I Am Doom (Marvel)

After closing my office door I went to take a seat at my desk.

Meanwhile John moved to take a seat in one of the two chairs situated in front of it.

Once he did I looked him directly in his eyes. "Alright John, I'll get straight to the point. As you well know Latveria has begun implementing several of our more aggressive plans, and as such things are about to get a lot more dangerous. Especially for my family, I, and the people closest to us. And while most of the people I know can take care of themselves, several of them cannot. Plus it never hurts to be too careful. So because of these reasons, and several other factors, I felt it was finally time to create a force dedicated solely to the protection of me and my relatives. I am of course speaking of a royal guard. And the reason I called for you here today is because I would like you to become the commander of that royal guard." I explained.

Then after I finished John's eyes went wide with both shock and disbelief.

But to his credit he left enough composure to still carry on our conversation.

"Me sire? You want me to lead the royal guard?" He asked.

"Yes." I replied.

"I...I mean I'm honored. But why me? Shouldn't a position of such importance go to one of the Primarchs?" John asked.

"You would think, but no." I replied. "While any one of the Primarchs could easily fulfill the position of royal guard commander doing so would restrict their movements by a large degree, and for my Primarchs I cannot have that. Which is why I have chosen you as the next best candidate to them to take charge of this new organization. Because after all John, I know you've got the skills, talent, and determination to succeed at this new role, should you accept it. If you don't that's completely fine. So then John Shepard, what will it be?"

"I...I'll do it." John replied. While looking me directly in my eyes. A determined expression now on his face.

"Excellent." I replied. I then stood up. "Now, kneel."

"Yes." John replied. He then got out of chair and moved to begin kneeling in front of me.

"John Shepard, also known as Spartan-117. I your supreme commander, creator, and monarch, Victor Werner Von Doom hereby elevate you to the rank of commander. And officially name you leader of the imperial guard. Also known as formally as Astra Militarum. Now, arise."

"Yes, my emperor." John replied.

He then stood up back to his feet and gave me a salute.

One which I returned.

"With that it is done." I spoke.

I then returned to my seat, as did John.

Once we did we began discussing matters concerning the Astra Militarium, in particular how John, and anyone who was deemed worthy enough to join it, would receive the same treatment Luke Cage did. Making my imperial guard shields that would protect what I cared about without fail, and spears to pierce through anyone or anything I directed them towards.

After a bit more discussion John left.

On his way to discuss some details of his new duties with Zora. Who I had already assigned to aide whoever became the commander of the Astra Militarium up and running.

Once this happened I did some work, until I heard a knock on my office door.

"Yes?" I asked.

"It is me my king." Savage spoke from the other side of the door. "And I have king Stefan and Sable with me." He spoke.

Meaning my third important meeting of the day was about to begin.

"Understood. Enter." I spoke.

When I did the door to my office opened, and Stefan and Sable stepped inside. Once they did Savage closed it behind them.

As this happened I stood up and moved to the both of them to greet each of them with a handshake.

Once I did that we all went to take our respective seats.

"Good to see you both as always." I spoke.

"Same to you Victor." Stefan replied.

"Yes. The same." Sable added.

"And not that it's not always a pleasure to enjoy your company, but I would like to know why you suddenly called for this meeting?" Stefan asked.

Given I only set up this meeting three days ago. Which is super short notice. As when I do call for a meeting with Stefan it is usual a month or two in advance. Since I'm not an asshole. But the matter I have to discuss with him today could not wait that long.

"To discuss the future." I spoke. Putting a serious expression on my face. I then clasped my hands together and rested my elbows on the arms of my chair. "Specifically the near future. Where there is no doubt in my mind that Latveria will end up going to war with the world." I spoke.

"I take it this is related to the scenario of world peace we have been discussing over these past couple of years?" Stefan asked.

For I have been loosely floating my plans past both Stefan and Sable for years now to see if they were agreeable to them. Because I cherish them both as allies, and would rather not have to get rid of them if they chose to stand in my way. But based on our discussions over the years I am feeling confident they won't.

To Stefan's question I nodded. "Yes." I replied. "And that scenario is one I am actively working to enact as we speak." I revealed.

This time my words actually shocking both Stefan and Sable.

"Victor, do you understand what you're saying?" Stefan asked me.

"Yes. I absolutely do." I replied. "And I think you both know me well enough now to know I can put my actions behind my words."

"We do." Sable said. "But that begs the question, why did you call us here today?"

"If you're thinking we would stand against you we wouldn't. Not after all you have done for us, our people, and Symakria as a whole." Stefan explained.

"Yes, I know that." I replied. "I know that unless I gave you an absolutely good reason Stefan neither you or Sable would take a legitimate stance against my plans. But that only applies to you two. Not anyone else in your country. Which brings us to the main point of why I invited you both here today. Simply put I want an oath of allegiance from Symkaria. You fully pledge your loyalty to me here today, and allow your country to become a part of Latveria in all but name. Otherwise we might have issues in the future."

"Victor, you!!" Sable shouted. Giving me an angry look.

Which I can totally understand.

I mean I'm basically asking her right now to bend the knee and allow me to take over her home country, and annex it to grow my own. If I were in her situation I too would be furious.

The thing is I am not.

And I will never allow myself, or Latveria, to ever be put in that kind of situation. That is one of the main reasons I act as I do.

So Sable can hate me all she wants.

But if it is for the safety and security of my nation and my people then I do not care. Plus, her and Stefan accepting the deal would ultimately secure the fate of the people of Symkaria as well.

It's a good deal.

And all it will cost them is a small amount of their pride.

"Victor." Stefan spoke. Standing to his feet. He then began looking me in my eyes. Then a minute passed before he got down on his left knee and bowed his head in my direction.

"My king!" Sable shouted, jumping to her feet. "You, can't!"

"I can and I will Sable." Stefan instantly replied. Turning a hardened gaze toward his friend. "I believe in Victor. I believe in his plan. And more than that we both know what he is capable of. We know the power he wields. And as much as we don't like to admit it if we don't accept his offer then no matter what we do Symkaria will likely get caught in the crossfire of what's to come. And then what would become of our nation? Our people? I am doing this for them. So don't try and stop me." He spoke.

"I..." Sable stated. She then began clenching her fists and biting her lower lip. So hard in fact some blood began leaking out of it.

Sable continued this for a couple of seconds before stopping. "Understood." She said quietly. "I will follow your lead." She spoke. Sable then looked at me. "And know this Victor, if you try and use Symkaria and its people for any twisted intentions I don't care what will happen to me I will make my life's mission to end you. Is that understood?"

"Perfectly." I replied. "In fact if I were in your shoes I would do the same. Leaving the fate of your people in another's hands is not easy. But do not worry. For in my hands, they shall be safe. I shall treat them as I have treated my own citizens, and those from Sokovia. You have my word."

"Then let us begin." Stefan spoke.

"Yes, let us." I replied.

Once I did Stefan swore loyalty and his allegiance to me. Giving me Symkaria on a permanent basis.

Putting me one step close to one world under Doom.