Kapitel 229: Tesseract
This information was crucial for S.H.I.E.L.D. At the very least, it indicated that Tony wouldn't side with Zane.
When Coulson reported his findings back to S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury let out a sigh of relief. Zane's presence was like a ticking time bomb that could destroy Earth at any moment. Without understanding Zane's stance, Fury couldn't sleep soundly. For now, Earth seemed temporarily safe.
However, after the relief, a sense of urgency surged within Fury.
"Agent Coulson, arrange a team to discreetly follow Zane and his group. Eliminate any threats that might upset Zane Sy before they become a problem."
"Understood, Director," Coulson responded without hesitation. This was a necessary precaution for S.H.I.E.L.D. Even though Zane currently posed no threat to Earth, there was always a risk of someone provoking him.
The events of the past had started with an incompetent official trying to make Zane sign a disastrous agreement. That had led to so many problems. This time, S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't allow history to repeat itself.
Fury added, "You'll be specifically in charge of this operation. You're authorized to act without prior approval. Just ensure that Zane remains happy."
Coulson nodded solemnly, indicating his understanding.
Despite giving these orders, Fury felt a wave of frustration. Zane could freely bully S.H.I.E.L.D., and yet they had to treat him with utmost care, fearing he might destroy Earth if he became displeased. It was infuriating.
Fury's frustration was almost palpable. Everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D. aware of Zane's existence felt similarly frustrated, but they had to keep it to themselves, never letting Zane see any sign of their displeasure. The immense power difference left them no choice but to endure in silence.
After giving his orders, Fury waved Coulson off to execute them immediately. There was no time to waste.
He then turned to Agent Hill. "Agent Hill, what's the progress on the Tesseract research? Can we extract its energy yet?"
Although Fury dared not provoke Zane, he was relentlessly working on enhancing their own military strength. The energy within the Tesseract was their only potential means of resisting Zane. S.H.I.E.L.D. was currently biding its time, aiming for a day when they could stand up to Zane.
What S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't realize was that the Tesseract's most precious component, the Space Stone, had been taken by Zane decades ago.
"Director, the theoretical phase of extracting the Tesseract's energy is complete. We're about to enter the experimental phase," Hill reported.
Fury frowned. "Too slow. Speed it up. We can't afford to wait any longer," he said with a hint of urgency.
"Yes, Director."
Just as Hill was about to contact the researchers to speed up the progress, Nick Fury's communicator suddenly rang.
When Fury answered, Hawkeye's voice came through:
"Director, there's an issue with the Tesseract!"
Fury's pupils constricted, and he cursed internally.
"What happened?"
"The worst-case scenario—we have no idea. The Tesseract activated on its own without any prior warning."
Fury felt a headache coming on. Why did problems always seem to pile up one after another? Zane Sy was truly a jinx. Before his return, Earth was chaotic but still manageable. Now that Zane was back, all sorts of trouble were cropping up.
But as long as it wasn't the end of the world, life had to go on. Fury sighed deeply inside, but outwardly, he remained composed, as if nothing could shake him. He had to, as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., he couldn't afford to lose his cool. If he did, what would happen to everyone else?
"Agent Barton, secure the Tesseract. No one except the research personnel should be allowed near it."
"Also, evacuate the research base with all the instruments and data."
"I'll be there shortly," Fury said solemnly.
"Yes, sir," Hawkeye replied before hanging up and quickly began executing the orders.
The severity of this sudden Tesseract incident might exceed everyone's expectations. Although Zane had embedded the core of the Tesseract into the Magic Furnance ten years ago, the Tesseract's shell had absorbed the energy radiated by the Space Stone for countless millennia.
If this stored energy were to erupt, it could far surpass the destructive power of the Ark's planetary cannon from five years ago. In other words, if the Tesseract went out of control, Earth would be doomed.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Fury set aside all other matters to inspect the situation personally.
On the helicopter ride to the research base, Hill asked Fury, puzzled:
"Director, I don't think evacuating is going to help. If the Tesseract's energy goes out of control, there's nowhere safe to hide."
"Agent Hill, it's not the end of the world yet. As long as it's not the final moment, we keep doing what we need to do. Understand?"
"Yes, Director."
Their conversation highlighted how tough life as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent was. While others worked regular jobs, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were on duty. While others enjoyed vacations, they were on missions.
While others went on dates, they worked overtime. Moreover, S.H.I.E.L.D. prohibited romantic relationships between agents. It was arguably the worst company in America, and if it weren't for the decent benefits, many agents would have quit long ago.
Unlike the undercover HYDRA agents, who were brainwashed through indoctrination, regular agents didn't have the same fervent loyalty.
What happened next unfolded much like in the original storyline. The Tesseract emitted an energy beam that opened a portal to the cosmos.
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