Prologue
"What do you mean you're assigning me to S.H.I.E.L.D?" Agent Vincent asked rather angrily. "You can't be serious, I'm not working with that band of nut cases. I should be here, working on improving the security of this nation, not out playing babysitter for the Black Sheep division of Homeland Security"
"Be that as it may, you're assigned to work with S.H.I.E.L.D until further notice agent Vincent, whether you like it has no bearing on this briefing. You are to work with whoever Directory Fury sees fit and you are to find out as much as you can from them. We cannot afford to let them have free reign anymore, not after the New York incident, we have to make sure that they are kept in line, and monitor their actions. And who is better to see to that than you? You're our brightest agent and you're the only computer systems analyst that can crack their systems. We want to be able to know what's going on, when it's going on, and you are going to make sure that happens. Do you understand Agent?"
Agent Vincent nodded, causing a few strands of her dirty blonde hair to fall out of her bun to curl at the nape of her neck. "I understand sir." She reached up and repinned the strands up using a bobby pin and picked up her touch screen tablet. "I suppose I should get started right away then?"
"At once, you'll be taking the first Metroliner to New York, Director Fury will give you your assignment once you're there. Remember, you are to observe and report back to us, no making friends, no helping out S.H.I.E.L.D. to undermine us, and we expect your reports before 8."
"Understood sir," Agent Vincent said with another nod before she turned and headed toward the door.
"One more thing Agent."
"Yes Director?"
"Don't get involved while you're there. I don't want to have to reassign you unnecessarily."
"You have nothing to worry about there Director. Nothing at all," Agent Vincent proclaimed confidently with a smirk. Getting involved with S.H.I.E.L.D was not her priority, getting the information so she could come back home was her priority.
"What do you mean you're assigning me an agent?" Director Fury asked, glaring with his good eye as he looked to the Director of Homeland Security.
He paced across the large circular room to stand behind a large meeting table, staring at the large view screen that dominated the back wall, showing a man in a crisp black suit that reminded him of his own recently deceased Agent.
"Just what you think it means, I'm sending your one of our best computer analysts and strategists to help you get your division's act together before I'm forced to disband you. After the New York incident, I can't keep giving your free reign. You controlled Stark's little outbursts, and you handled the New Mexico situation well, but I'm afraid that with Coulson gone, you have a hole in your chain in command, and with that being said, I'm helping you fill it with someone who will devise a plan to keep us from having to almost destroy Lower Manhattan. Between you and your division and the OSCORP incident, the citizens of New York are wondering if they'll survive the week."
"You know damn well that Loki and his army was not my division's fault. It was my plan and the Avenger's Initiative that kept this city safe! And I for one think that that allows me some free reign."
"The council doesn't see it that way Nick, and neither do I. Just make sure Agent Vincent has a place to work that's suitable to her needs. If it isn't, we'll know, and there will be hell to pay."
"I understand Director, I have to make your pet feel welcome, but rest assured, she won't be a permanent addition. I will make sure of that. I don't need a god damn babysitter, and it's not your job to order me around!" Nick Fury started out calmly, with his voice rising every sentence, ending with him smashing (And denting) the table he was standing in front of for this video call.
"That's the thing Nick, I am the head of Homeland Security, and though you seem to think that you're benefitting the greater good of all the Earth, you are still just a department under me, and until you remember that you will have a hard time. Now get your temper under control, Agent Vincent will be arriving at the train station in half an hour and I would like to see you put your best foot forward."