80

Chapter 80: Judgment and Black Superman

SHIELD takes control of the courtroom.

The auditorium, the jury box, and even the judge's seat were all occupied by SHIELD agents.

Although the setting appeared unchanged, the nature of the trial had drastically shifted.

Tension hung thick in the air.

Among the audience, Peter caught sight of Nick Fury. Fury was observing him with a piercing gaze, his thoughts inscrutable.

The new judge, a young woman with dark hair whom Peter didn't recognize, was likely a mid-level agent.

Despite the live broadcast and cameras rolling, some individuals couldn't risk public exposure and communicated through microphones.

Yet, holding this position at such a critical juncture conveyed significance.

The young judge was evidently unafraid, staring intently at Black Superman.

SHIELD's interrogation commenced without preamble.

"You murdered someone in front of witnesses, Black Superman. You're a killer; there's no defense," the judge stated firmly.

The statement heightened the already tense atmosphere. Its hostility was palpable to any ordinary person.

Can a hero still be heroic if they're a murderer? The question hung in the air.

"I only eliminate those who commit evil," Peter replied calmly.

His response was accepted, but it didn't convey his intended message.

"Nevertheless, you've violated the law," the young judge persisted, undeterred by the prospect of heat vision directed at her.

She had accepted the risks when assuming this role.

"And what if I can't be judged?" Peter queried.

"Do you believe you're above the law, free to judge at will?"

"The law is flawed, isn't it?"

...

The rapid-fire questioning was followed by a tense silence.

SHIELD agents exchanged hushed whispers, analyzing every word, trying to decipher Black Superman.

This marked the first meaningful exchange between humanity and Black Superman.

"What defines good and evil?" the young judge interjected suddenly.

The philosophical question puzzled many, revealing SHIELD's dilemma.

Unable to judge Black Superman, they sought to comprehend him.

"Innocent, kind people should be protected," Peter affirmed. "Those who work diligently and honestly each day deserve safety."

"Perhaps... unilateral action isn't the solution? You could collaborate with us and the government."

It was a gesture of compromise. Unable to stop Black Superman, their best recourse was to tether him.

"The law can be wielded as a weapon, but not by me," Peter replied calmly.

"Are you now at odds with governments worldwide, challenging Capitol Hill?" the judge pressed.

SHIELD felt cornered, some even considering seeking global support.

Peter remained composed.

"I'm not against anyone. If I threaten someone, they should ponder why they've invited such a reaction."

Peter smirked, "Believe me, you don't want to see me truly opposed to anyone."

"Are you a Sword of Damocles hanging over all heads? Instilling fear in everyone?" the judge questioned.

"Fear is a potent shackle; it confines all wrongdoing... I've shown mercy. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here," Peter warned.

...

Black Superman's frank words left them frustrated, incapable of retaliation.

As tension simmered, attention on the trial intensified.

SHIELD and others found the situation daunting. Some inexplicably sided with Black Superman...

The atmosphere grew eerily quiet.

Why couldn't Black Superman be as manageable as the comic book hero, vulnerable to kryptonite?

God, why subject us to this?

Must we inevitably face...war and destruction?

Those who flaunt their power aren't easily apprehended, leaving the majority to suffer.

"Have you considered...maybe, people don't need you?" the judge's tone softened, acknowledging a shift in perspective.

Unconsciously, she lost her initial resolve, realizing Black Superman might be onto something.

In a prison cell, Kingpin grew more agitated, pounding the table.

Across town, Tony lounged on his sofa, grumbling about Black Superman's facade, deep in thought.

Gwen...where's Peter? Where's Peter?

Amidst this somber atmosphere, at the peak of verbal exchange, Peter casually remarked, "I'm right here."

Whether they desired it or not.

Another moment of silence followed. Eventually, the young judge representing SHIELD spoke again:

"Do you truly aspire to become a god on Earth?"

"My abilities dictate a certain role," Peter replied.

"You should count yourself fortunate that I'm the one in this position."

Communication had reached a pivotal clarity.

Regardless of need, Black Superman existed objectively, an unavoidable presence.

They couldn't judge or control him; they feared him. Perhaps...they needed him.

Then, an unexpected voice interjected,

"Isn't it ludicrous for a human god to hide behind a mask?" the judge continued.

Their last resort.

So you wish to be the Sword of Damocles, above all, Earth's god. We can't contain you, we're powerless.

"But remember, even the most powerful man dons a silly bat mask. Do you hide secrets? Are you afraid to reveal your true self?"

As long as Black Superman roamed Earth, he'd remain entangled.

Exposing his identity would unveil these connections.

With ties exposed, even Black Superman could fall.

"I'm unconcerned with public opinion," Peter declared, gazing down.

"I've no qualms about removing my mask."

All eyes fixated on the screen, eager for Black Superman's response.

They yearned to know his identity, out of innocent curiosity.

Suddenly, they heard Black Superman's voice,

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"We're ready!"

"Unmask, Black Superman!"

Countless viewers echoed in front of their TVs, brimming with excitement.

Even SHIELD agents were taken aback.

Could Black Superman truly reveal his identity? This wasn't expected. Was he risking his loved ones' safety?

But Nick Fury intervened swiftly,

"No, halt!"

His words left everyone bewildered.

Fury grimaced, "Humanity isn't prepared."

"Apologies, humanity isn't ready."

The young judge received the message through her earpiece, pursing her lips in contemplation.

Across town, Tony breathed a sigh of relief in his mansion.

Peter smirked at the judge, "What's your name?"

Daisy, caught off guard, stammered, "Daisy Johnson."

"Not bad," Peter remarked, leaving everyone baffled.

Then, with a thunderous crash, he descended, smashing the judge's bench.

The courthouse, centuries old, crumbled under his might.

Surveying his handiwork, Peter departed without explanation, disappearing into the sky with a sonic boom.

Nick Fury pushed aside debris, rising to his feet. Agents emerged from the wreckage.

The damage was minimal; they were trained to withstand such trials.

Approaching Fury, Hill queried, "What was his objective?"

Fury sighed, "Who knows? Perhaps he needed an outlet for his frustration."

In their negotiations with Black Superman, humanity suffered a resounding defeat.

He possessed immense power and an impenetrable psyche.

"On the bright side," Fury observed the ruin, "we have a justification for additional funding, don't we?"

...

Fury's phone interrupted the moment.

It was Coulson.

"What's the matter, Agent Coulson?" Fury answered.

Coulson's voice was tense, "Director, Black Superman has unexpectedly appeared here."

...