Lockup
“If Joe’s awake, he’ll be able to tell you where you can find the Darkhold.” Frederick stated as Coulson, Ward, and Frederick gathered on the Zephyr. “He was the last one to have it. He and Lucy were always so secretive with the damn thing.”
“Eli mentioned it when I visited him.” Ward stated. “Said Joseph and Lucy were playing God with that thing.”
“What else did Eli tell you?” Frederick asked.
“Nothing much.” Ward replied. “Just that there was an accident and Joseph was responsible.”
“The lying sonofabitch.” Frederick scoffed. “I’m willing to bet he attacked Joseph to find out where the book is.”
“Coulson I just received word from the hospital.” Mack stated as he came over. “Joseph Bauer vanished.”
“Shit.” Ward groaned. “Lucy probably grabbed him.”
“Looks like we’re gonna need to talk with Eli Morrow again.” Coulson stated. “If he beat Joseph looking for the Darkhold maybe he was able to get it outta him.”
“We probably shouldn’t mention that part to the matchstick though.” Mack said. “We can just say we’re extracting him so he can help us.”
“Okay.” Coulson replied. “Ward, looks like you’re finally gonna see the inside of a real prison cell.”
“Nice.” Ward scowled. “I’ll go contact the Warden.
“How should we handle this if we find the Darkhold?” Mack asked as Ward left.
“Fury was known to open Pandora’s Box from time to time but even he was afraid of this thing.” Coulson stated. “So we’re gonna be very careful with it once we’ve got it.”
---
“And done.” Simmons said as she finished placing the finished doses of the cure into the case.
“Alright!” Lincoln grinned. “Now we can cure people who get touched by these ghosts without, ya know, killing them.”
“Exactly.” Simmons nodded. Lincoln noticed she seemed a bit distant at the moment.
“Is everything alright?” Lincoln asked.
“Yes of course.” Simmons replied. “It’s just… Fitz has seemed a bit distant lately. Sort of secretive. He says he’s spending more time with Donnie and Radcliffe in the lab but I feel like there’s something going on that he’s not telling me about.”
“You don’t think he’s cheating on you do you?” Lincoln frowned.
“Oh God no.” Simmons shook her head. “Fitz would never do that. He just seems more withdrawn lately.”
“Well I mean not to offer my opinion where it’s not wanted but you have been spending an awful lot of time here.” Lincoln said. “He might just be missing you ya know. I mean when was the last time you guys were able to carve out some time for each other?”
“Fair point.” Simmons sighed. “So what do you suggest?”
“Talk to Mace.” Lincoln suggested. “He seems like a pretty reasonable guy. Just tell him you need some personal time and ask for a day or two off. You’ve been busting your ass ever since you became the Chief Scientific Officer or whatever your official title is.”
“Special Advisor of Science and Technology.” Simmons corrected.
“Yes that.” Lincoln nodded. “Anyway, you’ve been working really hard since Mace took over for Coulson. Just talk to him or delegate some of your lesser tasks and make time for you and Fitz to have a nice romantic evening.”
“Has anyone ever told you you give really good advice?” Simmons chuckled.
“Yes but I’m happy to hear it again.” Lincoln chuckled. He gently grabbed the case with the cure and closed the lid. “I should get this to Coulson.” Simmons nodded and Lincoln strode out of the lab.
---
Fitz and Donnie had been discussing ways to improve Adia when they arrived at Radcliffe’s house. They were greeted with a rather unpleasant shock when they saw Aida out and talking to May.
“Why is she…” Donnie pointed.
“What the hell?!” Fitz hissed. Radcliffe strode out of his lab and noticed the way the shock on the faces of the two men.
“Is there a problem?” Radcliffe asked.
“Adia’s out of her box and talking to Agent May.” Donnie said softly.
“Why are you not more concerned by this?” Fitz demanded.
“Well because I let her out.” Radcliffe answered. Fitz’s eyes went wide as he clapped his hands together.
“Are you mad?” he exclaimed in a whisper.
“No I’m just a scientist.” Radcliffe scoffed.
“You know those aren’t mutually exclusive right?” Donnie frowned. “This seems a bit risky letting Agent May see her.”
“Yes I know it’s a risk but it’s one we have to take.” Radcliffe explained. “You two have improved her social cues dramatically and this is the ultimate Turing Test. Who better to put Adia through her paces than the most discerning, formidable agent SHIELD has to offer?”
“Don’t let Ward here you say that.” Fitz murmured.
---
Kara was watching as Mace gave Kellerman a tour of the base when Lincoln materialized behind her.
“So that’s our future President?” Lincoln asked.
“After what happened in Chicago it’s pretty likely.” Kara nodded. “Grant’s worked with him before and he seems like an alright guy.”
“Better than the other candidate.” Lincoln shrugged. “Senator Nadeer’s saying she’s gonna bring the policies of the Sokovia Accords back to the US.”
“Well Kellerman’s about to become a national hero.” Kara shrugged. “Helped knock down corruption in the mayoral office of Chicago, saved a number of hostages, and he’s already pretty popular among those who know about The Company and his role in bringing them down.”
“Looks like you’re gonna get your team.” Lincoln nudged Kara’s shoulder.
“Looks like.” Kara smiled. “How’s May doing?”
“She’s alright.” Lincoln answered. “On the mend at Radcliffe’s. Simmons and I were able to make a cure for ghost insanity. If you’re not doing anything, I gotta get this thing to Coulson. Wanna come along?”
“I can’t.” Kara sighed. “Mace wants me here so Kellerman can endorse the creation of the Secret Warriors with me as it’s leader. But get that case to Coulson. I have a feeling he’s gonna need it.”
“Alright.” Lincoln nodded, trying to mask his disappointment.
“Don’t worry Sparkplug.” Kara said teasingly. “We can get a drink once you get back.”
---
“There is one thing I wanna discuss with you.” Kellerman said as he and Mace walked around the base. “News broke about what happened in Chicago. It got out that there were powered people on site. I stepped in and smoothed the situation over and said there would be an official announcement however my opposition in the election found out. This announcement we were gonna do between you and me is gonna have Senator Nadeer on the line asking questions.”
“No way to get her off this?” Mace asked.
“I tried.” Kellerman sighed. “She’s making a big stink about one of the Presidential candidates having an in with SHIELD, acting like I’m gonna puppet you.”
“So she wants to try and discredit us.” Mace grumbled.
“It’s all smoke and mirrors but in this situation it’s easier to just play along.” Kellerman replied. “If we turn her down it’ll look like she’s onto something.”
“Okay.” Mace nodded.
“After we’re finished, I could use a favor.” Kellerman said. “You know Micheal Scofield?”
“Yeah.” Mace nodded. “Masterminded the Fox River Eight escape.”
“Well his son is apparently inhuman.” Kellerman stated. “Ordinarily I wouldn’t be asking for a favor here but the kid’s been in the chrysalis for about a week now and his mother’s concerned. So concerned she called up her brother in law to come barging into my office demanding I use my government contacts to help him.”
“Don’t worry.” Mace assured. “I’ll do whatever I can to help the kid.”
“Thank you.” Kellerman sighed. “The family will appreciate it.”
---
“If we're going to get my Uncle I'm going with you.” Robbie stated. Coulson and Mack had come to let him know what was going on. Predictably he’d insisted on coming with.
“No, you're not.” Coulson replied.
“If your uncle can lead us to Lucy, then maybe we'll let you out to bust some ghosts, but until then, your ass stays on the plane.” Mack stated gruffly.
“I don't take orders.” Robbie snapped.
“Then this will be a new experience.” Coulson shrugged. “This is not a negotiation. This is what’s happening. Ward and I are taking a diplomatic approach to get your Uncle out without causing trouble. If something goes wrong and we need you, we’ll bring you in. But for now you stay here.”
“You can't keep me here!” Robbie snarled.
“Maybe not.” Coulson shrugged. “But you take this plane down, you'll be burning up the only people in the world trying to help you.” Robbie just scowled and stalked off to the Quinjet where Daisy was working on her laptop.
“I need to get off this plane.” Robbie snarled. “Now.”
“That should put you in... rural Utah.” Daisy replied, checking their location on her computer. “And you think you're pissed off now…”
“This is no joke.” Robbie snapped. “All right? I should be down there, getting answers, my way.”
“Oh, yeah? How you gonna do that?” Daisy looked up from her laptop. “Cracking skulls?”
“It's worked so far.” Robbie replied.
“Really?” Daisy rolled her eyes.
“I've been careful.” Robbie insisted. “I've never been caught, not even a parking ticket. Then you show up, and you bring SHIELD with you.”
“Careful? Really?” Daisy frowned. “You've been murdering people while possessed and on fire.”
“You don't know what you're talking about.” Robbie scowled.
“I know you're settling scores, hoping that thing will go away.” Daisy shrugged. “How's that going for you?” She took a deep breath as she closed her laptop. “Look, Robbie, I get that this is personal for you. But if you want answers, you need to trust SHIELD.”
“You don't even trust them.” Robbie countered. “Why else are you up here hiding from them?”
“I keep my distance because it's what's best.” Daisy replied. “For everyone.”
“I'm starting to see why.” Robbie scoffed.
---
“Ya know I always wanted a brother.” Coulson said as he and Ward passed through the metal detectors and turned over the weapons. “Always thought it’d be cool to have someone that close.”
“Depends on the kind you get.” Ward shrugged. “Maybe you get one who looks out for you, keeps you outta trouble, maybe bails you out from time to time. Maybe one that’ll even go to prison for you if you be so lucky. Or you could get an asshole, a shitstain who likes to make your life miserable. I got both.”
“Least you and Thomas patched things up.” Coulson smiled. “You’ve come a long way since rejoining SHIELD.”
“Few lapses in judgment here and there but I’m doing better than I was after I left Kara with you.” Ward nodded. “I wish Skye would see that she doesn’t have to let herself drown in the pain.”
“We’ll figure it out.” Coulson assured. They were led to the Warden’s office where he sat waiting for them.
“So Representative Paul Kellerman wants one Elias Morrow transferred into his custody?” the warden asked to clarify.
“Yep.” Coulson nodded. “Agent Ward called ahead just to cut down on paperwork. He really hates paperwork.” As Coulson spoke, Ward noticed several odd things that caused him to start thinking something wasn’t right. The coffee machine was running without a cup, one of the guards locked the door that was his and Coulson’s only possible exit, the phone wasn’t in the receiver, and the warden himself seemed on edge.
“Yeah.” Ward said. “Paperwork sucks.” He grabbed the desk and forced it over, knocking the warden out of his chair and onto his back.
“You can’t fool me you demons!” he shouted as he lunged for his shotgun. Ward was faster, managing to knock the man unconscious before he could get to his feet. The guard Ward saw locking the door marched forward, firing her guns at Coulson. Coulson activated the energy shield in his hand to block the bullets and used it to knock the guard out.
“Where’d you get that?” Ward asked as he and Coulson barricaded the door to stop the guards from getting in.
“Fitz said it might be good for the Director of SHIELD to have a shield.” Coulson answered. “I agreed. I may not be Director anymore but I can’t help myself with so much cool. I know I’m stating the obvious but Doctor Bauer’s here.”
“Our icers are in lockup and Robbie’s back on the plane.” Ward sighed. “We can’t fight the ghost and we can’t tranq the guards.” They then looked at the monitor to see a rather concerning sight.
“Mack do you read me?” Coulson said. “The prison’s been compromised.”
“Let me guess. Lucy Bauer.” Mack sighed.
“Yep.” Coulson nodded, looking at the monitor to see Lucy and two other ghosts. “Lucy and the whole Peanuts gang.”
---
“I told you they’d go after him.” Frederick shrugged as Mack gathered everyone in the command center.
“Coulson and Ward are barricaded in the Warden's office, here, on the west side.” Mack stated, pointing at their location on the map of the prison. “And Eli Morrow is located in the east wing, here, in cellblock E.” He gestured to East Wing on the map as he spoke. “We'll split into two teams. Daisy, you lead a team to extract Coulson and Ward. I'll lead a team to grab Eli.”
“I'm going.” Robbie insisted. “This is my family. You have no reason to keep me out of this.”
“Because you only kill people that deserve it.” Mack frowned.
“Exactly.” Robbie nodded.
“Well, down there, everyone deserves it.” Mack stated coldly. “So you stay put.
“No we need an advantage down there it's him.” Daisy chimed in. “We can't even touch these things. He can.”
“You said if you needed some ghosts busted.” Robbie shrugged. Mack shook his head in annoyance. He should’ve known those words would come back to haunt him.
“Okay.” Mack agreed. “But you don't leave my sight. And we’re not killing them. These people with Lucy are suffering and they don’t deserve to die. So we bring them in alive.”
“In that case you’ll want me with you to talk Vincent and Hugo down.” Frederick stated. “No offense but they’re not exactly inclined to listen to you. The only reason I did was cause I wasn’t gonna work with Lucy.”
“Fine.” Mack sighed. “But you don’t leave my sight either. And just so we're clear, this is an icers-only op. Anyone could have the psychosis, so they can't be held responsible for their actions. Now, SHIELD is marshaling forces to control the perimeter, but that's hours away. Right now, we're the only ones going in, and we'll be outnumbered.”
“Works for me.” Daisy shrugged. Mack’s watch beeped and he looked down at it.
“Lincoln's Quinjet is five minutes out.” he stated. “That means we leave in six. Gear up.”
---
“Sir do you have a moment?” Simmons asked as she knocked on Mace’s door.
“Agent Simmons. Fantastic.” Mace grinned. “I was just about to call you here. I need a favor. See Congressman Kellerman and I are gonna be debating against Senator Nadeer. Well technically it’s not a debate but in practical terms it is since we just received a list of subjects we’d be discussing. Anyway, we’re gonna be debating her on the return of SHIELD and the supposed threat of enhanced individuals. It’s gonna be a battle for hearts and minds and to win that battle I need cold hard scientific facts to support our case.”
“Well I can put together a powerpoint for you.” Simmons suggested. “It can include things like inhuman genetics, biology, the risks posed by policies that were proposed in the Sokovia accords-”
“Yeah here’s the thing.” Mace interrupted her. “I think it might be better if I had everything that was in your head… in my head.” As he spoke, Mace tapped his right temple to emphasize his point.
“Even SHIELD doesn’t have that technology.” Simmons stated.
“Oh sure it does.” Mace replied, handing her a communicator. “All you have to do is listen in and tell me what to say. Do this for me and I will discontinue your regular lie detector tests.”
“Really?” Simmons was surprised by the offer. “Yes of course.”
“Great.” Mace smiled. “We’re live in fifteen minutes. What was it you came in for?”
“I was just wondering if I could take a day off.” Simmons answered. “Fitz and I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time together because of all the stuff I’ve had to do so-”
“Say no more.” Mace held up his hand. “I’ll tell you what. Since you’re helping me with this and have been a big help here at SHIELD, I’ll give you tonight off and treat you and Fitz to a dinner for two at a nice restaurant tonight and once this ghost situation is dealt with I’ll give you both an entire week off. How does that sound?”
“Sounds perfect.” Simmons grinned.
“Fantastic.” Mace smiled. “Also I wanna give you a heads up, Kellerman needs you to take a look at someone. An inhuman kid who’s been in the chrysalis for about a week now.”
“Oh dear that’s much longer than usual.” Simmons murmured. “Not to worry I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
---
“You sure you're up for this?” Mack asked Daisy as the team geared up in the cargo bay.
“Let's find out.” Daisy shrugged, strapping on her new gauntlets.
“Yeah, new and improved gauntlets.” Mack sighed. “But Simmons said if you quake-”
“I could shatter every bone in my body and be crippled for life?” Daisy interrupted. “I know. I'm not gonna risk it. Besides, I didn't always have powers. And I did all right. Might not be on Ward or May’s level but they trained me well.
“Cases of sanity, as ordered.” Lincoln said as he made his way down the stairs, case of cure in hand. “So which team am I joining?”
“We’re gonna need you here Quarterbacking.” Mack answered as he, Daisy, Frederick, Robbie, and two SHIELD agents boarded the module. “So these work like Epipens?”
“Kinda.” Lincoln answered. “It needs to be directly delivered into the brain stem to counteract the psychosis so you need inject it at the base of the skull.”
“Hey man I don’t do needles.” Mack said uneasily.
“Big guy like you should be able to handle it.” Lincoln quipped. “Besides it’s more like a bee sting.” Lincoln activated the injector and four tongs came up out of it.
“Oh hell no.” Mack scowled as the module doors closed. They landed right outside the prison and made their way into the prison, Mack Robbie and Frederick going one way and Daisy’s team going the other. Daisy and her men made their way down the hall towards the warden’s office where two guards were trying to break down the door. They quickly iced them and cautiously opened the door, only to find Ward and Coulson already on the other side.
“Hey Skye.” Ward grinned. “What took you so long.”
“We’re here to uh… rescue you?” Daisy said uncertainly, looking at the two guards behind them that were knocked out.
“We thought we’d meet you halfway.” Ward shrugged as he and Coulson accepted icers from the two agents.
“We have Eli Morrow?” Coulson asked.
“Not yet.” Daisy answered. “Mack, Robbie, and Frederick are after him.”
“Then we go back them up.” Coulson replied. “Agents, we need Warden Green and his COs lucid if we’re gonna retake this place.” One of the agents nodded and used the cure on one of the guards. Coulson, Daisy, and Ward followed Lincoln’s instructions on how to get to Eli’s cell. However the apparently fastest route took them right through gen pop.
“So this is what prison looks like.” Ward muttered. “I can’t say I’m bummed I missed this. At least Vault D had more space. And less murderers.” As they walked, the inmates shouted obscenities at them, demanding to know where the guards were.
“Walking through here feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Daisy murmured. Almost on cue, Lucy materialized next to a switch. With a vicious look, she turned it and all the cells began to open.
“Lincoln, we’re gonna need that exit.” Coulson stated.
“Sir if I release the door then every door in Cellblock A opens.” Lincoln said.
“Just do it.” Coulson ordered as Ward began shooting the inmates with his icer. The door behind them opened and the three of them rushed out as the inmates gave chase.
---
“So, you see,” Aida said, pointing at her tablet and indicating to May. “to cease the hormonal cascade produced by the adrenal medulla and prevent further physical degradation-”
“You shut off my brain.” May muttered.
“Exactly.” Aida smiled. “I'm glad you understand.”
“Oh, that's the only thing I understand.” May sniped.
“The point is, even though you may be feeling better, you suffered some very real, very severe brain trauma.” Radcliffe stated.
“That said, we're gonna have to keep you just a wee bit longer for further testing.” Fitz said, gesturing in the air like he was squishing something.
“It’s just to track your improvements before we release you.” Donnie assured. May simply responded to all of this my saying something in Mandarin that none of them understood.
“Excuse me?” Radcliffe said in confusion.
“Agent May says you can shove all your tests up your ass.” Aida translated.
“Well, that's not very nice.” Radcliffe scoffed.
“You speak Chinese?” May said, surprised. “Where are you from?”
“Well, most of me is Chinese.” Aida answered but Fitz swiftly cut her off.
“Canadian.” he corrected, stammering. “She's a Ca... She's Canadian, Ontario. Yeah, yeah, big Chinese population there. She did move around a lot as a kid, 'cause she's an army brat. Oh. Um, Aida, if you could go and ready the Framework for one last scan, please?”
“Of course.” Aida nodded, though she seemed a little despondent.
“You've been hiding Aida from me.” May stated once Aida had left the room. “It's too bad. I like her. No nonsense, just business. Very impressive.
“Yeah.” Fitz nodded, silently thanking God May hadn’t caught on. “Yeah, they don't make them like Aida, do they?”
---
Mack gripped his icer as he, Robbie, and Frederick made their way through the utility room of the prison. When they’d come in he’d seen Robbie recognize an inmate and almost start something with him. If Mack hadn’t been there, Robbie might’ve burned the guy to a crisp.
“About back there.” Mack said.
“Forget it.” Robbie replied tersely.
“Eh I can't do that.” Mack stated. “That thing inside you is my responsibility.”
“No, it's mine.” Robbie snapped.
“And how’s that going for you?” Frederick scoffed. Robbie spun around and stomped towards the ghost before Mack stopped him.
“Hey knock it off you two.” Mack ordered. “You shut up Freddy.” He turned back to Robbie. “What if you can't control it?”
“Look.” Robbie sighed. “My uncle can't know what I am. So I'll keep it down. Not for you, for him.” Mack seemed to accept this answer. Then he saw a ghostly shape move behind Robbie.
“Robbie duck!” Mack shouted. “Robbie did as he was told and Mack shot one of the ghosts with his icer but it vanished.
“That was Vincent.” Frederick stated. “Hey Vincent! Get your ass out here! It’s time we had a little talk.”
“Fred?” Another ghost, not Vincent appeared.
“Hugo. Good.” Frederick sighed. “Someone I can talk to.”
“What do you mean?” Mack frowned. “What’s with Vincent?”
“Whatever happened when we got trapped inside those boxes, Vincent got it the worst.” Frederick explained. “He can’t really talk.”
“Why are you with these people?” Hugo demanded.
“Because SHIELD has agreed to help fix us.” Frederick stated. “And the guy in the jacket can send us to hell.”
“You really think they can fix us?” Hugo asked.
“I think they’ve got a better shot then mad scientist Lucy.” Frederick shrugged.
“Fine.” Hugo agreed. “Fine what do we do?”
“I’ll get these guys back to the plane.” Frederick told Mack. “You find Morrow.”
“You run off on us…” Mack warned.
“Oh relax.” Frederick scoffed. “I’m a ghost. Where am I gonna go?”
---
Mace and Kellerman sat in chairs in front of the camera as Senator Nadeer and the Newscaster appeared on the TV screen.
“Our first guest is Senator Ellen Nadeer.” the Newscaster stated. “She's head of the Finance Committee, an outspoken advocate of the so-called Humans First movement, and the candidate for Democratic Party in the coming Presidential Election.”
“Thank you for having me.” Nadeer replied.
“And our next guest is Congressman Paul Kellerman.” the Newscaster introduced. “He is currently one of the Representatives from Illinois. A former Secret Service Agent, he is well known for his work in aiding in the dismantling of a conspiracy that controlled much of our government and killed many people in their pursuit of power and control.”
“It’s an honor to be here George.” Kellerman grinned. “I would like to start us off by introducing my friend here, a man I’m sure many of you know, Jeffrey Mace. He saved lives during the UN bombing in Vienna and is currently the Director of the newly reformed SHIELD.”
“So Congressman you’re saying that SHIELD is back?” George asked.
“Yes I am.” Kellerman nodded. “SHIELD has been back up and running in a limited capacity for some time now. A few of my colleagues were able to take a tour of their base and speak with Director Mace and several agents, including the Special Officer of Science and Technology and SHIELD’s expert on all things inhuman. And most recently several of SHIELD’s agents, including three of the powered people they have operating as agents, were able to assist me during the hostage situation in Chicago.”
“You mean to say SHIELD has inhumans on it’s payroll?” Nadeer frowned.
“We do yes.” Mace nodded. “Currently under my direct supervision four inhumans and one human who gained powers through scientific means. Though my predecessor has informed me of a number of others who occasionally assist on SHIELD operations.”
“One of those powered people saved my life during the Chicago situation.” Kellerman added. “These people do a lot of good.”
“And yet every day there are disturbances in Hong Kong and reports of blue skinned killers in Wyoming.” Nadeer replied.
“If I were to respond to every tabloid story or Sasquatch sighting I wouldn’t be able to do my job which is to protect the people of this great Nation.” Mace shrugged
“And what about the robbery in New York last year?” Nadeer tried. “An inhuman used his powers to break into an office building and rob the place.”
“Daisy, Ward, Lincoln, Kara, and Donnie were all present and stopped the thieves without a loss of life on the part of the hostages though most of the robbers, including the inhuman, perished.” Simmons said into her mic.
“That was before my time as Director but I have access to all of SHIELD’s mission reports.” Mace stated. “My agents were on site during that incident. They managed to take down the thieves and save all the hostages. The inhuman was unable to be brought in alive but SHIELD did what it was created to do: protect people.”
“Really?” Nadeer frowned. “And what about the very real situation happening outside Los Angeles right now? Is it true that SHIELD has compromised a prison?”
“We… we have no data on that.” Simmons whispered. “Do we?”
“It’s our policy not to comment on ongoing operations but I can assure you that SHIELD has the situation completely under control.” Mace stated.
---
Daisy, Coulson, and Ward ran into the cafeteria and barricaded the doors before the inmates could get to them.
“Lincoln we need a way out of here now!” Coulson yelled.
“I’m trying to get you to a secure cell block.” Lincoln stated. “There’s an exit on the other side of the room you’re in.” Coulson looked around until he saw what Lincoln was talking about. A door on the other side of the cafeteria.
“There!” Coulson pointed. They raced in between the tables with the inmates hot on their trail. Daisy looked between the door and the rapidly approaching inmates and quickly shoved Ward and Coulson through.
“Daisy what are you doing?” Coulson frowned.
“Oh no. I saw that episode of Sons of Anarchy.” Ward protested as Daisy slammed the door behind him. “Skye don’t-” He was cut off when Daisy broke the handle off the door.
“I got this.” Daisy assured.
“Skye!” Ward shouted banging on the window.
“Lincoln find us a way around I don’t care how!” Coulson ordered. Daisy jumped up onto a table and began knocking the inmates around. She knocked several down but eventually they began to overwhelm her. Daisy jumped down, kicking one in chest in the process. She grabbed a tray and began smacking the inmates with it. One of them managed to get the drop on her and punch her in the face, knocking her to the ground.
“Fuck this.” Ward snarled. His hands ignited in flame and he blasted the door down. The inmates turned and saw him and Coulson coming back into the cafeteria and attacking them. Ward used his powers to burn the inmates as he landed blows on them, knocking them to the ground. Coulson fired off his icer several times and activated his shield to use as a weapon.
---
Robbie and Mack strode through gen pop until they arrived at Eli’s cell. He was still there, leaning against the bars.
“Tío.” Robbie sighed, relieved that Lucy hadn’t nabbed him yet.
“Robbie, what are you doing here?” Eli frowned.
“We're getting you out of here.” Mack answered, placing a device on the door that broke it open. “You're in danger. Lucy Bauer is here, and she's coming for you. And we think she has that book. So who knows what else she's capable of.”
---
“I can’t believe Aida’s fooling Agent May.” Fitz said to Donnie on the drive back to the Playground. “I mean that’s like the ultimate Turing Test.”
“You’re not wrong.” Donnie nodded. “Fitz are we sure this is a good idea? Making Aida I mean. Are we sure there’s no potential risks?”
“Well like Radcliffe said there’s always risks.” Fitz shrugged. “It’s just a matter of managing them properly.”
“Yeah I guess.” Donnie sighed. “It’s just… I know better than most what can happen when science goes wrong. I mean Seth and I created a freaking tornado and I got him killed. If something goes wrong with Aida we could have another Ultron on our hands.”
“And that’s why it’s a good thing me and you are involved.” Fitz said. “We can make sure nothing goes wrong.”
“Yeah well I bet that’s what Tony Stark and Bruce Banner thought when they made Ultron.” Donnie muttered.
“We won’t make their mistakes.” Fitz assured.
“Alright.” Donnie nodded. “I trust you.”
---
Ward, Coulson, and Daisy finished off the last of the inmates and the two men turned to face Daisy, Ward with an angry glare on his face.
“That was suicidal.” he fumed. “And stupid.”
“You weren’t supposed to come back for me!” Daisy snapped.
“And leave you to die not a chance.” Ward replied. “Skye whether you want me to or not, I’m always gonna come back for you.”
“Why?!” Daisy exclaimed. “Why are you so intent on saving me?!”
“Because I love you.” Ward answered simply. “Because you see the good in me even though I don’t.”
“Look we can argue about who should left who to die later.” Coulson stated. “Lincoln what’s the status on Eli Morrow?”
“Robbie and Mack got him.” Lincoln replied. “Quinjet’s headed to the yard for extraction.”
“What about Frederick?” Coulson asked.
“He and his two ghost buddies are already back on the plane.” Lincoln answered. “I’ll explain later. They took the module up.”
“Alright we’re on our way.” Coulson nodded.
---
“Look people are scared that these inhumans and powered people like them don’t share our core values.” Nadeer stated.
“The inhuman Sanctuary known as Afterlife existed for decades before a now defunct faction of SHIELD led by Robert Gonzales, who is now dead, interfered and started a conflict that caused the terrigen outbreak in the first place.” Simmons said.
“You say that but there used to be an inhuman colony that existed for decades and those inhumans, the Afterlife inhumans as they’re known, lived among us for years. It was only when a separate faction of SHIELD that emerged after the fall interfered did a conflict begin, a conflict that caused the terrigen outbreak in the first place. These people are no different from any of us.”
“So you’re saying SHIELD caused this?” Nadeer frowned.
“No I’m saying a separate faction operating under the name SHIELD caused it.” Mace answered. “That was not us. That was a faction led by Robert Gonzales who was killed.”
“And I suppose this all happened before your time as well?” Nadeer scoffed. “You can’t talk about any of this with honesty so how can people trust you or trust that Congressmen Kellerman isn’t using underhanded tactics to have SHIELD in his back pocket? We all know he’s capable of that sort of thing. Director Mace you take a damn good photo I’ll give you that but that doesn’t make you the man for this job.”
“Hmm.” Mace murmured under his breath, turning off his communicator despite Simmons’ protests. “So you don’t think I’m the man for the job? You think I’ll be Kellerman’s lapdog. Well you’re wrong. I became the Director of SHIELD because I believe in their mission. Protecting and integrating inhumans and other powered individuals is part of that mission. It’s no accident that people SHIELD kept on the index in the past lashed out. They were marginalized by SHIELD and these are mistakes I don’t wanna repeat. I can’t speak for him but I imagine that kind of thing is why Captain America went against the Sokovia Accords and I am proud to know that our country is standing behind him. Because that means they’re standing behind me as well. Because I’m an inhuman.”
“Director Mace just to be clear you’re saying you’re literally an inhuman?” George asked.
“Yes.” Mace answered. “Ya know, my life didn’t just change when that bomb went off in Vienna or when I shielded that woman from harm. It also changed when I went through terragenesis. So yeah. This is personal. And people like me should not be hunted down. We deserve the chance to be able to use our powers for the good of mankind. That’s why SHIELD is launching our own team of powered heroes called the Secret Warriors. It is my hope for them to be the next Avengers.”
---
Robbie led Eli through the crowd of inmates out of their cells. Mack had stayed behind to free a few guards who were locked in a cage. As they walked through the cell block, Robbie saw the Fifth Street Loco who he’d seen before. He told Eli to get to the yard where SHIELD would pick him up and turned stalked back to the inmate’s cell where he lay reading a book. Robbie interrogated him, learning that the drive by that had put his brother in a wheelchair had been a hit. After learning what he wanted to know, he burned the inmate alive. Once he made it outside, he met up with Daisy, Coulson, Ward, and Mack, but no Eli. At that he realized what must’ve happened. Lucy had Eli.
---
After the debate ended, Mace stayed on camera to introduce the Secret Warriors alongside Kara. He also dismissed Simmons to enjoy her evening off. She arrived at the lab where Fitz and Donnie were working.
“Fitz I have great news!” Simmons grinned. “The Director gave us the night off! I was thinking you and I might be able to go on a dinner date.”
“Really?” Fitz’s eyes widened in excitement. “Jemma that’s fantastic. Mack told me about this great Italian restaurant. I’ll finish up here and we can go get ready.”
---
Daisy was holed up in the Quinjet fiddling around on her computer when she heard footsteps. She looked up to see Lincoln standing on the ramp.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Lincoln said.
“The arm is fine.” Daisy muttered.
“Not why I’m here.” Lincoln replied. “You know they’re not gonna give up on you. Ward and Coulson I mean.”
“I never wanted that.” Daisy insisted.
“Yes you did.” Lincoln scoffed. “Daisy you told me yourself at Afterlife you always wanted a place to belong. That you wanted a family. And you got ‘em. You can’t choose who cares about you. And Ward and Coulson care a lot. Ward declared war on the oldest inhuman alive just to save you. Coulson went looking for a miracle drug to bring you back. I can tell Coulson sees you as a daughter and Ward? I hope one day I love someone as much as he loves you. And I know Andrew wouldn’t want you killing yourself over what happened.” When Daisy said nothing, Lincoln just let out a sigh and strode out of the Quinjet. He met Coulson, Ward, and Mack in the command center seeing Lucy kidnapping Eli.
“How’s Skye?” Ward asked Lincoln.
“Same as before.” Lincoln sighed. “Still torturing herself.”
“Well we’re gonna need her.” Coulson stated. “Lucy didn’t kill Eli Morrow. She took him which means she needs him for something.”
“I think I have the answer to that.” Lincoln said. “When those three ghosts got onto the plane, Hugo said Lucy wanted Eli to read the book. Apparently she can’t in her… state.”
“Speaking of which, our ghost buddies keep asking how we plan to fix them.” Lincoln stated. “I couldn’t really give them much which they seemed a bit ticked by.”
“We’ll figure that out after we find Lucy Bauer and the Darkhold.” Coulson stated. “I do hope we can help them. From what you’ve said they don’t seem like bad people and I doubt they deserve whatever happened to them.”
“Do they know what happened to Joseph Bauer?" Mack asked.
“They said Lucy visited him and took him with her.” Lincoln answered. “They needed Eli because apparently none of them trust Joseph with the book. Apparently he’s the one who did this to them and Lucy wants to return the favor.”
“Did the ghosts say anything else?” Ward asked.
“Yeah.” Lincoln nodded. “Under no circumstances should we read the book.”
---
Fitz and Simmons sat across from each other at the restaurant with plates of food in front of them.
“So how was helping Director Mace with his debate?” Fitz asked.
“Oh it was amazing.” Simmons beamed. “He said the public is on SHIELD’s side. We’re gaining support from the people. And public opinion for powered people has increased. I guess Director Mace being a trusted face and a powered person has instilled a lot of trust in them. And as a thank you for helping him he’s exempted me from lie detection tests!”
“Oh that’s fantastic Jemma!” Fitz exclaimed.
“What about you?” Simmons asked. “I heard you were over at Radcliffe’s with Donnie again today.”
“Yeah we saw May.” Fitz nodded. “She’s looking a lot better. You and Lincoln really came through for her.”
“I’m glad.” Simmons smiled. “But I was wondering what you three were working on.” Is there any exciting new advances in technology on the horizon?” Fitz paused for a moment at her question, like he was considering how to answer.
“No.” Fitz shook his head. A lie. “No we’re just tossing ideas around. It’s been fun to have a group of guys I can talk shop with. I mean Ward and Mack and Lincoln are great and all but I can’t exactly discuss science with those three. Lincoln’s area of expertise is medicine and Ward and Mack are just muscles.”
“Well I’m glad you guys are bonding.” Simmons smiled. “And just to let you know, the Director has given us a full week off once this whole ghost thing is finished.”
“Looking forward to it.” Fitz replied as he picked up his glass. He wasn’t sure why he’d lied to Simmons. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her. But he liked working on the project with Donnie and Radcliffe. Was it so wrong to wanna keep that for himself?
---
“Don't see why this couldn't have been a phone call.” Mace said as he climbed into Nadeer’s car.
“Never underestimate the power of human connection.” Nadeer smirked. “Or should I say ‘Inhuman’? Either way, congratulations on those poll numbers.”
“I have you to thank.” Mace shrugged. “You gave me no option but to tell the truth.
“Speaking of the truth, I went looking for some, and guess what I found?” Nadeer pulled up a tablet containing images of the incident at the prison. “This is SHIELD working with a former Agent, now known as Quake, a walking weapon of mass destruction.” She swiped to a video of Ghost Rider walking through the cell block. “This one was new to me. We're not sure what the hell he is, but we do know he's a cold-blooded killer.” She swiped next to images of a charred inmate. “Santino Noguera. A model prisoner looking at early release. That is, until he ran into whatever that... thing is. We know he came in with SHIELD, and he left with SHIELD So tell me, are your people aware they're harboring a murderer, or do they just not care? In two hours, these will go to ABC News, just in time for this evening's broadcast. How do you think those poll numbers will hold up?” Mace just gave Nadeer a smirk.
“You’re gonna have to try harder than that if you wanna blackmail me.” he chuckled. “I know what goes on under my roof. Kellerman was aware of the prison operation he’s the one who signed the forms to have an inmate transferred into SHIELD custody. He knew we were working with Daisy Johnson on this operation and he knew about him too. As for Mr. Noguera here, he was a criminal. Probably there for some pretty horrible crimes. So release that information to ABC if you want. I’ll just repeat what I said during the debate. It’s our policy not to comment on an ongoing operations. Who we’re working with as a part of those operations is not something we are at liberty to disclose. Now, is there anything else I can do for you Senator?” Nadeer just sneered at Mace and told him to get out and Mace complied with a smirk on his face.