"We have to stop them. I know this is hard, but the price of freedom has always been high, and I'm willing to give everything for it."
"Even if I stand alone, I'll see this through. But I believe I'm not alone."
Steve's words struck a powerful chord. The true agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. were moved by the courage, resolve, and integrity in his speech.
He switched off the microphone. Behind him, Sam shook his head in admiration.
"Did you memorize a script, or were you making that up as you went?"
With that silver tongue and way with words, Captain America was a natural at political persuasion.
"You son of a bitch."
Captain America's heartfelt speech had stirred up quite a commotion on Pierce's end. None of the World Security Council members were fools, and they all realized that Pierce had played them.
After all that, every bit of their work had been for Hydra. The white-haired old man pointed straight at Pierce's face and cursed, "Goddamn Hydra!"
Pierce kept his hands folded, completely unmoved by the old man's abuse. Instead, he watched him with a faint smile, as though enjoying a clown's performance.
His expression infuriated the old man. "Bastard! You traitor!"
Just then, members of the Action Team walked in, filling the old man with relief.
"Quick! Arrest Pierce!"
The Action Team obediently raised their pistols, but Pierce wasn't their target.
"You! You're traitors too! Traitors!"
The old man screamed hysterically.
He pointed at the gun barrels aimed at him, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"Hmph. Looks like I'm still in charge."
Pierce raised his eyebrows, smug and arrogant, looking down at the old man as though he were an ant.
Ignoring the council members who were now hostages, he took out his phone under the elderly councilman's