The S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist spoke gravely, his expression somber. The atmosphere in the conference room immediately grew oppressive.
After a long silence, Nick finally rose and addressed everyone. "Everyone, this is a matter of life and death. Prepare for battle. Whatever the hell comes out of that portal, we have to drive it back."
"Jack, contact the Military. Have them mobilize troops into the city and establish defensive lines around the area. Nothing gets through the blockade."
"Yes, Director!"
"Wells, contact the government. Have them evacuate every resident within a ten-kilometer radius."
"Also, everyone beyond that radius needs to be ready to evacuate at any moment. If anything unexpected happens, we'll consider deploying weapons of mass destruction."
Everyone froze at those words, staring at Nick in disbelief, as though they couldn't believe he had actually said them.
Wells, whom Nick had just called on, immediately stood up. "Director, this is New York. Shouldn't we get approval first?"
"Don't worry. I'll submit a report to Congress shortly. For now, get everything ready."
"If anyone is held accountable afterward, I'll take responsibility."
"Move out!"
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison. With Nick having gone that far, they could hardly object any further.
Once everyone else had left the conference room, Nick stopped Steve and the others.
"Everyone, sorry for the trouble, but I need you to go bring Thor back."
"Also, see if you can destroy that device."
"If you can't, withdraw for now. We'll find another way."
With that, Nick bowed to them and said solemnly, "The safety of roughly ten million civilians, as well as hundreds of millions of people across the United States, hinges on this incident. Please give it everything you've got. I'm counting on you!"
They could all feel Nick's resolve, especially Eddie.
He had always had a strong