Marvel - The Blood God

"Really? But if you want us to join, you must agree to a few of my requests," Maverick said.

"First, protect the interests of vampires. If a law-abiding vampire is killed, you must arrest the murderer and help dismantle organizations that experiment on us.

Second, the price of blood bags must be lowered. They're too expensive, and many half-blood vampires turn to crime because they can't afford them."

"That can't be helped; there's only so much blood. To supply your vampires, our blood banks are already running low!" Senator Stern objected. Selling blood to vampires was a significant revenue stream for the government and a source of off-the-books income that didn't require congressional approval. He had no intention of lowering the prices.

Maverick smiled. "There's always a way. The prices must come down."

Director Fury pondered for a moment. "I can consider your conditions, but the personnel ratio in the police force is too skewed. A fifty-fifty split would be more appropriate."

"Fifty-fifty is absolutely impossible!" Maverick shook his head at Fury's bold proposal. "Director Fury, I'm just setting the groundwork. If you have ideas, you can discuss them in detail with my CEO."

"CEO?" Fury raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm establishing the Blood God Group, and I've hired a president to handle various matters. She's currently assessing my assets; you'll meet her shortly." Maverick smiled. "Director Fury, my president will definitely surprise you!"

Fury smirked. "Surprise me? I've seen a lot in my time."

Maverick continued, "Also, I'd like to invite the vampire hunter Blade to be the chief of the vampire police department."

"Me?" Blade was taken aback.

Maverick nodded. "Yes, you. It's not much different from what you've been doing—hunting vampires. The difference is that now you'll only target those who break the law.

Not all vampires are bad. I'm sure you agree."

Blade replied coolly, "I didn't kill all of them. At least I didn't kill you."

"That's true!" Maverick laughed. Fury glanced at Blade, surprised. You tried to kill him before; what's changed now?

Blade said to Maverick, "After the police department is established, many vampires will die. Countless vampires feed on humans."

"Let's forget the past. As for future killings, don't worry about the numbers," Maverick said firmly. He didn't mind absorbing more power.

Maverick reached into his pocket, pulled out a badge, and tossed it to Blade. "Blade, this is for you."

"Whose crest is this? A blood-red dragon? I've never seen it before." Blade examined the badge, puzzled.

"It's mine—the first of its kind," Maverick explained. "It carries my authority. Seeing this badge is like seeing me. You can kill any vampire except me and report afterward.

Of course, a thorough investigation will follow."

Everyone was shocked by Maverick's trust in Blade, giving him such significant power.

"A carte blanche? Authority to act first and explain later?" Fury squinted. The Blood God's approach was entirely different from those corrupt vampire elders—young, decisive, and bold.

Blade felt the weight of the badge. "You trust me that much?"

"Because you and I are alike," Maverick smiled. "Besides the vampire police department, I'm funding research into artificial blood that vampires can consume. Once successful, vampires can integrate into human society and won't need to hide anymore."

This statement stunned everyone. Then they all subtly shook their heads. The idea seemed unrealistic. Vampires integrating into human society? Their natures were too different.

There are already challenges integrating people of different backgrounds, let alone different species.

Maverick noticed their skepticism. "Dreams are worth having; what if they come true?" He turned to Blade. "What do you think? I believe being the director can accomplish more than you can alone."

"Let me think about it," Blade said, holding the badge thoughtfully.

"Take your time; there's no rush," Maverick replied.

Director Fury stood up. "We've agreed on the general framework. I'll send someone to discuss the exchange of prisoners and the vampire police department. Maverick, I hope you're sincere about this."

"At least I'm more sincere than you," Maverick retorted. Stern nodded in satisfaction. With his mediation, everything had proceeded smoothly.

Just then, the side door of the conference room opened. A young, beautiful British woman with a mature grace walked in, followed by the pure-blood vampire Mercury, who carried a stack of documents and looked displeased.

Upon seeing the woman, Fury was stunned. He abruptly stood up, exclaiming, "Ms. Carter!"

Even though she appeared younger, Fury couldn't mistake her. He had grown up hearing stories about Peggy Carter and watching documentaries about Captain America.

Stern was equally shocked—not just because Ms. Carter was here, but because she looked so young. Did becoming a vampire have such benefits? Why hadn't he heard of this before?

Either revelation—that Ms. Carter was now a vampire or that she'd regained her youth—would cause a sensation if it got out.

Peggy Carter greeted him with a smile. "Director Fury, we meet again."

Fury slammed his hand on the table, glaring at Maverick. "Vampires, how dare you turn Ms. Carter into one of you? Do you have a death wish?"

Maverick sneered. "Is that a threat?"

Carter raised a hand. "I wasn't forced. Maverick and I talked for three hours, and he convinced me. I've become the president of the Blood God Group to help lead vampires and humans toward integration. The reward he offered was eternal life and youth."

Fury found it hard to believe that someone like Ms. Carter would agree to such terms. He took a deep breath. "I need to speak with you alone."

"Go ahead," Maverick said, gesturing. Carter nodded and led Fury to a private area.

As they left, Stern couldn't contain himself. "Maverick, can your vampires restore youth?"

"It's a rare and costly process. It wasn't easy to convince Ms. Carter," Maverick replied with a smile. In truth, his blood had the power to restore youth—Ms. Carter was now his progeny.

"Is the price too high? I think many would be willing to pay it," Stern mused. He stood up. "Maverick, I need to report back to the Vice President about the armistice and the vampire police department."

"I'll see you out," Maverick offered. As they walked, he said, "Senator, do you have a favorite type of yacht? I'm planning a swimsuit beauty pageant soon and need a yacht. If you're interested, you're welcome to join."

"That sounds delightful. I'll look through some catalogs when I get back," Stern laughed, understanding that Maverick intended to gift him a yacht.

"Then it's settled." Maverick shook his hand and watched him leave.

"That old guy is Hydra, if I remember correctly," Maverick thought to himself. "What would happen if I whispered 'Hail Hydra' in his ear?" He chuckled and returned to the living room.

There, he found Mercury and Blade glaring at each other, tension thick in the air.

"You'll be colleagues soon; try to get along," Maverick said with a smile.

Mercury turned to him, clearly upset. "Why did you appoint Ms. Carter as president? Don't you know she's the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Blade raised an eyebrow at Maverick. Appointing the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D. as president—was he out of his mind?

"I know, but she's also a vampire now, and she'll protect our interests," Maverick explained, pouring himself some wine. "Besides, I need someone outside the pure-blood faction to help me manage the vampires. Ms. Carter's skills are perfect."

Mercury protested, "We've already handed over all our assets to you. Why don't you trust us?"

"Trust needs to be built over time. Talking about trust now will only hurt feelings," Maverick replied. Without someone like Carter, he could easily become a puppet controlled by the pure-bloods. "Also, the vampire community needs change. Appointing an outsider as president will help us make better progress."

"The vampire community does need change, but not the way you're suggesting!" Mercury argued. "With the police department, many vampires will die, and others will flee. Our strength will be greatly weakened!"

"It won't be weakened. The vampires who break the law will be absorbed by me, which means their strength becomes mine. Our overall strength won't decrease; it'll increase. Enough to ensure our safety and prosperity," Maverick assured.

Mercury and Blade were stunned. "You plan to absorb the vampires who break the law?"

Maverick nodded. "Why not? We can call it 'Returning to the Embrace of the Blood God.' Sounds nice, doesn't it?"

"No way!" Blade looked suspicious. "Is that the real reason you're setting up the police department? So we help you gather power?"

Maverick's expression darkened. "You know too much."

The atmosphere grew tense. Blade pushed up his sunglasses, a look of disdain on his face. Maverick then laughed. "Just kidding—mostly."

Mercury spoke again, "Even if we establish the police department, humans won't accept us."

"Of course not. That bald director is probably already figuring out how to kill me," Maverick said casually. "But this will reduce their hostility. We have vast resources, many allies, and—well, let's just say they won't go to war with us lightly.

The reason we're in this crisis is largely because pure-blood vampires keep talking about enslaving humans, which led to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plans and Deacon's betrayal."

At the mention of Deacon, Mercury's face darkened further. It was the biggest humiliation of her life—she had worked for a human undercover agent and admired him greatly.

"In short, the vampire police department must be established. Vampires who break the law, radicals, those who think they're superior—they all need to be dealt with," Maverick declared firmly. "This isn't for humans; it's my requirement for our kind. I never liked vampires who prey on humans."

Blade nodded in agreement. Maverick wasn't lying; he still had a human heart.

Mercury scoffed, "What's wrong with us feeling superior?"

"Wake up! If humans decided to, they could wipe us out in a month," Maverick said sharply. "Our weaknesses are too obvious. This isn't the Middle Ages. Modern humans have plenty of ways to kill vampires."

Mercury fell silent. They had been arrogant, but the recent confrontations with S.H.I.E.L.D. showed them that humans had grown stronger. They hadn't won a single battle, suffering total defeats each time.

If it weren't for Maverick capturing a S.H.I.E.L.D. base, they wouldn't even have had a chance to negotiate.

"The times have changed, Mercury," Maverick said gently.

She gritted her teeth. "Fine. I'll support you in establishing the police department. But remember, you are the Blood God of the vampires."

"Of course I am," Maverick replied with a smile.

Just then, Director Fury reentered, his face unreadable. He said to Maverick, "I'll send someone to discuss our previous matters. Maverick, remember, I'll be watching you."

With that, Fury left without another word. Clearly, his conversation with Ms. Carter hadn't gone well—or perhaps that was just for show.

"Should I be scared?" Maverick shrugged. He turned to Carter, who had just returned. "President Carter, have you finished assessing my assets?"

"Only a rough estimate. You're now richer than the Stark family! For detailed figures, I'll need a professional team," Carter replied with a smile. "By the way, I didn't expect your community to be so wealthy, investing in so many fields, even controlling Universal Pictures, one of Hollywood's major studios."

"Without our investment, Universal Pictures would have folded long ago," Mercury said disdainfully. The vampires had investments everywhere, even their own financial company on Wall Street—a real vampire firm.

"I didn't expect that either. Maybe I can produce my own movies in the future!" Maverick mused. He turned to Blade. "Blade, how about we make a 'Blade' movie series to promote vampires? You'll be the star!"

Carter and Mercury were speechless. Could a movie starring Blade really promote vampires? He's a vampire hunter!

Blade replied coolly, "Not interested. I won't act."

Maverick laughed. "You don't need to act. Your sunglasses are iconic enough."

Blade gave Maverick the finger. Maverick didn't mind. "Since we're all here, let's discuss our next steps. Mainly the overall plan; I'll need you to handle the specifics."