The White House, Oval Office.
The nation's leader sat with a furrowed brow, his hands resting on the famous Resolute Desk—a desk built in the nineteenth century, a gift from Queen Victoria of England to Hayes, the president of the United States. Its wood had come from the British Arctic exploration ship Resolute, and President Kennedy later placed it in the Oval Office as the president's personal desk.
In the Baroque-style office, Stryker sat on the sofa. The usually headstrong colonel appeared exceptionally proper now, leaning forward with half his body like a soldier ready to rise at a command.
He could be ruthless toward those evil Mutants and show no courtesy to capital tycoons, but before the true ruler of this country—even if only nominally—Stryker was still rather nervous.
Magneto's brazen attack on Worthington had turned the Mutant issue into a hot topic of public debate. In Stryker's eyes, it was practically a heaven-sent opportunity. He had originally planned to have Mutants attack the White House and create the appearance of a failed presidential assassination, thereby gaining attention and a greater share of resources. But Worthington's sudden collapse had allowed him to achieve his goal with ease.
As for the unfortunate Worthington, no one cared in the slightest. Even without the Mutants' involvement, Stryker would have found an opportunity to act in secret. He had long grown sick of those endlessly greedy carrion vultures. Like sharks smelling blood, they swarmed in at the sight of profit, caring only to take while begrudging even the tiniest bit of sincerity in return.
"William, I've read the Mutant defense plan you submitted. When it comes to dealing with these people, you are a top expert." The president pondered for a moment before continuing, "How is your Weapon X team coming along?"
"It