- The world is in panic, a new invasion... -
Click
- During the battle in London the damage was done….
Click
- I call for this mutant to be punished for his actions with our landmark...
Click
There was no need to listen to this any further, so Nick Fury turned off the TV and turned his gaze to his only agent in the room, who was standing and waiting for orders.
- Looks like the Avengers saved the world again –
Fatigue was clearly visible in the eyes of the shield director. Every day there was some kind of devilry that made the spy's brain work despite the fact that he learned a lot simply from reports.
- You planned it that way and now your plan is working –
The shield director looked at his subordinate with his one good eye and handed him the folder.
- Agent Romanov, how well do you know Ledov?
Before answering, the agent opens the folder and sees the shield's dossier on the voiced object.
- It depends on what the purpose is – the short professional answer did not surprise the director of the shield
- During the time that Ledov became known to the world, he began to act to expand his influence. The city where he settled was practically bought, considering how much money is spent on development. He is building a whole complex of buildings. He works with media services. He even broadcast several times, where he communicated with people. He donates a lot of money to charity. At the same time, he is a monopolist of services that no one else can provide. -
All this time Natasha just sat and calmly listened to her boss; the dossier had not changed since the last time she read it.
- He is gaining strength and this gives the Russians a lot of maneuvers in the political arena, the higher-ups don't like this, but they are already putting pressure on me, although the fucking assholes themselves can't really do anything.
- What do you want from me?
Fury's face remained calm, but his eyes were deeply thoughtful. He spoke slowly:
- Ledov is no longer just a mutant, but a strategic player. His influence is growing, and he is using his popularity and money to expand his control. This poses a threat not only at the local level, but also on the international stage.
He paused, then added:
— We need to understand his true goals. If he is acting for power or influence, that is one story. But if there is something more behind it, we must be prepared for the worst.
Agent Romanoff carefully closed the folder and looked at her boss:
- And what do you suggest? We have several options: try to negotiate with him, or prepare a neutralization operation. But both options require precise data and very careful actions.
Fury nodded:
"I want to find out his plans and understand how dangerous he is to us. So far, he seems more interested in strengthening his position than in open conflict. But that could change at any moment.
He looked up at Natasha:
- You will do this. Use all your contacts and resources. We need to know everything - from his financial flows to his connections with politicians.
- But why me? - Natasha looked at Fury , her face remained calm, but in her eyes there was a slight note of bewilderment and question. Fury slowly turned to her, his gaze was penetrating and calm.
— Because you are one of the few who already knows Ledov. You have already dealt with him directly, you can better understand his motivations and weaknesses. Your knowledge and experience are our main trump card in this game. In addition, you know how to act discreetly and effectively — exactly what we need now.
He paused, then added:
- I trust you. And I know that you will cope better than anyone. It is important for us to understand what his ultimate goals are, and for this we need a person who knows his language and style of behavior.
Natasha sighed, softening a little:
- Okay. Then I'll take care of it. But I want to know: what will happen if he finds out about our intentions?
Fury replied calmly:
- Then we will have to act very carefully. But while he does not suspect our plans, we have a chance to get the necessary information without unnecessary risks.
- What about Steve? I'm his supervisor now.
Fury waved his hand casually - I'll assign another agent to Rogers. Right now it's more important to understand Ledov's plans and you're the only one I can send to him who can get something useful.
- Okay sir, the order is clear. Permission to carry it out?
- I give permission, Agent Romanov .
With one of his best agents gone, Fury could only hope it didn't cause any conflict that would hit America in the future.
*****
Sunshine, a quiet lake and some sand. What could be better to spend a day away from everyone? Helping the wounded, working with the press. Russian secret services, who tried to get me out of London faster. It was worth dividing up several spaceships between countries. The British wanted to take everything for themselves as victims, but there was just a little pressure and out of the five that survived the battle, they got only one. Of course, they didn't like it, but they couldn't do anything.
After returning and checking the current projects, it was decided to take a short vacation for myself, where there were fewer people, in order to relax and put my thoughts in order.
The house for living was specially chosen and built on the shore of the lake. Such a place was chosen specifically to always be fully armed, but at the same time it does not prevent sometimes having a good time in the sun. But even just lounging was not the purpose of this vacation. The book that was in his hands now was much more important than many textbooks, it was a gift from an extraterrestrial queen. When the conflict with the elves ended, many problems were solved and the flow of wounded ended. Thor came up and began to ask and be interested in what he could repay for helping his people. Of course, the first thought was to tell Thor that some kind of alien weapon like his hammer was needed, but such thoughts had to be suppressed, it was necessary to maintain good relations with the future king and such requests could spoil the impressions, and the ships that were transported could give a big leap in technological development, so Thor heard a refusal of his offer, which prompted the prince of Asgard to insist on his offer even more strongly. Of course, in the end the prince insisted on his own, of course my thoughts did not fail me and Thor began to express options for weapons or treasures, but to receive a request for books was a little shock for him, of course this made him think and even not knowing how to approach this reward, he turned to his mother for help who was able to help and reward his savior and solve the problem of his son. One of the books was a textbook on all languages with some notes to simplify the study. It was funny to watch the reaction of the guards when Sif appeared from the beam not far from the house and handed over several books and went back, oh how much noise it raised. It is one thing when there are military actions and Asgard uses bivrest for tactical maneuvers, another when aliens just come and give gifts to a citizen from the ruling family. Therefore, everyone who began to call and gently ask what it was all about was sent on a long journey using diplomatic language.
Time seemed to fly by while studying such important gifts. It was in this state that the guard post reported the arrival of a shield agent. Having realized who it was, it was clear that even one day to spend for oneself was too much.
- Good afternoon Natasha, it's a pleasure to meet you again. - It would be rude to continue reading when such a woman visited you, so when Natasha was escorted, the book was put aside and the spy herself was warmly greeted . Having glanced at her guest, it was difficult to tear your eyes away: leather boots, jeans that hugged her athletic legs. A leather jacket and a dark T-shirt. Fiery red hair framed her beautiful face. - Although meeting you is not a surprise, it is still pleasant.
- Hello, - Natasha greeted happily, sitting down on the chair that was brought and placed next to her, - am I disturbing you?
- It depends on why you came.
- Well, we haven't seen each other for a long time, so I decided to check on you.
- You know, you have very good qualities. But lying... Oh, no, you can lie very well too. - the voice sounded soft, but with a hint of irony. - As much as I would like to spend the company of a woman like you. We both know that this is not true. Therefore, I would like to quickly resolve our affairs, and then we can unwind.
Leaning back and taking a bottle of soda from the ice cube next to her, Natasha didn't even try to hide her goals. "Why don't you want to believe that I just came to visit you?"
- because Fury sent you to spy on me - leaning back in his chair and continuing to look straight into her eyes. - I know that your task is my re-recruitment , but unfortunately your mission will fail.
- Do you mind if I find out why? - Natasha sat and sipped her drink, it was unclear on her face whether it was important for her to talk about anything at all or whether she was simply enjoying the view of the lake.
- For me to want to re-enlist , it must be profitable for me, but as far as I know, your management cannot offer me anything useful. - oh, that female look "really" - well, look, here I can afford almost everything, but if I'm in America , they'll immediately take me into circulation, if they don't put me on the table purely for the sake of scientific interest.
- What an interesting fantasy you have. But I think you're exaggerating. Nothing happened to me.
- Well, there are several reasons for that. The first is your espionage skills, which this black pirate likes. And secondly... even though you were injected with serums to improve your body, you are not a mutant, so there is little point in gutting you on the table.
The mask on Natasha's face disappeared for literally a second, which made it clear that such a possibility existed.
- But since you were sent to join my circle, you will have to earn it by doing what I say.
- And what will I have to do? - a little coquetry was added to her voice.
It was difficult to resist, so moving a little closer to her, the words were spoken with the most obvious subtext in her ear - Whatever I want.
****
Natasha still didn't fully understand what to expect from this task.
After the battle in London, the world began to stir again. Aliens in spaceships, holes in the sky, constant unexplained phenomena gave a new surge of anxiety among all echelons of power. Fortunately, thanks to the avengers and the military, the earthlings got off with little bloodshed - several thousand people dead.
This time, the focus was on Thor, Tony and Alex. If the first disappeared after the battle, then the others were busy. Stark was confiscating spaceships while Ledov himself was helping the wounded. Although Natasha herself did not take part in this, she kept her finger on the pulse and studied the reports.
Of course, working for Ledov won't be like working for Stark, if she had to work undercover hiding her identity , then Ledov already knew who she was. So a different approach is needed.
Much has changed since their last meeting. If earlier Ledov was just a mutant with certain connections, now he is becoming more and more involved in global politics every day. With the reports of the shield, almost an entire city begins to live at his personal expense. He is also gathering his own personal army, although according to all documents it is simply a security service. The shield, sorting out the personal files of these employees, revealed that all of them are former military personnel and all of them have relatives who once passed through Ledov's hands, this showed that it will cost a lot to find an informant among these people, and the information itself cannot be trusted very much.
Of course, Natasha wasn't particularly worried about these people. The most important goal was to gain Alex's trust. The most obvious way to do this would be through bed. But there are several nuances here.
Firstly, Alex himself only has to wave and any women will spread out around him. Which was proven by the agents who followed him. They recorded how different women of model appearance arrived and left at different times and it is unlikely that they were business partners.
Secondly, this method worked well when her target did not know about her. Even if it worked, the information she would receive would be much less than under other circumstances.
Therefore, she had to become useful to him. But knowing that she was here to spy on him, he wouldn't let her in on anything important. And if she started sniffing around secretly, she would quickly end up at the bottom of the lake. Natasha understood that no matter how Alex treated her, spying or sabotaging would end badly for her.
all this over as they walked from the lake shore to the house. Entering a large living room, where in the center of the room stood several sofas, and between them a coffee table. On one of the walls hung a large TV where a video series was playing with a young girl in glasses with long brown hair tied in a ponytail who was throwing a basketball into the hoop.
Moving her eyes from the screen, she looked at Alex , who sat down on one of the sofas like he owned the place, indicating for her to sit on the other. On the table next to where she sat there were several folders with documents.
- And what do you plan to do to win my favor?
- I could help resolve the issue with the groups that are causing unrest throughout the country - Natasha received messages that one of those she once met, nicknamed "the winter soldier", showed up in the country and it would be a good idea to kill two birds with one stone.
- You don't have to worry about them. They're just two gangs who didn't share the street. Of course, you'll take part in this, but not in the position you might think. But before we begin, I want you to know that everything you learn today must not leave you without my permission.
- And what is this secrecy?
- You know, Natasha , when you arrived in Russia, I wasn't entirely sure why you were here, but I prepared myself anyway. You are a woman with many talents. You have already discovered some, and some you haven't. But our work together would be more useful if you finished with the shield and started working for me.
Such statements did not surprise the former Russian spy - many wanted to get her into their service, but by working for the shield she believed that she could at least partially erase her past, and she had too many enemies not to have protection, and who could provide more protection than the American spy agency.
-And why should I do this?
Alex simply nodded at one of the folders. Opening it, she was not surprised by its personal file. In this file there was a lot about her past, about her biological and adopted parents, about her younger sister. past in the red room, many of her cases in the shield. Of course, it was not everything , but a lot. Having finished studying, she looked at Alex.
- As you can see, I didn't sit idle and also got to know you better. - Having finished studying, she looked at her interlocutor, not fully understanding what he meant.
- Now you know that I can collect a lot of information, open another folder.
Looking at him suspiciously, Natasha carefully opened another folder, and her gaze immediately stopped on a photograph that turned out to be very familiar. A young girl of about twenty years old with light hair and expressive eyes was looking at her, Natasha immediately realized that it was Elena Belova, her sister. Not paying attention to what was happening around her, she began to study this folder in detail, various information and photos confirmed that her sister, whom she had lost, was alive.
- Where did you get this?
While Natasha was studying the case, Alex took out a tray with a bottle of vodka and several glasses, and lemon wedges.
- Before we begin, what do you know about the red room?
****
Of course, the conversation with Natasha was not easy. The spy herself did not know much about the red room. As a person undergoing training, she was not told anything except about her goals. Therefore, after the transition to the shield and the "murder of General Dreykov ", the leader of the project, she decided to discard this stage of her life.
It was personal for her, so she didn't really share the information. So I had to tell her part of my erased biography. That after the disaster with my parents in the hospital, I was diagnosed with a mutant genome, although little was known about it at that time. This information came to Dreykov . Of course, he didn't throw away potential opportunities. Several years of study and training revealed many talents, including a talent for healing. Of course, the general tried to brainwash him so that he could control such a resource, but after the death of several dozen of his scientists who died even when they put their test subject under anesthesia, he stopped this and offered a deal. His desire was due to the fact that at that moment Natasha decided to visit him and after the explosion, his daughter was very badly injured, which pushed Dreykov to do this. After several weeks of work, no one could say that the mutant in the service did not make enough attempts to bring the little girl back to normal life. Dreykov's little daughter was injured not only physically but also mentally. It took a lot of work, but she could not be completely cured. The external wounds were not so difficult to remove, but she would always remain a little girl in her growing body. Watching his little daughter having fun in his arms again, Dreykov kept his promise and released his captive, of course, not just like that and they periodically kept in touch.
The news that Dreykov was alive, and the red room was alive with him. That her sister was now working for the general under suggestion really pissed Natasha off. Holding the gun pointed at me, she tried to find out more information, but it didn't make an impression, it only caused a grin. After holding the gun pointed at me for a minute, Natasha lowered it, took a few sips straight from the bottle. And made a decisive offer "give me back my sister and do with me whatever you want."
Of course, there is no point in rushing things in such matters, so the best course of action was to send her to a room to think a little about everything she had learned. Of course, after checking that there was no connection in that room.
Right now I'm sitting and thinking about how best to use the talents of a fatal beauty for my own benefit until I was distracted by a voice from the screen
- What's so special about her that all the men fuss over her? - the young girl who used to throw the ball into the hoop now looked at the owner of the house with a displeased face, which only caused a fit of laughter.
- You already know many of her talents, you're just jealous of her appearance Yumiko - the girl of Asian descent did not answer, but simply turned her head to the side with displeasure, which made it even more funny - you better tell me what is known about our "patriot" now?
Silently and discontentedly, but the girl on the screen simply waved her hand and the image itself changed. The screen now showed a recording of a man in a suit similar to Captain America, only in the tricolor of the Russian flag. Using a shield and a pistol, he gets to one of the armed men and simply throws him into the wall. The recording itself was made from a phone in the city where clashes between the groups had broken out again. The guard himself was covered by a detachment of soldiers in modern uniforms. In ten minutes, with the help of the superior force of the guard, both groups were neutralized.
- Are you sure he will do what you say? I think he is enjoying his power - the voice of the girl Yumiko was already heard from the speaker of the phone.
- Let him rejoice, these are his enemies for now, it will be interesting to see how he will calm mutants with different abilities. Besides, he needs to build up a reputation. Otherwise, it turns out somehow ugly that America has its own super soldier, and why are we worse?