Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes: Sorry for the long wait everyone. I've been really busy, and I've been editing past chapters like crazy. Mostly Aspect of the Wolf, Magical Origins, and Heroes of the Storm. Been using Microsoft Editor, Word Editor, Grammarly, and Text-to-Speech. I'll try to have new chapters up soon.
Also, The Dark Heir should have an update by Friday!
Chapter 34: The Price of Freedom
It was shocking to see Nick Fury still alive.
It was even more shocking to learn that Agent Jones is a living Martian.
Things couldn't possibly get any weirder.
They began to share all the intel they had on them. Cap even revealed that Hydra grew inside SHIELD after World War II and the truth behind Project Insight.
"I still don't understand how it can predict people's future," said Cap.
"It's not that difficult," said Batman.
"Studying a person's habits, decisions, beliefs can point you to the path they'll act upon before taking that action."
Having done the same study on Gotham criminals, he was no stranger to predicting possible futures of many of Gotham's Most Wanted.
"It seems you've been losing your touch, Detective," said a new voice.
Everyone turns to see a man walking from the shadows with several people behind him.
Clint, Natasha, Jessica, and Hill drew their guns, pointing at the intruder.
"Ra's," said Batman.
"How long have you've been shadowing us?" said Phoenix.
"I haven't. My operatives were shadowing Agent Hill after Nick Fury's death. Arouse I see, one that I am glad to see," said Ra's.
"Who are you?" demands Nick Fury.
"To the western world, my name is Henri Ducard. In the shadows… my name is Ra's al Ghul."
"How did you find this place?" asks Maria Hill.
"It wasn't easy. Though I'm glad that I did," said Ra's al Ghul.
"How many assassins did you bring with you?" asks Phoenix.
"A dozen," said Ra's.
"Not enough," said Cyborg.
"Don't underestimate an assassin of the League of Shadows. We are highly trained and skilled, much like your STRIKE Commandos," said Ra's.
"How do you know about that?" demands Hill.
"My dear, after the Convergence, did you think you were the only ones who deal in intelligence? I have kept to the shadows, keeping an ear out. I'm glad I did after my compound came under attack," said Ra's.
"Explain," said Fury.
After Ra's explained the during the Invasion. His compound was also under attack by an old adversary. Fury looks at Phoenix angrily.
"You didn't think to share this?" Fury said angrily.
"Internal affairs. You were on a need-to-know basis," said Phoenix.
Fury glares at Phoenix angrily.
"Trust was fragile back then as it is now. Let's focus on the present. Hydra is active once more and seeks to eliminate all potential threats to its rule," said Phoenix.
"Why reveal themselves now?" asks Cap.
"They're not. They are using SHIELD as a front," said Batman.
"It also makes sense if you think about it carefully. Hydra's leaders must realize their grip of control could slip from them at any moment. The Alliance is strong and can resist them. They want to seize control of the known factors now before its slips out of their grasp," said Jessica.
"So they plan on eliminating a third of the world's population to bring order?" said Iron Man.
"What of Bucky?" asks Cap.
"I didn't know about Barnes," said Nick Fury.
"Even if you had, would you have told me? Or would you compartmentalize that as well?" challenge Cap.
"Where is Barnes?" asks Maria Hill.
"Currently within the Quinjet. I have him in stunned. He won't be going anywhere till I or another magic caster undo the stunning spell," said Phoenix.
"He looked at me, and he didn't even know me," said Cap.
"What happened to Barnes isn't your fault, Steve," said Romanoff.
"I should've gone back for him," said Cap.
"Is there any way you can use your hocus pocus to undo the brainwashing on Barnes?" said Tony.
"Magic Tony, and I can't. I'll have Morgan look into Barnes later or Emma Frost," said Phoenix.
"Thanks," said Cap.
"Well, he can't stay here. We should send him back to Avengers Island," said Cyborg.
"No," said Batman.
"You want to keep him with us?" said Iron Man.
"Avengers Island is too obvious. We need to keep him where he can stay out of Hydra's control," said Batman.
"I can help with that," said John Jones.
"Telepathy?" said Batman.
"We need a plan to stop Hydra and those Insight Helicarrier's from launching," said Cap.
"Well, I don't think the Council is accepting my calls anymore," said Nick Fury revealing a briefcase with three large chips inside.
"What's that?" asks Sam Wilson.
"Once the Helicarriers reach 3,000 feet, they'll synchronize with Insight Satellites, becoming fully weaponized. We need to breach those carriers and replace their targeting blades with our own. It would give us the ability to override their overall command on those Insight Carriers," said Maria Hill.
"One or two blades won't cut it. We need to link all three Carriers to bring them down. Even if one of those ships remains operational, a lot of people are still going to die."
"We have to assume everyone aboard those carriers is Hydra. Once we insert those server blades… we can take them down. Hopefully, when this is over, we can salvage what's left of…."
"We're not salvaging anything, Nick!" shouted Cap.
Nick Fury looks at him carefully.
"You said it yourself, Hydra grew under your nose, and no one even noticed!"
"Why do you think we're meeting in this cave! I notice!" said Nick.
"It all goes. The secrets, the lies, SHIELD, Hydra. Everything," said Cap.
"He's right," said Maria Hill.
"This SHIELD will die. But the Empire will take in the survivors," said Phoenix.
Everyone turns to look at him carefully.
"What was the purpose behind SHIELD in the first place?" asks Phoenix.
"The idea was so simple and pure, to protect any man, woman, or child. Whether it was to protect them from a hostile alien invasion or from themselves," said Nick Fury.
"It is that very reason and foundation why the SHIELD will now work under the Alliance. The Alliance has three powerful leaders who can oversee SHIELD and those who are not into political bullshit. SHIELD can be the bridge that keeps us together," said Phoenix.
"How do you suppose we do that?" asks Cap.
"We need all of SHIELD's files to see who is SHIELD and who is not," said Phoenix.
"I can download all of SHIELD's files if I can get into the mainframe," said Cyborg.
"Cyborg, take Barnes to the Cave before coming back here. It's time to test your boomtube," said Batman.
"Understood," said Cyborg.
Ideal Federal Savings Bank
Alexander Pierce walks in to see the STRIKE Commandos at the ready, all standing awaiting their orders. The doctors and scientists all present except one figure.
The Winter Soldier.
"Where is he?" said Alexander Pierce.
"He hasn't checked back in, and he wasn't at the rendezvous point or at the backup," said the scientist.
"When we arrived, the scene was cleared with no signs of Captain Rogers or the Asset," said Rumlow.
Alexander Pierce said nothing looking sour and grim at the news.
"Any feed on the incident?" said Pierce.
"Negative. All feed, even our own, was cut two minutes out. When we arrived, the place was a ghost town," said Rumlow.
"Captain Rogers is becoming more of a pain in the ass than is needed," said Alexander Pierce.
"With respect, sir, Rogers was more difficult to deal with than Fury. We should have taken Rogers out on the Lumerian Star before Project Insight was compromised," said Rumlow.
"At the time, Captain Rogers was serving Hydra well. Is everything ready," said Pierce.
"Everything is on schedule. Tomorrow Hydra will control two-thirds of the world," said Rumlow.
"Have our satellites been able to see what is going on within the Empire?" said Pierce.
"No. The same thing. Any time our satellites go over Imperial territory, we get nothing. Only empty island with vast jungle terrain. It looks like they have some sort of technology that counters satellites," said Rumlow.
"We still have an outpost near the Empire," said Jack Rollins.
"If it wasn't for the Convergence, this would have been so much easier," said Pierce.
"Captain Rogers is still proving to be a problem. If he learns of Project Insight…" began Rumlow.
"What of the asset?" said Pierce.
"Don't worry, the programing has never been broken before," said the scientist.
"Could magic reverse the programing?" asked Pierce.
The scientists look at one another before they look back at Pierce.
"We don't know," said the first scientist weakly.
"Captain Rogers will most likely arrive tomorrow to stop the launch. I want STRIKE to be ready to neutralize Captain America once he appears and any Avenger," said Pierce.
"What of Superman?" asked Jack Rollins.
"Oh, the boy scout. He won't dare attack any 'government' officials. If we're lucky, and play our cards right. He'll become the new fist of Hydra," said Pierce.
"Cap will try to reason with him," said Rumlow.
"Oh, the Boy Scout can't refuse to disobey any orders or requests given by the government. He doesn't want to be seen as… the enemy," said Pierce.
"There is good news as well," said Rumlow.
"Oh," said Pierce.
"Project Leviathan will be ready within the year," said Rumlow.
Pierce smiles more broadly, from ear to ear.
"That is very good news," said Pierce.
"Yeah, it is," said Rumlow cracking his neck.
Triskelion, D.C.
Alexander Pierce has waited for this day ever since he joined Hydra.
He knew Nick would be sentiment if he knew why he joined Hydra over SHIELD.
Hydra's goals were noble and very understanding.
Humanity could not be trusted with its freedom; it needed security.
Eliminate those who threaten humanity to secure the future.
Pierce stands in the room where the rest of Hydra Council was awaiting his report. Along with the Head of Hydra.
The room goes dark as four screens come alive at once.
"Report," said Vandal Savage, the new Hydra Leader.
"Project Insight is on schedule and will be launch as plan," said Alexander Pierce.
"Steve Rogers?" said Gideon Malick.
"He's been trouble," Pierce said regrettably.
"Captain Rogers cannot be underestimated, Secretary Pierce. If he remains at large, he will form a resistance against Hydra," said Strucker.
"The launch must be a success. The Convergence has left us with so many unanswered questions that we may not receive another initiative for peace," said General Hale.
"I trust… no one knows of Hydra's existence," said Vandal Savage.
Vandal Savage. Hydra's newest member quickly became the new Head of Hydra.
Despite knowing very little about Vandal Savage, they knew he was powerful and dangerous.
Nearly ten thousand years old, he witnessed history itself. What he brought was something irreplaceable to Hydra. He had no head to cut off. His impressive regeneration powers, along with his near-immortality, made him nearly impossible to defeat.
His knowledge and fighting style made him both a powerful ally and dangerous.
"If this… Captain America is a problem… then he must be eliminated," said Savage.
"All will serve Hydra. I also bring good news," said Pierce.
"It better be. I trust it's better than your screw-up on the Lemurian Star," said Savage.
"Project Leviathan will be ready ahead of schedule," said Pierce.
Savage looks at him carefully.
"That is good news," said Savage.
"Then we can proceed with Project Insight," said Alexander Pierce.
"Do not fail. Hail Hydra," said Savage.
"Hail Hydra," said the others.
Pierce turns away and thinks carefully about his position.
Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day.
Pierce looks at the screen to see Project Leviathan.
The person in the test tube was currently sleeping, but that hardly matters.
This was a remarkable success for Hydra.
A fully grown clone.
Using the D.N.A. of Captain America, Deathstroke, and Wonder Woman.
Those three D.N.A. created the ultimate soldier, the new fist of Hydra.
The Next Day
STRIKE remains on key security detail, with so many of them being brought in from all around the globe.
Alexander Pierce knew Captain America would try to finish what Nick Fury couldn't stop.
"Greetings, Councilors. I trust your journey was pleasant," said Alexander Pierce.
"Lovely. The ride from the Airport not so much," said Councilor Hayley.
"Sadly, SHIELD can't control everything," said Pierce.
"Including Captain America," said Councilor Rockwell.
Pierce said nothing as a STRIKE Operative walks forward with a case.
"This facility is biometrically controlled. These pins will give you unrestricted free access," said Pierce as the four councilors put the pins on their suits.
A Quinjet lands outside as all eyes turn to see Empress Kitana walking through the facility with several elite imperial guards.
Alexander Pierce was taken by surprise at the appearance of Emperess Kitana.
"Empress Kitana. What do I owe the pleasure?" said Pierce.
"Before his death, Nick Fury invited to witness Project Insight's launch to strengthen ties between the Alliance and S.H.I.E.L.D. I trust this offer is still available," said Kitana.
Pierce didn't know if this was true or not. His gut told him Kitana was lying.
The political card proved to be in play here as Kitana knew about Project Insight.
Then again, Pierce knew he could put the Empire and the Alliance under his thumb once he 'persuades' Kitana to his side.
"SHIELD will honor the deal between Director Fury and the Alliance," said Pierce.
They walk to the elevator towards the administrator level.
A glass of champagne was given to everyone as they look at the countdown for Project Insight.
"A direct approach to the Triskelion is impossible. Security, cameras, not to mention the surveillance in the area," said Maria Hill as she led the group through the tunnel.
"But there is always a backdoor," said Hawkeye.
"Always. Howard Stark built this hidden passage back in the seventies. It hasn't been used and was kept off the blueprints. It will take us to one of the least guarded areas of the Triskelion. There is a communication room that is lightly guarded that is a backup operations room. Once there, we can begin," said Maria Hill.
"Kitana has made contact with the Alexander Pierce along with Agent Romanoff. So, the Council is secure," said Phoenix.
Maria Hill pauses as she grabs the door as Batman stops her. He looks through the door with his eyes glowing white.
"We're clear, no one in stairwell," said Batman.
Maria Hill opens the door, and they go up the stairwell.
They knock on the door.
On the other side, the comms officer mumbled about the lack of protocol as they opened the door.
He stops short, seeing Batman standing in front of him.
"Evacuate immediately," said Batman.
Everyone in the room nods their head. They see Maria Hill walking with Captain America and the Phoenix.
"Stark do you read," said Maria Hill into the comms.
"Copy," said Stark.
"Yeah, we're standing by," said Cyborg.
"Good shows about to start. Be ready to intercept," said Maria Hill.
"Agent Cage, are you and your team in position?"
"We're ready," said Cassie.
"Alright, Captain, you're up," said Maria Hill.
"Beginning encryption," said Batman.
Phoenix knew that Hydra's STRIKE unit would attempt to trace the source of Cap's message.
"Attention all SHIELD Agents, this is Captain Steve Rogers," said Steve Roger.
All over the Triskelion, everyone stops what they were doing upon hearing Captain America's voice.
"I know these last couple of days have been rough for all of us, and I know it hasn't been easy. Some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. It's time to tell you all the truth. No more secrets… no more lies. I'm going to tell you exactly what has been going on.
"SHIELD is not what we thought it was. It's been secretly infiltrated and taken over by a Neo-Hydra Organization. Alexander Pierce is their leader, along with the STRIKE and Insight Crew."
Inside the Administration floor, everyone turns to see Alexander Pierce, who wasn't even trying to hide this fact.
"Project Insight's true goal is to eliminate anyone who stands in Hydra's way for world domination. Anyone who would fight against their ideas and power.
"Fury was suspicious something was going on inside SHIELD, so he hired Goerge Batroc to hijack the Lumarian Star. He sent SHIELD to rescue the hostage while Agent Romanoff secured the information so Fury can take a closer look into Project Insight.
"Fury got really close to discovering the truth, so Alexander Pierce orders a hit to eliminate Fury before he acts on the information he learned. Pierce has been controlling the 'Winter Soldier' to eliminate Hydra's enemies.
"The price for freedom has always been high. I may be the only one who is willing to pay that price. If that's the case, then so be it. But I'm not alone. I have friends and comrades who still believe in freedom. And we will continue to fight till our last breath."
Steve Rogers turns off the mic as everyone looks at him.
"That's cute. Did you write that down, or was it off the top of your head?" said Sam Wilson.