X marks the spot

All the Madame's Men

Bakshi had a news show. Bakshi had a fucking news show. Motherfucking Bakshi had a goddamned news show. Holy shit. This was officially hell. Those were the words that swirled through Aaron's mind as he watched the man both sleight Jeffery Mace and yet also celebrate his death.

But, more importantly. Bakshi had a fucking news show all to himself.

His words were turned to nothing, however. As Mack had finally muted the TV. "Tainting the name of a good man. Anyone else getting sick of this propaganda crap?" Mack asked as he kept his glare on the TV. Aaron raised his hand, Katie quickly batting it down. Seeing how the question wasn't really meant to be answered. "It's like sipping poison. Little bit every day. You don't even notice until it kills you." Ward said, crossing his arms as he sighed, "We need to start thinking of retaliation."

"Retaliation? No, we got to put human lives before revenge..." Mack denied, pointing to the other refugees. Aaron internally scoffed. Why couldn't he just go to Mack before he left for Francis? It would've solved a lot of problems. "Those people were promised a better life. Not the man who had that promise is gone. So, you've got to talk to them. And let them –"

"We'll make good on it. I know." Ward assured. "Or, how about we review those plans I stole from HYDRA's lab. You know, since I almost died to get them?" Trip asked sarcastically. Bethany tried to hide the smile that grew at his sass. "Look, if she's building some crazy doomsday device. How about we –"

"Can we not use that word to describe it? It's not helping me think." Ward sighed as he walked off.

"This is how movements die." Coulson said pessimistically. "Don't say that, sir." Jemma argued. "If history taught me anything. It's that good intentions don't translate into action without a stable hand to guide them. The Patriot brought all these people together. His death might tear them apart." Coulson continued with his reasoning. "I still can't believe he's gone. We need to get out of the framework before we lose anyone else." Coulson agreed with her.

"No. No, you aren't fucking going!" Katie's yell echoed into the room. Along with footsteps. The two turning towards the empty door. "Like you can stop me." Aaron's voice yelled back. Fury coating every word. "Why does she matter to you so much?"

"Seriously? I can't have friends –"

"I didn't say that. I mean that ever since I've seen you. It's just been about those two. What is the deal with them?"

"All you talk about is this family. This broken little family –"

"Don't say that."

"Don't say that I can't go and maybe I'll consider it!"

"You'll die!" Katie's voice wobbled a little at the statement. A beat of silence between the siblings past them. "Then I guess I'll die. But at least it'd be for a good cause for once." Was the final word Aaron said before his figure filled up the door. Pistol in holster. He immediately saw Jemma and Coulson and sighed. Walking towards them. Katie quickly filled up the door again. A worried look on her face before she saw Jemma. It didn't go into a glare this time. Jemma wasn't a bad person, Katie had realised. But, still...

"Hey, come check this out!" Mack called to the room. Everyone gathered around his TV. Mack unmuting it. Listening in as Bakshi scrambled to try and figure out the details of the new story. "It seems.... It appears that we have word of a terrorist attack at the Triskelion. Sources say that an Inhuman made an attempt on Madame Hydra's life. Fortunately, our beloved leader emerged unscaved. But the violent assailant remains at large."

Aaron let a smile appear. This was exactly the news he needed. At least to know that she was ok. And that she had her powers back. "Daisy?" Jemma asked, renewed hope for their friend's wellbeing. In fact, everyone's spirit seemed to be lifted. "Who else would be able to do that?" Aaron asked her, his smile never leaving his face.