After handing the "Christmas present" to Steve, Fury returned to his office and immediately ordered the AI to seal it off.
"Open the Lemurian Star satellite launch files."
[Access denied]
??
Fury's brows drew down. "Run decryption."
[Decryption failed]
"Override authorization. Director Nicholas J. Fury."
[Authorization failed. All files sealed.]
Fury's hand unconsciously clenched into a fist, his eyes fixed on the screen. "Who gave the order to seal them?"
[Nicholas J. Fury]
At that moment, Fury's clenched hands trembled and went slack. His eyes filled with disbelief.
"Me?"
(Me?)
The news Coulson had sent back-that the hidden Hydra agents were targeting Project Insight-had put Fury on alert and prompted him to send his last line of defense away.
But discovering that "he" had ordered the files sealed finally sent a chill of fear through him.
He had never imagined that someone in Hydra held a position above his own within S.H.I.E.L.D. in New York, someone who could silently alter his authorization orders. Only a handful of people could do that.
Fury paced around his office a few times. He wanted to make one final attempt.
Steve left S.H.I.E.L.D. and rode his motorcycle north.
After crossing several blocks, he arrived at the entrance to Stark Tower.
He parked his bike and made his way into the building with practiced ease.
[Hello, Mr. Steve.]
"Good afternoon, JARVIS. Is Tony here?"
[Sir is currently out. He has a board meeting this afternoon, and Miss Potts took him along. What did you need him for? I can pass along a message, or would you like me to connect you to his phone?]
The AI butler helpfully offered his assistance.
"No, if he's busy, I won't bother him. I came to