chapter 19

The Quinjet landed steadily on the airship's deck. After Adrian and the others exited, the fighter jet immediately sped off, likely off to another mission.

"Hey, how do I get to the Director's office?" Adrian asked, grabbing a passing agent, only to let go in frustration as the agent looked at him half-confused.

Sure, Fury wanted to talk, but Adrian had no idea where to go on this massive aircraft carrier.

He looked around, taking in the bustling scene. At least twenty Quinjet fighters were landing or taking off, and everyone seemed preoccupied, looking grim and hurrying. Almost all of them had lost loved ones in the catastrophe.

"Hello, are you Mr. Adrian? Director Fury has requested to speak with you."

Adrian turned to see a middle-aged, overweight man, looking exhausted and clutching stacks of paperwork. Before Adrian could say anything, the man added apologetically, "I'm sorry for the delay. We're stretched thin here. Please, follow me."

"Let's go," Wanda said, her tone icy.

"Uh, actually, the Director only asked for Mr. Adrian," the man stammered, surprised by her reaction.

Adrian touched his amulet and said, "I'm pretty sure Fury's office is big enough for a few more people."

The man hesitated, then muttered, "Understood. The Director has allowed everyone to join." With that, he motioned them to follow, his earpiece buzzing as he received instructions.

"Let's get moving," Adrian said curtly.

The man's mouth twitched, but he led them to the elevator without complaint. As it descended, they reached the SHIELD command center at the core of the carrier. Instantly, a cacophony of urgent voices filled the room.

"New Jersey's registered hero, Hermes, has been infected. He's speeding toward Florida at Mach 3, and missiles can't hit him. He wiped out all the units we deployed!"

"Any chance of backup from the X-Men?"

"No, they sent word they're unable to help. Bigfoot and Leprechaun are on Hermes' path; call them off! They're walking into a death trap!"

"We need Colonel Rhodes. We've detected an infection in East Maine; immediate support is critical!"

"Daredevil's signal has disappeared. That's the ninety-third superhero missing in New York City. Mark him as infected if he doesn't respond in twenty minutes."

"Thor is fighting over a dozen zombie heroes at the Empire State Building. Send Nova and Ares for support, then get a Quinjet to extract them."

"Begin tightening defense lines. The infection has spread across New York State's borders. We need to regroup."

Adrian stood at the command center's entrance, taking in the crisis unfolding around him. Wanda and Wong listened, their faces pale. Wanda's expression was filled with despair, while Wong's brows furrowed deeply in concern.

"Right this way," the man said, guiding them down the hall. "Director Fury's waiting in the second room on the left."

After a final look at the chaotic command center, Adrian sighed. "Let's go."

The infection would spread worldwide regardless. Speedsters like Hermes could easily evade any pursuit, spreading the virus faster than any containment effort could keep up with.

As they reached a closed metal door, Wanda's gaze narrowed—it looked more like a prison door than an office.

Just as they considered this, the door opened, and a voice said, "Come in."

Wanda exchanged a glance with Adrian, then led the way inside with Pietro, who was still fast asleep, in tow. Adrian and Wong followed close behind.

Inside, Adrian relaxed a bit. Instead of an interrogation room, it resembled an office, adorned with abstract paintings and a massive mahogany desk.

Behind the desk sat a man with brown hair and a single eye, staring at Adrian with a steely gaze. Director Fury held a partially smoked cigar, studying Adrian intensely.

"Take a seat," Fury said.

Adrian nodded, letting his amulet rest on his chest as he sat, followed by Wanda and Wong. Under the light, the amulet shimmered, and Fury's gaze flickered briefly at the sight of it.

Fury took a drag from his cigar, blowing out a thin stream of smoke. "Now," he said, locking eyes with Adrian, "let's talk."

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