Control (Avengers Fan Fiction)

[ 19 ]

Scarlett ignored the eyes of the agents she passed as she made her way through the underground HYDRA facility in Massachusetts. There were agents standing outside of an office, preventing anyone unwelcomed from getting in.

"I'm here to see Pierce." Scarlett stopped just a few feet away from the guards. They stepped aside and opened the door for her.

"Scarlett, what a nice surprise." Takahashi stood up from the chair he was sitting in. Scarlett ignored him, her eyes finding Pierce's.

"I wasn't aware we had a meeting today, Agent Rose." Pierce eyed her carefully.

"I couldn't maintain my position at the Avengers' Compound anymore, sir." Scarlett clasped her hands together behind her back. "I needed to leave."

"Well I'm glad to have you back, agent. I was just talking to Reo here about a few upcoming assignments that require some of our best agents."

"I have agents in mind, sir." Takahashi sat back down in his seat and opened a file in his lap. "Agent Melanie Andersson from our London field office—,"

"Agent Andersson nearly compromised her position within MI-6 in 2014." Scarlett cut him off. "With your terrible judgment, I'm surprised you've managed to keep your life here at HYDRA, let alone your position."

Takahashi stood to his feet and stepped towards Scarlett, pointing a finger in her face.

"You've got some nerve coming in here and talking to me like that after you've spent the last two months with the Avengers—,"

Scarlett grabbed his hand and spun him around to slam his head down on Pierce's desk. She twisted his arm painfully behind his back, her opposite hand pressing in between his shoulder to keep his head down.

"Don't make me snap your arm, Takahashi." Scarlett spoke through her teeth.

"That's enough, Agent Rose." Pierce leaned back in his seat as he watched the whole scene play out. "Give us a moment, Reo." Pierce's gaze briefly left Scarlett to look at Takahashi. Without a word, the angry agent stormed out of the room. "Scarlett, I believe you have it in you to be one of the best leaders we've ever had. You're smart, you're cunning, and you are ruthless. You know how to make difficult decisions and you work well under stress. But this little slip up with the Avengers, it can't be tolerated, my dear."

"Sir, it wasn't a slip up—,"

"It was an attempt to gain a connection with your parents." Pierce cut her off. "I understand, Scarlett. I really do. But it was a sign of weakness and I can't allow you to take on a leadership role within our rank because of it."

Scarlett's fists curled tightly behind her back but she said nothing. She was so angry with him. Why wouldn't he make the exception for her? She was the best choice and he knew it. However, she also understood where he was coming from. If any other agent had been in her place, Scarlett wouldn't want them immediately put into such an important role afterwards. She didn't deserve special treatment.  There was nothing special about her.

"Until I believe that you've recovered from this minor setback, I want you in the field where you belong." Pierce opened a drawer on the desk and shuffled through it. "I have a list of threats that need eliminated."

"Yes sir."

———

One Day Later
Valencia, Spain

"Así es, Marissa. Tres senadores estadounidenses fueron encontrados muertos en sus habitaciones en el Hostal El Puenta en Valencia, España, temprano esta mañana. Todavía no está claro qué sucedió exactamente anoche, pero la policía está trabajando para—,"{"That's right, Marissa. Three U.S. senators were found dead in their rooms at the El Puenta Hostal in Valencia, Spain early this morning. It's still unclear of what exactly happened last night, but police are working to—,"}