The glow of the holographic screen reflected on Pierce's face, which was etched with the deep lines of time.
After listening to Makima's report, he nodded repeatedly, his eyes showing undisguised admiration.
"This is the fresh blood our HYDRA needs!"
And so, just ten minutes later...
Nick Fury, who was drinking coffee in his office, received a call from Pierce via an encrypted private line.
Fury instinctively straightened his back, prepared to face political pressure or a scolding. Instead, Pierce's tone on the other end was actually very peaceful, even strangely reasonable: "Nick, about Bronski's matter, I've thought it over. You've had it quite tough."
"Since you insist on doing some psychological evaluation, let's do it your way."
"Sending an Agent over to take a look, following the procedure, and confirming the risks isn't a bad thing either."
Fury was stunned.
Has the Sun risen from the west?
Before he could react, Pierce continued:
"However, I have a small suggestion regarding the choice of personnel. I heard that newly promoted Agent Makima under your command has good abilities?"
"Let her handle this operation. It's a good opportunity to train a newcomer."
Before Fury could say anything, Pierce hurriedly hung up the phone.
Beep, beep, beep.
Listening to the busy tone, Fury's single eye was filled with immense confusion.
"Wait... what the hell?"
Fury looked at his phone, completely baffled.
He... agreed just like that?
Pierce had clearly refused no matter what before, his attitude as stubborn as a rock in a latrine. Now, not only did he relent, but he specifically named Makima to handle it?
One must know, Fury's original plan was to send Makima to disrupt the situation.
What does this mean?
What kind of medicine is this old bastard selling in his gourd?
Or could it be that this Makima really has some kind of magic?
Not only could she get Sitwell and Coulson to back her up, but now even Pierce regards her with favor.
Regardless, the outcome is good.
Fury shook his head, suppressing that sliver of unease in his heart.
With a wave of his hand, the official appointment was issued... At this moment, in a S.H.I.E.L.D. safe house.
Now Makima was supported by both S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA simultaneously; it was as if she sat on 'Double Gold Water.'
However, this came with a price. She was simultaneously given two seemingly contradictory top-level directives—S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted her to mess this up so Abomination couldn't join the Avengers, while HYDRA needed her to ensure Abomination joined the Avengers to become HYDRA's private soldier.
Double identity, double directives.
Both sides viewed her as a confidante, and both sides were waiting for her good news.
Makima couldn't afford to offend either side, yet she belonged to neither.
Neither Fury nor Pierce knew that Makima belonged to only one person.
And that was Sumire.
"Alright, the operation begins."
Makima closed the folder, her gaze sweeping over the other two people in the room.
"Are we finally leaving?"
Reze was sitting on the edge of the cabinet next to the refrigerator, her legs dangling and swinging.
She was playing with a pull-ring pin that made Tony's heart skip a beat, her tone full of impatience: "I say, is the efficiency of your S.H.I.E.L.D. always this low? Did we waste a whole half-hour here for these few scraps of paper?"
"This is a necessary procedure, Consultant Reze."
Makima responded with a smile, her tone excessively polite, "Clerical work is always tedious. I hope you can understand."
"Tch, hypocrite," Reze rolled her eyes and muttered softly.
Tony Stark, who was adjusting his headset nearby, paused his movements.
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