Ch. 101Legal War Profits
Key Plot Points and Events
- Four days after the Battle of Manhattan, relief efforts are slow, with less than half the ruins cleared.
- Pietro and Wanda volunteer at a relief site, distributing supplies and registering disaster victims.
- Pietro discovers a company, Toomes Cleanup, illegally removing valuable Chitauri energy cores while leaving relief supplies untouched.
- Pietro is injured when he confronts the company's leader, who has a government contract for rubble clearance.
- Wanda and Pietro report the incident to Old Liu, who suspects Tony Stark's involvement.
Character Developments
- Pietro shows bravery and initiative in confronting the corrupt company, but also displays impulsiveness that leads to injury.
- Wanda remains calm and collected, prioritizing the needs of the victims and supporting Pietro after his injury.
- Old Liu demonstrates wisdom and understanding of government procedures, suspecting Stark's involvement due to the contract's unusual circumstances.
Significant Themes
- Corruption and Greed: The Toomes Cleanup Company's actions highlight the corrupting influence of profit, even in the aftermath of a disaster.
- Government Inefficiency: The slow response of the government in providing relief supplies and investigating the illegal activities contrasts with the swiftness of Stark's actions.
- Morality vs. Legality: The company's actions are legal due to the contract, but morally reprehensible, raising questions about the ethics of such legal loopholes.
Character Interactions
- Pietro and Wanda work together at the relief site, showing a strong sibling bond and shared understanding of suffering from their experiences in Sokovia.
- Pietro's impulsiveness leads to conflict with the company leader, while Wanda provides support and care afterward.
- Pietro, Wanda, and Old Liu share information and suspicions, working together to uncover the truth behind the company's actions.