—Germany, Fischer Empire Security Division
"This facility belongs to the German military."
"It houses a vast collection of military research projects, prototype experimental weaponry, and rare material samples," Cortana reported, detailing information about the Empire's Security Division.
"The iridium storage warehouse, designated K18, has already been breached by Agent Natasha Romanoff with the aid of a Rhodes Island Industries electronic infiltration system."
"The material has been retrieved and is en route to Rhodes Island's headquarters for safekeeping."
"Sounds like we should take a look inside. Who knows what other valuable items they have?"
"Would you like me to deploy electronic infiltration drones to access the inventory database?" Cortana asked.
"If we connect to the Rhodes Island mainframe via the 'Argos' Project, we can accelerate decryption speeds and bypass military-grade encryption—"
"Ahem! Stop! Just stop! We're not here to steal anything!" Kagura interrupted.
"We're here to capture Hawkeye, not—well, not steal… exactly."
The girl sat perched on the rooftop, gazing at the city lights under the night sky, relishing the cool evening breeze.
"Anyway, do we have an update on Hawkeye's movements? Based on our predictions, they should be arriving any moment now."
"Unknown armed personnel detected, approaching from the perimeter," Cortana reported, relaying real-time reconnaissance data from the 'Argos' Project.
"Data match complete. Identification confirmed: Agent Clint Barton."
"North American Equipment Station orbital adjustments are complete."
"Support directives are ready. EE1DII drones have been deployed."
"Optical camouflage engaged."
"Heh heh heh~ hmm hmm~ hmm~" Kagura hummed a little tune as she watched the approaching intruders sneaking their way toward the facility.
"Well, well… here they come. 'Operation: Capture Hawkeye' is officially underway!"
"Recon team, report the situation at the target site."
"This is the recon team. We've reached the perimeter of the target location. No signs of security personnel. I repeat, no security personnel present."
"What? No security? Confirm again! This is the Empire's Security Division we're talking about."
"Understood. Conducting visual and night-vision scans for confirmation."
"Status update?"
"Recon team here. We've completed another sweep. No signs of security personnel. The place appears completely abandoned."
"No one? That doesn't make any sense..."
"Hawkeye, what's the call? Do we proceed?"
"Since we're here, we finish the mission. Move forward."
"Roger that. Recon team moving into designated warehouse K18. Assault and cover teams, follow in!"
S.H.I.E.L.D. had many enemies.
Aside from their century-long rivalry with HYDRA, they also faced numerous armed factions, rival intelligence agencies, and shadowy crime syndicates lurking beneath society's surface.
Finding well-equipped and battle-hardened operatives among S.H.I.E.L.D.'s adversaries wasn't difficult.
After falling under Loki's control, Hawkeye recruited an elite force, brainwashing them with Loki's scepter.
This unit was loyal only to Loki, forming a formidable team skilled in advanced combat tactics and wielding cutting-edge weaponry.
They were so well-coordinated they could rival or even surpass most special operations units worldwide.
For them, infiltrating a simple security facility was hardly a challenge.
Especially when the facility appeared… deserted?
With precise execution, Hawkeye's team swiftly secured warehouse K18 and the surrounding area without encountering a single threat.
The mission was progressing smoothly.
Standing before the warehouse entrance, Hawkeye retrieved a remote biological tissue replication device, pressing it against the retinal scanner.
Everything was ready.
All that remained was for Loki—stationed in the city center—to transmit Dr. Heinrich Seifer's eye data through the replication device, unlocking the warehouse door remotely.
A soft night breeze rustled through the air.
Hawkeye suddenly furrowed his brows. "Did someone… put on perfume?"
The surrounding operatives—all rugged, battle-hardened men—looked at each other in confusion.
Perfume? Hardly their style. They shook their heads, puzzled by Hawkeye's question.
But his instincts were right.
A faint, refreshing fragrance drifted in the air, subtle enough that only someone with heightened senses—like Hawkeye—could detect it.
"Neural restraint disruption gas deployed," Cortana's voice echoed through Kagura's earpiece.
"This gas was designed to counteract Winter Soldier's brainwashing techniques. Let's see if it works against Loki's mind control."
Hawkeye's mind clouded over.
A battle of consciousness waged inside his head—two conflicting voices fighting for dominance.
"Something's off!" His sharp instincts kicked in, warning his team. "Stay alert!"
"Recon team, report!"
"All clear. The night breeze feels nice. No signs of hostiles."
"That's what's strange... This bad feeling won't go away..." Hawkeye's thoughts tangled.
"Why am I here again? Who ordered me to retrieve the iridium? Loki? Yes, I must obey Loki... Wait—who is Loki?"
"Cortana, status update?" Kagura asked through her comms. "Is my 'magic perfume' working?"
"According to Argos' surveillance, the neural disruption gas is taking effect. However, the mind control is deeply embedded. Physical intervention is recommended."
"Got it. Looks like it's time for some hands-on action!" Kagura nodded.
"Orbital Station 'Halo 7,' anti-infantry equipment module, commence payload drop. EE1DII drone, deterrence mode, three-second delay. Activate!"
"Command confirmed, Master."
'Beep. Beep. Beep.'
'BZZZT—!'
A sudden, high-frequency sonic blast erupted.
Camouflaged above the security division, the EE1DII drone unleashed a devastating wave of directed sound energy upon Hawkeye and his squad.
Originally developed as an advanced reconnaissance drone, the EE1D model used ultrasonic resonance to detect hidden personnel and enemy placements inside structures.
It had even been used in the past to track down 'Whiplash.'
The newly upgraded EE1DII drone, however, introduced a powerful new function—adjustable sonic waves capable of stunning and incapacitating targets within range.
Hawkeye's team was thrown into chaos.
Their limbs went numb, heads spun, and ears rang violently, leaving them temporarily incapacitated.
Hawkeye gritted his teeth, shaking off the disorienting effects.
He steadied himself, raising his bow to take down the hovering drone.
"Hey, hey! Stop right there!" A playful voice echoed from the rooftop of warehouse K18. "Don't go breaking my toys!"
Hawkeye turned toward the voice.
Perched on the edge of the rooftop sat a striking young woman in a form-fitting outfit.
She crossed her legs, gazing down at the incapacitated operatives with an amused smirk.
The night wind tousled her silk-like hair, making for an almost surreal, picturesque sight.
"Mmm, mmm, impressive. Even under these conditions, you can still draw your bow. Clint Barton, you're just full of surprises," she mused, grinning mischievously.