Echoes of Eternity: The Timeless Promise

Chpt. 9

A/N - I am sooo sorry for the ridiculously long delay. Once school is done, it'll be easier. 

Air Force Carrier – 2009

Over a year has passed since Bobbi, Laura, and Clint rescued me from that cave of hell. They've been more open with me since they revealed themselves as SHIELD Agents. However, I haven't slept at Laura's place since leaving our parent's house. I didn't need them to find out what happened. I've been staying with Maria and her daughter Monica. It's helped Maria a lot since she's still on active duty, and I was still recovering, making it easy for me to watch Monica.

However, I'm back on the Navel Carrier, ready to face my third tour. This one will probably be my last. I can't shake the anxiety of what happened last time. It's as if everywhere I step, it's a constant reminder. After a long workout, I'm staring at the roof of the bunk above me. There weren't any scheduled drills or tasks today. All I wanted to do was stare at my ceiling.

As I'm about to drift to sleep, there's a knock on the door, followed by a deep, commanding voice. "Morse. Commander Redstone wants you in the brig in five minutes."

The voice wakes me from my daze, and I slip out of bed. "Yes, sir," I reply as I check myself in the mirror to ensure I'm presentable. However, if I walk, I'll be late, sprinting through the narrow corridors and taking two or three steps at a time as I climb to the brig. I'm out of breath by the time I reach the entrance to the brig. Pulling my cap out of my pocket, I put it on and take deep breaths to slow my heart rate. I step into the brig.

I walk up to the Commander, "Commander Redstone." I say as I stand at attention and salute. He nods before saying At Ease, and I relax my stance.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" He motions me to follow as he nods. Redstone is tall and broad-shouldered, and it's clear he's got wisdom from his years of service. While clean-shaven, he looks gruff around the edges, showing his age.

"I did. Lt. Morse. I've got an assignment for you." I try not to show my shock and merely nod in understanding. Missions and assignments aren't new, but the way he talks makes it sound as if I'm gone on a solo mission. "A specialized agency has requested your pilot skills. So you'll report to them for however long they require you."

"Sir, may I ask who requested me?" He turns to look at me.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm not sure what they all require as it's higher than my pay grade, which is shocking, but they specifically requested you. You'll need to be packed and ready in two hours." I hesitate, which only makes him frustrated. "Morse. I have no control over this. You can protest all you want, but you're going. We need to have a good repour with them. Never know when we'll need to work together."

"Yes, sir." I nod before saluting him and dismissing myself. There wasn't any point in fighting it when I knew he had no control over it. Regardless, it didn't mean I wasn't starting to resent my sisters. It was ridiculous since they probably had nothing to do with it, but everything seemed to point me back towards them and S.H.I.E.L.D. I kept spiralling to see how many lies they told me.

--

I shake my head and try to clear my mind as I pack. "I hear you got a special assignment." Maria's voice startled me slightly, and I turned to see her leaning in the doorway with her arms crossed.

"Yeah," I huff, trying to mask my disappointment. "S.H.I.E.L.D. requested me."

"You know one day you'll need to forgive them." Her voice is laced with understanding but also a slight scolding. I know she's right, but my anger gets the best of me every time I think about it. It's as if I can't control it, making me wonder what Stryker did to me.