𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴𝑺 ━━ 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜

20 End of The Line

AT THE Project Insight headquarters, the atmosphere buzzed with the usual hum of activity. Communication technicians monitored screens, tapped on keyboards, and exchanged casual banter to pass the time.

Com Tech #1 leaned back in his chair, his expression one of mild irritation. "I've been parking there for two months."

Com Tech #2 glanced over, a smirk playing on his lips. "But it's his spot."

Com Tech #1 frowned. "So where's he been?"

Com Tech #2 shrugged, looking back at his screen. "I think Afghanistan."

Com Tech #1 pressed a finger to his earpiece, his attention split between the conversation and his duties. "Negative, DT-6. The pattern is full." He turned back to his colleague, annoyance clear in his voice. "Well, he could have said something."

Suddenly, a sharp noise cut through their earpieces, causing both technicians to flinch and wince.

"Ow!" Com Tech #1 exclaimed, rubbing his ear.

Com Tech #2 scowled, adjusting his earpiece. "Must be the dish."

"I'll check it out," Com Tech #1 said, pushing himself up from his chair and heading toward the exit.

The intercom crackled to life, a voice echoing through the room. "Triskelion command requests we clear the area for launch."

The technicians exchanged a brief, knowing glance. The gravity of the situation began to sink in, and the casual chatter gave way to a more focused urgency. As Com Tech #1 made his way to the dish, the weight of their responsibilities loomed large, the stakes higher than any of them had anticipated.

As the technician opened the door, he was startled by the sight of Steve Rogers, Ben, Sam, Edda, and Hill on the other side, with Ben and Hill immediately pointing their guns at him.

"Excuse us," Steve said firmly.

The technician, wide-eyed and hands up, quickly stepped aside to let them enter. The group moved with determined urgency, wasting no time as they made their way inside. Steve headed straight for the microphone, the weight of the moment heavy on his shoulders. He took a deep breath before speaking, his voice steady and resolute.

"Attention, all SHIELD agents. This is Steve Rogers. You've heard a lot about me over the last few days, some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it's time you know the truth."

She listened, her jaw clenched, as memories of her past life flickered through her mind. The girl she used to be, the one who laughed and loved freely, seemed so distant now, almost a different person entirely.

"SHIELD is not what we thought it was; it's been taken over by HYDRA. Alexander Pierce is their leader. The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you."

Edda's eyes narrowed, the mention of HYDRA stirring a deep, simmering rage within her. She knew their methods, their cruelty. She had been a tool in their hands, molded into a weapon for their purposes. They weren't so different from the Inhuman's, after all, Queen Medusa led them. The scars they left on her soul were raw and unhealed.

"They almost have what they want: absolute control. They shot Nick Fury and it won't end there. If you launch those Helicarriers today, HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way, unless we stop them."