Garrett's smile lingered, but behind it James caught the flicker. A thought misaligned with his words. A shadow that whispered of something darker.
James confirmed his allegiance. Another mask to be stripped in time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Garrett had been briefed on James Gibson — billionaire, tech magnate, Level Six agent on track for higher. What he hadn't expected was, unlike other Agents, he might aswell be a chatterbox.
James leaned in with that unshakable confidence, his tone more casual than any S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Garrett had met. "Can I call you John? It feels more friendly. What missions have you run lately? Anything legendary? I haven't had a chance to rack up the super cool missions yet. Got any suggestions?"
Garrett blinked, thrown off balance by the speed of questions. He'd expected arrogance. But he hadn't expected chatter. "Ah… you can call me John, sure. But you'll have to ask Phil about the missions. I just got off a long flight, though — jet lag's hitting me. I should really get some rest."
James smiled pleasantly, stepping aside. "Of course. Rest is vital. We'll talk more at the meeting."
Garrett gave a polite nod and walked away quickly, feeling like he'd just sidestepped a landmine.
The moment he was gone, Coulson pulled James into an empty corridor. His face was taut, voice urgent. "Is John compromised? You took longer than usual to confirm. What did you see?"
James studied him. "You're close to him, aren't you?"
"Yes," Coulson admitted, too fast. "We trained together. He's risked his life for me more times than I can count. James… tell me if he's clean." His hands gripped James's shoulders tighter than necessary, enough to sting.
James's tone sharpened. "Phil. Control yourself. We're agents. We don't get to lose it, no matter how personal it feels. Am I wrong?"
The words cut through. Coulson drew back, forcing himself to breathe, jaw tight. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's not your fault. It's his choice. Tell me straight."
James exhaled. "Yes, Garrett has a problem. He's higher up than you, he knows more, and he's using that leverage in secret. He isn't purely Hydra, not in the loyalist sense. He's using Hydra to chase his own obsession."
Coulson frowned. "What obsession?"
"His health," James said evenly. "He's dying. His body's failing. He's been experimenting, trying to strengthen himself, extend his life. That's his motive. He doesn't care if it drags him into Hydra's orbit. He's not the man you knew."
Coulson's face twisted. "He risked his life with me a dozen times. All of that… and now he betrays it? For this?"
"People change," James said, voice firm. "Some lose their path, some sell it. Survival isn't the only thing why Garrett joined Hydra. He wants power to go with it. So don't waste hope on him."
Coulson nodded slowly, his hands clenched at his sides. "I won't say anything. Fury's plan stays intact. Did you get anything else from him?"
James's eyes narrowed. "He's sitting on a list. Many aren't S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel, but one name stands out."
"Who?" Coulson pressed.
"Alexander Pierce."
Coulson almost said it aloud, then swallowed the shout. His voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "Pierce? The Secretary of the World Security Council?"
James kept his tone casual, though the weight in his eyes said otherwise. "Of course. Permanent member of the World Security Council. Nick Fury's immediate superior. Former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. itself."
Coulson's color drained. Sweat beaded at his temples. "If Pierce is compromised… no wonder Hydra spread so far. That level of protection? It explains everything."
"Then tell Fury," James said. "But be careful. Pierce is untouchable for now. I can't shake his hand and hold on long enough. I can't risk direct contact. But Hydra has reach at the top, and that's what matters."
Coulson steadied himself, nodding. "Alright. Tomorrow I'll handle your promotion. Official recognition, so you can move more freely. You've earned it. Just… keep quiet about Pierce until Fury decides the play."
James gave a short nod. "Agreed. Keep your emotions in check, Phil. Hydra will use that against you."
Elsewhere, in the dim office of Alexander Pierce, the conversation was quieter but far more dangerous.
"John," Pierce said, his tone cool, "I hear your operations are getting sloppy. Don't let Fury catch your scent."
Garrett shrugged, unbothered. "I don't have the luxury of time, Pierce. My body's failing. I need solutions, and S.H.I.E.L.D. won't give them to me. I have to find my own way."
Pierce's gaze sharpened. "And in rushing, you risk our entire plan. You saw what happened in New York. One mistake, and Hydra's entire network in that branch was wiped out overnight. We still can't fill that gap. Fury is relentless. Don't hand him an opening."
Garrett grunted. "Fine. But tell me—what's with James Gibson? His promotions are moving too fast. He's only been with S.H.I.E.L.D. for a year. Billionaire or not, that doesn't explain anything."
Pierce leaned back, calm as stone. "He earned it. He's delivered results no one else could. The Helicarrier's AI program? All his work. S.H.I.E.L.D. can't ignore that. Not even I can block it."
Garrett's lip curled. "So? Can we bring him in? Hydra could use a mind like that."
Pierce shook his head slowly. "New York already tried. The woman they sent washed up on a beach barely recognizable. Hydra underestimated him. That mistake cost them dearly."
"He's that dangerous?" Garrett asked, voice lower now.
Pierce's answer was flat. "His family destroyed the Fraternity, John. The Fraternity — gone because of him and his father alone. Their skill set is beyond what most intelligence reports can capture. Don't underestimate the Gibsons."
Garrett considered that, then shifted topics. "If he stays at HQ, our plan gets harder. And Fury wants Captain America for the Avengers initiative. Iron Man, Black Widow, Hawkeye… now James? That team is a direct threat to us."
Pierce's mouth curved into a thin, cold smile. "Then we don't let them gather. We don't let them ruin the plan. Threats can be broken before they fully form."
The two men sat in silence for a moment, Hydra's weight heavy in the room.