Amid the sweeping tide of reform, superheroes had already become relics of the past...
They might still roam the streets of the city, donning masks to fight crime and gangsters when night fell.
But from the moment the Registration Act was implemented, in the eyes of the public, they had already aligned themselves with criminals. Like those villains, unregistered superheroes were now on the wanted list.
Moreover, this world's new order was being established, and in this reshaped landscape, there was no place for superheroes. Once again, it proved that individual power was insignificant against the tide of history. A simple piece of legislation had rendered heroes obsolete.
After sharing a few drinks with Captain America, Sean didn't return to Umbrella Corporation in Long Island. Instead, he boarded a government jet waiting for him and flew to Washington D.C. under the bright moonlight.
In less than half an hour, the silver-white aircraft emblazoned with a bald eagle slowly descended onto the helipad atop S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Triskelion headquarters.
Stepping out of the cabin, Sean saw Mystique (Raven) waiting for him in the night breeze. Her golden curls and fitted blue business suit gave her a strikingly alluring presence.
"Is this your first time stepping into your own domain?" Mystique teased, covering her mouth with a laugh.
Recently, she had been helping Sean deal with the remnants of HYDRA. With Alexander Pierce dead and Madame Viper fallen in Japan, Baron Strucker in Eastern Europe was no longer a concern. The only one left was Whitehall, who was obsessed with studying alien civilizations.
Under Sean's direction, Mystique had used her shapeshifting abilities to infiltrate HYDRA, consolidating some of its remnants and forcing them back into hiding.
"Why not wipe them all out in one go? S.H.I.E.L.D. definitely has the capability," Raven asked, puzzled.
"There's an old saying... 'When the cunning rabbits are dead, the hunting dogs are no longer needed; when the flying birds are gone, the bows are put away...' This world needs an undying threat, an evil villain lurking in the shadows. Only then can S.H.I.E.L.D. maintain its position, constantly reminding the World Security Council that they need us."
Sean spoke casually as he stood on the rooftop helipad, gazing at the Jefferson Memorial by the lake, the flowing Potomac River, and the sprawling city lights that dotted the land like scattered stars.
Raven nodded in understanding. Though General Ross of the Defense Department was nominally S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest leader, many core members knew the real authority lay with Sean Cyphers, the young 'advisor'.
Umbrella Corporation's influence had seeped into every aspect of S.H.I.E.L.D... field agents, intelligence networks, the reorganized intelligence bureau, even funding for the research division. Stripping away the layers of illusion meant to mislead outsiders, S.H.I.E.L.D. was practically becoming Sean's personal kingdom.
"What's your plan after General Ross steps down?" Raven followed closely behind Sean like a dutiful secretary, "Given his age, he probably won't stay in that position for long."
Sean understood the implication behind Mystique's words, "I have no interest in becoming Director."
He shook his head slightly and said softly, "Zemo can take over. He's a suitable loyal dog. He's not too ambitious, but capable and shrewd enough. Whether it's political maneuvering or handling operations like a spymaster, he excels at both."
"You really do think highly of him," Raven pouted, unable to resist asking, "Then what about me?"
During her time with Sean, Mystique had tasted the sweetness of power. Playing the role of HYDRA had made her realize that the thrill of authority far surpassed what personal strength could offer.
"I think I still need an assistant. After all, I can't stay in Washington long-term and waste time on tedious administrative work." Sean spoke as they walked, passing high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. officials who greeted them warmly, their tones either respectful or friendly.
A massive independent agency always needed someone to play the roles of the good cop and the bad cop. General Ross and Commander Zemo were the former, while the newly appointed 'senior advisor' was clearly the latter.
"Where were we? Ah, right... I need to find a young, beautiful, and capable secretary." Sean looked at Mystique, his meaning obvious, "Once HYDRA is dealt with, you'll come work as my secretary and handle S.H.I.E.L.D.'s internal affairs... Oh, and I've also chosen a girl from Sokovia, Wanda Maximoff. You'll be responsible for training her."
Raven nodded, committing it to memory. She was quite satisfied with her current life. She no longer had to hide in the shadows like she did under Magneto, nor return to Charles' school to endure dull and monotonous days.
Mystique loved adventure and excitement, and now she craved power and status even more. Playing the role of a high-ranking decision-maker was intoxicating, like fine wine she couldn't resist.
Sean's next words made Raven's heart race, a flush of excitement rising to her refined features, "Of course, this isn't your final arrangement. After President Underwood serves two terms, he'll step down. I can't just let anyone take the White House."
A faint smile played on his lips, "So how about a new identity as a reward for your hard work?"
He had always believed in fair transactions. Using brute force to control others often backfired. Only by offering tangible benefits could one secure unwavering loyalty.
Dr. Connors and the Vankos were perfect examples.
Of course, if he occasionally ran into stubborn individuals who refused to see reason, then fists would have to do the talking. After all, he wasn't some brute demon... he preferred to convince with reason.
"A girl from Kentucky, a graduate of Yale Law School, becomes a young lawyer fighting for justice, volunteering as a legal advisor for nonprofits, drawing media attention to issues like child abuse and mutant discrimination. Then, she joins one of America's oldest law firms, Ross & Associates, using it as a springboard to enter the Legal Services Corporation..."
"...After that, it's publishing books, speaking out for public rights, crafting an image of an unyielding woman. The whole process will take at least three to five years. Running for Senate, entering Congress, engaging in partisan battles, until President Underwood retires and she runs for office."
Sean stopped at the conference room door, looking at the stunned Mystique, a faint smirk curling his lips.
He placed a hand on Raven's shoulder, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "If I can put Underwood in the White House, I can make a second president. No need to answer me now. Think it over carefully. After all, this is a long-term role to play."
Raven nodded dumbly, her mind already lost in fantasies of sitting in the Oval Office, becoming the nation's first female president.
This was far more interesting than any 'mutant revival' plan.
Seeing Mystique's dazed expression, Sean smiled silently and pushed open the door. When it came to the game of power, humans never tired of playing...