Descending the Quinjet's ramp with Ultron by my side, I adjusted my cape, letting it fall naturally behind me. The sight of the White House was surreal, even for me—standing on the steps of one of the most recognized symbols of power in the world. Fury walked ahead of us, his usual swagger and single-minded confidence on full display. I caught Ultron glancing at the architecture, his newly designed body shimmering faintly in the sunlight.
"Impressive structure," Ultron murmured. "Not nearly as secure as I'd hoped for a leader of the free world."
"Let's not start with constructive criticism, Ultron," I replied with a faint smirk. "We're here to make allies, not enemies."
President Obama greeted us at the entrance, his handshake firm and his demeanor calm yet curious. "Superman, Ultron," he said, nodding at each of us. "Director Fury speaks highly of you both. I've been looking forward to this conversation."
"Likewise, Mr. President," I said, matching his tone. "It's not every day you get the opportunity to plan the future of the world over coffee."
Obama chuckled, leading us into the Oval Office. The room was exactly as I expected—imposing yet inviting. Fury started to speak, but I stepped in, gently redirecting the flow.
"Mr. President, I'll get straight to the point," I began, standing tall with my hands clasped behind my back. "The world is changing, faster than anyone anticipated. People like me—like Ultron—are only the beginning. Enhanced individuals, advanced technologies, even extraterrestrial threats... they're no longer hypothetical. They're here."
Obama leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "I agree, but what exactly are you proposing?"
I nodded, appreciating his directness. "A team, Mr. President. Not a government-run initiative, not a military project—a team that operates above politics, above borders. The only team to work above the government itself, the Avengers."
"The Avengers?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"The name isn't important," I said with a small wave of my hand. "What matters is the mission. This team would consist of individuals with unique abilities and perspectives, united by a single goal: to safeguard the future. From any threat no matter how small or how grand
"
Obama steepled his fingers, his expression thoughtful. "And you expect world leaders to support a team that operates outside their jurisdiction?"
"Yes," I said simply. "And here's why they'll agree. This isn't about power—it's about trust. The Avengers wouldn't just protect humanity; they'd embody its best qualities. Justice, cooperation, ingenuity. They'd inspire unity in a world that's becoming more fractured by the day."
"And who decides what this team does? What their priorities are?"
I exchanged a glance with Ultron, then looked back at the President. "The team will be self-governing, guided by an internal code of ethics and accountability. But we wouldn't ignore the input of world leaders. Transparency and collaboration would be cornerstones of this initiative. This is a partnership, Mr. President—not an ultimatum."
Obama nodded slowly, a hint of a smile on his face. "You've thought this through."
"I've had to," I said, my voice softening. "Because if we don't plan for the future now, we'll be fighting to catch up when it's too late."
Fury leaned forward. "With all due respect, Mr. President, this is a risk we can't afford not to take."
Obama turned to me. "And what about your identity, Superman? Are you planning to stay in the shadows while asking others to trust you?"
I smiled. "The choice will be mine. When the time is right, I'll reveal myself to the world. And when I do, it won't be as a secretive figure. It'll be as someone they can look to for hope, for guidance. But for now, the focus should be on building something bigger than any one person."
Obama studied me for a moment before nodding. "You make a compelling case. I'll think it over and reach out once I've spoken with my advisors. If we move forward, you'll have my support in getting a meeting with the other world leaders."
"That's all I ask," I said, extending my hand.
As we left the White House, Fury was uncharacteristically quiet. Ultron turned to me once we were back on the Quinjet.
"Do you think he'll agree?"
I smiled faintly. "He'll agree. Because deep down, he knows what's at stake. And when the time comes, the world will follow."
A couple of days later, I was in the study at Wayne Manor, the warm glow of the late afternoon sun spilling through the tall windows. Alfred—my trusty AI assistant—pinged me through the speakers.
"Master Wayne," his polished British voice cut through the soft classical music playing in the background. "You have a call from President Obama. Shall I put it through?"
"Of course, Alfred," I replied, leaning back in my chair.
The holographic interface on my desk flickered to life, and moments later, Obama's face appeared. His expression was calm but purposeful.
"Mr. Wayne," he began, his tone carrying the weight of the decision he'd made. "I've thought it over and discussed it with my team. We're in. The world leaders will hear you out. The date for the meeting is set."
I let out a small breath of relief. "Thank you, Mr. President. That means a great deal."
"You've earned it," he said with a slight smile. "I'll be in touch with more details soon."
"Looking forward to it," I said.
Just as I was about to end the call, a soft click of heels on the marble staircase caught my attention. I turned my head, and my grin widened at the sight before me. Alice was descending the stairs in a bold take on a secretary outfit that made my train of thought stall completely.
The crisp white blouse she wore was unbuttoned just enough to tease the curve of her collarbone and hint at what lay beneath. It clung to her figure perfectly, tucked into a high-waisted black pencil skirt that hugged her hips and ended just above her knees. The slit on the side, though subtle, was provocative enough to draw attention to her shapely legs, emphasized by a pair of sleek black stilettos. A thin, black belt cinched her waist, and the matching blazer she carried over her shoulder gave the ensemble an air of authority—though the playful smirk on her face as she noticed my reaction undercut the professional image.
Her hair was styled in a loose updo, with a few strands framing her face, and a pair of chic, thin-rimmed glasses rested on her nose.
"Is that everything, Mr. President?" I managed to say, forcing my attention back to the hologram—barely.
Obama's amused chuckle told me I hadn't been as discreet as I'd thought. "Sounds like you've got something else to attend to, Wayne. I'll let you go."
"Appreciate it," I said, quickly ending the call.
I turned my chair to fully face Alice, a grin spreading across my face. "Is there a board meeting I wasn't told about, or are you just trying to distract me?"
She reached the bottom of the stairs and placed one hand on her hip, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe a little of both. You've been locked in here all day, Bruce. Thought you could use a break."
"Mission accomplished," I said, standing. "You've definitely got my attention."