107

Chapter 107: Action

"By the way, I must remind you that immortality isn't free."

Thor added, "As a counterbalance, the reproductive capability of most races is inversely proportional to their lifespan. Just like my father, the king, who has been with my mother since the Bronze Age, we now have only three children, one of whom is adopted. When you gain eternal life, the chance of conceiving a child approaches zero."

"So, I should expect a child-free life?" Skye said indifferently.

In fact, in Western countries, people aren't as eager for children, and Skye was no exception.

Alexander Pierce acted swiftly. With Nick Fury absent and Captain America and Natasha Romanoff being hunted, he quickly persuaded the council to launch the Insight Plan.

At the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Pierce took a sip of champagne and excitedly addressed the council members who had arrived. "Soon, we will witness the dawn of a new era! From this moment on, there will be no more crime in this world. A new world is coming! To the new era, cheers!"

As a high-level agent and head of HYDRA, he seldom showed much emotion, but his inner excitement was hard to conceal. As soon as the Helicarrier reached a certain altitude, its weapons would activate, instantly obliterating all HYDRA's enemies!

The congressmen were also thrilled, raising their glasses and toasting, "Cheers to the new era!"

Little did they know that the so-called new era was not the hopeful one they imagined, but rather the rise of HYDRA.

At that moment, a clear voice came through the radio.

"I'm Steve Rogers, Captain America. You must have heard a lot about me recently. Many are hunting me, but now it's time for you to know the truth. S.H.I.E.L.D. has been taken over by HYDRA, with Alexander Pierce as its head. Many of the Special Forces and Insight Project personnel are also HYDRA agents."

The council members glanced at Pierce in surprise. Pierce remained expressionless as his phone quietly sent out a few messages.

"The Insight Plan's goal is not to deal with criminals but to destroy all of HYDRA's enemies and bring the entire world under its control."

"I know it's a tough situation, but the price of freedom is high, and I'm willing to pay that price."

"I believe I'm not alone in this."

Though the speech was impromptu, it was compelling. Despite being wanted by S.H.I.E.L.D. just moments ago, many chose to trust Captain America and their spiritual leader.

Crossbones burst into the command office of the space carrier with a team of agents and ordered the technicians, "Start the launch sequence and get the spacecraft ready for takeoff."

The room fell silent. The head technician looked at him in surprise but did not respond.

"Launch the spacecraft. Is there a problem with what I said?" Crossbones demanded, his voice growing louder.

The technician, sweating profusely, took a deep breath and replied, "I'm sorry, sir. I can't launch. This is Captain America's order."

A gun was suddenly pressed to the back of his head.

The same gun was held against Crossbones' head.

"You're on the wrong side, Agent Sharon," Crossbones said coldly.

He signaled to drop the gun he was holding and, as the gun fell, shot Sharon, knocking her to the ground.

The scene split into two factions; gunfire erupted, and Crossbones used the chaos to activate the launch system.

"Unfortunately, you're on the wrong team." Crossbones raised his gun indifferently, aiming at Sharon's head.

"It's you who are on the wrong side," a voice came from behind. Before Crossbones could react, he was grabbed by the collar and thrown through the air.

Sharon looked at the tall figure in front of her and smiled. "I'll take you down in the next second, if you don't believe it?"

"I'm sorry for taking your head."

With a wave of Thor's hand, the surrounding HYDRA agents fell to the ground, convulsing.

"Bang—" A figure with a metal arm knocked Falcon to the ground.

"Sam, go and insert the chip. He'll give it to me!"

Steve stood in front of him.

"Okay!" Falcon didn't hesitate, quickly taking off and heading towards the space carrier.

Steve looked at the familiar figure with affection. "Bucky, it's me, Steve. Have you forgotten?"

The answer was a hard punch.

At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, an elderly congresswoman suddenly sprang into action, swiftly taking down a HYDRA agent, while Natasha Romanoff confronted Pierce.

He wiped his face, revealing a visage that was disastrous for both country and people.

"Your Excellency, it's over."

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