I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 55: Recognition

Grant, still adjusting to the time difference after his mission in Afghanistan, received a communiqué from S.H.I.E.L.D. before he could even reach his base for a well-deserved rest. It was rare, but not unexpected, for the World Security Council to request an immediate meeting with one of its agents. It was clear that something big was happening. The mission in Afghanistan had been an unqualified success, but there was more to it than just the accomplishment of an objective: there were political and strategic repercussions that the Council wanted to discuss.

Grant walked down the brightly lit hallway, noting the respectful looks of the other agents as he walked toward the conference room. He was used to receiving looks of admiration and recognition, but this mission seemed to have an even greater impact. He knew the target was important, but now it seemed that the magnitude of his actions was being recognized on a wider scale.

The door to the conference room opened and Grant was greeted by the imposing figure of Maria Hill, standing next to Nick Fury, both of them with serious expressions, but with a hint of pride. Behind them, on a large screen, were the faces of the members of the World Security Council, ready for the meeting.

"Ward, are you ready?" Fury asked, his voice low and steady.

"Yes, sir," Grant replied without hesitation.

The faces of the members of the World Security Council were an unusual sight for a field agent. Normally, his interactions with the Council were indirect, through orders passed down from the S.H.I.E.L.D. hierarchy, but this time, they wanted to speak to him directly.

The first to speak was Gideon Malick, one of the most influential figures on the Council. His voice was deep and authoritative, reflecting years of experience in international politics and security.

"Agent Ward, we are aware of your latest operation in Afghanistan. The elimination of Mullah Khaleed had immediate repercussions on the balance of power in the region, and we would like to express our appreciation for your excellent performance."

Grant remained calm, though he knew that receiving praise directly from the World Security Council was not something that happened often. He simply nodded in thanks. Ward knows that Malick is a member of Hydra, but decides not to try to warn Fury about it, as he doesn't know how it could affect this timeline and the butterfly effects it could cause. And he decides not to warn anyone about Hydra's infiltration of Shield, preferring to let events unfold like in the movies in his past life.

"The Taliban is already destabilizing, and reports indicate that Khaleed's absence has caused a fragmentation of factions within the group," Malick continued. "His actions have not only eliminated a direct threat, but also opened a window of opportunity for us to weaken the enemy strategically."

Grant knew the impact that the death of a leader like Khaleed could cause, but hearing it directly from the most powerful figures involved in global security was a validation of his mission on a whole new level.

In the conference room, the tension was palpable, but at the same time, there was an air of admiration. Fury watched the exchange with his arms crossed, attentive to every detail. Maria Hill, beside him, also kept her focus on Grant, knowing that this moment was crucial.

Another member of the Council, Ambassador Hawley, spoke. Her tone was softer, but just as authoritative.

"Agent Ward, the world rarely knows the faces of those who operate in the shadows to ensure its safety. But on behalf of the World Security Council, we want to make sure you know that your actions have consequences far beyond the front lines. Your ability to conduct missions with surgical precision is unmatched." She paused for a moment, as if considering her next words. "And that is not lost on us."