I have to say, outdated information can be deadly!
If Hydra had known Blake's true strength now, Alexander Pierce would probably have thought first about how to pack up and flee immediately.
Leaving aside what plans Pierce might be making, Blake couldn't just reveal everything in one go.
While the others were busy analyzing, Blake was essentially just acting as a convenient mode of transportation.
He even considered giving himself a nickname, something like "Instant Arrival."
Instant Arrival—wherever you want, instantly there.
Start with Agent Sitwell?
Alright, instantly on it!
Just like in the movie, the cowardly Sitwell, fearing for his life, was kicked off the sky base. Before long, he confessed to everything.
This included the origins of the Zola Algorithm and the majority of Hydra's operatives within S.H.I.E.L.D.
Why only the majority?
It wasn't that Sitwell didn't want to divulge more; it was just that there were too many. He couldn't possibly know every single person. What he provided were names of key figures, such as Alexander Pierce, Brock Rumlow, a few council members, and mid-level managers from various government departments.
These individuals spanned almost all major U.S. administrative departments and even the military.
Even without the Insight Project, if this group were to suddenly act in unison, it would undoubtedly result in a catastrophic disaster.
Even Blake couldn't help but gasp when he saw the list.
The movie only focused on the portion related to S.H.I.E.L.D., but seeing this list, Blake finally understood the meaning behind Hydra's infamous phrase:
*"Cut off one head, and two more shall take its place."*
Dr. Zola's work back then was nothing short of genius. Taking advantage of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s growth and resources, Hydra relentlessly leeched off its strength.
Not only did they tightly entwine themselves with S.H.I.E.L.D. to siphon its lifeblood, but they also expanded horizontally across the Americas, infiltrating almost every critical department and even broader societal sectors.
The chilling reality hit especially hard when Blake opened a portal, and the group arrived at the old base where the Super Soldier Program was created.
On the computer screen, a sinister Dr. Zola recounted how he joined S.H.I.E.L.D. through the Allies' Operation Paperclip and gradually grew Hydra from within S.H.I.E.L.D. step by step.
Everyone listening felt a shiver down their spine, as if they were facing a deranged cult leader.
However, this Dr. Zola was now just a semi-artificial intelligence, trapped in outdated equipment by Hydra, incapable of causing any real trouble.
But these actions were unlikely to escape Alexander Pierce's notice.
In fact, the moment Blake and the others activated Dr. Zola's server, Alexander Pierce was already aware.
Almost instantly, he issued a command within S.H.I.E.L.D.:
A global manhunt for all members of the Avengers.
Pierce's justification to everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D. was simple: the Avengers wanted to conquer the world.
Nick Fury had uncovered their conspiracy, which was why he had been captured—and now, his fate was unknown.
Although Pierce knew Nick Fury wasn't dead yet, he couldn't worry about that right now.
The members of the World Security Council were already in line, and the Insight Project was entering its final countdown. Pierce was convinced that as long as the three helicarriers took to the skies, there was still a chance for victory.
"You're completely insane! Hastily launching the Insight Project and issuing a manhunt for the Avengers? That leaves us no way out!"
"Besides, declaring the Avengers as fugitives will immediately make the council, the Senate, and even the White House question your decisions!"
Brock Rumlow remarked coolly from the side.
"Do you think we'll have a way out if I don't do this? Nick Fury has escaped, they've gone to Dr. Zola, and the plan has been exposed. Who's going to stop the Avengers? Those monsters? Especially that damned Blake and that giant green brute? Not to mention that so-called god from Asgard?"
"As long as the helicarriers take off, the whole world becomes our hostage. The initiative will be in our hands. Mobilize every resource to hold off those guys. What we need now is time…"
Alexander Pierce slammed the table as he spoke, his tone fierce yet betraying his underlying fear.
Even Brock Rumlow, a hardened warrior, felt a slight chill at Pierce's demeanor.
In all his time with Hydra, Alexander Pierce had always seemed calm and composed. Not even the mess caused by that idiot Francis last time had rattled him in the slightest.
But this time…
Let's hope it works!
Brock Rumlow thought to himself.
In truth, even the most composed person would be shaken at this point. Alexander Pierce was merely a desperate man making one final gamble.
"Maybe Strucker was right after all. The future truly belongs to superpowered individuals. If I fail this time, I hope he succeeds…"
Alexander Pierce thought silently to himself.
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