You can read ahead up to 70 chapters on my patreon, and I've also activated a (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/GGS6395
Hulk was the first to spot Arthur and Bucky. When he saw Arthur, the big guy was about to grin, but the moment his eyes fell on Bucky, he charged forward, roaring, "Toy!"
"You're not talking about me, are you?" Bucky muttered with a grim expression on his face.
As Hulk's massive hand reached out to grab him, Arthur casually shoved Bucky aside and caught Hulk's hand mid-swing. "Easy there big guy, he's not a toy."
"?"
Hulk tilted his head in confusion, looking puzzled. Wasn't it agreed that Arthur would have a blue toy and he would have a black toy? They were supposed to play together!
Arthur pondered for a moment and then explained, "He's a comrade."
"Comrade?" Hulk scrutinized Bucky, then plopped down beside Arthur with a resigned expression, as if saying, If you say so, I'll go along with it.
At that moment, Natasha arrived. "What's going on here?"
She stopped short when she saw Arthur releasing his prisoners. Within seconds, the room was littered with seventeen unconscious figures.
"Toy!!!"
Hulk's eyes lit up with excitement. He picked up one of the captives, shook them, and was about to smash them to the ground.
Arthur quickly grabbed Hulk's arm. 'Why is this guy so violent? With strength like his, one shake could turn a person into a rag doll.' Arthur patiently explained the value of the captives, calming Hulk down before turning to Natasha. "Tell Fury to meet me in the office where we first met. We need to talk."
"Now?"
Natasha glanced at the clock. Without anyone noticing, a whole day had passed. It was now 10:45 PM.
"Now's the best time," Arthur said. "And have him bring Steve along."
"It sounds like you've found something important," Natasha said as she sent the message, her gaze fixed on Arthur.
"The infamous File 51."
Arthur loaded the file into a computer and printed it out for Natasha.
Scanning through it quickly, Natasha closed her eyes for a moment, recalling details. When she opened them again, her voice was firm. "It matches. This file is authentic."
"So, the fight against Hydra is coming to an end," Arthur said, glancing at the document. "Even if there are stragglers, they won't pose much of a threat to SHIELD anymore. On the bright side, the computer is completely destroyed. Tony gave me Dr. Zola's core program, which likely contains additional secrets. If we have the time and expertise, we might uncover even more."
"This is something we can handle slowly," Natasha said. "Fury replied. He'll need half an hour."
"Good. In the meantime, let's do some roll call."
Arthur's lips curled into a sly smile. The document contained a detailed list of Hydra members embedded within SHIELD. This meant that the rapid-response team currently imprisoned downstairs had their names prominently featured.
Matching names to the list and verifying there were no omissions would confirm the document's authenticity.
Half an hour later, after the last prisoner was returned to their cell, Arthur and Natasha exchanged a relieved look, both exhaling deeply.
"Verification complete!"
Arthur stood up, ready to leave, but Natasha stopped him. "I'm coming with you."
By now, Hulk had reverted to Banner and was locked in a silent staring contest with Bucky.
Arthur considered this and said, "You two stay here for now. Keep an eye on things."
Bucky nodded silently. Banner added, "I was planning to explore this place anyway. It's our secret base, after all."
"That makes me feel like I'm back in grade school," Arthur said with a smirk, blinking at Natasha. He activated the teleportation circle.
Instead of appearing at the SHIELD division, they materialized in Natasha's home.
"I'll find you some clothes. The spot where you set up the teleportation array is really awkward. At this hour, it's not too early, not too late— someone might catch you. By then, no matter how much you explain, it won't help. This way, it's more convenient for me."
Natasha picked out several outfits for Arthur, even including undergarments, which was a bit much.
"I... won't need those," Arthur quickly clarified.
"Are you sure?" Natasha raised an eyebrow, staring at him before bursting into laughter. "Alright, I'll put them away."
Arthur took the simple outfits and said, "This really wasn't necessary. I could just buy some clothes myself later."
"It feels different," Natasha replied, giving him a meaningful look. "You're not a man who seizes opportunities."
Sensing that the conversation was veering into dangerous territory, Arthur quickly interjected, "No time to waste— I'll head out now."
"Alright." Natasha sat down on the sofa and said, "I'll stay here, awaiting further orders!"
…
Dressed in casual, simple clothes, Arthur pushed open Fury's office door.
The first person he saw was Steve, sitting on the sofa, frowning in deep thought.
'Does this guy really enjoy being a thinker? Every time I see him, he's lost in thought,' Arthur mused.
Fury was also frowning as he studied Arthur. After about three seconds of silence, Fury finally said, "You're not Agent Romanoff."
"Correct," Arthur replied. "You win a little red flower as a prize— but I forgot to bring it, so I'll give it to you next time."
"Instructor?" Steve immediately stood up upon hearing Arthur's voice.
Arthur waved a hand to stop him. "Where's your uniform? Time is running short. Didn't Fury tell you to suit up before coming here?"
"I don't even know what's going on," Fury muttered, visibly dazed.
Arthur tossed a file onto Fury's desk. "We need to discuss what to do next."
Fury's expression grew grave as he picked up the file. Steve, curious, asked Arthur, "What is this?"
"It's a weapon that could turn SHIELD into ashes overnight," Arthur said with a smile. "Want to take a look?"
"No need," Steve replied, pointing at Fury. Fury's face had already turned dark, well darker then it already was, his breathing was labored, and one clenched fist was trembling as if it was about to slam into the desk. "Judging by his reaction, I'll figure out soon enough what's in that file."
Sure enough, moments later, Fury looked up. "Who has seen this file?"
"Me, Natasha, and Tony," Arthur replied. "As of now, Hydra doesn't fully realize how much we know. But they lost more people tonight. Even if their leadership is slow to react, they should figure out soon enough that these two incidents aren't coincidences. Which means, we don't have much time left."
(End Of The Chapter)