Zola? Ultron? Vision? (Part Three)

"Is this—Alexander Pierce?"

Tony Stark looked at the photograph, then up at Nick Fury, surprise spreading across his face. Somewhat uncertain, he asked, "You're saying the mastermind behind the attack on you was Alexander Pierce, chairman of the Security Council?"

"It might be worse than you think—"

A cold gleam flashed through Nick Fury's single eye. Without confirming or denying it, he said, "I don't have conclusive evidence yet, and I still can't fully determine what his real objective is—"

"But given the nature of Project Insight, along with the details of the attacks on Hill and me—the most reasonable explanation I can come up with is that Alexander Pierce is very likely the leader of Hydra, hiding inside S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Security Council!"

"Because aside from him, with the special authority granted by the Security Council, I honestly can't think of anyone else who could lock out my director-level access in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s system."

Then, before anyone could ask a question, he added in a voice tinged with self-mockery and profound exhaustion, "See? It's because people like Pierce exist that I've never dared to fully trust anyone all these years."

Those words were only half true. They laid the groundwork for a seemingly reasonable explanation of many of his past covert operations, while also seeking sympathy and understanding from everyone present.

"Damn it. The captain really did call it."

Black Widow cursed under her breath, her face clouding with worry. "The captain hinted before that he suspected Alexander Pierce. But the idea was so shocking that I never took it seriously—

"But if Alexander Pierce really is Hydra's leader, then we have even more reason to stop Project Insight at any cost!"

"Exactly."

Tony Stark immediately nodded in agreement. In a flash, his thoughts had already shifted to practical implementation.