Chapter 36:
[Grant Ward POV]
[SHIELD HQ, New York City]
Standing outside the imposing SHIELD HQ building, I take a moment to gather my thoughts and remind myself of the plan. With a deep breath, I steel myself and confidently step into the lobby. The receptionist, a young woman in her early 20s, glances up from her desk and offers a friendly smile. "Can I help you?" she inquires, unaware of the storm about to unfold.
A mischievous smirk spreads across my face as I approach her desk, relishing the upcoming chaos. "I've heard you've been looking for me," I announce with a cocky tone, identifying myself as Grant Ward. The receptionist's eyes widen in shock, and her hand instinctively reaches for the alarm button concealed beneath her desk. Knowing the next steps of the plan, I quickly raise my hands in surrender and drop to my knees, playing my part to perfection. A tactical team bursts into the lobby, surrounding me on all sides with their weapons aimed.
Maintaining my composure, I maintain my request, addressing the team leader directly. "I will only talk to Skye," I assert, confident that my offer of valuable information will pique her interest. The team leader, a stern-looking man with a shaved head, steps forward, his gaze fixed on me. "What do you want?" he demands, clearly skeptical of my intentions. Repeating my request, I assert, "To talk to Skye. I have viable intel that she'll be interested in."
The team leader takes a moment to evaluate me, weighing the potential risks and rewards. Finally, he nods in reluctant agreement. "Fine," he concedes, "We'll bring her down. Cuff him." With those words, another soldier steps forward, expertly securing handcuffs around my wrists, restricting my movement. As they escort me away, the receptionist, still processing the unexpected turn of events, stares at me in disbelief. "You're crazy," she mutters under her breath. I merely shrug, embracing the reputation that precedes me. "Maybe," I reply nonchalantly, "But I'm also the best asset you'll ever get." The receptionist shakes her head, turning away. Guided by the soldier at my side, I'm led through the facility's corridors, ultimately arriving at a secure cell where I will await Skye's arrival, ready to unveil the valuable information I possess.
[Spartan POV]
[Apartment Complex, New York City]
Arriving at the chaotic scene of a massive gun battle between the police and a dangerous gang, Knight and I take in the mayhem that surrounds us. Bullets fly through the air, creating a deadly symphony of destruction. Wounded police officers and innocent civilians lay scattered across the street, casualties of the violent clash. Amidst the chaos, emergency responders armed with ballistic shields work tirelessly to evacuate the injured and non-combatants. The situation is dire.
My eyes narrow as I witness one of the gang members unleash a grenade launcher, sending devastation in its wake. Knight speeds the car towards the police line. We exit the vehicle and rush towards the SWAT commander, seeking vital information to formulate a plan of action. "What's the situation?" Knight queries, her voice firm and resolute. The SWAT commander scrutinizes us briefly, his gaze lingering on me for an extra moment as if assessing my capabilities. As they engage in a discussion to strategize, I activate my Heads-Up Display (HUD) and survey the layout of the operation zone, analyzing the terrain and potential threats.
It becomes clear that our top priority is to evacuate the civilians and injured police officers from the danger zone. However, most of them are exposed, without proper cover, making them easy targets for snipers. My gaze shifts toward an armored SWAT vehicle nearby, and a bold and unconventional plan takes shape in my mind. With a burst of adrenaline, I dash over to Knight and quickly share my idea. The SWAT commander demands an explanation, but time is of the essence, and we cannot afford delays. Ignoring his protests, Knight and I make a beeline toward the armored vehicle, our minds set on executing the daring maneuver.
Positioning the vehicle strategically in front of the injured individuals, we create a protective shield, shielding them from the hail of gunfire. Disembarking from the vehicle, Knight and I unleashed suppressive fire, allowing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to safely evacuate the wounded. Seizing the distraction, I seize the opportunity to flank the gang members from behind. "Hey, assholes!" I shout, capturing their attention. Every gangbanger turns, their eyes widening in surprise as I dispatch them swiftly with precise double taps. With the immediate threat neutralized, it's time to address the thugs holed up inside the apartment complex. Knight and the SWAT team move in to support me as we advance.
Swiftly and efficiently, we handcuff the unconscious gangbangers, securing them as we maintain a tight formation. Knight turns to me, concern etched on her face, and asks, "You good?" I nod, offering her a reassuring thumbs-up. "Ready to move in?" she inquires, her voice steady and determined. The SWAT commander intervenes, delivering a directive from the Chief of Police. "We can't do that," he states firmly, "We've been ordered to surround the building and wait." Knight's frustration boils over, knowing that every second we delay could jeopardize our advantage. "We can't wait! If we don't move in now, we'll lose our best opportunity," she protests, her voice determined. Taking charge, she designates me as the point person. I smile beneath my mask, silently acknowledging the trust she places in me. "Yes, ma'am," I respond, preparing myself for the challenging task ahead.
[Inside.] As we proceed, our team methodically ascends the stairs, maintaining vigilance and checking every corner for potential threats. As we reach the top, the hallway erupts with gunfire, the sound reverberating through the confined space. Raising my fist, I signal the team to halt their advancement, ensuring we avoid stepping into a deadly trap. Knight addresses the SWAT commander, questioning whether a team was previously sent in. His response is negative, indicating that they haven't made a move yet.
Suddenly, two gangbangers burst into the corridor, opening fire in our direction. We seek cover along the walls, but a stray bullet finds its mark, striking the SWAT commander in the throat. Amidst the chaos, one of the gangbangers makes a desperate dash toward the stairs leading to the roof. Reacting swiftly, I take aim and neutralize the threat with a well-placed shot to the chest. Without wasting a moment, I continue pursuing the remaining gangbanger, determined to bring him to justice.
[Rooftop.] Reaching the rooftop, I burst through the door, my senses heightened and my pistol ready for action. Scanning the area for any signs of the gangbanger or additional threats, I remain vigilant. And then, I spot him. The gangbanger stands at the edge of the roof, poised and alert. "Freeze!" I command, my voice resonating with authority. However, the gangbanger's gaze is fixed on something behind me, causing a sense of foreboding to wash over me.
In an instant, an unseen force grabs hold of the gangbanger, lifting him off the ground by his throat. It's then that I realize the presence of a stealth-camouflaged figure shrouded in invisibility. The figure effortlessly hurls the gangbanger over the edge, condemning him to a fall to the street below. Shocked and helpless, I can only yell out, my voice filled with frustration and disbelief. The mysterious figure deactivates their stealth-camo device, revealing their true identity—a tactical-suited mercenary. Recognition strikes me like a bolt of lightning. "Drake!" I yell, my tone laced with equal parts surprise and anger.
Without warning, Drake lunges towards me in a blur of motion, his fist aimed at my face. Reacting swiftly, I block his attack, my muscles straining against the force of his blow. Before I can retaliate, he grabs me by the collar and hurls me off the rooftop, a mocking salute accompanying his treacherous act. I plummet through the air, the world spinning around me, until I crash onto a police cruiser, losing consciousness upon impact.
Regaining awareness, I find Knight leaning over me, her eyes reflecting genuine concern. Groaning in discomfort, I roll off the wrecked vehicle, attempting to gather my bearings. "What the hell happened?" Knight demands, her voice laced with worry. My response is curt and filled with frustration, "Drake happened." Confusion furrows her brow as she questions the name. "Who the hell is Drake?" she inquires, searching for answers. With a heavy sigh, I recount everything I know about the psychopathic mercenary, painting a grim picture of the threat we now face. Judging by her expression, Knight recognizes the gravity of the situation. She grimaces in response, her voice tinged with frustration. "The NYPD doesn't have the capabilities to handle someone like that psycho. Damn it," she mutters.
At that very moment, a team from SHIELD arrives on the scene, led by a tall, bald, and muscular man who introduces himself as Agent Mackenzie. Annoyance seeps into my voice as I confront their delayed arrival. "Missed the action. What took you guys so long?" I challenge, my tone demanding an explanation. Agent Mackenzie offers an apologetic response, citing another pressing matter they had been dealing with overseas. It's an answer I find unsatisfactory, and I express my frustration by gesturing towards the chaotic street strewn with wreckage. "Tell that excuse to them," I retort, gesturing to the wounded and affected bystanders.
As I prepare to leave the scene, my mind shifts gears, contemplating the need to reach out to Murdock and Karai.
[Nelson & Murdock Attorney Office, New York City]
[Office.] I bring Murdock and Karai up to speed on the recent operation, providing them with a detailed account of the events that unfolded. It's clear from their expressions that they share my concerns and are far from thrilled with what we've learned. Karai paces back and forth, her mind racing with possible strategies to tackle this newfound threat. We engage in a lively discussion, considering various opinions and ideas on how best to confront the emerging danger.
Just as the atmosphere in the office becomes charged with anticipation, the door swings open, and a woman clad in a leather jacket strides in. Her eyes widen momentarily as she catches sight of Karai and me. We offer friendly waves in greeting. Murdock takes the initiative to introduce her, revealing her as Jessica Jones, the firm's private investigator. Without missing a beat, Jones assesses Karai and me, stating our affiliation with SHIELD as a matter of fact. Karai and I exchange acknowledging nods, recognizing Jones's astuteness.
Interrupting our introductions, Murdock's phone rings with an urgent tone, displaying the caller's identity. The blind lawyer feigns a search for his phone before finally answering the call. The conversation that follows leaves Murdock visibly shaken. He jerks out of his seat, exclaiming in disbelief, "What?! How?!" Our collective attention focuses on Murdock, waiting for him to provide an explanation. Murdock's gaze lands on Jessica Jones as he delivers the shocking news, "Decker was found dead in his cell. They're calling it suicide." Karai and I exchange puzzled glances, struggling to make sense of the revelation. Jones interjects, asserting that Decker's death was not a suicide but a carefully orchestrated hit orchestrated by the Kingpin. Finally grasping our confusion, Murdock and Jones brief us on the event's intricate details.
"Damn," I mutter, unable to suppress my astonishment, "An almost per-Batum sequence of Samus's scenario." Karai nods in agreement, "Unfortunately, Murphy became a casualty in that scenario," and adds solemnly, "He was investigating a criminal syndicate, aiming to expose the major players involved." Jones straightens up at that, "Wait, Murphy? Jerome Murphy?" Karai and I both confirm our familiarity with the name. Jones shakes her head, admitting that she never knew the man personally, but he had suspicions about Union Allied's connection to organized crime. She reveals that Union Allied served as a front for Kingpin's extensive operations, but any attempts to investigate or gather concrete evidence were thwarted. "Either they were paid off or made to disappear," Jones concludes. Karai remarks, "That's too many links to be mere coincidence."
Suddenly, the tension in the room is interrupted by the buzzing of our comlinks, indicating an incoming call from SHIELD. Karai and I exchange a knowing glance, aware that the situation will escalate further.
[Skye POV]
[A While Later, SHIELD HQ, New York City]
[Detention Cell.] With a heavy heart, I descend the stairs leading to the detention area. As I flip the light switch, the room floods with illumination, revealing the solitary figure inside the cell—Grant Ward. Just the sight of him churns my stomach. This man, who was once our trusted friend and teammate, was a treacherous murderer and a vile HYDRA operative. "Hello, Skye. You're looking good," he greets me with a smug smirk. Without a word, I pull up a chair and sit, ready to confront him.
"I made it clear to SHIELD that I would only speak to you. Offer actionable intel," he states, attempting to establish his motive. I fix him with a scrutinizing gaze, my eyes searching for any signs of deception. "What's your game, Ward?" I demand, my voice laced with suspicion. He flashes a small smirk in response, his words dripping with calculated intention. "Maybe I want a chance at redemption."
I can't help but bark a humorless laugh, thoroughly unamused by his claim. "Redemption?! You murdered Triplett in cold blood and countless other SHIELD agents. You tortured Bobbi and left Leo with permanent brain damage," I remind him, the weight of his sins still fresh in my mind. Ward momentarily feigns a sorrowful expression but quickly realizes I'm not falling for his act. His true colors surface and the HYDRA sleeper agent abandons the pretense.
"Have you ever heard of an organization called CERBERUS?" he asks, shifting gears and piquing my curiosity. I tilt my head from side to side, signaling my lack of familiarity with the name. Ward proceeds to enlighten me. "CERBERUS is a terrorist organization. A paramilitary gang of mercenaries. They thrive in economically devastated regions plagued by recurring wars, expanding their power through heinous acts such as human trafficking, assassination, terrorism, and drug trafficking," he reveals, drawing unsettling parallels to HYDRA's modus operandi.
"Just like HYDRA," I spit out, my voice filled with contempt. Ward's leer deepens as he revels in my reaction. "HYDRA isn't the only boogeyman lurking in the shadows," he retorts. I narrow my eyes, sensing more to his words than meets the eye. "Do you know the location of CERBERUS's base of operations?" I inquire curiously. Ward doesn't miss a beat, casually turning around and lying back down on his bunk as if he holds all the cards. "Of course I do. Why would I waste my time sharing this if I didn't? Madripoor," he reveals, his nonchalant demeanor adding to my frustration. "When you discover that my intel is reliable, you'll return, and I'll be here waiting. Oh, and you might want to be quick. There are other forces at play," he cryptically hints. Feeling a surge of anger, I storm out of the room.
[Steve Rogers POV]
[Office.] The team watches Skye and Ward's tense exchange unfold in Fury's office. My heart goes to the young agent, understanding her pain and betrayal. Yet, I can't help but commend her for her bravery and resilience. Skye confronts the man who caused her so much suffering, meeting his gaze with unwavering tenacity. Coulson would be proud of the strong and capable woman she has become. I have no doubt that Skye will excel as a SHIELD agent. In the corner of my eye, I notice Karai's unwavering focus on Skye. It's a gaze I'm familiar with, filled with a longing to protect and support. It's the same look I often give Natasha. I can't help but flash a knowing smile, silently wishing Karai the best of luck.
Karai and Skye share many similarities. They are resilient and formidable women who have endured their fair share of hardships. They are fiercely loyal to those they care about, and I believe Karai would make an excellent partner for Skye. I root for both of them, hoping they find the strength and support they need.
"We just finished a week-long mission, and now we're being thrown right back into another one. Do we ever get a break?" Sam complains, his frustration evident. "Not in this line of work," Spartan remarks, crossing his arms with a sense of resignation. Sam rolls his eyes, expressing his exasperation. "Clearly. Anyway, what do we know about Madripoor? It's the first time I've heard of the place."
"It's a wretched hive of scum and villainy," Spartan chimes in, projecting a holographic map of the island in Southeast Asia known as Madripoor. I snap my fingers in recognition, drawing a chuckle from the team. Natasha interjects with a smile, but her tone quickly turns serious. "That's putting it lightly. Imagine taking the worst aspects of society, the darkest and most depraved elements, and giving them free reign in a city that barely holds itself together. Madripoor is like a hellish metropolis, divided into two distinct regions: Hightown and Lowtown. Hightown is where the wealthy and powerful reside, often international figures, while Lowtown is plagued by crime and poverty."
"Madripoor has a history tied to piracy, and that tradition continues to some extent today. Its strategic location near major Asian ports attracts smugglers, secret societies, and warlords, all vying for control," Karai adds, further enlightening us. "Last I heard, Madripoor is under the control of an individual known as the Powerbroker. I wouldn't be surprised if they have ties to CERBERUS." "Alright, this will be a four-man op. I'll take Natasha, Karai and Spartan. The rest of you will stay behind. Let's gear up. We're moving out in 20 minutes," I announce to the team, securing my shield as I prepare for the mission.
[Madripoor, Southeast Asia]
[Quinjet.] During the flight to Madripoor, Spartan and Karai brought me up to speed on the events that transpired in our absence. "Sounds like you two have been keeping busy," I remark once they finished their briefing. The ongoing gang war and the involvement of Kingpin are concerning issues that we'll have to address at some point in time. "Speaking of which, I have a potential recruit in mind to join the AVENGERS," Karai says, catching my full attention. "Oh? Who are you thinking of?" I ask, intrigued by her suggestion. Both Karai and Spartan nod simultaneously. "We're considering offering Daredevil a position on the team," Karai proposes. "I believe he would be a great asset." I ponder the idea momentarily, flipping through the dossier on Daredevil. "Based on his file, he's not known for being much of a team player," I note.
"Not entirely true. He has teamed up with Spartan on multiple operations," Karai interjects, "Granted, he primarily deals with street-level conflicts." "Well, if the both of you vouch for him, he's good in my book," I respond, trusting their judgment. "I'm glad you agree," Karai says, a hint of satisfaction in her voice, "I'll reach out to him and see if he's interested." "He'll be interested," Spartan chimes in, "Daredevil is always up for a challenge." "But he'll have to learn to work as part of a team if he wants to be an Avenger," I emphasize, highlighting the importance of teamwork. "He'll adapt. He's a quick learner," Karai assures me with confidence. "I hope you're right," I say, a touch of concern in my voice. "Because we're going to need all the help we can get."
[CERBERUS Base, Madripoor]
As we disembark from the Quinjet, our team sets out, heading north towards the hilltop where the CERBERUS facility comes into view. With a simple gesture, I signal Karai to conduct reconnaissance. The PARAGADE releases a drone, which soars into the sky to assess the enemy's defenses. "Minimal enemy presence," Karai observes. Encouraged by this information, we press forward, preparing to infiltrate the base.
Taking the lead, I leap over the high wall with agility, hurling my shield at a patrolling sentry, rendering him unconscious. The shield returns to my hand effortlessly, allowing me to swiftly incapacitate another sentry with a well-aimed strike. With precise movements, I deflect bullets from a third sentry before subduing multiple soldiers using hand-to-hand combat. As the area is secured, I approach the control panel, opening the main gate to allow the rest of the team to enter. From around the corner, an armed CERBERUS soldier emerges, caught off guard by our sudden presence. Right behind him, Spartan reveals himself, utilizing stealth-camo to disarm the soldier swiftly. Launching a rapid combination of punches, Spartan overwhelms his opponent, landing precise blows before executing a collar-tie-sweep, sending the soldier crashing.
The CERBERUS soldier, bewildered by Spartan's sudden appearance and fierce assault, attempts to retaliate but finds himself outmatched. Spartan disarms him with ease, quickly incapacitating him with well-practiced strikes. The remaining soldiers in the vicinity are similarly taken aback and swiftly defeated by Black Widow and Karai. With the base now secure, we move forward to our next objective.
[Inside.] Navigating through the corridors, we enter a control room. Through the observation window, we witness rows of pod-like structures containing motionless figures submerged in a peculiar, glowing liquid. Sam's expression reflects his confusion and shock. "What the hell is this?" he exclaims. Sharing his astonishment, I ask, "Any idea what this place is?" Sam admits his lack of knowledge, remarking that it resembles something from a science fiction movie. I nod in agreement, a sense of foreboding settling upon me. "This is definitely not good," I affirm, "We need to uncover the truth. Karai, work your magic." Karai quickly moves to a computer node, initiating her skilled hacking techniques.
Natasha's gaze remains fixed on the pods as she inquires, "Are they alive?" Spartan's response is uncertain. "No idea," he admits, his attention focused on the ongoing data retrieval. "Project Lazarus," Karai utters, her voice tinged with concern, as she reads the information displayed on the screen. The words send a chill down my spine. I recall the rumors, the whispers surrounding this secret project that sought to revive the dead. I had dismissed it as mere speculation until that one mission when I witnessed HYDRA's most twisted and depraved experiments firsthand. The reports of reanimated soldiers stripped of their identities and enslaved by HYDRA still haunt my memories. If Leviathan had succeeded in bringing back the dead, they would surely unleash them as mindless weapons. I was determined to prevent that at all costs. Project Lazarus had to be destroyed. "We need to evacuate immediately," I assert, a sense of urgency gripping me. "And eradicate this facility." Karai raises a valid concern about the individuals trapped in the pods. "It's too late for them," I respond, the weight of the decision evident in my voice. "They are already dead. Our priority is stopping CERBERUS."