Steve sat across from Alex, his expression unreadable as Alex explained everything—the communication patterns, Fischer's testimony, the network mapping, Alexander Pierce, and finally, Project Insight.
When Alex finished, Steve was quiet for a long moment.
"Twenty million people," Steve said finally.
"Initial target list. Could be more."
"And it launches in thirteen days."
"Less than that, actually. Twelve days, eighteen hours."
Steve stood up and walked to the window, looking out over Manhattan. "During the war, we thought we'd destroyed HYDRA. Schmidt, the Valkyrie, all of it. We thought we'd won."
"You did win. That time."
"But we didn't destroy them. They just went underground." Steve's jaw was tight. "And now they're inside the organization that's supposed to protect people from threats like them."
"That's why we have to be careful," Alex said. "If we move too fast, they scatter. If we move too slow, twenty million people die."
"What's the plan?"
"Build an airtight case. Map the entire network. Get enough evidence that even the World Security Council can't ignore it. Then coordinate a simultaneous takedown—arrest every HYDRA operative at once, secure the Helicarriers before launch, and expose Pierce."
"That's ambitious."
"It's necessary."
Steve turned back to face him. "You said Fury, Hill, Coulson, you, and Natasha know. Now me. That's six people against what—sixty, eighty HYDRA operatives?"
"At least eighty. Probably more we haven't identified yet."
"Those are bad odds."
"We've faced worse."
"Have we?" Steve's tone was sharp, not with anger but with concern. "Alex, I appreciate what you're doing. Truly. But this is espionage, not combat. This is spy versus spy. That's not our strength."
"It's Natasha's strength. And we're learning."
═══════════════════════════════════════
SKILL CHECK: Persuasion (Passive)
Target: Steve Rogers
Emotional State: Conflicted, angry at HYDRA, protective of team
Concern: Operation too dangerous, odds too poor
Analysis:
Steve responds to moral certainty and clear objectives
Appeal to duty and protecting innocents
Acknowledge his concerns while showing confidence
Recommendation: Honest assessment + appeal to his protective instincts
Success Probability: 75%
═══════════════════════════════════════
"Steve, I know this isn't your preferred type of mission," Alex said carefully. "You'd rather kick down the door and fight them head-on. So would I, honestly. But we can't do that here. If we tip our hand too early, HYDRA disappears and regroups. They'll try again, and next time we won't see them coming."
"So what do you need from me?"
"Right now? Nothing. Keep being Captain America. Train, run missions, maintain normalcy. When the time comes—when we have all the evidence and we're ready to move—that's when we'll need you."
"To do what?"
"To be the face of the operation. To stand up in front of the World Security Council and tell them that HYDRA's infiltrated SHIELD. To lead the takedown when we expose them." Alex met his eyes. "They can ignore intelligence analysts like me and Maria. They can't ignore Captain America."
Steve considered this. "You want me to be the symbol."
"I want you to be what you've always been—someone people trust to do the right thing. When this breaks, there's going to be chaos. People won't know who to trust. But they'll trust you."
"What if we're wrong? What if Pierce isn't HYDRA, and this is all just... coincidence?"
"Then we've wasted time investigating and we apologize. But Steve, we're not wrong. The evidence is overwhelming."
Steve nodded slowly. "Okay. I'm in. But Alex—if this goes sideways, if people are in danger and we need to act immediately, I'm not going to wait for perfect evidence. I'll do what needs to be done."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
After Steve left, Alex checked the time. 1630 hours. Natasha would be getting ready for the retirement party soon.
He pulled up the secure tablet and reviewed what they knew about Jasper Sitwell.
═══════════════════════════════════════
TARGET PROFILE: JASPER SITWELL
Age: 42
Rank: SHIELD Agent, Level 7
Position: Operations Coordinator, Strategic Planning Division
Reports to: Alexander Pierce (direct line)
Background:
18 years SHIELD service
Exemplary record (officially)
Multiple commendations
Trusted by senior leadership
Suspicious Activities:
Involved in 12 compromised operations (past 3 years)
Communication patterns match HYDRA network
Financial records show unexplained deposits
Regular meetings with known HYDRA operatives
Personality Assessment:
Ambitious
Political operator
Drinks moderately at social events
Talks when drunk
Loyal to Pierce personally
Vulnerabilities:
Ego (likes to be recognized as important)
Alcohol (judgment impaired when drinking)
Ambition (wants advancement, recognition)
Recommended Approach:
Appeal to ego
Complain about "obstructive" elements in SHIELD
Suggest shared frustrations
Let him volunteer information
Success Probability: 65-75% (depending on alcohol intake and Natasha's execution)
═══════════════════════════════════════
Natasha emerged from the bedroom at 1800 hours, wearing a black cocktail dress that was elegant but not ostentatious. She'd done her hair and makeup carefully—attractive but not trying too hard.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Like you could get anyone to tell you anything."
"That's the idea." She checked her small clutch purse—phone, lipstick, and Alex knew, at least two weapons. "I'll text you updates when I can."
"Be careful."
"Always." She kissed him. "Don't worry. I've done this a hundred times."
"That doesn't make me worry less."
"I know." She smiled. "That's one of the reasons I love you."
After Natasha left, Alex tried to focus on work—analyzing communication patterns, mapping network connections—but his mind kept drifting to the retirement party.
He trusted Natasha completely. She was better at this than anyone. But Sitwell was HYDRA, and HYDRA was dangerous.
His phone buzzed at 1945. Text from Natasha.
Nat:Arrived. Sitwell here, already 3 drinks in. Making approach in 10.
Alex:Good hunting.
Nat:Always.
Alex forced himself to return to his analysis, but his danger sense was active, a low hum of warning that something was happening.
═══════════════════════════════════════
ACTIVE OPERATION: Intelligence Gathering - Sitwell
Operative: Natasha Romanoff
Status: IN PROGRESS
Timeline: Started 1945 hours
Current Phase: Initial approach
System Monitoring:
Natasha's status: ACTIVE, no danger detected
Sitwell's status: INTOXICATED (moderate), UNAWARE
Environment: SECURE (public SHIELD event, monitored exits)
Live Updates: Will alert if danger detected
Alex's Available Actions:
Monitor remotely (current)
Prepare emergency extraction protocol
Coordinate with Maria Hill if needed
Recommendation:
Trust Natasha's expertise
Remain on standby
Do not interfere unless emergency
═══════════════════════════════════════
Twenty minutes later, another text.
Nat:Contact made. He's chatty. This might work.
Ten minutes after that:
Nat:Jackpot. He's complaining about "old guard" blocking "necessary changes." Fishing for more.
Alex's heart rate picked up. This was it—confirmation that Sitwell was part of something, that he saw certain SHIELD elements as obstacles.
His phone rang. Maria Hill.
"Carter. Where's Romanoff?"
"Working a source. Jasper Sitwell, at the retirement party."
"I know. I just got surveillance reports from the venue. She's good—looks completely natural." Maria paused. "But we've got a problem. Alexander Pierce just arrived at the party."
Alex felt his stomach drop. "Pierce is there?"
"He wasn't on the guest list, but he showed up anyway. Says he wanted to honor a long-serving agent." Maria's voice was tight. "If he sees Natasha working Sitwell—"
"He'll know something's wrong."
"Exactly. I'm trying to get eyes on the situation, but our surveillance in the venue is limited. Too many SHIELD personnel, too much risk of being noticed."
"Can you warn Natasha?"
"I sent a text, but I don't know if she's seen it. She's deep in conversation with Sitwell."
═══════════════════════════════════════
DANGER ALERT
Complication: Alexander Pierce (HYDRA LEADERSHIP) at venue
Risk Assessment: HIGH
Potential Outcomes:
Pierce notices Natasha working Sitwell (60% probability)
Pierce recognizes interrogation tactics (40% probability)
HYDRA becomes aware of investigation (30% probability)
Natasha's Status: UNAWARE of Pierce's arrival
Shared Danger Sense: Activating now
Alert sent to Natasha through bond
Recommendation:
Prepare extraction protocol
Coordinate with Maria for emergency response
Trust Natasha to adapt
═══════════════════════════════════════
Alex felt it through their shared bond—a spike of awareness, recognition of danger. Natasha would know something was wrong now, even if she hadn't seen Maria's text.
"I'm going there," Alex said to Maria.
"That's not a good idea—"
"I'm not leaving her exposed. I'll stay outside, ready for extraction if needed. But I'm going."
Maria was quiet for a second. "Fine. But stay out of sight. If HYDRA sees you there too, they'll know something's up."
Alex was already grabbing his jacket and keys. "Where's the venue?"
"SHIELD administrative building, seventh floor. Use the east entrance, less traffic."
"On my way."
Alex drove to the SHIELD building in ten minutes, parking two blocks away and approaching on foot. He used his newly-developed espionage skills to move naturally through the evening crowd, just another person on the street.
═══════════════════════════════════════
SKILL CHECK: Espionage (Lv.2)
Objective: Reach SHIELD building without detection
Surveillance Status: CLEAR
Counter-surveillance: ACTIVE
Techniques Applied:
Natural movement patterns
Civilian appearance
Varied approach route
Awareness of surroundings
Success: 95%
Espionage: Lv.2 → Lv.3 (Progress: 20%)
═══════════════════════════════════════
He entered through the east entrance using his SHIELD credentials, nodding to the security guard who barely looked up. Took the elevator to the sixth floor—one below the party—and found a maintenance stairwell with a view of the seventh-floor corridor.
His phone buzzed. Natasha.
Nat:I know Pierce is here. Saw him across the room. Wrapping up with Sitwell now. Got what we needed.
Alex:I'm in the building. East stairwell, sixth floor. If you need extraction.
Nat:Not necessary. I can handle this. But thank you for being here.
Alex:Always.
Five minutes later, he saw Natasha exit the elevator on the seventh floor, walking calmly toward the exit. She looked relaxed, unhurried—nothing in her body language suggested she'd just been conducting espionage.
She took the elevator down, and Alex met her at the east entrance.
"That was risky," she said quietly as they walked to his car.
"So was staying at that party with Pierce there."
"Fair point." Once they were in the car and driving away, she allowed herself to relax slightly. "I got confirmation. Sitwell is definitely HYDRA."
"How do you know?"
"He was complaining about 'traditionalists' in SHIELD blocking 'progress.' Said there were people who didn't understand that 'security requires sacrifice' and that 'sometimes you have to eliminate threats before they fully develop.'" Natasha looked at him. "That's Project Insight language. He was talking about preemptive elimination."
"Did he mention Pierce?"
"Not by name. But he referred to 'leadership who understands what needs to be done' and 'finally having people in position to make real changes.' He's loyal to Pierce, and he's part of the HYDRA network."
"That's confirmation."
"It's more than that. He mentioned the Helicarriers. Said the launch was going to be 'historic' and that after it happens, 'certain elements' wouldn't be able to obstruct anymore." Natasha's expression was grim. "Alex, I think the target list includes people inside SHIELD. They're planning to eliminate internal opposition along with external threats."
═══════════════════════════════════════
CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE ACQUIRED
Source: Jasper Sitwell (via Natasha Romanoff)
Information:
Sitwell confirmed as HYDRA operative
Project Insight described as "historic launch"
Target list includes SHIELD personnel (internal purge)
Pierce referenced as supportive leadership
Timeline matches: launch in 12 days
Analysis:
HYDRA plans to eliminate opposition both external AND internal
SHIELD agents loyal to actual SHIELD will be targeted
Simultaneous global purge + internal coup
Quest Progress: 80% Complete
New Objective: Identify which SHIELD personnel are on target list
Danger Level: CRITICAL
LEVEL UP!
Level 17 → Level 18
+4,800 EXP (successful intelligence operation)
Current EXP: 8,140/35,000 to Level 19
STAT INCREASES:
STR: 54 → 56/100
AGI: 63 → 65/100
END: 57 → 59/100
INT: 52 → 54/100
CHA: 63 → 65/100
SP: 18,330 → 19,530 (+1,200 from level up)
New Skill Available for Purchase:
TACTICS (Lv.1) - 1,000 SP
Advanced tactical planning and coordination
Bonus to multi-target operations
Enhanced ability to predict enemy movements
Perfect for coordinating takedown of network
Current SP: 19,530
Purchase? Y/N
═══════════════════════════════════════
Alex selected Yes immediately. They'd need every advantage for the final operation.
Skill Purchased: Tactics (Lv.1)
Current SP: 18,530
He felt the knowledge settle in—advanced tactical coordination, operational planning at scale, how to manage multiple simultaneous objectives.
"We need to tell Maria and Fury immediately," Alex said, still driving. "This changes the timeline."
"Agreed. If SHIELD personnel are on the target list, we need to warn people. Evacuate key personnel before launch."
"But if we evacuate, HYDRA knows we're onto them."
"And if we don't evacuate, good people die."
It was an impossible choice. Operational security versus saving lives.
Alex pulled over and called Maria on the encrypted line.
"Hill."
"It's Carter. Natasha got confirmation from Sitwell. He's HYDRA, and Project Insight targets internal SHIELD personnel along with external threats."
Maria was silent for a second. "Internal purge."
"Exactly. They're planning to eliminate opposition inside SHIELD at the same time as the global strike."
"We need to brief Fury immediately. My office, one hour. Bring Romanoff."
"On our way."
Fury's face was grim as they laid out what Natasha had learned.
"Internal purge," he said quietly. "They're not just taking over. They're going scorched earth."
"How many SHIELD personnel would be targeted?" Coulson asked. He'd arrived just before them, called in from another operation.
"No way to know without seeing the actual target list," Maria said. "But if they're eliminating opposition, we're talking hundreds. Maybe more."
"We need to get that list," Steve said. He'd arrived with Coulson—apparently Maria had briefed him separately. "If we know who's targeted, we can protect them."
"The list will be heavily classified," Maria said. "Probably only accessible from the Insight Helicarriers themselves or Pierce's personal systems."
"Then we hack Pierce's systems," Natasha said.
"That's not as easy as it sounds. Pierce's network security is NSA-level. We'd need physical access to his computers, and he never leaves them unattended."
"Or," Alex said slowly, an idea forming, "we get someone with legitimate access to retrieve it for us."
Everyone looked at him.
"Fischer," he continued. "He's still playing double agent. He has Level 4 clearance. If we can get him temporarily elevated clearance for a legitimate reason, he could access the target list."
"That's risky," Fury said. "If HYDRA notices his access patterns—"
"Then we make it look legitimate. We create a fake operation that requires target analysis. Fischer requests access to cross-reference data. He pulls the list as part of his 'research.'"
═══════════════════════════════════════
SKILL CHECK: Tactics (Lv.1)
Objective: Devise operation to access target list
Elements:
Use existing asset (Fischer)
Create legitimate cover
Minimize risk of detection
Maximize intelligence gain
Tactical Assessment:
Plan is viable with proper execution
Risk: MODERATE
Success Probability: 60-70%
Recommendation:
Develop detailed operational plan
Provide Fischer with specific cover story
Coordinate timing with other SHIELD activities
Execute within 24-48 hours
Tactics: Lv.1 → Lv.2 (Progress: 35%)
═══════════════════════════════════════
"It could work," Maria said slowly. "We create a special analysis request—something that seems routine but requires access to predictive algorithms and target assessments."
"Fischer's in analysis division," Coulson added. "It wouldn't be unusual for him to request that data."
Fury considered it. "Set it up. But carefully. If Fischer gets caught, HYDRA will know we're investigating. They'll accelerate their timeline or go underground."
"Understood," Alex said.
"Good." Fury stood. "We've got twelve days before launch. We need that target list, we need to finish mapping the network, and we need to coordinate the takedown. Time to pick up the pace."
After the meeting, as everyone was preparing to leave, Steve pulled Alex aside.
"That was good work tonight. The plan with Fischer, I mean."
"Thanks. Let's hope it works."
"It will. You're good at this—the strategic thinking, the planning." Steve paused. "I owe you an apology."
"For what?"
"For doubting you earlier. When I said this wasn't our strength, that we're better at direct action than espionage." Steve smiled slightly. "Turns out you're pretty good at the spy game after all."
"I'm learning. And I have good teachers." Alex gestured to where Natasha was talking with Maria. "She's the expert. I just try to keep up."
"You're doing more than keeping up. You're leading this investigation." Steve's expression was serious. "When this is over, when HYDRA's exposed and we've stopped Project Insight, people are going to remember that you're the one who figured it out."
"I'm not doing this for recognition."
"I know. That's why you're the right person for the job."
Later that night, back at the Tower, Alex and Natasha sat in their quarters reviewing the day's events.
"Pierce showing up at that party wasn't coincidence," Natasha said. "I think he's getting suspicious. Not specifically of us, but of something. He's checking on his people, making sure everyone's still loyal."
"That's bad."
"It's concerning. But it also means we're having an effect. Something we've done has made them nervous."
"Or they're naturally paranoid."
"That too." She leaned against him on the couch. "Alex, I need to ask you something."
"Okay."
"When this goes down—when we expose HYDRA and everything explodes—what happens to us? To SHIELD?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean SHIELD is compromised. Maybe fatally. When the world learns that HYDRA's been hiding inside it for decades, trust is destroyed. SHIELD might not survive that."
Alex hadn't thought that far ahead. "I don't know. I guess we deal with that when we get there."
"And us? We're both SHIELD. If SHIELD falls—"
"We're us first. SHIELD second." He took her hand. "Whatever happens, we face it together."
"Together," she agreed. "I like the sound of that."
Alex dismissed the status screen and pulled Natasha closer, both of them knowing that the easy part was over.
Now came the hard part: stopping HYDRA before they could kill twenty million people and take over the world.