"Alright, that's also going to clearly be a long-term plan; for now, Coulson, what can you say from what you witnessed?"
"Well, I mostly just saw their work handling the public, working with other agencies, local government, and law enforcement, and they are good. They know exactly what they are doing. We all know that they aren't afraid to pretend they belong to other more well-known and legitimate agencies, including our own SHIELD."
To this, everyone could only smile and shake their heads; they knew that and couldn't really do anything about it, it was ironic since they normally used the same tactic, and yet now they were the target for it.
Coulson continued, "One thing that stood out was their efficiency. They have a well-oiled machine, and their operatives are trained to handle almost any situation. They can switch from public relations to combat mode seamlessly, which makes them very versatile."
Fury nodded thoughtfully. "What about their interactions with other agencies? Did they encounter any issues?"
"Surprisingly, no," Coulson replied. "They have a way of smoothing things over, making people believe they're the good guys. They're very persuasive and know how to leverage their authority. It's almost like they have an unofficial network of contacts in various organizations, which they can activate as needed."
Hill leaned forward. "So, they have influence and a network that spans multiple levels of authority. That makes them even more formidable. We need to identify these connections and see if we can map out their network."
"I already noted down everyone they were in contact with; I'm sure a few might be their contracts, though it will take some time to determine which." Coulson said, already a step ahead.
Good work, Coulson," Fury said, appreciating the thoroughness. "We'll need to cross-reference those contacts with our own databases and see if any patterns emerge. It might give us a clearer picture of their operational footprint."
Hand looked thoughtful. "If they have such an extensive network, there might be weak links. People who aren't as loyal or who might be swayed. We should consider leveraging those connections."
"Agreed." Fury said before addressing Coulson again. "Anything else to add from your observations?"
Coulson nodded, flipping through his notes. "Yes, there was one more thing. During the operation, I noticed a few key individuals who seemed to be in charge. They weren't wearing any distinct insignia, but their authority was clear. These might be the higher-ups or perhaps the decision-makers within the Bulwark. If we can identify and monitor them, it might give us a better understanding of their strategies and priorities."
"Names?" Fury asked, leaning forward.
"Not yet. But I've got descriptions and behavioral profiles. I'll pass them to our analysts to see if we can match them to any known figures," Coulson replied.
"Good. We need to find out who these people are and what their endgame is," Fury said. He turned to Hill. "Hill, prioritize the analysis of Coulson's data. We need those identities as soon as possible."
Hill nodded, making a note. "Understood, Director."
Fury then addressed the group. "We have a lot of pieces to this puzzle, but we need to start putting them together. The Bulwark's network, their funding, their leadership—we need to understand it all. And we need to do it fast."
Hand interjected, "Director, if I may suggest, we should also look into their supply chains. Advanced tech and high-end equipment mean they have suppliers. If we can trace those, it might lead us to their backers or reveal more about their operations."
"Good point, Hand. Add that to your investigation," Fury agreed.
"Will do," Hand responded, jotting down notes.
"Alright," Fury concluded, "Hill, your turn, what have we learned from the labs yet? About these monsters."
Hill opened her tablet and projected some data onto the screen. "From the samples we collected, we've learned quite a bit. Firstly, the DNA is clearly not natural, these things were created in a lab somewhere, there is Human, chicken, and chimpanzee DNA, as well as multiple others that hadn't yet been identified."
Hill continued, "Their cellular structure is incredibly resilient, which explains their rapid reproduction and the difficulty in destroying their eggs. These creatures have been engineered for survival and adaptability, making them a significant threat."
Fury leaned forward, his gaze intense. "What about weaknesses? Did we find any vulnerabilities?"
Hill nodded, "Yes, Director. They are clearly not all that hard to take down; while more resilient than a human, they still die to bullets, so they aren't hard to kill; it's mostly from numbers. They gain strength, though their eggs are far more difficult to get rid of."
"The eggs," Hill continued, "have a remarkably tough outer shell. Standard weapons are ineffective against them, according to Bulwark, heat causes them to hatch, which means even explosives might not destroy them."
"We have recovered two eggs, and so far, we have exposed one to various levels of stress, with no signs of damage, though we are still being careful; we don't want to risk them hatching or breaking just yet." Hill continued her report.
"Interesting," Fury muttered, his mind already racing with potential strategies. "We need to figure out a way to neutralize those eggs without triggering them to hatch. Any progress on that front?"
"The current theory is extreme colds might be enough, but we haven't tested it; after all, we only have two; if we lose them both, we won't be able to continue our study of them." Hill answered.
He then turned to the group at large. "Alright, people. We've got a lot of work to do. We need to keep a close eye on the Bulwark, figure out their next moves, and make sure we're ready for anything. Stay vigilant, and report any new developments immediately."
The team nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They knew the stakes were high, and they were ready to do whatever it took to protect humanity from the looming threats.
As the meeting adjourned, Fury remained seated, lost in thought. The Bulwark was a complex and powerful organization, but SHIELD had faced formidable foes before. With the right strategy and enough determination, they could unravel the secrets of the Bulwark and ensure the safety of the world.
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Far away from the chaos of the last big mission, another SHIELD agent who hadn't taken part in it all, but was well aware of what had happened once more
Melinda May once again drove away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and went out towards the convent once again, this time determined to meet with this mysterious child.
*Knock knock*
Once again, she knocked, and this time, she was let in quickly. Clearly, she was known now and didn't distrust her as much as when she first arrived. Something that would likely go a long way towards being able to meet the child on good terms.
She was led to the same small room and told to wait again. She waited patiently until the old nun came to greet with, with a fresh pot of tea. "Welcome back child, I made us some tea, it always is easier to open the heart with a bit of tea I find it." She said with a gentle smile as she served them both a cup.
"Thank you." May said gratefully as she took a sip, though she quickly stopped due to it being too warm still.
"No need to be so impatient, good things comes to those who wait for it." The nun said with the same smile as she gently held her own cup and blew on it.
May nodded, taking a breath to slow herself down. The nun's calm demeanor was infectious, and she found herself relaxing a bit more. "You're right, Sister. Patience is a virtue."
The old nun's eyes twinkled. "So, what brings you back here so soon, child? I sense you have more questions."
May leaned forward slightly. "Sister, I wish to meet the child, I know there is one here, an enhanced one, and I need to see her to get closure."
The nun regarded May with a thoughtful expression, her eyes searching for something in May's face. After a moment, she sighed. "I guess I couldn't get away with lying to someone like you. But please understand, she is a good child, nothing like the one from your story."
"I have come to believe the same, which is why I must meet her. I need to see a good child, to see that an enhanced doesn't have to be a negative."
The old nun clearly weighed her words. "You must understand, she is very fragile; she can't stand the corruption of the modern world; she suffers from it, pain, rashes, coughing, all from just a tiny bit of pollution."
May's eyes softened with understanding. "I assure you, Sister, I only want to help. I've seen too many enhanced individuals used for the wrong reasons. I want to make sure she's safe and protected from those who might exploit her."
The nun sighed again, her resolve wavering. "Very well. But please, be gentle. She's very sensitive."
May nodded, appreciating the nun's concern. "I promise."
The old woman left, leaving May alone for a long while. She finished the rest of the tea as she waited for almost an hour before the old nun came back.
"I had to inform the others and her; we have discussed things, and while we don't wish for impose on her, we know that you, isn't someone we can turn away, and you seem sincere, so will have agreed to allow it" The old nun explained slowly.
"But first, we must try and prepare you as much as possible, which means you will need to bathe, be blessed, and wear some clothes we will prepare for you; as I said, the child is very sensitive."
May nodded, understanding the precautions. "I understand, Sister. I'll do whatever is necessary to make this meeting as safe as possible for her."
The nun led May to a small, private room where she could wash and change. The process was thorough; the bathwater was infused with herbs and the clothes provided were made of natural, breathable fabrics, designed to minimize any potential irritants.
After she was ready, the nun performed a brief blessing, murmuring prayers as she sprinkled holy water over May. The ceremony was calming, grounding her in the seriousness of the moment.
Once finished, the nun led May down a series of quiet, dimly lit hallways. The air was cooler here, almost purified, and May could feel the difference.
Slowly she noticed that the walls seemed almost covered in moss, grass grew from between the stones, and the further they went the more nature seemed to claim the building.
"She is blessed, and cursed, the child." The old nun started to speak.
"She is, like a small piece of Eden, someone free of the first sin, hurt by it, but in turn, she lifts the sin." She continued to explain.
May listened intently, her curiosity and concern growing with each step. The air was cool and refreshing, filled with the scent of nature reclaiming its place.
"She sounds extraordinary," May said softly. "What exactly do you mean by 'lifting the sin'?"
The nun paused, choosing her words carefully. "When she is near, the air becomes purer, the land heals. It's as if her presence itself is a cleansing force, undoing some of the damage humanity has wrought upon the world."
May felt a profound sense of awe and responsibility. "And this is why she's so sensitive to the modern world?"
"Yes," the nun replied. "The pollution, the noise, the chaos—it all causes her great pain. She is meant for a purer, more innocent world, and the modern one is almost unbearable for her."
They finally reached a small, secluded garden within the convent. It was a sanctuary, untouched by the outside world, where flowers bloomed brightly and birds sang sweetly. In the center stood a young teen girl, her ethereal presence undeniable.
She was dressed in a simple white robe. May could clearly see why she was extraordinary: on her head, a pair of antlers grew, her bare feet were hooved, and a shot deer-like tail poked through a small hole in her robe.
"Good child, this is the woman who wished to see you, Agent May." The old nun said in a gentle voice, like a mother speaking to their beloved child.
The girl turned, her large eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. She was delicate, almost otherworldly, with an aura of innocence and purity that was palpable. "So you must be from the Foundation; I'm surprised it took you so long."
A/N
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