Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes: So I know I've been making Marvel heroes stronger than most DC heroes, but I'm doing this to keep everything in balance. Superman is the strongest hero on the Avengers next to Thor, but that doesn't mean he's invincible and unstoppable. Even though Superman can fight some of the Galaxy's toughest opponents, he really goes up against small fry. He has to deal with the public image most of the time.
In hindsight, I will also address this matter. Who is stronger, Thanos or Darkseid.
Thanos with no Infinity Stones is weaker than Darkseid. Even I'm someone who recognizes this fact. Darkseid is a beast and is literally unstoppable. Not even Superman can defeat him, and they've had some of the best fights in comic history.
I will also address another matter regarding the storyline of this fanfic.
MCU
DC Animated Movie Universe
Young Justice
Avengers: Earth Mightiest Heroes
Justice League (Unlimited)
Marvel: Avengers (Game)
Injustice
Arrowverse (Some aspects)
Marvel: Anime
X-Men/Deadpool (Some aspects)
X-Men: Evolution
Chapter 33: ReAssemble
Batman sits in what his teammate calls 'the Cave.'
No matter how much it was hard for him to admit, he had to admit Tony Stark's technology was better than Wayne Tech.
Batman presses a button watching the news regarding the joining of Stark-Wayne Tech. Both companies would remain independently own, but they would move forward on joint projects. Lucius Fox was declared the C.E.O. and Chairman of the two companies.
Batman's mind thought about the Avengers.
The Avengers were categorized into two groups.
The Avengers themselves dealt with physical threats. Where it was organizations, terror cells, bio or technology terrors, the Avengers would answer these threats.
The other Avengers… the Dark Avengers, dealt with magic and the supernatural.
Batman once thought he could prepare for any threat that existed. That was before Destiny.
Batman was starting to understand magic could only be fought by magic.
Batman never truly understand the supernatural before.
The Dark Avengers, also led by Phoenix, given his knowledge and experience in fighting the Dark Arts and Supernatural once again made him a natural choice.
Batman was currently helping Phoenix keep the Avengers together by emerging as the leader. Superman and Tony Stark were the faces of the Avengers, and that good for the Avengers.
Catherine Cobert, a Daily Planet who also had experience being a White House Press Secretary, was chosen to be the Avengers Spokesperson. She did a good job, as she understood her at reveling reasons behind Avengers involvement.
Tony Stark, who has been in the spotlight, was no stranger to the media.
Superman has been in the limelight for years and grew into the role given who he was to the world.
Phoenix, who now had the Phoenix Force, could be the most powerful person on the planet. Not even Superman stood a chance against him, and that was frightening. His level was considered to be on Raiden's and Thor's.
The good news about Phoenix, he was so humble and well-meaning.
The bad news… Batman has yet to develop a convent contingency plan to stop Phoenix should he flip and become 'Dark' Phoenix.
Batman was the secondary leader of the Avengers, which was given to his personality and discipline, unlike the other Avengers.
Captain America or Guardian now… would also assume the role as a second leader and field commander given his years and experience as a military man and combat veteran.
Batman's screen goes off as he sees a caller reaching the main Avengers secure line.
Tony Stark built a ghost line for the Avengers to use, so they couldn't be tracked or heard.
Caller ID: Avengers A-1-0-9
"Batman for Hawkeye," said Batman.
"I can't talk long, but can you send some people to Washington D.C.?" said Hawkeye on the phone.
"Why?" asked Batman suspiciously.
"Nick Fury was assassinated. Now we are on a manhunt for Captain Steve Rogers," said Hawkeye.
"You want to run that through me again," said Batman.
"I can't talk long. I'm being watched. All I know is Nick Fury is dead, and Steve Rogers is a wanted fugitive by S.H.I.E.D. Before she disappeared, Nat told me the 'Winter Soldier' might be involved," said Hawkeye.
Before Batman could ask any more questions, the line went dead.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., bring everything up you have the on the 'Winter Soldier,'" said Batman.
"Yes, sir," said J.A.R.V.I.S.
The holo screen only several newspaper clipping, but they had only so much information.
Batman stares at the information and realizes there was very little to go on. It was like chasing an urban myth like himself.
"The Winter Soldier, no information on age, race, gender, or origin. First emerged during the Cold War in the 1960s. The Intelligence Community doesn't even believe he exists. Even still… he's been credit with over thirty assassinations since," read Batman.
Batman paused reading this and knew this was bad news.
It was also strange how the 'Winter Soldier' could be so active for over fifty years.
Batman wonders if it was an organization like League of Shadows.
"We will need a small team to infiltrate D.C. and keep an eye on things. Who is available?" asked Batman.
"I'll have everyone available gather in the hanger," said J.A.R.V.I.S.
Batman gets up and takes a look at his new suit. Batman presses his hand on the red bat symbol on the chest as it opens up. Batman steps in as the suits lock him inside.
His mask, which was a separate piece to his suit, was now retractable like the Iron Man suit.
"Alfred, do you read?" said Batman.
"I do, sir," said Alfred.
"I need you to listen for any news going on in D.C.," said Batman.
"Already on it, sir," said Alfred.
Batman walks out to the hanger to see several Avengers were gathered waiting for him.
Iron Man, Starlight, Cyborg, John Stewart, the new Green Lantern, and Phoenix.
Wonder Woman took Kara to Themyscira, where she was trained to use and control her powers.
"I got a call from Hawkeye moments ago," said Batman.
"Nick Fury has been assassinated, and Captain Rogers is now a wanted fugitive from S.H.I.E.L.D. and the U.S. Government."
"Hold up… what?" said Green Lantern.
"That's the situation and all we're going to get," said Batman.
"Hold on one second," said Tony Stark.
"J.A.R.V.I.S. call Alexander Pierce."
"On the line, sir," said J.A.R.V.I.S.
"Mr. Stark… I trust you understand I'm a busy man and can't talk long. You got two minutes," said Alexander Pierce.
"Yeah, what's going on with Cap? Why did you put him on your wanted list?" said Iron Man.
"I'm afraid that's classified. It's a S.H.I.E.L.D. matter. Now, if there is nothing else, I have thousands of other matters to attend to."
The line goes dead.
"That went well," said J.A.R.V.I.S.
"He's hiding something," said Starlight.
"Something is very wrong here," said Green Lantern.
Phoenix turns and gets on the Quinjet.
"Do you guys need an invite?" said Phoenix.
Everyone gets on board the Quinjet before they take off into the air.
"If Romanoff and Rogers are wanted Fugitives, where would they go?" said Phoenix.
"I'm willing to bet S.H.I.E.L.D. are watching all safe houses within the East Coast," said Iron Man.
Phoenix's new robes were mostly clothing, but they still offered the best protection.
Instead of a helmet or face gear, he wore a lower face mask like his wife, Kitana.
"Where do we start looking," said Green Lantern.
"What was Nick Fury looking into that got him killed?" said Starlight.
"Meaning what?" said Cyborg.
"Meaning whatever Nick Fury found was worth killing Nick Fury," said Iron Man.
"Yeah, but Cap and Romanoff? Why are they taking the fall?" said Cyborg.
"Any word from Sonya Blade or Cassie Cage?" said Iron Man.
"No, and it would be unwise to contact them. I'm sure Pierce has them under surveillance," said Batman.
"What is Pierce hiding?" said Phoenix.
No one said anything.
"We need to look into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s projects," said Green Lantern.
"I can hack into S.H.I.E.L.D. database," said Cyborg.
"There is only one project I assisted with that could be of some value," said Iron Man.
"Project Insight," said Batman.
Iron Man turns to look at Batman.
"Yeah, I'm not surprised you know about Project Insight," said Iron Man.
"What's Project Insight?" asked Green Lantern.
"After S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier crashed into Metrolopis Bay, its engines and rotors were shot out. So I was hired by S.H.I.E.L.D. to create new and improved helicarriers. The second generation, if you will. I gave them repulsor technology for their new wings," said Iron Man.
"So Project Insight is a new Helicarrier?" said Green Lantern.
"Partially," said Batman.
Batman presses a button on his wrist gauntlet, revealing the Insight Helicarrier.
"Project Insight are three brand new state the art Helicarriers. The true project is currently unknown," said Batman.
"Can you get inside?" asked Green Lantern.
"Afraid not. It seems S.H.I.E.L.D. has taken some new measures after Stark's last hack. It seems much of this data is not only encrypted but also guarded by a SCIF," said Cyborg.
"Meaning?" said Starlight.
"I have to be at Triskelion and inside its system to access these files," said Cyborg.
"Neat," said Deadman.
Phoenix turns to look at Deadman.
"What are you doing here?" said Phoenix.
"I was bored and thought you wanted some company," said Deadman.
"Who are you talking to?" said Green Lantern.
"Boston Brand died five years ago and is a ghost who goes by 'Deadman,'" said Batman.
"A ghost?" said Green Lantern.
"Yeah, now I'm not surprised, but still… surprising," said Iron Man.
"Does he knows what's going on with S.H.I.E.L.D.?" asked Starlight.
"No-huh, I'm not playing telephone between the living and the dead," said Phoenix.
Phoenix's eyes glow white as everyone turns to see Deadman floating in his red suit.
"We online?" said Deadman.
"So do you know what's going on with S.H.I.E.L.D.?" asked Starlight.
"Sorry. I haven't been around S.H.I.E.L.D. at all. Been around Casino's," said Deadman.
"Hello, Zatanna," said Phoenix.
Without turning around, Zatanna could be seen standing behind Phoenix.
"You're in the Quinjet. Where are you going?" asked Zatanna.
"D.C.," said Phoenix.
"Hey Z, something is going on with S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Deadman.
"Like what?" asked Zatanna.
"Captain Rogers and Agent Romanoff are now wanted fugitives from S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Batman.
"Why?" asked Zatanna.
"Don't know. Nick Fury is dead," said Bruce.
"Another thing, Jessica is also offline. She is nowhere to be seen," said Iron Man.
"Three Avengers are being hunted by S.H.I.E.L.D. Do we even know why?" said Batman.
"Can you locate Captain Rogers?" said Iron Man.
"I rather not," said Phoenix.
"We have to help Cap," said Iron Man.
"No. I agree. There is a good chance S.H.I.E.L.D. will be shadowing us. They'll be expecting for us to either contact or locate Steve Rogers," said Batman.
"So what do we do?" asked Cyborg.
"Let's look into the latest activities Nick Fury and Captain were doing. There has to be a link of some kind. Nat knows in this situation how to lay low from S.H.I.E.L.D. We need to backtrack Cap's steps to see why S.H.I.E.L.D. would target him," said Batman.
"I'll speak to Agent Coulson. He may have some answers," said Phoenix before he disappears.
Phoenix reappears on the Bus, shocking the passengers.
"An Avenger?" said Skye.
"Mesmer right," said Fitz.
"Now he calls himself Phoenix now, Fitz," said Simmons.
"Where is Coulson?" said Phoenix.
"I don't like that tone," said Ward.
Phoenix's eyes flash white as the room begins to vibrate.
"Okay, I see you're not here for a social visit," said Simmons.
"Please don't destroy this plane. I don't want to feel a thirty thousand foot drop," said Fitz.
"Whose shaking the plane?" said Coulson appearing in the lounge area.
"Phoenix," said Coulson.
"Coulson," said Phoenix.
The room calms as Phoenix turns to see Coulson and another man beside him.
"Phoenix, this is Agent John Garrett," said Coulson introducing his coworker.
"I need to speak to you," said Phoenix.
"Can it wait? We're about to conduct a raid on several of the Clairoyant's safe houses," said Coulson.
"Nick Fury is dead," said Phoenix.
The Bus fell with silence.
"Are you sure?" said Coulson.
"It's already been confirmed. Nick Fury was assassinated by someone called 'The Winter Soldier,'" said Phoenix.
"The Winter Soldier?!" said Agent Garrett with a scuff.
"That's a fairy tale."
"Captain Rogers confirmed it himself. A man who clearly is enhanced with a metal left arm killed Nick Fury," said Phoenix.
Agent Garrett falls silent as he looks at Phoenix and at Coulson.
"The Winter Soldier. His name has existed ever since I joined S.H.I.E.L.D. He existed as a story even back when Director Fury was a young recruit. A boogeyman story the Intelligence Community used to tell. There has only been speculation on who he has assassinated over the years, including J.F.K.," said Coulson.
"I need access to S.H.I.E.L.D. files to know what Nick Fury was looking into within the past seventy-two hours," said Phoenix.
"We can't just give you access to S.H.I.E.L.D. information even if you are a… consultant," said Agent Garrett.
"Can you help us locate the person/s calling themselves the Clairvoyant," said Coulson.
"Explain," said Phoenix.
Coulson explains what they knew of the Clairvoyant and his actions. How he was able to hunt and kill S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents though contacts leaving no trace.
Phoenix listens closely.
"Sounds like a fraud to me," said Phoenix.
"I don't know. This guy is very good at giving us the slip," said Ward.
"That's why I'm skeptical," said Phoenix standing up, who had been seated during the explanation.
"Morgan le Fay is the strongest seer I know of, and even she can't foresee and control outcomes like this Clairvoyant. It's impossible," said Phoenix.
"How do you know this Clairvoyant isn't better at foresight than Morgan le Fay?" asked Agent Garrett.
"Seers are extremely rare. You would have better luck of being struck by lightning a million times than encountering a seer. If this Clairvoyant is real, then he would be comatose," said Phoenix.
"What you mean?" said Agent Garrett.
"The most common for seers to foresee the future is when they are asleep. When they are awake, they enter a trance and speak of an event. They cannot be conscious of the present and see the future at the same time. The mind cannot handle that capability," said Phoenix.
Everyone stares at him carefully.
"That's why I said this Clairvoyant a fraud. He doesn't foresee events. It's a smokescreen. I'm willing to bet he's most likely an information broker who buys and sells information and uses that information to move pieces around. To conceal himself, he claims to have 'clairvoyant' powers."
Everyone remains silent as they heard Phoenix's explanation.
"That would make a lot of sense," said another voice.
They turn to see Agent Victoria Hand standing there.
"Agent Hand," said Garrett.
"If you're here, that means we got new orders," said Coulson.
"This has to be discussed with level eights," said Victoria.
"Very well. Agent May… allow Phoenix access to our system," said Coulson.
Phoenix looks at the last mission Steve Rogers complicated.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mobile satellite launch ship, the Lemurian Star. An international pirate on Interpol's red notice Georges Batroc and his team took the ship and demanded a billion and a half. Captain Rogers defeated Batroc and saved the hostages.
Phoenix looks at the personal and sees that one officer was present during the crisis.
Jasper Sitwell.
This was most unusual, and Phoenix was no fool. He knew if Jasper Sitwell was present, it was because something of value was on the Lemurian Star.
Jasper Sitwell was a field officer, not a technician supervisor.
Jasper Sitwell was now on babysitting duty on Senator Stern of Pennsylvania.
Phoenix knew if he could figure that out, then Nat and Rogers would figure it out as well. They would go after Sitwell to get their answers.
Phoenix shuts down the mission log and turns to see Skye along with Fitz-Simmons looking at him.
Ward was watching carefully.
Phoenix pauses, sensing something dark in the area. He turns, seeing a shadow moving on the ground. The shadow had many tentacles moving around, seeking to stretch its reach around the world.
Phoenix narrows his eyes. His white eyes glowing dangerously.
He's heard of shell organizations existing inside an organization.
They couldn't trust S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Find everything," said Hand.
Phoenix conjurors a paper and hands it to Coulson.
Phoenix said nothing as he disappears.
Coulson opens the paper.
'Don't Trust S.H.I.E.L.D.'
"Why would he hand you a blank piece of paper?" asked Garrett.
"So he could reach me later, I would assume," said Coulson pocketing the note.
Phoenix reappears on the Quinjet that was hidden outside of D.C.
"How was Coulson?" asked Iron Man.
"He's well. I think it wise not to trust S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Phoenix.
Phoenix tells everyone of what he learned and his precognition.
"I didn't think S.H.I.E.L.D. would have a secret society within itself," said Iron Man.
"Most likely, it was someone within S.H.I.E.L.D. who didn't like Nick Fury poking around," said Cyborg.
"Nick Fury found something, and before he could act on it, they eliminated him," said Batman.
"I'm looking into all security cameras, and I found this high-speed chase, only it cuts out after thirty seconds," said Cyborg.
They watch as a metro D.C. patrol car pulls up to Nick Fury before Nick Fury gets ambush by what appears to be a S.W.A.T. Team.
The footage ends with no other AV available.
"Is that it?" said Iron Man.
"The entire grid's audio and video were cut. Not even cell phones, ATMs, or traffic cameras were working during this incident. Witnesses weren't helping either, only that there was a lot of shooting. The whole incident maybe took place less than five minutes before silence. S.H.I.E.L.D. came in and cleaned everything up. Later that night, Nick Fury was assassinated inside Steve Roger's apartment," said Cyborg.
"Nick Fury either told or gave something to Rogers… something that exposed S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Iron Man.
"Agreed. Now Captain Rogers is being hunted. Do we have anything to go on?" said Batman.
"Not much. Everything I told is what S.H.I.E.L.D. already knows," said Cyborg.
"Except for the fact that Jasper Sitwell, a field supervisor, was on the Lumerian Star. Very unusual. If I find that suspicious, so would Captain Rogers. Find Sitwell, and see what we can learn from him," said Phoenix.
"Copy that," said Cyborg.
"Keep us in stealth mode. I have a feeling S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to be watching us closely," said Phoenix.
"I'll take the helm," said Batman walking up towards the front.
"Why does he get to fly?" said Iron Man.
"He's right. If we have to deploy, you would be faster at responding," said Phoenix.
"I got something," said Cyborg.
"Agent Sitwell was picked up by an unknown African American male thirty minutes ago. He drives a black Chevrolet Impala."
"Have you've ID the man?" said Batman.
"Bringing his information up now," said Cyborg.
"Samuel Thomas Wilson. A former Master Sergeant ParaRescue Operative of the U.S. Air Force. Served two tours in Afghanistan. He has a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Bronze Star."
"What unit did he serve with?" asked Batman.
"58th Rescue Squadron," said Cyborg.
"Anyone know anything about this unit?" asked Iron Man.
"Special Operations aren't known for letting intel on their operations open," said Cyborg.
"He's a Falconer," said Iron Man.
Everyone turns to look at him.
"Back when Stark Industries still had its military contracts, one of the new suits I develop for the U.S. Air Force is the EXO-7 Falcon. Design for the ParaTroopers and their special operations."
"Why is he called a 'Falconer?'" asked Cyborg.
Stark presses a button in midair, revealing the EXO-7 Falcon.
"It's a jetpack," said Cyborg.
"That was the basic design. It's lightweight and durable. Its' wings allow maximum air supremacy. The simple idea was for hit and run. Go in, hit with maximum damage, and get away before there is any retaliation. Also good for scouting," said Iron Man.
"That tech is what helps make your Iron Man suits," said Batman.
"I can't deny it help with the basis of the design behind my repulsor engine," said Iron Man.
"Guys, I got reports of multiple shots fire on the North Central Freeway," said Cyborg.
"Iron Man. Check it out. You can get their fastest and evaluate the situation," said Phoenix.
"Right," said Iron Man as he opens the ramp and takes off.
"Can we get a live feed?" said Phoneix.
"Negative, something is jamming all electronics in the area," said Cyborg.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Phoenix.
"Deploying Drones," said Batman.
"Direct feed?" said Phoenix.
"I like to see S.H.I.E.L.D. hack my network," said Cyborg.
"Stay at the helm Batman," said Phoenix.
Phoenix disappears, leaving the group behind.
"Well, that was fun," said Zatanna.
"You leaving too," said Batman.
"Sorry, Bats, but we know how much you hate the public eye," said Zatanna.
Zatanna disappears as well and takes off, flying towards the source of the fighting.
"Okay, we got multiple armed bogeys with assault rifles. Mostly Colt M4A1's, FN F2000's tactical's," said Iron Man.
"Isn't that some serious hardware?" said Cyborg.
"Any reports on Metro P.D.?" said Batman.
"Negative, the police aren't even aware of what is going on. Neither rare the feds for that matter," said Cyborg.
Batman looks at Cyborg, knowing that the police should have at least been aware with a shootout of this magnitude.
No one had any idea this was happening as there was a blindspot within the response unit. Someone clearly had experience at controlling the scene and executing this type of assault.
Meaning, whoever was behind this, knew what they were doing and had some serious pull.
Once again, it pointed fingers at an organization that could manipulate and control the government and the media.
All fingers pointed towards S.H.I.E.L.D.
Without Nick Fury at the helm of S.H.I.E.L.D., the new direction was unknown and uncertain.
Iron Man blasts several of the terrorists with his repulsor blasts as Phoenix flies overhead.
Phoenix sees Steve Rogers fighting someone in all black with a grey metal arm. The assassin proved to be more than a match for Steve Rogers in speed, strength, and agility.
The Winter Soldier moves to sink his knife into Captain America only to find he couldn't move. He couldn't move or react.
A piece of cloth begins to wrap around his body, tightening its grip to the point he couldn't break free.
Phoenix lands on the ground as the Winter Soldier looks at him in disbelief and shock.
"Wait, don't kill him!" shouted Steve.
Phoenix looks at Rogers before placing his hands in front of the Winter Soldier's face, then he knew no more.
"I have to admit, it's good to see you, Cap," said Iron Man as he lands next to Phoenix.
"How did you guys know I was in trouble?" asked Cap.
"Thank Clint, he was the one who tipped us off," said Iron Man.
As he lands, Sam Wilson comes flying in as Romonaff appears with an M4A1 fitted with an M203PI Grenade Launcher.
"She's been shot," said Sam Wilson.
"I'll live," said Romanoff.
"Batman, can you read. We need a pick. Romanoff has been injured, and we got a prisoner," said Iron Man.
"I'm in route," said Batman over the coms.
"Be advised, guys, S.H.I.E.L.D. is inbound. T-Minus, one minute," said Cyborg.
"Copy that," said Iron Man.
Zatanna flies down and uses her magic to lift the Winter Soldier upwards.
"Not exactly what I had in mind when to reach out to you," said a tall African American man wearing nothing but a black suit. He was bald and look at them perfectly calmly.
Iron Man turns, raising his arms as his repulsors hum in a warning.
"Relaxing, I'm an ally," said the man.
"Who are you?" said Phoenix.
"John Jones. Agent John Jones."
"J.J. Interesting. What are you doing here?" said Iron Man.
"I came to take Captain America somewhere safe. There is someone who wants to meet you," said Agent Jones.
"I've had my full of surprises and secrets," said Captain Rogers.
"The person who wants to meet you has answers you've been seeking. A place where you will safe from S.H.I.E.L.D.," said Agent Jones.
The Avengers look at one another carefully.
"Should we trust him?" said Cap.
"We got to move. We'll take him, but let's make sure we're not being set up," said Iron Man.
"Mr. Paranoid is here, isn't he," said Cap.
"Guys, we got to move. S.H.I.E.L.D. inbound… t-minus ten seconds," said Cyborg.
"Hang on," said Phoenix as they all disappeared from the scene.
They appear on the Quinjet with Batman flying high above the city.
"We got a guest," said Cyborg.
"Why wasn't I inform?" said Batman.
"Happen at the last minute," said Iron Man.
Agent Jones places his phone on the table as everyone observes him.
"Call… Jessica Drew," said Agent Jones.
The phone rings before Jessica Drew answers the phone.
"Agent Jones… where are you? You're not at the rendezvous," said Spider-Woman.
"Unexpect hiccup happens. Avengers showed up. We'll meet you at the safe house," said Agent Jones.
"Copy that. I have Agent Barton and Hill with me. He'll want to see Cap and the Avengers. Hurry, we're running low on time," said Spider-Woman.
The call ends with everyone looking at Agent Jones.
"You'll have your answers soon. Head to these coordinates," said Agent Jones.
They all stare at him carefully.
Unsure if he was leading them into a trap or trying to help them.
They enter the coordinates to see an abandoned dam.
Maria Hill, Clinton Barton, and Jessica Drew were outside waiting as the Quinjet lands on top of the dam.
Agent Romanoff, who was being attended by Batman and Falcon, grabs one of her Glock 26 and points it at the trio.
"What are you doing, Nat?" said Cap.
"Photostatic Veils. S.H.I.E.L.D. developed them to mimic the face and appearance of another, along with their voice. How do we know you're our friends and not Hydra?" said Natasha.
"Hydra?!" said Barton.
"Wasn't Hydra defeated back in 1945?" said Maria Hill.
"Now it makes sense. Hydra didn't disappear with Red Skull and the Nazi's defeat. They became a parasite within S.H.I.E.L.D. This would explain much of what's been going on for the past seventy-two hours," said Jessica.
"Nat, when we first met… I had orders to kill you. I spared your life and recruited you into S.H.I.E.L.D. I told you… Life can be easier if you find the right people beside you," said Barton.
Natasha looks at Barton carefully before she lowers her gun.
"Let's get inside," said Maria Hill.
"What is this place?" asked Cap.
"It's an abandoned dam. It was never fully developed, but we found a use for it. It makes the perfect hideout if you don't want to be found," said Maria Hill.
They could see someone running towards them.
"She's lost a pint," said Maria Hill.
"Maybe two," said Falcon.
"Bring her. He wants to see her," said the doctor.
Everyone follows, wondering who was 'he' everyone referring to as they continue down the dark tunnel.
They enter a small room to see a man lying in a hospital bed.
He had an eyepatch over his left eye as he sits up to see the group approaching him.
"Well, it's about damn time," said Nick Fury.