Pressing Closer

S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, the Tri-Wing Building.

"We've had enough of your riddles, Minister Pierce." The speaker was a woman with short blonde hair, who looked at least fifty. Her holographic image sat behind a layer of transparent circular glass, fixing Alexander Pierce, standing in the center of the room, with a stern, reproachful glare.

The spacious, open room had no superfluous furnishings, only four cylindrical glass pillars standing upright. The holographic projections of four World Security Council members sat behind the glass, hurling questions at this S.H.I.E.L.D. minister in harsh tones.

Overseeing all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s activities was the duty of the World Security Council, so it could be said these people were Nick Fury's direct superiors. But Fury was a man of action who always hated dealing with them, so this glorious burden fell, as always, on Pierce's shoulders.

"We need answers," the woman said. "Don't try to bluff your way out. We all know perfectly well that something major is happening inside S.H.I.E.L.D."

Pierce shrugged. "Maybe Fury thinks we need massive layoffs to save on expenses."

"Not funny at all, Minister Pierce." This time it was a middle-aged man with a thick beard who spoke. "Over the past month, Nick Fury has made several big moves, but he's only covered his true intentions with ridiculous excuses. This has exceeded his authority. If he continues to refuse to report to the Council, we will temporarily relieve him of his command and forcibly intervene in the investigation."

Pierce said flatly, "The Council's duty is to oversee S.H.I.E.L.D., not to meddle in every minor detail. If you insist on digging into every single matter, I strongly suggest you send a representative to sit in the Director's chair yourselves."

Indeed, though many in the Council and high-ranking government officials disliked Nick Fury, none of them could do anything about him. The reason was simple: they couldn't find a replacement.

In this rapidly changing era where supernatural phenomena kept emerging, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existence was undeniably necessary, and for many years, Nick Fury had been the center of it. His unique charisma and outstanding competence made him irreplaceable; it was his presence that kept this vast, border-transcending machine running smoothly.

"No one has suggested replacing Director Fury," another Council member spoke up. From his facial features, he appeared to be of Eastern descent. "Nick Fury's achievements are indisputable, and his presence is of great significance to S.H.I.E.L.D. But we still need answers, because ensuring the correctness of his decisions is precisely our duty."

"Of course, I understand." Pierce nodded and began pacing the room. "Is something happening inside S.H.I.E.L.D.? Yes. Is Fury taking major action in response? That's also true."

He stopped and turned around.

"But I also assure you—whatever Fury is doing, it is absolutely necessary. And soon, you will get the answers you want."

When Alexander Pierce stepped out of the room, Fury had clearly been waiting outside for some time.

"Another tiring day?" Fury asked.

Pierce waved a hand with a wry smile. "Nothing I can't handle." After a pause, he added, "But seriously, Nick, what's the situation now?"

"We've made considerable progress," Fury replied. "But we're still working on it."

"Come on, Nick, this time it's different," Pierce said helplessly. "This isn't some petty squabble over funding or budgets. We're talking about Hydra! A terrorist organization with tentacles worldwide might have infiltrated us from within!

Honestly, I'm starting to have trouble holding the line with the Council. I can keep stalling them for you, but you've got to give me something concrete to work with, right?"

Fury shook his head. "This situation is extraordinary. The fewer people who know, the better."

Pierce frowned. "What, you don't even trust me?"

Fury said nothing. He pressed his thick lips together tightly, studying him with that single eye for a long moment, his gaze as sharp as a hunting eagle. Pierce was almost starting to feel uncomfortable under that stare.

Then Fury reached out a hand and patted Pierce on the shoulder.

"I appreciate it," he said. "I owe you one for this."

With that, without waiting for Pierce to reply, he turned and left the office.

Alexander Pierce sat back down in his chair, letting the carefully concealed irritation and impatience show on his face. He sat motionless in that chair for a long while, until a visit request jumped up as a three-dimensional projection on his desk.

Pierce glanced at the interface and casually pressed the "Accept" button.

The person who entered was Sitwell, a S.H.I.E.L.D. Level Six Agent. He wore a pair of plain glasses and a crisp suit, his bald head gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

Of course, he was also a Hydra sleeper agent.

As soon as the automatic door closed, Pierce activated the room's "sealed mode," ensuring that no trace of the following conversation would leak out. Then he looked up and said coldly, "This had better be good news."

"It's about Base 39, sir," Sitwell said in a low voice. "Nick Fury's forces attacked Base 39 thirty minutes ago. It's now completely under their control."

Pierce's face darkened.

Base 39 was among the higher-security Hydra strongholds. Unlike many other bases hidden beneath S.H.I.E.L.D. facilities, it was a completely independent, concealed outpost.

More importantly, Base 39 had been in a dormant state until now—no external communications, no activity. Hydra had long prepared a series of such dormant bases, ensuring they could preserve their strength if they were ever unexpectedly exposed to S.H.I.E.L.D.

Yet even this kind of base had been uncovered by the other side. This undoubtedly meant they were getting closer and closer to the core.

Who the hell was that damned "Black Knight"? Was he really Dr. Norton? How could he know so much?

"But there's also good news, sir," Sitwell quickly added.

Pierce's expression eased slightly. "What?"

"A message from Baron Strucker," Sitwell said. "He says the matter you asked him to investigate has yielded a lead. He wants to deploy 'that weapon' under your supervision to clear the obstacles."

That was indeed good news. Alexander Pierce narrowed his eyes, unconsciously releasing a murderous aura as deep and dark as an abyss.