As Arias, Cheshire, and Tala stepped out of the luxury sedan, the security detail sprang into action, creating a human barrier between the trio and the swarming media.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere of flashing lights and multiple voices, the soldiers remained composed.
The commanding officer's voice sliced through the clamor, barking out a warning, "Stay back! Keep your distance!" Despite the caution, some reporters inched closer, determined to get their story. Security personnel stepped in and gently but firmly pushed them back, trying to maintain order.
"Mr. Markovich! What about the deaths of the children on the island?" one reporter shouted, her voice rising above the others.
"Can you comment on Markovia's role in the disaster?" another asked, his microphone thrust forward.
"What weapon did you use in the attacks?" a third voice demanded, barely audible over the clamor.
Others were more insistent on a different angle. "Mr. Markovich, what are your ties to presidential candidate Slade Wilson?"
Arias lifted his hand, signaling for quiet with a calm smile on his lips.
Surprisingly, the crowd fell silent, their curiosity piqued by his authoritative demeanor. He took a quick glance at Cheshire and Tala, both of them standing stoically by his side, before shifting his focus back to the eager journalists.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your questions," he began, his voice steady and clear. "Let me address them one by one."
He paused, meeting the eyes of the first reporter who had asked about the island disaster. "The deaths of the children on the island were a tragic and heartbreaking event. However, it is crucial to understand that the situation was far more complex than it appears on the surface. The government has not been forthcoming with all the details, perhaps because they would reveal their own failures and complicity in the matter. It's important to ask why such a disaster was allowed to happen in the first place, and who truly benefited from it."
The reporters glanced at each other and nodded in agreement, their murmurs spreading throughout the crowd as they quickly jotted down notes.
As for Markovia's role in the disaster, Arias continued, "Markovia has been unfairly vilified without sufficient evidence. The real question should be: what was the US government's involvement? There are many layers to this story, and I urge you to dig deeper and not take everything at face value."
A murmur of unease spread through the crowd. Reporters scribbled furiously, their interest piqued by Arias's insinuations.
"As for weapon used against the states, it was a product of advanced technology, but the details are classified. However, what is not classified is the fact that many nations, including the United States, possess similar capabilities. The question we should be asking is why such technology exists and how it is being used. Are we as a global society prepared for the consequences of our own creations?"
The crowd hummed with a blend of interest and unease. Arias skillfully guided the discussion, drawing attention to possible wrongdoings by the government and turning the spotlight away from himself.
Finally, when asked about his ties to Slade Wilson, Arias's smile widened. "Ah, Slade Wilson. I like to think we are good friends. He's a formidable man with strong convictions, and we share a mutual respect. However, our relationship is professional, and I have no direct involvement in his political campaign. That being said, I believe he has the potential to bring about significant change, which is something we all should welcome."
The reporters continued to shout questions, but Arias raised his hand again, signaling the end of his impromptu press conference. "Thank you all for your time. I look forward to addressing these matters further in due course."
With that, Arias turned, escorted by his security detail, and walked into the Leviathan residential building.
After being led away from the press, Arias was successfully escorted into the Leviathan residential building.
Outside, agents fanned out, securing every entry point, while others conducted a final sweep of the area with sniffer dogs and advanced scanning equipment.
Inside, a smaller group stayed with Arias to keep him safe as they made their way through the corridors. The lounge, a lavish room adorned with comfortable chairs and contemporary design, quickly became a fortified command center. Agents strategically placed themselves throughout the room and kept in constant communication via hidden earpieces. The tense atmosphere was carefully managed, each agent fully aware of their duties and responsibilities.
Arias led the way into the lounge, with Cheshire and Tala at his sides. The stern-looking commanding officer of the soldiers present stepped forward, joined by Batman and Superman. As always, Batman was quick to lay out the current security protocols in place.
"For your safety, Mr. Markovich," Batman began, "we've implemented several protocols. The building is under constant surveillance with motion detectors and infrared cameras.
Access points are monitored, and any unauthorized entry will trigger an immediate lockdown. We have snipers positioned on adjacent rooftops, and a rapid response team is on standby. You're restricted from leaving the premises without prior approval and an armed escort."
Arias smiled faintly, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he listened.
Before Batman could finish, he raised a hand, cutting him off. "Let's not pretend, Batman. You're not here to protect me; you're here to watch me. Surveillance, snipers, restricted movement—it all screams 'prison' rather than 'protection.'"
The commanding officer, a seasoned veteran with a serious attitude, took a step towards forward. "If it were up to me, I'd be somewhere else, Mr. Markovich. This assignment isn't exactly a dream detail."
Arias's smile widened, his tone turning blunt and domineering. "Then feel free to leave. You and your men don't add or subtract anything from my personal security. If your presence here is a burden, I won't keep you."
The officer's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Orders are orders, Mr. Markovich. We'll stay until we're relieved."
"Very well," Arias said with a dismissive wave. "Just know that your presence is more symbolic than functional."
Superman, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "Our goal is to ensure everyone's safety, including yours. This situation is complex, and we need to maintain order."
Arias met Superman's gaze, his expression unreadable. "Order, yes. But let's not mistake order for control. I understand the stakes, but let's also understand each other. I'm not a man who likes to be confined, and any attempts to do so will be met with resistance."
Batman, unfazed by Arias's defiance, responded calmly. "We're fully aware of your capabilities, Markovich. This isn't about confinement; it's about ensuring that the situation doesn't escalate further."
Arias chuckled softly, a sound devoid of humor. "I appreciate the sentiment, Batman. Truly. But make no mistake—I'm not here to cause chaos. I'm here because there's a bigger threat that needs to be addressed. If we can find common ground on that, perhaps we can move forward without the need for all this... theater."