With Holm's active cooperation, the sample collection work was completed quickly. As John Garrett packed his tools back into the box, he leaned back on the sofa and asked, "According to what you said earlier, you've now joined Phil Coulson's special team, right?"
Holm nodded and replied, "Yes, but the specifics aren't entirely clear. All I know is that this team handles some special tasks."
John Garrett chuckled, "It seems they value your abilities. Opportunities like this are rare. You might not realize how hard it is to get close to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most influential people. You're very lucky."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "Your primary task now is to perform well in your new team. Earn Coulson's trust and work your way up in S.H.I.E.L.D. If you can achieve that, your future will be limitless. Both in S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra."
Garrett's words weren't an exaggeration. Although Hydra had infiltrated many of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s lower and middle ranks, their influence in the upper echelons was still minimal, mostly due to the strict control Nick Fury had over S.H.I.E.L.D.'s core leadership.
Phil Coulson and Maria Hill were Fury's trusted right-hand agents. Then there were top agents like Black Widow and Hawkeye, who dealt with high-risk missions and delicate matters for him. Since Fury became S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director, John Garrett had been the only Hydra member who had come close enough to this inner circle, thanks to his long-standing relationship with Coulson.
For Hydra, Holm's current position was invaluable. If he could prove his worth and gain Fury's trust, it would place Hydra in a position to manipulate S.H.I.E.L.D. from within.
"I'll do my best to penetrate S.H.I.E.L.D.'s core," Holm assured confidently. "But being in the special team, my movements will be more restricted. If the organization needs me for any tasks, it will require a more discreet approach."
John Garrett waved his hand, dismissing the concern. "Don't worry about that. As I said, your most important goal is to infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D.'s upper levels. The organization won't burden you with other tasks. If something urgent arises, we'll make sure it won't interfere with your mission."
Holm nodded, relieved. It seemed Hydra was reasonable. He had feared that, even though he had joined the special team, he would still be overloaded with assignments, running around, constantly under pressure. Now, with Garrett's reassurance, he could focus on the task at hand without distraction.
At this point, joining Coulson's team appeared to be a stroke of luck. Not only would it allow him to get closer to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s inner circle, but it would also alleviate many of Hydra's unnecessary tasks, reducing his risk of exposure. It was a win-win situation for Holm.
Garrett, noticing Holm's thoughtful demeanor, took out a stack of papers from the box beside him. A hard card divided the papers into two parts: one section was a list of agents Grant Ward had previously worked with, and the other contained information on agents who had yet to be activated.
"Here is some information about personnel," Garrett explained, handing the papers to Holm. "The first part lists agents who have had contact with Ward. The second part contains dormant agents. You'll be responsible for reaching out to the former and screening them. If any of them are loyal to Ward, deal with them discreetly. Do it cleanly."
Garrett's smile grew more calculating. "You can also choose agents from the dormant list and start your own network. But, since your identity is still a mystery, make sure to hide it when interacting with them. Don't reveal your true face."
"These agents are there to help you carry out missions and manage things. If there's any trouble down the line, remember that your identity must always come first. If you must abandon them, do it without hesitation."
Holm nodded, flipping through the documents in his hand. It was evident that his value had risen after his demonstration of power. In the past, he had been just one of many tools—another expendable asset under Grant Ward's control. Now, he was the one in charge of managing the tools.
Yet, even as his status had improved, Holm reminded himself to stay vigilant. Despite the increased trust, Hydra's leadership still viewed him as a mere tool, albeit a sharper, more useful one.
"Thank you for your trust," Holm said sincerely. As was his habit, he burned the documents he had read, throwing the ashes into a trash can to be flushed later.
Secrecy was paramount in their line of work. Any slip-up could lead to deadly consequences.
Garrett watched Holm with approval. Holm's words carried an air of humility that pleased him. This was exactly what Garrett wanted—Holm had learned to be cautious and fear the consequences, unlike Grant Ward, whose arrogance had grown with his power.
Garrett thought back to his own history with Ward. Once, Ward had looked up to him with respect, but as his abilities grew and his status rose, he began to see Garrett as beneath him. It had been a slow erosion of respect. The betrayal Ward had shown still hurt Garrett deeply, as he could accept many betrayals—but not one from someone he had trained.
Garrett shook off the thought and focused on Holm. "By the way, if you're going to hide your identity, you'll need a codename."
He paused, looking at Holm carefully. "From now on, Holm Clint ceases to exist within Hydra. That name is for S.H.I.E.L.D. only."
Garrett smiled coldly. "Your new codename is Viper. From this moment on, you will be Agent Viper."
Holm nodded, accepting the new identity. It symbolized his dual nature—a dangerous, venomous agent working from within S.H.I.E.L.D. for Hydra's gain.
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