Marvel: Trading with Worlds

"We only know the approximate location of Wakanda and some insignificant information. We have no data on their defense systems, military equipment, or personnel. We can't even find Wakanda on a map. Mr. Kain, do you know what that means?"

After Kain had stripped away Malik's facade, they revealed more than intended.

They had analyzed the value of vibranium, the outflow of personnel, and other scattered data, ultimately concluding that vibranium was critical for advancements in weapon development, aerospace technology, and beyond.

Its potential was revolutionary.

Captain America's shield is infused with vibranium—hard, lightweight, and nearly indestructible.

Hydra had spent years attempting to replicate it without success. If they could secure a large supply of vibranium, it would accelerate technological progress across countless fields.

"Strategic-level weapons aren't an option?" Kain asked.

"Correct," Malik replied bluntly. "The safest approach would be to deploy a large number of soldiers to sweep the area around Wakanda's approximate coordinates, using World War II-style tactics to overwhelm them."

Malik spoke without hesitation. As a high-ranking official on the S.H.I.E.L.D. oversight council, he didn't need to sugarcoat things. 

Even with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s influence, not even Alexander Pierce could justify waging war on Wakanda without a concrete reason.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is an organization meant to maintain global peace and ensure the safety of humanity," Malik added. "We're not warmongers."

Kain tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but pointed.

"So, Director Malik, do you have a way to raise Wakanda's threat level by one tier?"

Malik frowned slightly at the question.

"Level 7 already classifies them as a national security threat. That's sufficient for the U.S. to approach the situation with caution."

Kain chuckled softly, his tone laced with subtle mockery.

"Director Malik, I don't believe the United States would stand a chance against Wakanda—not with Congress breathing down its neck and politicians eager to protect their careers. The moment an operation doesn't go as planned, they'll switch tactics or pull out entirely. That would be a joke."

Kain could see it clearly: Malik—and the Hydra faction behind him—was intrigued. The allure of the most valuable metal on Earth coupled with the most advanced civilization was irresistible, even to Hydra.

Without Kain's insight, they might never have realized such a powerful nation existed hidden in the heart of Africa.

Malik leaned back slightly, his mask of indifference slipping.

"Mr. Kain, with enough super soldiers, I believe we could find… alternative methods to deal with Wakanda."

There it was—the real agenda.

Hydra viewed Wakanda as a long-term objective, but the Super Soldier Serum was a prize they could pursue immediately. 

The enhanced strength of Betty Ross's bodyguards had already exposed their potential—leaping three or four meters effortlessly, flipping cars with ease.

Meanwhile, the military was in the process of forming a second super soldier unit.

Without sufficient samples, Hydra's research into replicating the serum would take at least seven or eight years. The fastest solution? Get it from Kain.

Kain smiled thinly.

"Director Malik, I've always believed we could work well together. After all, we share many common interests. The benefits you'll gain from Wakanda far outweigh the value of a simple Extremis serum. Don't let your vision be so narrow."

With a casual shake of his head, Kain pulled out a vial of Extremis serum along with a stack of transaction documents detailing its effects—and precisely what he wanted in return.

For transactions with Hydra, Kain did not accept U.S. dollars. Instead, he demanded shares in several mining and construction companies in the United States—especially those with overseas operations.

The current supply channels of the factories under the Pent Group were no longer sufficient to meet the demands of constructing underground hives. 

On top of that, Vanke and his son had accumulated numerous other projects, further stretching resources thin.

There was a significant gap in the supply of steel, alloys, and other critical materials—let alone the weapons that would be sold to the military later. 

If the military had any sense, they'd place long-term orders, which would cause the demand for alloys to double—or even increase tenfold.

Supply chain bottlenecks were inevitable.

That's why Kain believed it was time to expand the Pent Group's resource channels. He possessed medicines highly sought after by the global elite and could leverage this to negotiate favorable deals with resource-rich nations.

Kain pulled out a vial of Extremis serum, along with a trade contract, and left behind a USB drive containing a catalog of weapons sold by the Pent Group, complete with demonstration videos.

Then, as he prepared to leave, he leaned in close to Malik, whispered into his ear,

"Hail Hydra."

Malik's pupils shrank sharply. He snapped his head around—

But Kain was gone.

The room was empty.

All that remained were the Extremis serum, the signed agreement, and the data drive resting in Malik's trembling hands.

For the first time, Malik felt… something unsettling.

"Stern!" Malik barked.

….

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