"I was under control. Dreykov, the leader of the Red Room, has a neurotoxin that can completely control a person's actions. I was one of his victims, but fortunately, I had injected myself with a preventative developed to block chemical control. I managed to break free not long after. It's a product from Stark Industries, and I was the first volunteer for the clinical trials!"
As Blake spoke, he lifted a file in his hand, showing it contained analysis reports on the neurotoxin, along with certifications from medical experts Tony had gathered.
"What's interesting," Blake continued, "is that Dreykov's neurotoxin originated from a 1995 product developed at Northern Labs in Ohio. I wonder if any of the senators here remember the fire at that lab in '95. I have all the data from that lab, and even two witnesses. Can the government explain why a government-backed lab was developing a chemical that's internationally banned?"
Tony chimed in, waving his phone, "Should I project this data on the screen so our friends in the press can take a closer look?"
"Ahem!"
Another senator cleared his throat, interrupting Tony.
"This isn't a courtroom. We're not here to convict anyone or discuss a fire in '95. We can investigate those issues later."
"The primary purpose of today's hearing is to address the Red Room's Helicarrier, now located less than 100 kilometers from New York. It's a militarized flying fortress that poses a serious threat to our national security."
"There are also thousands of highly trained agents, raised from childhood to perform espionage and assassination. This kind of power should not be in the hands of private individuals. It must be under government control."
"Blake, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff—you are the ones currently in control of that Helicarrier and those thousands of potentially dangerous spies. We request that you hand over the spy records and the Helicarrier outside New York to the U.S. government to ensure the safety of our people and homeland."
"We're sorry, but we can't do that," Natasha suddenly declared loudly, addressing all the senators.
"What? What did you just say?"
The senator, surprised by Natasha's direct refusal, thought he had misheard and asked her to repeat herself.
"You heard me, Senator. I said we can't. I know what you're after—thousands of highly trained spies, yours without lifting a finger. But I need to tell you, these women have been under control their entire lives. Now, they've finally broken free of that vile neurotoxin and can live like normal people. I won't allow any organization, government, or individual to take control of them again for their own purposes. They are free!"
Natasha, having come from the Red Room herself, wasn't interested in negotiating. She addressed the issue head-on, cutting through all the diplomatic pretense.
As she spoke with fury, Tony helpfully displayed part of the Red Room's training program and the brutal selection process for the Widows on the screen.
The information caused an immediate uproar, especially among the reporters, who rushed forward to take photos and videos.
"Oh my God, this is the most egregious violation of human rights!"
"They removed the uteruses of those girls—this is murder!"
"Quiet! Everyone, please, settle down! We can discuss the reintegration of these former spies later. Let's not lose sight of today's focus, which is how to protect our national security."
The Senate Chair banged the gavel on the table, trying to restore order.
"National security comes above all else. If the three of you don't comply with our recommendations, today's hearing will end here. The Senate will propose a special bill on this matter, and if two-thirds of the vote passes, we won't rule out the possibility of using force."
A threat—a blatant threat.
"Use force? I'd like to ask, are you sure you want to use force?" Blake stared directly at the Senate Chair.
"Mr. Blake, I understand you possess abilities beyond ordinary people, but you can't seriously think you alone can stand against an entire national apparatus, right? We simply want to resolve this issue. You should consider carefully before we proceed with the vote."
The Chair smiled, but his eyes conveyed the clear message: *This is a threat*.
"Hahaha! A bunch of hypocritical politicians who only know how to beat around the bush!" Blake laughed out loud.
"You should've just voted from the start and then threatened us with force right away. Why bother with this hearing? There are plenty of senators here today—why don't you go ahead and vote now? I've even prepared the ballots for you!"
*Snap!*
Blake snapped his fingers.
A strange scene unfolded. Without a sound, a small golden circle appeared beside each senator. From the circles—each about the size of a small ashtray—hands emerged, dropping a quarter-sized white ballot beside each senator.
The hands quickly retracted and then reappeared, this time dropping a gleaming, golden bullet next to each ballot.
The room fell silent. Everyone held their breath. The senators sat frozen, none daring to move a muscle. The only sound was the soft *plink* of bullets falling on the tables.
Everyone stared, stunned. No one had seen when the hands had disappeared, or when the golden circles had vanished.
"Well? Go ahead—vote! Write 'YES,' and let's see if your force can conquer me."
Blake stood up, surveying the room, and shouted.
For a long moment, no one moved. Then, finally, one senator snapped out of the shock.
"Oh my God, what did I just see? Mama! I need to go home to my mama!"
Even though the senator's hair was already gray, the terror had clearly rattled him to the point of hysteria.
Blake casually patted Tony and Natasha.
"Let's go. Today's hearing is over. Time to head home."
At the door, Blake paused and turned back.
"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention—you all, including the senators who couldn't make it today, will find an identical set waiting in your bedrooms. If you haven't made up your minds yet, no rush. You can fill it out when you get home. I'll be waiting for your response!"
"And this—this is what I call a threat."
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