Chapter 21- eye of the storm
The first thing Mr Fields had done once he had escaped from SHIELD captivity was find a way to contact more HYDRA colleagues. Although he was confident in his own abilities extra people to distract SHIELD operatives were always useful. It would also be a way to get his hands on more of that substance. He had used the last little bit on the plane. Of course he had been thoroughly searched but they had missed the tiny canister hidden under one of his fingernails. He had simply lifted the nail using a small sliver of wire on the plane . The substance had chewed a hole through the tough surface of the plane in seconds. It had been very useful that the plane had parachutes stored in his section. While the pilot was still battling the loss of altitude caused by decompression he had jumped out.
As he had drifted down he had seen the plane lose its battle to stay in the air. The substance would have kept on eating through its metal until there was nothing left to consume. He did not think about the pilots fate for more than one second.
His target remained the same William Brandt. He guessed the agent was now with SHIELD. That would only prove the slightest complication. He had people watching the SHIELD base ready to alert him when Brandt came out. Of course he would be heavily guarded and a battle would ensue. He had ways to get the upper hand quickly. his plans to let others deal with The Avengers had faded away . Now he wanted to kill them himself using methods that would show the world that HYDRA was in control again and was to be feared. The substance would prove fatal when injected into any human or not human host. He intended to use it on The Avengers. It would kill them efficiently and rather painfully. There was no cure to the substance and he could imagine the mental torture SHIELD would got through as they tried and failed to save their agents. He smiled, it was a fitting end.
Moving his way rapidly through a line of trees, Fields scanned his location. He had chosen the moment to initiate his plan carefully. There was no point jumping out of the plane over water or in the middle of a highly populated area, his enemies would track him too quickly. This forested area , a couple of hundred miles from the SHIELD base had been the perfect choice.
Hearing the slight hum of an engine Fields waited. Soon a trail bike pulled to a stop amongst the trees ahead of him. The leather suited man climbed off and waited. Fields made his way out of the trees to the other man. He watched as the man took off his helmet and snared, "so far your plan is not working so well, you got captured and have failed to bring us the location of the hidden research laboratory. Maybe your usefulness is at an end", the man stated. Since he was not pointing a weapon or anything else at him, Fields did not take the taunt seriously. If HYDRA had planned to kill him then he would not be standing here now. "Shut up", he told the other man. "Lets just focus on our objective".
The man on the motorcycle did not drop his gaze. He desperately wanted to rise in the ranks of HYRDA, but this man was standing in his way. Why did their leader tolerate his mistakes. He would simply put an end to the man . But without the order being given, he would also be eliminated. Perhaps if he waited longer this man would make a mistake so big that there would be only one type of forgiveness, a quick death. Putting his thoughts aside, he stretched himself to his full height and waited.
Fields knew that the man in front of him wanted him dead. He had seen it in the gaze of too many people to have any doubt. Of course if it had been anyone else they would have suffered for thinking that thought. But this man was one of the favourites of their leader, so he could for now do nothing. Perhaps he would simply place him at the head of any assault. He tried hard not to smile about that thought.
"Have you brought me my supplies and the information I requested", Fields asked his associate . "Yes, here's a new cell phone". I can also tell you that there is no movement at the SHIELD base", Cory Fine replied. "They will be thinking up a plan involving all of the Avengers, there is no doubt about that. We must be ready to act", Fields replied calmly
"We will be", Cory told him firmly. Activating the phone Field's ran through a few checks. He noticed something important straight away." We are now getting a tracking signal for William Brandts location again", he stated. Cory looked at the little on blip Field's phone. He knew that had not been there before. "It's obvious it's a trap Fields", he muttered. Fields said nothing for now, checking the remaining information that was coming through. "Maybe it is not a trap", he stated a few minutes later," our man on the inside reports that the base is on high alert. It seems like Brandt has gone off alone."
Cory shook his head, was this man really that gullible. "Yeah and the others are just waiting for us to go after Brandt. This is so obviously a trap that you'd have to be stupid not to see that".
Fields reacted by throwing a heavy punch at the younger man. Cory wobbled on his feet but didn't fall. He did not bother to retaliate,if Fields really wanted to make the mistake of walking into a trap then he should not care. He had to make sure though that the man didn't place him in the firing line.
"Theres a lot you don't know about Brand"t, Fields replied fiercely. "We have history between us. I am the one responsible for the death of both of his parents. He would feel that deeply and passionately . His desire to put and end to me would be enough to make him act irrationally. I do realize that I have to consider the fact that the others would put a stop to any attempt to escape from SHIELD."
Fields paused, he was getting tired of this and ached to end it . He was convinced William Brandt felt the same. Explaining everything to the idiot in front of him was just wasting time. But if he did not do that the man may just decide to kill him and not worry about the consequences. So he continued slowly and clearly his tone calm and seemingly unbothered by the other mans taunts. "Brandt had the stealth device imbedded in his body somewhere. But it does not mean it could not have been discovered. Once you have the device it is possible to change the frequency. That has not happened which could mean that it is a trap and Clint Barton will waiting for us. It would be the logical play to try and pass off one twin as the other. Our inside man will give us confirmation of that". Fields noted the blip was moving further away from he SHIELD base. In fact it was now only a few miles from their location. Soon he would know whether it was Brandt waiting to finally settle the account for years of running and hiding.
Xxxxxx
SHIELD BASE
He's what", Ethan had not thought that his voice could sound squeaky and high pitched like Benji's did on occasion. "Gone", Nick Fury repeated, studying the utter shock on this mans face. So he had not been part of any plan then. That went for at least most of the other IMF team as well as their expressions mirrored Hunt's. As for their boss, his face was impassive, thoughtful. Fury filed that information away for now.
"Are we sure", Ethan asked as his voice steadied. He found it difficult to grasp the fact that Will would go off alone. He had heard the guilt in Wills voice over disobeying his orders on the mission to stop Baxter. Sometimes the vulnerable ,unsure agent he had met during ghost protocol resurfuraced. He would not have expected Will would have the confidence to go on a solo mission.
"Not entirely ", Nick Fury responded to Ethans question firmly. "We do know that we have one of them, and it is most likely Clint. But we will need verification of that fact. Despite being monitored I do not think we can say with 100 percent certainty that they have not traded places."
"How would Will get out of the base", Benji asked. He doesn't have high grade technical skills ".
"Yes well that is a leading question, isn't it Agent Dunn", Nick Fury muttered. "He could have had help", his eye inadvertently slid to Gideon Killian.
The IMF secretary folded his arms across his middle. He could hear the accusation clearly. Of course Fury thought he might try something to secure all the research for IMF alone. He could not say that the thought had not crossed his mind. But he could say with firm emphasis, "this was not down to me Fury. I do admit that I am not that surprised by Will's actions. He had a long history to settle, that can be a powerful motive". It seems that it is too easy to point fingers, I am not that type. I want to settle this as well so lets get on with it".
Fury mentally slapped himself ,what Killian said was right. Why was it so easy to begin finger pointing. It had always been like that since he started the Avengers initiative. He had felt like he was sitting on a dormant volcano awaiting the moment when it would explode underneath him with an intense fiery doom that would incinerate everything in its path. That feeling had not lessened. He had to get himself back on track. "Alright, lets suit up and get ready to go", there now saying that felt really good. Stuff all those watching and waiting for the Avengers to fall, they were going to make a difference no matter what.
"I hope I can suit up as well", the words were said firmly and with passion. They all turned to see the supposed Clint Barton standing in the doorway. How long he'd been there they could not say. Fury eyed him. He was he noted wearing a short sleeved t shirt meaning both his arms were exposed. There was no sign of the sutured scar left behind from removing the stealth device. That meant a shift in the direction of ,this is definitely Clint. Though there were ways to conceal a scar . They could give him a DNA test but there was the slightest possibility Clint and Will could have planned this and have found a way to prepare for that possibility. There was only one certain way left.
Okay so if this was Will then he was about to get discovered. "Okay Clint I agree that you have reason to go. HYDRA is probably going to know fairly quickly that Brandt is on the loose. They will in likelihood not try to remove you from our group and concentrate fully on Brandt". "But before I give my final clearance you need to go through training course A. If you pass that, then you can suit up with the rest of the Avengers", Fury stated. He watched the face of the man in front of them. Was there a flicker of uncertainty, that proved nothing as well. Clint had failed the course not that long ago. Will would not have the skill to get past the first part using a bow and arrow. If this was him then he was doing a superb acting job.
"Fine, I'll get my things", Clint maybe Will replied steadily as he turned to go. Fury smiled to himself, if this was Will and he planned to sneak off before getting down to the practice area then he was about to get a surprise. "Natasha, go with him", Fury instructed. He watched again, noting there was no discernible surprise from ClintWill. His certainty that this was indeed Clint was rising. They would soon know for sure though.
Natasha walked close to ClintWill looking over him with a highly trained perceptive gaze. Suddenly Clintwill stopped and turned toward her. His blue eyed gaze focused upon her with a burning intensity. There were no words coming from his mouth just a look. She found her hand lifting to touch across his face gently, fingers running along his jaw line and up to cross his lips. It was a highly intimate gesture that would have scared Will Brandt off. This man stood firm, reaching up to hold her fingers softly. "Lets just get this over Tasha", Clint said. Natasha was convinced this was Clint and nodded. She could not help a teasing moment, "oh come on Clint, we could have gone somewhere I could have made sure it was you with a little examination". The man beside her grinned widely, "maybe some other time Tash, after I get my delinquent brother and slap him for being a frigging idiot", there was a sliver of a deep hurt in his voice that made Tasha lock her lips with his. The kiss lasted barely a minute but it was enough for now. She watched as he moved away from her and into the small weapons locker to suit up.
"Clint's on the training ground now", Natasha reported. She sounded happy and Fury guessed that she was convinced this was Clint. He would not call of the test though, because maybe maybe they might expect him to do that. It was amazing how paranoid his thoughts were getting. This was the danger in knowing there were two highly trained identical twins, you could think up all sorts of ways for them to exploit that fact.
The testing ground came up on the monitors around them and they all turned to watch as the archer stepped out. Fury was well aware of the fact most of the base was watching. If he was going to fail now and prove that he was Will, it was going to be to a large audience. It would also lead to him being restrained. Fury was sure the IMF team may protest that part but he do not care.
Ethan could feel this knot in the base of his stomach. He was sure that it had to be Clint standing there all dressed in black with a bow in his hands and a quiver full of arrows at his back. Beside him Benji was smiling, "he looks oddly out of place", he muttered. "How can a guy with arrows win over a semi automatic weapon, or any weapon for that matter."
The light turned green on the practice ground and those around them all stopped to watch. "Ooh wow", came sliding out of Benji Dunns mouth at what was going on. Ethan had never seen anything like this. On the training ground multiple enemies were being generated by the computer and they all had very powerful weapons. These foes started firing at a speed he did not think would be possible for an actual human gunman. It was a terrifying spectacle, even for someone with a long history in the covert spy field. Most IMF agents would have been killed within seconds Ethan reflected soberly. "Did you boost the level up or something", Steve Rogers muttered as he came to stand behind them. "Yes, but Clint could handle it", Fury told him calmly. "Will would find it impossible.""If one of them hits him the effect will be enough to knock him out for a couple of hours". That will save me the trouble",he growled. Ethan had the sense not to say anything in response to that, he could tell Fury was, well, furious.
Gideon Killian watched in silence. IMF did not have a training ground like this. But then SHIELD agents had talents that others did not, so maybe it was appropriate. As he watched the enemies were being mown down with a stunning prescion. Barton could fire multiple arrows from his bow with a speed that was astounding. He could see Nick Fury beginning to smile as the death count on the enemies side rose higher. Clint Barton was a killing machine and it was almost little frightening.
"That's Clint", everyone said firmly. "Indeed there is no way that it could be Will", Fury acknowledged. "It looks like Barton is back to top form. "
"Okay so now we know we have Barton, we can start looking for Will. But the question is where to begin, does he know anyone in Hawaii", Fury asked Ethan.
"Not to my knowledge" Ethan muttered. He sighed heavily, "I have no idea what he thinks he is doing". That man from the island is going to go after him".
"That is the whole idea, I believe. Will told me that the man from the island was responsible for the deaths of his parents. I would think that revenge is a powerful enough motive. As for knowing someone here, well Will doesn't but I do", Clint Barton told them as he came up behind them.
He was slightly out of breath but that was not surprising . "We have been talking about all sorts of things", Clint told him. " I was telling him everything from finding aout about his existence to slipping out of Lila's home and sneaking to Hawaii .He wanted to know how I did that without SHIELD finding out and I told him". His eyes shifted slightly to Fury's as he eyed how mad his boss was going to be. Indeed Fury's face was set as he muttered, "One of your off book contacts huh Clint. 'Yes he flew me here from the mainland. Will can go to him to get weapons and other supplies". He owes me several favours so would not hesitate to help."Why would you have a contact outside SHIELD that held weapons for you", Steve asked."You have everything you need right here Clint". "In case he ever wants out of SHIELD, right Clint", Fury suggested bleakly. He had this slightly wounded tone in his voice. "Yeah well there was a time when it was difficult and that's when I made plans." Can we just go after Will and leave the chit chat for later", Clint demanded fiercely.
He sounded really angry . "Well your friend, is only one possibility Brandt may have other options", Fury muttered. "Yeah and he's broadcasting them", Tony remarked sourly as he joined them. He pushed a button on a nearby console and brought up a map. Upon it was a flashing dot. "That is the signal from the device that was implanted in Brandts arm. That device is still in my laboratory. However JARVIS reports that all the files were scanned just a short time ago. The frequency the device is operating at was amongst the data. Brandt has a stolen cell phones GPS on the same frequency. He is basically asking that man to come and get him". Sorry Clint but your brother seems to have a death wish."
Clint went a little pale and Ethan found himself putting his arm out to support him. "You okay", he asked. Clint just looked at him sourly, "my own brother drugged me and has now run off to meet some knife wielding manic Ethan, I am so not okay". Ethan could not help the snort of laughter that escaped out of his lips. The whole room of eyes turned to glare. "Sorry, it just sounded like something Will would say",Ethan apologized. "But disobeying orders is not so out of character for Brandt". He's obviously not thinking clearly. "
"Maybe he thought about it more than you realize",Gideon Killian interrupted. "Will knows that we know the frequency that can track his location, he's not trying to hide from us." I also doubt the signal is a decoy to lure both sides away. That would just drag things out and put him back in the position of running again. He wants to end this as much as we do".
Ethan suddenly understood, 'he's setting the guy up for us, luring him out by acting as bait. It is not something we would ever have approved and he knows that. It's still bloody dangerous though"
"Yeah so can we stop talking and get moving", Clint pleaded again."The transportation is ready to leave, "Fury informed them. End this everyone". He watched as without further conversation, the IMF team and The Avengers formed into one deadly mass and ran in the direction of the transportation bay.
xxxxxx
"Clint are you alright", the man was looking over him seriously with appraising eyes. He could not say everything was alright because it would be obvious it was not. He had a whole SHIELD base looking for him as well as HYDRA. For now he had to avoid both sides. "Not so much, he replied. "I need access to the locker". The man nodded, "has it come to that my friend", he sighed," one day I knew it would all catch up with you. Do you need help, I can arrange to have some people meet you". They don't have your type of skills, but they are efficient enough with a gun."
He shook his head, "no thank, this is something you should stay away from. I will have help coming shortly". The other man shrugged, "I guess you know what you are doing Clint". The man moved over to the edge of the small private airstrip and opened the door of a large metal shed.
Inside the place was filled with weapons. He stepped in, only looking for one particular type of weapon.
Taking up the bow and several different types of arrows in his hands, he got ready to move. "Are you sure that's all you need Clint", the man behind him asked. "Yes, thanks', he replied. He could feel those eyes upon him again. 'You seem different Clint", the man stated. Now his heart was hammering hard, he could not afford to get discovered this quickly. "Things are bad at the moment, but don't worry on my account. It will be over with soon enough", he replied with a steady voice.
The man nodded, "Alright, I'll mind my own business. "Good Luck Clint", he replied.
He shook the mans hand then moved away and climbed onto a nearby motorbike. As he drove away ,he felt the shakes returning. The plan in his mind was fixed ,certain but the outcome was not. He could die doing this and if he did it would alone without his brother. For a moment he was tempted to stop and turn around, to go back to SHIELD. Then resolve stiffened , he had to do this this. Stopping for a moment he lifted out his cell phone, pushing a button,the tracking signal. He had stopped it during the time he had visited the private airbase. Though on the screen the enemiy would not have noticed any change. He would not involve a private citizen in the fight and had ensured his contacts safety. Now he would find a quiet place and wait until HYDRA came to get him.