Government Meeting

Inside a room in the New York State Government Building, Mayor of New York City, the governor, and a host of other officials had gathered across from Kaecilius. Even Xia Ling had been invited.

At first, he'd been surprised. How could he, a top agent who officially reported to the Security Council and had practically nothing to do with the American government, be invited to a meeting like this?

But then he thought it over. He had been the one to order the agents to attack in the first place. If the Church of Dagon wanted to make peace, then surely he, as one of the parties involved, had to be there. After all, this wasn't Munich.

"Everyone."

The New York Governor finally spoke, breaking the silence in the room.

"We've gathered here to resolve an urgent and complicated issue. Mr. Kaecilius, I'd like to ask you something. Is the Church of Dagon a threat to the safety and stability of our city?"

"Governor."

Kaecilius sat up straight.

"I respect the purpose of this meeting, and I understand the importance of your question. The Church of Dagon has never been a threat to New York. On the contrary, we're an indispensable guardian of this city."

At this point, Kaecilius had been planning to take a jab at the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He was the one destabilizing society.

But when he saw the man's faintly amused expression, Kaecilius couldn't bring himself to say it.

He had no choice but to swallow the words he'd been about to say and turn to another topic.

"Of course, I'm not denying that some of the Church of Dagon's recent actions have caused public concern and misunderstanding. Whatever the reasons behind them, those actions strayed from the principles and teachings of our church.

"I deeply regret this, and I promise we'll take every necessary measure to ensure nothing like it happens again."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, then continued, "Of course, we'll fulfill our duties as members of this city. For instance, we'll help it face threats from all sides and provide its people with our unique medical services."

At that, the politicians exchanged glances. Each saw a satisfied look in the others' eyes.

They'd agreed to meet the High Priest of the Dagon Secret Cult at their old friend's suggestion for one reason: the church's miraculous medical arts.

If they were really as impressive as people claimed, they didn't mind lending a hand. After all, even in America, money could only solve ninety percent of problems. As for the other ten percent, no amount of wealth could do more than ease them.

Unfortunately, life, aging, sickness, and death made up one of the most important parts of that ten percent.

And that was precisely where the Church of Dagon came in.

Xia Ling, meanwhile, was just their cleanup crew. If the talks went nowhere, he and his agents would be called in.

"Mr. Kaecilius."

The Mayor of New York City picked up the thread, his tone earnest.

"We've heard many stories about the Church of Dagon's medical miracles. Are they true? If so, we'd be very willing to discuss how to make this unique medical resource available to more people and benefit more of our citizens."

Benefit the citizens? More like have the citizens benefit you!

Kaecilius scoffed inwardly, but didn't call them out. Instead, he continued with a perfectly straight face.

"Mr. Mayor, your keen insight and foresight are admirable. The Church of Dagon has unique medical knowledge, but these treatments aren't unlimited. They require—"

"Ahem."

The New York Governor cleared his throat, interrupting Kaecilius.

There was no need to discuss those details in public. They could talk about them in private.

If they announced that the treatments were limited, how could they make sure to distribute them as conveniently as possible?

"High Priest Kaecilius, today's meeting is meant to discuss broader matters. There's no need to get into these details now. We can discuss them further later."

The New York Governor's words carried a subtle understanding and hint, and everyone in the room knew exactly what he meant.

He continued, "What we'd rather hear is the Church of Dagon's long-term plan for working with government agencies to promote the safety and development of New York City and the state as a whole."

"You mean you need us to fight the Red Hulk and his monster army?"

Kaecilius furrowed his brow. He was certain that the Great Father was far more powerful than that otherworldly being called the Blood God.

But was it worth offending a powerful otherworldly being over this?

Kaecilius wasn't the only one frowning in thought. The New York Governor wasn't feeling too pleased either.

What could you expect from the leader of a backwater cult? He had no idea how to speak tactfully.

Did he really have to say something like that so bluntly? It was terribly undignified. Everyone here was a gentleman. Well, except for the head of the agents.

Two country bumpkins in a tiny conference room. No wonder the air had turned foul.

A sly, meaningful glint lurked in Xia Ling's smile. His words fell softly into the room, like a breeze dispersing the subtle tension in the air.

"As a member of this city, I naturally have a duty to help!"

After a few seconds of thought, Kaecilius decisively chose to go to war with the Red Hulk and his followers.

The church was thriving, and these government officials were already considering converting to the Church of Dagon. Under the circumstances, unless they planned to abandon New York, they had no choice but to fight the Red Hulk.

This was a holy war. There was no avoiding it. Besides, Kaecilius had no intention of tolerating heretics.

"High Priest Kaecilius, will the Church of Dagon have any trouble dealing with those Red Hulks?"

The New York Governor was a little concerned. It wasn't that he was afraid Kaecilius might die. He was worried that if Kaecilius did, the church might no longer be able to provide medical services.

"Our strength has never been in doubt. The likes of the Red Hulk are no match for us."

He looked so confident that he seemed to have some ability to back it up.

"This won't be too much trouble for you, High Priest Kaecilius?"

"Not at all. It's our duty."

"Good!"

The New York Governor slapped the table.

"High Priest Kaecilius, we're deeply impressed by your resolve."

The New York Governor rose to his feet, his tone solemn. "Our government will fully support the Church of Dagon's efforts to fight the Red Hulk and his monster army. We believe that, through close cooperation between both sides, we can protect New York City's peace and stability."