Chapter 104: No Relationship

S.H.I.E.L.D., Triskelion Headquarters.

While Director Nick Fury was suffering from a toothache, Mr. Alexander Pierce, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., looked gloomy as he watched the crowd on the street below.

The "global-minded" Secretary was genuinely frustrated by the current situation, but he had to pretend to be calm and in control.

"Knock, knock."

A knock on the door sounded.

"Come in."

Pierce unbuttoned his suit jacket, loosened his tie, took a deep breath, and turned around.

Special Agent Sitwell entered the room. The first thing he did after entering was to close the door and confirm it before turning to report to Pierce.

"Mr. Secretary, you called for me."

"How are things going?"

Pierce returned to his desk, placed his hands on the surface, and calmly looked at Sitwell, who couldn't help but swallow nervously and slightly bow.

"Yes, Mr. Secretary. Everything has been taken care of from start to finish.

We have completely erased all sensitive communications with Congressman Ellis's faction—both incoming and outgoing communications. It was all done by our own operatives, and there is no trace left."

"Good job."

Pierce finally showed a slight smile. Even fools knew that Congressman Matthew Ellis's chances of winning the presidential election were decreasing every day.

In a few days, if he couldn't find a way to turn the tide, he should just announce his withdrawal from the election before the voter polls on November 6th.

It wasn't because Benevolence Society's environmental actions were particularly effective. It was because, under the guidance of Benevolence Society, Congressman Ellis had transformed from a "capital-supported presidential candidate" into a "dirty politician who would do anything to collaborate with capital."

Although the essence of the two was the same, the former still had a thick veil of decency, at least in public, and talked about righteousness, morality, and serving the people.

But as for the latter, they were just pawns pushed forward by capital, ignoring human rights and upholding capital. They not only lost their dignity but also displayed an anti-democratic tendency.

If they dared to act recklessly like this before becoming the president, what would it be like if they actually became the president?

This wasn't a scandal related to personal life and public entertainment; it had escalated into a political event.

So, when the incident broke out in early October, Pierce already saw the current situation.

What could Congressman Ellis do to suppress the Roxxon incident?

This was a world-class environmental disaster!

And for a world-class event, only a world-class organization had the power to intervene—

Although they had to act covertly, deceiving Nick Fury required a considerable amount of effort. But what if two world-class organizations joined forces?

The two leaders of Hydra, Alexander Pierce of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Gideon Malick of the World Security Council, could act together without Nick Fury noticing a trace.

But now that the situation had been exposed, the FBI had already begun an investigation. If they didn't clean up and tie up loose ends, Pierce and Malick would have wasted many years in hiding.

Don't think that the FBI are just extras like in movies and assume they're useless.

On American soil, unless S.H.I.E.L.D. directly suppressed them with their official status, the FBI would dare to investigate anyone.

And this was a matter that S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't intervene in—

It was an important scandal in the U.S. presidential election, a domestic affair. As a global organization, although S.H.I.E.L.D. was headquartered in the U.S., they could only observe.

Erasing communications records in both directions was not an easy task, but fortunately, Hydra operatives were highly skilled. Under such immense pressure, they still quickly completed the mission.

"I remember you said before that Consultant Oaks is a good person, with a mild temperament, doesn't like to meddle in other people's affairs, and has a not-so-friendly attitude towards Nick Fury."

Pierce couldn't help but have the urge to slap Sitwell's bald head when he thought of this. He put one hand in his pocket and strode over to him, then slapped him on the shoulder.

"From your previous report, I couldn't see how a tree-obsessed consultant like Oaks could create such a big thing at a time like this, using these... methods!"

"Uh... Mr. Secretary, I... only have Level 6 clearance."

Sitwell's forehead broke out in a cold sweat. If Pierce shifted all the blame onto him, he was afraid he would be dealt with internally by the organization.

"While you provided me with the consultant's information, the few senior agents who had the longest contact with him were not our people. I tried, but they refused to disclose any information about Consultant Oaks."

Sitwell felt bitter inside. He had already provided ample evidence of Benevolence Society's influence!

It was just like that guy in New Mexico who appeared drunk and crazy but turned out to be the freaking God of Thunder. Although it felt unbelievable, the influence of Benevolence Society was indeed that great!

Moreover, it was Sitwell's report that caught Secretary Pierce's attention, making him take the potential threat of this consultant seriously and go to Director Fury personally to devise a plan...

And the plan went beyond expectations. Consultant Oaks directly turned against S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives of Benevolence Society, and Pierce was even pleased about it!

Originally, even if the Benevolence Society exerted its efforts in environmental protection and changed the attitudes of several cities, it wouldn't be a big deal. With their organizational support, Congressman Ellis was sure to win.

But ultimately, it was his own benefactor who encountered problems. If they hadn't handled that situation in such a way, would Roxxon corporation still have the energy to support his candidacy in the election?

So, did that have anything to do with him?!

"...Alright, let's call it quits on this matter."

Pierce was truly a man who accomplished great things. Since the incident had already occurred, there was no point in holding his capable subordinate accountable.

Furthermore, it seemed that he had acted too hastily.

But it also worked out in his favor. The potential threat posed by Oaks would be limited to the civilian population. Without an official identity, he wouldn't affect S.H.I.E.L.D. and his plans.

Moreover, it ultimately came down to problems on Ellis's side, and it was even Malick's mishandling that allowed those environmental organizations to dig deeper and discover the information...

So, did that have anything to do with him?!

"Now, onto another matter," Pierce patted Sitwell's shoulder and consoled him slightly.

"Have the contingency training plans for Captain America been prepared?"

"Yes, Mr. Secretary."

Sitwell breathed a sigh of relief and immediately became alert again to continue his report.

"When we received the news about Captain Rogers, there were indeed many emotional fluctuations within the organization... but we have already started to address it."

"That's good... I never expected this turn of events."

Pierce snorted coldly. His faction of Hydra, the one that originated from the remnants of the Red Skull who was "taken out" by Captain America, how could its members remain idle when Captain America reappeared?

"It's fortunate that he doesn't trust S.H.I.E.L.D. at the moment and refused to stay... otherwise, it would be a big problem."

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