Washington, D.C. — S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Triskelion
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s headquarters stood tall in Washington, D.C., housed within the imposing Triskelion building.
Beyond serving as an advanced administrative hub, it was also equipped with a state-of-the-art intelligence collection and processing center.
Consolidating information gathered from agents across the globe—whether they were S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives or Hydra infiltrators.
The building also featured cutting-edge research laboratories and a massive underground dockyard, where the region's Helicarriers were designed and built.
Led by Steve Rogers, the group made their way to the top floor, home to both the direct holographic communication chamber for the World Security Council and the office of the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"So, bringing me here means my office no longer belongs to me, huh?" Nick Fury asked irritably. "I'd love to know which punk had the audacity to take my seat."
"Watch your words, Fury. Technically speaking, you're supposed to be dead," Steve Rogers replied.
"But don't worry—since I promised you the truth, I won't disappoint. And as a bonus, you'll be seeing an old friend."
As Fury and Rogers exchanged banter, Kagura Hitomi quietly analyzed the situation at hand.
When exactly was War Machine compromised by Hydra's mind control?
When did Captain America fall under their influence?
Rhodey had no superpowers and was part of the military, an area outside Kagura's full oversight.
That made him difficult to track. But Steve Rogers? He was a super soldier, an enhanced human, and a founding leader of the Avengers.
No matter how capable Hydra was, brainwashing someone like him in broad daylight with their crude and inefficient methods seemed impossible.
'Unless… the Mind Scepter was involved?'
A sense of unease crept into Kagura's thoughts. There was likely a far greater crisis lurking beneath the surface.
But for now, she had more immediate concerns. They had infiltrated Hydra successfully, which meant this was the perfect opportunity to dismantle them from the inside.
"Nick Fury, what a surprise. I never expected to see you again. Life is full of twists, isn't it?"
A voice echoed from the corner of the office, and Alexander Pierce strode out, completely unscathed. He smirked as he approached.
"And it looks like you've brought some new friends along."
(Well, what do you know? Playing dead is a classic villain move. Again.)
Kagura typed her thoughts into the shared holographic UI.
(A silent sniper round? That was obviously staged.)
"Pierce! You son of a—why?!" Fury demanded, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "You were behind all this? It doesn't make sense!"
It was clear that, deep down, Fury didn't want to believe Pierce had been a Hydra agent all along—that he had orchestrated this entire crisis and sought to take control of the world.
Alexander Pierce. A man who once declined a Nobel Peace Prize.
"Pierce, you once said that peace isn't an achievement—it's a responsibility!" Fury shouted, eyes locked on his old friend. "Tell me this is all a lie! Why are you doing this? What's your endgame?!"
"Endgame? What are you talking about?" Pierce replied calmly.
"I haven't done anything wrong. I'm merely eliminating obstacles—people who still live in their delusions and refuse to accept reality."
"The world needs absolute order, and Project Insight is the perfect tool to ensure it."
His voice remained cold, unwavering. "You're right, Fury—peace is a responsibility. And I am fulfilling mine. It is you who has lost sight of the bigger picture."
"You built a system capable of controlling the world, and you use it to hunt down terrorists? That's laughable!" Pierce scoffed.
"With Project Insight, we can extend Hydra's order across the entire planet. Isn't that exactly what you and your Avengers claim to fight for—peace and security?"
"Face it, we're not wrong. The smart ones join us."
"Even Kagura Hitomi has aligned herself with our cause. Isn't that proof enough?" He smirked, throwing a mocking glance at Fury.
"Nick, don't you see? Hydra's vision is justice. Humanity doesn't need freedom—it needs absolute rules and control. Your constant compromises with the old world are leading us nowhere."
"Freedom is a poison," he continued, his voice rising with conviction. "It lulls civilization into stagnation! Only Hydra's pursuit of supreme order can push humanity toward true progress!"
(Ugh! I'm going to be sick!)
Kagura's thoughts lit up the holographic UI. (Holding a gun to people's heads and calling it 'order'? That's not order. That's fear.)
(Agreed. So, can I start shooting now?) Tony Stark chimed in. (This guy won't shut up, and I'm pretty sure Barton and I can handle Captain America and Pierce.)
(Not yet. I want to see what Pierce does next. He might have another trick up his sleeve.)
Kagura spoke up, her voice projected via a holographic drone. "Mr. Pierce, talking to him won't change anything. Why not show Director Fury our 'new world' instead?"
Pierce chuckled. "Ah, so you're Kagura Hitomi? I must say, I like your thinking."
He waved his hand over his desk, bringing up a holographic display.
"Looks like allying with Rhodes Island Industries was a wise decision. You have an eye for strategy, Miss Kagura."
"Nick Fury, Project Insight is already operational. Once our new Helicarriers ascend to the proper altitude, the old world will be obliterated in an instant, replaced by the new order led by Hydra!"
"How many more have to die?!" Fury roared, pretending to lose control. "Pierce, you lunatic!"
"How many more? Who knows?" Pierce shrugged, grinning. "Order requires sacrifice. Every person who poses a threat to us is on this list."
"Am I on that list?" Kagura asked, playing along. "I thought we were allies."
"Ah, I almost forgot about that." Pierce smirked. "If you pledge unwavering loyalty to me—obey every command without question—I might just spare your life, dear Miss Kagura."
"I see. What a pity." Kagura sighed, shaking her head. "Pretty words, but in the end, you're nothing more than a thug."
"Stark, now."
"On it."
A repulsor blast from War Machine struck Pierce square in the chest, sending him flying.
"Barton, hook your suit into the system," Kagura ordered. "I'll try to reroute the Helicarriers and mark their locations for Heaven's Hammer to destroy them."
"Understood." Barton deftly dodged Captain America's shield, countering with an energy blade before rushing to the desk and connecting his suit to the Triskelion's mainframe.
"You..." Steve Rogers staggered, realization dawning on him. "So Rhodey was compromised from the start!"
"Bingo! Took you long enough." Tony raised his repulsor cannon. "Now be a good boy and don't move, Cap—I'd rather not hurt you."
"Strike team, we've been infiltrated! Engage!"
(Yikes. Looks like Steve's been fully indoctrinated...)