A meeting of higher ups

Steve Rogers sat at the end of the conference table. He gazed up at the large screen on the opposite wall that showed the faceless portraits of nearly a dozen people who had joined the private meeting remotely.

"Director Rogers, would you kindly update the security council on the current status of project 'Ultra'" one of the faceless individuals said.

Steve nodded. "Very well, councilman. Subject Ultra has completed his training and is ready to be deployed as our newest asset. Exhaustive studies have concluded that due to a genetic quirk, Subject Ultra's physiology has responded radically differently to the effects of Hydra's Anti-Supersoldier serum. I believe we are looking at the first male super-soldier in existence."

"Are the effects replicable?" Asked another shadowy council member.

"Negative. Even if we procure another subject with the similar genetic signature and replicate their methods and conditions, the chance of awakening that mutation is infinitesimally small. In short, that kid was very, very lucky."

"Noted. We will maintain observations for now. Meanwhile, proceed with the final stages of project Ultra," a council member said.

"With respect, sir," Steve said, "I don't think the kid is operation ready. Training is one thing, but the kid has never known war. I think it's too soon."

"We understand your concerns, Director Rogers," a councilwoman said, "And we are in complete agreement. Ultra is not yet suited for a role within HALBERD. That's why we would like HALBERD to loan him to SHIELD."

"SHIELD?" Steve asked, "You're putting him on Fury's Avengers Initiative?"

"That is correct. The work they do is perfect to get Ultra's operational proficiencies up to the level that HALBERD requires. A couple of years with the Avengers should be sufficient for him to shape up."

Steve took a deep, contemplative breath. "Why not transfer him over to SHIELD entirely? HALBERD isn't exactly in dire need of another operative."

"We would prefer to keep the individuals affiliated with the supersoldier serum in one place where we can better monitor them. If knowledge of the serum's history gets out, it could spur further research into it and cause untold chaos."

"Understood," Steve replied glumly.

"You sound unhappy, Director. Is there an issue with project Ultra?"

"If you'd pardon my French," Steve said, "The kid is kind of a jackass..."