As his words fell, the laboratory lighting seemed to sharpen instantly, and the electronic hum in the air took on a distinct, inhuman sense of attention. "—will immediately and unconditionally activate the Fortress Protocol! Lock down the entire Alpha Quadrant Containment Zone! Including 'escorting' them out, along with their equipment and the stench of your S.H.I.E.L.D. bureaucracy, using the lab's own nonlethal but absolutely unforgettable methods! I mean every word! Don't even think about challenging this with some backdoor or so-called 'Director authority'! The highest authority here belongs to Tony Stark alone!"
He panted heavily like a trapped beast backed into a corner, glaring viciously at Fury. "Now get out there with your 'Elite Nanny Squad' and make your deployments! I have work to do! Before you turn this place into a S.H.I.E.L.D. branch office, I need to make sure this damned 'Core' doesn't blow up early because of the bad luck you brought in!"
He spun around, turning his back on everyone. His shoulders trembled faintly with suppressed rage as his fingers flew over the console. Data stream scrolled madly across the screens, as though only immersing himself in intense technical work could temporarily numb the pain of being forcibly intruded upon and the profound sense of crisis.
Fury took a long look at Tony's violently heaving back and said nothing more.
He gave the four members of the monitoring team a slight nod, then turned and headed for the exit, the hem of his black trench coat cutting a cold, hard arc through the air.
Steve, Natasha, and Clint followed in turn, every one of them wearing an exceedingly grave expression.
Rumlow brought up the rear. Just as he was about to step through the Containment Zone's heavy airtight door, he seemingly casually glanced back, his gaze once