Alex's POV
He rubbed his forehead tiredly. Whatever he had been expecting of this meeting this wasn't it. Clint Barton had disappeared. Not only that but he took a level 4 agent with him. That in itself meant nothing to the CIA man.
Then he had been given a look at both men's files. For a trainee the younger's file was noticeably thicker. So he started with the older agents. That file was basic. The man had been a loyal agent. Picked up right out of college he proved himself to be capable of handling many problems. Including interagent issues. Beyond the problems within SHIELD he also worked as a interagency consultant and in between.
Nothing surprised him about the older. With the exception that he had left without permission. It just didn't fit the agent's profile. So he moved onto the second's file and his heart almost stopped. It couldn't be. It shouldn't have bden possible. Yet it was.
Alex was staring down at a picture of David Webb. His natural blue eyes almost completely grey. The stare though. That was all Delta. It amazed the CIA man that the killer had not gone on a rampage.
His eyes trailed to Panov. Then again that man could calm the worst of them. It took a lot of courage to try and calm a Medusan. Even more skill to succeed.
Morris Panov had been a good friend to him. He had helped Alex with his own darkness. Some people thought Alex was the best Medusan that wasn't Delta. Some thought the two should go at it. To prove which man was the best.
He knew exactly who would win that fight. It would also take away any trust that Alex had earned with Delta. Delta if he didn't kill him, he would never trust him again.
Upon finishing Delta's file he turned to Fury. His eyes were ablaze with anger.
He asked," Why didn't you inform us that you found David Webb?"
Fury shrugged as he replied," We didn't know who he was. What we did know was that it took our best agent putting a bullet in him to bring him in. In fact the specific orders were to kill him. As you can see the agent disobeyed orders."
By the tone it wasn't the first time the agent had done that. By the sound of it Fury didn't think it would be the last. It would have been comical if they had not almost killed his friend. One of the few people in the world he gave a damn about.
Abbot intoned diplomatically," It seems you have enlisted one of our best operatives. One that has eluded our own nets to return him to us. Alex here was particularly close to trainee Barton."
Alex let out a snort at that as he responded," Having him as a trainee is wasting his abilities. That was one of the best men to come out of the hell hole that was Tam Quan."
Morris said his eyes widening with realization," He was in Medusa. Just as you were."
This time it was Monk who responded in a quiet tone," I trained him personally. He lost a lot before he came to Medusa. He was seeking revenge and we gave him that. When the group was disbanded he returned state side and disappeared. How did you find him?"
Fury said," It wasn't I who found him. That would be one of our agents. One that is currently missing because he went looking to rescue one Gordon Webb."
Alex rubbed his face as he said," That explains the five missing Medusans no one can find. The missing agent of yours and David makes seven."
Fury asked in a monotone," That means what exactly?"
"Its Delta's rules. No mission can be taken with a team made of less than seven members. Two entry teams of three. One long range operative to provide cover. He would never go on a mission without a seven man team."
Alex would know. He had been apart of the communication team that once tried to convince the boy to do so. It had ended with the man cutting off communications for three days. By the time he turned it back on he had a seventh man and was ready to go.
The mission had gone just as all the others had when led by Delta. Success with minimum casualties on their side. Delta was somewhere in the forests of Venezuela without an extraction plan. Part of Alex wanted to kill the man. Going in without an extraction plan was probably the dumbest thing he had ever done.
That's when he froze realizing his mistake. Not the dumbest. Second dumbest thing Delta had ever done. By far the dumbest thing Delta had done was the last time Gordon to had gone missing. Delta had taken a copter into enemy territory against commands orders. That wouldn't have been an issue. Delta was known for that thing. The issue was the conditions that they had gone in. Weather that night had been a typhoon. They not only took a copter out in that madness but they had parachuted into the forest. This left the entire team to make the treck back on foot. With an injured man on the exit. It couldn't possibly be any worse than that hell hole of a mission.
Delta would make contact for an extraction. Right? Somehow he didn't think so.
Delta's POV
They had found the compound and made a camp where they could watch it. It amazed him at how they got there. He half expected to be told to find their own ride. Instead Sitwell helped him "borrow" one of SHIELD's quinjets.
They left it in an area they could find and take off from again. Given that they didn't "borrow" a pilot it made sense. Otherwise according to Sitwell the pilot could have given them aerial cover. Oh well something to consider for the next mission.
Then he flinched at the thought. If there was another mission. Given who he was. There was a chance Fury would try to lock him up. Or even shoot him on site when they returned. Despite the fact that the rescue mission entails bringing Coulson back out. If against all odds he wasn't killed or locked up they would never let him become an agent. They would likely demote Sitwell.
When he mentioned this to the older man Sitwell only shrugged. His response was surprising," If they demote me. They do. It doesn't bother me all that much. If he can save Phil it will be worth it."
That was that. The others had meaningless lives. They didn't really have much to go back to. This team was ones who refused to join the Agency after Medusa had been disbanded. Instead they took their promised prizes and went their separate way.
Until the call had gone out. Delta needed a team put together. Each of them had answered the call. Now they were just waiting for nightfall.
Echo whispered to him," We should rest Delta. I already have the watches set up."
Looking around the camp he could see the hidden exhaustion each man was carrying. They didn't want to be back in this life. Something Delta could understand. No one choose this life. Not really. The life choose them and they had to make due.
He ordered," Two on watch. Everyone else sleep. Switch out watches per Tam Quan schedule."
Relief flooded their faces. Then they began to unroll their bed rolls. No one would question him. They also knew that by his order he and Echo were to have first watch. A quick nod to Sitwell told the other to sleep. The rest would be taken care of by them.
An hour later their watch was over. Silently they tapped the next two on the shoulder. Delta laid propped up on his pack. Sleep was not easy coming to the man. When it did come it felt like it was over in a moment.
Someone shaking his shoulders woke him. A hand on his knife he opened his eyes. It was only Echo. The Frenchman nodded to the sky.
The sky was darker than black. It had to be after midnight. The perfect time to attack someone. Many would be asleep in their beds. Even the most diligent of guards would be feeling the exhaustion.
Echo had his rifle ready to go. The rest of them had their favored weapons. Delta's own favored bow was next to his pack.
Quietly he ushered them closer. He said once a semicircle was made," Listen closely I'll only say this once. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, you three are to take the front. Echo will provide cover fire. Foxtrot, Gamma and I will take the side entrance as they will be distracted by Alpha's team. Our main job is to split up and find Gordon
That wasn't to say that Delta never lost anyone. He did. Especially in the beginning. Out of all the leaders and teams he lost the fewest. and agent Coulson. If they are dead I want confirmation. If possible we bring the bodies back with us. If not leave them but find their tags. We didn't come all the way here for nothing. Keep communications open. If you find yourself in trouble let the know. I will give a five minute warning once explosives are placed. I don't care what is happening. Once that warning is given haul your asses out of there. No one is to die tonight that is not an enemy. Am I understood?"
Six responses of," Yes Delta." Were heard.
Sitwell looked ill at the thought of not finding them alive. He would have to get used to it. Sometimes you were in time to save them. Other times you weren't. It was apart of the life.
To many he seemed like a hard ass who cared only for himself. To those who served with him saw another side. A side that cared little for the bullshit bureaucratic nonsense. Instead he cared his men and making sure they made it out safely. While at the same time making sure the mission was complete.
There were times when even his men questioned it. In the end though they knew he cared. Especially when he made sure injured got last shift. Or he covered a shift to allow them to sleep and heal.
Sitwell was acting as Alpha today. They were making due with someone who had never been one of them. He would have to learn on the fly. It wasn't like they came with an instruction manual.
Once they were geared up and coms checked the first team went down. Delta's team waited two minutes before going with their plan. All their weapons were silent or had silencers. No need to announce their presence.
By the gunshots that had started first team had been found. They reached the side door and paused. Taking spots on either side of the door they waited. As expected men came out of it. Obviously they were looking to cut off escape routes for the attackers.
Delta grabbed one by the head and twisted sharply. The sound of the neck breaking was covered by gun shots. It was not his first time hearing such a sound. He knew however it would haunt Clint for a long time. It was a sound no one forgot. Still he could not dwell on it.
Once the second man was dispatched they entered. He pulled his bow off back. His men had already chosen their paths. Choosing the final one he silently but quickly began to his search.
Two guards crossed his path not even ten feet down the hall. His arrows found their mark in the men's chest. They went down without a sound. Not even much blood due to the placement of the arrows.
The halls were a dark grey. From what he had seen of the outside it was some kind of stone. With the little lightning the building had it gave an ominous feeling.
Something didn't feel right however. He had been in a lot of places as a killer for hire. This place didn't seem like one that would only hold prisoners. There had to be more secrets than what they knew.
As if hearing his thoughts something moved ahead of him. Nocking back another arrow he prepared to fire. What he say however made his heart stop. A child no older than seven came running towards him.
The child had brown hair and green eyes. Upon seeing him the child's eyes widened with fear. Right as Delta was going to lower his bow a guard came around. In the next moment he brought it back up. An arrow was flying before anyone could say anything.
The boy let out a cry. His hands went to protect his face. The arrow went far over his head however. Instead of hitting the child it hit the guard in the chest. Another silent kill as the body dropped without a sound.
He asked softly," Hey kid, are you okay?"
The boy's fearful green eyes met his grey ones. His voice came out in a squeak," I... I'm trying to get away. Are you here to rescue me?"
"Honestly, no. I was not here for you. However," the boy's face had fallen," I will not leave you here. I am searching for two men. They are prisoners here and I'm here to save them. Can you tell me where they are? Are there anymore kids?"
A sharp nod came from the boy at the last question. So he didn't know about Gordon or Couslon. Still with there being kids here they couldn't just blow it up. That would mean certain death to who knew how many.
Pressing at the com around his neck as he said," Delta to squad two. We have a situation."
An exasperated voice came over," What is it this time?"
That would be Echo. The man was probably tired of always being left to watch their backs. There was no one he trusted more than Echo however. That was why he always got the job.
He said pushing the child behind him when another guard came out," There are kids in this place. I need someone to my position now. We need to get them out of here as well as those we came for."
He drew back another arrow and fired. As always it hit its mark in the guards chest. With that another went down.
Footsteps behind them made him spin. It was only Gamma however. That made him stop.
Gamma took one look at the child and nodded. He would take care of the and any others that they found. Unlike the rest of them Gamma had a knack for handling children. Delta tended to scare them.
He said to the boy," Listen to me kid. You are going to go with Gamma. He will take you and the other children from this place. After we get what we came here for we will take you somewhere safe."
For a moment the child looked like he was going to argue. Then his shoulders squared as he said," Peter. My name is Peter."
That made a smile cross his face. Peter then had some guts. Not many would have the guts to say that in this situation.
Peter with squared shoulders went with Gamma. His man gave him a questioning look. All Delta could do was shrug. He didnt know either.
When they were both out of sight he continued going. By the sounds of gunfire team one was still fighting. He wished the best for his men. Though he couldn't focus on that. They were counting on him to find Almanac and Coulson.
Halfway down one hall he came to a door. It was different from all the others. It was heavier and made out of concrete. The hinges were made of hard steel. Certainly made to keep something out. Or in. Was his final realization.
Pulling his picks from the inside of his jacket he lay his bow on the ground. Then he bent to a knee to examine the lock. Compared to the rest of the door the lock was simple. Someone with basic lockpicking skills could get through.
Delta made short work of the lock. Instead of pulling the door all the way open he pulled it slightly open. Taking a penlight from his jacket he flashed it in.
As he expected there was a wire that ran from the door frame. The people who guarded this place weren't as stupid as he thought. Once he found the end he carefully dismantled the trap. It was hooked to both a small explosive and an alarm. Cleverly designed that when one went off the other did as well.
Once dismantled he carefully made his way inside. Just inside the door was a set of stairs. Carefully he checked the stairs for any traps before making his way down them. The moment his foot stepped onto the concrete at the bottom he was attacked.
Delta was grabbed from the side. His assailant was trying to go for his neck. Blocking the attempt he struck out with his fist. It caught the assailant in the throat. There was a gurgling sound and hands reached for the strike point as if to protect it from further harm.
Delta used the penlight to flash it in his assailant's face. A smile broke out on his face as he recognized the man in front of him. Almanac.
Gordon Webb callsign Almanac was looking worse for wear. His face was black and blue. It was obvious that he had been beaten in an attempt to gain information. The fingers on his right hand looked at best dislocated. At worst they were broken. Then there was the way he was holding his side. It definitely pained the older Webb. The only good news was that it looked like he could run. Which meant they could continue without a complete extraction plan.
Gordon said breathless," David..."
Shaking his head he whispered," Not here. Almanac do you know where they are keeping the other man they captured?"
Gordon's eyes widened then he said," Two corridors over. I think they are working on him now. They have been alternating between us."
Then it would be the last thing they ever did. He said into the comms," This is Delta. I have Almanac and the location of second target. Going to retrieve now."
"This is Gamma we have all the kids out. Do you want me to return inside Delta?"
He only considered it for a brief moment before he replied," No stay with the kids. We don't know if there are any reinforcements coming. I don't want to take any chances."
There wasn't a reply. No need for one. They had their orders.
He turned to Gordon and asked," Are they broken?"
"Dislocated. I can still fight."
Delta's grey eyes searched Gordon's blue ones. Satisfied with what he found he turned away. They made their way back out. When he listened at the door it was quiet. No gunfire. No sounds at all.
Pressing his com he said," All units call in."
"Alpha here."
"Bravo here."
A pained gasp of," Charlie outside with Echo and Gamma. I took a bullet to the knee."
"Echo here."
"Foxtrot here."
"Gamma outside with Echo and Charlie."
All the voices were those of his men. Even through the comma he recognized them. Good. Now they just had to find Couslon.
He said," Delta confirmed. Secure an exit and prepare to leave."
"Yes Delta." Came the replies.
With that they went out of the basement. Following the directions Almanac had given him he went to the door. Behind it he could hear the voices of at least three men.
While he couldn't hear them clearly he knew they weren't happy. If they went by any protocol that agencies had they would have at least one other person. The silent watcher that stopped them when it went too far. Then again he could have gone to help fight back the intruders.
He pulled four arrows just a tad bit forward. Just enough to make drawing them easier. If it came down to it he could always take one of their guns. Why carry one when it was simpler to just take it?
Almanac nodded to him. Despite wanting his injured brother out of the way. He knew ir wouldn't happen. People said he was the stubborn one. They obviously never met Gordon.
He held up one had with three fingers. Then two. Then one. Gordon kicked the door open. Delta was through it in the next second.
Three men all stood but two were dropped in less than a second. Arrows sticking out of their chests. The third was dropped with an arrow as he reached for his weapon.
The only other person in the room was tied to a chair. His fingers were very much broken. There wasn't any doubting it.
Like Gordon his face looked like someone had taken a baseball bat to it. The brown hair gave away who it was. Phil Coulson agent of SHIELD.
The icy hazel eyes looked up at him. It took a moment for the brain to register who stood before him. When it did the eyes widened in shock. Taking his knife from his belt he cut Couslon's bonds. There was no time for pleasantries. He had to get them out of there.
When Couslon slumped forward Delta noticed something that should have been obvious. Coulson's right leg was broken. There would be no walking on it without pain. Damn his luck.
Gordon said," Help him onto my back. I'll carry him. You still have explosives to plant."
Coulson wasn't in any state to argue. Delta doubted the man was even conscious. So helped the agent onto the back of Gordon. Then slowly they made their way out. As they went they planted the explosives.
Each explosive was strategically placed to bring down the building. Once they were all placed he said into the coms," All targets are found. Explosives set to go off in five. We are coming out now."
Echo's voice responded," You are the last to leave, Delta. We are waiting where we came in at."
"Confirmed."