The Broken Man
Chapter 4.
Fitz ducked into a small alley close to the Hub. There was a lot of movement around the center. He continued to hear occasional gunfire and screaming. He looked toward the back of the alley and found what he was looking for. A rusty barrel filled with the cold ashes of a fire that some homeless person had probably lit at one time to keep warm. Little did they know how important their contribution would be. The Scotsman took his pocket knife out and made jagged tears in his clothing. Next, he rubbed dirt on his pants and jacket and brushed his back against the filthy brick wall of the building. Finally, he approached the barrel and began to strategically place ashes, smearing them on his face and clothing. He sniffed and was rewarded with the odor he was looking for. He definitely smelled like he had been in a fire. Feeling prepared at last he made his way to the doors of the Hub and was surprised at how empty the lobby was. Apparently everyone was too busy chasing down one another to guard the building.
Jemma and Agent Triplett had found a small room in the lab with a door that locked. They watched through the glass door as agents ran about. So far no one had noticed them. Jemma was terrified as she wondered not only what was going on, but also feared for the safety of her companions on the Bus. She was concerned by Triplett's demeanor as well. He did not seem concerned and cryptically told her that she would be safe as long as she stayed with him. How did he know this? Jemma smelled a rat. They hadn't seen any people in a while when, to her great amazement, Fitz bounded into the lab. He looked around and spotted the two in the room. Before Triplett could stop her, Jemma unlocked the door and fled into Fitz's arms.
"Eww, Fitz! What's that smell" She stepped back and took in his whole appearance. "What happened to you?"
Triplett had stepped out of the room, and to their horror was pointing a gun at them.
"Why are you here?" He demanded. Fitz had rehearsed well. He told the agent his story of the plane crash, Coulson's death and wanting to be with his friend. Jemma began to cry.
"Agent Coulson is dead?" She was stunned. Triplett seemed to buy it. He lowered his gun and placed it on the table surprisingly within Fitz's easy reach. He felt no threat from the science nerd.
"Give me the coordinates of the plane," he demanded. Two agents rushed into the room, guns drawn.
"Why are they still alive, Trip?" One asked tersely. Triplett shook his head.
"They aren't a threat. But, good news is that Coulson's dead and the plane crashed. Fitz here, is about to tell me where it is so we can go kill the rest of them." He motioned to the men. "Go get us a car and meet me in front of the building. I'll take care of these two."
Fitz waited nervously, but strangely calm. He motioned for Jemma to stay back as his hand tightened on the grip of Triplett's carelessly ignored gun. He silently gave thanks that he and Jemma had once again been underestimated. After the two agents left, Trip turned towards them.
"Okay, you little geek, give me those coordinates…." He stopped in shock when he saw the gun Fitz pointed at him. He smirked. "You haven't got the nerve." There was a slight pause before the gun bucked in Fitz's hand and he fired three shots into the other agent.
"Actually, it's more of a muscle thing." Fitz said softly as he watched Triplett fall to the floor dead. He grabbed Jemma's hand and the two of them headed for a back exit. It was time to meet up with Ward and May.
Ward had chosen a white sedan and he was parked sitting next to May at the agreed upon location. They hadn't talked, but it wasn't uncomfortable. They were two seasoned agents and their senses were on keen alert as they waited for Fitz and Jemma.
May suddenly stiffened and sat up straighter. "There they are!" They watched as Simmons and a very bedraggled-looking Fitz hurried across the street and slid into their back seat. Ward started the car and set out for the bus as quickly as he could.
"Fitz, what is that smell?" Ward asked making a face.
"I was undercover, and it worked." Fitz said happily, proud of his performance. Jemma just looked at him. She'd never seen this side of him before, but she kind of liked it. Then Fitz told Ward and May about what had happened with Triplett.
"My god, he was a traitor!" May exclaimed. "It seems we can't trust anyone."
"Just the six of us." Fitz reminded her.
"Six?" Jemma questioned. Fitz had the grace to look abashed. He turned to her.
"Agent Coulson is not dead, Jemma." He said gently. "We just want them to think that so maybe they'll stay off our trail for a while. Once they can't find the Bus, they'll probably know it was a lie, but it will buy us some time." Everyone felt the seriousness of their situation and there was little conversation on the way back.
Coulson stepped back from his handiwork. They had borrowed a rolling staircase from the airport and for the last hour he had been painting a new logo on the outside hull of the Bus.
UPRISING – the fastest internet service you'll ever need!
He knew it wasn't professional, but it would have to do. It was Skye's idea. If ever anyone asked them about it, she was certain she could bluff her way through it with her extensive knowledge of the subject. Plus, the plane would be much more inconspicuous, if that was even possible, at airports around the world. They would have a reason to be all over the world, and hopefully no one would question an internet company in this day and age.
Coulson hurried down the stairs as he saw a white sedan heading toward the plane.
"Skye, they're back!" He yelled up the ramp at her. She had been busy carefully peeling off stickers related to S.H.I.E.L.D. from every surface she could find. They both let out a tremendous sigh of relief when they saw Jemma with the others.
"It's so good to see you, Jemma." Coulson said warmly when they were all aboard and the plane was back in the air. Coulson had instructed May to fly to a small airfield in Colorado. He knew a guy there that not only could make stencils of their new cover for them to place around the plane, but he could repaint the SUV for them as well. And would ask no questions.
"Sir," Jemma began, "Fitz has told me what's happening." She sighed and looked Coulson in the eye. "I have a confession. I wanted to go to the Hub to use their lab to test Skye's blood. I'm sorry for disobeying your orders."
Coulson was not really shocked. He knew from reading Jemma's file that she was dedicated to the truth and would not be deterred from getting it. He looked around the lounge at his team. He was lying to them after all, and he was sick of it.
"There's something I think you should all know…." And he began the story of what had happened to Skye and him and explained why he didn't want the blood tested.
"Damn, sir. It's no wonder this has taken such a toll on you." Ward looked at his boss in realization, but not pity.
May spoke up. "So now all the secrets are out and we can start to begin our new mission," she looked at Coulson, "which is….?" Coulson looked at the group before he spoke.
"Which is finding out what other secrets S.H.I.E.L.D. is hiding, and stop them from hurting anymore people."
To be continued.