Chapter 230: The Missing Captain Marvel

Based on Garrett’s memories, Baron Strucker was originally active during World War II. A master swordsman and marksman, he was considered on par with Red Skull. Strucker died in an accident involving a spore bomb, but Hydra scientists later revived him. His resurrected body was enhanced with formidable abilities, and he continued researching superpowers, capturing and creating numerous Hydra-powered operatives.

In addition to Hive and Baron Strucker, Hydra boasted other formidable figures, such as Madame Hydra and Baron Zemo.

Yes, in this universe, Baron Zemo wasn’t the Sokovian colonel but one of Hydra’s top leaders during World War II, equal in rank to Red Skull and Baron Strucker.

Hydra's scientific team included notables like Zola, List, and Faust. However, this version of Zola diverged from his film counterpart. In the movies, Zola was diagnosed with terminal illness in 1972 and transferred his consciousness into a massive computer housed in a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. facility in New Jersey.

Here, Zola transplanted his consciousness into a robotic body, allowing him to move freely and continue his experiments. Garrett had even met him personally.

Seeing Zola’s robotic body solidified Garrett's decision to join Hydra, believing they could transform his own failing body.

“This Hydra is stronger than the one in the movies, but still manageable,” George mused.

Though this version of Hydra was significantly more formidable than its cinematic counterpart, George didn’t see them as a major threat given his current abilities.

“Any findings?” Natasha stepped forward as George appeared lost in thought.

Snapping out of it, George smiled.

“Both of them are Hydra operatives. They’ve been relaying information to Hydra, which is why you were ambushed.”

He paused before continuing, “Although their memories suggest only these two are Hydra agents, I’ll need to scan everyone’s memories just to be certain.”

“No problem. Start with me,” Coulson volunteered.

George didn’t hesitate and used Legilimency combined with telepathy to swiftly browse through Coulson’s memories.

Coulson’s life was straightforward: he admired superheroes from a young age, was a devoted fan of Captain America, joined the Army Rangers, and later S.H.I.E.L.D., rising through the ranks alongside Nick Fury.

But something was off.

“Why is there no memory of Captain Marvel?” George muttered.

In the movies, Coulson and Fury had both encountered Captain Marvel and the Skrulls in their younger days. While their interaction with Carol Danvers was brief, it should have left a lasting impression.

“Could it be... this universe has no Captain Marvel?”

Unlike the cinematic universe, this world wasn’t bound by the same rules. Perhaps there was no Captain Marvel, no Skrulls, and thus no specialized pager to summon her.

“This universe keeps getting more complicated.”

For George, this revelation wasn’t entirely good news.

The changes didn’t just strengthen Hydra or eliminate Captain Marvel, who would’ve been a key ally against Thanos. These deviations also meant many of his assumptions based on movie plots might be wrong.

Previously, George believed his growing strength would make him more than ready to face Thanos and his army when the time came. But now, the uncertainties were piling up.

If, instead of the Infinity Gauntlet Thanos, the universe produced a Heart of the Universe Thanos, things could get catastrophic.

“Looks like I can’t afford to slack off,” George thought, his resolve firming.

After scanning Coulson’s memories, he checked those of Natasha and the others. Fortunately, the rest were loyal S.H.I.E.L.D. agents with no ties to Hydra.

“This means Fury is really dead,” George concluded.

Initially, George thought Fury might have a chance at revival, given his knowledge of the Kree and their GH-325 serum. The serum, derived from Kree blood, could resurrect the dead but came with severe side effects. In the TV series, Fury used it to revive Coulson.

But without Captain Marvel or the Kree, the serum likely didn’t exist in this universe. Fury’s death was final.

While George wasn’t particularly affected by Fury’s demise, he acknowledged it might simplify things. Fury’s controlling nature and obsession with holding all the strings often led to unnecessary complications. Having someone like Coulson take over as director seemed more appealing.

“George, we’ve got company,” Xavier’s telepathic voice echoed in George’s mind, accompanied by transmitted visuals.

S.H.I.E.L.D.-marked helicopters filled the skies above the school, as Hydra soldiers armed with energy weapons rappelled down. Tanks rolled into the area, signaling a large-scale assault.

“They’ve brought tanks. Looks like Pierce has fully taken control of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” George remarked.

It was clear Hydra was done with subtlety. With Garrett and Grant unable to relay intel, and the Winter Soldiers unable to locate Black Widow and the others, Hydra resorted to brute force, launching an all-out search and attack.

The room’s monitors displayed Hydra’s advancing forces.

“Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D. is finished,” Garrett sneered. “Hydra is far more powerful than you realize. Stop resisting and join us.

With my recommendation, you can secure a much higher position than you ever had at S.H.I.E.L.D. When Hydra unifies the world, you might even get your own territory—a small country to rule as king, free to do whatever you please.”

Coulson turned to Hawkeye.
“You got any of those shock arrows left? I’d love to use one on him, watch him drool on the floor while we keep an eye on Hydra’s antics.”

As a die-hard Captain America fan, Coulson joined S.H.I.E.L.D. out of a genuine desire to protect the world. Betrayal by his trusted mentor and the thought of siding with Hydra were unthinkable.