...
Phil stood in the Avengers Tower in the living room specifically. The others were sitting in their usual spots. Except for Natasha who was standing in the doorway leaning against the wood watching him. In the year since Clint ran she had not forgiven him for his part. Nor had she forgiven Fury.
Over the last year the Avengers had come to realize why Clint was needed. Without him they had big holes in their ability to fight together. Mistakes were made regularly that if they didn't have the abilities or equipment they did. They would have died. The reason for this meeting was to decide on a new member. Preferably it was someone who could act as a sniper and do close combat.
On the coffee table in front of Tony and Steven were the files. Only two of the five files were of current SHIELD agents. Phil knew they would not add another SHIELD agent to their group. He had only added them to appease Nick.
Tony pushed away said files as he asked, "What do we know about any of these people?" He pointed to the youngest, vigilante from New York, "This one is just a kid. He's not even out of High School yet. You can't expect us to allow a child in this he'd end up dead."
"Parker is already in the hero world," reminded Phil, "He's been a vigilante for over a year in New York. With some work he would make a good Avenger."
Disgusted looks were given. Even Banner and Thor seemed to dislike the idea. Thor had been the biggest surprise. They didn't know if the God of Thunder would come given how busy things had been on his own world. Yet here he was.
Banner on the other hand had been spending a lot of time with Tony. They were like minded and thus preferred to keep together. Phil had also noticed how calm Banner became since moving in. There were very few instances of Hulk coming forward.
Phil raises his hands in defeat, "I am not saying choose him now. I believe he is one to watch and help if he needs it. Next is a darker vigilante who can and will kill as he finds necessary. Though I have my doubts on if he would work with us."
Deadpool aka Wade Wilson had a foul mouth on him. Though from what intelligence he could have gathered on short notice they found out he had a soft spot for Parker. Most likely if one was to join the other would follow suit. Or Ware would stop it completely.
The other options were part of their attempts to track down Clint. Echo and Charlie's files were on the table. As former Medusans they would know how to get into contact with Clint or Delta as he was known. Their skills would be up to par with the Avengers and would be helpful assets until their Hawk could be found.
Tony and Steven both had picked up the files on the Medusan members. Phil saw the wrinkling on their noses. They obviously didn't like the two. Unfortunately there was only one other.
This candidate that made him nervous. Fury originally wanted the candidate brought in to possibly become an agent. They took a chance on Barton. This person, killer for hire really but he seemed to be going after those that SHIELD would. And if rumors were to be believed then he was after the Jackal.
Tony said picking up the final file, "Bourne? You want us to consider bringing Bourne in? Have you lost your mind? He's a killer!"
"So was I, Tony," came Natasha's cool reply.
Tony exclaimed, "That's different, Spider. You have changed but this is someone who was a killer before and continues to be a killer now."
Phil didn't get the chance to stop Natasha before she asked her voice as cold as ice, "What do you think Clint and I did as agents, Stark? We were killers before."
"I..."
Even Steven was looking a little green around the edges. They didn't like being reminded of the two's not so distant past. What they said was true. If SHIELD hadn't come along the two assassins would either be dead. Or they would be enemies of the Avengers. That was a fact. Not a question.
Natasha continued vindictively, "Bourne is no different than myself or Barton. If you do not believe he can change than what of us?"
Phil firmly said, "Romanov enough."
"Coulson," She tried but he gave her a look and finally she nodded.
To the others he continued, "Unfortunately we do not have a large pool to choose from. By your own choices you have the two confirmed Medusan members, one unconfirmed Medusan, and two vigilantes. No matter who you choose we need to another member."
They exchanged looks. It was obvious that they didn't want to pick any of the files. At the same time they knew he was right. If things continued as they were someone would die.
It was Tony who broke the silence, "Okay, Bourne what do we know about him?"
...
Above him was the dark sky. He could see bright stars and at a distance he could see the lights of the nearest neighbor. A neighbor who was over four miles away. Even with his eyes he could only barely make out the lights.
A few days passed since Alex went to find Panov. Clint wasn't sure he wanted to talk to the man. Betrayal still hung heavy in his heart. But he knew he needed help. Jason was taking control more and more.
To his left Clint saw headlights headed towards the house. Pushing himself up he headed inside to grab a weapon. It could be Alex but it could be someone coming to finish him.
The first weapon he found was a glock. It would have to do for the moment. The field box was on the other side of the house. While he could go get it, that would leave him vulnerable.
It only took a few minutes for the car to stop nearly silently. From his position he saw two figures get out of the car. Vaguely he could hear voices. They were faint at first but as the grew closer he recognized them. With a sigh he replaced the weapon and stepped away from the door. He headed into the living room just as Alex entered.
The agent jumped half way out of his skin when he saw Clint. He snarled, "Damn it, Barton don't do that. What the fuck are you doing sitting in the dark?"
"I was on the roof," explained Clint easily as Panov entered.
For a moment the two simply stared at each other. Clint was uncertain how the other would react to him. It made him jumpy as Panov stepped forward. Almost immediately he stepped back.
Panov paused his eyes assessing the younger man. Clint didn't move even as he wanted to.
"I can see what you mean, Alex," said Panov slowly, "You look more lost than when we first met, Clint."
Clint opened his mouth but nothing came out. He couldn't argue with the doctor as he was right. Clint was lost, had been since he began this fight.
Panov smiled, "Let's go outside and talk."
"Okay."
