Chapter 5- Close encounters of the IMF kind

When he'd awoken he felt rather detached and strange. "Hello, can you hear me", a man leant over him. Instinctively he tried to pull back only to find he could not move. There was a soft bed underneath him and a heavy feeling laying over his limbs. "Its alright son, you're in a hospital", came the man's soft voice. Focusing his gaze more he could make out the white coat and stethoscope. When reaching for the reason he was here all he felt was a great big hole. Panic began to rise up within him and he struggled."It's alright , you are in good hands. You've been in an accident and suffered a blow to the head. I just want to check on your memory." Can tell me your name", the doctor asked. When he'd reached into his mind there had been nothing but a vague recollection of the name Clint. He did not know a second name ,where he was from or remember anything about the accident. He felt hot tears forming into his eyes. The doctor clasped his hand around his own in a warm firm grip and held on tight, he spoke with compassion, "don't worry, I will take care of you. My name is Dr Barton, Lyle Barton. I am here to help you".

Clint wrenched his mind away from that memory. It was not something the surgery had taken away from him but a self suppressed memory. All that he'd known of that time immediately after his brain operation was pain, that of his injuries and that of loss. They had told him that his parents were dead . It had hurt like a thousand hot knives, even though he remembered nothing of them.

Now that memories of the surgery had emerged these ones were now also being recalled. It was like he was filling in a hole that had lain empty for a long time. Perhaps now instead of causing pain those memories could be useful. Out of the haze of his past recollections had come name of the hospital where he'd recovered from his brain surgery. He could search there for the name of the State where they'd sent Will. Of course , it should be that Will and he had been sent to separate hospitals to recover. But there was a conservation he remembered while laying in that hospital that at the time had not been significant. The doctor and nurse had thought he was asleep, "doctor I do not think this boys injuries were caused by a car accident. He has similar injuries to that other one. That one is so covered in bandages that I cannot even see his face, poor thing. It looks like the same thing happened to both of them ", the nurse concluded. "Tara take my advise on this and ask no questions, I have a feeling this is something neither of us want to know about. Let's just treat these boys", the doctor informed her.

He remembered waking hours later and thinking the conversation had been a dream. Walking around the wards a few days later cemented the dream idea as he saw no sign of a boy covered in bandages. So the conversation was filled under a pain induced hallucination.

But he now knew it was not. For whatever reason Will and he had been briefly together in that hospital. At that time any records kept would be in paper form and not computer files. This would limit the possibilities of SHIELD following the same path. They may think about looking at possible hospitals where he could have recovered from surgery. But they would have thousands of possibilities, he just had one.

Going there would mean taking the risk of flying. But he knew someone who could get him quietly into any State without being noticed. Occassionly having shady friends could be helpful.

Clint pulled the bike out of the trees and back onto the road. He could feel his body aching with wariness. But he ignored the feeling. Climbing onto the bike Clint headed back to the city where on the fringes he'd find the little private airport and arrange his flight.

He kept to the back roads as much as possible. A few times he felt his eyes slide shut as his exhausted body told him it needed to sleep. He pulled back from that sleep, knowing it would only delay him. But his eyes fluttered shut briefly again. He had not had a proper nights sleep in awhile and it was taking it's toll. Do something that will keep you awake, he told himself. So he sang, some of the loudest songs he could remember. It only helped for a while. A few miles further on exhaustion finally caught up with him and Clint's eyes fluttered shut for longer than a few seconds as he fell asleep.

The bike swerved violently off the road shaking Clint awake. He grappled with the handlebars as he tried to regain control. It was too late, his wheel hit a tree root on the road edging and he found himself being propelled forward over the handle bars and down onto the road. Instinctively he put his body into a better falling position. He still hit the road hard and rolled over a few times before he stopped. Clint lay still for a few moments to recover from the shock. Then he gently moved himself ,breathing an inward sigh of relief when he did not feel any sharp burning pain that would signify a broken bone. There was a lot of stinging though and the warm sensation of blood ran down his face.

"Ouch", he said to himself as he carefully stood upright. He swayed for a few seconds before correcting himself. Looking down his body , he could see ripped material around his chest and leg areas, the stinging sensation was sharpest in those areas. There was some blood oozing out as well but it's flow was only sluggish which he decided was not very serious. He could keep functioning, his main concern was with the bike. If it no longer worked then he'd be stuck here until a motorist came by. They'd take one look at him and ring 911 or just take him to the hospital themselves. He did not want that. Quickly lifting the bike up, he found to his relief that he had suffered the most damage. It was painful to climb back upon the bike ,he let the pain be his driving force. Nothing was going to stop him from trying to find Will.

One hour later he reached the small private airstrip where Kit Kyle worked. The man had no love for the authorities because he was a smuggler. He had smuggled people before and Clint knew he could be trusted not to report his latest cargo to anyone. It was also fortunate that Kit owed him several favours as he did not possess the amount of cash that it would have cost him to be quietly flown to Hawaii.

It would take several hours to get there and that would finally give Clint the time to rest.

Kit did not have much in the way of food or first aid onboard so Clint had to make do with a chocolate bar and water. The water was to drink as well as to wash his cuts.

As they got airborne Clint hoped that the hospital records were still intact. He'd go to that hospital in the early hours of the morning and break into the archive room.

For now he just just his eyes and drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day- IMF Mission Cliffhanger, Team leader Ethan Hunt, undisclosed location

Benji Dunn looked out of the window of their hotel at the sparkling waters below. It felt like groundhog day to him. He was doing the same thing he had been at this time yesterday morning. Also he knew that if he looked in Ethan's room he would not find him . Nor would he have to think too hard to know where Ethan was, in the same location as yesterday. Looking over at his open laptop, Benji saw another recall request had come from IMF. That was the same as well. Of course Ethan would ignore this request, he'd go back when he was ready. At the moment Ethan was still IMF's golden boy, so a little bucking of orders would do him no harm. But he could not keep it up indefinitely; IMF would want the debriefing from Project Cliffhanger. It was one that Ethan did not want to give. He was not alone in feeling shattered about their latest mission. Ethan was the only one though that reacted by going off alone.

Shaking himself a little Benji decided that at least one of them had to break the cycle. "Hey you two",he called out to his teammates, "I am going down to the beach". He knew he'd said that before as well, which was why the others just ignored him. This time though he went to the door opened it and went out.

It was early morning and the only people about were tourists staking their claim on the best sunbathing spots and the workers, who hurried by without stopping. Deciding just to go for a walk around the block Benji set off. The cool air was already getting warmer, hinting at another broiling day.

Benj came to a main road and stopped to wait for the crossing sign. He took little notice of the man that stopped beside him. But when that man went to step out into the road in front of a car Benji's arm shot out to fasten around his bicep,"watch out", he said softly turning to face the man. He felt his face change as he caught site of the man's injuries.

Clint had once again not been focused on his surroundings. It was a major slip for someone as highly trained as he was. But the thoughts of Will overroad even his common sense making him take risks like stepping out into the path of a car. Luckily the man beside him had pulled him back. That same man was now giving him the weirdest look. It made him wonder if this man could possibly be a SHIELD employee who had just had his luckiest day and snared the AWOL Clint Barton. It was time to find out for certain, "let go, I'm fine", he told the man.

His words had no effect ,the man still had him by the arm with enough force to stop him moving forward. He admitted to himself that he did look rather rumpled , he had not changed or shaved since he'd fallen from the bike. The way he looked should have made most people want to avoid eye contact . But not this man, okay time for a little more forcefulness. "Look whoever you are, just go about your day and leave me in peace, I am totally fine', he stated firmly as he unwrapped the mans fingers from his arm.

Now the man gaped like a fish who was gasping for air on the land. Clint was about to run off when the next words stopped him. "Will, don't you know who I am", the man asked . He looked like he'd lost something very important.

Now Clint felt like it was he who was gasping. He had thought that Hawaii would be just one step in a chain that would eventually lead to Will. But it seemed like he'd just gotten confused with his twin, which meant that perhaps Will was here as well. Of course this man must see that he'd had some type of accident and be concerned. He needed to tell him the truth, but standing in the street was not the place.

"I don't know who you are", he told the man gently. He got a slow nod of acceptance and another head to toe examination. Now the voice was gentle and the hand that brushed his arm warm and soft, "ohh, well I am a friend. Just come with me okay", the man asked in a persuasive voice.

Clint did not try to argue. He wanted to know more about his brother and a friend woud have loads of information. It would have to be handled carefully of course, beause this friend knew nothing about him. Perhaps he'd even think he was crazy or something. He was sure though the right moment might come along to tell the truth. Yeah the real Will might turn up, then you'll really would have something to say, his mind told him. That really would be a shock, though he supposed it'd make an awesome conversation starter.

The man behind him was nudging him forward. They were heading toward one of the larger hotels that stood along the beach front. Clint ran through ways to say the truth in his mind, all of them sounded rather weird. This was harder than he'd thought.

He noticed that the man ahead of him had his phone out and was having a conversation with someone. The words were not clear but Clint thought he heard, "are you sure".

He wondered who the guy was calling. A few moments later he was standing in an elevator and being whisked to the 10th floor of the hotel.

"Come Will", the man encouraged as he strode out of the lift. Clint followed behind still feeling rather strange about this whole thing. Impersonating his brother would not have been his chosen first approach. But unfortunately things had already started down that path and he felt a little out of control. He had little time to feel more when the door in front of them opened and two sets of eyes gaped at him. An attractive woman ran forward saying "Will" softly as she got closer. She stopped short of him though when the other man put his hand around her arm and pulled her away. "Benji where did you find him", this man asked. "On the main road about to walk in front of a car. He says, he does not know who I am", Benji explained in a rush. It sounded awful Clint realized. This was a truly terrible thing to do to the friends of his brother, he felt guilt rise up. "Look…",he began. "Do you know who we are", the other man interrupted in an abrupt manner. He too had a strange look in his eyes as well. This whole encounter was giving Clint the shivers. Maybe he should tell them now, "no, I don't, I should explain..," he tried to get the truth out but found it hard to know where to begin.

The three people in the room with him were now all staring at him in a measuring manner that reminded him of Fury's gaze. He decided then that it had been a mistake to come here. This was probably not the right time or place to reveal his identity. He found himself turning back toward the door. "Will don't go", the woman protested as she stepped forward. "Stop him leaving Benji, Luther", she requested. That comment made him pivot and he said in his scariest tone, "do not touch me". He was not sure what had made him sound like that but he just had the funny feelng he needed to get out of this room now. His words had the effect of paralyzing the others for a moment. He slammed the door quickly in their faces before they could react and hurried to press the button on the lift. The relief was palpable when the lift doors opened moments later and he hurried inside. He quickly hit the door close button. "I wanted to get off on this floor", the man inside the lift protested as the doors slid shut."You can go down a floor, I am just in a a hurry", Clint told him rapidly. His breathing was faster than normal and he had the oddest feeling he'd just escaped from a dangerous situation. But how could that be right, those people were just average everyday citizens. Maybe his emotions were just a little too out of control. Get a grip Clint he told himself.

"You do seem a little out of breath, is everything alright", now the man was studying him intently and picking up on his reactions. "Yes", he lied glibly not making eye contact. If he ignored this man he'd leave him alone. But it did not work because the man asked. "Are you sure, it looks like you've been in some type of accident". The man took a step closer until he was looking directly at the scrape on his cheek. He was giving his face a type of scrutiny that he found a little unnerving. "I will be fine", he replied hastily. "Maybe you should get checked out at a doctor or something", the man advised," I could take you".

Clint found his heart beat speeding up, he had no wish to be examined by anyone who could reveal his location to SHIELD. Memories of his boyhood and the pain he'd suffered under another doctors care were also too close to the surface. Perhaps that was why he overeacted. "No", he almost shouted at the other man. It had the effect of making the other guy step back and look rather worried that he was about to get a fist in his face. Oh boy he should tone it down a little. "I am sorry, things are just a little difficult right now", he apologized. "That's alright Will",came the rather shocking response. Clint suddenly realized that this guy knew his double as well. What should he do now. He stood paralyzed like a deer in headlights.

"Where were you going", the man beside him asked. His tone was still gentle and face concerned. Clint shrugged, " I don't know", he admitted. Going to the hospital made no sense now. The answers to finding Will were right in front of him and even if he had to step through a fire he should see this through. He knew by the look in this mans blue eyes where he was going to suggest he go. The feeling of danger that had surfaced within him in that room had been real. But perhaps it might be his own guilt at impersonating his brother causing those feelings. Returning to the room could not be that bad after all. He was confident that he could easily handle the four of them even in his less than full functioning state . Still he felt reluctant to be in a room with four people who thought he was someone else.

The guy in the lift with him must have noticed the hesitation, he said softly, "why don't you come back upstairs then, have a coffee and a sit down. Nothing is going to happen to you". The last sentence was said in the reassuring tone of a concerned friend. This guy looked and sounded like someone he could trust and Clint found himself saying,"I suppose there is a lot to talk about". Oh yeah, wait to you tell him about the twin thing, he thought.

The lift shpt upward and Clint felt the other man's eyes upon him he entire time. "After you", the man stated when the doors open. It made his skin crawl for some reason to have this guy standing behind him. But Clint kept his cool. He had this feeling he was stepping into something and his curiosity was rising.

"Look who I found", the man behind him announced to the other three as the entered the hotel room. Again came the stares. It was an awkward moment. "Sit down Will and I'll get you a coffee", the man from the lift told him. Clint sat down and noted the others sat as well, across from him, their eyes still assessing him .A few minutes later a steaming mug was placed in front of him. The guy had not asked how he like his coffee, he'd made it Will style. Clint wondered if their tastes were similar. Without really thinking he picked up a napkin from on the table and wrapped it around the cup as he picked it up.

The made the man called Benji's eyebrow lift a little. Yeah average people do not wrap napkins around a coffee cup because they are worried about prints. His finger tips were not touching the napkin either. "The cup's a little hot", he explained. "Yes heat can burn", the guy from the lift said in a tone that was almost scary. He was the only one of them that had not offered his name. There was an intensity about him that made Clint want to never take his eyes off for a second. Even now it sounded like he was talking about something other than coffee. Don't be silly ,he told himself.

He took a sip of the coffee then put the cup down. Now what he wondered. This whole thing had suddenly moved from him telling them the truth to finding out what was going on. They were far too accepting of the fact he had lost his memory. There was more to this he had to find out.

"You should freshen up Will", Jane broked the moment. "Yes, you look like you could do with a shower or even just cold wash", Luther added. It would be an opportunity to get out of those intense gazes Clint decided. He could also think about his next move. Standing up he followed Jane to the bathroom. He noted that the man called Luther also followed them.

When he'd gone Benji picked up the coffee mug and ran a cotton bud around the rim. He went over to his lap top. "I could not see any signs of a mask, plus the blood looks real. It is a convincing job",Ethan told him. "Yeah, well the amnesia and injuries would fit with what happened Ethan", Benji reminded him.

"Yes that's true Benji, but amnesia is also convenient and a good way of getting information. This guy is a professional, I can tell by the way he looks at us", Ethan replied. Ethan cracked his knuckles audibly making Benji wince. "I will get him to tell us everything he knows, rather painfully", he added. He sounded upset in a way that did not bode well for the man in the bathroom. "Why am I bothering with the DNA then if you are so sure. You could have already got him to talk", Benji responded. He did not protest about Ethan's thoughts of violence toward their guest, he wanted to join in as well.

But Ethan's next words made him think,"because it's not Will and yet…", Ethan broke off and gathered his thoughts. He had to not get himself off balance. He thought about how he'd seen the guy react, "there's an uncertainty there that is out of place with his general demenour. If he's been sent by the enemy then he's fairly brave to take on four of us by himself. It does not make a lot of sense really, unless it is Will".

He looked at Benji and waited for his opinion, "I think you should just hit him hard", Benji stated in a tone that was unlike his usual one. He was right Ethan decided his emotions were leading his head. He'd just take care of this guy. Cracking his knuckles again Ethan was about to walk out and do some damage to their 'guest' when Benji said something that stopped him still. "Ethan I just got a DNA match", the ex technician spluttered in surprise. Ethan came around to look at the figures for himself, "it's not 100 percent", he remarked. "Yeah but you don't get that close unless you are a direct relative. He'd have to be a twin or something and we both know that's not possible", Benji concluded

It changed everything. Ethan hit the wall rather hard just to get the sensation out of his mind. He could not use his fists on Will . "I guess that means we will take him in", Benji remarked. "If we can', he added. "Yeah, he does seem a little skittish. I could use a sleeper dart but then it's going to be difficult to get him out of the hotel without being seen. Plus I don't want the medication in the dart to interfere with anything IMF will have to give him", Ethan told him. "Perhaps we could just give him a lesser amount so he's groggy and compliant but not actually unconscious", Benji stated. "Yes, that is a good idea. I'll try to ask nicely first but either willingly or not he's coming with us to the IMF base here", Ethan decided.