The Corrupted Shield
A/N: This story was requested by FitzCapauchin (thank you for the idea!). It is very AU, and takes place in season two. Instead of making it a drabble in my story Partners for Life, I decided to make it a completely separate story. I know this chapter is short, but the next one will make up for it, I promise. Please, tell me what you think and anything you would like to see in future chapters. I hope you like it!
"What made Captain America so great?" the man mused. "What was it exactly?"
The woman thought for a moment. "His loyalty? Strength? Moral integrity?"
"That's what made him so good, Helen. What made him so great was the serum given to him by Howard Stark. The super-soldier serum that, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't replicate."
"Why are you…" she faded into a thoughtful silence. "Couldn't replicate?"
The man smiled. "You always were quick to understand. Yes, Helen. We've finally managed to replicate the serum. Not exactly, not perfectly. But enough to be able to use it."
She seemed stunned. "We can finally achieve what we've aimed for for so long? What C.E.N.T.I.P.E.D.E. failed…"
"C.E.N.T.I.P.E.D.E. failed because it wasn't good enough." The man said quickly, irritation making his tone rise. "It wasn't natural enough to be as powerful as we needed it to be." He sighed, calming himself. "This serum has everything C.E.N.T.I.P.E.D.E. didn't. This serum will save HYDRA."
"Who are we going to use it on?" Helen asked.
The man stroked the vial containing his life's work lovingly. "Someone Coulson loves as a daughter." He said with a faint smile. "Someone who, once we're done with her, will be twice as powerful as Captain America ever was." He turned to look at Helen. "Someone who will save HYDRA, whether she wants to at first or not."
