The beginning of 2013 brought a new challenge for Grant Ward, one that combined the sophistication of alien devices with the intrigue of clandestine organizations. He found himself in Paris, engaged in a critical mission to recover a Chitauri device that had fallen into the wrong hands. The tension was palpable, not only because of the value of the target, but also because of the looming presence of a hacker organization known as the Rising Tide, who had knowledge of the device's location. Grant knew this was the beginning of the Agents of Shield series.
Grant stood in a sleek, modern office building, his infiltration skills in full effect. With his tracking device disabled, he moved through the hallways with the precision of a ghost. The building was silent, save for the occasional sound of a door closing or distant footsteps. Grant was dressed in a dark suit, perfectly blending into his surroundings. His mission was simple: retrieve the Chitauri device from a safe and leave without being seen.
He reached the room where the safe was hidden. With the skill of a master, Grant bypassed the security measures and opened the safe, successfully retrieving the device. But before he could leave, he heard a familiar sound: footsteps. Quickly, he hid in the shadows, watching as the guards patrolled the area. He waited patiently until the room was empty again, then headed for the exit.
Grant arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, where Maria was waiting for him. They were both in a formal setting, which required them to maintain a professional demeanor despite their personal proximity.
"So, you did it," Maria said, looking at the device Grant had recovered. "Good job, Grant."
"As always, that's what I'm here for," Grant replied, his tone professional, but with a smile that suggested the intimacy of their personal relationship.
As they reviewed the details of the mission, Maria asked a question that intrigued her.
"Do you know what 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' stands for?"
Grant looked at her with a curious expression.
— Yes, of course. "Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
Maria nodded, apparently satisfied with the answer.
— It's good to know that you're up to date with the information. — She began, her tone now more contemplative. — The world has changed a lot since the invasion of New York last year. Things are not as they used to be. And with that, we're assembling a new team, and you're going to be the second in command.
Grant frowned, surprised and intrigued.
— Under whose command?
At that moment, the lights in the interrogation room dimmed and a familiar figure emerged from the shadows: Phil Coulson, with an enigmatic smile on his face.
— Welcome to my team, Grant. — Coulson said.
Grant was surprised to see Coulson there, still alive and now promoted to Level 8, the same as him. He knew that Coulson had survived Loki's attack. Grant is happy to know that Coulson is fine, but he has to pretend for the rest of his life as if he doesn't know what's going on from now on.
Grant thought it best to hide what he knows through his past life in the back of his mind and try to forget. He thinks it's better because that way he doesn't have to review what he says all the time and feel sad about lying to people he loves. So he decides, he will bury the memory of his past life in the back of his mind and won't access it anymore, maybe only in some specific situations to manipulate what will happen.
"Phil!" Grant exclaimed. "I didn't know you were back and promoted to level 8. That's... surprising."
"I know." Coulson smiled. "But the world changes, and we need to adapt. We're putting together a new team, and you're a fundamental part of it."
"What about the other Avengers?" Grant asked. "Do they know about this?"
"Not exactly." Maria replied. — They're not Level 7. This team will be something a little different, more focused on covert operations and specific tasks.
Coulson then went into detail about the new team's first mission. They would have to help a man who saved a person using powers similar to Captain America's and find a hacker who had his location. It was a complex mission, but Coulson had full confidence in the team he was forming.
"And to recruit the other members of the team," Coulson continued. "I'm going to get Melinda May, Jemma Simmons, and Fitz. Each of them will bring valuable skills to the group."
Meanwhile, Coulson headed to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s administration, where Melinda May was transitioning her career. She had retired from the field after a mission in Bahrain, but she still had the codename "Cavalry" and a Level 7, a wealth of combat experience and high-risk operations.
Coulson found Melinda in his office, reviewing some papers. He entered with a resolute expression.
"Melinda, I hope you don't mind my visit," Coulson said, his tone friendly but professional. "We need you for a new mission." Melinda looked at Coulson with interest.
"What do you have in mind, Phil?" "We're putting together a new team," Coulson explained. "And I'd like you to join us. Your experience and skills are exactly what we need." "And who else is on this team?" Melinda asked, her curiosity evident.
"Grant Ward will be second in command," Coulson replied. "And we'll also be working with Jemma Simmons and Fitz. They're brilliant scientists and will be essential to our mission." Melinda thought for a moment, considering the proposal.
"If Grant is on the team, then it's a big deal," she said with a slight smile. "I'm in." Grant arrived at the team's meeting place, a bus that was actually a highly modified plane. He was greeted by Jemma Simmons and Fitz, the team's brilliant scientists.
"Hello, Grant," Jemma said, extending her hand. "I'm Jemma Simmons. I look forward to working with you."
"Nice to meet you, Jemma," Grant replied, shaking her hand. "I've heard a lot about you and Fitz."
Fitz chimed in, smiling enthusiastically.
"Hello, Grant!" he said. "I'm Leo Fitz. Jemma and I work in cutting-edge technology. If you need anything, just ask."
Grant smiled, impressed by the energy of the two scientists.
"I'm sure you'll be a great asset to the team," he said. "Let's do this."
Jemma and Fitz led him into the interior of the plane, where he could see the impressive equipment and technology the team would use on their missions. Grant felt a surge of excitement and responsibility as he looked at the team and the resources at their disposal.
Coulson's new team was now assembled, discussing their plan of action. The mood was serious, but there was a sense of camaraderie and determination.
Coulson opened the meeting with a detailed explanation of the mission, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the team members.
"Our first mission will be to locate and protect a man with extraordinary abilities and capture a hacker who knows his location," Coulson said. "Each of you has a crucial role to play, and I have complete confidence in your abilities."
Grant looked around, seeing the seriousness on each team member's faces. There was a sense of collective purpose that inspired him.
"We are ready for this," Grant said confidently. "We will ensure that this mission is a success."
The team prepared for takeoff, knowing that they were about to face a challenge that would require all of their skill, intelligence, and cooperation. This was a new beginning, and Grant was ready to lead and work alongside his new colleagues to ensure safety and justice.
The plane took off into the sky, carrying the team toward their first mission together. With each member playing a vital role, the new team was poised to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with, facing threats and challenges with courage and determination. Grant felt renewed, ready to face what lay ahead and lead the team to success.