The conversation with the General was going exactly how she expected - that was to say badly

"So just to be clear" The General flicked through the papers on his desk - she assumed it was her report, though it could have been for show

"You found that the mutants being held were being used for experiments, Data had been gathered on their body and physiology as well as how effective the restraining devices were that were being used. They were being used to develop scenarios for some revised Sentinel type programme. This is correct yes?"

"Yes Sir"

"SO you found this data, freed both the mutants and Colonel Fury and then, after successfully leaving the facility you blew it up, with the data in it"

"Yes Sit"

"And what exactly is your explanation for this because I really can't see why"

"My directive was to extract Colonel Fury, his directive was to free the captives. It was my assessment the facility presented a clear danger not only to mutants, but also to humans. The next logical step was that they would need to carry out live assessments, which would mean more mutant and human captives. This is not something that Shield would be in control of, but it is something we would need to clear up"

"Major, let me be frank here. I could not care about the fact that you rescued the other captives, though I am sure that they are grateful, but quite what gave you the idea that you could make the decision to destroy the building and the research is beyond me. You obviously gave no thought as to what Shield would be able to do with the data or what further research we could have done. There was absolutely no barrier to you contacting us here in order revise your orders. This is a critical situation, and this will need to be reviewed. Over the review period you will be suspended from Shield, denied access from all Shield premises and your security clearance revoked. Let me be clear with you Major, there is a significant chance that, at the end of this debacle, you will be stripped if your rank and removed from Shield permanently. You are dismissed"

Jubilee struggled to hold her tongue. She had known that she would receive some punishment for not checking in, but at no point had she imagined that they would be talking about throwing her out of Shield. Something did not feel right about this entire situation, if for no other reason than the fact that the general seemed to want to have access to the research. Knowing that there was no point in trying to argue her case just now, she gave a salute and turned to head for what was likely to be a further interrogation from Fury.

"Oh and Major" She turned back to face the General "I suggest that you get off of the base here tonight, and take your personal possessions with you"

Continuing on her way she resisted the urge to tell her superior to just go and fuck himself. Oh she would take everything with her alright - and no one would tell her when to quit. That would be her decision and hers alone.

Scott Summers found himself pacing back and forth around the large room where they had been sequestered since they had been cleared from the med lab. They were all feeling more than a little frustrated at being confined again so soon, even when there were copious amounts of food, drinks and a nice view.

"Scott this is ridiculous, they have no right to hold us here like common prisoners. We were the wronged party. You should insist that they let us return home" Emma interrupted his pacing for the third time in as many minutes. As much as he loved his wife, there were times where she would grate on his nerves, and his temper was already short. He was not happy to be here, but they also needed the information that Fury had intimated they had.

"Emma please!, I have already explained, Nick has information that we need and I want to see what he knows before we get them to get us the hell out of here"

He knew that he would pay for it later when they were back at the mansion but he needed to make sure that they were all safe. That being said he figured that he should make their presence felt - striding to the door he threw it open to be greeted by 2 armed guards. "Soldier, get me Colonel Fury"

"I'm sorry sir but the Colonel is just finishing up some business and will be with you shortly"

Stepping into the room he resumed his pacing, but not before he heard Le'Beau mutter - "And what kind of business is that?"

I am through with this Fury and if you not tell me when you knew that I was the target then I am out of here and I sure as hell will not be coming back" She spat the words at him - hands clenched at her sides. Her anger rolled through her insides like a stormy sea. The SOB had known that she was the target and had let her walk into a trap. She had honestly believed that he had been honest with her and it turned out that had been about as far from the truth a possible

Fury rubbed his one good eye, buying time as he considered how he could cover this

"It was need to know Jubilation - you needed to come in there not knowing what would happen. If it looked in any way suspect then Hoff would have know and it would have been over.

Jubilee looked at him her eyes widening in disbelief "Need to know basis - Damn it all to hell Nick I am one of the heads of intelligence here - I had a right and a good god damned reason to know"

"Major Lee you will watch your tone when speaking to your superior" - Nick barked back - he was too damn tired for this and having seen what he saw - he knew why she was angry and he was damned angry himself but he could not show it - orders were orders and you obeyed them no matter what, no matter how hard. In his minds eye he could see Logan out cold and could hear himself giving the order to wipe his mind.

"You know as well as I that there are times where all information cannot be shared, This was one of them. I had my orders and you had yours It all worked out for the best - although I don't think that the brass will be too happy that you blew the base up but I am sure we can find some way round that "

"For the best!" - she remained incredulous - "for the best. Men were killed and injured it is not for the best, Like you said Nick some things are on a need to know basis and that video they showed was one of them. Right now do you think I care about blowing up that base. I did the right god damn thing and if the brass have an issue then they can come on down and kiss my ass"

She glared back at her boss daring him to argue. In stead she got a resigned sigh. "Major Lee report to sick bay for other meds and then get off base. You need to rest up"

Seeing the Jubilee had not moved Fury prompted her again "Major you are dismissed" and with no more to do he turned back to the paperwork on the desk waiting for her to leave

As the door closed with a sharp click he looked up before closing his eyes. How the hell had she survived after that torture. how did you come back from that with no help or support. When he looked at her he could see the small girl in that video and he did not know what to say. Someone should have been there for her.

He reached into his drawer and pulled out a bottle of scotch - not looking for a glass he twisted off the lid and gook a long draw straight from the bottle. Gods forgive them all - they had let her down.

Fury rubbed his hand over his face - this was not the way that it was supposed to work out. Shield were supposed to be the good guys. He was not naive, he had participated in missions where he had not agreed with the end goal but he had been happy that they were for the greater good. Sometimes people needed someone else to make a decision for them, one in their best interests, but this was not one of them.

The sentinel program had been a good idea but like all ideas it had been open to abuse. He had known that Bastion had done some some reprehensible things,but he would never thought that his superiors would condone the abuse and torture of a child. The images that had been played to them, of what they had but her though were burned into his brain. How did a person survive that kind of torture. Hell not even her precious Wolverine had known about it. Those people were supposed to care about her and even with their psychics and doctors not one of them had seen the damage that had been inflicted on the small child.

The X-men may have failed her time and time again, but he would not make that same mistake. The amber liquid was smooth and he relished the burning sensation as it went down. Shield could not be above the law, he could not be above the law and he needed to do something to cut out the corruption that seemed to be festering in this organisation. There was only one choice left open to him, no matter how much he hated it. Taking another long swallow he picked up the phone and dialled a familiar number. As soon as there was an answer at the other end he spoke. We need to talk.