Chapter 63 S.H.I.E.L.D.—Winter Is Coming. Who Can Turn the Tide?

Washington, D.C.

A S.H.I.E.L.D. base.

Nick Fury, Pierce, Coulson, and the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s senior leadership watched Natasha’s grave expression on the screen.

“Director Fury, according to the intelligence we obtained from surviving Strategic Homeland Division agents, the Chaos Insurgency appears to be planning a major disaster using a biological virus.”

“Fort Redstone Military Base, where we’re currently located, appears to have been deliberately exposed to an infectious agent during its public open day.”

“Large numbers of National Guard soldiers have suffered an unknown infection.”

“The infected soldiers are displaying vomiting, fever, and impaired consciousness. The base hospital is overflowing with patients, and the National Guard units stationed here have almost completely lost their combat capability.”

“Please make a decision quickly. The situation is deteriorating.”

After listening to Natasha’s report, Nick Fury rubbed his aching, bald head.

“Thank you for the intelligence, Agent Natasha. Continue the investigation.”

“I’ll have Coulson bring personnel from the Anomaly Containment Unit to reinforce you. That will be all for now.”

Fury ended the transmission.

The director of S.H.I.E.L.D. glanced at his two visibly uneasy subordinates.

“So that’s our current situation.”

“Winter is coming.”

“This crisis could potentially destroy the entire United States. We cannot allow the Chaos Insurgency to bring the country down.”

Coulson wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and forced himself to speak.

“But Director Fury, the situation across the country is highly unstable.”

“According to our intelligence, an influenza outbreak has swept through several states in only a few days. At least several hundred thousand people have already been infected.”

Pierce nodded and added, “All of S.H.I.E.L.D. has already been mobilized, Director.”

“Our personnel are limited. If we don’t activate some of our special reserve assets, we may be unable to contain this crisis.”

Should they reveal their trump cards?

Nick Fury considered the question with difficulty.

After hesitating for a moment, he firmly rejected Pierce’s proposal.

“Not yet. We need to find another solution.”

Coulson cautiously offered a suggestion.

“Uh… What if we cooperate with the Strategic Homeland Division and the Foundation to overcome this crisis?”

“What? Cooperate with the Division and the Foundation? How could—”

Fury stopped himself halfway through the sentence.

“Actually, that isn’t a bad idea.”

His eye lit up.

It clearly wasn’t time to activate S.H.I.E.L.D.’s hidden reserves.

If they could cooperate with the Strategic Homeland Division and the Foundation to overcome the crisis together…

The more Fury considered it, the more feasible the plan appeared.

S.H.I.E.L.D. remained wary of both organizations, but the circumstances had changed.

Whatever else the Foundation might be, it was still supposedly a federal agency.

At least for now, it appeared to be an orderly organization.

On that point, the Foundation and S.H.I.E.L.D. could reach an understanding.

With the Chaos Insurgency as their common enemy, Fury believed cooperation was possible.

Having reached a decision, he nodded to Coulson.

“Good idea. I’ll leave contacting the Foundation to you, Coulson.”

Pierce’s eyes flickered.

He attempted to interrupt several times, but Nick Fury acted with his usual speed and decisiveness.

Ultimately, Pierce seemed to conclude that the current chaos presented the perfect opportunity for HYDRA to fish in troubled waters.

Cooperating with the Foundation might also benefit HYDRA.

They could use the opportunity to probe the Foundation’s true capabilities while simultaneously profiting from the Chaos Insurgency’s plan.

With that in mind, Pierce voiced his agreement.

“An excellent decision, Director.”

Fury saw no reason to delay.

“Coulson, find a way to meet with the Foundation’s commander, Ethan.”

“Represent S.H.I.E.L.D. and discuss the terms of cooperation with him.”

“Time is critical. Leave as soon as possible.”

Coulson looked helpless.

“Sir, what about Natasha? Didn’t you order me to bring her reinforcements?”

Fury waved dismissively.

“Send the Anomaly Containment Unit ahead without you and place them under Natasha’s command.”

“Your highest priority is establishing contact with the Foundation.”

Since his superior had already made the decision, Coulson could only nod.

“Understood. I’ll take care of it immediately.”

After Coulson left, only Nick Fury and Pierce remained in the office.

Fury suddenly asked, “Pierce, what do you make of this crisis?”

Pierce’s heart skipped a beat.

After a brief pause, he answered without any change in expression.

“I believe this crisis may actually be an opportunity.”

“Oh? Explain.”

“Isn’t this also an opportunity for S.H.I.E.L.D. to expand?”

Pierce began speaking confidently.

“Whether we’re talking about S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Foundation, the federal government has never truly granted these powerful organizations complete authority.”

“Checks and restrictions still exist.”

“Only by making the government understand that it must rely on us to survive these crises can we gain the authority and resources required to grow stronger.”

Nick Fury chuckled.

“Exactly. Hounds only prove their worth during troubled times. Otherwise, the government will never understand how important we are.”

“This universe is far too dangerous.”

“Without S.H.I.E.L.D. serving as humanity’s shield, both Earth and the human race would face disaster.”

“But our reserve forces cannot be activated unless absolutely necessary—unless humanity itself stands on the brink of extinction.”

Fury’s expression became solemn.

“It’s also time to move forward with the Avengers Initiative.”

Winter was coming.

But who would turn the tide—and remain standing at the end?