Ian and Barbara waited patiently as they flew. Barbara read through files with interest, stocking up on information and possible tactics.
Ian drew pictures.
Natasha entered the room and the two teenagers looked up. "We're going to be landing in forty minutes," she said. "Are you ready?"
Barbara nodded.
Ian shrugged. "I guess so."
"No guesses. You either are, or you aren't, and we don't have time for an 'aren't' answer today," Natasha said.
The plane rocks with a thud. An explosion is heard. Natasha staggered.
"What was that?" Ian cried.
"We're being shot at," Barbara said. "Does this plane have weapons?"
"No." Natasha moved to the cockpit. "I'm trying evasive maneuvers."
"Hang on," Barbara advised. She grabbed a parachute.
"What's that for?" Ian asked fearfully.
"Is this your first mission?" Barbara asked.
He shook his head. "I've gone into the research missions before."
"Well, this might be a combat op. This parachute," she held it up. "Is in case we have to bail out. I recommend you get one right away in case this plane is blown to pieces."
He turned slightly green and grabbed at a parachute.
"I sure hope Director Fury won't be upset if this thing goes down," Barbara utters as the plane goes into a steep dive.
Ian yelped as the plane righted itself and barrel-rolled out of the way. "I thought this thing wasn't meant for these maneuvers!"
"SHIELD makes sure that they're either fast and agile or well-armed," Barbara explained calmly as the plane tipped.
"Why are you okay with this situation?" Ian cried.
"I've been in similar ones," Barbara said. "If you're with SHIELD, get used to it."
After a tense moment, Natasha came back, grabbing a parachute. She moved to open the doors. "Put 'em on, kids."
They reluctantly unbuckled and strapped the parachutes on. The doors opened, and first Natasha, then Barbara, and finally, a nervous Ian leapt out.
The wind whistled past their ears and was knives in their faces as they fell. Barbara fumbled for the cord, grabbing and pulling. The parachute opened.
Natasha grabbed hers and pulled.
Ian struggled with his, and finally yanking it.
They saw the missile connect with the plane and all three covered their faces as the plane exploded.
They floated down as the debris fell.
As they hit the ground minutes later, Natasha sighed. "Fury is going to flip," she said, looking at a piece of debris.
"Really? That's what you're concerned about?" Ian practically shrieked.
"You haven't seen him angry," Natasha said.
Thanks so much for reading! I've actually been thinking about revising certain parts of this, setting it before the Avengers but after Iron Man 2, what do you guys think? Please let me know in a review! I'll see you lovely folks in the next chapter.
