Pierce's eyes went wide for a split second, before his gaze focussed on Theresa with an expression she definitely did not like.

"You've heard a lot about me over the last few days. Some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it's time to know the truth."

Of course the righteous Captain America would be there to save the day. Let everyone know what's really going on.

Then again, the Stark woman had no idea what Project Insight truly was herself, having no clearance for it. So, this might be the right thing.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is not what we thought it was. It's been taken over by HYDRA. Alexander Pierce is their leader."

The members of the World Security Council turned their heads towards where Pierce stood with the doctor, obvious shock and confusion written across their features.

"The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want: absolute control. They shot Nick Fury, and it won't end there." 

The accident with Nick Fury. Theresa remembered James returning from that mission for the first time and how angry Pierce had been to find out that the Winter Soldier had failed. The second try, though, was the success he had sought for.

"If you launch those Helicarriers today HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way... unless we stop them. And I know I'm asking a lot."

Anyone who stands in their way was quite a loose description, Theresa thought to herself. But, judging by the look on Pierce's face, she seemed to belong to those people now.

"The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not."

The doors opened and the STRIKE team that had escorted Theresa here entered the room.

They walked past Alexander and Theresa, towards the council members.

"You knew the Captain was here and you didn't stop him?"

She should have guessed he would jump to those types of conclusion.

"No, sir, that's not-"

"You didn't stop him, why? Because you thought you could save yourself with this? Save your nephew?"

"No, sir, I swear, I didn't know-"

"Stop the lies, doctor. I know what you're thinking. But this won't happen. The Helicarriers will start and they will never be taken down from the sky once they're up."

Theresa pressed her lips to a thin line and shook her head.

"Sir, this was not why I came."

The man before her, however, continued to ignore her words.

"Do you want to know who's one of the top targets of the list?"

The way he asked this question was enough for her to know. Enough for her emotions to start taking over. Her eyes began to glimmer in the lighting, a light film of tears visible if you looked close.

"No."

"Your nephew."

"Sir, you can't do this. You promised me-"

"Promises are made to be broken, doctor. Your nephew is a threat I cannot risk surviving this. And, since you knew of the Captain being here and didn't do anything about it, you gave me all the more reason to put him on this list."

Theresa blinked multiple times and shook her head. She knew that he had planned this all along, promise or not, she just didn't want to realize it.

"If he's gonna die anyways, I suppose you don't mind me doing this."

Her hand snapped up to the side of his head, but before she could get into action, the words he spoke were enough to stop her.

"You can save him though."

It's a lie. He's lying. It was way too obvious, but it was enough to make her halt.

"You're lying."

"Let me make you an offer."

She didn't want to listen. But with her nod, she motioned him to continue anyways.

"I will order for him to be taken off the target list. I will allow you to see him."

The Stark's eyes widened in disbelief.

Pierce would let her see him?

After all these years?

"Where's the catch?"

The man chuckled softly and glanced towards the council members, being  held hostage by the STRIKE squad.

"Help me keep them under control until the Helicarriers are up in the air and have fired. I'll make  sure your nephew is off the list and afterwards you can immediately go see him."

It sounded too good to be true. 

A part of her knew he was only saying this to keep her under his control.

The other part, though, was weak. Unable to tell apart if he was really being truthful or if he was just lying again and she didn't know what it was. Didn't know what to do.

Well, it's not like her heart already knew what to choose.

Theresa needed Pierce to stop her pain.

"Understood."

Her hand dropped, but Pierce's smile seemed to broaden.

He knew he had her in his claws, she knew he had her in his claws, but she still didn't fight against it.

He was her source and she was his power.

And with someone else in the picture other than her nephew, the man knew that she had no other choice but to obey.

"Good decision."

Pierce then turned back towards the council members and made his way towards them, the Stark following almost timidly.

Pierce knew just how hesitant she was, only wanting to use her ability when necessary, but, with her so close to breaking, he knew he only needed to use a single word to change that.

"What if Pakistan marched into Mumbai tomorrow, and you knew they were going to drag your daughter into a soccer stadium for execution, and you could stop it with a flick of the switch..."

Pierce handed Councilman Singh a glass of champagne, who had no other choice but to take it.

"Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you all?"

Singh seemed to ponder for a moment, before he said "Not if it's your switch."

He threw the glass away, earning a smile from Pierce.

Rollins seemed to get the message and gave the other man his gun.

The gun was pointed towards Singh and Theresa was sure it was just to make a sign.

To show them he had control, and not just over a young doctor prodigy from over seventy years ago.

His plan was ruined however, when the woman of the Council kicked Singh to the side and then proceeded to attack Pierce and take out the other STRIKE members with ease.

Theresa stood back, unwilling to get involved, despite what Pierce had asked of her.

The woman stood, gun raised towards Pierce, who didn't dare move closer to any weapon nearby.

The woman proceeded with taking off her mask and pulling off her wig.

"I'm sorry. Did I step on your moment?"

Pierce waited, for what, Theresa didn't know. She knew though when his gaze flickered in her direction for a split second.

"Not mine."

The agent with the gun tilted her head.

"Hers."

And with that, Theresa had the attention of all of those left standing on her.

"May I introduce to you, my greatest weapon, Dr. Stark."

A shiver rolled down Theresa's back.

The eyes of those unknowing widened.

Her hand twitched.

"Thasia."