Mirror, Mirror ↠ Steve Rogers

Chapter Two

Five Days. That's how much time she spends in SHIELD custody while the paperwork gets filed.

An intern comes in-at least, she thinks he's an intern; she has no concrete proof of this, except that he gives off a very nervous, green vibe-and hands her a tablet, and a single leaf of paper. Most of their paperwork is digital now, he says, but they like to keep a few hard copies just in case.

He also informs her that SHIELD's had her legal name changed to Leila Whittaker, so she doesn't have to worry about that. Leila's not sure how she feels about that. It's considerate, in the shady big brother organization kind of way you'd expect, but it also demonstrates an insight into her past that she doesn't like people having. The intern doesn't specify who made the change happen, just "SHIELD" and it conjures an idea of this entire organization knowing who she is and where she comes from, and even though she knows the thought is irrational, it sends an uncomfortable chill down her spine, the first time she's felt afraid since before Clint Barton walked into her holding cell.

Mostly, though, she's just glad they don't make her sign her birth name.

********** 

S.H.I.E.L.D. EYES ONLY

Clearance Level 4

Case: #348253

[ The following is a transcript of the debriefing of Agent Leila Whittaker. Debriefing done by Agent Lachlan Foreman ]

Foreman: Agent Whittaker?

Whittaker: Present.

Foreman: Hi. I'm Agent Foreman. This is just a formal review of the how the mission went. We'll be doing these after every field mission. Note that we'll be cross-checking with your S.O. to confirm.

Whittaker: Do you do that with every field agent, or just the bad apples?

Foreman: We do this with all our agents.

Whittaker: And here I thought I was special.

Foreman: Why would you think that?

Whittaker: The fact that you send me with a babysitter, for one.

Foreman: Believe it or not, agent, you're not our first operative with a less than ideal past.

Whittaker: You mean this sketchy secret organization that operates out of an invisible floating airport isn't opposed to hiring ex-criminals? Shocking.

Foreman: Mm. So how did your first mission go?

Whittaker: Oh, it was an experience. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

Foreman: Tell me the target's name.

Whittaker: Tabitha Workman.

Foreman: Were you successful in apprehending her?

Whittaker: Yes.

[papers shuffling]

Foreman: How did you apprehend her?

Whittaker: Quickly.

Foreman: I meant, in terms of method.

Whittaker: She's alive, if that's what you're asking. She's in custody.

Foreman: Does she have any special abilities?

Whittaker: Yes. She's immune to radiation, apparently. Which is kind of a lame superpower, comparatively speaking.