Chapter 5

AN - So here we go! I'm actually getting somewhere in the plot line :) Thanks for all the reviews that I've had in response to the last chapter, I can't believe how much everyone enjoyed the story so far. I want to thank specifically SSibs who pointed out some continuity errors, so thank you so much. I will again tell you that I don't own any of the material as it belongs to JK Rowling and Marvel. So enjoy everyone :)

Their first view of England was not what they had been expecting the team had to admit. In replacement of the normal cold breeze and persistent drizzle that England was well known for was a clear and sunny day, with a slight refreshing breeze. Clint was surprised to say the least, if this was England then he thought he could get used to it. It was then that an older man stepped forward from the rest, a knowing smile on his face.

"Don't get used to it Agent Barton," He said as he approached them, "There's a reason why England has that sort of reputation when it comes to the weather. You're just lucky." He came to a halt directly in front of them. On inspection he was about 6ft2 in height with broad athletic shoulders. He carried himself well, so was probably military or ex-military. The carefully balanced posture indicated a formal training in martial arts. His features were handsome, though obviously scarred, so he stayed behind the scenes as a scar that obvious would not allow him to regularly go undercover anymore.

Steve nodded and held out his hand. "Evening, I'm Steve Rodgers. This is Dr Bruce Banner, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov and Clint Barton, though I think you already know that." Steve smiled and shook the hand of the Agent.

"I did and my name is Samuel Mirren. I am agent assigned to escort you back to base." He smiled and indicated to the convoy of black cars, indicating to the team get in. Tony looked at the man

"I'm sorry for the loss of your friend." He said to the man, assuming that he was indeed the one supposed to be picking them up as lead agent on the op.

Mirren smiled and shook his head at the team, "He wasn't my friend. The lead Agent you're looking for is back at base as some new Intel has come in and he needs to plan accordingly, so he asked me, as his other friend, to collect you." The team looked at him uncertainly and he chuckled at the obvious looks of distrust and offered the phone to Steve saying, "M's number is on there. Call and check, if you wish."

One phone call later and they were all on their way to base, watching the sites of London pass through the tinted windows.

As they crossed the Vauxhall Bridge, as Mirren had called it, they were met by the impressive sight of the building. Around 10 floors tall and made of white and green stone, to say it was an impressive sight would have been an understatement. Steve, as an avid sketcher, was amazed at the practicality and beauty of the building. As they began to round the building the inner glass structure of the main entrance was glimpsed as they passed, causing another intake of breath at the sheer impressive stance the building took along the river edge. It was indeed imposing and beautiful at the same time.

Mirren caught the looks of the team and began speaking "It's affectionately called by the agents 'Legoland' and was designed by Terry Farrell. The building was finished in April of 1994, and includes a labyrinth of underground tunnels. It has two moats for security evacuations and also includes a sports hall, gymnasium, aerobics studio, and a squash court." The last was said with a smile as the team final turned to look at him in shock.

Bruce looked at him, "A squash court?" He asked.

"Indeed, the M that was in charge at the time of its construction was quite the avid player and often enjoyed play a few matches against the agents before going home." He laughed at the small fact he gave to the team, only adding to their confusion, "Just a small piece of trivia."

A call from the front of the car alerted the team to their imminent arrival. A nod of conformation from Mirren had them approaching a checkpoint to the vehicle entrance of the building.

"Evening Todd," The driver said to the man who approached the window, he swiftly flashed the car ID badge as well as his own.

"Evening Casper, who have we got here?" The man looked over the car passenger manifest and peered into the back. Laughing in shock he exclaimed "Well bugger me backward, it really is the Avengers. Big fan of yours." Todd said, as he ticked of a check list and bid them goodbye.

"Sorry about that, the lower ranking member of MI6, everyone from cleaners to junior agents are rather excited to meet you." The driver – Casper, Clint reminded himself, said ruefully and the team just chuckled. They were all quite used to attention from others, in their line of work it was an occupational hazard.

Going past the check point and underground they made their way left toward a well-lit area. When the car came to a halt they waited, unsure as to normal procedure. Apparently that was the right move as not a moment later the door swung open and Mirren nodded to exit the car.

Taking in the entrance they were amazed at the view that met them. A finely crafted marble structure was behind them supporting the ceiling above. The entrance way was just as spectacular, though more practical. The stonework gave way to an open glass walkway. Hidden at the side within the walls was what Bruce presumed were the emergency gates. Typically they were made of steel and not so spectacular, though upon closer inspection as they entered he doubted even the other guy could break through them.

As they made their way through the building, often stopping to look at specific areas or to talk to people who wished to say thank you or good luck or simply just to greet them. Eventually the halls began to become smaller and less elaborate. They descended the stairs to an open area. In the centre was a hub, huge and circular with display panels above the consoles that face inwards. On the other side of the path surrounding the main console was an outer ring of individual computers. All around the edge of the room were doors, large oak doors Clint realized.

To say that the team was impressed was an understatement, Tony especially appreciated the technology set up. Though he had the same level of appreciation for SHIELD, being openly impressed in front of the agents would not do his persona any good. Here though he allowed himself to, as Pepper would say, drool over the gear.

Mirren once again spoke up explaining what they were seeing. "This particular room is solely dedicated to our op. We have video feeds, audio feeds, agent communication lines and people who co-ordinate with the leaders. You'll meet the lead agent when he come out of the briefing, word of warning though he is rather young. He is in charge of this op because he is the best man for it; he is very highly skilled and is deserving of your respect and my friend, okay." The team all nodded their acceptance but it was Natasha who spoke up.

"If he's that good then why the need to warn us?" the team looked up at that, it was after all a fair question. Mirren nodded his head before answering

"The last joint case he worked, the people who came in to assist believed he was to young and naïve to successfully do the job. That particular conversation led to a fist fight and many broken bones." He shook his head at the absurd nature of the situation. Steve looked slightly unnerved.

"Well maybe he is if he ends things in fist fights." The team noticed the change in atmosphere and the uncomfortable feeling of tension settled over them. Mirren looked at him sharply, resting both his hands on the metal rail he looked out over the room before he spoke.

"He wasn't involved; it was Agent Portmill who took exception to an insult like that. They were very good friends, so try to remember that. As much as he denies that it's not an issue he is still hurting." He paused for a moment letting out a rueful chuckle as he shook his head, "I suppose they were closer than brothers in most people's eyes." He turned to the team and looked at each of them saying, "He's a highly skilled agent and a true asset to this op. We're lucky to have him."

The Avengers all turned to look out over the railing as they watched the agents below going about their business. They were brought out of their individual musings by the creak of a large oak door.