C226

The Next Day

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

With Director Nick Fury hospitalized following an attack, S.H.I.E.L.D. was temporarily being led by Secretary-General Alexander Pierce. 

At the same time, Deputy Director Maria Hill had returned in haste to oversee the unfinished tasks, assuming the role of Acting Director.

Although Hill rarely appeared at headquarters, she was one of Fury's most trusted subordinates. This time, she didn't come empty-handed—she brought with her the Aerospace Mothership.

The Aerospace Mothership represented the pinnacle of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technological advancements.

 It was equipped with an aerodynamic control tower, anti-gravity systems, a combat command center, a bridge, a prison, computer facilities, a flight deck, observation and medical rooms, a nuclear power control room, and a world observation research station.

Designed with versatility in mind, the carrier could remain airborne using its four massive turbo engines—even if one were damaged. 

It also featured cloaking technology for stealth operations, and its flight deck could accommodate F-35 fighter jets and launch nuclear weapons.

The one notable downside? Its defense was relatively weak.

However, Nick Fury had originally envisioned the mothership as the Avengers' mobile stronghold. This concept mitigated its defensive shortcomings. 

With the combined strength of the Avengers aboard, the ship's power would be more than sufficient to deter and resist external threats.

"It's a Meeting!"

Coulson knocked on Hill's office door, stepping inside to see the Acting Director after her long absence.

"The Secretary-General has called a meeting with the Avengers to discuss the Batman issue," Coulson said hesitantly. "There might be a lot of tension at the meeting. You'll need to manage it carefully, Maria."

"Manage it how?" Hill replied, her expression cold. "Have you considered what happens if the person behind the attack on Fury really is Batman? Coulson, you put too much blind faith in him!"

Coulson defended his position. "Because I know Batman wouldn't do this. It's all part of Hydra's conspiracy."

Hill crossed her arms. "Yet we haven't captured a single Hydra agent so far."

"This..." Coulson faltered.

Hill pressed on. "Have you ever considered the possibility that Batman might be deliberately misleading us? That from the start, he's been feeding us misinformation to make us doubt ourselves?"

"..."

Coulson fell silent. He couldn't counter Hill's argument outright; there were things he couldn't reveal to her.

"Come on, Coulson. The meeting is about to start—we can't be late."

Hill left the office, leaving Coulson standing there, frowning slightly as he watched her walk away.

He knew Maria Hill well, and he understood that she truly believed her suspicions. It gave him a headache.

Hill's personality was shaped by her harsh upbringing. Born in Chicago during a bitterly cold winter where temperatures dropped below -44°F, her mother had died in the hospital from exposure on the day she was born. 

Her father, who blamed her for her mother's death, never forgave her. This shaped Hill into the tough and emotionally detached individual she was.

Though Hill was ruthlessly efficient in her work, she didn't share the unwavering loyalty that Fury's inner circle typically had for him.

Because of this characteristic, Maria Hill was highly valued by the upper echelons. 

In many ways, Hill was seen as a more qualified director than Nick Fury because she adhered strictly to the orders of the World Security Council.

Nick Fury, on the other hand, was a deeply strategic and independent thinker. At times, not even his closest allies, the senior S.H.I.E.L.D. leadership, or the World Security Council itself could influence his decisions. 

This independent streak often left the Council dissatisfied with his leadership.

The Meeting Room

The members of the Avengers were all present.

In addition to the Avengers, the meeting included S.H.I.E.L.D. Secretary-General Alexander Pierce, Acting Director Maria Hill, and Level Eight Agent Phil Coulson.

The man presiding over the meeting was Alexander Pierce, the highest-ranking official in the room.

"Before we begin, I have a few words to say," Pierce began, standing with a solemn expression.

"First and foremost, there are indeed Hydra operatives embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D. However, I categorically deny any accusations that I am the so-called 'head of the snake.'

"My current position is Secretary-General of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I previously served as its Director. If even I were compromised by Hydra, then there would be no hope for S.H.I.E.L.D."

Pierce's tone became heavier as he shifted topics. "Now, regarding the attack on Nick Fury..."

"Yesterday, I had an extended discussion with several permanent members of the World Security Council. Before falling into a coma, Fury identified Batman as his attacker. I don't know the exact reasoning behind his claim, but as his comrade-in-arms, I trust him completely.

"Therefore, early this morning, the World Security Council approved a plan to sanction Batman."

Pierce paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the room.

"In other words, as of now, Batman is officially an enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D. This includes the Justice League he founded."

The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense. The attendees exchanged uneasy glances but remained silent, unable to influence the situation.

Both of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most influential leaders—Nick Fury and Alexander Pierce—were now hostile to Batman.

Pierce's dislike for Batman was no secret, especially after The Daily Bugle labeled him a corrupt figure. Pierce would not allow such public humiliation to go unchecked.

Fury's sudden shift in attitude was less expected but appeared justifiable under the circumstances. His statement before hospitalization that Batman was the mastermind behind the attack left little room for doubt or debate.

"If S.H.I.E.L.D. intends to take action against Batman, I have nothing to say," Tony Stark said suddenly, breaking the silence. "But have you considered the relationship between Batman and the military?"

"This decision was made after thorough deliberation by the World Security Council," Pierce replied sharply. "When we take down Batman and the Justice League, the Council will handle any repercussions with the military. Furthermore, S.H.I.E.L.D. is fully capable of stepping in to replace Batman's role and fostering closer ties with the military.

"I believe the Avengers—you—are far more reliable than Batman and the Justice League."

Tony's expression darkened, but before he could respond, another voice cut in.

"Before we discuss Batman, I'd like you to address something else," said Captain America, Steve Rogers.

Rogers stood, immediately drawing the room's attention. His commanding presence added a touch of gravity to the already tense atmosphere.

"I've fought Hydra for years and understand their threat better than anyone here. In my opinion, we need to deal with the enemy within before focusing on external threats. Pierce, since you claim to have intel on Hydra, I suggest you share it with us now."

Pierce hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well, if you insist."

He stood and motioned for the group to follow.

The attendees left the conference room and descended into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground base, where Pierce led them to a secure prison facility.

"His name is Jasper Sitwell, a Level Seven agent. After a long investigation, we finally confirmed that he is the Hydra spy embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D."

"What?"

Coulson was stunned, his face betraying his shock.

Sitwell!

He had a good relationship with this man—they often went out for drinks together. He considered him a trustworthy colleague and even a friend. Yet now, this same man was revealed to be a Hydra operative.

Inside the prison, the bald-headed Sitwell sat in a chair within a glass cell. He wore a standard-issue prison uniform, his hands and feet bound with cuffs. 

Cuts and bruises marked his body, evidence of recent interrogations. Despite this, he sat stoically, coldly staring at Pierce and the others gathered outside the glass, saying nothing.

"We subjected him to the harshest interrogations but learned nothing," Pierce said, spreading his hands in exasperation. "I have to admit, he's exceptionally tight-lipped."

Coulson frowned deeply, while the rest of the group exchanged calm, knowing glances without comment.

At that moment, Captain America—Steve Rogers—stepped closer to the glass, narrowing his eyes as he stared at Sitwell.

"I won't say anything," Sitwell muttered.

Rogers' intense gaze seemed to bore into him, making the imprisoned agent visibly uncomfortable. Under the weight of the captain's eyes, Sitwell cracked a faint, unsettling smile. 

Combined with the fresh wounds on his face, the effect was downright eerie.

Then, Sitwell mouthed something silently but provocatively: Long live Hydra.

"Bring in the Veritaserum!"

Maria Hill's sharp voice cut through the tension. Her cold gaze shifted from Sitwell to Pierce.

"I recall that we developed a Veritaserum drug," Hill said. "It has side effects, yes, but it's a perfectly reasonable method to use against an enemy."

The Avengers exchanged uncertain glances, but none spoke up against the idea.

"I agree," Rogers said firmly, breaking the silence.

A man hardened by years of war, Rogers felt no compulsion to show mercy to a Hydra agent.

After some time, Sitwell finally broke under the Veritaserum's influence. The name he uttered next sent a wave of tension through the room:

"Batman."

Everyone's faces darkened.

Steve Rogers clenched his fists tightly, his expression turning cold and grim. Coulson, meanwhile, looked visibly panicked.

'Things are spinning completely out of control', he thought anxiously.

What had initially been an attempt to pit the Justice League against Hydra now seemed to have evolved into a direct conflict between the Justice League and S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Things are crystal clear!" Pierce declared loudly, ignoring the barely-conscious Sitwell slumped over in his glass cell.

Turning to the group, Pierce's voice lowered, but his tone carried a commanding finality. "The enemy is Batman."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"I now declare a state of war. Prepare to take action against Batman."

Elsewhere

Anton received a message from John Keller:

[Zartan's body has been confirmed as a clone. Proceed as you see fit. The military will stand firmly behind the Justice League.]

…

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