Chapter 152: Become Hydra, Captain
He didn't know the specific internal structure of H.A.M.M.E.R., or other minor details.
But that wasn't important. What was important was that H.A.M.M.E.R.'s existence was meant to show the world that Earth was still protected by Earthlings. It was to make those people feel like they were the ones holding the hammer's handle, so they would be at ease.
As for the Galactic Plumbers, there was no need for them to be the ones sticking their necks out.
Ben wouldn't allow those corrupt guys to get their hands on the Galactic Plumbers.
Of course, this wasn't to say he didn't care about the Galactic Plumbers' development or S.H.I.E.L.D.'s many legacies.
It was just that...
After this incident, the legitimate successor to S.H.I.E.L.D. would be H.A.M.M.E.R., and Hydra's legitimate successor would naturally be the Galactic Plumbers.
The Galactic Plumbers could completely act like Hydra, seemingly independent of S.H.I.E.L.D., but in reality, they would have already infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D.
When the time came, everyone in H.A.M.M.E.R. would be Ben's people, and H.A.M.M.E.R.'s assets would naturally become the Galactic Plumbers' assets.
The main goal was to question Hydra, understand Hydra, become Hydra, and surpass Hydra!
"That might be difficult, don't you think?"
Norman was quite interested in this matter, but the problem was, from what position and identity would he do it?
After all, he was just a businessman now. Even if a new organization was to be established after S.H.I.E.L.D.'s downfall, he wouldn't have any room to interfere.
"Therefore, when it comes to dealing with Hydra, you must make an irreplaceable contribution."
"For example?"
"First, Osborn needs to claim that Spider-Man and Hacker, who made great contributions in this battle against Hydra, were actually Super Heroes created by the Osborn Corporation."
Ben said.
This wasn't entirely wrong. Without Osborn, there would be no Spider-Man.
"Then, as events unfold, when Hydra realizes they can no longer hide, they will inevitably put out warrants for Captain America, Spider-Man, and others. At this time, the Osborn Corporation must immediately step forward to support Captain America and have Harry represent them in supporting Captain America in the war."
Ben glanced at Norman.
"At this point, Osborn's situation might be very passive..."
"Is there anything I haven't experienced?" Norman Osborn smiled slightly, unconcerned by Ben's reminder.
In the end, Hydra would only target the Osborn Corporation for suppression, blockade, sanctions, or even terrorist attacks.
For Norman, who had lost everything and almost lost his life, this was nothing.
"There's no need to worry about attacks. My technology isn't just for show. When the time comes, I'll activate the energy shields, creating a protective net over the entire New York. Unless they plan to nuke the city..."
At this point, the obstacles for Norman to rebuild H.A.M.M.E.R. were greatly reduced.
But there was still one crucial step.
"Finally, win over Captain America as a figurehead to join H.A.M.M.E.R."
"In the past, Captain America Steve Rogers' symbol was the shield in his hand, so S.H.I.E.L.D. was S.H.I.E.L.D. But now, the world will see Captain America raise a heavy hammer and utterly destroy his former enemies."
"What we need to do is make ordinary citizens believe that H.A.M.M.E.R.'s hammer is Captain America's hammer, and make politicians believe that the hand holding the hammer is not an alien, but their own. Will there be any obstacles then?"
Since the flag of Captain America had been raised, it must be used well and used correctly!
What did the American people believe in?
What did the American soldiers believe in?
Even what did those politicians believe in?
Captain America.
It wasn't that everyone worshipped him, but rather that people were willing to believe in him, to feel at ease with this soldier.
That was enough.
"I understand." Norman Osborn nodded.
After speaking with Norman Osborn, Ben left and returned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. base.
At this time, Peter and Captain America had successfully destroyed the first Hydra base and returned victorious.
Peter was very excited. He told Ben that the Shockwave's power was too great. This Battle Armor was practically a spider siege-specific armor and couldn't be used normally.
"When I develop the Nano Armor, I'll get you a set."
Tony seemed very interested in the Nano Armor, but before he could discuss nanotechnology with Ben, Nick Fury walked over with Captain America.
"Avengers, it's time for a meeting."
Hearing this, everyone intended to follow. However, just as Stark took a step, Nick Fury turned around and said:
"What are you following for? You're not an Avenger. Go fix your Helicarrier."
Tony: ???
"You called me here to fix your Helicarrier, and now you're having a private meeting behind my back? What do you take me for?"
Nick Fury rolled his eyes.
"Repairing the air conditioner?"
Tony: Motherfucker!
Seeing Tony about to explode, Nick Fury seized the opportunity and offered a way out, saying, "One more chance, be a consultant for the Avengers, yes or no?"
"Yes!" Tony gritted his teeth.
"No salary?"
"No!"
Nick Fury was very pleased. Little Tony, he had him in the palm of his hand!
In the office, the first-generation Avengers were gathered, though Thor and Hulk were absent, replaced by Spider-Man and Hacker.
During the meeting, Nick Fury first affirmed the success of Spider-Man and Captain America's recent operation, and then analyzed the information they had obtained.
Then Tony, feigning surprise, asked, "Hydra? What Hydra?"
Next, Nick Fury explained the whole story again.
Then, Tony stated that this matter didn't concern him much, but since his father had a hand in founding S.H.I.E.L.D., he would participate.
Steve looked at Tony with a very complex gaze.
This playboy before him was Howard Stark's son.
Steve felt immense anger and guilt towards Howard.
They had been friends, but in the end, Howard had betrayed him and collaborated with his enemy.
If it weren't for Howard's Operation Paperclip, Hydra, even if they had remnants, would have been like rats scurrying in the street.
And the guilt stemmed from the fact that another of his friends had killed him.
But with Howard's death, Steve's anger towards him slowly faded. In the end, Howard had paid the price for his mistakes. But what about Bucky?
He couldn't give up on Bucky.
Because Bucky was the only one who had stood firmly by his side when he had nothing.
When his life was at its darkest and most hopeless, Bucky had been by his side, always by his side.
Thus, only guilt continued to grow in his heart.
He hadn't killed Howard, but he still felt ashamed.
Because he knew he was essentially covering for the murderer.
He knew that Bucky was the one who killed Howard, but when Tony Stark stood before him, he didn't dare tell Tony the truth.
Because he was afraid.
Afraid that Tony would demand Bucky, the murderer, pay with his life, afraid of losing his friend, and afraid that the last connection to his own era would completely disappear from this world...
A hero who had lost everything?
With Bucky around, he hadn't lost everything.
He sat in his seat with his head bowed, like an absent-minded old man, not hearing anything that was being said in the meeting.
Until Nick Fury's voice called out to him.
"Captain, Captain? Captain!"
Steve suddenly looked up, as if waking from a daze. For a moment, he couldn't remember where he was.
After a while, or perhaps only a few seconds, everything before his eyes slowly cleared. Nick Fury's scowling face reappeared before him.
"What is it?"
"What is it?" Nick Fury repeated his words, his tone very surprised. "Getting distracted during a meeting, that's not like you."
"I'm just... a little tired."
He let out a breath, pinched the bridge of his nose with two fingers, and after a few seconds, his gaze swept over everyone.
Except for Tony and Ben, almost everyone was looking at him with concern.
However, Steve found it hard to be sure if anyone, besides Peter, was truly sincere.
"Sorry, where were we?"
Ben picked up the conversation, saying:
"Fortunately, your operation with Spider-Man was very successful. All the Hydras in the base were captured, and most of the data and equipment were preserved. So, Tony Stark and I can use these machines to reverse-track other Hydra bases."
"Wrong!" Tony raised his chin arrogantly, "I can do it alone."
"Can't you two get along?" Nick Fury said helplessly. "Your relationship could actually improve. Remember, he saved your life." Then Nick Fury looked at Ben, pointing at Tony, and said, "And he has provided great help to your company."
"I don't care as long as he's not so full of himself," Ben said.
He and Tony had originally intended to appear more rigid in front of Nick Fury and Hydra, because if all the heroes were united, that would be what Hydra feared most.
But now, it seemed they had gone a bit too far.
Tony said, "As long as he admits I'm smarter than him."
"You're only a genius on Earth," Ben taunted.
Seeing the two about to argue again, Steve quickly changed the subject.
"That's great. It would be even better if we could clear out all the Hydra bases this way."
He said it, but there wasn't a hint of joy on his face.
Clear out all the Hydra bases?
Ridiculous.
Wasn't the biggest base right beneath his feet?
Steve looked at Ben.
He thought, Ben was the one who told him about Operation Paperclip back then. He must know that if things continued like this, clearing more bases wouldn't cripple Hydra.
It wouldn't make much of a difference.
What should he do to eliminate all of Hydra?
Steve was confused.
But he believed Ben had the answer.
Nick Fury hadn't noticed yet that, up to this point, all the plans and the beginnings of all events originated from Ben Parker.
But Steve's intuition told him that this young man before him controlled the entire situation.
It was right after Ben Parker had Peter call him, saying he wanted to join the Avengers, that those hidden Hydras seemed to have suddenly appeared.
And just by coincidence, Hydra bases started invading S.H.I.E.L.D., and they were tracked in return?
In Nick Fury's eyes, it was Hydra fearing the establishment of the Avengers.
But in Captain America's view, this was likely Ben's doing.
Recalling his conversation with Ben on the deck last time, it was clear that Ben had already obtained a large amount of Hydra intelligence.
This plan to attack the Hydra bases was probably orchestrated by him as well.
Only Nick Fury still thought things were developing in a direction he controlled.
Soon, this small Avengers meeting concluded.
Nick Fury assigned tasks:
"Tony, you continue upgrading the Helicarrier. Hacker, you'll use that data to investigate other Hydra bases from the source. Move quickly, I'm worried Hydra might already be starting to withdraw."
"Don't rush. If they really plan to withdraw, finding them will be easier. As they say, beating the grass will startle the snake; once startled, there will be noise."
Ben said with a smile.
"As long as you have it under control."
Nick Fury stood up, in a good mood.
He had run around tirelessly to assemble the Avengers before, getting nowhere. Now, luck had turned, and a mature team was assembled just like that.
It proved his initial idea was completely correct.
When capable individuals were gathered, they clearly unleashed even greater power.
Hydra bases that had been hidden for years were wiped out as soon as they showed themselves!
And this was with only two Avengers deployed, and Captain America not even wielding his hammer. If the entire Avengers team were to mobilize, he couldn't imagine what enemies they couldn't defeat.
"Then we're dismissed for now."
He clapped his hands, preparing to leave.
"Wait," Peter stood up, scratching his head and asking, "Hacker and Iron Man have missions, what about us?"
"The rest are on standby and free to act."
Nick Fury said.
"Kid, I know you want to do more, but don't be impatient. You did very well this time."
He praised.
Peter was probably the most naive person in this whole group.
And people with complex minds like his didn't harbor much malice or wariness towards naive individuals like Peter.
The good kid privilege.
"You can go help that Iron Man fix the plane."
Ben patted his backside and stood up, leaving with the data from the Hydra Poland Base.
Steve watched him leave, then after a moment's thought, stood up and said, "I'll go take a look."
Seeing this, Nick Fury didn't think much of it, only assuming Captain America was eager to know the location of the next base.
Captain America followed Ben's footsteps, and Ben wasn't surprised by his arrival.
"Impatient, Captain?"
Captain America bit his lip, glancing around with his peripheral vision.
"Don't worry, I'm not bugging this place."
"I want to know, how can we completely destroy Hydra?"
Upon hearing this, Ben put down what he was holding and turned to look at him.
"It's simple, Captain."
"Just become Hydra yourself."
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