Activating the Winter Soldier Early; Superpowered Capture Squad

Two days later.

A sudden piece of news caused quite a stir within the Security Council.

A small European country named Sokovia suddenly announced to the outside world that its ZF Army had successfully quelled the domestic rebellion, officially ending an eighteen-year civil war.

Immediately afterward, it sternly called the Security Council, warning them not to dispatch peacekeeping forces to Sokovia in any form from then on.

It also informed them that, three days later, it would send representatives to UN Headquarters to hold a public conference for the world regarding the past war!

Although many Security Council higher-ups had no idea where Sokovia was or what had happened there.

To them, such blatant disregard for the Security Council's authority was like a resounding slap across their noble faces!

Most importantly...

They feared that other nations would imitate Sokovia's actions in the future.

That would trigger a dangerous chain reaction.

Thus.

Under the joint direction of the higher-ups.

A hastily convened sanctions conference began intense preparations.

Meanwhile.

Alexander Pierce, the minister, returned to his office with a gloomy expression.

After locking the door behind him.

He used an encrypted phone to call Baron Strucker again.

"Strucker, isn't Sokovia your territory?"

"Why is it suddenly opposing the Security Council... Don't tell me you've lost control over the place?"

"Hm?!"

Baron Strucker's slightly puzzled voice came through the phone.

"If you have something to say, say it. If you need to fart, let it out. Quit playing riddles and acting mysterious. My time is valuable."

Great.

This bastard still didn't know how to speak properly.

"Hmph, looks like you still don't know what happened..."

Alexander Pierce sneered disdainfully.

He then relayed Sokovia's latest declaration over the phone.

Finally, he added in a heavily threatening tone:

"I'm sure I don't need to remind you what kind of uproar it would cause worldwide if someone mentions Hydra at that meeting three days from now.

"Along with the experiments you've been secretly conducting in Sokovia."

"So you'd better wipe your own ass clean before that meeting starts."

"Otherwise, don't blame me for disregarding our past friendshi... Beep beep beep beep beep?!!"

What the hell?

That bastard actually dared to hang up on me??

Alexander Pierce stared at the abruptly disconnected call in disbelief, his expression gradually turning ferocious.

Bastard, I kindly warned you, and not only are you ungrateful, you even dared to hang up on me?

You really think I'm easy to push around, huh?

But amid his fury, Alexander Pierce also felt a deep sense of crisis.

Because it had been with his help before.

That Baron Strucker had smoothly taken the Mind Scepter seized from Loki out of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret laboratory.

Along with numerous weapons and pieces of equipment left behind by the Chitauri.

If the situation in Solvia was exposed now, allowing Nick Fury to notice something ahead of time.

Then all the preparations and effort he had put in before would go to waste!!

That was something Alexander Pierce absolutely could not tolerate and never wanted to see.

So...

Given Baron Strucker's series of unreliable performances lately.

Alexander Pierce thought it over.

In the end, he decided to prepare for both possibilities.

He picked up the phone and dialed another number, issuing an order directly:

"Sitwell, awaken the Winter Soldier ahead of schedule. If that idiot Strucker can't resolve Sokovia's crisis before the conference begins, then we'll wipe his ass for him!"

"But, boss..."

A somewhat hesitant voice came from the other end.

But before he could finish, Alexander Pierce cut him off coldly.

"Carry out my order!!"

Alexander Pierce hung up before the other party could react.

Then he let out a long breath.

Hah~~

Hanging up on someone really did feel great!!!

Meanwhile.

After hanging up, Baron Strucker pondered for a moment before ordering someone to summon Girard, the person in charge of the base.

"How is the Superpowered Suicide Squad coming along?"

"Ah, well..."

A troubled look appeared on Girard's face as he carefully replied:

"Because time has been tight, and the powers granted by Temporary Compound V are unpredictable, we've only selected five... no, six candidates suitable for combat so far."

"But if you can give me another week, I can definitely expand their number into the double digits."

Honestly.

Girard had never expected Compound V's "defect rate" to be so high.

The powers awakened in most failed cases were unsuitable for combat.

Some had even undergone irreversible bodily mutations and could no longer maintain ordinary human forms.

No wonder Vought Group had spent decades at it since World War II.

Yet only managed to secretly create a little over two hundred superpowered individuals barely fit for use through illegal infant experiments.

"Hm? Out of over a hundred candidates, you only selected six?"

A look of disdain crossed Baron Strucker's face as he rudely waved a hand to cut him off.

"Forget it. This will do. There's no time left!!"

"It seems the situation in Sokovia has gotten out of control. They will hold a public United Nations conference in three days."

"Whether its contents concern us or not, we must act before that conference takes place."

"I never imagined that in just one short week, that brat would force us into such a miserable position."

"We can't wait any longer. We can't give him more time to grow."

"This time, no matter what, we must succeed..."

"Oh, right. What abilities do those selected Suicide Squad members possess?"

Seeing Baron Strucker look toward him expectantly, Girard immediately straightened up and reported:

"The six members selected this time have awakened the abilities to control flames, transform into werewolves, manipulate sound waves, fire laser beams from their eyes, generate force-field shields, and control minds!"

"It's just that... they aren't particularly proficient in using their abilities yet."

"That's fine."

Baron Strucker seemed quite satisfied with the powers of the six selected members.

The cold expression on his face eased slightly as he said with anticipation:

"These abilities are all well suited for teamwork, especially that mind controller... I believe this operation to capture Number 380 will not fail."

"But to be safe, send another combat unit with them!"

"Yes, sir!!!"