Upon hearing the words "Insight Project," Voss's heart nearly skipped a beat. Still, he forced himself to look confused.
"Insight Project? What's that supposed to be?"
Pierce's eyes sharpened."Don't play dumb, Mr. Voss. In your novel, you described Hydra's ultimate weapon—three Helicarriers, armed with advanced systems, able to wipe out millions of people at once. That is almost identical to Project Insight."
Voss widened his eyes in mock shock."What? That's insane. I just write stories—how could I possibly know about any secret operation?"
"Is that so?" Pierce pulled a file from his drawer. "Then explain this: why does your novel also mention the Winter Soldier?"
Voss's stomach sank, though he kept up the act."The Winter Soldier? Isn't that just a character I made up? A brainwashed super-soldier."
"'Fictional'?" Pierce sneered. "James Buchanan Barnes—Steve Rogers' friend—was recovered by Hydra after falling from a cliff in World War II. He was turned into the Winter Soldier. You described these details exactly."
The room's tension thickened. Artoria stood ready despite her bound hands, her will to fight unshaken.
Voss took a long breath. There was no sense in denying everything now."Alright. I'll drop the act. I know some things. But that doesn't make me your enemy."
"Oh?" Pierce leaned in. "Then what do you call yourself?"
"An ordinary man who wants to survive." Voss shrugged. "I'm just a writer. No powers, no training, no secret past. What threat am I to you?"
"You know too much," Pierce said coldly. "That alone makes you a threat."
"Then cooperate with me." Voss countered suddenly. "I'll work for Hydra."
That stopped everyone cold. Even Pierce looked surprised. Artoria and Aqua stared in shock, while Tom nearly sprang from his cage and Jerry froze wide-eyed.
"Work with us?" Pierce's voice turned mocking. "You'd join Hydra?"
"Why not?" Voss spread his hands. "You're about to rule the world. Better to stand with the winners than against them."
Aqua bit her tongue, remembering Voss's warning not to speak. She trusted him deep down, but his performance was frighteningly convincing.
"Do you think I'll actually believe that?" Pierce asked.
"Do I even have a choice?" Voss replied with a bitter smile. "I'm in your headquarters, surrounded by your people. If I don't cooperate, I die here."
Pierce studied him, then asked, "So, tell me. What can you do for Hydra?"
"I can keep writing." Voss said calmly. "Use my novels to spread Hydra's message. Get people used to your ideas. Make the transition smoother when you take over."
Pierce tapped his fingers on the desk. "Interesting. But how do I know you won't betray us?"
"Because I don't want to die," Voss answered plainly. "And because my friends are in your hands. I won't gamble with their lives."
Pierce's eyes flicked to Artoria and Aqua. They were clearly important to him.
"Then prove your sincerity." Pierce leaned forward. "Tell me where Steve Rogers is."
Voss's pulse jumped, but he forced confusion."Steve? Captain America? How would I know?"
"He visited you two days ago. Our surveillance caught it."
"Oh, that," Voss said with sudden realization. "Yeah, he came by. Said S.H.I.E.L.D. was interested in my book. We talked, and he left. I have no clue where he went afterward."
"He hasn't contacted you?"
"No." Voss shook his head. "I don't even have his number. I'm just a writer—why would Captain America share that with me?"
Pierce scrutinized him carefully, but Voss's act held firm.
"Your acting is impressive," Pierce admitted, retreating to his desk. "But I've lived too long to trust anyone so easily."
"Everything I've said is the truth," Voss replied with an innocent look.
"Perhaps," Pierce murmured, sipping his coffee. "But I won't kill you—not yet."
Voss exhaled slowly inside, though he kept his nervous front."Then what happens to us?"
"You'll witness Hydra's triumph," Pierce said, eyes burning with fanaticism. "When Project Insight launches this afternoon, you'll see the world reshaped for true peace."
Voss cursed silently. This lunatic really believes it.
"Those so-called heroes—resistors like Steve Rogers—will vanish into history's dust. And you, Mr. Voss, will see the birth of a new era."
"Then I definitely want in." Voss forced a smile. "After all, the victors write the history books. I'll make sure Hydra's victory is remembered."
"You're clever." Pierce gave a nod. "But trust takes time. Until then, I'll make sure you don't become a problem."
He pressed his desk intercom. "Rumlow. In here."
Seconds later, Rumlow entered. "Sir?"
"Take them down to B-17. Secure quarters. Watch them closely, but don't mistreat them—they're our guests."
"Understood."
Pierce added, "And Rumlow—those two girls matter. Keep them safe. If Voss gets any ideas, they'll be useful leverage."
Voss put on a worried expression. "Mr. Pierce, I agreed to cooperate. You wouldn't hurt them, would you?"
Inwardly, he sneered. Yes, yes, leverage them harder. Just dig your own grave faster.
"They'll be fine—if you behave." Pierce's smile was thin, laced with threat.
"Let's move." Rumlow gestured.
Voss glanced at Artoria and Aqua. They looked calm, but their eyes blazed with fury. Tom and Jerry stayed perfectly in character, playing the part of harmless pets.
The group returned to the elevator, which sank down to level B-17.
The doors opened on a narrow corridor lined with heavy metal doors. Each had a window—obviously cells for high-value prisoners.
"This is S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secure containment wing," Rumlow said. "Special holding for sensitive targets."
If Steve's been caught, this is where he'd be, Voss thought.
Rumlow stopped at a cell, keyed in a code, and opened it."Inside."
The cell was surprisingly spacious—two beds, a table, even a private bathroom.
"You'll stay here. Use the wall button if you need anything."
"What about our pets?" Voss asked, pointing to the cage.
"They stay with you." Rumlow set it on the table. "But the cages stay locked. Security rules."
"Understood." Voss nodded. Secretly, he was relieved—it made Tom and Jerry's cover even safer.