Carter knows Schiller might just be joking. But instead of letting him out of sight, it's better to take him along to solve problems. Even if the previous problem can't be solved, he won't become a creator of another problem.
Carter sighed deeply and continued asking for more details: "How did the Joker escape? The security at the insane asylum…"
"Before, Iceman Bobby created that ice bridge over the sea, and the city administration forgot to dismantle it. The Joker might have come from there. As for how he left the hospital, no one knows."
"Wasn't Kingpin already sentenced? How is he out again?"
"The doctor detected fear gas components in his body. This made him a victim of the fear gas incident released by Scarecrow near Brooklyn last time. He claimed he was affected by the fear gas, causing him to attack Spider-Man, which let him get off scot-free."
"Why did the Joker go after Electro?"
"It was during the previous fight. The Joker wanted to blow up the reservoir, and happened to run into Electro, who was kicked into the water by Spider-Man, then knocked down by him. Maybe that's where the vendetta started."
"Don't even mention the security department. What is the personnel department doing…"
"Personnel can't manage criminals, boss."
"I mean in this situation, they sent Spider-Man?"
"There are others." The walkie-talkie buzzed, "Someone from the field office has already gone out. They should arrive before us."
Carter poked his head out of the car window for a look. There were already flashes of electricity up ahead. As the first shot rang out, the driver stomped on the brakes, bringing the car to a steady stop at the street corner.
Carter got out of the car at once, reaching for the gun at his waist. Schiller didn't get out of the car. He was just there for the spectacle. Mainly, he was curious about how Spider-Man fights the Joker.
This universe's Spider-Man is Bruce Wayne, so him fighting the Joker seems right. But he's not Batman, which makes it a bit off to be fighting the Joker.
As Carter rushed toward cover, Spider-Man had already descended. His landing point was precise, with one kick knocking the Joker to the ground, only to be hit with a zap from Electro, causing him to stagger back a few steps.
But this Joker seemed particularly weak, neither getting up nor ambushing Spider-Man. Once Spider-Man adjusted his stance, he grabbed the Joker by the collar and beat him up.
No surprises, no special moves, just pure Turtle Fist pounding. One can tell Spider-Man hasn't unleashed his full power, or the Joker's head would already be rolling on the ground now.
As Spider-Man was beating up the Joker, Kingpin emerged from behind. Only then did Spider-Man let go of the Joker and squint his Spider's compound eyes, looking at the big guy.
Just as Carter was about to rush out, a shield flew toward Kingpin. Kingpin dodged, and a sturdy figure landed at the other end of the street. Turning to look, Kingpin saw Captain America walking over.
"Did you think using fear gas to escape conviction settled things?" Captain America took back his shield, then said, "Harboring and shielding criminals, illegal possession of firearms, and assaulting police…"
"You know I didn't do any of that," said Kingpin.
"You'll have to tell the Judge whether you did or not," Captain America's tone was somewhat heavy, appearing to be in a bad mood, seeming unwilling to explain to this heinous mob leader. He walked over and put handcuffs on Kingpin.
"Take him away," Captain America told Spider-Man.
"Wait." Spider-Man called out to the departing Captain America, "You take them back. I've got class later."
He said, then attached a strand of Spider Silk to the nearby building's wall and swung away. Captain America looked at the mess on the ground and shook his head helplessly.
At this time, Carter walked out: "You should head back. I'll take care of things here."
Captain America obviously didn't expect her to be there. He seemed a bit awkward, asking in a manner of polite conversation, "Are you on a mission?"
"I'm here to pick someone up," Carter said.
"Pick up who?"
"Schiller Rodriguez."
"Then you take the criminals back, and I'll take him to the hotel."
Carter didn't refuse, and she called her subordinates, who cuffed the criminals and loaded them into the car behind. Meanwhile, Captain America got into the car where Schiller was.
"Hello," Schiller nodded to him. He observed this Captain America, who was clearly more mature, or rather, more weathered than most Captain Americas. His scruffy beard looked as if it hadn't been tended to for several days, growing somewhat wild.
"Hello," Captain America just greeted him, then took out a bottle of water from the side, took a sip, and began to eat a biscuit. The chewing process seemed particularly heavy.
"You haven't eaten properly for a few days," Schiller said, "Ending a relationship is like saying goodbye to a stage in life. Observing abstinence for a few days is normal."
Captain America successfully got himself choked. He coughed harshly for a while, then looked at Schiller and asked, "What kind of talk is that?"
"Isn't that how you feel?"
"I'm just not hungry."
"Seems like I came at the wrong time."
"I heard you're a psychiatrist," Captain America said, "I might really need to see a psychiatrist."
"Sorry, you've got the wrong person," Shiller shook his head and said, "I'm not a doctor, I'm a professor. But you should still consult me because you probably can't afford a doctor's fees."
Captain America opened his mouth, wanting to say something but said nothing. He took a deep breath, adjusted his stance, and said, "You're here for the wedding too, right?"
Shiller nodded and said, "Yes. But I'm also here to check out the city."
Upon mentioning this topic, the gloom between Captain America's brows dissipated. He looked out the window and then said, "It's nice, isn't it? You've come at the right time. If you arrive a bit earlier, things might be a bit chaotic."
"It's indeed beautiful," Shiller genuinely praised, "It's completely different from Krakoa. They are your main competitors, but now it seems you have the upper hand."
"Really?" Captain America raised an eyebrow, "I've been a bit busy lately and haven't visited that side."
"It's true, but they might not be very welcoming to The Avengers' members lately."
"I'm no longer a member of The Avengers," Captain America said somewhat wistfully.
"Looks like this is your main conflict," Shiller suddenly changed the subject back to personal feelings, "You want to maintain The Avengers, but your friends disagree. You thought Ms. Carter would support you, but she didn't."
"She's right," Captain America said, "They're all right."
Shiller didn't continue speaking, so Captain America turned to look at him. Shiller sighed gently and said, "You shouldn't come to me for marriage counseling."
He extended his hand. On Shiller's hand was a ring that he showed to Captain America, then said, "I think you might have misunderstood, this isn't a wedding ring."
Captain America was startled and then said, "Sorry."
Seeing Captain America's expression, Shiller knew he truly misunderstood. Although Shiller's reputation was widely spread throughout the multiverse, few knew about his personal life. Indeed, many superheroes mistakenly thought he was married upon first meeting him.
Now he had to explain, because he really didn't do marriage counseling. Greed might be a bit easier; at least he could help with marital property division. Arrogance rarely ventured into this field.
Besides, Captain America's divorce from Carter obviously wasn't simple, definitely more than just everyday squabbles; it might involve irreconcilable differences like stance issues. Mediation would be thankless, and advising separation would be too hurtful. It's hard for even a wise judge to decide domestic affairs, and Shiller didn't want to step into this mess.
"Why not ask your married friends?" Shiller asked.
"I'm the only one who's married," Captain America shook his head, "Bucky isn't married, so he's no use. Tony is a perpetual bachelor, always rumored with ten models a week. Natasha's codename is Black Widow, obviously not suitable. Spider Man..."
At the mention of Spider Man, Captain America seemed troubled: "Though I don't know why this universe's Spider Man switched from Peter Parker to Bruce Wayne, I really don't know who can stand him. His personality is simply..."
Captain America paused but refrained from criticizing Spider Man, then continued his list: "Logan still hasn't caught up with Phoenix. Nick and his alien wife are better left unmentioned..."
Shiller recalled that the love histories of those from Old 616 were also challenging. Little Pepper likely married Tony's bodyguard. Nick Fury's wife was an alien, hidden at home by him. Bruce probably wouldn't look for a partner. And Peter Parker, who dated Gwen, has now become his Pope, seemingly ceasing to be a superhero.
But in the history of the Prime Universe, Captain America seemed not to have married Carter either. However, after the universe fusion, some effects occurred, possibly altering the original fate line, perhaps they married post-fusion.
Calculating like this, even combining the two universes, one can't find a pair of loving couples. Feelings have their own hurdles, no wonder Captain America is full of anguish with nowhere to vent.
"Perhaps you could find the groom and the bride," Shiller thought and suggested, "They should be at the age keen to solve emotional troubles for others."
Captain America laughed, seemingly able to imagine that passionate scene. A couple in love, about to marry, so full of affection it spills over the world, always unable to bear any imperfection.
"I'll give it a try," Captain America was clearly dismissive, as he took another sip of water and wiped his mouth.
The car stopped at the hotel entrance. Shiller estimated the position; this seemed to be a famous luxury hotel in New York, only now renamed and renovated. The exterior style was unified, but the inside was more luxurious.
Upon entering, hotel staff were already waiting. Captain America accompanied Shiller in completing the check-in procedures. Shiller went up to inspect the room, which was an excellent suite overlooking the view of Forward York City's downtown.
Soon after Captain America left, Peter Parker arrived. He knocked on the door outside, and Shiller opened it to let him in, then said, "I'm a bit unused to you not showing up hanging upsidedown from my window."
Peter laughed brightly: "That's Bruce Wayne's job now. I prefer taking the elevator."
"How have you been lately?" Shiller asked.
"Super interesting," though without the Spider abilities, Peter was still as chatty, saying, "Recently, Bruce's dad came. Guess what? They had a huge argument, and Bruce got forced to attend college by his dad."
"What's to gloat about?" Shiller asked.
"He's attending exactly the university where I teach!" Peter emphasized, "I'm his professor now! I even saw him enrolling the day before yesterday! Hahahaha!"
Shiller's hand paused, then looked at Peter with slightly sympathetic eyes, clearly, this silly kid hadn't realized what kind of job being Bruce Wayne's professor was. But he should soon find out.