Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Afghanistan,
Coulson observes as the Master Sergeant makes the soldiers go through their paces. He winces as one of the soldiers hits the dusty ground but the Master Sergeant had already picked the man out and pushed him out without pausing in making the soldiers go through their paces. After the Master Sergeant halts the exercise, most of the soldiers groan in protest. Master Sergeant said "Not the time to moan boys. 5 Minute Break then back to putting those exercises to good use by going through the obstacle field."
Soldiers moaned and one said "Ow come on Sarge, give us a break." the Sarge looks at him and said "You get a break, when you get a bullet. Now save your breath before your bone cuneiform gives out." All the soldiers look at him in confusion. Sergeant smirks and said "Your feet. 5 minutes. Hustle Up." All the soldiers, even the Afghans who usually are more resistant to the Western people teaching them, hustled up to take their 5 minute break.
Coulson gradually strolls to the Sergeant and said "That is an impressive exercise performance Sergeant." the Sergeant looks at him and said "I will say it in two letters. N-O. So get lost and don't look back." Coulson's hairline raises up though his face reveal nothing. He said "You don't even know what I am asking Master Sergeant Booth."
Booth replies "Pressed Suit. Making a comment on performance. Observance for about 1 hour at a distance of 25 yards. You were seeing on how I handle a team Mr whatever your real name is. You want me to be a part of a team, in your secret government organization. My answer Not a Chance."
Coulson continues on "My organization is building a team that consists of some of the best and brightest in the world. We want to oversee threats that no government has ever encountered and prepare for them. Your record, Master Sergeant Booth is not only impressive but extraordinary. And you are wrong about one thing. We don't want you to be a part of a team, we want you to be the head of the team. The Avengers Team."
Booth looks at him with a frowning expression and said "Ooo, the Avengers Team. I have a team back home. A team that is frankly more trustworthy than what you have shown me right now." Coulson said "Right, the Jeffersonian Team. I heard that they were all on a sabbatical. How do you know that they will come back to work with you again." Booth looks far off into the distance and said softly "Bones will. She made the promise." Coulson said "We are offering you resources you cannot imagine and opportunities you wouldn't want to miss. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity Mr Booth. I would suggest to take it." Booth said "I have a team. My people are back in Washington. And I do not care for your resources with strings attached. I know how such teams work. Only result, no consciousness in the method. And I don't care how many resources you are offering, I am still not going to be the head of the team. Find a new bait Mr Coulson. This fish is not biting."
Booth walks off, Coulson touches his ear and said "You heard?".
Fury spinning around facing his desk said "Yes, don't worry. there are many ways to make Mr Booth agreeable to our offer. Come back. We need to study more about the Tessaract."