Evening — S.H.I.E.L.D. Interrogation Room
"I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Senator Murdoch spread his hands, looking exasperated as he sat under the harsh white light. "As a senator from Austin, it's my duty to make the city's economy flourish."
"Yes, I introduced the Bryans to Mr. Collins Mack — but that was just to help both parties cooperate.
I didn't even take a cent in commission. You can check my accounts! That alone proves my intentions were pure — to make Austin better!"
He sighed dramatically before continuing, "As for the attack on Mr. Korok Moses, I deeply regret what happened. I did visit him, yes — but only to wish him well."
"I didn't threaten anyone. And as for the Bryans disappearing or their company dissolving? I don't know a thing. I'm a politician, not a businessman!"
Murdoch crossed his arms and leaned back. "You people arrested me without evidence. I'll be filing a formal complaint!"
Outside the glass, Nick Fury watched him silently. His single eye flicked toward Coulson, who stood beside him.
"Can we use the account book you mentioned as evidence?" Fury asked.
Coulson shook his head. "Not for Murdoch — he's too clean. But for Mayor James Rondo? That's a different story."
He opened the digital file on his tablet. "The records from Collins Mack's books show a large chunk of Rondo's campaign funds came from unauthorized sources. According to federal election law, that's illegal fundraising — enough to force him out of office."
Coulson hesitated, then looked at Fury. "But Director, you've seen those records. It's not just Rondo. There are a lot of names in there. If this leaks, the fallout could be massive—"
"I know," Fury cut him off, his voice low and sharp. He turned to leave, coat swaying behind him.
"Finish it. Use the account book to push Rondo out of the mayor's chair. Once he's no longer protected by his office, we'll have time on our side."
He paused at the door, glancing back at the interrogation room. "And Coulson… no one disappears forever. Not the Bryans. Not that empty lab. Everything leaves a trail. Find it."
"Yes, sir," Coulson said firmly.
A moment later, down the corridor.
"Director," Coulson called after him. "On our way from New York to Austin, we were attacked by a hidden base in the valley. There was—"
"I know," Fury interrupted without slowing down. "The base was completely destroyed. Not a byte of data survived. Tech is trying to reconstruct what they can, but the only thing we found was missile purchase records."
He gave a grim smile. "And guess who the supplier was? Stark Industries."
Coulson frowned.
"Impossible," he muttered. "Tony shut down the weapons division years ago."
"Exactly," Fury said. "Tony confirmed there's no record of such a sale. Which means someone's been using his name to move weapons. Whoever's behind this has deep pockets — and deep access."
Coulson didn't respond. They both knew what that meant. A ghost organization moving under the radar — framing Stark, creating orcs, experimenting on civilians.
Another Hydra? Or something worse?
The next morning — aboard the Quinjet.
Kai sat comfortably, peeling another orange while watching Drake the orc sit obediently, hands folded.
"So," Kai said casually, "what's the plan for him?"
Drake glanced at Coulson nervously. He wanted to know the same thing. Hopefully, it didn't involve scalpels.
Coulson smiled faintly. "We'll interrogate him further. Once we've confirmed everything he knows, he'll be transferred to a specialized S.H.I.E.L.D. containment unit."
He turned to Drake. "Look, I understand you were being controlled. But you still—"
"I get it!" Drake interrupted, holding up his hands. "Just lock me up. That's fine. I'll cooperate. I'll tell you everything I know. I don't ever want to be someone's weapon again."
He looked genuinely broken for a moment, then hesitated. "Uh… can I have another orange?"
Kai blinked. Then, wordlessly, he handed one over.
As Drake bit into it, his eyes widened. "Sweet… wait—did you buy this from Aunt Barbara's fruit stall on First Main Street?"
Kai nodded, saying nothing.
When the Quinjet landed and Drake was escorted away, Kai pulled out a small bag of oranges and handed it to him.
Drake froze, clutching the bag as Kai walked off.
For the first time in a long while, the orc smiled.
"Yeah," he muttered to himself. "He's a good guy."
Following behind, Coulson couldn't help but smile.
He'd been with S.H.I.E.L.D. long enough to see the worst humanity had to offer — greed, power, cruelty. But every so often, he'd meet someone who reminded him why they still fought.
Kai might act lazy, sarcastic, and perpetually "off duty," but deep down, he was one of the kindest agents Coulson had ever met.
"Come on," Coulson said, grinning at Melinda. "It's lunchtime. I know a great spot in New York."
"Long live Coulson!" Simmons cheered from across the deck.
Fitz, blushing furiously, took a deep breath — and held Simmons' hand.
She smiled at him, and he smiled back.
For once, everything felt normal.
Another beautiful day at S.H.I.E.L.D.