The British Museum heist made headlines, but the perpetrators vanished without a trace. Damaged security cameras provided no footage, and interrogating hostages yielded nothing useful. Another cold case for the books. In the newly constructed Avengers Tower, Tony reviewed the details and immediately thought of Hong Fei.
They say your greatest enemy knows you best. Though Tony and Hong Fei had mostly moved past their old grudges, lingering resentment kept them locked in a shadowy rivalry. Still, without evidence, Tony kept his suspicions to himself.
The Avengers now included Yelena, a young woman Hong Fei had allegedly corrupted early in her career. Then there was Steve Rogers. Once, everyone assumed Steve and Hong Fei had fallen out due to their clashing operational styles—Hong Fei had even sold Steve out to S.H.I.E.L.D. for a single Quinjet.
But these days, it was clear their relationship remained strong. Steve considered Hong Fei a trusted confidant and staunchly defended him against any criticism, no matter the circumstances. Gradually, people stopped speaking ill of Hong Fei in Steve's presence. Tony, however, remained convinced Steve had been thoroughly duped. Iron Man was frustrated but powerless.
Today's private gathering took place, as usual, at Tony's home. No one else had a space large enough to accommodate them all.
"Tony," Steve began, his brow furrowed, "the CIA and the Military approached me together."
"Still on that?"
Tony frowned.
"Yes. They want me to intervene and retrieve someone from Hong Fei."
Tony let out a cold laugh.
"They must be insane—or suicidal."
The others shared his disdain. The CIA, the Central Intelligence Agency—what a grand title for an organization that amounted to nothing. Within the Federation, they held no law enforcement authority, resorting instead to shady, underhanded tactics. The Avengers had no respect for that kind of work.
Frankly, it would be a blessing if no one actively disrupted their operations, yet here they were, pestering the Avengers yet again. It was like a dog barking loudly because it had a powerful master. Even the Avengers couldn't be bothered with them, let alone Hong Fei and his lawless crew.
Colonel Rhodes, serving as both Military representative and Tony's friend, tried to smooth things over.
"Tony, they're pushing this so hard because it's about Vibranium, isn't it?"
"But we all know Vibranium is incredibly rare. The largest piece ever found was used to make Steve's shield. Why are they still chasing it?"
"Because Vibranium is powerful and miraculous," Tony said with a snort. "They won't let go of any lead. They're just waiting to stumble upon a significant deposit."
Steve touched his shield thoughtfully.
"That doesn't seem likely, though."
"Of course it's not. That's why the Military hasn't stepped in, and other government agencies aren't involved. Everyone knows that, and the CIA surely knows it too, but they won't give up so easily because this is the only kind of thing they can do."
Tony suddenly turned to Yelena.
"Yelena, do you think Hong Fei will release that person?"
Yelena, who had been zoning out, looked up and couldn't help but laugh.
"Mr. Stark," she began, her tone light but edged with amusement, "you're asking the wrong person. I'm just here for the snacks."
"Stark, I don't know if he'll release them," Yelena said, crossing her arms. "But I do know one thing—try taking something from his hands, and you'll walk away empty-handed every time."
Tony smirked at the group.
"Called it. You all heard her."
"Actually," Yelena added after a beat, "my boss really can't stand the CIA."
Steve gave a firm nod.
"Neither do I. They're too heavy-handed. The way they look at people..."
He trailed off with visible discomfort. Tony pursed his lips.
"I think it's more than just the CIA. What he really hates is this entire country."
A faint smile touched Yelena's lips.
"The boss says we can love our homelands as individuals. But as a team of enhanced people? We shouldn't wear blinders for any single nation."
She paused, letting the words settle.
"Only by staying impartial can we properly serve all humanity."
Silence blanketed the room. Glances were exchanged—some approving, some skeptical, others utterly indifferent.
"Did he actually say that?"
Tony's eyebrow arched skeptically.
"Every word."
Steve stepped forward.
"And he's right. SHIELD doesn't belong to any one country. Neither should we. We've got our nationalities, but as Avengers?"
His gaze swept the room.
"We need to set that aside to make the right calls."
Rhodes folded his arms tight against his chest, edging toward the corner. Everyone else could afford this talk—not an active-duty Air Force Colonel. Tony caught his friend's tension instantly. Recognizing his own complicated position, he deftly shifted gears.
"Anyway, this doesn't involve us. Doesn't matter who the CIA sends begging—we all know Hong Fei won't budge."
He clapped his hands together.
"Speaking of, anyone catch the British Museum incident?"
Nods all around. Yelena's face remained carefully neutral.
"Those thieves were after a vibranium weapon. Reliable intel says they're dealing with a buyer in Tokyo next Monday."
Tony's eyes gleamed.
"I'm considering intervention."
Yelena's pulse jumped. Steve frowned.
"You want to chase vibranium now?"
"Why not?"
"But you just said—" "Still stand by that. This is different—we might be looking at actual vibranium weapons here."
Steve rubbed his temple.
"We shouldn't get involved."
"Reason?"
"Because—" As they debated, Yelena's mind raced ahead. Thirty minutes later, the meeting dissolved. Back in her quarters, she immediately called Hong Fei. The video feed showed him mid-stance in loose training clothes.
"Boss, that was way too close today!"
Hong Fei didn't break form.
"What happened?"
"Tony Stark got it in his head to investigate the vibranium deal. Suggested the team hit Tokyo during our meet."
"Hm."
"That's all? Boss, aren't you worried?"
"They can't beat me. Why worry?"
"But they'll expose us!"
"Exposed as what? I'm not a robber; I'm just a customer spending money to buy things. Are the Avengers going to go after customers too? Is there no law left?"
Yelena opened her mouth, then shut it with a frustrated click. Hong Fei continued smoothly, "You said it was close—means his idea got shot down. Steve's doing?"
"Yeah... how'd you know?"
"Steve's busy."
"Busy?"
"Yes, he's busy looking for HYDRA inside S.H.I.E.L.D."
Yelena chuckled at the thought.
"That's true. I ran into him at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, and when he was alone, he looked at everyone like they were potential threats. Boss, when are we making a move on HYDRA?"
"It's still too early. How's the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy?"
"It's going well. Those little Black Widows are sharp—no one's been exposed, and some have even become full-fledged Agents. I'd say it won't be long before they're all official S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents."
"Hmm, just follow the plan and let things unfold naturally. No need to rush."
"Got it."
Big Head ended the call and tucked his phone away, jogging over to report.
"Boss, everything's ready in Tokyo."
"Hmm, isn't Frank in Tokyo? How's he doing?"
Big Head grinned.
"Boss, Frank's something else. After uncovering the collusion between the police and the underworld, he sent the others outside and took down the entire police station single-handedly. Now they're scrambling to find him. I heard he's planning to target some officials next."
"Good. That's Frank for you."
Night fell. Hong Fei was in the bathroom with Dr. Cho when his phone rang. He picked it up, and Big Head's voice came through.
"Boss, we've got visitors. It's HYDRA."
"Are they insane? Coming here in the middle of the night looking for trouble? Tell them to get lost and come back tomorrow if they've got something to say!"
He hung up abruptly. Dr. Helen Cho, hearing the exchange, asked, "Could it be something urgent? Maybe you should go. I'll wait for you."
She didn't yet understand the significance of the name HYDRA. Hong Fei shook his head dismissively.
"It's fine. Just a bunch of villains."
HYDRA wielded considerable influence, and their visit likely meant they wanted to discuss cooperation. Dr. Zola, that persistent ghost, had found a way to survive in the underground space of Camp Lehigh, but Arthur had surrounded and assimilated him, cutting off any chance of him passing on a message. At this point, HYDRA still didn't know that Master Hong had already eliminated their prized scientist. Zola had been right, though—it hadn't been long since his recruitment attempt, and HYDRA was already knocking on Hong Fei's door. But would Master Hong ever collude with HYDRA? For Steve's sake, Hong Fei might at most infiltrate them as an undercover agent. Honestly, despite controlling vast resources, HYDRA kept failing spectacularly. In Hong Fei's eyes, they were nothing but a bunch of losers. The next morning, early. Big Head escorted the visitor into the castle and brought her before Hong Fei. Hong Fei lounged casually, legs crossed, and gestured to the seat across from him.
"Sit."
"Thank you, Mr. Hong."
Her voice was soft and delicate, almost soothing. She was a classic European beauty—fair skin, a high nose bridge, and long legs accentuated by black stockings. Even in the face of Hong Fei's dismissiveness last night and just now, she showed no sign of displeasure. After sitting down, she smiled warmly.
"After Mr. Hong's renovations, this place feels completely different—it's almost inviting."
Stay here? Not a chance. Hong Fei wasn't in the mood for small talk and cut straight to the point.
"I thought the person coming would be either Pierce or your father." Her expression faltered for a moment before she asked, "What do you mean, Mr. Hong?"
"What do I mean?" Hong Fei laughed.
"Weren't you here to recruit me? Yet you came alone. So, can I assume you don't take me seriously?"
"Of course not," she replied quickly. "Your name."
"Stephanie Malick."