General Ross's fate was the only thing Eller cared about now; he eagerly awaited the President's reply.
"..." The President's face hardened for a moment, then he slowly said, "General Ross obstructed the path to the future.
He is no longer qualified to wear a military uniform.
Out of humanitarian considerations, the White House and the Pentagon will arrange a farm for him far from the city, allowing him to live out his days.
However, he will not face a military court; his fate will be decided by another method."
Given that General Ross's actions were not suitable for a military court, U.S. military law also did not specify how to handle high-ranking officers who turned other soldiers into monsters.
Therefore, from his perspective, the President's arrangement for General Ross was tantamount to a covert house arrest, removing him from the military and even from society, letting him die in solitude.
Upon hearing this, Eller was not entirely reassured.
He did not view the long-haired blonde man before him as the ruler of America, but rather spoke to the President in a tone that was almost an interrogation:
"But there will still be people who try to replicate the Hulk.
There are definitely many in the military with such ideas, especially General Ross's former subordinates and his friends.
As long as the idea of replicating the Hulk's power is not eliminated, incidents like today will happen again, and next time, no one might be able to stop them in time."
"I will reprimand those in the military connected to General Ross, making them understand that humanity cannot yet control Gamma Rays."
The President's gaze became like an arrow, and he straightened his back, looking very much like a warrior bravely moving forward.
"Secondly, Gamma Rays are not the power that can make America great again.
I swear by the happiness of all citizens that after General Ross, no one in the White House and the Pentagon will attempt to harness the power of Gamma Rays again."
The President's words were sincere, every word powerful, making one believe he was speaking the truth.
Eller's intuition also told him that this old politician was not putting on a show for him, nor was he preparing for any double-dealing.
The President was not lying... Since the conversation had come to this, Eller temporarily suppressed the impulse in his heart.
"Then I await the President's good news," Eller said pointedly.
At this moment, the President's political experience told him that this street hero, wearing a fox mask, might do something that would infuriate him, or even force him out of the White House.
The President did not want to risk his political career to protect a General Ross; moreover, he also needed to make an example.
He could stand with the pure-hearted soldiers, but he also could not use his power without reason for such a group of people.
"You can completely trust the President's promise," the President replied solemnly.
Subsequently, Coulson exchanged some pleasantries with the President, indicating that the Avengers would cooperate with America's actions to a certain extent.
In short, the Avengers' first operation was relatively smooth, though some team members were quite unconventional.
.......
Dinner time.
At Eller's home, he was sharing the full story of the incident with Wanda.
They chatted while eating steak and drinking red wine.
Hearing the latter part of the story, Wanda had a question and asked, "So how do you plan to force the America President to comply?"
"Oh, that," Eller said, cutting his steak with a dinner knife, then uttered words that made Wanda slightly stunned.
"If he doesn't fulfill his promise, I will send a copy of that research data from the military Base to America's two biggest enemies, letting the President witness the power of 'external forces.'"
"You are truly... bold, Eller."
Wanda couldn't think of any words to describe what Eller was almost going to do.
She shook her head, finally admiring Eller's courage.
"But if you do that, it's no different from betraying America."
"Compared to that, I care more about whether anyone will still try to research Gamma Rays," Eller replied to Wanda, taking a sip of red wine before continuing, "If anyone still tries to replicate the Hulk's power, I really will expose that research data."
"You are very brave, Eller," Wanda said, looking into Eller's eyes, "If that day comes..."
"I will be an enemy of this country," Eller finished Wanda's sentence, then smiled slightly.
.......
Some time later, in a high-ranking military officer's private room at a field hospital, General Ross, who was in the recovery period, lay on the bed and said regretfully:
"The experiment actually failed at a critical moment, and in the end, I even needed those guys to save me."
At this moment, a figure in an air force uniform walked into the ward.
He did not salute General Ross, the 'General,' but walked directly to his side, put down his briefcase, and then sat on a chair.
"Long time no see, General Ross."
The newcomer greeted him, and General Ross recognized him and called out his name.
"Talon? Why are you here?"
Talon Talbot, a U.S. Air Force officer of colonel rank, was an acquaintance of General Ross, but their relationship was not particularly close.
Therefore, when Talon ignored the difference in their military ranks, General Ross felt a bit angry.
"General Ross, you should know how much trouble you've caused this time, right?" Talon asked with a smile.
"..." General Ross was silent for a while, then tried to explain, "This was just an accident.
If you give me one more chance, I can create controllable super soldiers."
"But your accident this time resulted in hundreds of soldiers turning into deformed monsters, most of whom are still lying in hospital beds, requiring long-term treatment to recover," Talon said without backing down:
"General Ross, the trouble you've caused this time is too big.
The President can't protect you."
"Does the President not need me anymore?" General Ross's face seemed to have aged ten years, and all his spirit was drained.
"Given the magnitude of this mess and the strong demands of certain individuals, you must bear the consequences.
If it weren't for the President's strong protection, it wouldn't be me here now, but intelligence agents," Talon said truthfully.
Heartbroken, General Ross slowly raised his eyes and asked Talon, "Will I face a military court?"
"You will not face a military court," Talon shook his head, then took out an appointment letter from the briefcase on the floor and handed it to General Ross.
"But you have also lost everything.
Starting today, your military rank is demoted to private second class, and you will be forcibly retired in a month due to age.
The Pentagon has arranged a suitable retirement place for you."
In an instant, General Ross was demoted by more than a dozen ranks, from a General to a private.
The disparity was immense.
But in the face of absolute power, General Ross had no room for maneuver.