Book One of the Shadows Series: Shadow of Redemption

Target Acquired

In the shadows on their underground lair, the HYDRA base is buzzing with activity. After Doctor Strange's attack and Seraphina's disappearance, everyone is on their best behavior to get HYDRA back on its feet. Scientists and doctors in sterile lab coats are being escorted everywhere, guards with expressionless faces herding them. Towards the back of the base, one of their main meeting rooms is full to the brim. In the center stands Joshua Sanchez, his green eyes hardened with years of conditioning and pain. His face is blank after being wiped two hours earlier.

At the head of the table, a HYDRA commander-known as Viper- begins addressing the others which creates a silence, only allowing her sharp Russian accent echo through the room. "If you have not noticed, we've lost our most valuable asset. One of the Shadow Operatives, Seraphina Blackwell, has gone missing. We have reason to believe that she left willingly. This betrayal will not go unpunished. More importantly, we cannot operate without her."

In the corner, Joshua stood, listening carefully to his commander. Memories of Seraphina began to emerge. He shivered uncomfortably. The doctor that injected him this morning must have been preoccupied because he obviously didn't do a large enough dosing. As he attempted to suppress the thoughts, Viper turned to him.

"Joshua," her tone softened in the slightest, though the steel in her eyes did not waver. "You have a unique connection to this girl. You know her better than anyone else here, and the same goes for her with you. This gives us reason to believe that you will be the only one who can bring her back to us."

Joshua nodded, shoving the feelings of uncertainty away. "What do you want me to do, Commander?"

Viper's lips curled into a predatory grin. "We'll use her emotions against her. When she's around people who she cares deeply about, her emotions become unstable. They tip against us. That's where you come in." She pulled up a holographic image of the Avengers compound. No one in the room knew how she could have gotten plans from another universe, but they didn't question her. "Key vulnerabilities have been identified, so all we have to do is wait for the right opportunity to pounce. Our agents will create a distraction for the other Avengers. And then you slip in and grab her."

Joshua's jaw clenched. "And if she resists?"

"Then remind her what we did for her. We gave her a purpose, power. Play with her feelings and her guilt. If that doesn't work...remind her of the pain that was brought on as a consequence. She will come back to us willingly, or she will break along the road."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the implications of Viper's words sank in. Joshua's mind raced, torn between his loyalty to HYDRA and the lingering memories of the girl he once knew. But HYDRA won, they always did. "Remember, Joshua," Viper continued, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "failure is not an option. We cannot afford to lose her."

Joshua nodded again, this time more firmly. "Understood, Commander. I'll bring her back." The commander nodded and addressed the group. "I'll let you know when our opportunity arises. Until then, continue training and preparing." As the meeting adjourned, Joshua walked out of the room, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He had a job to do, and failure meant consequences he couldn't bear to think about. But as he prepared for the mission ahead, a small part of him couldn't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to save Sera from HYDRA—and from herself. Once he returned to his cell, the same on him and Sera had lived together for the past 12 years, he pulled out his locket that he hid under his pillow. This locket was a remnant of a time long past, but it steeled him to do the job. 

Authors note: Sorry for the short chapter but I feel like you guys needed a little show of HYDRA and quick peek of Joshua. Two chapters in one day!