Chapitre 78: Chapter 78: The Interview of the Century
The news that a relatively new and innovative newspaper had secured an exclusive interview with the renowned hero, Atomic, sent ripples of excitement across the digital landscape, quickly going viral.
In nearly three years of heroic feats, Atomic had staunchly avoided any media interactions, allowing his actions to speak volumes instead. His unexpected decision to sit down with a journalist was shocking, leaving many to speculate about what had prompted this change.
Inside his cluttered room, Peter and Harry animatedly discussed the upcoming news stream, their anticipation palpable. Peter couldn't shake the question nagging in his mind: What had compelled his friend to finally open up after so long resisting the spotlight?
Meanwhile, in the cozy confines of the Stacy home, Gwen, George, and his wife, Helen, sat together on the couch, their eyes glued to the screen, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Atomic's thoughts and revelations.
Across the country, Serena, Zoey, Daniel, and his girlfriend, Amanda, huddled together in a living room adorned with snacks and drinks, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement as the clock inched closer to 6 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Outside a sunlit classroom at ESU, Doreen and Tippy-Toe intently observed their laptop screen. They were on the edge of their seats, excitement coursing through them as they anticipated their mentor's words.
Perched on a bench in the serene Namsan National Park, Mira leaned forward, her gaze fixed on her phone with unwavering focus, eager for the moment the broadcast would begin to learn more about the hero who had saved her all that time ago.
In the expansive common room of the X-Men's mansion, the team members, still clad in their training gear, gathered around a massive plasma television. Lost in thought, Kitty furrowed her brow as she scrolled through her messages from Wyatt, her mind racing with questions about the motivations behind Atomic's surprising decision.
Above, Wanda soared through the air, her powered flight effortless. With a pair of snug headphones securely in place, she deftly dodged the sharp gusts of wind sent by Ororo, her concentration split as she tuned into the broadcast while training.
Deciding to take a break, Tony Stark leaned back in his chair, his unfinished Mk. VII suit sitting on a large worktable. He glanced over at the hanging television in his workshop. As he did, Pepper Potts approached from behind and handed him a drink. Together, they watched as the timer for Atomic's interview counted down.
In Washington, Alexander Pierce tapped his fingers impatiently, his calculating mind primed to devise multiple strategies based on the information he was about to receive.
Several floors beneath Pierce's opulent office, within the high-tech confines of the Triskelion, Nick Fury and Phil Coulson sat in Nick's office, their eyes fixed intently on the television screen before them.
Drenched in sweat from his training, Matt Murdock sat on a wooden bench, his heavy punching bag swinging lightly back and forth. The old radio that had once belonged to his father announced the final seconds of waiting.
With a serene smile, Emma Frost settled comfortably into the soft embrace of her couch, the plush fabric cradling her as she took a delicate sip from her crystal wine glass. She glanced at the clock on the wall, anticipation bubbling within her as she awaited the start of the much-anticipated event.
People from all walks of life—those who had been saved, interacted with, or admired Atomic—held their breath across continents and oceans, united in anticipation as the clock struck 6 PM.
In a dazzling burst of motion and vibrant colors, the logo for News Global Daily shimmered across the screen before seamlessly transitioning to the sleek, modern studio set. The camera pulled into focus on Poppy Hughes, who exuded professionalism in a tailored outfit, her warm smile radiating confidence and approachability.
"Hello, and welcome to News Global Daily. I'm your host, Poppy Hughes. Today, I have the honor of bringing you an exclusive interview with someone very special—please welcome Atomic!" she announced, her enthusiasm palpable as the camera shifted attention to Atomic. He sat a few feet away from Poppy, his hands clasped thoughtfully on the polished table, ready to share his story with the world.
••o••o••o••
"Hello, and welcome to News Global Daily. I'm your host, Poppy Hughes. Today, I have the honor of bringing you an exclusive interview with someone very special—please welcome Atomic!" Poppy said. "I appreciate you for agreeing to be here today. I'm sure, as you're aware, there have been a staggering number of other studios vying for an interview. Yet you chose us, for that, I'm sure everyone within our studios, and I thank you."
"It's nothing, thank you for having me," Atomic said.
Poppy smiled. "Now, as you, you've captivated the world ever since you first appeared in New York almost three years ago. One of the biggest questions everyone has had on their mind about Atomic is, Where did you come from?"
"Well… I grew up right here in the streets of New York. It's been my home for so long, I can't imagine being the person that I am without it," Atomic said.
"So is it safe to assume that you're American?" Poppy pressed. "Could you tell us what your parents' heritage is? Are they proud of the man you've become?"
"New York City has long been a destination for immigrants and those seeking new opportunities to improve their lives. Whether I am a US-born citizen or not isn't something I'm ready to reveal," Atomic said carefully, much to Poppy's dismay, but she wasn't deterred.
"But you've made your grand debut here in the city, and your English is excellent. It's hard to believe you're not an American," she said.
"Don't assume I was born in the US simply because I speak English. I can speak a large number of languages," Atomic said and began to speak in Chinese, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Korean.
"Wow, that's impressive. Is being able to speak several languages another aspect of your power?" Poppy asked as she leaned back in her chair.
"No, not really. I took the time to study and learn as many languages as I could. I believe it's important to be able to communicate with the people around the world. No matter the region, country, or territory."
"How many languages do you know?" Poppy asked, interested.
"I'm up to 3000 languages now. I'm hoping to learn them all in another two years," Atomic said with a smile that could be heard from behind his helmet.
Poppy was impressed as she processed Atomic's unexpected answer, leaving both her and the audience in stunned silence. Fortunately, she composed herself quickly, allowing the interview to resume naturally.
Her next series of questions was straightforward and approachable, designed to reveal the essence of the hero before her. Atomic responded to each inquiry, vividly depicting his values, experiences, and motivations.
These were some of the questions asked.
"What is the worst injury you've had?"
"I guess if I had to say, my worst injury was when the Destroyer armor I fought in New Mexico had burned and almost removed my arm."
"How do you pay for your day-to-day expenses?"
"Due to my abilities, I don't really have to buy anything. Anything I need, I can just make."
"What sort of advice do you have for aspiring superheroes? When did you first realize you were superhero material?"
"I suppose if I had to say anything, it's that a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles and circumstances. Why did I realize I was superhero material? I didn't. All I knew was that people were in danger and that I had the power to do something. It's like a great man once said, With great power comes great responsibility."
"When do you think you'll retire?"
"I'm not sure. Perhaps once the people of the world don't need me anymore."
"Do you have a favorite superhero you like to work with?"
"My good friends, Spider-Man and Daredevil. Their great heroes, who I believe are much stronger than I am at times. It takes courage and determination to do what they do while I simply change the atoms around."
"Have you ever had a sidekick? If so, how did you end up choosing them?"
"No, I've never had a sidekick before. And I don't plan to."
As the interview approached its conclusion, Poppy glanced at her notes, her eyes scanning the remaining questions she had planned. Questions that would completely alter the course of the interview.
Okay, here goes nothing. Poppy thought, gathering her courage.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she focused on the task at hand. When she felt ready, she turned to Atomic with a sense of anticipation. "What… would you say to the people of the world when they ask what you stand for?" she inquired.
"I'd like to believe that I stand for everything good and decent: truth, justice, fairness—everything that would help us all move toward a better tomorrow," Atomic replied sincerely.
"Are you truly prepared to cling to those beliefs while completely disregarding the politics, laws, and rights of other nations?" Poppy pointedly questioned.
"What?" Atomic said, thrown off.
In the background, Jamie cringed as Isiah groaned. "Here we go," Jamie muttered. "Again."
"Recently, you've come under a lot of scrutiny for your actions in Africa," Poppy said, leaning forward. "Are you aware that the Secretary of Defense mentioned he will be looking into your actions there?"
"My... actions?" Atomic replied slowly. "Are you referring to my efforts to take down the warlord, Reth Igwe? A man responsible for the deaths of hundreds and the abuse of children?"
"Yes, those actions. Tell me, Atomic, we know your impressive abilities to manipulate and create matter. But I'm curious—how did you manage to bring down a man who built an army of over 35,000 soldiers in just one night? That's an extraordinary feat for a single individual," Poppy challenged, her tone unwavering. "How is it even possible for one person to achieve something so monumental?"
A tense silence filled the room as Atomic paused for a moment. Finally, he spoke. "It isn't. Long before I ever considered bringing down Igwe and his men, I used my powers and intellect to create several highly intelligent and capable drones. These drones, my Gundams as I call them, helped me take down Igwe's men and his military bases."
"Drones? Gundams? How is it that we've never seen you use this technology before? We weren't even aware that you had the capacity to develop such technologies on such a scale. Wasn't it Tony Stark who once said that no one would come close to replicating his own technology? That it would take several decades for the world to catch up to him? Yet here you are, claiming to have reached such a level. Should we assume that he's collaborating with you behind the scenes?"
"No, Tony Stark has nothing to do with my technology. The drones under my command are my own creations. My Gundams are highly advanced, sophisticated, and safe. Thanks to them, I could take down all 35,000 of Igwe's soldiers without yielding any fatalities," Atomic replied.
"Then explain to me where Reth Igwe is at this very moment. What about his top lieutenants and generals? When you handed over all his other soldiers to the African government, they were seemingly missing. Did they manage to escape during your assault, or… did you eliminate them?" Poppy pressed, her tone unwavering and sharp.
"What are you doing, Poppy?" Jamie whispered in horror.
"She's getting the story of a lifetime, that's what," Isiah replied, his expression a mix of pride and regret. "But... this might be the last time she ever speaks to Atomic. Definitely the last time we'll ever host him."
Atomic remained silent, his expression unreadable from behind his helmet. "I have not lost track of Igwe and his top military officers. I have taken it upon myself to ensure these men are locked away, where they will pay for their crimes without the risk of outside forces freeing them."
"Taken it upon yourself?" Poppy inquired, her brow furrowing in disbelief. "Are you… really suggesting that you have your own secret prison? A place where you hold those you consider guilty, stripped of their right to a fair trial by their own people or government? That's not justice… it's a dangerous abuse of power."
A hushed silence fell over the studio as they all absorbed Atomic's words, just as the rest of the world did.
"A dangerous abuse of power?" Atomic said without hesitation. "Men like Igwe are never going to face true justice from their governments. Men like Igwe never do. His power and influence are too significant. If he were to confront his own country's authorities for his crimes, it would only be a matter of time before he found a way to evade judgment or escape accountability."
"Be that as it may, that isn't your decision to make, Atomic," Poppy said sharply, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's the law's responsibility to determine guilt, not yours. You have no right to choose who ends up in prison, especially not in some hidden facility of yours, God only knows where!"
"What would you have me do, then?" Atomic pushed back. "Would you prefer that I return a man who has caused so much suffering back to his government, only for him to disappear or be let go without facing any consequences? Would you rather I look at all the families Igwe and others like him have destroyed and tell them to trust the same governments that failed to protect them to ensure they deliver justice against the man who killed their loved ones? What if those same governments turned around and released that man out of fear of what he could do to them? I understand that what I'm doing—holding people in prison based on my own judgment—isn't right. That should not be my sole responsibility. But if my actions mean that the very people I confine will never harm anyone again, then that is a burden I am willing to bear. I refuse to give Igwe or anyone like him a chance to take another life simply because the thought of locking people like him away makes you or anyone else uncomfortable."
"And if you ever decide that someone like, I don't know, the President of the United States has acted in a way you disapprove of, will you also toss him into your prison? Will you once again prioritize your own will over that of an entire nation? Is this really what you call truth, justice, and fairness?"
A heavy silence enveloped the room as Poppy and Atomic locked eyes, neither one willing to break the tense standoff. The air crackled with unspoken questions and secrets, a palpable tension humming between them. Atomic's gaze bore into Poppy. "Tell me, Ms. Hughes," he finally spoke, his voice low and deliberate, cutting through the stillness. "What would you have done in my position?" The weight of his question hung in the air, demanding an answer and a glimpse into her true thoughts and intentions.
"What would I have done?"
"Let me ask you this: if it were up to you, would you still permit men like Igwe to roam free? If you had my power, would you allow him to continue to orchestrate the kidnapping and murder of the innocent? Are you really willing to sit back and wait for those sheltered within the government to debate and delay action on these atrocities?" Atomic demanded. "Well?"
"I, uh... I believe that getting approval and waiting for the nation's leaders to decide on the appropriate course of action is the right decision."
"In the time it took you to decide what to do and for those bureaucrats to decide what to do from the safety of their homes or government offices, several peaceful villages filled with innocent families were torn apart," Atomic interrupted Poppy. "Lives were lost while you stood by, waiting for someone else to make a choice for you."
"Wait… that's not fair. There wasn't enough time-"
"Exactly. Life isn't fair, and there never seems to be enough time. Every day, those two realities resonate with someone. However, despite this, I take action. No matter who it is or where they are, I rush to their aid to help or save them—without hesitation. I value the lives of others more than I do the bureaucracy and red tape of different nations. Nothing is more important to me than saving lives and doing what is right."
Poppy blinked, finally unsure of what to say.
"The prison I established was specifically designed for individuals who exhibit irredeemable traits and whose actions are undoubtedly heinous and cruel. This facility is not meant for run-of-the-mill offenders. Let me be perfectly clear: I did not create this prison out of a desire for cruelty. The living conditions there are safe and humane, and everyone under my supervision is not suffering as they serve their sentences," Atomic stated firmly. "I will continue to hold those I have imprisoned until I am presented with a governing body that can demonstrate a system free from fraud, corruption, and dishonesty. Only then will I consider stepping aside and letting the world's governments handle their own."
Poppy furrowed her brow, her expression tightening as she focused intently on the chaotic array of notes sprawled across the table before her. The weight of Atomic's words hung in the air like a dense fog, reverberating deeply within her, stirring emotions that she often kept at bay.
"Do you have any more questions?" Atomic said, cutting through the silence.
With a shaky breath, Poppy lifted her gaze, her eyes flickering around as if in search of a hint of clarity amid the confusion. "Atomic," she whispered, her voice trembling just a bit as her usual mask slipped, revealing a vulnerable side. She then asked a question that was nowhere to be found in her notes. It was a question she held deep inside. "Do you… Do you think our world is broken?"
"…no, I don't think so," Atomic replied. "When we talk about 'the world,' what we're really talking about is people. Deep down, I believe people are fundamentally good. We all have incredible potential for kindness and positivity. We just have to see it for ourselves. I… I see my powers as a means to help others tap into that potential," he said, his words imbued with sincerity. "My gift isn't just for me; it's for anyone who needs it and my support."
Poppy blinked, lost in thought momentarily as a small smile blossomed on her face. "That's… really beautiful," she said softly, her voice hinting of yearning. "I want to believe in what you're saying; I really do. But to be honest, I feel like we as humans haven't quite reached that point yet. I don't think we ever will."
Atomic nodded in understanding. "Perhaps," he said. "Perhaps that may be true. Perhaps it isn't. Who's to say? But I believe that deep down within us all is the potential for good. We just have to allow ourselves to reach that aspect within us. If we can all do that, I know that humanity can reach a new era in its history. An era where peace, understanding, and kindness push mankind to newer and greater heights. Still, that dream of mine may be nothing more than a fool's vision. But it's a vision I'm willing to work on with everyone who takes my hand."
No more words were spoken after that moment. Heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions, an enveloping silence settled over the studio. The long-awaited interview with Atomic had drawn to a close, leaving millions of viewers to grapple with their own interpretations and reflections.
As the camera lights dimmed and the echoes of the conversation faded, the audience was left in a contemplative state, pondering the profound insights shared and the myriad of feelings stirred within them. Each person, alone with their thoughts, began to form their own ideas and conclusions, exploring the implications of what they had just witnessed.
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AN: Hello everyone, sorry for the late upload, but this chapter was difficult for me to get right. My first few drafts left me unsatisfied, and the flow didn't work for me. So I had to rework it several times. It's still not where I want it to be, but with my current skills, this is probably the best I'll get for now. Still, let me hear your thoughts, and I'll see you all next time!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone