Unforeseen Consequences
Chapter 2 meetings, apologies and offers
Author's notes I don't own Marvel just the idea for this fic which is set in an AU Along with my OC's Jack and Graham Williams. Also some characters will be OOC in this story.
I'd like to apologize for the long delay with this chapter. I had severe writer's block and some computer issues.
Well that's enough of an author's notes on with chapter 2.
SHIELD HQ
Director Coulson received a message from NASA, two alien ships were approaching Earth fast. Coulson gave orders for the Helicarrier to be deployed, if the ships were hostile, at least something would be there to oppose them, to buy time for the world's forces to get ready for a fight.
Once the Helicarrier was in the air, above New York and the ships near the Moon, Coulson with the satellites in orbit sent a communication to the ships "To the unidentified ships. This is Phil Coulson, the Director of SHIELD. You are approaching Earth airspace, you have three minutes to respond or be destroyed."
A few seconds after the communication was sent a reply came from a familiar voice "Son of Coul. I am surprised to hear from you, considering you're supposed to be dead. I bring myself, Dr Bruce Banner, some allies and what is left of my people following the destruction of Asgard as well as my brother Loki. Accompanying us are a group known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. They say they have vital information about a looming threat to Earth. We mean no harm."
Coulson ordered the Heilcarrier to stand down and gave co-ordinates for the ships to land, before getting in contact with President Ellis and Secretary Ross who quickly got approval from the UN panel for Team Iron Man to go to the ships with SHIELD to find out what happened to Asgard to result in Thor and what was left of their people to come to Earth.
As Coulson got a team together to with him to the Helicarrier, Agent Sif and Dr Foster asked to come along and Coulson said "OK. You two might be able to help explain to Thor some of the changes that have occurred since he was last on Earth."
With that a convoy of SHIELD SUV's left the HQ and were heading to the landing coordinates as Tony and Vision were also on their way to the landing point as well.
When they got there, SHIELD agents established a perimeter as Coulson, Sif, Jane, Tony and Vision watched as the two ships landed.
Thor emerged from one of the ships, followed by several Asgardians, Jane hugged Thor, followed by a kiss before she asked "What happened to your eye."
Thor answered "It's a long story."
Several aliens than emerged from Thor's ship who Thor said were allies followed by Bruce Banner and an Asgardian woman he was holding hands with.
Coulson said to him "Welcome home Dr Banner."
When Loki than stepped out of the ship every SHIELD agent pointed guns at him, Coulson in particular as he said to the adopted brother of Thor "Remember me?"
Loki nodded as Thor stood in front of Loki saying "He isn't here to cause problems like last time."
With that Loki revealed the Tesseract in his hands and asked Coulson "I assume you have somewhere to put this so it can be kept safe?"
Coulson nodded, as one of the SHIELD agents got a briefcase from one of the SUV's and it was put inside it.
With that the other ship opened its doors, as the Guardians of the Galaxy emerged. Everyone watched as a small child like Tree, a Racoon, a human looking man and several alien men and women came out of their ship.
Peter introduced himself and his team before Coulson asked the Guardians "Thor said you know of a threat to Earth. What is it?"
Peter said "Someone very powerful is coming here. Looking for the Infinity Stones that are on Earth. The Mad Titan Thanos."
Several of the aliens who arrived with Thor had looks of fear at hearing this, as did Loki himself.
Phil asked "What are the Infinity Stones exactly?"
Thor answered "The Infinity Stones are the greatest power in the Universe. The power in each individual stone can make someone near invincible. All six stones collectively are capable of unimaginable destructive power."
Tony asked "We have the Mind Stone and the Tesseract. Where are the other stones? Are some of them here on Earth. Or elsewhere?"
Sif than said "The Realty Stone is on the space station Knowhere. The other stones. They could be anywhere."
Gamora said "One of the Infinity stones is safe with the Nova Corp. That leaves two unaccounted for."
Vision than asked "How long before Thanos comes here?"
Peter said "Could be a few weeks. Could be tomorrow for all we know. But he is coming."
Loki than said "He was the one who gave me the Chituari army when I tried to take over this planet. Because I failed him and lost the Mind Stone. He'll kill me slowly."
Tony remarked "If he was only coming here for you. I'd hand you over to him without a second thought if it'd save this planet from him."
Nothing else was said as Secretary Ross arrived and was shocked to see Bruce Banner was back as was Thor and Loki.
Secretary Ross went over to Thor and asked "What happened to you?"
Thor replied "Lost one of my eyes, my hammer, my father died and my older sister wanted to conquer the other Nine Realms including Earth. I stopped her, with the help of others, but Asgard was lost. As the new King of my people, I brought them here, hoping somewhere on Earth can be a new home for my people."
Secretary Ross nodded in understanding and said "I'm sorry for your loss King Thor. I'll make a few calls, get food and water brought here if your people and your allies need it."
Thor said "That'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you."
Secretary Ross then got onto the phone to get the food and water brought there as quickly as possible, before Director Coulson told him of the threat heading to Earth.
SHIELD Blacksite
Dr Hank Pym closed his eyes as a bright light shined into them once the black bag was taken off his head. Graham was sat across the table from as the bright light was dimmed.
Dr Pym asked "What now Graham. You have me tortured till I tell what you want to know?"
Graham said "No we were friends once. Comrades in arms until you left SHIELD. Hoarded your Pym Particles for yourself. Being a selfish bastard."
Hank retorted "HYDRA infiltrated SHIELD even back then Graham. I was right to keep that to myself."
Graham said "HYDRA's infiltration of SHIELD was unforeseen, unexpected but that could have been contained if Captain America and those with him. Didn't bring down SHIELD to root out the sickness. They simply had to amputate a limb to stop the spread of the infection and the sickness of HYDRA would have been dealt with and a lot of obstacles for a man I consider a second son would have been avoided as he rebuilt SHIELD. And many good agents wouldn't have died. Loyal agents when everything was put up online like that which cost them their lives and people not fit to have SHIELD tech wouldn't have had it. But now SHIELD is back, stronger than ever and we have work to do."
Hank asked "I won't give you the formula."
Graham merely said "We can talk about that later. Now let's talk about your protégé Scott Lang. You made that suit. You must have a way to track it or detect the Pym Particles that are no doubt in that suit of yours? Tell me what it is Hank and I can ensure you and your daughter's stay here is very, very brief."
Hank didn't say a word at that for a few moments before he said "I want a Lawyer."
Graham laughed and said "Because your being detained as an ally to an international fugitive who helped a terrorist Bucky Barnes and Captain America escape from justice when Tony Stark and his team went to apprehend them non-violently if, possible. Because Scott Lang helped them and you gave him that suit. You don't get a lawyer. Please Hank, as the loyal man to SHIELD you once were. I am pleading with you to tell me what I need to know."
Hank said nothing and Graham with regret in his voice said loudly "Bring in Agent Burke!"
A SHIELD agent entered with a briefcase and opened it showing several needles, a small heart monitor and Graham said "Agent Burke is on loan from our friends in the CIA. I hear he's considering switching jobs to join SHIELD. He is going to inject you with a special drug called Hyocine-Pentothal. A pain enduing drug that is a neural inflammatory. I'm told it can cause a feeling as though every nerve ending in your body is on fire at once. 7 cc's can cause indescribable pain. 8 cc's can possibly cause a fatal heart attack."
As the heart monitor was set up and placed on Hank, Graham again said pleading "Tell us what we need to know and this won't happen. Don't make me give the order."
Hank said nothing and Graham said to Burke "Inject him with 2 cc's of Hyocine-Pentothal."
Burke injected the dose and within seconds Hank was shaking and screaming in pain as Graham said "Tell me what I need to know Hank. I don't want to hurt you. But I will if I have no other choice. How do we track your Ant Man suit to find Scott Lang and the rest of the Rogue Avengers?"
Hank said nothing and Graham whispered to him "Damn you. Damn you. 1 more cc."
Burke injected another dose of Hyocine-Pentothal and Hank screamed louder before saying "There is no tech that can track the suit! No tech of mine can do so."
Graham waited till the drug wore off before asking "Could you make tech to track the suit?"
Hank nodded as Graham smiled.
As Graham was about to leave the room, Hank asked "How do you do it Graham? How do you do live with yourself, ordering people to be tortured? What could justify torture and murder?"
Graham turned around and said "The answer to that Hank is very simple. I love this planet. And in the real world Hank. That means you have to do things, terrible things. Even unforgivable things for the sake of your planet. That is how I live with myself."
With that Graham left the room, taking a deep breath to steady himself before moving on.
An hour later Avengers compound
As the Guardians of the Galaxy and Loki were telling the Avengers and UN officials all they knew about Thanos. Secretary Ross asked to speak with Bruce Banner alone.
Secretary Ross was in an empty room waiting for Bruce, looking at a photo on his phone of him and Betty taken on her 8th birthday party and looked up as the good doctor entered the room.
Ross said "You can sit down if you want to."
Bruce remained standing as he said "Your Secretary of State now. Congratulations. Now why did you want to talk to me about?"
Ross said "I want to apologize. I was wrong to pursue you like I did after you first became the Hulk. I had a massive heart attack when I was playing golf. It was shortly after I was forced out of the military. I was quietly forced out, with it being said I choose retirement. My punishment for what happened in Harlem."
Bruce said nothing as Ross said "I haven't heard from Betty or seen her since what happened in Harlem. She didn't even come to see me in hospital after the 13 hour surgery I had. I don't blame you for this Bruce. In truth I blame myself, that heart attack gave me clarity. Made me realise I was wrong to do what I did, the manhunt for you. What happened with Blonsky. So I want to say I'm sorry Bruce."
Bruce then said "This doesn't mean we're friends. But I'm sorry Betty never came to see you after your heart attack."
Ross extended his hand and Bruce shook it before showing Bruce a PDF on an I-Pad with the Accords on it and said "You should have a read of that."
Ross than left as Bruce began to read the Accords.
Meanwhile Thor was shown a copy of the Accords by Coulson, as Sif was saying "The Accords are what is needed. People on this planet were afraid after recent incidents. This gives compromise and reassures them and it allows for people to be helped in really bad situations."
Thor continued to read over it before asking "Would all of Asgard have to sign or just those with powers, as most of them are just normal people. They have advanced strength yes, but they are normal ordinary people."
Coulson said "Only those with powers or who are warriors need to sign. No one else. Discuss this with your people Thor."
Thor nodded saying "I intend to."
As he left Tony who was nearby said "Thor. Can we talk?"
Thor went with Tony outside to a balcony where they looked out at the sunshine for before Tony said "I owe you an apology. Experimenting with the sceptre like I did with Bruce's help. I should've ran my plan to use the AI I found in the Ultron debate to help protect the planet from future threats. So I apologize."
Thor was silent for a moment before saying "I accept your apology. I can understand why you did what you did. I should likewise apologize to you for what I did after Ultron's forces left with the sceptre. I acted too recklessly. I could have easily killed you when I grabbed you like that in the lab."
Tony then said "But you didn't. It's all water under the bridge."
Thor smiled than asked "Some of the team didn't approve of these accords did they?"
Tony shook his head before he caught Thor up on what happened after he left Earth. Once he was done, Thor said to Tony "I'll help you find them."
Tony smiled and offered to give Thor a ride back to the ships so he could discuss the accords with his own people. Along the way Thor told him what happened after he left Earth.
Meanwhile Loki was escorted to a holding cell in the compound where he'd be held temporally until a decision could be made as to what to do with him.
Sif soon arrived and didn't say a word as she glared at Loki who finally said to her "If you have something to say Sif. Say it."
Sif said "You banished me because I was getting close to figuring out the truth. After learning what happened since I've been gone from Asgard from Thor. I suppose in a way I should thank you. If you hadn't banished me. I'd have died with the others against Hela. Of course if you didn't do what you did. Maybe the destruction of Asgard wouldn't have happened at all."
Loki didn't say a word as Sif left once she said that.
SHIELD blacksite
Sharon Carter sat handcuffed to a desk and waited for SHIELD personal to arrive and question her. Suddenly the door opened and Graham Williams entered with a SHIELD personal folder in his hands, her own.
Graham sat down in front of her and started to read the folder saying out loud all of her missions and accomplishments as part of SHIELD before got down to her mission to watch over Steve Rogers and going along with his plan to take down SHIELD to remove the HYDRA taint from the organization.
Graham said "I never thought I'd live to see the day that a Carter would help dismantle SHIELD. I knew your aunt Peggy. We were colleagues on the World Council together. You have my condolences for your loss. But if your aunt could see you now she'd be ashamed of you."
With that Graham left the room and gave orders to the guards outside to escort Sharon Carter back to her cell, when Graham checked in on the interrogation of Hank's daughter Hope who was fully cooperating with SHIELD without any persuasion needed like with her father.
Graham then got in contact with Coulson on his phone saying "We're making progress on getting info on Team Cap from those we've apprehended. I'll contact you once I have more information."
With that Graham hanged up and left the blacksite, he had a meeting with the President soon.
Avengers Headquarters
Peter Quill was standing on the balcony looking out at the sun in the sky, the forest in front of the facility and took it all in. He was back on Earth after over 26 years. He thought over what changes could have taken place in that time. The Zune he had showed that changes clearly happened as did the rest of the new technology in this facility.
Peter was pulled out of his thoughts when Gamora appeared with a bottle of water for him. Peter took it before asking "The others are alright?"
Gamora nodded saying with a smile "They're sampling practically the entire menu of what's on offer here to get a good taste of what Earth food is like. Drax in particular likes the fired chicken dish I think it was called." Gamora looked out at what around them as Peter had been doing and said "Thanos destroyed my home. We won't let him do the same to Earth."
Peter looked at Gamora and leaned to kiss her, when the kiss was broken Peter said "I love you." Gamora smiled and said the same to him, when Secretary Ross appeared asking "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Peter said "Not at all. What is it?"
Secretary Ross asked "You said that the Guardians take on jobs if hired to do so? Would your team be willing to take on a job for the United Nations working alongside the Avengers?"
Gamora asked "What is the job?"
Secretary Ross said "Helping apprehend international fugitives."
Peter then said "We'd have to talk with the rest of the team first before making a decision."
Secretary Ross nodded in understanding before leaving as Peter and Gamora went to talk to the rest of the team in the mess hall about this job offer as Secretary Ross soon got the PDF with the accords off Dr Banner, with his signature on it.
Peter and Gamora soon found the rest of the team in the mess hall doing as Gamora said, sampling the entire menu. Groot was having a big bowl of Chocolate Ice Cream. Mantis was enjoying a Hot Fudge Sundae, Yondu and Kraglin were enjoying some Hamburgers, Nebula was having a Salad, Rocket was having an assortment of cheeses and Drax was having several different kinds of Meat all to himself.
Peter and Gamora sat down as Rocket said to Peter "Quill why didn't you tell us Earth food was this good?"
Groot in agreement said "I am Groot." As he had more ice cream.
Peter shrugged saying "You never asked." As he helped himself to some Pizza that was nearby. Nothing else was said as the team enjoyed their meal. Once it was done Peter told of the offer of a job to help hunt down international fugitives.
The team voted on this offer they'd been given and all voted to learn more about this offer and what the pay would be before making a final decision on it.
Meanwhile as Tony and Thor arrived at the landing site and saw medical staff were treating injured Asgardians and government officials talking to other Asgardians to learn what happened on Asgard to lead to these refugees coming to Earth.
Thor went to meet with his council who would help him rule over his people and told them about the Accords and requirements for all those with powers or who are warriors to sign it and while they thought it made perfect sense for such laws to be in place, but they asked to read it before making a decision and Thor showed them a PDF on an Ipad of the Accords.
Thor and Tony left the council alone to look over the Accords and debate over what to do while Thor told Tony about his fight against Hulk on Sakarr which he claimed he won, much to the amusement of Tony who knew there was no way Thor could defeat Hulk in a straight-up fight.
The White House
President Ellis looked up from his desk as Graham Williams as he entered the Oval Office and said "Graham. Good to see you again. I hope you got some information from the associates of the Rogue Avengers."
Graham said "We're getting information. It'll take time to find them."
The President then said "King T'Challa has agreed to give SHIELD a shipment of Vibranium weapons. In the spirit of international co-operation. To help reassure the rest of the world of Wakanda's pure intentions after King T'Challa revealed Wakanda's advanced technology to the world at his recent appearance before the United Nations."
Graham smiled at this news, the Vibranium weapons from Wakanda would be a big help in ensuring SHIELD could do what it was meant to do. Protect humanity.
The President than asked "Is this group, the Guardians of the Galaxy willing to help apprehend the Rogue Avengers?"
Graham answered "Secretary Ross has asked them if they'd like a job. They are no doubt discussing it amongst themselves. If they want to know more than I suggest you be the one to tell them in person. We can get you to the Avengers compound and you make the offer of the job to them. It shows that they know who their dealing with. Now what should we offer them as payment for taking on the job?"
President Ellis was silent for a moment before he said "Gold. Two bags for each of the team. Half now and the other half once the Rogue Avengers are in custody. I trust SHIELD's spies on the inside will know when to act?"
Graham nodded and proceeded to talk to the President concerning his upcoming summit with the heads of state of the other nuclear powered nations to discuss increased nuclear disarmament.
SHIELD HQ
Director Coulson entered his office with Melinda and sealed the room, as a holographic display activated. The World Security Council wanted to speak to them immediately.
As the holographic display worked, the holograms of Phil Coulson and Melinda May were in front of two of the three members of the World Security Council. Former SHIELD director Nick Fury and Councilwoman Hawley.
Councilwoman Hawley said "Graham is meeting with President Ellis at the White House. That is why he isn't here."
Coulson nodded as Fury asked "Is Loki secure?"
Coulson answered "Yes. Agents are outside his cell 24/7. Agent Sif is staying close by the cell block, just in case he tries anything. So far to his credit he has cooperated with our questioning. He told us this Thanos was the one who gave him the Chituari army when he attacked New York. He gave us the Tesseract to put somewhere safe. He no doubt knows that if Thanos does come here looking for it. He is dead. It's in his best interest to work with us."
Melinda in agreement with Coulson said "We could have the President offer Loki a pardon if he fights alongside the Avengers when Thanos shows up with his forces, and survives the battle."
Suddenly, the hologram of Graham Williams appeared in his chair who said "My apologies for not being here earlier. The meeting with President Ellis went on longer than expected. Phil, where is the Tesseract?"
Coulson answered "It's in SHIELD HQ behind an impenetrable safe that can be opened by myself and Melinda simultaneously. Why do you ask?"
Graham replied "Because I want SHIELD to begin using it, we're resuming phase 2. I want us to have a plan B in case when this Thanos shows up, we'll have something to take him out."
Fury then said "I ended Phase 2 for a reason Graham."
Graham scoffed "A foolish reason. HYDRA is no more, so we have no more internal threats to SHIELD. If I wasn't retired from the Council when the Battle of New York happened. I would've opposed you allowing the Teserract to leave Earth. The infiltration of Hydra aside. There was nothing wrong with what we were doing with the Tesseract, using it to make weapons. We had learned we weren't alone before what happened in New Mexico, with what happened in the 90's involving Carol Danvers. But what happened in New Mexico was different, we learned there were beings who could jump in whenever they want and destroy a town with what is maybe considered just a normal brawl to them. Of course we'd want to make defences for the planet to counter that or anything else that might happen."
Before Fury could say anything to Graham, Councilwoman Hawley said "We can discuss what to do with the Tesseract later. We focus on dealing with the Rogue Avengers, than focus on Thanos."
Fury nodded before asking "Are there any avenues we can explore to get some of them to turn themselves in? Make it easier for Barton and Maximoff to make their move when things go down?"
Melinda answered "Agents are on their way to the home of Scott Lang's ex-wife and child. We'll ask them to help get him to turn himself in. When he does, we'll give him a chance to avoid prison by agreeing to work for SHIELD. Faced with either that or being in prison for 20 years. It's clear which option he'll take."
With that the meeting came to end as Phil and Melinda left, the World Council talked amongst themselves.
Fury said "Graham have you lost it? Using the Tesseract to make weapons is what brought Loki to Earth in the first place. Using it again to make weapons may only hasten the arrival of this Thanos we've been told about."
Graham said "With the Tesseract back in our possession we can ensure Earth is protected against Thanos by using it to ensure our survival as a species."
Hawley didn't say a word during this argument as Graham said to Fury "Remember Nick. Why SHIELD is even an active organization again and why we are operating like before. Without oversight and without the US government breathing down our necks, questioning our every move. Because of me! Because I went to President Ellis and strong armed him into doing what I asked. Unless he wanted the world to know who really killed JKF, among other things that I hold over the US government."
Graham then remembered his meeting with President Ellis that got SHIELD to be made active again with full autonomy from oversight by the US government and the UN.
Flashback the White House 5 months ago
Graham Williams entered the Oval Office where President Ellis and Secretary Ross were waiting. Both men shook Graham's hand before they sat down.
President Ellis asked "Why did you want this meeting Graham?"
Graham replied "Mr President. I know you are aware SHIELD is operating unofficially going after HYDRA remnants. I want you to allow SHIELD to become an active organization again with full autonomy from the US Government and the UN."
Ellis was shocked at this and said "Are you out of your mind Graham. I can't do that, as far as the World is concerned SHIELD and HYDRA are one and the same."
Graham outraged at this statement said "SHIELD and HYDRA are not the same! HYDRA are pure evil. SHIELD is a group who protect people. Secretary Ross, you had Glen Talbot under your command when you were a general. Is he a good judge of character?"
Ross nodded saying "He is. He's a good man. He told me he's been working with SHIELD a lot. He actually told me I should pressure Ellis to let SHIELD become active again. Given SHIELD's efforts against HYDRA. I'm willing to support this proposal."
President Ellis then said "I'll make SHIELD active again. But I can't give SHIELD full autonomy from the US and UN."
Graham took out a file from his coat and said "If you do this, then information I have on your administration supplying Iran with Nuclear Material's in return for giving weapons to North Korean rebels trying to take down the DPRK will never see the light of the day. And I want Phil Coulson appointed Director of SHIELD once again. That is non-negotiable."
President Ellis was silent before he nodded giving into Graham's demands.
End of flashback
Nothing else was said between Graham and Fury as Graham's hologram disappeared with that the discussion was over, for now. As Fury and Hawley left the building they were in.
California
A black SUV drove down the road heading to its destination with the two SHIELD agents listening to the radio on the way on which people were calling in discussing the alien ships that landed near New York. One caller said "If it was another invasion we'd know by now. If their refugees we need to help them. Show that Earth helps those in need." Another caller disagreed, who was no doubt one of the banned terror group the Watchdogs as Maria Hill turned off the radio in disgust at the man's hate filled rant.
The agent in the car with her, her ex-husband Jack Williams said "We're coming up on the location now."
Maria asked "How can we be sure, they'll go along with what we ask?"
Jack replied "They care about Scott Lang. They'll help us get him to turn himself in peacefully."
The SUV parked outside the home of Scott Lang's ex-wife Maggie and their daughter Cassie. Jack and Maria exited the vehicle and headed to the front door when Jim Paxton opened the door. Jack and Maria showed their SHIELD ID cards and were allowed in the home.
Maggie and Cassie were watching TV when they saw these two people enter. Maggie asked "What's going on?"
Jack replied "We're with SHIELD. Mrs Paxton we do not mean you or your family harm, we'd like to talk to you about Scott Lang. We are hoping you and your daughter can help us bring him back to the US peacefully."
Maggie was silent for a moment before she asked "How can we help?"
Jack and Maria smiled, Maria explained what was going to happen and Jack called for a local news crew to be brought to the property by SHIELD agents immediately.
SHIELD HQ
Coulson and May were having lunch in his office when Secretary Ross entered he said "I just got word. President Ellis wants to meet with Thor to discuss what to do to help the Asgardian refugees, what'll happen to Loki and wants to discuss a job offer for the group known as the Guardians of the Galaxy."
May knowing what this meant said "So that means-."
Ross finished by saying "The President's on his way."
Author's notes well that's the end of chapter 2. I hope this was worth the wait. Please let me know what you think of it read and review no flames though OK.
