One hundred chapters.
Someone previously said they'd read too many stories about germaphobia, and couldn't stand reading Natasha's work.
Today, another reader suggested acquiring Wanda.
The main storyline, where Wanda joins the party, will take some time to develop.
I'd like to ask for everyone's opinion on whether or not to acquire Wanda.
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As Fury gave up the struggle, the heavy atmosphere around the round table dissipated slightly, replaced by a tense and solemn air of impending battle. The days-long passive escape and blind maneuvering came to a complete end. Everyone finally broke free from the deadlock of being hunted and manipulated, and with clear objectives, complete plans, and the confidence to turn the tide, they were about to launch a counterattack in the final battle.
Steve Rogers glanced at everyone, his clear eyes no longer showing the weariness of the past few days, only a calm and decisive fighting spirit. He stood tall and straight in front of the table, naturally possessing the composure and aura of a leader. Without saying much, he made everyone present hold their breath and wait for the tactical deployment.
After a brief silence, the captain's calm and powerful voice slowly rang out, clearly and logically explaining the final counterattack plan, breaking it down layer by layer.
"Without delay, we must finalize the division of labor immediately, with everyone working separately and simultaneously to give Hydra no chance to buffer or counterattack."
His gaze first fell on Hill and Coulson, and he spoke with certainty, assigning them key logistical and intelligence responsibilities. " Hill, Coulson, you two will infiltrate the S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters building together."
"Your core mission is not direct combat, but overall coordination. You will remain completely covert, controlling the building's internal security systems and real-time intelligence, monitoring the launch progress and operational data of the three Helicarrier, and coordinating all aspects of the battle from the outside."
"Once the battle begins, you will be our sole on-site command and intelligence hub. Stabilize the rear, ensure smooth information flow, and guarantee that everyone's actions are precisely synchronized without any mishaps."
The two men nodded solemnly as they accepted the mission. As senior executives of S.H.I.E.L.D.., they were intimately familiar with the headquarters' structure, security vulnerabilities, and access control system. Coordination, intelligence analysis, and overall planning were their specialties, making them the most suitable and reliable candidates for this mission.
Immediately afterward, Steve turned to look at Natasha, whose expression was cold and whose temperament was ever-changing. He softened his tone slightly, but his words remained serious. " Natasha, your mission has the highest risk and the lowest margin for error."
"You infiltrated alone, getting close to Alexander Pierce. He now holds the highest authority in S.H.I.E.L.D.., controls all of Hydra's core permissions, and is the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy."
"You wait for the opportune moment, seize the perfect opportunity to S.H.I.E.L.D. Pierce, and obtain all the classified documents, core data, infiltrator lists, and conspiracy records that S. H. I. E. L. D. and Hydra have accumulated over decades."
"Once you obtain the information, there's no need to hold back or hesitate; release it all to the public. Completely tear apart S.H.I.E.L.D..'s facade, expose all of Hydra's conspiracies, and let the world see this decades-long deception and darkness."
A cold glint flashed in Natasha's eyes, and a chilling smile curved her lips as she calmly nodded. "Understood. Disguise, infiltration, close-quarters control, and stealing secrets are my duties. Pierce thinks he has everything under control, but that's precisely when he's most relaxed and most vulnerable."
Having navigated both the legal and illegal worlds for years, her abilities in disguise, infiltration, close-quarters assassination, and intelligence gathering are unparalleled. Only she can perfectly handle this perilous infiltration mission.
Finally, Steve looked at Sam Wilson beside him, his expression relaxing slightly and his tone becoming lighter. Compared to the high-risk infiltration and meticulous planning of the other three, their mission was much more direct and brutal.
" Sam and I have the simplest and most direct mission."
"No need for concealment or disguise, a direct, forceful assault. Before the three Helicarrier have fully taken off, penetrate their interiors and replace their core positioning and computing chips one by one."
"Completely rewrite the hunting logic of the Zola Algorithm, terminate the initiation process of Project Insight, stop this global targeted Carnage at its source, and dismantle Hydra's ultimate conspiracy."
Sam grinned and nodded, a fierce fighting spirit igniting in his eyes. A frontal assault, high-altitude combat, and mobile raids perfectly complemented his Falcon's aerial combat advantages, and when combined with Steve's close-combat prowess, this combination of frontal breakthroughs was virtually unbeatable.
The entire tactical system was clearly defined and complementary, with rear intelligence coordination, mid-level infiltration and breakthrough, and frontline direct assault, perfectly covering the entire battle without any loopholes or weaknesses. Everyone took on their tasks, their fighting spirit rising, ready to rush to the battlefield and fight to the end.
Just as everyone was ready to go and the atmosphere was extremely tense, Lynn's lazy voice came from the phone lying still on the table, interrupting everyone's rhythm.
"Please wait a moment, don't rush off, I have something else to say."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone who was ready to go paused in unison, looking at the phone on the table with a puzzled expression. This person always managed to interrupt at crucial moments and throw out unexpected key strategies; no one dared to easily ignore his reminders.
The lounge fell silent again, with only the faint sound of breathing coming from the phone receiver. Lynn spoke slowly and deliberately, posing a strange question that seemed to have nothing to do with the battle.
"Let me ask you a simple question: In the eyes of most ordinary people, the general public, and low-level agents, what kind of personality does Captain Steve Rogers have? And what is his public image?"
This question came out of nowhere, completely outside the current tactical plan, leaving everyone stunned.
Sam was the first to react, and without the slightest hesitation, he blurted out, his tone frank and certain. "Needless to say? A true leader of justice, upholding principles, protecting the people, upright and incorruptible—a benchmark of justice in everyone's hearts."
After saying that, he was full of doubt and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you suddenly asking this? What does it have to do with our current mission?"
Lynn chuckled softly, his tone laced with a shrewd glint, and continued to coax, "That's right, that's the image. A universally recognized leader of justice, a role model of our time."
"Does that mean that any choice or action Steve Rogers makes, even if it seems illogical, defies the authorities, or challenges the system, is seen by the public as having some unspeakable reason behind it, and is definitely not a deliberate act of rebellion or disruption?"
Sam, without hesitation, replied with unwavering conviction, "Of course! The captain would never betray the people or abandon justice. Everything he does is to protect ordinary people. Otherwise, why do you think I followed him on the run and fought to the death? Anyone would believe in his character."
That's right.
Lynn's tone suddenly became crisp and decisive, pointing out the most crucial tactical blind spot and instantly waking everyone up.
"The forces now issuing a nationwide warrant for your arrest and conducting a city-wide manhunt are the Secret Service, official field teams, and high-ranking officials who wield power."
"Your previous approach was too honest and too rigid. You only knew how to flee, force your way in, and confront head-on, needlessly bearing the stigma of defection and rebellion, giving the authorities a legitimate reason to suppress you."
"Since the captain possesses a halo of justice trusted by the entire nation, he must make good use of this identity."
He spoke rapidly, quickly outlining the new pre-emptive arrangements. " Hill, Coulson, before Captain America and Sam launch a direct, violent assault on the mothership, activate S.H.I.E.L.D.'s global broadcast system."
"Connect to the captain's communicator and have him publicly reveal all clues, all doubts, and all the covered-up truths. Explain the true reason you are wanted, expose the fact that S.H.I.E.L.D.. has been infiltrated by Hydra, and explain the entire reason why you were forced to resist and fight back."
"Completely muddy the waters, completely tear apart public opinion, and give all the Secret Service personnel and the entire upper management system something to do. Let them become suspicious, self-examine, and chaotic internally, let the lower-level employees see the truth, let public opinion ferment, and completely dismantle the legitimacy of their encirclement and suppression."
These words were like a wake-up call, instantly shattering the blind spots in everyone's thinking that had persisted for days.
A sudden realization dawned on everyone, their eyes lit up, and their hearts were filled with a sense of enlightenment.
Yes, they have been trapped in the identity of "wanted traitors," passively taking beatings and passively fleeing, but they have never thought of actively tearing apart public opinion and subverting public perception.
If the truth is revealed and broadcast nationwide, Captain America's public credibility will absolutely ignite public opinion instantly. At that time, the official crackdown team will be completely without a legitimate reason, and the Secret Service will be caught in the chaos of public questioning and internal investigation, leaving them no time to fully stop their counterattack plan.
This tactic, which can disrupt the enemy's formation and undermine their advantage without losing a single soldier, is a perfect psychological warfare strategy.
Everyone was secretly amazed by Lynn's strategic thinking. What seemed like casual conversation and questions had actually revealed his deep understanding of people's hearts, public opinion, and the overall battle situation. Every step he took was a strategic advantage.
Before everyone could recover from their sudden realization, the voice on the other end of the line came through again, the tone no longer casual and teasing, but rather serious and solemn, as it was directed at Steve, giving him specific instructions.
"And there's one more crucial thing, Captain, you must remember this: never act impulsively."
"During this mission, you will meet someone you have been longing for and yearning for."
The atmosphere in the lounge instantly froze. Steve's pupils contracted sharply, his knuckles gripping the edge of the shield turned white, and he even held his breath for a second, his entire body tense.
The person I long for day and night?
Countless figures flashed through his mind in an instant, but none of them matched the current battle situation, and endless doubts and unease welled up in his heart.
Lynn knew his thoughts perfectly well, and without beating around the bush, gave him the safest and most ruthless advice, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "I'll only give you one piece of advice: after you meet, don't hesitate, don't confront, don't have heart-to-heart talks, and most importantly, don't just stand there and get beaten up."
"Go all out from the start, knock the person unconscious and subdue them, and bring them back immediately after the operation."
"We have top-notch technology, top-notch medicines, professional equipment, and magic; we have a million ways to help him recover. But if you foolishly cling to old feelings, willingly take the beating, and passively back down, you will not only fail to save him, but you will also ruin your own life and completely disrupt the entire plan."
This heavy and straightforward instruction, imbued with a precise prediction, instantly made Steve feel a tightness in his chest.
His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he suppressed the surging emotions within him and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you talking about?"
A sigh of helplessness came through the receiver, the tone tinged with both certainty and regret. "Even if I tell you now, you won't believe it, you won't accept it, you won't be willing to let it go. You'll only have preconceived notions, and on the battlefield, you'll still soften your heart and hesitate."
"It's better to let you see it for yourself than to tell you beforehand and make you wonder."
He emphasized again, repeatedly stressing the key points, afraid Steve might make a mistake on the spot. "I'm reminding you one last time, don't waste words when you meet him, just go all out to knock him out and tie him up. Once he's back, everything can be solved. If you hesitate or waver, you'll just get beaten up for nothing and miss the chance to save him, understand?"
After explaining all the plans and instructions, Lynn's tone returned to casual.
"I've outlined the tactics, contingency plans, and potential risks for you. Execute the plan accordingly, and once you've successfully resolved the situation and stabilized the battle, contact me or Tony immediately."
"Sixty combat suits are on standby, ready to take over the Helicarrier at any time. If there are no other questions, I'm hanging up now. Take care on the battlefield."
The phone was abruptly disconnected as soon as the words were spoken, and the receiver fell into complete silence.
However, the two key strategic moves left by Lynn were deeply imprinted in everyone's minds, completely perfecting the entire counterattack plan.
Silence fell again in the lounge as everyone processed the information they had just received, their eyes filled with shock and admiration.
What everyone initially thought was a perfect tactic, with Lynn's additions, truly became comprehensive and flawless. From manipulating public opinion to confusing the enemy, to mitigating potential problems before the battle, and to ensuring a smooth conclusion afterward, every step was meticulously planned.
Steve, in particular, was experiencing the most complex emotions at this moment.
He kept pondering Lynn's instructions: "The person you've been longing for," "Don't be soft-hearted, knock him out with all your might," "Don't be stupid and take the beating." The unfamiliar warnings lingered in his mind, making him feel a strong sense of unease, but he still couldn't guess the other person's identity.
But he knew that Lynn never lied, and every prediction he made was accurate in hitting the mark. This time, his instructions must have been to avoid a crisis that could overturn the course of the battle and harm himself.
"Everyone, remember the supplementary plan we just discussed."
Steve suppressed the distracting thoughts and emotions in his mind, raised his eyes again, his gaze sharp as a torch, his fighting spirit fully surging, and his voice steady and powerful as he issued the final order to march.
" Hill, Coulson, prioritize activating the citywide broadcast to reveal the truth, ignite public opinion, and disrupt the enemy's deployment."
" Natasha, seize the opportunity to get close to Pierce, steal the secrets, and expose the inside story."
" Sam and I will launch a frontal assault on the mothership, replace the chips, and terminate Project Insight."
"No matter who or what we encounter, completing the mission and ensuring our own safety are our top priorities. Everyone, let's set out and end this decades-long darkness!"
At the command, everyone stood up, shedding all fatigue and hesitation, and prepared to head to their respective battlefields.
The long-awaited final counterattack has officially begun.