Disclaimer: I do not own S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers or any of the other cannon characters that may appear. I don't own any OC's except for Coulson's siblings and their respective kids.
A/N: So, sorry I'm late everyone yesterday kind of got busy and got away from me. Today I had a friends' water polo game to go and then a paper I had to finish writing. Anyway, enough excuses. I toyed and played with the ending so many times, I honestly didn't know where to end it, but I think I like this ending.
The Chief of Staff of the Army General Odierno (is or was the Real Chief of Staff of Army at this point in time in 2012.) I took a few scenes out that were I believe unnecessary and scaled back on the details just because I wanted to get this out to you all. Though the core framework of this chapter is still there. Hope you all like it.
Hope I portrayed the military funeral with full honors as accurately as possible, I tried to. I did it to the best of my ability having never been to an actual military funeral (thank goodness, I don't know what I'd do if I lost my dad. - Marine Corps service 20 plus years). Or a funeral in general knock on wood.
A/N: Julie and Robert Coulson aren't dead in my universe. They are very much alive, they may not be young, but they are alive. Someone had to hear the news after all. Coulson also isn't an only child he's the oldest of four. He's got two younger sisters and a younger brother. Did I mention he's married?
Assistant Deputy Director Mace (is in fact Jeffrey Mace for Marvel's Agents of SHIELD.) I thought he was only valid choice for my story.
Warning: Some hints at PTSD (in some characters), past Phil Coulson/OMC, hints of Slash (Clint/OMC) - if you don't like don't read only going to say this once because I don't want hateful or flame worthy comments, about either pairings or how I write characters. This is largely Clint and OC's centric with a closer look at Clint/OMC as a pairing. Strong emotions and or reactions to character death, etc. You have been warned take heed when reading this chapter.
'' - denote character thoughts.
Read, Review, Enjoy. Onward to Chapter 3.
P.S. If you want to message me about something specific from this chapter go ahead and do so, but not in the review section please. Kindly and with respect do it with a PM.
Chapter 3 A Hero's Farewell
1030 hrs. 17 May 12 CAO Dulal's Office S.H.I.E.L.D. Central, Manhattan, New York.
It had definitely been a busy week for Kali and the rest the CAO's on staff her at S.H.I.E.L.D. Central. It was tiring as well, most would get in at 0900 and not leave until 22 or 2300 most nights. Kali's days this week it was only now Thursday, it felt like a Tuesday to her, were filled with fly outs to the West Coast states like Nevada, Texas, and California to inform families of their loved ones passing. Jeremy Henkel had been one of those flights. To Houston, Texas actually. Jeremy Henkel may have been an only child, but he sure had a lot of extended family that cared for him, and couldn't bare the fact that their little Jeremy was gone.
Kali had just finished writing what felt like her hundredth condolence letter and it was only 1030 when a knock at her office door came.
"Come in." She called out from her desk not even looking up at who had entered. 'If it's Personnel again I'm going to scream.' She thought herself.
"Officer Dulal." The crisp clear deep voice called out. Kali looked up and snapped to attention.
"Director Fury sir. I was just about to walk these letters over to you sir. Is something else wrong?" Kali asked.
"At ease Agent, and no nothing's wrong. I need you to make funeral arrangements, full military honors, U.S. Army, Arlington National Cemetery." 'Whoever this is must be pretty high up if Director Fury is coming to me personally' Usually Personnel would just shoot an email list from their office with all the pertinent information handy.
"Who is this for sir?" Kali asked politely like she'd done the other five times Director Fury had come into her office in the past three days.
"Captain Phillip James Coulson." Fury answered stoically. "I'll also need you to notify the family of when the funeral is to be held, and get Personnel to provide transport. Agent Coulson's family has waited long enough. It's time to put this solider to rest."
"Of course, I'll get right on that. Is there anyone else you'd like me to notify? Other Agents, the Avengers?" 'This'll take a while and some waiting on everyone's part, but I'll get it done' Kali thought to herself.
Normally she'd procrastinate and even slack off a bit, but her work always got done on time in the end. But this was for Coulson. The few times Kali had the privilege of interacting with the Senior Agent well let's just say the stories didn't do the man justice. The stories were unbelievable and all true. That was the unbelievable part of those stories. That they actually happened the man was a legendary handler at S.H.I.E.L.D. A legendary Agent period. He'd sure to missed by all of them.
"The appropriate Agents and the Avengers are being notified as we speak Agent."
"I just have one question sir." Fury gestured for her to continue. "Is this service public or private. Just family and friends or…"
"Agent Coulson would be honored if any of his fellow Agents showed. His family does know Coulson works, worked for us." Fury said solemnly.
"Okay sir I'll notify you personally of when the date is shall I?"
"That would be preferred." Fury turned away from Kali and started walking back out the door before he stopped. "Officer Dulal, thank you." Kali was floored, she'd never in all her years of working at S.H.I.E.L.D. heard the director thank anyone from a lowly janitor, all the way up to the Deputy Director. He just thanked her. Kali was quick to regain her composure as she spoke.
"No need for thank you sir. It's my job." Kali smiled softly at the Director. If she wasn't mistaken she saw a small tender smile on the man's normally hardened impassive face. It was gone as quickly as it had come and he was out the door and into the bustling hallway.
With Fury gone and her partner on a much-needed coffee break, Kali was going to set aside the letters she'd just finished when she realized they were gone. 'Well they don't call Nick Fury the greatest spy there ever was for nothing' she thought to herself as she set about putting the funeral arrangements in motion for one Captain Phillip James Coulson. Decorated U.S. Army Ranger.
Kali's partner a man in his early thirties, had served four years in the Navy, in Naval intelligence. Then been a writer for Times, and he was a certified psychologist. That's how he'd ended up being a CAO for S.H.I.E.L.D. actually. He'd seen the horrors of war and knew what it could do to families. He wanted to help, S.H.I.E.L.D. approached him, with a recruitment offer to help Agents' families in their darkest times. Just as he'd been helping Navy personnel families.
"Speaking of Enlinton where is he? He should be back with our drinks by now?" Kali wondered aloud to their empty office.
"Dulal open up." Matthew called out through their closed office door. Kali got up from her desk and strode over to the door opening it. Stood there in his immaculate black Dolce and Gabbana suit was Officer Matthew Enlinton himself. He held a rather large decaf coffee box in his left hand and can of Moxie in his right. Kali eyed the large coffee box, with the closed off spout. Matthew was a serious caffeine guy. Maybe not as bad as the likes of Tony Stark, but bad enough.
"What it's early still, and plus I beat the mad rush of scientists and Med staff."
Kali just shook her head at the blue almond shaped eyed man. He did have nice blue eyes.
"We've got another full military honors funeral to arrange Matthew." Kali told him as he reached his desk and set the coffee box down. He poured himself a generous cup into his to-go mug from home.
"Who is it?" Matthew asked genuinely curious. The last five notifications they'd received surprised him, but not in a bad way. It was just those Agents he'd never thought of or even looked the part of military service member. Though was to say there was a certain look at all. If you had the skills and the ability and you were willing to die for your country you were alright in his book.
"Agent Phil Coulson. Captain U.S. Army. He was a Ranger a highly decorated one at that."
"Well let's get to work shall we. No time like the present." Matthew remarked.
1045hrs. 17 May 12. Avengers Tower, Communal Living Floor, Manhattan, New York.
Clint had been in the newly christened Avengers Tower since Monday, and he had to say it was nice to sleep in a bed for once that was actually comfortable. Bunking in S.H.I.E.L.D. was fine, when he was younger, but he was getting older now. He had to also admit getting older sucked. Aching joints and all. Clint had to say what he liked most so far about the tower was not the just the access to free food, but the entertainment system, and the new renovated multipurpose gym.
Clint even had a shooting range on the floor he was staying on. A shooting range for crying out loud. Tony was really spoiling him and Natasha. Clint had convinced Natasha to come and crash at the tower after she got back from her mission yesterday.
"Hey birdbrain quit hogging the T.V. I'm bored of the nature channel." Tony whined as he looked up from his Stark-pad. "Can't we change it?"
"No, this TV's bigger than any I've ever had access too. "Besides, the ones at S.H.I.E.L.D. and we get in trouble if we use those for anything other than surveillance videos or training footage."
Tony shot Natasha a look who was sitting in an armchair reading a book with a thick red hard back cover. "I'm not even saying anything Stark."
"Oh, come on Natalie." Tony whined teasing the Russian red head. Before either Natasha or Clint could respond to Tony the elevator dinged open admitting a tall muscular man who stood about 6'3, 210lbs.
The guy was all muscle not an ounce of fat on him. Or very little at the least. The man had jet black hair styled in messy spikes on top with a low fade, he was also wearing a black bandanna around his head, five o'clock shadow on his chin, and piercing emerald green eyes. He also had several obscure tattoos on both his arms. In fact, it looked like he had full sleeves. It was so hot, and sexy if he was being honest with himself.
Clint knew this jet black haired man standing in front of him quite well had for a long time. Before Natasha even. Though not before Phil. He'd actually met Carson in his early training days at S.H.I.E.L.D., and they struck up a friendly shooting rivalry. Clint being from the circus and have no real formal training, and Drew well he had the formal training to, but it also just seemed he had a knack for shooting things. Their friendly rivalry soon grew at a slow and steady rate. Clint wasn't all that trusting of a lot people back then. Until it grew to where it was today.
He looked rough, beaten, and tired like he hadn't slept in a few days. Clint licked his lips absently. "He-Hey Drew what're you doing here?" 'Stop it you dummy he's straight, even if he wasn't he wouldn't go for a carnie like me.' Clint thought. 'Plus, we're just friends why would I want to screw that up.'
Drew had a rep around S.H.I.E.L.D., he was a ladies man, and his rep was just shy of Stark status before Stark got together with Pepper. And Pepper made an honest man out of Stark. Drew's S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel jacket said he was single. His parents were dead, and he only had two siblings, two sisters a twin and younger sister. Both Agents. That was it. One was the S.H.I.E.L.D. "head doc" Clint saw and the other, Agent Sarah Morgan was a field medic, and was a veteran field medic at that.
Drew's emerald orbs flashed over the room at Natasha, Tony and finally landing on Clint's sharp blue gray eyes. He lingered for just a quick second then seamlessly shifted to a proper professional stance. This didn't bode well.
"I come with official news from Fury himself, this needs full Avengers attendance and attention."
"Well you can tell Fury to stuff it, we're done being his lap dogs." Tony practically spat.
Drew held his calm composure. "Relax Stark it's not how do I say this. World endingly urgent. Though it is urgent."
Tony looked at the taller man now fully. He put the Stark-pad down that he'd been using to look over security footage of Coulson's death.
Drew wasn't the Avengers' handler. No, that pleasure lied with his fellow Senior Agent Jasper Sitwell. Drew's working relationship with the fledging team the Avengers was complicated to say the least. He was at most supposed to be an outside evaluator or observer for Fury. He'd ended up meeting with and befriending every single one of them. Before the Avengers Initiative was even a thought. He'd helped in some way or another all three of the people in this room right now over time whether it was emotionally or physically.
Yes, even the infamous Black Widow. She wasn't as cold and heartless and most of the probies and junior agents thought she was. Sometimes it just helped to have someone to talk too that wasn't S.H.I.E.L.D. psychologist. A friend, that wasn't Clint or…or Phil. Drew'd also been specifically assigned to Captain Rogers last year to acclimate the out of time soldier to the 21st century.
He honestly didn't think he was the man for the job. He thought Phil God rest his soul, would have been a better choice. He was busy on another assignment at the time. But then again Phil would've just ended up fanboying no matter how professional he was. Fury thought for some unknown reason only known to the man himself that he Drew Carson a Marine could help an out of time WWII relic. "Adjust to the change in times, in multiple aspects." Is what Fury had said exactly.
Phil idolized the Captain. Drew not so much. So, you could say last year was a little tense at the beginning. Not just because he'd been put on Overwatch on top of the HQ when Rogers had gotten out into Times Square. Rogers hadn't exactly been happy about that little stunt Fury had pulled. They were only tranquilizers, enough to take down an elephant, but still Drew guessed Captain Righteous didn't like the idea of someone putting him down like that. Like that some animal. Drew was only following orders, being a good Agent doing as he was told.
It wasn't just the difference in service branch either. Or the fact that they were the same rank. That should actually lend to their comradery it didn't. Drew had his reservations about certain members of the team just like Hill had, but he kept his mouth shut.
"Is everyone here?" Drew asked pointedly as directed his question toward Tony.
The shorter man answered. "No, well Bruce is here he's just in one of the labs upstairs, Captain Spangles is in his Brooklyn apartment. Thor is still in New Mexico with Foster last I checked."
Drew actually sighed and snorted slightly. He crossed his tatted arms where he stood. "Can you get them both here? This announcement needs to be made in person."
Drew really needed to sleep, debrief, shower, and eat. Not in that particular order, but this news was more pressing. It did involve one Phillip J. Coulson after all.
1100hrs. 17 May 12. Director Fury's Office. S.H.I.E.L.D. Central, Manhattan, New York.
Fury was a man with many secrets, hell his secrets even had secrets. There were few people he entrusted with the utmost secrets of the agency. He'd just lost his right-hand man. His one good eye. Fury had been the one to recruit a young Captain Coulson out of the Army Rangers all those years ago. Fury wasn't a recruiter specifically, but he was a young junior Field Agent at the time, only three years of experience under his belt at the time. Fury had convinced the higher ups at the time to let him recruit Phil.
It had been a gamble and he won, Phil had tremendous leadership qualities among other qualities S.H.I.E.L.D. found useful. His organizational skills and keeping cool under pressure were a few. He also had an uncanny knack for picking out the best of the best future Agents. Agents Clint Barton, Drew Carson and Jasper Sitwell were a testament to that skill. Drew had a good eye himself for seeing things others didn't. He was an observant individual.
Drew Carson was a 2ndLt back in '91 at the start of Operation Desert Storm. He got to lead men into battle actual go out there and fight. Not much when he got promoted through the ranks. He was a Captain in '97 in the United States Marine Corps. He was a Force Recon Marine for life. That's at least what he told himself. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton, California when he was laid up in hospital due to training injury. It was at that time that he met Retired Army Ranger Phil Coulson that's how he introduced himself. The man was even in his old Army Ranger PT shirt.
"Ranger Rick." Carson had stated a sloppy doe eyed grin on his face.
"No Phil Captain Coulson, Retired Army Ranger"
"Ranger Rick." Carson had stated more forcefully. Coulson wouldn't realize until later that the Marine Captain in the bed was doped on morphine and few other drugs. The name stuck to Phil like glue, unfortunately. Just like Cheese had done with Fury. Though that name and story was one for another time.
Once the Captain was cleared to leave the hospital. Coulson met up the Captain of base and they talked became friends. Then Coulson brought up who he worked for and he for and if it weren't for his quick Agent reflexes he would've gotten a beer bottle to face. Drew was stubborn, and wouldn't listen to Phil, but Phil was stubborn too and he'd eventually get his man. Phil came back a few month later in a tailored Dolce Gabbana suit and aviator shades, and asked the Captain to reconsider the offer.
"You're close to a promotion, aren't you?" Coulson had asked. "Major (O-4) you'd be stuck behind a desk, making action plans, giving out orders, the trickledown effect at its finest."
"I'm already doing that with minimal action as it is." Carson had replied.
"My thoughts exactly Captain. Take my recruitment offer and I'll give you what you want more time in the field, boots on the ground. You're a warfighter, I know it I can see it your eyes."
Drew had given the 30 something year old man a look and then stuck out his right hand for Coulson to shake. Coulson shook it. "You've got yourself a deal Agent Coulson."
As they say the rest was history. Drew separated from the United States Marine Corps shortly after, due to sufficient time in service.
Coulson didn't know it at the time, but the young man in front of him was a legacy all of his own. Fury was the only one as always who knew the most pertinent information about any one person or anything that had to do with this organization. He had to be at that point.
Drew was the first 'real' piece of the puzzle back then. The other key players would come in later. "You did it Cheese. You managed to get them together you did your job." Nick said aloud to his large empty office. The Avengers maybe be together, but they were the furthest idea for a team as one could get. He sighed heavily and fixed some papers on his desk to clear away any lingering sad thoughts. There was knock at his door a minute later. "Enter." Fury commanded.
In walked Officers Dulal and Enlinton in their navy-blue blouse and black slacks and flats and black Armani suit and black dress shoes respectively. Their I.D. badges clipped to their left breast pockets.
"Director Fury sir we have a date set." Kali informed Fury. Kali didn't need to say for what Fury knew.
"And we also have flights booked for Coulson's immediate family from Wisconsin to Virginia they'll be arriving 48 hours prior to the service sir." Matthew told the Director. 'I didn't even know the man had any family besides his work family that had consisted of the Carson twins and Clint and Natasha and then us, his work colleagues.'
"As well as hotel accommodations for the Coulsons, and it's pretty upscale, enough so that when the Avengers are notified it's a 99.8% chance Mr. Stark will pick this hotel as well." Kali figured all the S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents who would attend would bunk at S.H.I.E.L.D. for the two days before the service. Or they had their own arrangements Kali didn't know. She knew she didn't, she just had her place in New York. So, accommodations at S.H.I.E.L.D. it was. There was a nearby base in
"Very good Agents, when is the date set for?" Fury asked simply.
"May 31st." Kali replied. She didn't know how to bring up this next part, but it was kind of important wasn't it. "Umm sir Officer Enlinton and I were wondering and you can say if I'm out of bounds. But if both yourself and Deputy Director Hill are going to be in attendance who's going to run S.H.I.E.L.D. sir?"
Fury thought to himself. It was a valid question and most of the Senior Field Agents on staff would be going to Coulson's funeral as well. Well the ones that knew him personally anyway. May, Morse, Carter, even Hand and Blake to name a few. Coulson really had touched a lot of lives within the agency and it would surely show by the turnout.
"The Assistant Deputy Director. Assistant Deputy Director Mace he's being briefed now and will come in a few days before we all leave for Virginia." Fury told the two CAO's.
Neither Dulal or Enlinton had heard of such a position or the person who presumably held that title. They told each other as much as they were dismissed from the Director's office a short time later.
With the two Agents gone Nick sat back in his black leather backed chair, and looked up at the pale tiled ceiling. "Secure office." Nick told an invisible computer.
"Office secure."
Nick took off his eye patch and rubbed his eyes. He'd lost a son that day. Hill and so many others had lost a brother in arms. Phil was a man who was a lot of things to a lot of people, and said people would be feeling the weight of that loss in a lot of ways, in the coming weeks. He'd lost his one good eye. He'd recruited Coulson, all those years ago and he'd let him slip out of his fingers just like that. He was gone. They all knew the risks of the job, but still when it happened to so many all at once, and to someone Nick was especially close too. It, it tore at the gruff man's tender heartstrings.
No more late night bourbons in his office. No more shooting contests with Hill and himself. They were a powerful trio unto themselves and only a select few new that. The three of them may not be legacies, but they were legends, and Phil Coulson was going to leave a huge legacy behind in these hallowed halls of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Nick slammed his fist into his desk in a rare feat of raw unbridled anger. "Dammit Phil." Nick let one tear lone tear slip done his right cheek before he took a couple of minutes to compose himself. He needed inform Assistant Deputy Director Mace of what had transpired and that he was needed.
"You've never heard of an A.D.D. before have you Dulal, because I know I haven't?" Matthew asked his co-worker as they walked along the halls of S.H.I.E.L.D.
"No never in my six years of working here have I heard anyone by that name or title." Kali replied. "I guess it's kind of a pull here in case of drastic emergency situation."
"I guess so." Matthew replied as they continued walking back to their office. Dropping the subject matter entirely.
They both had plane tickets to arrange, and pack. They both wondered if this was a sort of thing Personnel could arrange for them if they even could? Seeing as Personnel only dealt with that kind of stuff for Agents who had immediate family members die. And they needed to get back to their home states or even countries as soon as possible. Both Enlinton and Dulal had decided almost right after they were notified to make the arrangements that they would be going to the funeral.
They both may not have known Coulson as well as some of the other Agents around base, or had personal connections like the Director and Deputy Director. Still they wanted to go and show their support. Show the Coulson family how honored they were to have worked with their son.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was like a second family to Coulson, seeing as he hardly ever got to see his family or his significant other very often. Due to the nature of his work. Ever since the November 25th 2009, 'I am Iron Man' incident with Tony Stark kicked off the whole slew of weird things happening it seemed one right after the other.
1130hrs. 17 May Avengers Tower, Communal Living Room, Manhattan, New York.
The elevator dinged admitting a freshly showered Drew onto the communal floor. He felt somewhat more human and himself now. His persona Andres Herrera firmly tucked away in the deep recesses of his mind. He'd used Tony's shower quickly and then changed into civvies and did his hair.
He wore simple black 5.11 tactical pants, with black GORE-TEX combat boots, and a skin-tight olive drab Grunt Style Marine t-shirt with USMC written on it. There were also two chains around his neck. His dog tags and his Hogs tooth necklace.
Now that he'd taken off those god-awful skin adhesive sleeve tattoos, the only real tattoo visible were on his right arm and a portion of left bicep. His right arm was a full sleeve tattoo. Full color tear away of the American flag, and Eagle, Globe and Anchor inscribed in it. Further under the tattoo on top of his wrist was in black ink USMC. On his left bicep, a portion of his tribal band tattoo stuck out.
Heads turned as soon as they heard the elevator ding. Also, voices stopped talking. Drew looked out into the common room, this was more than just Thor and Rogers. The latter sitting in an armchair with his arms across his equally muscled chest in a horizontal striped shirt, that looked two sizes too small. 'God who dresses this guy. S.H.I.E.L.D.s tailors are better than this'
He scanned the room quickly before saying anything. "Where's Clint?" Drew asked. As if Clint knew he was being talked about he came out an opening that Drew knew led to the kitchen.
"There you are. Turn your aids up Cupid. I need you hear this." Drew said as he watched the archer with one hand turn up his deep purple hearing aids.
"What's this important news you have Agent Carson?" Captain Rogers asked. Drew ignored the Captain for now and turned to where Tony was sitting with Pepper on a loveseat.
"Tony, I said Rogers and Thor not everyone associated with them." Drew stated. He looked over and saw Jasper Sitwell fresh and clean from the op, in his typical dark gray suit and round rimmed glasses. "Sitwell great you're here too. One less person I have to inform."
"What's this pressing information about exactly?" Sitwell asked pushing his glasses up his nose.
"I know there are a certain few of you in this room who've been looking into Agent Coulson's death." Drew didn't mince his words, he looked pointedly at Tony and Pepper looked right at Tony.
"What Fury's known for lying and Phil was his number one man." Tony said defending himself.
"Well he's gone, and…" Drew swallowed a heavy lump in his throat. 'Now is not the time break. Especially in front this lot.' "And what we all need. Avengers and Agents alike is closure. The funeral for Captain Phillip James Coulson will be held two weeks from now on May 31st" Drew easily and covertly scanned the room looking at everyone without moving his head.
Steve was of course the first one speak up. "Captain?" Steve asked. "Agent Coulson served."
"He did 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Ranger Battalion out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Washington." Clint replied no tone inflation or emotion in his voice. Just like he was reading straight from his former handlers' personnel jacket.
"He wanted to be like you Captain. He idolized you." Drew commented coolly. He didn't say much else just let that information sink in.
"Where's the service going to be held?" Darcy asked. She never did get her I-pod back from the suit wearing jackbooted thug' She thought fondly as she remembered that day. She couldn't believe he was gone. Nobody could.
"Where all service members who served honorably are laid to rest." Drew informed the large group. "Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia."
"I just got the intra-agency e-mail about the funeral. We're flying commercial, business class, and Fury recommends the Residence Inn by Marriot Arlington Rosslyn 4-star." Sitwell informed the group. Tony wisely didn't make any comments about the 4-star rating. This was for Phil. "Fury also says I'm to make sure you all get there in one piece."
"This is for Phil like I said closure for all of us, and his family. That's right Coulson has family, parents, a younger brother, two younger sisters and multiple nieces and nephews, as well as a husband."
'His personnel jacket said he was single, no family whatsoever' Clint felt betrayed hurt. He looked how he knew Natasha felt. She of course though wasn't showing it.
"Are you trying to insinuate something Drew?" Tony asked.
"No of course not Tony. I think you'd know how to act at a funeral." Drew replied. "This is going to be held to military standards and precision, timing is everything. Being late isn't an option."
"I get it okay I'll be on time." Tony said.
"I'll make sure of it." Jasper said. "I am the official handler now. The six of you are my responsibility now."
"Good to hear, the service starts at 0845 sharp. Officials recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes early, but since of our sleeping arrangements, we'll all be leaving from the hotel together in multiple vehicles." Drew quickly did the calculations in his head. "So, wake up calls at 0500 for everybody, hygiene and dress and enough time for double checks. We'll meet in the lobby and leave at 0700 on the dot. Then we'll be at Arlington by 0800, exactly 45 minutes before."
"This'll be good for all us." Rogers spoke up. "We all need closure just like Agent Carson said. We'll be on time every step of the way."
'We. We. You hardly knew Phil Captain.' Drew thought bitterly. Instead he said "Right good to know Captain, I appreciate it." Drew replied. "Now if you'll all excuse me I've got to get back to HQ to write my after-action report from my last assignment."
Drew's phone rang while he was in the lobby of Avengers Tower. "Carson." Drew answered. "No Sierra I'm fine, I just informed them all, and I've got say sis you've got your work cut out for you, for sure. I don't envy you and your job official psyche doctor for that bunch."
Two Weeks Later
0600 hrs. 31 May 12. Residence Inn by Marriot Arlington Rosslyn. Arlington, Virginia.
Drew, Matthew, and Agent Wood were all dressed in their respective branches' service uniform. Drew in his Marine Corps dress blue alphas and Matthew and Agent Logan Wood in their Navy Dress whites seeing as it was Summer.
"Never thought I'd have to wear these to a funeral again." Drew said somberly.
"I hear you there brother." Logan a tanned hazel eyed Chicago native replied. He'd served with Marines as a Greenside corpsman. Then he'd served a few years as an NCIS Special Agent, then he'd been recruited to S.H.I.E.L.D. back in '09.
"Agent Carson you've known Agent Hill longer then us…" Matthew trailed off.
"And you're wondering what's taking her so long? Guess it's a woman thing all across the board military or not." Drew knocked on the suite door that the Avengers were sharing with Sitwell. The door opened to reveal Agent Hill in her own Marine Corps dress blue alphas. The gold oak leaves of a Major clearly visible on her either side of her shoulders.
"Major Hill." All three other officers saluted sharply.
"At ease gentlemen." Hill ordered easily. "You can speak freely both of you, you are veterans just like me." Hill gestured to the two veteran Navy officers. She already knew Captain Carson spoke as freely as he pleased when at the office. "Come on in we're just about ready. Good call on the timing Carson some of us are having a little trouble getting ready."
"I told Tony nothing too fancy." Drew replied as the four of them walked into the main living area of the suite. Thor, Jane, Erik Selvig, Darcy, Natasha, Clint and Jasper were all seated around the coffee table. Clint and Jasper even Thor were dressed in black suits, and Drew knew Clint hated 'monkey suits as he called them.
Drew was surprised Thor even fit in a normal suit the guy was huge. It was also a little weird seeing him in normal Midgardian clothes, besides jeans and plaid shirts.
"You weren't kidding when you said Thor's arms were huge." Matthew said lowly to Logan.
"I know the female Agents like May and Simmons weren't jokin' around." Logan agreed.
"I heard you Drew." Tony called indignantly. "And for once it's not me. It's Steve. You look damn good in those dress blues by the way." Tony told his friend in a genuine manner. He could still appreciate a good-looking man when he saw one. He saw three good looking ones actually.
At Tony calling Drews' name Clint looked up from where he was quietly talking to Natasha and saw Drew in his dress blues. Medals and badges shined as bright as his polished black shoes. He looked damn good in that uniform of his. Clint always did like a man in uniform. Now wasn't the time though, not at all. Perhaps after, maybe it was time for Clint to move on. I mean Drew did say Phil was in a relationship had a husband even. Clint was clueless and knew nothing about it. Maybe Clint really didn't know Phil as well as he thought he had.
Matthew and Logan both sat down on a couch next to Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis. "I do like me a man in uniform." Darcy told the two men.
"Miss Lewis is this really appropriate?" Matthew asked.
"Yeah Lewis." Logan agreed with his fellow Navy officer.
Jane hit her friend in shoulder. "Darcy seriously."
"What. If McMuscles (Clint) can ogle Mr. tall dark Marine (Drew) why can't I have a little eye candy to look at?" Clint could feel a blush creeping up his neck and to his cheeks. He'd always been the one being ogled, not the ogler. Much less getting caught he was a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent, he should be better than this.
"Because we're about to go to a friends' funeral Darcy that's why." Jane told her friend.
"Jasper, you go deal with Rogers. Like you said he's your problem now." Drew checked his watch, clock was ticking. They still had forty-five minutes to get down to the lobby, meet with the Coulsons and head to the meeting spot at the cemetery for the start of the procession.
Jasper stopped talking to Maria and looked toward Drew, a disdainful look in his eyes. 'Only you Phil. Only you.' Jasper thought. Jasper walked off to one of the back rooms and knocked.
"Almost ready." Steve called out trying not to make his voice sound different.
"I'm coming in Captain." Jasper announced. The Captain's strong broad back was to Jasper but he could tell that he was holding something. "Agent Sitwell." Steve said honestly shocked to see it was him.
"Call me Jasper." Jasper told the blonde haired super soldier coming up to his right side and looked at what Steve was looking at. Phil's bloodied trading cards black ink on them. He had signed them Jasper noted. Phil would've loved that.
"Right Jasper." Steve said steadily.
Jasper looked at his watch. He didn't mean to be pushy, but if they didn't start moving down to the lobby Carson would blow a gasket. That man was wound tighter then Jasper had ever seen him. Then again, they were all about to attend a full military honors funeral for their friend and colleague. Then it smacked Jasper right in the face. That was it. Steve didn't think he knew Phil, their relationship was tentative at best.
"Captain Rogers. Having known Phil since I practically started at S.H.I.E.L.D., he was my S.O. actually. Anyone with eyes could see he idolized you, wanted to be you. Everyone knew about his fascination with you. He'd be honored if his biggest hero showed up today. Friend, family, loved one." Jasper said. "It doesn't matter how you knew him. All that matter is that you're there in the moment."
"But that's the thing, Agent, I mean Jasper I didn't know him at all. I mean the flight over from New York to the helicarrier was short. He told me "he watched me when I slept." Steve smiled at the memory a little.
"See, there you do have memories of Phil they may not be many, but they're there. If his family asks which they probably will just say you're there to pay your respects and that should be the end of it."
Jasper looked at Captain Rogers' blue uniform jacket. He was the same rank as Phil had been. Yet he had numerous medals and ribbons on his chest. More than Jasper had ever seen on one person. Even Fury and he was a full bird Colonel. Then again, he'd never seen Fury in his Army dress uniform. This was just what Phil had told him the times that Phil had seen Fury in his uniform.
Steve caught Jasper looking at his jacket. "It's a lot I know, the Chief of Staff of the Army General Odierno presented me with the full uniform a week ago once he found out I was going to a funeral. It's not too much is it." Steve asked having second thoughts. "I have a black suit in a garment bag I can change really quick."
"No, you wear it. I think Phil would have liked that. Now put on your jacket and and fix your beret and shoes and let's get moving,"
As Steve was lacing his left shoe he brought up something that had been on his mind for a while now. "I get the feeling Agent Carson doesn't like me very much. Any idea why?" 'I have no clue why. Probably because he's Canadian and he's known to have anger issues'
Jasper stopped looking at something on his phone and looked up at the Captain. "Don't mind Drew he's…I'm sure he'll come around. I mean you and Stark are starting to get better." The team still hardly knew each other. This would be first time since the Battle of New York, that they'd be coming together again.
"I guess. How do I look?" Steve asked as he grabbed his black cover and tucked it under his left arm.
"Like a modern-day Army officer, now we really have to get going and don't worry about Drew he's not the focus of today anyway." Steve felt slightly better at hearing that.
Now that everyone was finally ready the Avengers and Co. all headed out down to the lobby. Matthew, Logan and Drew were shocked at the seeing Captain Rogers in ASU's with some many awards and decorations on his chest. They wisely schooled their features and everyone met with the Coulsons and the other Agents, and they all headed off to the cemetery.
0800 hrs. 31 May 12 Memorial Avenue, Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington, Virginia.
Everyone arrived on time just as scheduled at Memorial Ave. because of their large group. Once Jasper and Drew were sure everyone was there, the Coulsons, Robert and Julie Coulson Phil's parents and his younger siblings Michael, Stephanie, Ericka, and their spouses and kids were all led to the transfer point since a caisson was being used. A band would also be playing as well.
This is the first time many of the guests in attendance would have seen Phil's body. Well nobody actually got to see it except for retired Army Colonel Nick Fury who transported Phil's body all the way from New York to Virginia. The only ones to see Phil alive for the last time were Nick, Drew and Logan. Logan was one of the field medics on the helicarrier that day. He actually called it over comms.
Not exactly the way the younger man wanted to meet Coulson. In the past, few weeks the young medic had heard stories from numerous Agents, including Agent Carson. Logan felt right standing there saluting in between Captain Rogers and Captain Carson honoring another fallen service member as Phil's casket was loaded onto the caisson.
Once the Phil's casket was loaded onto the caisson, the procession began to the gravesite. The band started playing, and casket team was directly behind the band, The Coulsons, and their children walked behind the casket team, then the six service members, Nick, Matthew, Maria, Steve, Logan, and Drew, paired off in two marching to their own internal cadences. Followed by the rest of Avengers and Co., and then the Agents, like Kali, Winston, Melinda, Victoria, Leopold Fitz and Jemma Simmons. Even the likes of John Garrett and his former rookie Grant Ward were there. It was probably the longest procession the cemetery would have that day.
0845hrs. 31 May 12 Phil Coulson's Gravesite, Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington, Virginia.
The service members all saluted as the casket was removed from the caisson and over to where the service itself would be conducted. The casket team secured the casket where it would be later lowered into the ground. The officer in charge and the military chaplain salute. Robert Coulson puts a hand on his wife Julie's shoulder as they're seated in the first row, along with their children, and respective spouses and their children. The seating is about 8 rows deep with six people to a row. The Coulson's themselves took up the first two rows. Everyone else was sat behind them, Nick, Matthew, Maria, Steve, Logan, and Drew all sat quietly and respectfully. For four out of the six members' this wasn't their first or sadly last funeral they'd ever attend. It didn't get any easier the number of times either member had to attend a funeral.
For those Agents who were on missions or were just too far away to attend. The whole funeral from start to finish was being wirelessly live streamed to all S.H.I.E.L.D. bases and facilities across the world. This was done with the families consent of course. Robert and Julie had both begrudgingly allowed it, to make their son in law Charlie happy.
"Phil would have wanted it." Is what the younger man had said to Phil's parents two weeks ago when Nick had brought up the idea of broadcasting. It was a show of respect, nothing more, Nick wasn't trying to put a fallen Agent, a friend, a confidant on display like that at all. It wasn't like that. If the family had wanted a private funeral they should have said. They opted to go the high round and give their son the honors he deserved.
The service began with the same words they always do "Today we are gathered together for the graveside service for Captain Phillip James Coulson, on behalf of the family, I would like to thank all of you for coming today." The military chaplain began.
Nobody dared talk, or speak while the chaplain was talking. Everybody at service had left their electronic devices in their vehicles. For those who were strapped they wisely too left their firearms in secure places in the vehicles they traveled here in. The service itself was beautiful and truly worthy of who Phil Coulson was.
Once the service had concluded the officer in charge asked everyone to rise for the presentation of military honors.
"Ladies and gentlemen please rise as we pay tribute to this fallen soldier, the firing of three volleys, and the playing of taps." The officer in charge asked. Everyone stood. Civilians put their hands over their hearts service members rendered the hand salute.
The firing squad was off to the side, but it looked as if they were pointed at the attendees. The officer in charge gave the order of "Present arms." Three volley shots were fired in succession.
Steve flinched ever so slightly. Others tensed, Maria, Logan, Drew. Though there were far off looks in Nick's, Matt's, and Maria's eyes as well. Everyone remained either standing with their hands over their hearts or rendering the hand salute as Taps was played by the bugler.
Nick and Maria, were okay throughout the service then Taps started playing and it hit them. This was real. It seemed like that for a lot of people. Not just the service members, but it especially resonated with those six. Having heard it many times before didn't ease the pain, didn't make the hurt go away.
There honestly wasn't a dry eye in the audience as Taps was being played. They were silent tears though. Nobody not even Phil's nieces and nephews who ranged in age from 6 to 17 made a sound, as they shed tears for their Uncle Phil.
After Taps finished the casket team folded the American flag thirteen times that covered Phil's casket and handed it off to the officer in charge. The officer in charge walked soundlessly over to the man on the left in the front row with chestnut brown hair and hazel eyes, wearing a black Armani suit.
Charles "Charlie" Adams-Coulson 46. Coffee shop owner, and retired FDNY. He'd lost his husband of 15 years. His Best Friend, His Soulmate, His Partner. The officer in charge handed
Charlie the folded American flag as he said "This flag is presented on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and, a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service." Charlie nodded solemnly and slowly. The officer in charge saluted the tear streaked face of Charlie and walked away.
Finally, still standing and saluting, the six military service members from three different branches said goodbye to a fallen brother in all meanings of the word. Though there was one last more personal to S.H.I.E.L.D. anyway tradition. Kind of like the 10-4 end of watch, last call that happened at police funerals. Nick had of course gotten permission for the head of the cemetery to do this, and they'd allowed it.
The service was officially over now. The Coulsons were having a get together afterwards nearby. "Stephanie be a dear and tell Charles we're having a gathering for Phillip. Immediate family only." Julie Coulson said tear tracks down her face.
As she looked at the much smaller crowd now. Just the six service members and the Avengers plus Darcy, Pepper, Jane, and Erik Selvig were the only ones left. The other Agents had gone back to their vehicles to retrieve their side arms.
"Of course, Mom. Charles come on, we've got reservations." Stephanie called to her brother in law.
Charlie turned to the light brown haired woman he called his sister in law, and said flatly "Go without me."
"Charles don't make a scene." Stephanie pleaded trying not to tear up. The Avengers and Co. were watching with silent rampant interest.
"Make a scene you're the one making a scene and it's Charlie, I told you I'm not going. Go without me. I'm also getting a different flight back." Stephanie huffed and sniffled, but walked back to her mother and kids. Leaving the clearly distraught man behind still holding the flag.
Robert led his wife back to their car. Not first without stopping by Colonel Nick Fury of course. Robert didn't care about that little fact though. He passed several of Phil's co-workers on the way over to Nick.
"I hope you're happy Director." Robert sneered at the retired Army Colonel. 'Far from it.' Nick thought. 'So much for getting out of here civilly.'
The second youngest sister Stephanie and younger brother Michael made similar comments to Nick and even a few Agents that they knew only by appearance and name, as they led their spouses and children back to their cars. Nick just let it roll off him though. They had every right to be mad and upset.
"What happens now?" asked Steve innocently. Since he'd seen Agents like May and Sharon Carter go back to their vehicles along with everyone else, at some point.
"We close out the service our way." Kali said simply. "His family got their way, the soldier in Phil got his, what he deserved, but not the Agent." Kali informed Captain Rogers, who had come over to the circle of Agents along with the rest of them.
They stood around Phil's grave. Now covered, and looking just like the rest of the graves. Each Agent plus the Director and Deputy Director as one, each loaded one blank round into the chamber of their weapons and fired their one last shot. For Phil. For Cheese. For Ranger Rick. For Agent Phillip J. Coulson.
Phil was laid to rest on the 31st of May in the year 2012. His headstone read this.
In Memory of
Phillip James Coulson
Captain United States Army
Jul 8 1964
May 5 2012
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
2/75th Ranger
RLTW
Military Word Bank:
Personnel jacket - personnel file
Joint Base Lewis McChord - Army/Air Force base
75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Ranger Battalion - unit Coulson was in when he served
Marine Corps dress blue alphas - formal uniform for such an occasion as this
Navy Dress whites - same thing formal Navy uniform worn on special occasions
NCIS - Naval Criminal Investigative Service
ASU - Army Service Uniform
Caisson - carriage that casket is carried on - drawn by black horses
RTLW - Rangers Lead The Way
Well that folks that is Chapter 3. Hit the Review box down below and tell me what you're thoughts are, like it, hate it, mad at me, I know I'm so cruel. I did say what this story was going to be about didn't I? I did warn you all about this chapter did I not.
Stay tuned for next Saturday's installment of the Unsung Heroes of S.H.I.E.L.D.
P.S. - Still looking for these 4 Agents (OC's)
Records/Archivist Agent (Female)
PR Agent (Male or Female)
Operational Rookie Field Agent (Male)
Chef (male or female)