Chapter 60: The Plan Begins (Seeking First Subscriptions)
A week has passed since Natasha sent the email.
Based on Natasha's emails, S.H.I.E.L.D. finally managed to pinpoint the approximate location. However, all Gerald found there was a collapsed area. Even though he could sense something unusual deep underground, the area had been completely destroyed, and all traces of it had vanished without a trace.
The simultaneous disappearance of Tony Stark and CEO Potts this past week caused Stark Industries' stock price to plummet. The overwhelming media coverage fueled speculation about their whereabouts and whether they had indeed been killed in the explosion at the villa.
Compared to Tony and Potts, the disappearances of Spider-Man, Green Wind Man, and the others seemed much calmer. Although many of their fans speculated that something might have happened to them, which is why they hadn't appeared for a whole week, there was no concrete evidence that anything had happened to them.
Only S.H.I.E.L.D. was caught in a tense atmosphere, with agents working overtime every day to search for all the missing persons, but without finding any clues.
Amidst these undercurrents, Nick Fury, Hawkeye, Hill, and others spent almost all their time at S.H.I.E.L.D., and after a few days, their dark circles under their eyes became much more pronounced.
Meanwhile, Ger and Wanda could hardly sleep at night, constantly worrying about how Pietro and the others were doing.
In a secluded room, Pierce was listening to his subordinates' report.
"The programs for all fourteen Iron Man suits have been completely rewritten."
"Tony and Potts have not shown any obvious abnormal reactions in the past seven days and are doing well after receiving the Extremis virus."
“Gwen experienced ten distinctly abnormal reactions within seven days.”
“Peter has received the Extremis virus very well, with no abnormal reactions, and his ability has increased remarkably.”
"Steve Rogers has adapted to the Extremis virus very well, with no abnormal reactions and his abilities have grown remarkably."
"Overall, Natasha and Pietro have seen the greatest increase in their abilities, and their bodies have fully adapted to the Extremis virus."
"..."
After listening to all the reports, Pierce whispered, "Confirm again that all personnel are now fully under Hydra's control."
The situation with Pietro must never happen again.
Half an hour later, the researchers reported again: "It has been confirmed multiple times that all personnel have lost all their memories, and the brainwashing was successful."
Pierce smiled, glanced at Crawford beside him, and asked, "Is Nick Fury currently with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Crawford nodded: "According to the latest intelligence, Nick Fury is currently in the S.H.I.E.L.D. offices."
"Implement the plan immediately, according to the previous proposal." Pierce said calmly, looking at the bright sunshine outside the window.
Crawford paused slightly, then asked, "Would it be safer to proceed with the assassination?"
Pierce glanced at him, his eyes full of mockery: "If we distract Gor and Wanda, what force can stop us from taking Nick Fury and controlling S.H.I.E.L.D. openly?"
"There's an old saying from the far East: 'The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans; next is to disrupt their alliances; next is to attack their army; and the worst is to besiege their cities.' For the most threatening figure, Gale, we'll employ a psychological warfare strategy. If he refuses to join Hydra, we'll let Pietro wreak havoc in the city, preventing him from coming to our aid. Once we take over S.H.I.E.L.D., as long as we negotiate a good deal with him, he won't be foolish enough to provoke us again. As for Nick Fury, we sent so many people to take over S.H.I.E.L.D. precisely to 'disrupt their alliances,' to show those old guys who haven't seen me in a long time my capabilities. If they know that I took over S.H.I.E.L.D. effortlessly and openly, they will never support Nick again. Then, we can use the serum as a bargaining chip to demand more resources and permissions, and many of our subsequent plans will receive their strong support."
"With such capabilities, why would we need to carry out assassinations?"
As he spoke, Pierce slightly turned the chair he was sitting in and looked out the window toward the horizon, as if he could see S.H.I.E.L.D. in the distance.
He's about to make his move. I wonder how Nick Fury, his old subordinate, will respond?
Hopefully, I won't disappoint him.
Ten minutes later, a message was sent to both Ger and Wanda's phones.
"Brother, I'm at the coffee shop. Could you come find me? My exact coordinates are..."
"Little sister, it's been a week since we last met. Have you missed me? Come visit me with your brother. Our exact coordinates are..."
Wanda and Ger looked at the information on their phones, then they exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.
Is this really a message from Pietro?
After a full week without hearing any news from Pietro, Gel and Wanda were somewhat incredulous upon receiving this message.
But soon, they received another video call on their phones, and as soon as they answered, Pietro's face appeared on the screen.
"Brother, sister, I'm really at the coffee shop. Don't you want to come see me?" Pietro asked with a familiar smile.
The next moment, Wanda's face lit up with joy—Pietro was really alright!
With a slight flick of her fingers, Wanda opened a portal to a coffee shop in front of them. This coffee shop was near their school and was one they frequented.
"ah!"
The sudden appearance of a portal in the café caused an immediate commotion among the students. But the next moment, a gray chaotic energy appeared on their bodies, and then everyone's expressions returned to calm as they walked out of the café.
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