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The atmosphere inside S.H.I.E.L.D.'s covert operations room was tense as the key members gathered around the round table. Nick Fury, Captain America (Steve Rogers), Peggy Carter, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Maria Hill, and a few other high-ranking agents sat in their usual positions, the weight of the situation pressing on them. They had just finished discussing Javier's growing influence through his company, G.R.O. Corporation, and now the topic had shifted to something even more unsettling.
Javier's potential rise to unimaginable power—perhaps even the presidency of the United States—was a thought none of them had taken lightly.
Fury broke the silence with a heavy sigh, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. "So, we all know what's at stake. But if Javier ever decided to run for president…"
Tony Stark, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly leaned forward from the corner of the room, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well, we can't let him become president. Imagine the man who can manipulate anything and everything... running the country," he said, as if the idea was absurd. "Honestly, I don't think the people would go for it. A guy who's been behind the curtain for decades, pulling strings, never showing his true face? What's the public going to do with a leader who doesn't even need to campaign?"
Steve Rogers, ever the voice of reason, shot Tony a side-eye but couldn't help chuckling. "You're right, Tony. The public would be in for a big shock. A leader who doesn't even need to play by the rules. Can you imagine him giving a speech on TV? It'd be like a bad dream."
Tony raised his hands dramatically. "Exactly! One moment, he's your friendly neighborhood billionaire, the next moment, he's running the world. I'd love to see how he'd spin it when the first reporter asks him about his 'mysterious past.'"
Maria Hill, sitting across from Tony, shook her head. "It's not the public's reaction we should be worried about. It's the fact that Javier could do it. The man has the kind of influence and control we've never seen before. Imagine what he could do if he ran for president—he'd have both the financial resources and the public support."
Carol Danvers, arms crossed and leaning back in her chair, added with a thoughtful look, "He's not just some rich guy with tech. He's smart. His intellect alone is dangerous. He could manipulate the system in ways we can't even fathom. The guy's already proved he can control entire industries and public opinion."
Natasha, who had been silently observing the conversation, now spoke up. "If Javier wanted the presidency, he could win. He already has people backing him—he's built a cult of personality. Think about it: Javier and his company are global names now. People trust him, they admire him. And with his power to control situations from the shadows, he could easily orchestrate an entire political campaign without breaking a sweat."
"Right," Fury agreed, his voice darkening. "Javier's not just playing checkers—he's playing 3D chess. And it wouldn't take much for him to leverage his public image to run for office. With his resources, his global networks, and—let's not forget—the discreet tech he's developed... He could influence elections, sway votes, and move policy in his direction without anyone ever realizing what happened."
A chill went through the room as everyone considered the implications of this. Javier had always been a figure lurking just beneath the surface, like a phantom in the corporate world. But if he ever revealed himself in the political arena? He'd become untouchable.
"Not to mention," Steve Rogers added, looking a bit more serious now, "The man's been playing this game for decades. He's seen the rise and fall of governments, corporations, and armies. If he wanted to take control of this country, he could do it in a heartbeat. And once he does, how many people are going to be left to stop him?"
"Exactly," said Peggy Carter, looking at each member around the table. "We can't afford to underestimate Javier. He has the power to rewrite the rules of the game. And he's already proven he's not afraid to make moves from the shadows. If he ever became the president, the world as we know it would be... radically different."
Tony, however, was less concerned with the global impact than he was with the personal one. "Just think about it, though. Imagine Javier as president, strolling into the White House like he's taking his rightful place in the sun. 'Oh, I'm just the guy who controls the world's largest company... no big deal.' Honestly, I don't think he'd ever do it. He's a man who operates from the shadows—why step into the light when you can control everything from behind the scenes?"
Maria Hill shook her head, not convinced. "That's exactly what makes him so dangerous. He doesn't need to be in the spotlight. But if he wanted to, he could. And it wouldn't take much for him to manipulate public opinion to such an extent that he could secure the highest office in the land."
"Plus, the way he's been moving—slowly, methodically, like a chess master—it's terrifying. He doesn't rush. He takes his time and waits for the right moment," Natasha added. "And right now, everything is falling into place. G.R.O. is at the top of the food chain, and Javier is a shadow looming over every industry."
"We've seen men like him before," Fury said gravely. "Men who think they know what's best for the world, and are willing to go to any lengths to make it happen. The difference is, Javier has already put the pieces in place. All he has to do is make the call."
There was a long silence as everyone absorbed the weight of their words.
"We can't let that happen," Steve said finally, his voice steely. "We can't let a man like that gain more power than he already has. If Javier ever ascends to the top position, no one will be able to stop him—not us, not anyone."
Tony, ever the optimist with a touch of humor, leaned back in his chair, trying to lighten the mood a little. "Well, I guess if he does run for president, I won't have to worry about losing the election. I mean, who wants a president who's too smart for his own good?"
Everyone in the room cracked a small, nervous smile, but the tension didn't dissipate. The reality of the situation was far more serious than any joke Tony could make. Javier was a force unlike anything they'd ever encountered before—intelligent, calculating, and with the resources to manipulate not just business, but politics, and the very fabric of society itself.
"Right now," Fury said, as the meeting began to wind down, "the best thing we can do is monitor him. Keep tabs on G.R.O., and make sure we're ready to step in if he makes a move. But don't underestimate him. Javier's a wild card, and we've never dealt with anyone like him before."
Everyone nodded in agreement. The room went quiet as they all exchanged glances, each one thinking the same thing: What if Javier really did want to become president? And what would happen if he did?
It was a thought that lingered in the air, a shadow that cast itself over the future of not just the country, but the world.
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End of Chapter 94