Inside the conference room.
The words "Access Restricted" popped up on the screen.
Seeing this, Pierce said, "Unlocking it is an executive order. It requires two Level-A personnel."
The implication was that there was only one Level-A person present, himself, which meant this release of information was bound to fail.
Natasha glanced at Pierce and said with a smile, "Don't worry. Someone will be here soon."
At that moment, a helicopter landed on the rooftop helipad. The sound of the rotors made Pierce look over, and when he saw the person getting off the aircraft, his eyes widened.
Soon, Nick Fury walked in wearing a black trench coat. Looking at the newcomer, Pierce said, "Did you get my flowers?"
"I'm glad you could make it, Nick."
Nick Fury looked at Pierce and asked, "Are you?"
"Because I thought you killed me."
Pierce looked at Nick Fury as he walked over and said bluntly, "You know the rules of the game."
Nick Fury asked the question that had been puzzling him.
"Why make me director of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
As Nick Fury saw it, Pierce had been the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and was also Hydra. After stepping down, he should have handed the position to another Hydra member. He did not understand Pierce's actions.
Hearing the question, Pierce said directly, "Because you're the best, most ruthless man I know."
Nick Fury retorted, "I was trying to protect people."
Pierce said, "My enemies are your enemies, Nick."
"Chaos, war, a dirty bomb hitting Moscow, or an EMP strike on Chicago—it's only a matter of time."
"Through diplomacy?"
"That treats the symptoms, not the disease."
"Do you know where I figured it out? Colombia."
"You didn't ask questions. You just did what had to be done."
"Sacrifice two million lives, and you can save