The next day.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters.
With Director Nick Fury hospitalized after being attacked, the agency was temporarily under the control of Secretary-General Alexander Pierce.
At the same time, Deputy Director Maria Hill had rushed back to headquarters to take over Fury unfinished tasks, assuming the role of Acting Director.
Though Hill didn't often appear at headquarters, she was one of Fury most trusted subordinates.
Upon her return, Hill brought with her a significant asset: the Helicarrier.
The Helicarrier was a technological marvel of S.H.I.E.L.D., equipped with features such as an aerodynamic control tower, anti-gravity chambers, a command center, a flight deck, a prison, microcomputer rooms, observation decks, medical facilities, a nuclear power control room, and the World Observation Research Center.
In essence, the Helicarrier housed nearly all of S.H.I.E.L.D. advanced technologies.
Not only could it take to the skies with four turbine engines—remaining airborne even if one engine was damaged—but it could also activate reflective panels for stealth and launch F-35 jets or nuclear missiles.
Its primary drawback was its lack of robust defensive capabilities.
However, Fury original plan had been to use the Helicarrier as the Avengers base of operations within S.H.I.E.L.D.
With the Avengers stationed aboard, the Helicarrier only weakness would be mitigated.
Combining its inherent capabilities with the Avengers strength would make it formidable enough to repel external threats and attacks.
"Meeting time!"
Coulson knocked on the Acting Director door, stepping inside to see Maria Hill, whom he hadn't seen in some time.
"The Secretary-General has called an Avengers meeting to discuss the Batman issue," Coulson said hesitantly.
"Maria, the meeting might get heated. You'll need to keep things under control."
"How should I do that?" Hill replied with a neutral expression.
"Have you considered what we'd do if Batman really was behind the attack on Fury? Coulson, you're blindly trusting Batman!"
Coulson defended, "Because I know Batman would never do such a thing. This is all HYDRA plot."
"But so far, we haven't caught a single HYDRA operative."
"That…"
"Have you considered that Batman might be deliberately misleading us? From the very beginning, he could have been manipulating us into doubting ourselves?"
"…"
Coulson was silent, realizing he couldn't refute her point.
There were things he couldn't openly share with Maria Hill.
"Let go, Coulson. The meeting is about to start. We can't be late," Hill said, leaving the office.
Coulson watched her leave, frowning slightly.
He understood his Deputy Director well and knew that she truly believed what she had said, which left him feeling a bit frustrated.
Maria Hill was born in Chicago on a day when temperatures plunged below -44 degrees Fahrenheit.
Her mother froze to death in the hospital that same day. Her father, unable to forgive Hill for her mother death, had never accepted her, shaping Hill into the cold and efficient person she was.
Hill work ethic and effectiveness were unparalleled. More importantly, she didn't unconditionally follow Fury and his inner circle directives.
This independence had earned her favor with the higher-ups.
In some respects, Maria Hill was more of an ideal Director than Nick Fury.
Unlike Fury, Hill was absolutely obedient to the World Security Council orders.
Fury, on the other hand, was a deeply calculating individual. At times, not even his inner circle or the Council itself could control his actions or decisions.
This was a source of considerable frustration for many member nations of the World Security Council.
Meeting Room.
All the Avengers members were present.
In addition to the Avengers, there was S.H.I.E.L.D. Secretary-General Alexander Pierce, Acting Director Maria Hill, and Level 8 Agent Phil Coulson.
Presiding over the meeting was the highest-ranking individual in the room:
S.H.I.E.L.D. Secretary-General, Alexander Pierce.
"Before we officially begin this meeting, I have a few words to say," Pierce began, rising from his seat with a solemn expression.
"First of all, it is true that there are HYDRA operatives infiltrated within S.H.I.E.L.D. I have already obtained some leads on this matter.
However, as for the claims made in the Daily Bugle that I am the head of HYDRA hidden within S.H.I.E.L.D., I categorically deny them."
"I am currently the Secretary-General of S.H.I.E.L.D. and was formerly the Director.
If even I were compromised by HYDRA, then S.H.I.E.L.D. would have no reason to exist."
"Furthermore, I want to address the matter of Nick Fury attack."
"Yesterday, I had extensive discussions with several permanent members of the World Security Council.
Before he fell unconscious, Nick stated that Batman was behind the attack on him.
I don't know what led him to that conclusion, but as his comrade, I place absolute trust in his judgment.
As such, earlier this morning, the World Security Council approved a resolution to anction Batman.'"
"In other words, as of now, Batman is officially our enemy… along with his Justice League."
As Pierce finished speaking, the atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense.
Everyone exchanged glances but remained silent, refraining from making any statements.
While they all had their own thoughts, none were in a position to influence the situation.
It was clear that the two most powerful figures in S.H.I.E.L.D.—the Director and the Secretary-General—both now viewed Batman as an adversary.
Pierce disdain, even hatred, for Batman was easy to understand.
Batman Daily Bugle had publicly labeled him as a villain.
Naturally, Pierce would not tolerate such a situation repeating itself.
As for the previously friendly attitude of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, Nick Fury, suddenly shifting against Batman—it seemed plausible as well.
After all, before being hospitalized, Fury had declared Batman to be the mastermind behind his attack.
Under such circumstances, it was nearly impossible for others in the room to alter the course of events.
"If S.H.I.E.L.D. is determined to go after Batman, I won't say anything to stop you," Tony Stark suddenly spoke up.
"But have you considered Batman ties with the military?"
"This was a decision made after careful deliberation by the World Security Council," Pierce responded.
"Once we take down Batman and his Justice League, the Council will handle the aftermath.
Moreover, S.H.I.E.L.D. is fully capable of forging closer ties with the military than Batman ever could.
I firmly believe that the Avengers, namely all of you, are far more exceptional than Batman and his Justice League."
"Before that happens, though, I would like you to disclose some of S.H.I.E.L.D. internal intelligence. Otherwise, it will be difficult for me to trust all of you," Tony added.
At that moment, no one expected one of the Avengers to suddenly speak up.
It was Captain America, Steve Rogers.
Rogers stood abruptly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room and adding a combustible edge to the already tense atmosphere.
He scanned the room before speaking.
"I've fought HYDRA for a long time and know their dangers better than anyone.
In my opinion, before targeting external threats, we should clean up our own house first.
Pierce, if you claim to have intelligence on HYDRA, don't hold back. Tell me everything."
"Very well, if you insist," Pierce replied, standing and leading the group out of the meeting room to a detention area in S.H.I.E.L.D. underground facility.
"This is Jasper Sitwell, a Level 7 agent. After extensive investigation, we confirmed that he is a HYDRA spy planted within S.H.I.E.L.D."
"What?" Coulson exclaimed, his face filled with shock.
Sitwell!
He had a good relationship with the man, often going out for drinks together. They had been colleagues and friends—or so he thought.
The revelation that Sitwell was a HYDRA operative shook him to his core.
Inside the detention area.
A bald Sitwell sat in a chair in the glass-walled cell, wearing prison garb.
His hands and feet were shackled, and his body bore visible injuries.
He stared coldly at the group outside the glass, saying nothing.
"We've subjected him to the harshest interrogations but gained nothing," Pierce said with a shrug, his tone one of helplessness.
"I must admit, he very tight-lipped."
Coulson frowned.
The others exchanged calm glances, saying nothing.
Then.
Captain America, Steve Rogers, stepped up to the glass and stared intently at Sitwell inside.
"I won't say anything," Sitwell sneered under Rogers piercing gaze.
The pressure was palpable, and his defiance turned into a cruel grin. Combined with the scars on his body, it made him look even more sinister.
Sitwell even mouthed the words, "Hail HYDRA," taunting the S.H.I.E.L.D. members standing outside.
"Use the truth serum," Hill suggested coldly, her eyes fixed on Sitwell.
She turned to Pierce. "I recall we developed a truth serum. It has side effects, but for enemies, it a reasonable method."
The Avengers exchanged glances, remaining silent.
"I support this," Rogers said again.
Having lived through wartime, he had no room for unnecessary sympathy toward enemies, especially HYDRA operatives.
Moments later.
When the name "Batman" came out of Sitwell mouth, everyone expressions darkened.
Rogers clenched his fists, his gaze icy.
Coulson panicked.
He realized the situation had spiraled completely out of control.
What was supposed to be a confrontation between the Justice League and HYDRA now seemed to be evolving into a confrontation between the Justice League and S.H.I.E.L.D.…
"It all clear now!" someone declared grimly.
Pierce didn't spare a glance at Sitwell, who was now foaming at the mouth, his eyes rolled back, and consciousness fading inside the glass prison.
Instead, he turned to face the group before him, his voice heavy with determination.
"The enemy is Batman!"
He paused for a moment, then continued:
"I hereby declare a state of war readiness. Prepare to go to battle with Batman!"
Meanwhile.
After a full day and night of waiting, Anton finally received a message from John Keller.
[Zartan body has been confirmed as a clone. Do what you need to do. The military will be the Justice League strongest ally.]