Radioactive | Bucky Barnes

IRON MAN: CHAPTER THREE

Rhiley rubbed at the bandage on her arm where they'd taken her blood, the sting still fresh as she followed Phil down the long hallway. This was a different building than the one they'd been in before, located on the outskirts of New York. The place had the feel of a military base—large and modern but with a cold, utilitarian vibe. "Recruits usually start with training," Phil explained, his voice steady as he walked. "We get them geared up, then relocate them within S.H.I.E.L.D., where they'll be the best fit."

Rhiley raised an eyebrow. "I'm assuming not every recruit makes it into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ranks?"

Phil gave a quick nod. "We take the best of the best," he said, then added, "Then from there, we only take the best."

"Very best," Rhiley muttered, her voice deadpan as she adjusted the tight black suit that felt more like a second skin.

They entered a large corridor, and the lobby ahead was crowded with a mix of people, some looking as out of place as Rhiley felt. She tugged at the fabric of her uniform. "I get it now. This outfit makes sense."

Phil glanced at her. "Director Fury wants me to keep an eye on you without giving you special treatment."

Rhiley scoffed. "You don't seem like the type to give someone special treatment anyway," she muttered, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces around her. She'd been awake for a little over a week now, spending most of her days with Phil as he taught her how to navigate the modern world. But technology? That was still a foreign language to her. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be dropped off at my first day of school?"

Phil chuckled, though it was a humorless sound. "Technically, that's kind of what this is."

"I dropped out of school," Rhiley said flatly.

Phil didn't react, simply nodding as if he expected nothing less. "We'll meet in my office at the end of the day."

Rhiley shot him a sideways look. "Sounds good, Dad," she teased, a wry smile pulling at her lips. She'd gotten to know Phil more in these last few days than anyone else, and the resemblance to her father was becoming undeniable—though she wasn't sure if that was comforting or unsettling.

Phil raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything as they entered the bustling lobby. Rhiley paused, suddenly feeling small in a way she never had before. Her life had been full of strength, confidence, and control, but this—this was something else. Standing in this unfamiliar place, surrounded by people who didn't know her, who didn't know anything about her—this was her first taste of feeling out of control.

The crowd shifted, and a woman climbed up onto the stage, taking charge with an air of authority that immediately drew Rhiley's attention. "Listen up! My name is Maria Hill." The woman's voice cut through the noise. She adjusted her stance, facing the group with a no-nonsense glare. "Today marks the first day of a three-month course. We'll identify your weaknesses and your strengths. We're going to break you down to build trust. You don't become a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent overnight. You don't become a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent at all if you don't meet the qualifications. Now, we don't have time for a meet and greet. You can do that in your free time. Instead, we're jumping right in. Meet on the ropes course in ten." She turned on her heel and walked off the stage without a second glance.

There was a moment of silence, and then a voice piped up. "My brother told me what to expect," it said. "But I think he downplayed the whole thing."

Rhiley turned to see a shorter woman with black French braids and a lighthearted bounce in her step. "I'm Olivia Lynn, by the way," the woman said, flashing a smile.

"Rhiley," she replied briefly, though she didn't offer any more details.

"Want to walk to the course together?" Olivia asked, already heading toward the door. Rhiley nodded, figuring they were headed in the same direction anyway.