Ghosts of the Past
Chapter 20 Votes and rage
Authors notes I don't own Marvel Agents of SHIELD. All I own are my OC's Jack Williams, Shadow, the Katana Killer, Carl Berlin, Henry Radcliff, Magnus Rasputin and Cobra.
Also I recommend that all my readers check out the fics written by Angels Anthem, Appa Appa Away, LongLiveTheClones, XxheavendragonxX, Aurora Lunar 0Love This0, Icehockeychic4 Canadiancloneluver, Guardian Kitch, Jemmz, Full-Paragon, Fenrisulven13 and lastly Xpredatorx as they are twelve of the best writers on this site in my opinion.
And please if you read this fic then let me know what you think of it good or bad comments just let me know as I want your opinions on it no matter what they are. 17 people now have story alerts on this fic while 6 people have added this fic to their favourite stories list.
The main pairings of this fic will be Mayson and Jack Williams/Maria Hill but I might add others later on in the fic.
Lastly I recommend my readers have a look at the Agents of SHIELD fics written by charmed4lifekaren you will not be disappointed once you read them, they are amazing fic's and very well written.
Well that's enough of an author's notes on with chapter 20.
SHIELD HQ
The minute Coulson got off the elevator he said angrily "What gave Fury the right to do that. What made him think he could play God with my life?"
Clint said "He's lucky I didn't shoot out his remaining eye. The urge to do so was very hard to resist."
Bruce said "What he had done went too far."
Tony nodded in agreement as Melinda said "When Jack finds out about this he will be absolutely livid."
Phil said "I'll tell him. Better he learns from me."
Natasha then asked Clint the question all of the other avengers wanted to ask him since they found out Coulson was alive. "Why didn't you tell us Phil was alive when you first found out Clint?" Natasha asked.
Clint replied "It wasn't my secret to reveal."
Steve looked at Phil and asked "Why did you not tell us you were alive. Why let us think you died after you recovered?"
Phil answered "I didn't want to tell you until after I found out how I was brought back. Once I recovered, I knew something was different about me, that something was wrong. When I learned there was more to my resurrection then Fury told me. I knew I had to find out what before I revealed I was still alive."
Tony merely said "You're telling Pepper you're still alive when all this HYDRA crap is over. She's going to be pissed you never told us you survived."
Phil nodded and took out his phone to call Jack.
Washington DC medical facility
Jack next to his father, he had been taken off the ventilator a few hours ago and was fast asleep.
Jack heard his phone ring and answered it when he saw Phil was the caller.
Once he was told what Fury had done to a man he considered his brother Jack wanted to go back to SHIELD HQ and tear Fury apart with his bare hands.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard his father ask "What's Fury done now Jack?"
Jack smiled when he saw his father was awake and immediately told him what he just learned.
Graham said "Jack. I want you to get a laptop brought in here and get me connected to the World Security Council. As a former member of the council. I'm going to call an emergency meeting to discuss an important issue. Who should lead SHIELD into the future?"
Jack left the room to get his father a laptop as Graham said to himself "Nick. You killed one of my sons when you tried to bring him back from the dead. Then you made a deal with the devil. Your leadership of SHIELD is over."
The Pentagon
Victor was shocked at this revelation from Alex and looked at what was on the computer screen himself and saw Alex was telling the truth.
General Ross had gotten an email saying that he was to kill President Ells or his daughter Betty would be killed for his failure.
Before Victor or Alex could do anything the door to the general's office opened and Colonel Glenn Talbot, the general's second in command entered the room.
Talbot closed the door and asked "What did you find on the general's computer?"
Alex said "You've been suspecting the general of treason haven't you Talbot How long have you suspected him colonel?"
Talbot replied "Months. Ever since New York the general has changed. It's no secret he is critical of the Avengers for having Banner on the team and SHIELD for protecting the doctor from him. I can see him committing treason if it meant he gets his hands on Banner."
Victor said "The general plans to kill President Ellis. Is he scheduled to meet the President shortly?"
Talbot answered "He is chairing a meeting of the Joint Chiefs to brief the President on the British Prime Minister's arrests of several British military and political figures. We even learned that the former defence minister committed suicide."
The colonel got on the phone to call the Secret Service stationed at the White House but got no answer.
Victor said "Whatever the general is doing it's happening right now and we're 3.4 miles away from the White House."
Alex said "If the general is involved in treason. Others could be involved as well."
Talbot simply said "Let's get the white house. I'll have a car made ready for us. Faster we get there, the better chance we have of stopping the general."
The three men then left the office and headed to the parking lot.
San Francisco California
Carl Berlin emerged from his car and saw the mansion just a short walk up the road.
He took out the locket in his pocket and looked at the pictures of his wife and daughter.
'No matter what happens to me, Shadow dies tonight.' Carl swore to himself.
He put the locket back in his pocket and retrieved his mobile phone.
He called a number on it and when his call went to voicemail Carl said "Agent Coulson. It's Carl Berlin. I've found out that the Shadow is the one who killed my wife, my daughter is still alive and you know her. It's Skye, I had a DNA test confirm it. I want you to look after my daughter, if I don't survive this encounter with Shadow. He needs to pay for what he done to me and my wife."
Carl hung up, put his phone away and kept one hand on his holstered 9mm pistol as Carl entered the mansion through the main gate.
He saw no guards were around and that told Carl one very important fact. The Shadow knew he was here.
Carl headed to the front door of the mansion and saw the door was unlocked.
Carl said to himself "Not really surprised." He then opened the door and went inside.
He saw The Shadow in the hallway waiting for him.
Carl instantly had his gun drawn and aimed at the man who said "I knew you'd find out the truth eventually Carl, despite all my best efforts to keep it from you."
Carl said "Tell me why. Why did you kill my wife and abduct my daughter?"
The Shadow answered "Power is a fragile thing Carl. Once in a while I need to show people the price of defiance. I knew SHIELD was going to have someone try and infiltrate my organization sooner or later. You were the obvious choice. Back then you were the rising star of SHIELD. So if you were going to infiltrate my organization I was going to make sure you paid the ultimate price. Once you did, I saw recruiting you to work for me as a way to turn SHIELD'S plan on themselves and if it meant giving up some people who outlived their usefulness to earn your loyalty then so be it."
Carl simply said "It's time you paid for your crimes Shadow. Any last words before your sentence is carried out?"
Shadow said "Yes, you are the one who is about to die Carl. Tell your darling wife Amy when you see her again that you'll both be reunited with your daughter sooner than you think."
Carl opened fire but Shadow disappeared into the shadows and appeared behind Carl with a knife in his hands.
Carl turned around and avoided the attempt by Shadow to slash him and shot Shadow twice in the chest who threw his blade at Carl hitting him right in the heart.
As Carl Berlin died he saw his wife Amy and smiled he had avenged his wife and taken out The Shadow.
While the Shadow laid on the ground bleeding out from the gunshots wounds he had, Carlo Mancini entered the mansion and shot Shadow in the chest several times.
Carlo said "You have served your purpose. With you dead people will believe that The Shadow is dead. Allowing me to use The Winter Soldier to destroy these enemies on mine and anyone else who gets in the way of my goal."
Carlo retrieved his mask off the dead decoy and disappeared into the darkness appearing in his main laboratory where The Winter Soldier was about to be unfrozen.
The White House
Colonel Talbot stopped the car just down the street from the White House and saw the building looked alright but no guards were patrolling the perimeter outside the White House.
Victor and Alex had their pistols loaded as Talbot loaded his 9mm pistol and said "Let's go."
The three of them got out of the car and headed to the main entrance into the White House grounds.
They jumped over the barricade and it was there that they found one of the Secret Service agents dead in the cubicle at the main entrance.
Talbot said "Shot in the head. Poor guy never saw it coming."
Victor said "We don't know how many hostiles are inside. It has to be a small amount. A large attack force here would draw attention in minutes."
Talbot activated an alarm in the cubicle which would inform the army that the White House was under attack.
Talbot said "In 20 minutes the army will be here and take down anything that resists. That's how long we have to find General Ross. If he's killed President Ellis I'll kill the traitor myself."
They entered the building and found more dead Secret Service agents and innocent civilians who were obviously killed to prevent word getting out about the attack on The White House.
Alex asked "Who could be capable of doing this, infiltrating one of the most secure buildings on the planet and so efficiently? Not even MI6 could do this?"
Victor said "Whoever these people are I can tell you this. Their professionals and good at their job."
A man a wearing ski mask, body armour and holding an assault rifle entered the hallway and was quickly shot dead.
Alex said "One less attacker now. Colonel, do you know the fastest way to the Oval Office?"
Talbot said "I was here with General Ross a few months ago. I know the way. Follow me."
As the three headed to the Oval Office they heard raised voices, one of them was General Ross's voice and picked up the pace.
Along the way, they ran into several more attackers and dealt with them quickly.
They soon arrived just outside the doors to the Oval Office and went in guns drawn ready to kill any hostiles in the room.
The attackers in the room were caught off guard and killed in moments as General Ross was shocked to see his second in command here just when he was about to kill President Ellis.
Talbot said "Drop the gun now Ross. I swear to God, I will kill you if you don't. Mr President are you alright?"
President Ellis said "I'm fine. The General got these attackers in here. He is working with them in return for a payoff. How much they pay you to commit treason and try to kill your commander in chief?"
Ross didn't say a word as Victor said "General you have exactly 2 minutes before the army take back The White House. Make them useful tell us who you're working for? Who wants America and Britain to go to war with one another?"
Ross replied "I'm a dead man if I tell you that."
Victor said angrily "You're a dead man if you don't tell me General. Who are you working for?"
Ross took out his gun and put it under his chin as Colonel Talbot said "Don't do it."
Ross fired his gun once as several US troops entered the Oval Office. Their leader said "Drop your weapons and get on the floor now."
President Ellis said "Sergeant these men saved my life. Lower your weapons now."
The soldiers did as ordered as President Ellis turned to the men who saved his life and said "Thank you."
The sergeant said "Let's get you out of here sir."
As the President was lead out of the Oval Office the Sergeant went on the radio and said "We have the President? I repeat we have the President. POTUS is safe and secure."
Alex said "Hopefully now Britain and America will stop this collision course towards war."
Talbot nodded and said "Who was the General working for?"
None of them said a word, knowing that the answer to that question died with General Ross.
SHIELD HQ
Jack arrived at SHIELD HQ and headed to a place he knew Phil would go to in this building especially after what he learned. The bar.
Sure enough he found Phil there seated at the counter with a bottle of Scotch next to him while the rest of his team and The Avengers were getting to know each other nearby as they played pool.
Jack went over to them and asked "How long has his been there and how many drinks has he had?"
Skye answered "We've been here an hour, the bartender was a HYDRA agent. Once it sank in what Fury had done to him he said he wanted a drink and came straight here with us following him. He's had half a bottle so far and won't talk to anyone."
Jack said "He'll talk to me."
Jack sat next to Phil and poured himself a drink, Phil finally spoke by asking Jack "What am I brother?"
Jack replied "I don't know what you mean?"
Phil drank another glass of scotch before he answered "Am I alive or just a walking talking zombie? Who knows what that necromancer did to bring me back, replace my organs? Took some of my blood to use in the future. We don't know what that man did to me? You know what the worst part is. Nick Fury a man I trusted with my life let this happen, all to bring me back from the dead. My memory was messed with. Lord knows what happened to justify that happening."
Jack said "Phil I know this you are alive. Your heart is beating, blood is flowing through your veins and you have emotions. You're not a mindless robot. You're a human being and my brother. I promise you Fury will answer for what was done to you. Sooner or later. He will pay."
Phil then put away the bottle and said "I'm going to get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
Phil left the room as Tony Stark came over and asked "He going to be alright?"
Jack replied "In time he'll be alright. Phil helped me move on after my son died. I wouldn't be a friend if I didn't help him. I can tell you this. Next time I see Fury he's dead."
Stark nodded and said "That man crossed a line doing what he did. No one deserves that. The fact that he kept Coulson's resurrection from me and the rest of the Avengers is just the tip of ice berg."
Jack said "You think you're the only ones who had what happened to Coulson kept from them. Until Melinda told me I didn't even know Phil had died at all. Fury kept that from me as well."
Curious Stark asked "Why do you think he did that?"
Jack replied "I would have found out he was up to something. I learned Phil had died. I would have demanded to see the body. If I didn't see a body. I'd know something was up and get answers no matter what it took. Heck Phil would do the same for me. Why should I do any less?"
Nothing else was said as the two men drank and watched as everyone else was getting along and for a brief moment having a good time.
Meanwhile the World Security Council were listening to what Graham Williams told them about what Nick Fury had done to bring back Agent Phil Coulson from the dead.
Once Graham was finished, Councilman Yen asked "What do you want us to do Graham?"
Graham answered "I call for a vote."
Councilman Singh "Seconded."
Graham said "Members of the Council. I propose to you that we remove Nick Fury as Director of SHIELD effective immediately."
Councilwoman Hawley asked "Who would you have him replaced with Graham?"
Graham replied "Maria Hill. She is the deputy director. If anyone is to take over as Director it should be her. All those in favour?"
Graham raised his hand, as did Councilmen Singh and Yen along with Councilwoman Hawley. While Councilman Rockwell kept his hand down.
Graham said "With 4 votes to 1. The motion is passed. Nick Fury will be removed from his position effective immediately."
Councilwoman Hawley said "We should have Director Fury brought up here to inform him of this news. Agents Maria Hill and Jack Williams should be brought here as well. After all they're both about to be promoted one step in rank."
Graham sent Fury a message telling him that the World Security Council wanted to see him, Maria and Jack immediately.
Soon Fury arrived via the elevator along with Maria and Jack.
Fury asked "Councillors. Why did you ask us all up here?"
A hologram of Graham appeared in the room and Graham said angrily "I told them what you had done to Phil to bring him back from the dead. All of it Nick."
Maria asked Fury "What is Graham talking about sir?"
Jack said "If you don't tell her Fury I will."
Faced with no other choice Fury told Maria all of what was done to bring Coulson back. Even what Maria didn't know about what was known as Project Tahiti. By the time he was finished, Maria was glaring at him and clenching her fists as she struggled to keep her anger in check.
Maria then said "Why? Why on Earth did you do that to Phil. He was your friend? If's that's what you do to friends. I'd hate to see what you do to your enemies. So why were me and Jack summoned here? Do you want us to take Fury into custody for treason and torture of a fellow member of SHIELD?"
Councilman Singh answered "No agent Hill. Director Fury. The World Security Council has decided effective immediately to have you replaced as Director of SHIELD for your actions in bring back agent Phil Coulson back from the dead. You made a deal with a monster and erased his existence from all databases worldwide. That can't go unpunished."
Jack asked "I'm assuming Maria is the new Director?"
Councilman Singh nodded and said "You Agent Williams are the new deputy Director of SHIELD as of right now. Fury is there anything you wish to tell us before your escorted off the premises?"
Fury replied "Yes I do." He then told everyone in the room about STRIKE and The Illuminati.
Jack said "Your saying that The Illuminati are the ones who had Josh killed?"
Fury replied "I don't know maybe."
Maria said "This Director Murray is expecting to meet you face to face. Do it and inform him of the change in SHIELD's leadership. With The Illuminati and HYDRA out there we need all the allies we can get."
Jack nodded in agreement as Graham said "Director Hill you should announce the change in leadership over the intercom. In these trying times strong leadership is needed."
Maria had a com channel to all the SHIELD bases worldwide opened and said "This is Maria Hill, I have some news for all of you. As of 10 minutes ago. Nick Fury has been removed from his position as Director of SHIELD. As second in command, I'm respectably taking his place as Director. I know that SHIELD has been rocked to the core with the revelation that HYDRA were among us all this time. Friends have turned on friends, brother against brother. HYDRA has been hit hard by our swift attack against them. They are still out there however and no doubt are planning retaliation as I speak."
Maria paused and looked out towards the sunrise and continued her speech "No matter how long it takes. We will find all those loyal to HYDRA and eliminate them. I and Deputy Director Williams have learned that there is another group out there who seek to get rid of us. They too will fail. SHIELD has stood for nearly 70 years. We all know what SHIELD stands for above all else. Protection. We protect the world from those like Hydra that others are unprepared to deal with. I swear to you all here and now, as long as I still draw breath SHIELD will continue to provide protection and be the shield."
Maria had the com channel closed and Fury said "Good speech."
London
The man sat in his office and watched news about the assassination attempt on President Ellis which was thwarted thanks to US Air Force Colonel Glenn Talbot and 2 British operatives.
In the last hour President Ellis had a phone call with British Prime Minister Ed Miliband and both leaders agreed to end the current crisis and talk in person next week in London.
The man said to himself "General Ross was a failure. He has risked our exposure and ruined what took years of planning. Still he didn't talk. I'll let his daughter Betty live."
The man's mobile phone rang and he saw the caller was his nephew. He answered the call and asked "What is it nephew?"
Ward answered "They know uncle."
With that Ward hung up and the man was furious. The Illuminati were exposed to SHIELD and now had to take care of SHIELD quickly before they found out about the guest house or the Infinity Stone in the hands of The Illuminati.
The man went on his laptop and said aloud "We've been discovered. Now you need to ensure that our long term plans are not discovered."
The voice of Amin Zola said "Worry not. Our scientists have already modified the Super Soldier Serum. Our forces will be 5 times stronger than the Captain himself. Soon The Illuminati will unite the world to ensure its security under our leadership. The helicarriers will be ours then HYDRA, SHIELD, the Avengers, The Shadow and all our enemies. Will fall."
The man said "They will. I wonder how Red Skull would react if he were here now and learned this whole time. You have claimed to be a part of HYDRA but were Illuminati the whole time."
Zola said "He'd probably die of shock."
The man laughed as he lit a cigarette knowing that despite the setbacks. The Illuminati's goal would soon be realised.
Sanctuary
Magnus Rasputin stood on the surface of the asteroid and looked at the massive throne in front of him.
Magnus said "I have learned of another infinity stone on Earth. It is in the possession of a group known as The Illuminati. I don't know which of the remaining stone it is. What do you want me to do?"
Thanos turned to face Magnus and said "Get me that stone Necromancer. Do whatever you need to do just get the Stone. Fail and you will suffer pain unlike anything you ever experienced before."
Magnus said "Understood."
He then left as Thanos turned back around and had a plan in mind already. A way to ensure that Thanos didn't just get one Infinity Stone.
SHIELD HQ the next day
Phil woke up as he heard his mobile phone ring on the counter next to his bed and answered it "This is Coulson?"
A voice said "Agent Phil Coulson. It's good to finally talk to you."
Phil asked "Who is this?"
The caller replied "This is the Clairvoyant. I'm calling because I need your help. My life is in danger."
Phil curious asked "Why should I help you?"
The Clairvoyant said "One of your team is a traitor agent Coulson and I know who it is."
Authors notes well that's chapter 20 completed please let me know what you think of it read and review no flames though ok.