XElenea
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Ch. 303 Four-Pronged Approach
🕑 Added 2024-02-23 16:00:12 +0000 UTCDestroy the U.S. military's base complex in the Hawaiian Islands?
Kara knew that Russell wouldn't just sit back after returning, but she didn't expect him to come up with such a crazy plan as soon as he returned.
She had been in this world for about a year, and she was no longer the Supergirl who knew nothing about this world.
The base complex in the Hawaiian Islands was the most critical logistics and command center for the U.S. military in the Pacific region.
This base complex not only served as a link between the U.S. mainland and the Western Pacific bases but also acted as a hub for military operations in the Pacific by both land and sea.
To put it simply, without the base complex in the Hawaiian Islands, the U.S. military's island chain strategy would lose nearly half of its effectiveness.
Destroying the base complex in the Hawaiian Islands was essentially no different from attacking the White House.
"Are we going to disguise ourselves as other forces to do this?" Kara asked, frowning, well aware of what destroying the base complex in the Hawaiian Islands meant.
"No need. We'll do it in the name of the Justice League," Russell replied calmly. "As for the reason, we'll say that a group of dangerous aliens have infiltrated the base complex in the Hawaiian Islands and are attempting to threaten Earth's security by occupying it."
Russell had already planned this after learning from Thor that the Justice League had been defined as a terrorist organization by the authorities, with the shadow of the Kree Empire behind it. He wanted the U.S. government and S.H.I.E.L.D. to know that trying to use the Kree Empire's power to strike at the Justice League was a foolish endeavor.
"Even with such an excuse, people may not believe it," Kara expressed her concerns.
"At that time, the military and S.H.I.E.L.D. might even attack us directly," she added.
"Don't worry; they won't dare!" Russell replied confidently. "I've just given Grendel orders to take a stroll in Washington, D.C., especially near the White House and S.H.I.E.L.D Headquarters."
If they were going to do it, they would do it thoroughly. Russell didn't intend to leave any face for the U.S. government and S.H.I.E.L.D., especially since they had seized the industrial assets of Octopus Monster Industries. If they dared to cross him, he would not hesitate to escalate the situation to a full-blown conflict.
In the United States, humility and deference would only be seen as weakness. It was essential to make the other side realize that provoking him would come at a painful cost.
Russell had learned this lesson through his own experiences after crossing into this world.
"Shouldn't we discuss this with Diana? I still think it's too risky," Kara continued.
"I've already talked to Diana, and as long as it doesn't harm ordinary people, she won't object."
"But soldiers and agents are not ordinary people!"
Russell understood Kara's concerns, but he didn't want S.H.I.E.L.D. and the U.S. government to know he had returned so quickly. If he hadn't delayed his return, he would have preferred to handle this operation himself.
After awakening the Divine Sun Power, he hadn't had a chance to test its full capabilities. The U.S. military as the strongest military on Earth, would be a suitable testing target.
"Diana's fine with it, so I'm okay with it. When do you want me to start?" Kara asked calmly, letting go of her worries.
"The sooner, the better. If you don't mind, I'd like you to leave now."
"Oh, and when you go, make sure to wear the Supergirl costume so they don't mistake you for someone else," Russell added with a smile.
"Alright, I'll leave shortly!" Kara might not fully understand Russell's entire plan yet, but she had decided to follow his instructions. Just like Diana, she had blind trust in Russell.
"Well, thank you for your help!" Russell patted Kara's head and said gently.
"Don't pat my head like that. You make me feel like I'm a pet dog," Kara said, frowning.
"Alright, I won't pat you anymore!" Although he said that, Russell's hand didn't stop.
Just as Kara was about to explode, he finally withdrew his right hand, no longer teasing her.
"Is there anything else, or should I head to Hawaii soon?"
"For now, there's nothing else. By the way, I brought you some extraterrestrial gifts."
As soon as he finished speaking, Russell opened the system space and took out the prepared gifts. These gifts were purchased during his time in Asgard and the Windrest Fortress.
Every official member of the Justice League received one, including Grendel and Godzilla.
Seeing the gift box materialize in Russell's hand, Kara's big blue eyes lit up with anticipation. She eagerly took the gift box and opened it.
Inside the exquisite gift box were several pieces of finely crafted jewelry with a distinct Asgardian or Vanaheimr style.
Although Kara wasn't lacking in wealth, women, much like the mythical dragons, had an inexplicable fascination with shiny jewelry. Even if they didn't wear it regularly, just having it displayed in a jewelry box could bring them joy.
"I guess you do have a conscience!" Kara said with a slightly raised corner of her mouth, a hint of coquettishness in her tone.
"I've always had a conscience!" Russell replied with a serious expression.
...
When Kara changed into her Supergirl costume and left the Justice League headquarters alone, Russell went to his study and contacted Bakshi and Malick, assigning them some tasks that were within their capabilities.
Since the U.S. government and S.H.I.E.L.D. had classified the Justice League as a terrorist organization similar to HYDRA, it made sense for the real HYDRA to take some action. Due to the difference in power, Russell didn't give Bakshi and Malick overly difficult tasks.
Destroy all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s bases in Europe!
In reality, this mission was still beyond Bakshi and Malick's abilities. However, Russell delegated some of the command authority to them regarding the White Zetsu Warriors.
The White Zetsu Warriors were responsible for the frontline combat, while Bakshi and Malick would handle logistics and intelligence work. If they couldn't handle even these tasks, there was no reason for them to remain in HYDRA.
After contacting Bakshi and Malick, Russell called Winston, who had originally managed the New York Continental Hotel but was now a member of the High Table.
Winston's status as a member of the High Table was closely related to Russell.
Although Winston later provided him with some information, it was still far from enough.
Upon receiving his call, Winston paused noticeably before slowly saying, "Long time no see. What can I do for you?"
"I need a list of clients from the New York Continental Hotel, specifically the ones with official affiliations," Russell replied directly without beating around the bush.
"Why do you need these names?" Winston asked in return.
"Nothing much, just returning a favor to the government."
Russell's tone was straightforward; he didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Over the past six months, both the Justice League and Octopus Monster Industries have experienced certain events, and you should be well aware of them," Russell continued calmly.
Upon hearing his words, Winston didn't immediately respond but remained silent for several seconds. Then he said, "You probably don't just want the list of those clients. I can provide you with the details and execution of the contracts, but I hope you'll respect the privacy of the assassins. They're just doing their jobs for money, and they have nothing to do with the current situation."
Winston, a shrewd individual, quickly grasped Russell's intentions after just a brief conversation.
"I'm not after those assassins. You don't need to worry about me betraying them," Russell replied slowly.
"How would you like to receive this information?" Winston inquired.
"I'll have someone provide you with a secure email address. You can send the information there," Russell replied.
"Alright," Winston agreed promptly.
After contacting Winston, Russell turned to No. 3 and said, "Project the compiled data for me."
"Of course, sir," No. 3 responded, and a large holographic projection screen appeared in front of Russell.
The holographic screen displayed a summary of significant events that had occurred over the past six months, as compiled by No. 3.
Russell leaned back in his chair and began reviewing the information. While he had a general idea of what had happened during this period, he needed to delve into the specifics in order to better plan his next moves.
Time ticked away. In less than half an hour, he had finished reviewing the information compiled by No. 3.
He realized that the American government and S.H.I.E.L.D. had initiated their crackdown on the Justice League not immediately upon his departure from Earth but gradually, about half a month after he left.
This timeline made him furrow his brow slightly. It coincided with the time he and Thor had resolved the chaos in Vanaheimr.
In other words, Thanos had likely learned that Russell was no longer on Earth at that time.
While this current situation might not seem directly related to Thanos, Russell couldn't forget that Thanos had collaborated with Ronan the Accuser.
As for whether Ronan the Accuser had come to Earth, he wasn't certain at the moment. However, he was confident that the Kree Empire was involved in the events.
Though Asgard hadn't planted any spies on Earth, Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifrost Bridge, was the best intelligence source available. His sight could clearly observe events on Earth.
Most likely, Thor's source of information was Heimdall.
Otherwise, a Thor who had been stationed in Asgard all along wouldn't have known about the Kree Empire's involvement in these events.
The Kree Empire!
Well, I didn't intend to cause trouble for you, but you decided to come looking for trouble. Quite bold of you!
With these thoughts, Russell suddenly had a plan. Initially, he hadn't planned to embark on interstellar travel in the near future because he lacked a suitable spacecraft.
However, with the Kree Empire's ships now essentially handed to him on a silver platter, he couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.
When something is handed to you willingly, you should take it.
Furthermore, the Kree Empire's involvement in the current events was clear.
While the Kree Empire didn't possess any exceptionally powerful advanced combatants, it was an advanced cosmic civilization. Most importantly, their warships had the capability for interstellar travel.
Russell hadn't planned on interstellar travel right away because he lacked the appropriate starships. However, now that the Kree Empire was essentially offering him their ships, he couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Having temporarily put aside the Kree Empire's matter, he focused on contemplating the details of his upcoming plans. To be precise, he had four plans in mind: one led by Kara, another by Grendel, the third by HYDRA, and the fourth by news media, which was not directly under his control.
He didn't need to worry too much about Kara, Grendel, or HYDRA's plans. His primary concern was the news media, which he had less direct control over.
These media outlets, while incapable of causing physical harm to the government and S.H.I.E.L.D., could wage a war of public opinion and force them into a nightmare.
In this media battle, Russell would act as a behind-the-scenes orchestrator, not directly involved.
After waiting for a while in his study, he received the information from Winston. Russell quickly reviewed it, made some edits, and instructed No. 3 to prepare the materials for distribution.
These materials would be sent free of charge to major news outlets and websites, exposing what actions American officials were willing to take to eliminate their competition and threats.
