Green Beret | MCU (On Hold)

CHAPTER 1

Afghanistan Base, 2012

Captain Troyton Kemp strode into the briefing tent with a burst of energy, unbothered by the early hour. As he popped a Haribo gummy into his mouth, a sly smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Morning, soldiers," he greeted, voice warm but commanding.

The team he was embedded with responded with half-hearted murmurs, still shaking off the fog of a brutal schedule. Pre-dawn PT followed by extended patrols had left them running on fumes.

Troy dropped into an empty chair, exhaling as he sank into it. "Usually I'm looped in before you guys," he said, stretching out his legs. "But this time? I'm just as clueless. Any idea what this briefing's about?"

Responses varied—"Nope," "Nada," and a resigned "Fuck no"—that last one making Troy chuckle. He hated gloom, especially in a place already drained of color. Time to flip the switch.

"Anyone catch Hemmings bust his ass during PT this morning? Had me laughing so hard, I face-planted during the plank." The mood shifted as the team erupted into laughter.

Hemmings groaned from across the tent, face hidden behind his hands. "Shut it, Kemp."

Unbothered, Troy continued, relishing the moment. "He barely made it halfway up the rope climb before slipping. Landed flat. Looked around real quick, then strutted off like he meant to do it. Smooth as hell."

Laughter shook the tent. Even Hemmings cracked a smile beneath the blush.

"Oh, don't worry," Troy added with mock solemnity. "I'll make sure to mention it in my speech at your wedding."

"I'll bring tissues," Richardson chimed in, patting Hemmings' shoulder.

The teasing halted abruptly as a sharp voice cut through the tent.

"Is that all, ladies?"

All heads turned. The General—their General—stood at the entrance, eyes like razors. He wasn't due until morning.

Instincts took over. Everyone snapped to attention.

"At ease," the General said. His presence carried weight. "Captain Kemp, with me. The rest of you—your debriefing's next tent over. Dismissed."

As the team filtered out, casting curious glances Troy's way, the General motioned for him to sit.

"What's going on, sir?"

The General slid a thick folder across the table. Two words stamped on the cover:

AVENGERS INITIATIVE

"Read it," he ordered.

Troy opened the file. He skimmed bios—Tony Stark. Steve Rogers. Thor. Bruce Banner. Natasha Romanoff. And... room for a sixth?

"This isn't just some op, is it?"

The General leaned forward. "SHIELD reached out. Global threat. Name's Loki. Claims to be a Norse god. Recently acquired a power source beyond our understanding. Director Fury specifically requested someone with tactical, interrogation, and field experience. I had someone in mind. So did they."

Troy raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

The General smiled faintly. "You've stayed in the shadows long enough. It's time the world knew your name."

Troy's voice dropped, tinged with disbelief. "Sir, I fix cars and take leave like anyone else. Outside the Army, I'm nobody."

"You're not nobody. You're a soldier who kept standing when others fell. That means something."

Troy nodded slowly. "Understood."

"Good. Wheels up at 0800. Pack for anything."

▪️

Hours later, Troy stepped off an Air Force jet and onto the SHIELD Helicarrier, escorted by two stone-faced agents. The ship defied belief—a floating fortress of steel and innovation.

He was ushered to a command room bustling with voices. At the head stood Nick Fury, all gravitas and grit. Beside him: Iron Man himself, Tony Stark, already mid-sarcastic remark.

"Romanoff's tried. Loki's not talking."

Tony snorted. "You mean the very attractive, can-kill-me-with-a-paperclip spy couldn't crack him?"

Fury sighed. "Correct."

Troy lingered in the doorway, smirking at the exchange.

"If she can't do it, what makes you think any of us can?" Tony challenged.

"I'll give it a try," Troy announced, stepping into the room.

All eyes turned. He met a sharp pair of green ones—Natasha Romanoff, no doubt—and then turned to Fury.

"Captain Troyton Kemp. U.S. Army, Green Beret. I hear you needed someone with my expertise."

Fury nodded. "That's him."

Natasha tilted her head, smirking. "So, you're the modern-day Captain America. Just without the serum, suit, or shield."

Troy grinned. "Rumors travel fast."

"Yours were worth reading," she replied coolly.

"I did my own digging before the file came in," Tony added. "Color me impressed. How long have you been lurking in the shadows back there?"

Troy checked his watch. "About fifteen minutes."

Fury cut in. "Captain Kemp will handle interrogations and assist wherever his expertise is needed."

Troy pointed at Thor. "I'd like to speak with him. He knows Loki best. If we understand Loki's mind, we stand a better chance of beating him at his own game."

Thor stepped forward. "A wise warrior. I admire that."

Troy shrugged. "You might be a god... but I've met tougher."

Thor laughed heartily. "We shall see."

Troy just smiled. Let the mission begin.

Edited.