"A recovery potion, usable every twenty-four hours, restoring about ten percent of the user's full condition!"
Rumlow gripped the vial tightly, veins bulging on his hand.
"Indestructible, and only I can use it."
This description made Nick Fury stand up.
If it was just usable by Rumlow alone, that wasn't critical.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had alien tech capable of potent healing, but "indestructible" was what struck Fury.
"I'm absolutely certain of this!"
Rumlow knew what Fury cared about. He placed the vial on the floor, drawing a tiny knife from his belt.
"This is my best weapon, made of secondary Adamantium, but it can't even scratch that vial!"
Fury knew of this knife; he could name everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D. with such materials.
A vial impervious to such a weapon was serious enough to demand his full attention.
The vial itself wasn't the issue—the material was.
If it was for this, Fury would pursue it, no matter who held it.
Strong new materials had vast applications, from weapons to machinery, where strength often set the ceiling.
The knuckle-duster taken from Rumlow had been tested in the lab. Though durable, nearly matching secondary Adamantium, it wasn't "indestructible" under destructive tests.
Fury stepped forward, picking up the vial and taking the knife from Rumlow.
After slashing it hard, he confirmed Rumlow's claim.
"Who else knows about this?"
Fury's single eye bore into Rumlow, as if trying to peer into his soul.
"Tess was there. No one else should know."
Rumlow's face grew paler, his unhealed injuries straining his body from standing and reporting.
"Go to C-District for treatment. You know nothing else. You can reclaim those two pieces of gear when you're done; I'll notify them."
Fury didn't return the vial, only the knife, before turning back to his desk.
Though he couldn't use the potion, he didn't need its healing.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had plenty of non-scalable recovery methods, but researching an indestructible material was now a priority.
Its current strength warranted further tests, perhaps with true Adamantium, Fury mused.
The rest was for the experts.
Rumlow left for C-District without lingering over the vial.
Having gained a chance to become a true barbarian, Bul-Kathos's replica potion was no longer vital.
All he could do now was heal.
The seed of doubt was planted. Next, he'd request another investigation of Mount Harrogath once recovered.
Then, he'd become a true barbarian, and the battle between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra would begin!
Rumlow left Fury's office without a hint of abnormality, his heart reflecting on justice.
Fury, left alone, began to ponder.
The truth of Rumlow's words didn't matter; he'd face further scrutiny.
Tess was now a prime suspect. As Rumlow's trusted subordinate, he was thoroughly vetted by S.H.I.E.L.D.
But was someone else tailing Rumlow's team on the mountain? That was equally critical.
If the former, it was manageable; if the latter, it was dire. Fury's internal suspicions were rapidly expanding.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Fury stowed the vial and issued the command.
"Director, you called for me?"
A middle-aged man with a hairline elevated just a tad entered, addressing Fury.
"Coulson, the blacksmith forge is your assignment now."
Fury spoke gravely. Melinda's failed report would be passed to Coulson as mission data.
"Anything else to note?"
Coulson asked politely.
It wasn't necessary to summon him to the office for a simple task.
"Inform Frank of his son's location and prevent him from rashly approaching the forge."
"Understood, Director. Is this personal? I'll handle it now."
"Slightly personal, but regrettably, it's official."
Coulson gave a slight bow and left.
S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't control global security with just these agents.
Fury could call on old Howling Commandos members and trusted confidants.
But Coulson, ever the gentleman, was the best fit for this.
Per behavioral analysts, Bul-Kathos showed no leniency to those tainted by evil.
Melinda's encounter proved this.
Few agents could be called clean.
Coulson was the most upright, making him a test of Bul-Kathos's tolerance.
Captain America's name flashed through Fury's mind.
"If it's him, he'd surely earn the barbarian's respect."
Fury thought silently, never voicing it aloud, even in his office.
He didn't trust his own surveillance, keeping all information tightly guarded.
As always.
(End of Chapter)
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