"This is truly reckless to the extreme. Hill, help me prepare a loss list and make a report. I need to go out for a bit."
Nick watched with surprise as another massive suit 'grew' over Tony's armor. Brawling with Hulk, he actually suppressed Hulk for a moment, which was truly an unexpected joy. In the end, Hulk seemed to have run away again, but this time Nick wasn't afraid of him escaping because he had installed many Trackers on Banner. Even if one or two were damaged during the battle, he could still find the other party's location. However, now was not the time to find Dr. Banner.
He now had a list to 'have a good chat' with the Councilmen. Especially regarding General Ross, he had to report it properly. As for what happens after, we'll see. Anyway, once you've offended the 'Abbot', you think you can just leave? No way, not even through the window. If he didn't strip off your rank this time, he, Nick, would take your surname.
"Yes, Director."
Knowing exactly what his dark-faced and dark-hearted superior meant, Hill replied expressionlessly. She would multiply the Base amount by five and write it down, making it look reasonable. This was her job. Anyway, she had just 'raised' the prices a bit; it wasn't the first time she'd done such a thing.
"Natasha, continue to 'protect' Artoria's safety. Take Special Agent Sharon with you. You two need to hurry."
"Yes."
Replying to Nick's order expressionlessly, this task was okay. She just happened to want to find Artoria to discuss how to repair a surgery from decades ago, so she was quite happy. But taking Sharon Carter, this young girl, along—she could only agree for now. Toward Sharon, who had entered S.H.I.E.L.D. 'through connections,' the veteran employees within S.H.I.E.L.D. still maintained a wait-and-see attitude. Being an Special Agent was not like other normal professions; one could die in danger at any time. She didn't think Sharon Carter, who hadn't experienced the baptism of battle, was fit for the profession of an Special Agent yet.
Nick was still giving her special care, allowing Sharon time to slowly come into contact with the dark side of the world, but only to a certain extent. As the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick couldn't give a minor Special Agent too much care. Sharon had already failed the mission to contact Artoria once; according to regulations, she shouldn't continue. But Nick decided to give Sharon another chance and let Natasha mentor her.
"Captain, how have you been adjusting lately?"
After arranging his subordinates, Nick took some time to visit Captain America. Looking at the Captain with faint dark circles under his eyes, he thought the other party was having a bit of trouble enduring modern life. How could he know that the Captain was afraid that after he closed his eyes, he would wake up to see a man with a very high hairline lying beside him? That was why he had some insomnia.
"I'm doing okay!"
The Captain smiled strongly, but his eyes revealed a bit of helplessness.
"Recently, I Hope you can come with me to meet someone. I Hope you can be mentally prepared."
Nick didn't pay attention to the Captain's minor abnormality and spoke in a somewhat heavy tone. Although the Doctor said the patient could no longer accept stimulating things, she must really Hope to see this man—this man she had waited seventy years for. As an Special Agent, very few people could live that long, but Peggy had endured until today with strong conviction. No matter what, she had to see the man in front of her one last time. How could Nick refuse?
"Who... is it? Can... I know?"
As if he had a certain guess in his heart, a beautiful figure flashed through the Captain's mind. He still owed a beautiful woman a dance even now. With his heart in turmoil, the Captain asked cautiously.
"It's exactly the person you're thinking of. Her time is running out; you should prepare yourself mentally."
Giving Captain America a heads-up in advance, Nick patted the Captain's shoulder with a bitter smile. Having worked under the fierce Peggy Carter for so many years, he understood the feelings between the two. Nick greatly admired Peggy, and this was all the help he could offer.
"Peggy, are you still waiting for me?"
Tears fell from the eyes of the strong Captain America. Knowing this era, he understood how long a wait of several decades truly was. He had slept through it, but Peggy had lived through every second of those decades. His heart felt both warmth and guilt.
But if he had to choose again, he would still do the same. Because if that plane hadn't crashed, half the world would have been blown to bits. That would have been a true human disaster. He didn't regret his decision, but he felt sorry for the woman who had been waiting for him. With a despondent spirit, Captain America returned to his room and began to reflect.
"Miss Natasha, we meet again. What reason are you using to resign this time?"
While a touching reunion decades in the making was unfolding on one side, Artoria looked teasingly at the redhead beauty who had returned to her side. It seemed S.H.I.E.L.D. still hadn't given up!
"Miss Artoria, although I cannot disclose my organization due to special reasons, I believe you must have heard of some rather miraculous events."
Facing Artoria's teasing, Natasha wasn't fazed at all, maintaining a faint smile. She didn't respond directly to the jab but changed the subject. That girl Sharon actually hadn't come with her this time, but no matter; she could wear down Artoria's resistance on her own.
"Of course I know. For example, the Mutant Registration Act that's been causing such a stir lately. Are you from an organization like that?"
Artoria rolled her eyes at Natasha inwardly. 'Do you think I'm some naive rookie who hasn't been tempered by society? Sorry, between my past life and this one, I'm over forty. Although I'm not as old as you, I'm not some naive kid who says everything directly.' Artoria's words were ambiguous—whether you're a dove, a hawk, or from the government, say it yourself! Anyway, she'd just listen. She already knew what organization they were; she was just quietly watching them perform.
"Though different, the origin is the same."
Natasha indicated that she was also part of a government agency, not some Terrorists.
"Alright then! Miss Natasha, is your purpose for coming today to apply for a job? I'm sorry, but my assistant positions are already filled."
Artoria smiled at Gwen, who was looking over documents, and expressed her regrets to Natasha. Hearing Artoria's words, Gwen looked up at Natasha. 'Is this my predecessor? She looks so sultry, not like a decent person.'
"My purpose for coming is merely to protect Miss Artoria's safety. Recently, some matters might involve you."
Natasha was helpless against someone like Artoria, who tended to shut down conversations. She couldn't just say, 'I'm inviting you to join S.H.I.E.L.D., please come with me!' Nick had long said she couldn't reveal her identity and had to make the other party interested in the mysterious organization so Artoria would join on her own. It was truly a difficult task.
"Sorry to interrupt. Should I step out first?"
At that moment, Stacy walked in holding some documents and spoke apologetically as she saw the scene in the room.
"Perhaps I can find a breakthrough with this child."
Seeing Stacy, Natasha recalled a file. It seemed to be related to this girl; her father was in a branch of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"This is the newly hired manager for the Legal Department. Stacy, why don't you show her around?"
"Okay."
Artoria made the arrangements. If S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to come, let them! She wasn't afraid of what tricks they might pull. She'd just leave her in a department so busy she could barely stand, and see if she still had time to observe her life.
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