Chapter 47
“Wait here.” Clint said leaving me a corner and facing towards a payphone.
“Where are you going?” I asked turning but he quickly turned me back.
“Stay.” Clint said before walking away.
I’d only been back a few hours and somehow I’d already screwed up and made Clint mad. Sure I’d gotten killed and left the universe for a while and I have been a bit of a pain but it wasn't the first time.
Maybe he was just in work mode…
No it was definitely me.
I stood here for a while, choosing to just do as Clint asked waited. Though I’m not sure why I was hiding considering I don’t exist here, no one knows who I am, and… Why the heck was I was I hiding in a corner?
“Oh screw this.” I said walking to the payphone but Clint came back at that very moment and quickly put an arm around me and led me away.
“I told you to stay put.” He said.
“I was then I realized, why would I be hiding? They don’t even know who I am?” I said putting an arm around his waist and accidentally feeling where he had tucked his gun in his jacket pocket.
“You’re hiding because you’re leverage.” Clint said.
“They don’t know I’m leverage.” I said.
“That’s because Nat and I have made it a point to make sure no one knows you exist but the second they start digging, they’ll find your fake identity, your job as Tony’s assistant and the video of you falling through a wormhole with him.” Clint said. “And that’ll be enough.”
“Are we stowing away?” I asked when we got to the platform.
“That’d be the first place they’d look for us.” Clint said smiling as he handed out tickets to the train attendant. “Thank you.”
To my surprise Clint had taken a page out of my book and gotten us a private room in a sleeper car. It felt like a lifetime ago that Steve and I bunked in one of them on a cross country train trip to find our way back.
Fun times.
“Isn’t this a bit much for a 3 hour trip?” I asked.
“Five and a half hours.” Clint corrected. “There are stops and the dam is a bit farther off.”
“As long as we don't have to hitch hike.” I said putting down my bag on the small table and shrugging out of my jacket. “A bit flashy though.”
Clint ignored me and started searching the room. Opening up every cabinet, checking the restroom, making sure the door didn’t lock from the outside and them making a makeshift lock to lock the door from the inside. When he was satisfied that the room was set he closed the blinds on the door and the window.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
“Fine.” He said taking his gun out and checking and double checking it over and over again
“Do you want to talk?” I asked.
“What’s there to talk about?” Clint said.
“The fact that you won’t look at me because you’re mad.” I said.
“I’m not mad.” Clint said finally looking at me.
“You’re mad.” I said before I reached into the tote bag and pulled out the coffee thermos. “Coffee for your thoughts?”
“Where’d you get that?” He asked.
“Natasha’s apartment.” I said taking out the chocolate covered almonds and pistachios. We stared at each other before Clint finally reached for the thermos. I let him crack open the thermos and take a couple of sips.
“So…” I said waiting for him to say something. “Just say it.”
Clint looked at me and really looked at me.
“How long were you gone?” He asked.
“You said I was gone a month.” I said.
“That’s not what I meant.” Clint said.
“I was gone over a year.” I said. “Fourteen and a half months, to be exact.”
“You were gone over a year?” Clint said. “A whole year? While we were here running around trying to find you, thinking someone had gotten to you and killed you, you were on vacation at Grand Canyon?!”
“I did go to the Grand Canyon but it’s a little more complicated than that.” I said.
“You promised me you were going to come back as soon as you figured out whatever it was that was bothering you and instead you fell off a cliff and decided not to come back?!” Clint said. “We went to Norway looking for you?!”
“Norway?” I asked confused. “Why the hell would you go to Norway? It’s cold there.”
“You were in Norway!” Clint said.
“Okay, I think we need to back up a little.” I said. “Why would you think I was in Norway?”
“Because you were in Norway!” Clint urged. “Tonsberg?”
“There’s nothing in Tonsberg, at least not for another 6 years.” I said. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“You moved out of the tower, you got an apartment, then one day you left to Norway.” Clint said.
“Uh… okay I think now might be a good time to mention that my memory of those couple of weeks is a bit fuzzy.” I said.
“Seriously?” Clint scoffed. “That’s your excuse?”
“I remember the fight, me moving out to get some space. You all figuring out where I moved to and coming by unannounced. Then I remember getting on a plane at JFK, talking on the phone with all of you while I was shopping, going on a walk in a park, I think. There were a lot of trees and it was cold.” I said.
“And then you fell.” Clint said.
“No.” I said. “I was talking, arguing actually, with Odin.”
“Odin? Thor’s dad, who lives on Asgard?” Clint said.
“I think I’d remember if I went to Asgard. That rainbow bridge is hard to miss.” I reminded him. “We were fighting, I don’t know what it was about but I was mad. He did something, it made everything fuzzy, and then he pushed me off a cliff.”
“Thor’s dad killed you?” Clint asked.
“Yeah, he’s a jerk. No wonder Loki turned out the way he did.” I said.
“I’m pretty sure there’s more to it than that.” Clint said sternly. “And what happened after that? Why didn’t you come back?”
“I was always going to come back, things just got complicated.” I answered.
“We’re on the run from Nazis.” Clint deadpanned.
“Not sure they’re all Nazis but still horrible people. I’ve seen the world where they win and it’s not fun.” I said.
“Hanna.” Clint said trying to get me back on track.
“I did what I always do when die. Keep dying until I get back home except that on my way back I ended up back in my world and since I was already there I thought I’d check in on Theo and Jamie.” I said. “Things were not going well for them. Theo lost his job, landlord raised the rent on our dump of an apartment. He was falling apart and I couldn’t leave them like that. Theo didn’t leave me when I was at my worst and it was my turn to return the favor. So we came up with a plan. He’d go back to school and I got my job back to keep us afloat while he finished.”
“And now you’re back.” Clint said.
“Not exactly back, back.” I said and Clint did not look happy with that answer. “Uh… I got run over by a bus on my way to pick up my kid from soccer practice and I died in front of Jamie.”
“You got run over by a bus?” Clint said in disbelief.
“I know.” I said cringing. “I swear it didn’t used to be this hard to stay alive.”
“Not as dramatic as being thrown over a cliff by a god.” He said. “You’re going to leave again.”
“After this is all over, for a bit.” I said. “I need to make sure I didn’t traumatize Jamie by dying and disappearing in front of him. That kid’s going to need a ton of therapy when he’s older.”
“What’s it going to take? Another year?” Clint retorted.
“I know you don’t want to hear this but it was actually a really good thing that I took this time away.” I said trying to find the best way to say it so I got up and started pacing. That normally helped me get my thoughts in order.
“You took care of your best friend and your kid. I get you had to do that, but what about us?” Clint asked. “You left us behind and you died. Again.”
“I had a lot to figure out about everything, where I fit into it all, how it was supposed to work and if it was all even real.” I said and Clint was about to argue back but I interrupted him. “You are very real and what you feel for me and what I feel for you and everyone else is very real, I just had to work though 28 years of trauma to see that you’re my soulmates and I want to be here and if I haven’t scared you all off by showing you what a total mess I am I’d like a chance to see what this is and… oh!”
I didn’t get a chance to finish because Clint pulled me into a tight hug.
“We’re always going to want you, mess and all.” Clint said leaning his forehead against mine.
“It’s a pretty big mess.” I reminded him.
“Good thing there’s six of us.” Clint said kissing my forehead. “What else did you do with your year?”
“I have photos.” I offered taking out my phone. We sat on the bed as we swiped through, and I filled him in on all of our misadventures from the past year.
“Mom, the donkey farted!” Jamie complained.
“That’s how you know he’s alive.” Theo teased. “Oh wow… what do they feed them?”
“Ugh…” I groaned. “Who’s idea was this again?”
“Jamie thought it would be like a pony ride.” Theo said.
“This is worse than the spitting llama at the petting zoo.” I said.
“We could have gone to Utah. Zion looks great.” Theo said low enough for only me to hear.
“Mom, can we camp down there?” Jamie asked pointing to the bottom of the canyon.
“Not unless they have AC.” I said.
“Moral of the story.” I said to Clint who could not stop laughing as the video ended. “Riding a donkey is not the same as riding a horse.”
“Jamie is just as snarky as you are.” Clint said swiping through the photos.
“Yeah he’s the best.” I said proudly. I really hope I didn’t screw him up by dying in front of him.
“Attention passengers we are approaching Woodsburg station.” The announcer said. “Please stay seated until the train comes to a complete stop.”
“This is where we’re getting off.” Clint said handing me back my phone and grabbing his jacket before grabbing a baseball cap and putting it on my head for me. “Do what you did before? Don’t look up but don’t make it obvious you’re hiding your face. Stay close.”
“Okay.” I said. “Do the baseball cap and hoodie really work?”
“Most of the time.” Clint said putting his hat on and tucking his gun back into his jacket pocket. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” I said nodding and following Clint out.
When I saw spy movies where people were on the run, hiding from people looking for them, I imagined they probably felt nervous or on edge, constantly looking over their shoulder to make sure they weren’t followed but this trip had been very… anti climactic which was a good thing.
I was not looking forward to dying again and I guess this is what happens when they’re too distracted trying to find Steve and Natasha. By the time they realized Clint was gone we were already on our way out of DC.
It was a smaller station and not as busy as DC.
“Head down.” Clint reminded me a in low voice. It was easier to hide in a crowd. “We’re going to need a car.”
“Are we borrowing one?” I asked.
“Looks that way.” Clint said taking my hand and leading me out. In no time, Clint had broken into a car and hotwired a car. Nothing flashy just an old truck that had probably seen better days. There was no way we’d make it if we ended up in a car chase.
“You don’t have to keep looking at the mirrors. No one’s following us.” Clint said finally breaking the silence.
“Should we be worried about all of this being so… easy?” I asked.
“You’re not the one that got punched by Steve.” He retorted.
“He did punch out Hitler over 50 times.” I reminded him making Clint snort.
“Would you rather have someone shooting at us?” He retorted.
“I have been shot before, it’s not great. Better than being stabbed and drowning.” I said.
“And being run over by a bus?” Clint teased.
“Too soon Clint, too soon.” I said.
“Well enjoy the easy part, it’s only another hour in the car before we have to hike the rest of the way.” He said.
“At least there won’t be farting donkeys.” I said laughing.
“How long was that hike?” Clint asked.
“It was supposed to be four but then Coco didn’t want to move.” I said.
“Coco?” Clint asked.
“The donkey I was riding.” I said. “It took us two hours to bribe her with treats so she’d keep going.”
“I thought mules were supposed to be the stubborn ones.” Clint added.
“So did I.” I answered. “A hike will be nice, It’s good weather for it.”
I was wrong, it was not good weather for it. We were hit with a surprise spring shower. A very cold spring shower.
“You said you really wanted a shower.” Clint teased.
“Not what I meant.” I answered.
“It shouldn’t be much further.” He said. “The dam should be around here.”
“Should we have gotten a map?” I asked.
“We don’t need a map.” Clint said.
“Not another step!” Someone said from behind us but Clint put his arm around me and stopped me from looking.
“Hill, it’s just us.” Clint said slowly raising his hands.
“What are you doing here Barton?” Maria said keeping her gun pointed at us.
“Hanna?” Clint asked.
“Fury’s alive, SHIELD’s compromised and they’re currently hunting Natasha and Steve.” I said.
“We’re on the same side.” Clint said. “She's the reason he even knew to set this place up.”
“Tetrodotoxin B, Bruce developed it to deal with Hulk. That’s what he used.” I said. Hill hesitated but put her gun down.
“Walk.” She said nodding for us to walk straight forward.
We got to the dam and went inside to see Fury groaning in his hospital bed as his doctor adjusted his IV.
“What the hell are you two doing here?” Fury sounding not as menacing as he tried to be. He seemed very loopy from all the medications he was probably on.
“You’re not looking too bad for a guy with a lacerated spinal column, cracked sternum, shattered collarbone, perforated liver, and collapsed lung.” I said before turning to the doctor. “Did I get everything?”
“Just about.” He said not looking the least bit surprised or doing a great job of not showing it.
“Last I heard you were dead.” Fury said.
“So were you.” I retorted.
“Is this the part where you say I told you so?” He asked.
“Tempting, but maybe we should just focus on a plan?” I suggested.
“Maybe later…” Fury said drifting off.
“I just gave him a sedative. He needs rest.” The doctor said. “And he’s not the only one.”
I turned to Clint and he was dead on his feet.
“I need to keep my cover at SHIELD.” Hill said. “Don’t go anywhere, don’t do anything…”
“Actually, I have a suggestion.” I said.
I followed Maria out to where her car was parked while I filled her in on what was going to happen today. Steve and the Winter fighting it out on the streets and Natasha being shot. She obviously didn’t trust me and I’m pretty sure she didn’t believe me but said she would keep an eye out for them and I asked her to grab Clint’s bow while she was at it.
I walked back inside to the doctor checking Fury’s pulse and no sign of Clint.
“He’s down the hall.” The doctor said not looking up. “Second door on the left.”
“Thanks.” I answered making my way over.
The door was open a crack but I knocked anyway. There had been enough surprises today.
“Hey.” Clint said drying his face with a rag he had found. It was a small room with a sink in the corner and a cot set up on the opposite was. “Hill gone?”
“Yeah, she’ll be back later.” I said leaning against the door. “You okay?”
“I’m fine, just tired.” Clint said rubbing his eyes.
“You should sleep for a few hours. I have a feeling you’re about to get busy.” I said.
“I should have asked Hill to grab my bow.” He said.
“I let her know.” I said.
“Are you okay?” Clint asked.
“Long day.” I answered.
“Come here.” Clint said reaching for me. I smiled taking his hand and joining him on the cot. It was not the most comfortable bed but after the day we had it worked. We laid on our sides facing each other. “I need a vacation.”
“I hear the Grand Canyon’s nice.” I said making him laugh.
“Except for the farting donkey.” He teased.
“Yeah, maybe skip that part.” I suggested.
“It’s going to be okay.” Clint said.
“I know.” I said getting closer and hugging him. “You’re a good pillow.”
Clint chuckled putting his arms around me as we drifted off to sleep. I never saw the appeal in cuddling. Sure there were lot of studies showing how cuddling would make your brain release oxytocin or some other chemical that would make you happy or at least sleep better but in that moment despite the fact that Hydra was trying to take over the world I felt safe.
Yeah… I could get used to this.
Early the following Morning – Washington D.C.
Despite the weird encounter Sam had with the strange girl the day before he had decided to stick to his usual routine. Chance are nothing would come of it.
He went on his run and ran five miles as he always did. He had hoped to run into Steve again to ask him if he knew anything about the girl but he had no such luck.
As he walked into his home after his run he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Sam decided he was just being paranoid and went on with his routine. He went to his kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and just as he was about to take a sip he heard a knock at his back door.
“It’s just a coincidence.” He said to himself until he moved the curtains and saw Steve standing there was a woman with fiery red hair which could only be the Black Widow. “uh…”
Steve pointed to the door handle.
“Hey man.” Sam greeted Steve eying Natasha who looked shaken.
“I'm sorry about this. We need a place to lay low.” Steve said.
“Everyone we know is trying to kill us.” Natasha added.
“Not everyone.” Sam said opening the door all the way and letting them in. “I've kind of been waiting for you.”
“You have?” Natasha said immediately on guard.
“Yesterday this girl… showed up and gave me this bag.” Sam said pulling it out of his coat closet and handing it to Steve. “She said you guys were probably going to be stopping by early today.”
Steve took the bag and set it down on the table.
“What did the girl look like?” Natasha asked.
“Uh, young, mid to late 20’s, long blonde hair with bangs, green eyes. Talked to me like she already knew me even though I've never met her.” Sam said as Natasha looked inside the bag and saw a change of her clothes and a couple of things Steve could use as well as more weapons and ammo.
Steve gave her a questioning look wondering if Sam was describing who he thought he was talking about.
“Hanna.” Natasha said with a small smile.
“She’s back?” Steve asked.
“Yeah, I left her at a safe house and left a message to Clint to get her out.” She said before turning to Sam. “Did she say anything else?”
“She told me to get better car insurance.” Sam said confused.
“Did you?” Natasha asked.
“Should I?” Sam asked.
“I would.” Natasha said. “Bathroom?”
“Guestroom, down the hall on the left.” Sam said. Natasha picked up the bag and went to go clean up.
Later that Day - Virginia
I woke up hours later alone feeling more well rested than I had in a really long time. I didn’t remember falling asleep with a blanket though.
“You’re awake.” Clint said standing by the door.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Morning.” He said handing me a coffee. “It’s not a dirty matcha but it’s warm.
“Coffee is coffee.” I said sitting up and realizing my blanket was actually Clint’s jacket. “I think this is yours.”
“You’re not cold?” He asked
“I’m okay.” I said sipping my coffee as he took back his jacket.
“Fury’s awake.” Clint asked.
“Is he still hopped up on painkillers?” I asked.
“Yeah but not the fun kind.” He said.
“Can’t win them all.” I said getting up. “Shall we?”
Clint stepped aside and let me go first. Fury was still in bed but he was sitting up. I’m not sure I’d be able to do the same if I got shot.
“Good Morning.” I said as Fury greeted me with a grunt.
“What’s so good about it?” he retorted.
“We’re all still alive at the moment.” I pointed out.
“What do we need to do?” Fury said. “You know everything. What do we do?”
“I’m not sure I should say everything.” I said. “At least not until everyone’s here.”
“Who else is missing?” Fury asked.
“Steve, Natasha?” Clint suggested.
“Sam.” I added. “We’re going to need everyone we can get.”
“And how do you suggest we get them here?” Fury said.
“They’re still in DC.” Hill said walking in holding Clint’s bow and quiver.
“Score.” Clint said taking them from Hill.
“They’re going to make a move, they’re going to go after Sitwell.” I said.
“Sitwell?” Hill said.
“He’s Hydra and he was on the Lemurian Star. They’re going to catch him and try to use him to get to Pierce in the Triskelion. It’s not going to work but that’s how you can find them.” I said.
“We’ll tail Sitwell. Barton, are you in?” Hill asked.
“I’ve got my bow, I’m good to go.” He said before turning to me. “You’re staying here?”
“I’ll wait here.” I confirmed. “Try not to get another black eye.”
“I’ll tell Steve not to punch me again.” Clint said giving me a hug and kissing my forehead before leaving with Hill.
“That’s new.” Fury said. “Do you have a plan for how we’re going to root out all the rats?”
“I don’t, but Steve does.” I said. There was no way I was breaking the bad news to Fury that the only way to stop Hydra was to destroy his life’s work. At least when Steve did it, he had a whole speech planned out that got everyone on board. “We have some time to kill, do you have any board games? I’d even settle for some cards.”
“I’m sorry, the board games didn’t make the packing list for when I was preparing this safe house for an attempt on my life.” Fury deadpanned.
“You had two years to prepare.” I retorted.
“Look around you. This didn’t all happen overnight.” He said.
“Anything I can get you while we wait? Maybe some more pain killers? You’re a lot nicer when you’re on them.” I said to which Fury only answered by glaring at me. “Alright then. We’ll just sit here in silence.”
I thought he would break but other than a few groans when he moved around to get comfortable.
About two hours in I just started talking to see if I could get a reaction out of him.
“I know this is probably a sore spot but I have to ask. You’re like the best spy ever. You’re THE spy. Probably the most bad ass person I’ve ever met and you don’t trust anyone. Was there really nothing about Pierce seemed off to you? Like nothing at all?” I asked.
“Did you really have a hard time believing Stark was your soulmate? You two are made for each other.” He grumbled.
“Not the really intense stare or the way he tries to worm his way in finding any little thing he could bring back to himself?” I continued.
“Have you ever met a politician. They’re all like that.” Fury said glaring at me.
“It’s common sense in every universe. Never trust a politician. Not even in the universe where Steve Rogers is the president.” I said.
“Hindsight is 20/20.” Fury said.
“You’re missing an eye.” I reminded him. Fury didn’t say anything just glared at me. If looks could kill I’d be at the bottom of that pit again.
“Alright Nick, it’s time to change your bandages. Would you mind giving us a few minutes?” The doctor said probably trying to prevent me from giving Fury an aneurysm.
“Sure, I’m just going to go look around. Maybe I can find a tennis ball to bounce on the wall or something…” I said going to look around.
I had never been inside a dam and after today I can officially confirm that I was not missing out on anything. There was a lot of concrete, pipes and a pump. That was pretty much all there was to the inside of a dam.
This damn dam.
Still I had time to kill so I walked slowly, peeking into every room eventually I got lost and then wandered back right on time to meet everyone as they arrived.
“GSW. She's lost at least a pint.” I heard Clint call out.
“Maybe two.” Sam added.
“Let me take her.” The doctor said immediately jumping into action.
“She'll want to see them first.” Hill said.
“That looks like it hurts.” I said getting Natasha and Steve’s attention.
“I’ve had worse.” Natasha trying to smirk but it came out as more of a grimace as Clint pressed down on her wound to slow down the bleeding.
“I’m sure you have. I should warn you he’s off his pain killers and a bit cranky.” I said turning to Sam. “Bet you’re glad you increased your insurance coverage.”
“Funny.” Sam said with a grin.
“About damn time.” Fury greeted everyone as Steve and Natasha looked at him in shock.
“You’re alive.” Steve said both relieved and bit hurt at being deceived.
“You should know by now, no really stays dead anymore.” Fury said giving me an annoyed look.
“Like I said, cranky.” I reminded them going to grab some water and towels to help clean up Natasha.
The doctor quickly got to work only giving Natasha a light anesthetic before pulling out the bullet from her shoulder. Fury started filling them in on everything that had happened.
“Lacerated spinal column, cracked sternum, shattered collarbone, perforated liver, one hell of a headache.” He listed off.
“Don't forget your collapsed lung.” The doctor reminded him.
“Oh, let's not forget that. Otherwise, I'm good.” Fury said.
“They cut you open, your heart stopped.” Natasha deadpanned.
“You can thank Bruce for that.” I said
“Tetrodotoxin B. Slows the pulse to one beat a minute. Banner developed it for stress. Didn't work so great for him, but we found a use for it.” Fury informed them.
“Why all the secrecy? Why not just tell us?” Steve said.
“Any attempt on the director's life had to look successful.” Hill added.
“Can't kill you if you're already dead.” Fury said.
“You didn’t know?” Steve asked Clint.
“I didn’t know until after you knocked me out and I got to Hanna.” Clint said.
“And you didn’t mention any of this before?” Steve said.
“I told you what was coming.” I said. “I thought things would be handled before we got to this point. Clearly I can’t change anything.”
“I’m still confused about how you knew all of this was going to happen.” Sam said. “Super powers?”
“I wouldn’t really call it that.” I said.
“Are you okay though?” Steve asked.
“I should be asking you that.” I retorted. “It was him?”
Steve didn’t say anything just nodded.
“Sorry.” I said getting up and gently putting a hand on Natasha’s good shoulder. “I’m going to get you a clean shirt.”
“Thanks…” Natasha said giving me a curious look before shooting Clint a look.
I walked down the hall and into the storage room where I saw a storage crate filled with clothes. There had to be something in there around Natasha’s size.
“Any luck?” Steve said popping up from behind me.
“Still looking. Whoever put this together was not concerned about sorting by size, or folding.” I said. “You okay?”
“I…” Steve took a breath as he took a seat on one of the boxes. “I’ve been better. I know you said he was alive but seeing him like that. I don’t know. I thought maybe he’d recognize me or something.”
“Life isn’t a movie. At least not in this universe.” I said. “He’s still Bucky. Deep down, he’s still in there. It’s just going to take some time for him to be in control of himself.”
“He’ll be Bucky again?” Steve said.
“He won’t be the same guy you knew in the 40’s, no one who went through what he went through would be the same person. People change, just be there for him. I know this is going to be hard for you but next time you see him, don’t pull your punches just because he’s your friend.”
“You just said…” Steve said.
“He is a super soldier now. He’s is going to come at you ready to kill you and he won’t hold back. If you do he will kill you. So fight back, he can take a hit.” I informed him finally finding a black t-shirt that was Natasha’s size and a hoodie.
“Would you be able to do it if it was Theo?” He asked.
“If it was Theo, he’d be a wreck if he snapped out of it and realized he hurt his best friend.” I answered. “It also helps that we have agreements for this sort of thing.”
“What sort of things?” Steve asked.
“Oh the usual stuff. If one of us ends up in a coma, the other person pulls the plug. If one of us gets falsely accused of a crime we didn’t commit and if looks like we’re going to serve time we’d go on the run. Somewhere sunny, with a good cost of living rate. Probably Thailand or Bali. If the US government gets taken over by a conservative fascist regime we’d move to Canada or Denmark. If one of us ends up with a horrible terminal disease the other person helps them go out on their own terms.” I said. “If one of us has a dissociative fugue state and tries to hurt the other, we have the right to do whatever has to be done, no hard feelings.”
“You and Theo have actually had this conversation?” Steve said realizing I was not kidding.
“We have a kid together, we need to have plans for things that could happen.” I said. “It’s better to have and not need than need and not have.”
“Kind of like this place.” Steve said.
“There are worse places to hide.” I said getting up. “Now we should go back out there, you have to give Fury some really bad news.”
“I do?” He asked following me back out there.
Once everyone was a bit more settled and Fury was finally out of bed we just put everything out there.
Fury rehashed everything that had happened and everything Hydra was planning.
Fury frowned as he looked at a photo of Pierce.
“This man declined the Nobel Peace Prize. He said, "Peace wasn't an achievement, it was a responsibility." See, it's stuff like this that gives me trust issues.” Fury said.
“You could not have really been that surprised.” I added.
“For the last time, I didn’t see anything.” Fury defended. “And I’m not the one who came up with all those impressive upgrades for the Hellicarrier.”
“He wasn't the one that put the proposal together, got the funding approved and started the project.” I retorted.
“We have to stop the launch.” Natasha said interrupting our bickering.
“I don't think the Council's accepting my calls anymore.” He said opening up a briefcase with three chips.
“What's that?” Sam asked.
“Once the Helicarriers reach three thousand feet, they'll triangulate with Insight satellites becoming fully weaponized.” Hill informed us.
“We need to breach those carriers and replace their targeting blades with our own. Courtesy of one Tony Stark.” Fury said flipping the briefcase so we could all see.
“One or two won't cut it. We need to link all three carriers for this to work, because if even one of those ships remains operational a whole lot of people are gonna die.” Hill finished.
“We have to assume everyone aboard those carriers is HYDRA. We need to get pass them, insert the server blades, and maybe, just maybe, we can salvage what's left...” Fury started.
“We're not salvaging anything.” Steve said shooting down that idea without any hesitation. “We're not just taking down the carriers, Nick, we're taking down SHIELD.”
“SHIELD had nothing to do with it.” Fury defended.
“You gave me this mission, this is how it ends. SHIELD's been compromised, you said so yourself. HYDRA grew right under your nose and nobody noticed.” Steve said.
“Why do you think we're meeting in this cave?” Fury said.
“Because I gave you a heads up almost 2 years ago?” I reminded him.
“And how many paid the price before that?” Steve said.
“There was no way we could have known about Barnes.” Fury said.
“Even if you have, would you have told me? Or would you have compartmentalized that too? SHIELD, HYDRA, it all goes.” Steve said firmly.
“He's right.” Hill said and Natasha just nodded in agreement. Clint just gave him a look that said it all.
“Don’t look at me. I do what he does, just slower.” Sam said.
“Well... Looks like you're giving the orders now, Captain.” Fury said.
“What’s the plan?” Natasha asked and they all turned to me.
“We’re going to need a few things, including a World Security Councilwoman.” I informed them.