CHAPTER 126:Volunteer Police

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"The word 'monster' is sometimes a compliment in Chinese." Shen He tilted his head, brushing his silver hair back.

"That's right. A lot of my old colleagues said I was a monster." Tony Stark sprawled across the sleek Chaldean lounge couch, his usual swagger intact as he crossed one leg over the other. "I always took it as a badge of honor."

"You are indeed a monster." Shen He smirked. "How's progress on the Iron Legion upgrade?"

Lately, Tony had been working obsessively on his new modular Iron Legion systems within the Chaldea-designated secure industrial node, a site cloaked in illusions and EMP dampeners provided by Jeanne and Violet. This fully-automated AI-controlled base, locked down under Jarvis' refined protocols, ensured zero technological leakage and maximized production efficiency.

"A new modular production line is online, but sourcing raw materials is the bottleneck," Tony said, his tone growing serious. "My upgraded Mark suits use reinforced vibranium-uranium fusion alloys, and military-grade synthweave. Since I shut down Stark Industries' weapons division, most of those supply chains are dead. I can get limited stock through old favors, but it's not sustainable."

Shen He nodded. "We'll need to move discreetly. I'll have Lelouch activate dormant shell companies in East Africa and Scandinavia. There are smaller synth-metal foundries we can absorb. As for vibranium…"

Shen He hesitated.

He had long considered reaching out to Wakanda, still hidden under its cloaking barrier and governed by King T'Chaka. But any engagement required more subtlety. Wakanda had not yet publicly stepped into the global arena. Its isolationist policy remained strong.

Tony raised an eyebrow. "You're thinking Wakanda too, huh?"

Shen He didn't reply directly.

Tony switched languages. "非常时期,采取非常手段," he said in crisp Mandarin.

The corner of Shen He's mouth curled. "So you've been learning Chinese properly."

"Only so I can read your strategy notes without waiting for the Jarvis translation," Tony replied with a smirk. "Also, I noticed you use Sun Tzu references like seasoning."

Before Shen He could respond, Coulson entered with the others.

Skye trailed beside him, her posture a mix of curiosity and awe—until her eyes landed on Stark.

"Mr. Stark!" she rushed forward, her eyes sparkling. "I'm a massive fan. Can you sign my jacket? Oh God, I didn't bring a pen—Coulson never said you'd be here!"

Tony laughed. "Of course. Sit down. After this, let's all grab lunch—on me."

"Really?" Skye was practically bouncing. Her idol was real, and far cooler than she'd imagined.

Coulson interrupted, his tone a bit sharper than usual. "Ms. Potts asked me to remind you to check in early today, Stark."

He clearly didn't like how easily Tony charmed Skye. To Coulson, she was still the girl he rescued from Rising Tide's edge.

"I meant lunch with everyone." Tony offered a diplomatic shrug.

The Black Widow had already taken a seat nearby, silently observing with that inscrutable calm she wore like perfume.

Shen He cleared his throat.

"Alright. Let's begin."

Despite his serene voice, Shen He's presence was impossible to ignore. Everyone turned to him instinctively.

"I called this meeting for a reason. You've likely seen the news about India."

A heavy silence blanketed the room. The India incident—triggered by an unstable Terrigen Reactor awakening latent Inhuman genes—had resulted in chaos and fatalities. It was the direct consequence of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s collapse and HYDRA's secret bio-weapons division running unchecked.

"The loss of S.H.I.E.L.D. left a vacuum. Super-powered individuals are emerging without regulation. Crime syndicates are exploiting the gap. The chaos in Mumbai was just a symptom."

He let the weight of his words settle.

"We, Chaldea, dismantled S.H.I.E.L.D. for justified reasons. But that doesn't erase our responsibility. We now carry the burden of restoring stability."

Steve, Natasha, and Coulson exchanged sober glances. They'd seen too much to argue.

Skye, Wanda, and Pietro listened with furrowed brows, trying to grasp the deeper implications.

"So what do we do?" Skye finally asked, tense with anticipation. "We hunt down rogue Inhumans or enhanced criminals?"

"Yes—and no," Shen He said softly. "We cannot be everywhere. Our current manpower is limited. We must be strategic. Not just act—but influence. Fear… is sometimes order."

"Fear?" Wanda whispered, her memories of HYDRA flickering.

"You've all been gifted," Shen He continued. "Whether through mutation, science, or birth. But with power comes public attention—and responsibility. I don't need you to be 'heroes.' Not yet. I want you to serve as volunteer police. Trainee agents of Chaldea."

It sounded less grand than superhero… and somehow more practical.

"This isn't PR fluff," he added. "It's groundwork. If Chaldea is to shape the future, we need presence—not just force. We must win over hearts before politics turns against us."

"This is why Steve led the SHIELD decommission operation?" Pietro asked.

"Exactly. Captain America represents integrity. Through him, we gain trust. Through you, we gain roots."

Tony chimed in, finally. "It's a messy gig. People will still treat you like superheroes. Trust me, helping others gets addictive. Just don't think capes and catchphrases will solve everything."

Skye leaned forward, energized. "When do we start?"

Wanda and Pietro nodded, subtly more enthusiastic now that Stark was on board.

"First, legal training. Then, combat and ethics under Steve's command." Shen He stood. "Your early missions will be monitored. Jeanne and Shiki will follow your steps. But you'll also choose your code names and titles. This is about creating legends."

Skye glanced at Natasha, sensing the meeting wasn't over.

She stood. "Thank you, sir."

She and the twins exited.

Once gone, Steve finally spoke. "Are you sure? They're kids."

"They are. But capable ones." Shen He picked up a small micro-monitor embedded in the sofa edge. "Besides, Skye tried to bug the room. That's bold. Reckless. Annoying. But bold."

He crushed it in his hand.

"Her distrust could be an asset," Natasha remarked, folding her legs. "Assuming we direct it properly."

"Coleson, guide her. But don't scold. Let her grow." Shen He waved it off.

"And Natasha—Steve's too rigid. I need you to show them the gray. Not everything is black and white."

"You're really treating me like your commander," she said flatly. "Do you trust me that much?"

Shen He gave her a soft, rare smile.

"There's no need to ask that," he replied. "Only whether you trust me."

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