In the western Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and Sardinia, Italy, a cruise ship belonging to S.H.I.E.L.D. was navigating. Because it was a special cruise ship affiliated with S.H.I.E.L.D., any inquiry about its data, regardless of the source, would indicate that it did not exist.
Even in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own records, aside from the fact that it "existed," all other intelligence suggested it was nonexistent.
Whirlwind, moving at his fastest speed, rushed into the cruise ship with the spirits of his two companions. Then, the substances within the three containment units reacted, and the three individuals emerged from the opened containers.
"Welcome, gentlemen."
The one who greeted the three members of the Elementals was a massive device, a towering one-meter-twenty-centimeter-tall main computer. A large display screen on its front side showed a 3D-modeled human face. This main computer had mechanically manufactured limbs but no head; its head was replaced by an oversized camera.
"Ah, welcome, everyone. It seems the outcome this time wasn't ideal either."
The computer chuckled as it looked at the last containment unit: "Just as the satellite showed, Molten Man was captured by Spider-Man. Truly unexpected."
"Your intelligence has serious flaws, Zola. You never told me Spider-Man could use magic!" Hydro-Man, as the Elementals' leader, confronted the mainframe directly. Inside this mainframe was the chief scientist of HYDRA during World War II, Arnim Zola. He was supposed to have died in the 1970s, but HYDRA agents embedded within S.H.I.E.L.D. uploaded his brain data into the colossal mechanical host. Since then, he has lived on as a digital life form.
"Spider-Man can use magic, that is indeed new data. It seems Project Seven, conducted by Dr. Andrea Jensen and his student Morbius, has also been ruled out. How astonishing, I mean, regrettable."
Arnim Zola said this while marveling at Spider-Man's formidable power. Spider-Man had already become the most challenging target in the Weapon Expansion Program. Both Project Six and Project Seven, which involved magic, proved ineffective against him. Furthermore, he was the direct result of Project Two and Project Five.
Is it possible to apply other projects to him? It seems entirely possible...
Though deep in thought, Arnim Zola didn't forget the other three individuals. As a data life form, he was capable of multi-threaded thinking and computation. While pondering, he reassured the remaining three Elementals: "Don't worry, Spider-Man has only mastered methods to deal with you for now, but a real fight might not favor him. Besides, I specifically found a helper for you to fill the gap."
A helper?
The three looked over in confusion and saw a man walking out from the side. He appeared dazed and foolish. But as Zola snapped his fingers, the man quickly transformed into a burning figure.
Hydro-Man's expression instantly turned serious: "Are you planning to use him to replace Molten Man?"
"No, no, no. Just a temporary fill-in to cover the vacancy and help you eliminate Spider-Man."
"I know him." Sandman looked surprised: "That's Jim Hammond, the original Human Torch. HYDRA can even control its past adversaries?"
Yes, the Elementals and other enemies were different; they were aware of HYDRA's existence and served them. Hydro-Man and Whirlwind were initially criminals and easily recruited. Sandman was a mercenary who underwent modification for money, and Molten Man was simply a scientist who almost burned himself to death for cash.
The moral standards of this group were generally low. Furthermore, their interactions led them to believe that HYDRA wasn't actually propagating extreme ideologies; on the contrary, they seemed quite Americanized, which meant they had little resistance to joining.
However, upon realizing that a World War II hero had been transformed by HYDRA into their subordinate, they seemed to sense something... different.
Did we get on the wrong boat?
"Jim Hammond is inherently an android, a synthetic organism, not truly human. He's merely a Frankenstein," Zola said dismissively, showing no sign that he felt his actions were wrong. "He's different from you. He cannot fully transform into an elemental. But this actually offers benefits. Firstly, he has no soul, so he naturally won't be attacked by Spider-Man using soul-based methods. Secondly, he can fill Molten Man's void and fight the symbiote. Thirdly, he is very obedient and won't suddenly lose control and seek a solo challenge."
After exchanging glances, the three had no choice but to nod obediently.
Arnim Zola watched them leave contentedly. After working in the lab for a while longer, he received a report from his informants: the two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were indeed still alive. They appeared to be severely wounded and slowly left the catacombs.
Truly troublesome individuals. Yet, he had to admit that Nick Fury was a very capable and tenacious person. His intensity in investigating and clearing out S.H.I.E.L.D.'s interior had been frighteningly high this past year, forcing HYDRA to withdraw many of its tendrils to maintain secrecy. Even organizations like the Serpent Society, which hadn't been exposed publicly, entered a state of silence.
"Dispatch the Winter Soldier to eliminate those two... and for safety, have Taskmaster accompany him."
After issuing the orders, Zola initiated the Zola Algorithm. Finding the success rate was only seventy percent, he added an extra layer of insurance and felt secure. However, before he could get back to work, a door behind him opened.
A man wearing a purple mask walked out. The mask seemed to be fitted onto his face, moving with his breath.
"Baron Zemo."
Zola bowed very respectfully, looking quite comical. Zemo adjusted his clothes: "It seems your little toys aren't very effective, Zola."
"Actually, they aren't my little toys. I am merely coordinating the Weapon Expansion Program—and this is only a small part of HYDRA's grand blueprint, the Super-Soldier section," Zola's large screen displayed a face with a flattering smile. He rubbed his hands and asked curiously: "How do you feel, Baron?"
"When I lost my own face, the feeling was very peculiar. I seem to be able to become anyone."
Zemo stroked his mask. In a flash, he transformed into someone Zola was very familiar with, the Red Skull. After another moment, he transformed into Captain America.
"It is absolutely perfect, Arnim. Now, I have found a path. The Avengers will not know that I am their friend. And the Captain will pay the price for splashing the X-Virus on my face and killing my father."
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