The Triple Wing Building, Nick Fury's office.

Alexander Pierce sat on the brown-and-black couch in the director's office, his light gray eyes widened, and he looked at Nick Fury behind his desk with an expression of disbelief.

"What did you just say?"

"I said Hydra," Nick Fury said word for word, staring at him without a smile, "and they still exist today." ”

Pierce blinked, staring at Fury's intact one-eye for a moment, as if desperately trying to see a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"You don't believe it." Fury said lightly, "I can understand. But I can use my position to vouch for the fact that the news is true and has been confirmed. ”

Of course, it's true, because right now a senior Hydra cadre is sitting face to face on your office couch, pretending to be shocked by the fact that Hydra still exists, and at the same time acting as if he didn't know about it.

Yes, this Commander of S.H.I.E.L.D., who is highly trusted by Fury, is one of the most important pawns that Hydra has planted within S.H.I.E.L.D. But it's no wonder that even a cautious person like Nick Fury didn't suspect Pierce, after all, Alexander Pierce was the previous director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and it was this old man with blond hair who personally handed over the position of director to Fury.

"Twelve hours ago, I secretly sent a team to confirm a tip-off." "Based on intelligence, they found a working facility in New Jersey where Aegis was originally established. More than 200,000 feet of servers are buried underneath the facility – all from the last century, but well-equipped and working so well today. ”

Hearing this, Pierce already understood what Fury was referring to, but he had to pretend to be quiet while scolding his mother in his heart.

"Really?" He replied, "That's weird. Who's going to hide a bunch of old antiques that should be in a museum in that kind of place? ”

Fury didn't answer directly, and the conversation changed: "Do you remember Anim Zola?" ”

Pierce pondered for a moment.

"If you're referring to German scientists during World War II, then I have an impression." He replied, "He was an extremely rare cutting-edge talent in those days, but it was a pity that he worked for Hydra." In the end, Captain America caught him. ”

"Swiss scientists, to be exact." Fury corrected, "Yes, that's what we're talking about. Not long ago, we discovered that this mad scientist had a complete backup of everything in his head before he died. His memories, his knowledge, and even his madness were stored in that huge server. ”

Pierce, of course, knew that Zola was Swiss and that he existed. But he still narrowed his eyes and pretended not to know: "Now you must be joking." ”

Fury continued: "My team has taken control of Zola, and he has proved to us that Hydra still exists. For so many years, the hydra has been parasitic on the interior of the Aegis, like a parasite, drawing nutrients from us, accumulating strength, and quietly changing the world in the shadows. ”

Pierce put away his casual attitude and looked directly at Fury with a serious and solemn gaze: "You know how crazy you just said, right?" Are you telling me that not only does Hydra still exist today, but it's also hidden inside the Aegis? And for many years? ”

"I'm responsible for everything I say." Fury said lightly.

Alexander Pierce slowly took off his dark black glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose: "Hell. If this is true...... Do you know how much of an impact these can have? ...... the World Security Council"

"Don't let the above know just yet." Frey paused, adding, "At least not until I decide what to do." That's why I've told you in advance - there's likely to be a series of big moves in the next round, and I need you to deal with the council while I take action. ”

Pierce put his glasses back on and sighed, "Okay, as long as you know what you're doing, Nick." Don't worry about the council, I'll help you get the time you need...... As usual. ”

S.H.I.E.L.D. is not under the jurisdiction of the United States Government, but is directly under the orders of the World Security Council. And arguing with the bosses has always been Alexander Pearce's forte. Fury is in charge of getting things done, while Pierce is in charge of getting him more resources and more freedom, and the two have maintained a good relationship for many years.

"Looks like I've got a lot to prepare." Pierce let out a long sigh and got up from the couch and buttoned up his suit, "But I still have to ask one last question...... What are you going to do, Nick? Investigate every agent in the Bureau? ”

Fury's face was expressionless: "I have my own arrangements." ”

Since he said this, it was obvious that he had no intention of explaining. Nick Fury's unintended revelations were pointless to ask, and Pierce clearly knew that, so he left without further words.

The electrically controlled automatic door closed immediately after Pierce left, and the electronic lock disc emitted a crisp "tick" sound that represented the lock. The director's office was resealed, like an airtight iron box.

Fury closed his eyes, leaned back in his swivel chair and sat quietly for a while, then suddenly said to himself: "Got something to say?" ”

Half a second later, a ripple appeared in the air behind him against the wall. Deep fluorescent light appeared out of thin air, and iron-black lines outlined the outline of the metal armor.

"Worthy of Nick Fury." Michael Paso, dressed in armor, walked over to the table, "The sense of smell is very acute. ”

"This building is home to some of the world's best agents, and there's security protocols in place for the most advanced technology, but there's still nothing stopping you from coming in and out of my office like you're in a supermarket." Fury raised his eyelids, "How long have you been here?" ”

"Twenty minutes, almost the end of your discussion." Michael said, "It sounds like you've found Zola, and the information I left last time has been confirmed." I believe this should lay a good foundation for our future cooperation. ”

Fury crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair: "You really didn't lie last time, but it wasn't enough for me to agree to cooperate." My rule is to only work with people who know the roots, but I don't know anything about you. ”

"Special situations are dealt with on a special basis. We're talking about the survival of Aegis, and I think you'll make an exception for that. Michael paused, then shifting gear, "But if that reassures you a little, I can tell you that my former name was Angus Norton, one of Hydra's highest-ranking researchers—but don't bother digging into the name." Hydra has been searching for Angus Norton for three full years, and still hasn't found anything, because this man is long gone. ”

"What, you're having a fight?"

"My family has been loyal to Hydra for generations, but I have no interest in their old-fashioned, ridiculous ambition to 'rule the world.'" Michael said lightly, "But Hydra will not tolerate betrayal." Their minions are all over the world, and as long as I live, they will not give up looking for them...... It's annoying, so I'm going to uproot them. ”

"It's as simple as that?" Fury raised his eyebrows suspiciously.

"It's as simple as that." Michael repeated, "'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'" 'Hydra is our common enemy, so I will do my best to assist you in dealing with them, without any conditions in return. ”

"Then you're really generous." Fury said lightly, "Your proposal is very tempting, but unfortunately it is not convincing. ”

"Then don't believe it. It's your job to be suspicious, Director Fury, and you just have to do your job. ”

Michael made a gesture, and the projection screen on the desk in front of Fury immediately lit up in response. One by one, the documents were imported into his system from the outside, like a stream of water that could not be turned off.

"What is this?" Fury asked.

"Your chips." Michael said lightly, and a file photo popped up in the screen interface. In the photo, he is a fierce-looking man, bald head, full of muscles, and a fierce beast seems to be lodged in his eyes.

"Carl Creel, nicknamed 'The Absorber,' is a superpowered person who is able to convert his skin into almost anything he comes into contact with." Michael introduced.

"I know. S.H.I.E.L.D. has fought him, and he's already under our control. ”

"Let's go check again." Michael said, "'Absorbing people' is now a weapon of Hydra. I've just sent you the address where he's hiding, the stats of his abilities, and the coping plan I've personally researched, so you can arrange for someone to deal with him as soon as possible. Creel is one of the most powerful superpowers under Hydra's command, and dealing with him would be a pretty good place to start. ”

"Okay, then you guys hurry up, I won't bother." Michael took two steps back and beckoned back, the magic portal spinning and opening behind him, "Like I said, you don't have to believe me. Of course, you can also try to set a trap on my next visit, try to catch me and torture me or something......" He paused and chuckled lowly, "...... If you can catch it. ”

As he spoke, he had already stepped back into the flame-colored circle, and the portal swirled and closed, and after the last few sparks burst out of the air, it completely disappeared.

Nick Fury stared at the picture of Carl Creel for a long time, then picked up the phone and dialed a string of numbers.

"Connect me with Agent Phil Coulson." Fury said into the microphone, "There's a task for his team." ”