Chapter 16: The Helicarrier's Fall
The Helicarrier, a marvel of S.H.I.E.L.D. engineering, was supposed to be a fortress in the sky. Instead, it was becoming a flying death trap. Adama, watching the internal schematics flicker across Morgan's holographic display in their hidden base, felt a familiar knot of apprehension. He knew what was coming: the internal sabotage, the Hulk's rampage, and the tragic, yet necessary, death of Agent Coulson.
"Alright, so the big flying boat is about to get a few new, unplanned ventilation systems," Adama quipped, though his usual sarcasm was tinged with a grim edge. "And our favorite S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is about to become a very effective plot device."
Morgan looked up, her brow furrowed. "Coulson? But... can't we save him? He's a good guy, Adama. He's our guy, kind of."
"Ah, the moral dilemma. The fun part of being a timeline guardian. Do you save the one, or preserve the many? Usually, it's the many, and the one gets to be a martyr."
Adama sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Morgs. Believe me, if I could, I'd wrap him in bubble wrap and send him to a nice, quiet beach in Tahiti. But his death... it's the catalyst. It's what truly brings the Avengers together. Without it, they might still be bickering over who gets the last donut."
He activated the System. "Oracle's Gaze. Helicarrier. Internal conflict. Coulson's location."
[System Message] Query accepted. 10 Non-Permanent Luck Points spent. Oracle's Gaze confirms internal conflict on Helicarrier. Warning: Agent Coulson's demise is a critical nexus point. Do not interfere with his fate.
The System's warning was stark, absolute. It reinforced what Adama already knew. He couldn't save Coulson. But he could make his death count. And he could minimize the other casualties.
"Okay," Adama said, a plan forming. "We can't save him, but we can make sure he's in the right place to be found. And we can make sure the Helicarrier doesn't completely disintegrate over a populated area."
Morgan nodded, her expression grim but resolute. "What's the play?"
"Send an anonymous tip to Coulson's comms. Something about 'unstable power conduits in sector 7, recommend immediate evacuation to medical bay for routine check-up.' It'll get him to the right place, so Fury can find him. And then, we'll use a little luck to make sure the Helicarrier's descent is... controlled."
Morgan, ever efficient, began typing. "Got it. 'Routine check-up.' He'll probably think it's just another S.H.I.E.L.D. bureaucracy thing. Perfect."
Later, as the Helicarrier spiraled out of control, its massive engines sputtering, Adama focused his will. He couldn't stop the fall, but he could influence its trajectory, guiding it towards a less populated area, ensuring it crashed into the water rather than a city block.
[System Message] Luck Manipulation initiated. Tip successfully delivered to Agent Coulson. 5 Non-Permanent Luck Points spent.
The news reports were chaotic, filled with images of the damaged Helicarrier, the frantic rescue efforts. And then, the somber announcement of Agent Coulson's death. Adama felt a pang of genuine sadness. He might have known it was coming, but it didn't make it any less impactful.
"He was a good man," Morgan said quietly, her eyes fixed on the screen.
"He was," Adama agreed, his voice soft. "And his sacrifice won't be in vain. This... this is what brings them together. The Avengers."
He knew the cost. He felt the weight of it. But he also knew the necessity. The Helicarrier had fallen, a hole in the sky, but it had also forged a team. And that, in the grand scheme of things, was a victory. A grim one, but a victory nonetheless.
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