I Want to Buy a Helicarrier

Washington's sky was clear, with white clouds drifting by. Now and then, a Quinjet streaked across the sky, leaving trails of sonic-boom vapor as it returned to the Triskelion's landing pad.

The Triskelion Building stood across the water from the Washington Monument on its own small island, connected by a long highway bridge.

Today, every agent and armed unit in the Triskelion Building was busy. Even at headquarters, guards stood every few steps, sentries every ten, with tight defenses deployed everywhere.

The president stood waiting outside the entrance to the Triskelion Building. Chatting with him from time to time were S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury and Security Council Minister Alexander Pierce.

A black stretched Rolls-Royce crossed the long highway bridge connecting the island, causing the three people waiting at the entrance to stop talking and look expectantly toward it.

The Rolls-Royce arrived at the plaza outside the Triskelion Building's entrance.

Dressed in a tailored fitted suit, He-El stepped out through the automatically opened Rolls-Royce door and looked up at the Triskelion Building.

The Triskelion Building's glass walls glittered beneath the sunlight, giving it a bright, transparent high-tech feel. From below, it looked imposing, magnificent, and distinctly futuristic.

The president, Alexander Pierce, and Nick Fury stepped forward to greet him.

He-El looked at the President in surprise as they shook hands, then smiled and embraced him. "I didn't expect you to come to S.H.I.E.L.D. despite being so busy, Mr. President. I should have arrived earlier so I could have caught breakfast with you."

"Surprise! You have to relax a little even when you're busy. Inspecting S.H.I.E.L.D. is part of my job, and especially with you, He-El, it feels particularly relaxing. We can have lunch instead." The president smiled warmly, his expression highly infectious.

"The food here is indeed quite good. So what