Chapter 110: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was already April.
At the beginning of the month, after finally wrapping up his affairs, the President, who was quite surprised by Oaks's recent popularity as the Chairman of the Benevolence Society, awarded him a medal that he hadn't expected.
"The Presidential Medal of Freedom."
When Oaks came to the White House to receive the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government upon civilians, he looked at the meaningful gaze of President Obama and understood—
Originally, considering his situation, it wouldn't have been strange for him to receive this medal later on, but it was a bit early now.
However, due to the Benevolence Society led by Oaks, history had changed—
Instead of President Ellis, Obama had been reelected, and there was already a slight deviation in how the U.S. government would deal with superheroes.
This time, the President was originally expected to lose, but the situation was directly reversed, and this medal was a way of returning a favor.
In this way, it also highlighted the President's unwavering commitment to environmental policies.
Moreover, if the Benevolence Society further developed as a result of this medal, it would be beneficial to his administration.
Under the scrutiny of the media's spotlight, neither the President nor Oaks said anything untimely.
However, after the award ceremony, Oaks received an invitation from a senior advisor to the President.
"Dr. Woods, it's a pleasure to meet you. On behalf of the President, I sincerely thank you for your contributions to the nation."
With a smile commonly seen on television, the advisor shook hands with Oaks.
"I'm just dedicated to restoring and developing the Earth's ecosystem."
Oaks smirked, making his position clear:
"The Benevolence Society is still in its early stages, but I am confident in promoting it worldwide."
The advisor nodded in satisfaction. His thoughts differed from Oaks's, or rather, the government's thoughts differed from Oaks's.
Promoting the Benevolence Society worldwide?
Well, that's great! Our political influence will also spread worldwide!
"Since severing ties with... that place, the development of the Benevolence Society seems to have slowed down—
This may delay your ideals and be a loss for the nation and the global environmental cause."
The advisor squinted slightly, still wearing a smile that was difficult to discern, but Oaks understood it to some extent.
"So, do you have any suggestions?"
"At the end of next year, Mayor Bloomberg's term in office in New York City will be ending. He has already been elected three times as the mayor of New York City and won't have a fourth term."
The advisor's smile took on a meaningful tone:
"During Mayor Bloomberg's tenure, he also focused on health, education, healthcare, climate, and environmental issues in New York City and even the entire country.
With your current reputation, Dr. Woods, you may have the opportunity to become his successor."
Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP, has served as the mayor of New York City for three consecutive terms since 2002.
The Obama government wanted Oaks, who was currently in the limelight, to run for mayor of New York City and continue supporting them after Bloomberg stepped down!
Indeed, with Oaks's recent popularity and the covert support from the President, it was almost a sure thing if he wanted it.
However, Oaks clearly wasn't interested in their proposal.
"Sorry, Mr. Advisor... I have no intention of entering politics."
Oaks shook his head, rejecting the advisor's suggestion, which surprised him slightly.
"Hehe... Everyone has their own aspirations. Well then, I wish Dr. Woods success in your future endeavors."
The advisor's smile returned to the one seen on television as he nodded slightly. For them, it would be best if Oaks accepted, but it wouldn't be a big deal if he didn't.
But the goodwill from the President ended there. Unless Oaks could demonstrate new value, after all, the Avengers Initiative had already been abolished.
However, as soon as Oaks stepped out of the White House gate, he saw a familiar car pull up in front of him and honk its horn.
It was a Chevrolet Saab 9-3, the standard covert agent's vehicle, but this one seemed particularly special.
Oaks sensed that it had the same air conditioning filter as his smart.
He remembered that the air conditioning system in this car was of supermodel standards.
Shrugging, Oaks walked up to the car door. The window rolled down, and Nick Fury's head tilted in the driver's seat.
"Get in."
"If you tell me to get in, I'll get in!"
"...That Asgardian treasure has been acting up lately. Don't tell me it has nothing to do with you or... you guys."
Nick Fury rolled his eyes dramatically.
"And we also have an old treasure serving as the head of security in your Benevolence Society."
"What?"
Oaks raised an eyebrow and widened his eyes, pretending to be surprised, pointing at the medal on his chest.
"I've just received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. You'll be legally responsible if you defame me!"
"...Cut the crap, former consultant!"
Nick Fury wore a "don't think I don't know" expression.
"With your abilities, you're already crossing over from technology to researching magic, and you didn't notice anything unusual?"
Seeing that Oaks remained unmoved, he finally muttered under his breath, "Damn it..."
"Alright! That's Captain America, Steve Rogers! Get in the car already!"
"You couldn't have said that earlier? Why the mysterious riddles?"
Oaks opened the car door and got in, of course, in the back seat.
"Ah, the first modern superhero in history, theoretically over ninety years old, younger than me in terms of physiological age... and a pure-hearted virgin who's still too scared to see his girlfriend."
"...You're the first one to describe Captain America like that."
Nick Fury drove while almost unable to resist swearing—
You're even worse than Rogers, you single dog!
"In any case, that's how things are with Captain America... Although the Avengers Initiative has been abolished, I still believe that the world will need the Avengers someday."
Nick Fury briefly introduced Captain America's situation. Seeing that the headquarters was already in sight, he continued:
"This time, I 'invite' you not only for the Destroyer problem but also to ask about the Captain's psychological counseling—
I allowed him to stay with you for so long, and by now, he must have fully adapted to modern society, right?"
"Why are you in such a hurry to have him go on a mission?"
Oaks knew very well that Captain America now belonged to the S.H.I.E.L.D. ranks and had no direct affiliation with the U.S. government or the military—except for retirement benefits.
"No, S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't currently lack a soldier. It's just... you'll see."
"What the hell, you're doing this again!"
The Chevrolet entered the S.H.I.E.L.D. garage. Speaking of which, besides requesting the Destroyer wreckage, this was the first time Oaks had come to Triskelion in his years as a Consultant. It had to be said that their facilities had upgraded quickly.
Led by Nick Fury, they encountered no obstacles along the way. And so, with the freshly awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom hanging from his neck, Oaks arrived at the Director's office under the peculiar gazes of S.H.I.E.L.D. members.
Opening the door, Oaks saw a striking figure with a head full of wavy silver hair, dressed in a women's uniform, standing up from the couch upon hearing the door open.
Nick Fury closed the door and made a slight bow.
"Miss Carter, I've brought him."
"...No way."
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