NOTE: This story takes place after the events of Iron Man 3 but NOT after the events of Captain America: Winter Soldier. Meaning yes SHIELD is still around and no it is not known that HYDRA has infiltrated them. This story will take place as if Killian had survived IM3 (in which I will explain how he did so later on). This will be my first time incorporating an OC into my writing so please R&R!
"We just want to ask you a few questions."
Jason's eyes slowly lifted from the glass covered tabletop, his gaze falling on the man across from him. Agent Coulson they had called him, a man appearing to be in his forties, confident in the way he held himself, and with an expression that reflected experience, wisdom, but also danger at the turn of a dime. Jason was no fool, he knew why he was here, and he knew it could rise a tidal wave of issues to come if he ran his mouth too much.
"Ask 'em then. Doesn't mean I'll fucking answer." He grunted, arms crossing over his chest as he leaned back into his chair.
"Why's that? Do you have something to hide?"
That issued in a glare, ice blue eyes flashing a silent warning not to push it. The agent seemed unphased by it, only returning a challenging look as if he had no plan of backing down from this conversation.
"One of your little lackeys saw me as a threat, yeah? Even though I didn't do anything. Pretty sure there's a violation of rights in one way or another to bring someone in at gunpoint when no crime was committed." He paused, glancing at the manila envelope resting on the table that had yet to be opened, the dark SHIELD emblem stamped in the top right corner. "But then SHIELD never cared much for following the rules hm?"
Coulson's expression remained stone-faced, not a flicker of emotion being betrayed as he reached for the envelope and began slowly opening it.
"SHIELD is dedicated to protecting citizens from immediate threats Mr. McConnell, and you, have been deemed as a possible one."
Jason raised his brow at that, not because he was viewed as a threat, but because this was the first time this man had spoken his name, and he had not given it to him. His focus flickered to the folder, a small stack of papers sliding free and coming to rest in the agent's steady hands.
"Age sixteen you were caught trying to pickpocket and ran from the police, you were picked up by someone claiming to be your Uncle a few hours later. Age twenty, arrested for assault, age twenty-two, arrested for causing a scene at a local bar...you hardly seem like someone who's innocent of the criminal life."
Jason felt a pang of worry now, wondering just exactly what those records held. He knew SHIELD was slick at gathering information and he felt the moment to fall silent was now at hand. That was confirmed as Coulson looked up at him expectantly.
"But these petty crimes aren't the reason why you're here ." Coulson said softly, as if he was trying to ease the transition of conversation. "Which is obvious since we would have only brought you in if it was absolutely necessary. Agent Martell, the man you ran into earlier today, reported seeing a glow to your skin, one that much resembles this one."
A photo was dropped, Coulson's hand sliding it towards Jason so that he could get a better view of it. It was of a man Jason did not recognize, but the way his body lit up as if his blood was made of lava did however draw his attention. SHIELD knew of Extremis then, or perhaps knew of it while lacking most of the details. Jason had sworn silence when it came to the virus, and so neglected to say a word now, merely looking over the photo a moment longer before bringing his eyes back to the agent.
"These studies have proven extremely lethal to the subject as well as those around them." Coulson explained. "It can be unstable. If there is someone out there still testing this virus strand we need to know who it is."
Testing...it had almost been perfected now. Jason thought to himself as he tilted his head to the side and heaved a small sigh.
"I'm assuming you're a recent case, since there's been no notable sight or sound of you for nearly three years now." Coulson continued.
No answer.
"Tell us who tested on you, and in return we can erase your record and help you get a fresh start."
That drew out a laugh, one that was bitter and almost chilling.
"Erase my record huh? Give me a fresh start?" Jason mused. "There's no erasing anything. It all stays with you, no piece of paper saying otherwise is going to change that." His hand went down to the photo, shoving it away as he glared daggers at the agent across from him. "That's the problem with SHIELD and everyone in it. They think they can control shit and pull strings to get their way, and maybe that worked in the past but it sure as hell won't work for me." Without warning, Jason rose from his seat, feeling his blood beginning to boil in quite a literal way. He'd played along so as to avoid issues, but with SHIELD digging into Extremis, he needed to get back to Killian to issue a warning.
Noticing Coulson's hand move to his hip, Jason smirked, his fingers curling into loose fists.
"If you know what these powers can do and you're convinced I have them, are you really sure it's a good idea to take a shot at me?" He challenged.
"I wasn't going to take a shot at you." Coulson replied as the door to the room clicked. "I was unlocking that so you wouldn't be tempted to burn a hole through it."
The smirk fell, tension continuing to hold firm throughout Jason's body as he made his way towards the door.
"I want you to think over my offer." Coulson called to him as he thumbed through the papers. "SHIELD can help you– give you a place where you belong, but if you continue to trust and protect the wrong people, it's only going to make things more difficult for you."
"No shit." Jason muttered under his breath, not bothering to cast a parting glance as he stepped through the sliding door and followed the long corridor he remembered passing through when he was brought in. SHIELD stationing their headquarters in New York didn't seem like the best move on their part, especially when they were drawing in so much attention due to the Avengers. It did however, make them easier to keep an eye on, and that was exactly what Jason intended to do.