And so, the debate between Stark and Shiller began.
As it's well known, extremist statements tend to be more aggressive, and hence are more dominant in debates. Shiller managed to secure the far-left core ideology: everything for community service, everyone must reside their ego, and become constituents of the state, only then true equality and democracy can be achieved.
Yet if Stark persists in his alignment with the right-wing theory, it would be impossible for him to beat Shiller. Hence, he must push further right to the extreme, in order to withstand Shiller.
The question arises, is Congress capable of accepting either far-left or far-right extremism?
Truthfully, they can't accept either.
The far-left signifies the resurrection of Red Ghost; the far-right symbolizes a government authority minimised to the lowest, with economic oligarchies in control - none of which they desire.
It's like asking if they prefer a shit-smelling shit or simply just shit.
All they sought was to instigate an internal contention between the superheroes and S.H.I.E.L.D. with a legislation, in the hope of accruing their own power. How did it turn into a do-or-die ideological battle all of a sudden?
However, the ceiling had been upturned by Shiller. All the superheroes present were drawn into the increasingly heated debate between him and Stark.
Debates between the wise tend to be highly provocative. The atmosphere has escalated to this point, it's now crucial to determine the future direction of America. A peaceful conclusion seems like an impossibility – at least, that's what the observing superheroes thought.
The problem is, Congress never intended to delve into ideological warfare. Everyone knows that once the battle gateway opens, all present, regardless if they lean left or right, cannot escape the dreadful purge.
Finally, a Congressman couldn't hold back. He banged the table hard and shouted: "Both parties return to your seats! Silence! Listen to me! Stop!!"
What he meant to say next was for both parties to cool down, and not to escalate the situation to extreme measures. Then, he'd reiterate some usual conciliatory remarks and pronounce the meeting adjourned.
They would call another meeting another day, exclude the extremist Moon Knight, and, using other reasons, provoke Iron Man and Captain America against each other.
But just as he was about to say that, Shiller pointed his hand at him. The Congressman suddenly realized that he had lost his voice.
He then heard Shiller say:
"In order to prove that I'm not all talk, I'm willing to take the lead and disclose my real identity and specific abilities, to show my firm resolution in maintaining public safety."
As he spoke, the silver glow slowly faded from his body. Even his iron mouth cover disappeared. Not many recognized Shiller's face when it emerged; he rarely appeared in public. Then, he began his self-introduction.
"I know not many of you know me, but I have to introduce myself. I am Shiller Rodriguez, a psychologist and psychiatrist. You can find my papers in many major journals. Without false humility, I am confident in my academic competency."
"In addition, I also serve as a psychiatrist for S.H.I.E.L.D. This one, Iron Man, has received 230 hours of treatment from me. And this one, Captain America, S.H.I.E.L.D. booked him 130 therapy sessions, but he attended less than half..."
"The rest of you..." Shiller indicated the superheroes present in the room. "You all should know that as a superhero, the pressure is immense. They're all regulars at my clinic."
By the time he finished, everyone's faces had turned pale. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s psychiatrist is a far-left and all the superheroes present had received treatment from him...
Was it treatment or indoctrination?!
However, Shiller's next words made them truly feel the chill down their spines.
"Regarding my ability... perhaps you've heard of someone, my special ability, from type to intensity, is very similar to his, that is——"
"Professor X."