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Ch. 179 Don't Even Think About It
🕑 Added 2023-11-30 16:00:09 +0000 UTCAlthough Russell had never been a politician, he knew how to play the game, like slapping labels on others.
Indeed, Godzilla's presence posed some threats to public safety.
But don't forget, Godzilla hadn't harmed anyone so far. In fact, it had actively prevented the male MUTO from attacking the military and S.H.I.E.L.D.
While Godzilla's primary objective was to eliminate the male MUTO, from a human perspective, it had undeniably secured the safety of Waikiki Island.
Regardless of Godzilla's motives, the fact remained that it had thwarted the male MUTO.
"I've never discriminated against any unofficial forces, nor do I have any intention of turning America into a heartless, emotionless country. Those are misunderstandings on your part."
"There may indeed be no specific laws concerning Titan creatures domestically right now, but that doesn't make your keeping of Godzilla legal."
"If a tiger were to suddenly appear on the streets of Washington, the Washington police would have the right to deal with it."
"But Godzilla isn't an ordinary beast; it's a sentient Titan creature."
"We can't communicate with a tiger, but we can communicate with Godzilla."
"If, General, your way of communicating with sentient beings is through force, then I believe Godzilla would respond in kind."
Russell spoke calmly.
General Hagg might be a bit tougher to handle than Senator Franski, but he was still within Russell's range.
Before General Hagg could respond, Russell continued, "General, to be honest, I don't understand the purpose of this hearing."
"If we are discussing the existence of Godzilla and other Titan creatures, there's no doubt that they exist, and they have been around longer than humanity."
"They ruled the Earth before humans even existed."
"Yes, some of them have astonishing sizes, and a few have shown hostility toward humans."
"But if you're suggesting that Godzilla poses a threat to national security, I won't accept that judgment unless Godzilla has actually committed acts endangering public safety."
"The Justice League is indeed a civilian organization, and I don't deny that. But, General, don't forget that it was I, an ordinary citizen, and the Justice League, a civilian organization, that stopped the MUTO and the Black Dragon on Waikiki Island."
"Currently, I'm the only one capable of communicating with Godzilla on an equal footing and preventing Titan creatures. And by the way, there's a Black Dragon inside Godzilla as well."
"Judging from the situation on Waikiki Island, I don't believe the military is currently equipped to handle Titan creatures."
"If the Military Committee insists on acting unilaterally, foregoing the opportunity to coexist with Godzilla on equal terms, then the casualties and damage resulting from this will be on your shoulders, General, and the Military Committee you represent."
"I have an assessment report on Godzilla and the Black Dragon, including potential casualties and collateral damage that could occur during a battle."
"If the Military Committee decides to eliminate Godzilla and the Black Dragon at any cost, even if it comes at a high price, I can give up communicating with Godzilla and let him have a personal chat with you, General, and Senator."
Russell finished speaking and had No. 3 project the compiled data report onto the hall's screen.
Although the data in the report was provided by Russell himself, considering he was the only human who had encountered Grendel and Godzilla, the data he presented carried significant authority.
You could choose not to believe it, but you couldn't refute it.
That was the advantage of having the final say!
General Hagg attempted to stop No. 3 from playing the report, but it was futile. No. 3 completely ignored him.
Even attempts to cut power or unplug data cables couldn't prevent No. 3 from playing the report because it manipulated the Endosymbiotic Battle Armor to establish a direct data connection with the display.
The estimated casualty and collateral damage reports continued to play, forcing General Hagg to order the removal of the screen from the hearing hall.
However, at this point, it was too late.
Although No. 3 hadn't played the entire report, a significant portion had been broadcast live by the attending journalists.
Furthermore, after the screen was removed, Russell had No. 3 send electronic copies of the report to the media outlets where each journalist was from.
You wanted Godzilla? No problem. I'll let the whole world see how powerful Godzilla truly is and how weak the militaries around the world are even combined in against Titan creatures.
Although this slap would inadvertently hit General Ross and other military bigwigs, Russell wasn't worried about them coming after him for it.
General Ross and his colleagues weren't members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, so they didn't care.
If high-ranking military officials couldn't handle even a minor setback like this, they would be far too incompetent for their positions.
Looking at General Hagg, whose face had become as unsightly as Senator Franski's, Russell addressed the microphone and looked at the reporters and cameras in the hall, saying seriously, "Godzilla is a member of the Justice League, and no one can take it away from us!"
"We can prevent Titan creatures from attacking humans, and the Justice League can assist. Godzilla can help too. We're safe, and America is safe!"
"You wanted Godzilla, but don't even think about it!"
"I and the Justice League tried to cooperate with these clownish politicians, but all they care about is power and underage girls!"
"The Justice League fights for the safety and interests of the people, not for the dirty politics of power!"
Russell's provocative words stirred up intense applause in the hall.
Not everyone present supported Russell, but they didn't mind watching the high and mighty dignitaries suffer a setback.
Especially in a live broadcast during the hearing.
"Senator, General Hagg, you don't need to thank me and the Justice League because you don't understand what it means to fight for the people."
With that, Russell took out a pair of sunglasses from his jacket pocket and put them on with a smug expression.
Then, he turned and walked away, completely ignoring Senator Franski and General Hagg's plans.
