was slightly stunned, looking at the holographic clock on the training room wall displaying 06:02, and couldn't help but sigh. The morning light streamed through the smart glass, falling on Chen Tian's well-defined profile. At this moment, there was no trace of sleepiness in his sharp eyes.
"So... you were up before six?" Steve's fingers unconsciously rubbed the rim of his coffee cup.
Chen Tian's lips curved into a meaningful smile. He put down his coffee cup, and his smart fiber training suit tightened slightly with his movements. "Captain, why do you think I specifically chose to appear in the training room at this time?"
Steve slowly nodded, the morning light casting deep shadows in his clear blue eyes. "Is it about stopping 2B from harming Bucky in Washington District, and intervening, which led to Bucky escaping with the Mind Stone?"
Chen Tian's fingers tapped gently on the rim of the coffee cup, making a crisp sound.
The training room's smart glass suddenly switched to tactical mode, displaying a holographic projection of the Triskelion ruins. 2B silently slid her finger, and the image zoomed in on a certain underground laboratory — in a shattered container, a scepter embedded with a blue gem lay quietly in a pool of blood.
"Does Captain know the power of that scepter?" Chen Tian's voice suddenly turned serious.
Steve stared at the shimmering scepter in the projection, his brows tightly furrowed. "The scepter emits a huge energy wave. I felt its destructive power in Washington District."
"No." Chen Tian suddenly stood up. He waved his hand, bringing up another set of images — Pierce, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., standing beside Loki, with a strange blue light in his eyes; Rumlow, Crossbones, in the Triskelion, also enveloped in blue light. "The truly terrifying thing about this scepter is its ability to control people's minds."
"Pierce and Rumlow were both controlled by the scepter." Chen Tian's voice was as deep as thunder. "That's why HYDRA launched the rebellion in the Triskelion, opened the wormhole, and let in the Chitauri army."
"Otherwise, they wouldn't have needed to risk starting a war. After all, they had already obtained the Tesseract. They only needed to hide in a hole and research powerful weapons." Chen Tian stared intently at Steve, anger flashing in his eyes. "Now you know how much destruction your letting Bucky go will cause, don't you?!"
Chen Tian's voice was deafening. "We finally investigated the HYDRA Agents lurking in various government units and reclaimed the Tesseract! Now you've given them another energy weapon just like the Tesseract! Even more terrifying!"
Chen Tian panted with anger: "This energy weapon can control people's minds! Can you imagine the days to come? Countless people turning into HYDRA's puppets!"
"Could it be! In your heart! Is the life safety of your brainwashed buddy more important than the lives and safety of the World's people?!"
Steve's pupils suddenly constricted, and the coffee cup in his hand crashed to the ground with a "snap," scalding liquid splashing onto his boots, yet he didn't notice. His lips trembled, but he couldn't form a complete syllable. His entire face instantly drained of color, even his lips turning pale.
In the morning light, his figure swayed slightly, as if all his strength had suddenly been drained. His usually resolute blue eyes were now bloodshot, fixed intently on the scepter emitting a faint blue light in the holographic projection.
"I... I don't know..." His voice was hoarse and broken. His fingers unconsciously clutched the fabric of his uniform over his chest, his knuckles white from the excessive force. The training room's temperature was clearly a constant 22 degrees Celsius, yet large beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
Chen Tian's angry questioning slammed into his heart like a heavy hammer. Steve collapsed onto the sofa. His vision began to blur, and his ears buzzed, as if he were back in that cold laboratory seventy years ago, watching Dr. Erskine fall before him.
"Master, Captain Rogers' blood pressure and heart rate are showing abnormal fluctuations." 2B's mechanical voice suddenly sounded. She had, at some point, brought up Steve's physiological monitoring data. "Immediate sedation is recommended."
But Steve couldn't hear her anymore. His World spun, and images of Bucky falling from the train, the explosion at the Triskelion, the huge wormhole over Washington District kept flashing in his mind... And now, because of his choice, all of this might repeat.
"What... what have I done..." he murmured, his voice so broken it was almost inaudible. A drop of cold sweat slid down his temple, hung for a moment at his chin, and finally splattered onto the cold floor of the training room.
Chen Tian's anger subsided slightly, but his gaze remained stern. He grabbed the ice water from the table and unhesitatingly splashed it on Steve's face.
"Are you awake, Captain?" His voice was deep, as sharp as the sword energy he wielded. "Collapsing solves nothing."
The cold water streamed down Steve's cheeks, dripping onto his uniform. His breathing quickened for a moment, then slowly calmed. When he looked up again, a hint of sharpness finally returned to his blue eyes, but the deeper pain and self-reproach were even more evident.
"I'll take responsibility." He raised a hand to wipe the water from his face, his voice firm. "I'll bring Bucky back myself."
Chen Tian stared at Steve for a moment, then finally nodded. He turned and walked to the holographic projection table, his fingers moving rapidly in the air, bringing up a set of satellite images.
"Sokovia." Chen Tian's voice returned to calmness. "Our reconnaissance plane in Eastern Europe detected abnormal energy readings three days ago." The image zoomed in, showing an ancient castle hidden in a snowy mountain.
2B silently handed over an encrypted file, and Chen Tian projected it into the air: "According to intelligence, Bucky and the scepter have likely been moved here." He pointed to a cross-section of the castle's underground structure. "There's a quantum laboratory on the third underground level, where HYDRA is conducting some kind of energy weapon experiment."
Steve stood up, water dripping from his golden hair. He meticulously examined every detail in the projection, his eyes gradually regaining their usual sharpness. "I need a team."
"This time, 2B and I will personally participate in the operation."
"Listen, Rogers." Chen Tian looked directly into Captain America's eyes, his voice as low as the whisper of the God of Death. "I'm giving you one last chance. If you can awaken Bucky... I will not interfere."
The temperature in the training room seemed to drop abruptly. "But if he's still HYDRA's weapon..." His voice was full of murderous intent. "I will personally end him. To prevent the scepter's power from spreading, this is a necessary sacrifice."
Steve clenched his fists. He took a deep breath: "I understand your position. But I will try everything..."
"No, not try everything, but you must." Chen Tian's pupils turned sky blue. "Otherwise, I won't let you repeat the mistake of Washington District. If necessary, you too will be sacrificed!"
------------------------
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(End of Chapter)