Hellooo! Lots of story followers which is what I like to see! Here's the next instalment, sorry for the delay, my ideas were all jumbled up in my head and it took a while to get them down in an orderly fashion. Hope you enjoy!
Phil gave Clint his due, he didn't mess around, he was packed up and ready to go within half an hour. He was told not to speak to anybody about their conversation and to meet Phil by the MP tent. When Phil got back from having a little nosey around the base he was sat with his back to the tent fiddling with a bow much to Phil's surprise. Clint stood up to attention when he got near to await his next orders. "I'm impressed Barton, with a whole half hour to spare," he eyed the bow and arrow and Clint retracted the bow until it was a quarter of the size it was fully extended and put it in one of the bags that also housed an assortment of arrows.
"Backup plan. Never leave home without it" he said not seeming to see a problem with it. Phil motioned for him to follow him inside the tent and Clint swiftly picked up his gear and made his way in. They took a seat at the table where Phil pulled out another of his brown folders and slid it over to Clint who flicked through it and looked back at him. "So what am I actually getting pulled into this for? Looks to me like a simple smash and grab. Break into the compound, grab the agents and get outta there" Phil smirked and took out the map of the compound and drew six circles around various areas and then a long line leading out of the back. Clint's face never left the map his eyes scanning all over getting his bearings and playing through different scenarios in his head.
"They have snipers at these points and there's a chance there will be a convoy of troops coming in from here so I need you tucked away ready to clear a safe path for me and my agents to get in there without getting our heads blown off by a gunman." Clint nodded in acknowledgement and then looked at the map again. He pointed to a space away from the compound.
"Those foothills, I'll set up there, perfect line of sight for everything." He said. Phil looked a little confused.
"That's pretty far out Barton, don't you need to be closer?" Clint grinned and took the pen to circle where he wanted to be.
"I see better from a distance, Sir" Phil looked at him unamused until he looked back up and noticed his mistake, "Sorry I meant Phil" Phil then had to give him the not so good news that they would have to make it on foot to the compound as they needed to be as quiet as possible. "No problem, doesn't bother me as long as you can keep up. I can't be carrying your ass as well as my gear." He joked. Phil had to admit that he actually quite liked the kid his wise cracking added a hint of lightness to an otherwise darker mood. He had no idea what he was about to get dragged into. They were met by Sergeant Willis at the chopper who wished them luck and patted Clint on the shoulder
"Keep your eyes open out there Barton, can't be losing a young talent like yourself" he said warmly. Clint smiled and shook his hand.
"Always Sir, thank you"
"Until we meet again Hawkeye" they saluted each other and Clint climbed into the chopper and took his seat next to Coulson. Phil explained how they were planning to get in and out of the compound safely and Clint looked over the maps planning out his own route and contingency plans should everything get thrown up in the air. Phil watched as the young man opposite him studied in silence and he could almost see the wheels turning in his head. Eyes scanning the maps and the Intel putting plans into motion for every possible situation. It was interesting to observe.
"Suit up kid" Said Coulson as he pulled his own bullet proof vest on over his t-shirt. Clint immediately started checking all of his gear and got ready for the mission ahead. He nodded to Phil that he was ready and they climbed out of the chopper after a smooth landing. Sand blew up in their face from the wind and Phil looked longingly at Clint's wrap around shades. That was the difference between the two of them, Clint had lived there for months, he knew the ground, he knew the weather and he knew how to survive. Phil was going in blind and not just from the sand lashing at his eyes. He tried to rub it away but just further ground it in much to his dismay. A light tap on his shoulder made him jump and Clint stood there with a pair of shades and a smug look on his face.
"Rule number one, never go anywhere without a pair of these. Suitable for all terrain and situations" Phil took them gratefully and laughed.
"Duly noted" They set off in the direction of the compound with the odd bit of conversation here and there. Clint was too focused on the mission and his surroundings to care much for idle chatter. Something in the distance caught his eye and he stopped dead holding his hand up for Phil to see. He studied the black shape intently until Phil broke the silence.
"There's something over there in the distance. Keep still." Said Clint putting an arm in front of Phil to stop him from moving.
"How the hell can you see that I can barely make it out!" exclaimed Phil
"I told you, I see better from a distance." Clint made out the shape once it got a little closer and motioned for them to take a different route. "Troops. Lots of them. Let's go this way and keep quiet and no sudden movements, just blend in" Phil nodded and followed. He thought for a moment about how he should have been giving the orders and instead he was taking them from a nineteen year old kid who wasn't even an agent yet.
"I hope you know what you're doing kid" he said
"Always Sir."
"Swear to god if you weren't a world class soldier I'd shoot you in the face for calling me sir! Phil joked with a tinge of annoyance to his voice.
"Wouldn't be fast enough…Sir"
I love a bit of cheeky Clint! So the question is, who has he spotted and what role do they play in the rest of this story? Only time will tell! Muwhahaha
