"Alright, this is the last offer. If you don't accept it, then we have nothing to talk about."
Su Ming pretended to be impatient and gave the final ultimatum, but in truth, he was also interested in some of the things Hydra had.
Is it really Lady Hydra? Could it be a female version of Conqueror Kang in disguise?
In the Marvel Comics World, many people have indeed used hate as a code name. After all, playing the emotional manipulation game, using hate, anger, etc., is always very effective.
But just hearing a code name is not enough to identify the specific individual.
The world line of the 40K World has undergone great changes. At the time, the Rebirth Device from Blue Gloves probably fell into Hydra's hands. No one knows if there's a backup somewhere in Berlin. If Kang really came back, it's not impossible.
Those bipedal robots and flying disc technology, if they inspire some tech enthusiasts, might really lead to some breakthroughs.
"Did Zemo tell you Root of Hatred has hundreds of thousands of subordinates?"
"Yes, that's what he said." Peggy answered quickly, raising her hand to block the blinding sunlight, "Based on our intelligence on Hydra, they shouldn't have that many people anymore."
"Unless Lady Hydra recruited the Atlanteans under U Demon."
U Demon is King Namor's rival, always operating underwater. He has an unknown number of Atlantean insurgents under his command, constantly launching terror attacks along coastal areas.
But the sea is the best cover. SSR has always been powerless against him—can't find him and can't catch up since the speed underwater is faster than airplanes.
Deathstroke didn't respond and simply shook his head:
"Leaving U Demon's issue aside, let's discuss my offer. SSR recently recruited a genius child named Hank Pym. I need his research results, not theoretical data, just one finished product."
Peggy furrowed her brows. The other party seemed to understand SSR inside out. Does this mean there's an unknown spy within the organization?
However, Hank Pym's research... The inspiration comes from 'Thumbelina,' which hardly seems like useful technology.
"Alright, I can report to the new director and negotiate. I'll deliver it after the mission is completed." Peggy thought for a moment and ultimately agreed.
Su Ming slowly landed on the ground, indicating for Monac to open the Teleportation Gate, while saying, "It's alright, I assume you wouldn't dare to renege on me."
....................
"Of course, you did the right thing, Agent Carter. We've agreed to all of Deathstroke's terms. Ask him to join the operation as soon as possible." A middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and a blue tie received the communication on the confidential line.
He listened to Peggy's report over the phone.
Upon returning to Washington through the Teleportation Gate, Carter promptly made contact with others using a series of codes and finally reached a dead-end alley.
She opened a trash bin and surprisingly pulled out a phone, which was one of the terminal points of the secret line.
"He wants SSR's research results; does that mean there's a force behind him as well? And he knows a lot about us; I believe we need an internal purge."
Peggy, as Agent 13, had proven her loyalty and bravery. Given her relationship with Captain America, her position within the organization was still high.
However, she didn't betray Zemo, as agents' informants are independent assets. This line wasn't necessarily secure.
Compared to the Root of Hatred Zemo spoke about, she seemed more concerned about how Deathstroke knew about SSR's internal affairs, suggesting to the director that they conduct an internal investigation to root out the intelligence thieves.
If they were Deathstroke's people, they couldn't be killed, but at the very least, they should be expelled and made the target of a nationwide manhunt.
"A good suggestion, Agent Carter. Be careful on the mission and ensure Captain America's safety." The director advised a couple of words and then suddenly recalled something, "The person who was handling Captain America had a serious car accident recently and will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Do I need to send the shield and uniform back to Steve?"
Peggy glanced at Steve beside her, who was turned away from her, preventing Deathstroke from eavesdropping. Thinking of the shield and America's symbol, she made up her mind.
Indeed, before enjoying the happiness of a small family, she must ensure the existence of America as a whole.
"Yes, please have someone meet me at the 'old place,' using the code set 77."
"Good luck, Agent Carter." The director answered crisply, as if he had guessed that Peggy would say that.
Peggy lowered her voice, her eyes still fixed on Deathstroke standing on a distant rooftop, his silhouette seemingly merging with the night, only occasionally marked by the flashing red light indicating his whereabouts.
"Thank you, Director, and please ensure your own safety if war really breaks out next."
Both sides hung up the phone.
"Right on time, Zemo, let's begin."
Doctor Faust adjusted his little glasses and tidied his tie, then put down Peggy's phone and pulled out a strange wireless walkie-talkie, dialing an unknown number.
Here was SSR's Caspian Camp Headquarters, deep underground, and he had just returned from Iceland to personally oversee the plan's execution.
People seemed unaware of anything.
Shifts were changed when due, secretaries flirted with when asked, and every corner was filled with the laid-back freedom synonymous with America.
Yet, Faust needed to thank this freedom and bureaucratic style; otherwise, his qualifications wouldn't have been enough for him to become SSR's director.
The previous director was proven to be an alien spy, and the existence of Inhumans was simultaneously exposed to Hydra.
Faust, who had been lurking within the United States Military and waiting for the right timing, used this information to strike a deal with Whitehall, who had been exploring mysticism and the existence of the Inhuman Race, eventually succeeding in becoming SSR's new director under the power of capital.
His identity remained unknown, even among Hydra insiders within SSR. In others' eyes, he was a dedicated patriot.
Gentle and refined, always approachable, seemingly more like the President of the United States than the head of a spy agency.
This was the same personality that led to SSR's internal slackness, with privileged rich kids everywhere, nearly turning it into a hotel.
Whereas genuine threats like Nick Fury had been silently pushed out of headquarters by him. And through some methods, Peggy and Captain America were prompted to have the idea of traveling.
Now SSR, in plain terms, had just escaped the tiger's den, only to fall into the fire pit.
Faust had always been in America, even before World War II broke out. Of course, what fake name he used didn't matter anymore; his current identity is an American-born Jew.
This identity is flawless; no one would link Jews to Hydra. As long as the false identity is crafted well, and he spends decades playing that false identity...
Then flipping the cards when the time comes would yield the best results.
Now is that time.
As for why he didn't unleash his various plans during World War II, that's hardly in question. If the Allies were defeated, whose credit would it be then, his or Red Skull's?
Hydra should have a supreme leader, and Red Skull was disliked, so Faust thought it better for him to take that position.