"Mr. Reath, are you telling me you found Captain America's body by pure accident? Doesn't that strike you as suspiciously convenient?" The agent watching me was barely hiding his skepticism.
"Well... maybe just a little," I admitted, letting a small smile slip.
"Then tell me, how exactly did you come across the Captain? And what were you doing out in the middle of the Arctic wasteland?" The man's eyes narrowed, trying to read the truth from my face.
"I was admiring the snowy beauty," I replied. "Just taking in the beguiling, unfathomable wonders of nature. Have you somehow missed the splendor surrounding us? What a cold soul you must have, Agent Coulson."
Yes, sitting across from me with an air of utmost importance was none other than Phillip Coulson—one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s elite operatives.
"Are you dodging the question, Mr. Reath?" Phil pressed.
"And your bodyguard isn't exactly forthcoming, either."
"What do you actually want?" I deflected. "Look, we were exploring the Arctic like any adventure-seeker might when we stumbled across a man frozen in the ice—someone who looked alarmingly like the legendary World War II hero, Captain America. Even then, the man's pulse was discernible. In situations like that, every second counts, you need help right away. So, as any law-abiding citizen would, we called in the emergency services. But then, out of nowhere, a bunch of strangers appeared, said they were agents of some S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, and started interrogating us as if we were criminals, not concerned explorers. Not a hello or a thank you. They could have at least offered us a cup of hot tea."
"Apologies for the rough treatment, but you must understand—we're dealing with a matter of the highest national significance," Coulson said with sudden intensity. "A missing American icon, found alive? Think about what that means to this country."
I could see how much it affected him. Captain America—his childhood hero. I'd even noticed trading cards peeking out from his pocket. The idea that the legendary supersoldier wasn't just discovered, but resurrected from the ice, had clearly shaken Coulson to the core. Of course, given the gravity, it was no surprise that Sasha and I were being interrogated by a government agency; every detail needed to be sorted, every question swiftly answered.
"I understand the significance, Agent Coulson. And I know how explosive this news will be for the public. That's why your attitude towards me confuses me. Usually in cases , people hand out medals, maybe certificates of honor—at the very least, some gratitude for rendering a major service to the country. In exchange for restoring our greatest defender, all I've received is suspicion and exasperation. Would you care to explain why you're so biased against me? I assure you, I'm a thoroughly law-abiding citizen..."
"What brought you to the Arctic?" interrupted a calm yet commanding female voice.
A short-haired brunette stepped around the corner, her eyes like glaciers—calm, sharp, and utterly devoid of warmth. I met her gaze, curiosity piqued.
"Since you've joined our little gathering, shouldn't you introduce yourself?" I asked, attempting to study her face for any tell.
"Agent Maria Hill," she replied—cool, precise, and instantly familiar. Even without Coulson's introduction, I recognized her: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Deputy Director, Nick Fury's closest confidant, known as "The Commander." She wasn't someone who wasted time on pleasantries or emotions.
"Maria...A beautiful name for a beautiful woman," I offered, hoping to break the ice (pun intended). Her unmoving face made it clear: my attempt at charm had missed its mark.
"Don't waste your breath, Mr. Reath," Coulson muttered in my ear. "Winning her favor is impossible."
It sounded like he'd tried and failed—and I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
"I repeat my question: what brought you here?" Hill asked, closing the distance between us.
"The enigmatic vastness of the Arctic has always called to me," I said, waxing poetic about nature again. "I dreamed of exploring its glaciers, encountering its wildlife and witnessing the northern lights. These lands are filled with mysteries waiting to be unearthed—and as you can see, fortune smiled on me."
"Fortune indeed," Hill replied dryly, seating herself across from me. "First visit and you discover this. Quite the odds."
"What can I say? Luck seems to follow me." I grinned brighter, noticing how it irritated everyone in the room.
"You're not a nobody, Mr. Reath—a minor celebrity, even," Coulson reminded me.
"Oh come on, I'm only just starting out in the entertainment world. Trust me, there's plenty of room to grow," I replied with modesty that was only half feigned.
"Be that as it may, you're in a position to create a public spectacle—and that's what we'd like to delay," he said.
"Not to reveal my discovery to anyone," I finished for him.
"Exactly. For now, it must stay confidential."
"I understand. You have my word."
"So what are your plans now? More arctic trekking?" Maria asked.
"No, Miss Hill. I think I've trudged through enough snow for one lifetime. I'm heading home," I replied, then added, "Though who knows? In time, I may revisit—maybe find something else incredible."
"On behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., let me thank you for your actions. What you've done won't be forgotten," she said, her tone grave.
"Uh, sure," I replied, awkwardly scratching my head. "By the way, if you get the chance, let the Captain know who freed him from his icy prison."
"Trying to put Captain America in your debt?" Coulson said, half-admonishing.
"Of course! Who wouldn't want an ally like that?"
Hill shook her head, amused despite herself.
"And who knows," I continued, drawing out my words dramatically, "one day, maybe Steve and I will be friends."
"You know the Captain's real identity?" Phil seemed genuinely caught off guard.
"Any true fan of the first super-soldier knows. It's not exactly a state secret—you of all people should know that."
Phil glanced at Maria, searching her face for a reaction.
"It makes sense," she said at last, still scrutinizing me. "You don't have to worry—I'll make sure he knows his benefactor's name."
"Perfect. So, am I free to go?"
The agents exchanged a silent look and finally nodded. Hill rose and strode out, while Coulson offered me his hand.
"It was a pleasure, Mr. Reath. Again, sorry for the disturbance. You understand—the situation is highly irregular. Please don't take it personally, and best of luck to you. By the way, I'm a bit of a fan, myself."
"All's well," I replied, shaking his hand firmly.
"In that case, until next time. Take care."
"See you tomorrow, perhaps."
****************************
"What's your impression?" Coulson asked after Alex had left, turning to the brooding brunette.
"There's something off about him," Hill admitted, voicing the doubts that plagued her. "I don't believe a word he says."
"Not exactly... More like he's holding something back. What are the odds that someone just 'stumbles' on a super soldier lost for over seventy years in a godforsaken place ?"
"So we stick with the theory: he came to the Arctic for a specific reason—to find Captain America. But why? He didn't take the shield or Rogers himself. And how did he know where to look? Did he already know Steve Rogers was alive?"
Coulson ran through the possibilities aloud, frustration creeping into his voice. "It doesn't add up. If he was really targeting Captain America, why report his discovery? Why not simply vanish once he got what he wanted? Instead, he inserted himself right into the center of the situation, almost inviting scrutiny. And the way he's treated us…"
Hill nodded, her expression troubled. "There's still too much we don't know. For now, let's watch him closely. If he really has some connection to Captain Rogers, it could be vital—or dangerous." She glanced one last time in the direction Alex had left, her suspicion unswayed by his easy answers or quick smiles.
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