Alexander Pierce was deep in thought in his top-floor office. The plan had clearly failed.
Not long ago, Nick Fury's Life-Model Decoy had appeared on television, just about to spark a new wave of conspiracy theories across the world, only for the Mutants to meddle at the crucial moment!
Damn X-Men, damn Utopia! Any earlier or later would have been fine—why did they have to found a nation at this exact time?!
Make a call! Contact the military's "enthusiasts" immediately!
"Are you saying this on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., or on behalf of the United Nations?" General Ross was disheveled on the video call, his eyes bloodshot. The cigar at the corner of his mouth was practically setting his beard on fire, yet he had not noticed.
The Pentagon's command center behind him was also in chaos, as though they were preparing for the end of the world. The general himself was clearly impatient, glaring at Pierce with hawkish eyes.
The Hydra leader, unaware of the reason, kept the smile on his face. "Did something happen?"
"Doctor Bolivar Trask was murdered yesterday evening. He was dismembered and hung from the exterior wall of Trask Tower."
Rose eyed Pierce suspiciously, removed his cigar and flicked away the ash. His square, angular jaw shifted from side to side as though he were grinding his teeth.
"On top of that, Doctor Norman Osborn of Osborn Corporation has been missing for twelve hours. He was supposed to attend an internal hearing at The Pentagon yesterday evening and demonstrate a new weapons system. So what exactly is the purpose of your call?"
At that point, Pierce understood. General Ross suspected him.
After all, Strucker Industries, Osborn Corporation, Hammer Industries, and the rest were all suppliers of technology and weapons to the military.
Now, the heads of