2014-02-16 - The Death of a Dream: The Cold Fingers of Death

Mirny Diamond Mine; Eastern Siberia Russia. Local time: Noon. Time on the Eastern Coast of the United States? 7pm. Jet lag is a thing.

The ghost town above the gaping strip-mined pit is dead. Buildings are falling apart, crumbling into themselves. Snow and ice sparkle like the diamonds previously mined from the area. If it wasn’t for the handful of beekeepers and green-suited goons milling around a nearly-collapsed warehouse not too far from the lip of the pit.

SHIELD’s Mobile Command Facility is filled with state-of-the-art equipment. Multiple screens live showing feeds of every operative on this mission-- everyone who has accepted it would have been issued a small headcam, bringing up visual, infrared, thermal, and uv spectrum and feeding it back to ops. There are also emergency medical facilities, not that anyone is intending on using them.

“Damn,” the Deputy Director of SHIELD says from within the mobile operations center. “It looks like they got here first.” She studies the multiple screens, brow furrowed. “Well, there’s nothing to do about it now. We need to get in and make sure they do not get out with the serum.” To say nothing of the desire by both herself and Director Fury to acquire an amount of the serum for SHIELD’s potential use later.

Natasha Romanova, Code Name: Black Widow, calls up the layout of the facility on the main screen, leaning forward slightly over the console. Her normal skin-tight bodysuit has been overlayed, it seems, with a set of high-tech armor the likes of which SHIELD does not have, obviously designed for stealth and flexibility, catering to the woman's particular skill set, but still wrapping her in far more protection than she had before.

“All right. I may have trained here,” she says coolly, “but as for where the serum is more likely to be located?” She shakes her head. “I do not know exactly. There are multiple areas-- the labs are a likely spot,” she gestures to their location on the map with each area she mentions. “As is cold storage. The dormitories are here, if we can manage to get ahold of any of the notes, that would be good, and it’s possible the scientists working here may have left them in their bunkrooms if not in the labs. Anything we can’t bring with us, I want destroyed.” Her face is grim. “We cannot allow Skull or any others to replicate anything that they find here.”

Her gaze slides over the assembled men and women nominally under her command for this operation: spies, operations administrators, superheroes, and scientists. Irregardless of her relationship to any of them, they all receive the same cold, considering look, the same regard a mechanic may have for his tools: respectful of their function, but certainly not emotional. There is a mission at hand, and to the Black Widow, everyone in the command center is a tool in her arsenal, nothing more or less.

“If you find the serum, take what you can carry on you, destroy anything else. The same goes for anything that looks like notes or instructions.” She considers the map again. “Hawkeye, you’re with me. We’ll head to the Cold Storage near the cafeteria-- and Clint, you’re in charge.” What? Hawkeye? Well, Widow is commanding the overall mission, perhaps that’s why. “Cap, you lead the team going to the labs-- you’re likely to encounter the most resistance.” She considers the rest, then nods slightly. “Pym and McCoy, you two have the dorms, though Pym, it’s your team. If there’s anything that looks useful, you’ll be the ones best suited to find it. Little Daisy, you lead the team on the top level of the complex. Check out the motor pool.” She gives the younger woman a curiously blank look.

“The rest of you, I trust your judgment, call out what team you’ll be following with. And let’s get going. The longer we stand here, the more time Skull and his little cabal have to find what they are looking for.” Widow turns towards the door of the mobile command center, her hand finding Hawkeye’s shoulder and patting it lightly as she passes him.

COLD STORAGE: Not leaving anything up to chance, Spider-Woman nods to Widow, and chooses to follow them. "I'll break off and cover the hallways in the vicinity, I'll handle any beekeepers that I come across."She is armored as well, where there is not armor unstable molecules and kevlar remain, however not impervious it is better than the skin tight suit she used to wear. Clearly a Stark design, she pushes a button behind her ear and tests her new built-in comm system, sending static over the air.

Spider-Woman sends a static test over the air. She says nothing but all will hear a crackling through their coms.

COLD STORAGE: Cold Storage is a giant walk in freezer spanning hundreds of square feet in space with a temperature hoving roughly around ten degrees or so Fahrenheit. It is used to store extra food and experiments that are in suspended animation. Giant meat hooks hang from the ceiling, some of which have bodies or grotesque mutated things of unidentifiable nature hanging from them. The lights constantly flicker, the floor is slippery, and the entire area is densely packed and so there is little room to maneuver for fighting. Also there are several secure bins scattered about it that are sealed over with vibranium locks and have ‘HAZARD’ stickers on them.

CAFETERIA: A couple dozen tables are set around barracks style that can each hold about 20 or so people. There is a heavily automated kitchen that smells like a high school cafeteria, but probably has better food quality - just don’t ask what the mystery meat is (probably failed experiments). There are a half dozen entrances leading to and fro, and the cafeteria is a central staging point throughout the base, but otherwise does not immediately access critical areas and is not a chokepoint by any means.

DORMITORIES/REC AREA: At first glance, this open area appears to be a recreation room, though, from the layer of dust, it hasn't been used in ages. Set of free weights, dulled and tarnished from lack of maintenance, sit in a far corner, while moth-eaten furniture reeking of mildew are thrown in an opposite corner, huddled around an archaic television. There are tables in the center for use, and even an old table tennis table, the net long since rotted away.

From the rec room, three hallways extend out, from the east, west and north walls, with what appears to be dormitories for each hallway. The eastern hallway has a row of ten doors, five to a side, with one side having doors with giant red hourglasses painted, while the other side just a solid black. Peering inside one of these rooms, double bunks visible, but not much else in the way of furniture. The Western hallways looks to be similar in design, with 5 doors to each side. However, the doors are unremarkable and, while there are double bunks here as well, there are a few other niceties present in various rooms. A labcoat thrown hastily over a long-abandoned bunk would make it appear that this is where the technicians resided. Finally, the northern hallway has ten rooms, but with single bunks and even more creature comforts, most likely home for the officers that once roamed the complex.

MOTOR POOL: Daisy Johnson looks at Agent Ward, and Banner after the areas are assigned. An additional two SHIELD Agents - Ward may recognize them as demolition experts, follow in tow. As she departs the Mobile Command unit, and makes her way towards the Motor Pool, "Do not stray," she tells the two, evenly, as if she had authority over them. Then again, this is Nicky Fury's protoge. Despite wearing gauntlets on each hand, her guns fire without pause, felling several thugs and goons blocking their way in. She doesn't even blink an eye as they move fluidly towards their area.

MOTOR POOL: This open room, at the top of the facility, is where various vehicles had been stored, maintenanced, and repaired while the facility was in use. Now, it is abandoned, though along the walls still hang several rusted, well-used tools. A handful of drums that may have once held oil or gasoline--might still, perhaps?--are scattered throughout the room. A pair of ancient snowmobiles sit, unused, in the back of the motor pool, and it is not obvious initially if they work. Three vehicles in various states of rust and taken apart sit in various vehicle bays. Apparently finishing their repairs and removing them was not considered a high priority when the facility was abandoned.

LABS: These laboratories might have been state-of-the-art fifty years ago. Now they show clear signs of neglect and decay. Once-white walls are tinged yellowish. Tables and workstations are covered in a layer of dust and grime from disuse. Microscopes, centrifuges, glassware, and various other lab equipment has been left out throughout the lab, as if abandoned in the middle of experimentation. One set of walls, the ones against the long hallway outside, are half-wall to the middle, and some variant of bullet-resistant glass on the upper half, that anyone out in the hallway can observe anything going on in the lab proper. Lighting in the area is provided by dust-covered hanging fluorescent lights.

MOTOR POOL: Doctor Banner listens and follows Johnson out of the unit, he is wearing only a cheap, light jacket over normal clothing, no sense wearing anything too nice. He watches the goons get mowed down and walks into the motor pool. Mumbling to himself, Banner frowns and glances around the room, trying to see if anyone else wants to wish them a warm welcome.

MOTOR POOL: In the motor pool, an array of beekeeper-masked AIM Agents and Hydra Enforcers are going about thier normal routines. Some are doing maintenance over on the vehicles, others are loading munitions. Some are playing cards.

One AIM Agent is playing what looks like a Game Man, "Dangit, Pikachu always gets away.."

COLD STORAGE: Hawkeye is decked out in his new armour as well. Atlantean made scale mail formed like his more classic uniform, but with a helmet instead of a cowl. He liked it had style and thanks to a few modifications it also had a com-system and low-light vision. He clicks the former on in response to Jess's static test, confirming his worked then nods when Nat taps his shoulder. "Let's do this," he says clicking his bow out into readiness.

COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Answering static crackles over the line.” COMMS: Wasp says, “Hank and Hank, meet you by the dorms in a moment. I have something I need to do.” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach taps the comm on her side, "We are live at Command. Monitoring feed."

COLD STORAGE: Widow moves fast, maybe not the speed she once could, but fast enough. She gives Hawkeye a quick, knowing glance, and is out of the command center, arms up, her stings firing and beginning to take out the Beekeepers and HYDRA goons around the warehouse entrance, leading the way.

LABS: Captain American looks to She-Hulk and the S.H.I.E.L.D. team with him. "Com Check. Shield priority channel 12.34." He says as his team approaches the hole with them. The S.H.I.E.L.D. team was repelling in, She-Hulk and Captain America would be making their own way in. "Ladies and Gentleman, watch each other's back. Remember it's not hiding behind a girl when her name is consider She-Hulk. You get hurt pull back." He grins at Jen, "She-Hulk smash." Then he nods to her as he unslings his shield from his shoulder and dives in. He has a thing about not using Parachutes.

When Captain America team makes it way to the lab itself. He's assigned Jen to keep anything from sneaking up on them. The shield agent point man kicks open the door to the lab. Then the team asserts in into the room looking around.

COMMS: Black Widow says, “Entryway clear. Let's go.” COMMS: Captain America says, “Lab team breaching the Lab.”

COLD STORAGE: C.A.T. had giving Captain America one hell of a kiss before they parted ways. Only he likely would have heard the: 'Be careful, please.' That Special Officer is not known for being emotional, and the way her hands lingered on Cap would likely be thought odd in their 'quiet moment' before they parted from each other. Currently, C.A.T. is following Black Widow's orders, her inhuman eyes slightly narrowed and her brightly painted mouth pressed into a thin line. She hates this place and the memories it brings forward, the sheer isolation. She's borderline sociopath, and Cap helps pull her back from that edge, and the reason for her emotional state? This place. Her stomach rolls, but she has a real done, and not her normal sleeping darts today. Furthermore, her cats aren't here as her backup. She is mostly staying out of the way right now, letting the others pop off shots at one another.

MOTOR POOL: Grant Ward pulls down the bacalava he's wearing, and straps down his helmet. It's more overtly military gear than he normally uses on operations, but this isn't exactly a normal operation. The submachinegun he's carrying doesn't fire nearly so often as Daisy's, but each short burst is precise, pinging down stragglers that Daisy misses while keeping relatively close in behind her. A quick glances is sent towards Dr. Banner, and while it's not nervous, there -is- a touch of wariness to be had. That's the kind of variable he's not terribly fond of having along, but it's not really his call. Deal with the problems that are in front of you, not the problems you -might- have to deal with. He moves to the edge of the motor pool, taking cover behind a wall and peeking further within, keying his subvocal microphone for a moment before looking to Daisy to see what her play is.

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Maria Hill paces with arms crossed lightly over her chest. Everything was prepped and ready for the operation though she takes one final check over everything. "Agents," she calls out to those on deck. "You all know how serious this is. I dont have to let you know how important each and every one of your roles are. I want you on your toes. If anything you see or hear seems suspicious? I want to know. We are not going to miss any detail that might ruin this op. Agent Mitchell," she adds pointing to a junior agent that was currently in the proverbal dog house with her, "Will be our on-call coffee runner. You need a refill you flag him down but dont you dare take your eyes off the screens. Any information relays are being handled by Agent Eirissach." Hill nods toward Ceciannia before she stops and leans her hands down on one of the control consoles. "Now. Ears on, eyes open. Boots are on the ground."

COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Eyes on hostiles in the motor pool. Mixed bag of snakes and keepers. Don't look like they're expecting company.” COLD STORAGE: Hands glowing yellow, Spider-Woman takes their six, she runs backwards, taking out the Beekeepers at their back. She stops, hearing Widow's blasts, and focuses on the goons. One... two... three... four... "Magic number," she says before spinning around, running with speed and grace towards where Cold Storage should be, looking for Natasha and Clint.

SECURITY: As the orders are given, Janet leaves....but not with any group. Immediately, Janet reduces her size, assuming the half inch form she normally operates with. Wings out, she dips and dives through the unsuspecting troups, using her miniscle size and speed to her advantage. Sliding through ventilation exhausts to enter the complex, she navigates through the ducts until she finds what she needs....the central security control room. Jan flitters out of the vent, checking for any trouble, then immediately returns to normal size. From a pocket within her costume (wait, she had pockets?) Jan produces a device and attaches it to the security console. From the appearance, the device is wireless...and definitely technie. Probably a present from Mr Stark.

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Sitting at one of the comm stations, Agent Cecannia Eirissach chimes, "Aye Aye Commander, all feeds are live, all vid links are active. Ready for relay and coordination." She gives a quick flick of the button that switches to backup frequencies to test them bfeore switching back to primaries. "Auxiliary frequencies respond, no sign of jamming or electric interference. NO signs of heavy comm chatter, don't think they've noticed us yet."

LABS: Jen grins at Cap, cracking her huge knuckles and then just...she's not using a parachute either. Or rappelling. After all, they're going to trash this place. Why NOT start with a She-Hulk-induced crater right under the hole? She jumps down at about the same time as Cap, bending her knees and back slightly on landing. Yup. Small crater. Her emerald eyes gleam as she looks around for targets. Or equipment they can't take with them. "And sure, hide behind me. I'm used to it!"

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Tony Stark himself is here, with his Iron Man suit currently actually in a briefcase that rest by his chair. He has a laptop-like device he custom built just for this job. He currently has it integrated with the S.H.I.E.L.D. computer systems. Yes, he can view most anything wirelessly, but honestly? Sometimes you don't want to risk your mind unless you absolutely have to so he built this system specifically to help protect his mind as he hacks. Currently, he's waiting for Wasp to respond as he sent her head about forty-five minutes earlier to infiltrate to hook up a device so that Stark could hack the inbuilt security systems of the facility. That means in there for almost an hour, without backup, alone, and radio silence until the job is done. He is seriously stressing out right now.

PORTAL ROOM: As they approach the turn off to the cold storage, Natasha nods to Hawkeye. "It's your command, Barton," she reminds him. She doesn't have to say anything else. He knows what her actual purpose is. And she breaks away, darting down a side hallway, going deeper intot he facility-- firing at anyone she sees on her way.

They may not know about the training facility on the lowest level. They should not know. But she has to keep it out of their hands anyway. She clicks onto her comm, and says the last thing she plans on speaking over comms on this mission--"Going dark." She reaches up and tears off the cam as well, flinging it behind her down the hallway.

COMMS: Black Widow says, “Going dark.” COMMS: Wasp says, “Wireless connection established. Rock and roll, Tony...” COMMS: Black Widow all communications from Black Widow go offline, voice and video. CAFETERIA: Phil nods as the orders are given. He is wearing body armor and a turtleneck. Outside of his sidearm and knife he carries a few other gadgets, a few grenades, and a carbine. He makes his way out of the command unit and sneaks towards the entrance, popping a couple of shots off at some guards at the doors of the cafeteria, dealing with them quickly enough that he can make his way into the cafeteria with relative ease. Phil is soon through the door and into the cafeteria, a quick sweep of the room reveals little to him, so the agent works his way towards the kitchen. He quietly speaks into his comm.

MOTOR POOL: Daisy makes a hand motion to Ward, signaling for him to move to the other side, to take the AIM agents out. She signals for Banner to stay where he is. The demolitions SHIELD Agents with her move forward, as well.

COMMS: Beast says, “looking forward to your arrival Wasp.”

MOTOR POOL: Some of the beekeepers and otherwise greenly festooned Hydra agents blink a bit at the series of tremors, one of the Hydra agents grumbling, "Dammit, they're not messing around with the Avalanche Machine again, are they? We already lost a couple of guys.."

COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Frequency chatter on other bands is minimal. Enemy operatives as of yet seem unaware of your arrivals.”

DORMS: She's here over with the Eggheads as escort. And because someone has to watch thier backs as they fight through the area. Her nose close to the ground, X-23 skulks through the halls then, readying for breach when the way ahead is marked, her senses honed in case there ar eany surprises up ahead.

COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “In the cafeteria complex, going towards kitchen and main dining room.”

COLD STORAGE: Winter Soldier leads five HYDRA Agents into the Cold Storage, a few moments before any of the SHIELD Agents or Avengers are able to arrive. In thick, Russian-Accented English, he tells them, "The serum is here. All that the Red Skull asked for." And, then he turns. In a smooth movement, the HYDRA goon nearest him is cut open across the throat like a Pez Dispenser. The Winter Soldier grabs the gun, moving the body in front of him like a shield, and those headed to Cold Storage will hear the gunfire as the others try to kill the Winter Soldier; but their friends carcass is a nice bullet sponge. He only needs a few shots to put single shots through their skulls, painting the walls red. "Long live Mother Russia," he spits at their corpses. Then, he bends down to pick up one of their comm units.

CAFETERIA: In the cafe, having not noticed Phil sneaking around are a trio of beekeepers. "Look, remember waht happened to Ted." Another of them speaks up, "Yeah, poor Theodore. How was he to know that His Cranialness was sensitive over about having to put extra boosters over on his hoverchair?" A second sighs, "On the upside, we're getting our protein requirement this month."

LABS: Captain America looks around the labs, "This place looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a while but it's been in use. She-Hulk, Jenkins, Estevez take up defensive positions. Jones, White, Kull, do your science nerd thing." He looks back to She-Hulk. "Seems something got the labies running."

DORMS: Pym is one inch tall and creeping along the hall near a wall. He draws his blaster and gets ready to start stunning the moment his larger team members burst into the hall. The big people draw the attention while the little unseen man zaps everything in a drab uniform. Sounded like a plan.

COLD STORAGE: Hawkeye nods and doesn't look at Natasha when she leaves knowing he's transmitting on video. "Watch your ass," he warns her before he turns back to the SHIELD guys and Spider-Woman who are with him. "Okay, let's move in and take the storage, I have point." Then Hawkeye is moving fast down the corridor expecting, no, hoping his men stick on his six. "Taking the team to storage."

COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Taking the team to storage.”

DORMS: When the intersection is met, C.A.T. breaks off from the other two groups and sticks with Pym's. She actually gives orders on directions on how to reach the location. She also interferes with security footage until she gets a go-ahead that Stark has control over it.

COLD STORAGE: The man in red comes out from the darkness in the Cold Storage facility. "" Red Guardian comments to the Winter SOldier. "<"We will keep them from the serum. All of them.>" He stands strong and tall, like a red headed version of Captain America... he even has a smaller shield, though the hammer and sickle of Russia crosses it. 

DORM Beast had wondered why him and Ant-man had been routed to the dorms and not to the labs with their expertise. He had a feeling he knew but he didn't voice it. He been running through the Halls with the team. But he'd brought a shadow in the form of X-23. As they emerge into the Dorms he looks to her. He sniffs the air, “They've tried to make it look like this place hasn't been in use. But It smells like people have been in the last little bit. It draws him toward the door with dorm room with the lab coat ontop of the bed. Can't lie to the nose.  PORTAL ROOM:"Like Hell you are," Spider-Woman says to herself as she rounds a corner and sees Natasha and Clint take their separate routes. "Sure, Hawk," she says, absently eyeing where Natasha went. She waits for Clint to dip into Cold Storage before she follows Natasha down the hall, stepping on her comm system as she goes. "That crazy bitch," Jessica exhales when she sees the ruin of technology as she races down the hall. Her comm system is built-in, she's not going dark anytime soon. "Spider-Woman on point, heavy resistance near Cold Storage. Breaking off from main."  MOTOR POOL: Banner stays put as requested, crossing his arms and waiting. No doubt they did not want a large, green guest to join the party just yet, but he seems pretty content to do what he has to do. He spots the guards and hears them mention an avalanche machine, raising his brows in response. 

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: The relief that goes across Stark's expression is obvious. And he grins as that relief hits him. He couldn't be happier or prouder of Wasp right now. He starts typing on the holo-screen as he begins to establish the wireless connection and start the hacks. The system is old, but state-of-the-art for its time. Furthermore, it's a custom build in f'ing Russian so he also has to use a translation program at times outside of the actual programming language which he does know. This is going to take some time, but he has a start. He just wish he had more of a start rather than risking sending their people in blind and possibly into an ambush. 

 COMMS: Tony Stark says, “I am accessing the security system now. Three minutes or less for full control. I will provide alerts to locations of HYDRA and AIM goons. Reminder, they aren't the best of friends, you may be able to pit them against each other.” COMMS: Spider-Woman a voice rings clearly over the system, got to love Stark tech, "Spider-Woman on point, heavy resistance near Cold Storage. Breaking off from main." 

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach gives a signal, "Infiltration teams report access and going quiet on comms. MOst units are at entry points and ready for breach." Glancing over at Agent Hill. 

MOTOR POOL: Grant Ward nods to Daisy, reaching down to tap one of the flash-bangs on his belt to let her know what his plan is, and flashing her a quick "three" and "zero" for "thirty seconds" before he moves away, stealthily making his way around the edge of the motor pool, using the rumbles and mild distractions to keep himself undetected until he takes up a position behind a vehicle, withdraws said flash-bang, arms it, and then rolls it along the motor-pool floor to hopefully detonate right in the midst of the largest cluster of AIM mooks. 3...2...1...*BANG* 

 COMMS: Wasp says, “Alright. Tell me when you got full control. Will hang here until you're in.” </i>

TRAINING ROOM/RED ROOM PORTAL: This room is located deep within the facility, on one of the lowest levels. It is large, the walls and floor concrete mixed with lead. The floor is etched with strange patterns inside a giant circle, glinting inlaid precious metals. A pair of very, very old computer banks-- they still even have exposed transistors and vacuum tubes!-- sit on opposite ends of the room. From each bank, a single pair of long, rubber-wrapped cables run to a faded red-painted door frame in the dead center of the room, and the dead-center of the circle on the floor. The door frame has no door in it, and is not attached to any walls, and seems to lead nowhere. Just a red-painted door frame in the middle of the room for no discernable reason. </i>

DORMS: In the dorm were a dozen or so women that had long nails and a variety of whips nad knives over on them. In the midst of them was a tall woman with a green dress, green hair, and green lipstick. Currently #3 on SHIELD's most wanted list, Madame Hydra, aka VIPER walked. "And of course this fodder can barely handle itself with something simple." </i>

MOTOR POOL: The flash fills the air as one of the AIM Mooks screams, "OH GOD IT'S THE BEES!" A cry of.. Confusion? Horror? Is picked up over by one of the Hydra Agents in the area, "IT'S THE SQUIRRELS!" Now /THAT/ seems to have set off what can.. Not quite be defined as panic but.. Seems to be very, very bad as far as whatever reaction it is inducing. </i>

SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Hill nods an affirmative only to glance over at Tony regarding him only a moment before looking away. "Keep the extraction team apprised of the situation, Agent Eirissach." Her hand lifts to wave the poor Junior Agent over order, "Coffee, extra sugar. Make sure Stark stays caffeinated as well." </i>

MOTOR POOL: Daisy, and the two Agents with her take advantage. There is no taking of prisoners, here. There is only death, clean, swift in the confusion and brightness. Her gun rings out a few times, felling various AIM and HYDRA goons. "Ward," she breathes, unexcited, calm, collected, "Take Agent Grift and branch out. Eliminate any opposition. Touch nothing without alerting me, first. If you see anything unusual, use the comms." Her tone brooks no argument. "Banner, Agent Smith, you're with me." </i>

 COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Initial hostiles removed from Motor Pool. Sweeping the area, now.” </i>

SECURITY: 3 minutes. That could be an eternity, but Janet is a patient sort, at least for the moment. She locks the door, then props a chair under the doorknob, just in case. She then drops her size once more, flying up towards the vent...waiting for the confirmation that the security system is all wrapped up. </i>

COLD STORAGE: Spider-Woman breaks off from the group and Hawkeye curses "Futz!" he taps his comms. "Storage team is down Widow and Spider-Woman both have broken from the group. If anyone's got some spare guys I could use 'em." Still Hawkeye keeps going, then rounds the corner into Cold Storage proper and sees the Red Cap looking guy and the guy with the cyborg arm waiting for them. Even as he draws and fires an explosive arrow between them he says "Okay this looks bad," then he's ducking back out of the doorway to avoid return fire while his men catch up. "Encountered hostiles in Cold Storage," he says over comms. </i>

LABS: "I noticed," Shulkie says to Cap, moving to block one of the doorways. She pretty much does actually...block it. Nothing's getting past her. Of course, that probably means the bad guys will come in a different way, past the poor human agents. </i>

 COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Storage team is down Widow and Spider-Woman both have broken from the group. If anyone's got some spare guys I could use 'em.” COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Encountered hostiles in Cold Storage” </i>

PORTAL ROOM: The door was open. Bozhe moy, the gods-damned door was open. </i>

The only surviving (as far as she knew) Black Widow puts on the speed as she moves down the hallway, unknowing of Spider-Woman following her. She is silent, even in the armor she wears, wrist guns cranked to maximum charge. She skids through the door, prepared to take out whatever idiots had decided to-- </i>

"Oh no." Natasha fires, quickly taking down the first a literally dozens of HYDRA in the room. </i>

Right beside the computer system? A tall, bald man with one evil-looking red arm. And Baron von Strucker does /not/ look pleased to see her. </i>

MOTOR POOL: Banner sighs and follows Daisy quietly. The killing does not sit well with him, in fact he looks a bit upset at it. Banner shakes his head and says as he gets closer, "Just let me know when to call in the Other Guy." His voice is pretty quiet, and he shivers a little. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Squirrels? What the heck is -that- about? Ward can't really complain, though, as he slips out from behind his cover, the suppressed submachinegun again firing in quick, accurate bursts, the caseless armor-piercing ammunition designed to punch right through the beta-cloth garments HYDRA and AIM long since pirated from SHIELD. In the confusion and panic, it's almost like shooting fish in a barrel. The double-magazine is extracted, swapped to the fresh side, and one more quick burst drops another "Beekeeper" before Ward visually scans for any signs of further hostiles. Not seeing any for the moment, and hearing Daisy's words, Ward nods, "Copy." He gestures for Grift to follow and starts in the opposite direction from which Daisy and her crew are moving, senses alert for anything particularly unusual or out of place. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Agent Eirissach nods at Commander Hill, "Aye Aye. Confirm breach teams. Assault en place and engaging. Maintaining updates." A three dimensional holographic array showing the base and maintaining positions of all personnel wtihin is now flickering to life. "Hostiles are live." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Ant-Man says, “Command this is Mini-Me. I have contact with Viper leading a squad.” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Confirm breach. All units clear to engage, expect enemies to be on alert." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Winter Soldier replies back to his comrade, in Russian. << I am as loyal as I ever was, comrade. Remain here, and keep the serum out of their hands. >> He points, << That one is a problem. I am going after him. >> He throws the AK-47 over his back by it's strap. And, he moves cleanly, smoothly without hurry after Hawkeye. << They will not escape the facility, comrade. >> He assures the 'Red Captain America'. Then, he's slipping out of Cold Storage, to pursue his prey. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: And so they do. The HYDRA agents in their green and yellow armour sweep out of their hiding places with weapons blazing shouting "HAIL HYDRA" as they open fire on the human SHIELD agents. Though that is not the only thing they are sending at the SHIELD agents a torrent of little metal balls are let loose and they roll into the lab with blinking lights on them, explosives! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Tony Stark says, “I have full access to the...holy hell! You know guys, there is a reason I said wait till I get access to the system FIRST! Viper and ladies in Dorm, seriously outnumbered. MODOK in the cafeteria, Red Guardian in Cold Storage, Agent Quake has handled the immediate motor pool area however, appears to be goons on the other side of it though." Yes, Stark seems to be viewing and identifying the enemy that fast, with a facial recognition program that he uses in the Iron Man suit that is currently installed on his glass-like laptop. "Labs have HYDRA goons." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Red Guardian dives to the side, avoiding the worst of the blast, then roars as he hurls his shield after Hawkeye. But he nods to Winter Soldier, prepared to guard the serum-- from SHIELD, Avengers, HYDRA, AIM. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America looks to She-Hulk, "It seems they may have one of my friends. Though he should be long dead. If..." Then in comes the Hydra soldiers. "Grenade!" He says reaching for the nearest SHIELD Operative and throwing him out of the way of one of the bombs. His shield being pulled up between him and the explosives. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Captain America says, “Grenade! ” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Oh, this is going to be fun. X-23 calls out in a hiss along the comm, and then charges over in, adamantium claws lashing out as she charges towards two of the women with intent to skewer as Madame Hydra ducks over to the side, lashing out at Laura with a poisoned bullwhip, "Idiots! They're here!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Laura calls out one simple word along the comm. "Engaging." </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Tony Stark is fully concentrating on his laptop and working the system. The information he is gathering appears to be instantanious from multiple sources as if he is doing the job of about ten people at once. Though be useful if he had access to the system to give PRIOR warning, but impatient S.H.I.E.L.D. agents are NOT his fault. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Hill turns her attention to the newly emerged 3D layout regarding the blips on the map that signify various teams. "Re-route Coral Team to assist Hawkeye's position, Agent Eirisach," she commands before glancing down to run some quick number styping on the keypad in front of her. As Stark begins to feed the rest of his assessment through she makes adjustments to the map highlighting areas that were now an issue. "Magenta and Puce to the labs." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Jessica catches up just as Natasha slides into the door, she stomps in after her, "The fuuuuu..." Spider-Woman's eyes go wide as she skids to a stop. "Holy shit," her hands go up and starts firing everywhere. "You and I," she says while taking out a Hydra goon, "are sooooo going to talk about this later." A HYDRA goon grabs her by her hair. "Son-of-a..." she says accidentally over the coms, must've hit the button, while kicking backward and into the face of the asshole that has her hair. "Well... this day could've been sooo much better. Manicures, pedicures, all the HYDRA goons dead on the floor. You think I should use the whammy?" She says to Nat. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “Son-of-a...” </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Phil looks around again when he hears the voices. The comments result in a shaking head from the agent, but he raises his carbine and pulls the trigger three times, hoping that he can drop them quickly enough to avoid having too much attention on him right away. After Phil shoots, he keeps his gun up, and moves closer to the kitchen. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Hank looks at Viper with a raised eyebrow, "Uhm Fodder? I didn't say anything about fodder. Care to give up, We're the Avengers and SHIELD. We've Assembled to take you in." Then X-23 charges in. Beast looks in Ant-man's direction, "Cap's not here Say it! You're the real Avenger here!" Then he goes charging toward the Hydra goons like a silverback gorilla. He rips into the closest guard with his own claws letting out a feral snarl. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: She-Hulk...promptly tries to catch as many of the grenades with her invulnerable body as she can. Good job her costume's as tough as she is, or there would be, well, an interesting (and potentially distracting) view. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Coral team, backup Hawk. Magenta and Puce squads, backup the labs. All hostiles engaging, enemy heavies are present. Remember primary objectives and engage at will." COMMS: Wasp clips her words. "inbound to dorms." COMMS: Tony Stark says, “Spider-Woman, give me a report on Black Widow. She went off comm, no readings on her. See if it is tech malfunction.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Strucker sends a bolt of energy at Black Widow and Spider-Woman. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Widow dives to the side, tucking and rolling, firing quickly and taking out a couple of the HYDRA mooks, but there's so many. "Spider-Woman, KEEP HIM FROM THE COMPUTERS. He cannot activate the portal!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD Hawkeye doesn't wait to play fair. He pulls out a couple of spare arrow heads from his bag, clicks them and then throws them into cold storage. Then as the SHIELD agents join him he nods and signals with SHIELD handsign < Two inside. Defensive positions. Going in. > </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Then as they begin to position themselves to hold the doorway to the storage room Hawkeye stops his mental countdown "Now," the arrow heads explode and Hawk dives into the room afterwards seeking cover, looking for Red and his little buddy. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: C.A.T. keeps to the back. And hey, no SIN! Gotta look on the bright side. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: The Three Beekepers in the Cafeteria are quickly dropped, just the sounds of three quick 'PFFTS' sending them splattered down. And then Phil hears what is likely going to be qualified as 'not a good thing'. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"FOOLS! Why have you not yet procured the caffeinated goodness that is required for maximum efficiency in computations for MODOK! MODOK Is not going to have to psychically engage large iron rods with your fulcrums!" Then MODOK floats in and sees the three dead Agents. "Fools! You might have escaped MODOK's service but he shall resurrect you so he can kill you again!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Yes, it is the BFH - the Big FLoating Head. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: The MOtor Pool is filled with the chaos of a live firefight as the Hydra and AIM Agents are picked off in quick bursts. Some of them have the bright idea of hiding over behind a pack of explosives.. Which one of them realizes what has done, and then goes to hide over behind another AIM Agent.. Who then quickly goes to turtle over behind the first agent.. And ti's like a game of reverse upstream as the group waddles until they hit the wall. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Spider-Woman flips out of the way of the blast, nodding to Nat. Ah. An order, she understands that. Then Tony's over the Comms, she promptly responds, zapping the shit out of goons as she flips and jumps her way towards the icky arm guy. "Uh... No time right now, Tony. Big guy, icky arm, loads of goons. AARRG... Fuck!" She says taking a knock to the mouth, she jumps, lands, and punches a goon in the noggin, swiping the feet from under another. "Any thing you can tell be about this one, Russian Princess?" She asks Nat, her arms glowing yellow as she nears Strucker. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “"Uh... No time right now, Tony. Big guy, icky arm, loads of goons. AARRG... Fuck!"” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: FOOM The grenades go off shattering lab equipment and kicking up a cloud of dust. Shulkie took the brunt of the damage and Cap's shield took the rest but the blast in the closed room leaves the SHIELD agents stunned when the HYDRA goons charge in for the kill, shooting until they get in close range then swinging with the butts of their weapons. Another figure follows them, more slowly, almost leasurely, in a long black coat that makes his garish crimson skull stand out. He clutches a weapon in his hand, something high-tech by the look of it, with a glowing green energy pack. < Take care of the SHIELD stooges, leave the green woman and the Captain to me > he says to his men in German. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Tony Stark curses, "No camera feed, accessing the one on you. Filtering that to command now for access as well. Also, Winter Soldier just came out from behind a cold storage tube and is in camera view, so Red Guardian isn't alone." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: "I should have built a sniper rifle. Everyone seems to be a mile away at this size and I need to get close. I can't fly. Too cold for ants and too cold for the cel plane. Jan makes this look easy," Pym thinks. He makes a mental shift and the Pym particles in his body change alignment and suddenly he is full size. The blaster begins sparking as he tries to get a shot at Viper. Take down the Queen. His ant friends show him the way! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: The rounds from Coulson's carbine is enough to drop the trio of beekeepers. However, the funny thing about cafeterias is that there is usually always someone hanging around. And, the rapid firing of the carbine is not exactly silent. The gun firing...not to mention the floating head's grandious exclamation is more than enough to summon four more agents. MODOK was never one for being subtle. Guns raised, the enemy agents flank the hovering MODOK. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: X-23 slashes through two of Viper's bodyguards as the whip lashes into her, the poisons literally making her blood boil as she howls, blisters breaking out from the point of contact as she stumbles away. As Beast leaps up and over towards her, Viper goes to shove one of her Valkyrie 'Guardians' in front of the blast from the resizing Ant-Man, the woman seizes nad stumbles, "Deal with the riff-raff!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Red Guardian catches his shield as it comes back, using it to help deflect the blast. And in heavily accented English, he snarls, "You will not take this serum, American dog." He strides towards Hawkeye with purpose in his steps. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Daisy glances back to Bruce, "Acknowledged. He will be of use, soon, I am certain." She exchanges a knowing glance with Smith, and the man with her nods back. She pauses, as along one of the walls, pointing to a grey box. "Smith." The man nods, and begins to pry off, carefully, the top. Banner will recognize what it is. A failsafe explosive. Daisy shifts, looking to Banner. "Bring the big guy out. We're going to need him from here on out." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach calls out, "Confirm enemy leaders. MODOK and Viper present." The floating three dimensional hologram flickers then, going to flash with thier positions. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Hill is already typing frantically on the computer trying to work out areas various areas on the map. "Need reinforcements to the Dorm and..." She breaks off glancing sharply over at Tony when he mentions the Winter Soldier with a curse. Reaching out she reaches into the air spinning the 3D image of the layout around, and then tipping it to the side to get a view from a different angle. "Got an out, Southwest wall to the halls." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: "Yes," Widow snaps back to Drew, "That this is so classifie--" BOOM. One of those idiot HYDRA goons has explosive rounds. Widow is flung to the side, hitting the computer bank by Strucker hard. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"FOOL!" Strucker roars. "Do not risk the equipment!" And he fires an energy blast from Satan's claw towards the offending goon, knocking him backwards. THree other men are working at the other bank of computers, fiddling with the knobs and dials. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Widow staggers to her feet, launching herself at Strucker. "Spider-Woman, they can't--" and she bumps her comm unit. "Don't let them activate the portal." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Black Widow says, “Don't let them activate the portal.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Captain, She-Hulk. Southwest Wall in your location is a possible out to the hall if you can make your own exit. Any available teams offer backup to the Dorms ASAP.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “... Standing by, Deputy Director.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Ask and ye shall receive. As Pym grows to full size, a tiny speck flies out of a nearby air vent. Yellow energy blasts lance out from the tiny form, hitting one of the Guardians dead in the chest. "Starting without me, honey?" Jan ducks down, flying up to Pym's view, then darts forward, angling towards Viper. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America's ear rings as the Hydra Agents come charging in. The SHIELD agents dazed and confused put up a valiant fight but they go down in the massive number of Hydra goons. Captain America more than trying to even the odds. He yells over loudly, "She-Hulk! Remember that Smashing, now would be good!" He launches into the the Hydra thugs. He bounces off them and let them miss and hit each other more than the one's he kicks, shield bashes, and punches. He hears the Red Skull’s voice before he sees the Skull, "Red Skull, been a while. You know it's not too late. You can surrender and reform. No one is not redeemable." He knew his nemesis would but he had to offer. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: "Oh, this is that old Nazi friend of yours?" She-Hulk inquires, casually knocking the heads of a couple of Hydra thugs together as she does so. "Need any help with him or do you want a private dance?" Because she knows about nemesises, having a couple of her own. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Banner nods, "Sounds like a plan." Then the plan calls for the Other Guy, he speaks into this comm, "Getting angry." the band with the comm breaks away as the wrist expands. With that, the cheap jacket and sweater stretch until they break, leaving only the large green Hulk there. "Hulk help." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD "Russians, why is it always Russians with me," Hawkeye mutters before he steps out of cover and levels his bow at the Red Guardian "Tell you what Red October, you hand over the serum, say moose and squirrel one time and I don't have to keel you bro." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Bruce Banner says, “Getting Angry!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: This is not his forte. He's a scientist and an explorer. The harsh reality of firefights is something he is unaccustomed to, so different from slugfests. But Laura and Henry are his team and in one case his best friend. Jan's arrival is like a guardian angel showing up. She can't see Pym smile in his outlandish helmet. As she streaks ahead of him Pym shifts his fire shrinking back down and aiming for legs to disable without bringing his team into the line of fire. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Beast is hot on Laura's feet as he bounces, spins, and somersaults over a pair of body guards. He reaches down shoving there heads into each other trying to knock them out. "Ouch that had to hurt." He looks to Wasp, "Salutations Wasp. I requested Giant-Man say it. He refused can you say it? We're sort of already assembled." repose </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: From the chorus of Hydra and AIM Agents seein the lean, green wrecking machine getting mad they suddenly start lobbing heavy glue grenades over at him, if the Hulk doesn't dodged them trying to smother him over in heavy retardant, sticky foam! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Spider-Woman is staggered back as one of the blasts go off. "Of course it is!" she says, zapping one of the HYDRA goons fiddling with the nobs, the other is successful. Lights on the computers flip on and the door in the middle of the room begins to glow. "A fucking portal, you know, I don't want to know," one of the bigger goons stands in-front of her and Jessica sighs. She releases some pheromones and directs the big guy to the goons at her back, he happily fights them off for her. Now free, Spider-Woman sends a high-powered blast towards Strucker. "I'm running out of juice," she says quietly over the comms, nodding to Nat. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “I'm running out of juice.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Winter Soldier greets Hawkeye as he ducks back into the room, the resourceful man having expected the move, and countering as Hawkeye takes position by firing an electrical bolt from the palm of his cybernetic arm directly into the predictible place that the Avenger would have taken refuge; afterall, Hawkeye only got a brief glimpse of the room. In that heavy Russian accented voice, "Welcome to Mother Russia. It will be the last place you ever see." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>However, as he lowers his pistol to aim at Hawkeye's face. "The Portal." A pause. His eyes narrow. "Captain. America." He glances to Red Guardian, "Prime directive. I leave this one to you. Captain America must die. Then I will attend to the portal." The voice, on that other end? It sounded familiar. But he doesn't have time to think of that now. Instead, he moves out of Cold Storage, heading towards the Labs at a quick jaunt. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Yes, Hawkeye. Winter Soldier has gotten ahold of one of your comm units. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Captain America says, “Red Skull, been a while. YOu know it's not too late. You can surrender and reform. No one is not redeemable.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Viper fires a quick bolt from a wrist mounted crossbow over at Janet which likely misses wide, "So, all of you here to play. Well then let's. Ladies, shall we?" The escorting ladies go to charge in over towards the heroes, blanketing the area over if not stopped with poison grenades, the air filling with a heavy green mist of ichor if not engaged and thick with a fog of diabolical death! </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Well crap. The arrival of MODOK and friends certainly does not sit well with Phil, at least he has some warning. Hiding behind the lunch counter, he speaks into his comm, "MODOK spotted, brought friends." Realizing he is outnumbered, and probably going to need to deal with a few of them at once, the agent plucks one of his grenades and chucks it, hoping to have it land near the group of them, but not wanting to take chances, ducks back behind teh counter again. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “MODOK spotted, brought friends.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LAB The fight between HYDRA and SHIELD is one sided until Shulkie gets into things. The green woman, quickly starts turning the tide. Though for all that Red Skull smiles when he comes face to face with Cap. "I think not Kapitan," he says simply, tossing a grenade at Cap's feet, and raising his gun towards She-Hulk "I had been expecting Banner," he explains before he pulls the trigger firing a burst of gamma radiation at the woman, even as he jumps out of the way of the grenade. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Tony Stark says, “Bruce, just let loose as long as it isn't at our allies," Tony orders. "Remember, if we can't carry it out, you can SMASH it. Picture them having the General's face while you are at it." A pause, "Oh ya, and there is Red Skull. Sorry man, was a little distracted with Widow NOT having her comm on.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Dr. Banner, I think now is a good time to tell you that you have the ugliest fucking haircut I've seen in my life.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: It might be a breach of protocol, but Agent Eirissach's eyes widen as the holograph flickers and places the Red Skull on the grid and she swears very profanely over in Hebrew. "Confirm Skull! Commander request whomever did our intel be shot for crass incompetence." This was supposed to be a hard extraction raid. /Not/ a hit on the combined leadership of AIM and Hydra. If they'd known -that- they would've likely sent in airstrikes. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach can be heard swearing profanely in Hebrew, "Confirm leadership presence of all known high ranking field leaders of Hydra and Advanced Idea Mechanics." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: MODOK is quick to protect himself by telekinetically yanking over one of the AIM Agents and dumping him on the grenade as it blows, "COME TO MODOK, CRETIN! YIELD BEFORE THE ALL POWERFUL MENTAL MIGHT OF THE SUPREME INTELLECT!" MODOK lets out a powerful psychic blast fi able to locate Phil, trying to if possible immobilize him if not distracted! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: "Hulk. Breech a few walls in the structure," orders Daisy, pointing. "The base is going to be exploding, soon. And our team will need a quick exit. Then, go smash, like Iron Man said. Yes?" She even evokes a smile for the huge, green mass of gamma-irradiated muscle. Meanwhile, Smith is working on activating the very large explosive. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Ward brings his weapon up once more, trying to shoot a few of those glue-grenades out of the air before they reach their target. He's no Bullseye...he can't get them all, but at least a few of them are blasted before they ever reach the Jade Giant, which should make it easier for him to break free of whichever ones' -do-. And once that initial torrent of grenades pauses, Ward lobs one of his own back towards the cluster the glue-grenades originated from. Meanwhile Agent Grift shoots a can of gasoline above the two leapfrogging HYDRA agents, spraying them with flammable liquid...right before that grenade goes off a short distance away. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: "Hill, you keep that up, and I'm going to start liking you and remembering how sexy you are," Stark says with forced cheer. "Though I have to agree, he really does have an ugly haircut. I don't think he remembers to cut it most of the time, not that I have room to talk." And then Tony is concentrating on the feeds again. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Sending Hulk to create access points for assistance. And, to liberally - smash. Motor Pool is secure.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Strucker grabs Widow with his Satan's Claw as she tackles him, releasing a charge into her body. She convulses slightly, but brings up a wrist to fire at him-- that's batted away by Strucker. "Natasha. Darling," he says coldly. "You kept this from me." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Widow's eyes widen for a split second. He /definitely/ knows what he's trying to activate. "Wolfgang," she replies coolly. "You know I cannot let you have this toy." She can see the portal beginning to fire up out of the corner of her eye. "Spider-woman... get out." Strucker's grip may keep her from shooting him, but one of her stings is aiming directly at the doorway in the center of the room. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Her wrist twitches. A blast leaves the wristgun, careening towards the portal. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: "Moose and squirrel?" Red Guardian asks curiously, before hurling his shield at Hawkeye. "And you will never leave here with this. Your people cannot be allowed its secrets." He smirks. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: The Motor Pool is secured then, anyone left conscious in the area affiliated with SHIELD, surrendering, or trying to flee into the base or out of it. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America lets his shield fly toward the Skull's gun hand to knock it out of his hand. He takes a running dive over the grenade. He lands on the back side and ready to catch his shield. He gives the Skull a smile. "Skull, who says I didn't bring two Hulks?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Unfortunately, that's when the stream of energy hits She-Hulk. She has time to manage one word, "RUN!" before...she loses it. Oh dear. And, just like her cousin, no control equals much more Hulk strength. Fortunately, her first target is a Hydra agent...whom she lifts in a classic wrestling lift, emerald eyes fixed on Red Skull. Right NOW she still knows who the bad guy is, but from the look in her eyes that isn't going to last long. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: The remarks on the General and the insult regarding his very nice haircut coming from the remains of his comm makes the Hulk get bigger, and bigger. He avoids a few of the grenades, some are removed by Ward, but at least one hits him. The Hulk lets his anger grow enough to break free of them and looks to Daisy and grins, walking over to where a door needs to be. With smirk he says, "Smash," and carries it out, slamming his fists into the wall, working to build them a door. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Despite the poison clouds and the relative chaos, Jan offers a sharp laugh. "Avengers, Assemble!" Of course, it is past assembling, but that is besides the point. She may be tiny...but Jan is also quick. She quickly flits up to the top of the room, where the air should be relatively clear, so she can angle to get a shot towards Viper. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Phil responds in the comm, very quietly, hearing the explosion and the talking head's response, "MODOK is in the cafeteria, at least one less beekeeper present." He crawls towards the doors to the kitchen, hoping to find /some cover, but he is not that lucky. The psychic blast hits him, leaving him somewhat stunned behind the counter, though hopefully still unseen by MODOK. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “MODOK is in the cafeteria, at least one less beekeeper present.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Daisy Johnson nods to Hulk, "Good." She then looks to Grant. "Ward. Be ready to drop and run when I give the word. Area is secure, here. Go give Coulson assistance," she instructs. "Smith and Grift will remain with me." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COMMS: Tony Stark says, “I have no idea if this will help, but Shulkie, picture Red Skull as the bus, and Captain America the school kid. Beat the bus, save the school kids.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: "Keep it in your pants, Stark," Hill offers back without even glancing in his direction. When Cecennia speaks up she looks her way frowning at the news. "Dammit, this is not how it's supposed to play out. In and out not... Dammit!" Slamming a hand down on the console she hisses out a deep breath. The little bit of rage is gone--time to focus on the mission. "I want eyes on the Hulk, let me know where any exits are made. Tell Johnson to have her team offer assistance in this. We need to create a new extraction point." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Ant-Man says, “Viper using a poison gas attack in the dorms. Likely a fast acting hemotoxin!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: And bizarrely enough the fact that Phil is stunned means that he's not registering to MODOK's mental presence, psychic blasts shooting everywhere, sending the pots, pans, and giant crockpot filled with leftover experimental subjects (mm-Hmm Good) tumbling down over about Phil. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LAB The gun shatters in Red Skull's hand with a flash of green light. The German soldier-scientist, lands from his jump away from the grenade and turns towards the Avengers, his eyes track cap but a quick glance is thrown towards She-Hulk. Seeing the rage in her eyes he smiles "So that's what it does," he murmurs before he turns to Cap. "Bring as many Hulks as you wish, the other one is now the others concern. He draws another gun, something more conventionally high-tech and fires it at Cap's SHIELD, he draws a second gun as well but does not fire that one. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>In the Lab the SHIELD agents start clearing out, they've been briefed on the Hulks, the HYDRA agents though throw all their fire at She-Hulk though, and one of the SHIELD agents shouts to Shulkie "Get em!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach gives a quick nod over at Maria HIll, "Do we call in airstrikes Commander?" Her hands quickly flicking over the comms as she frantically adjusts for positioning. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “Agent Johnson, orders are to create alternate extraction route for teams to fall back through if necessary.” COMMS: She-Hulk says, “<No response>” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS:"You know nothing can start without you Jan," Pym says as he keeps firing. A clear partition drops over his lower face as his suit seals with a hiss of over pressurized air. Green? Likely coloring but knowing the Viper something reptile based. A hemotoxin is likely with additional catalysts to make it airborne and apt to cause blistering and severe pain. He should be good. Jan is above the poison and Beast and Laura's regenerative powers should let them resist it. But no sense taking chances. He draws a shrunken extinguisher from his belt and enlarges it. That should play havoc with the enzymes in the poison destroying it. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>He figures this out in a moment and takes another for a response in the vernacular, "That all you have bitch?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “I already have Hulk working on it.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: The Winter Soldier took him by surprise. Hawk looks up at the gun barrel and wishes he remembered to text Adam and America before the op jumped off. Then, nothing, the Winter Soldier is gone after Cap. Then, shield! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Hawkeye rolls out of the way and gets to his feet again, still sore from the blast, he draws an arrow though, quick as he can and fires it at the still flying shield, trying to take that weapon out of the fight for now. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: With the wild blasts, one of the beekeepers cries out in anguish. Not hit by the psychic blast...but by the ricochet of a flying pot. The flying projectile catches the goon full in the face, knocking him out. The other lackeys look at each other, with one about to say something...but shuts his mouth. Not wise to mouth off to the floating big boss head. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: "I'm not leaving you here, and not until this shit is secu..." The Widow's blast hits to door and shatters it completely, splinters of wood flying everywhere with a violent *KABOOOOM.* Spider-Woman and everyone else in the room is thrown back and against every surface. Everything in the room is destroyed, computer, gone. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Jessica smacks the wall as a rain of splinters takes her full in the face and body, her arms hit the wall above her head and the glow in them starts to dissipate. For a moment, the room is spinning, her ears are ringing, and everything is black. She hurts /everywhere/ and blood is running down the top of her forehead and into her eyes, lip is split, and there are splinters and scratches all over the exposed parts of her face. "Widow?!" she shouts over the comms, coughing violently, gasping heavily, and spitting her voice surges over the comms. "WIDOW!" she spits on the ground, blood, surely thats from her lip. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “"Widow?!" she shouts over the comms, coughing violently, gasping heavily, and spitting her voice surges over the comms. "WIDOW!"” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: C.A.T. HATES HYDRA. It has Sin, she hates Sin. So, looking at the bitchy bitch known as Viper? C.A.T. is soon rolling out of her cover quickly with feline grace, and extends her left arm out straight in an opening between her and Viper before TWANG! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The grapple line from her wrists shoot out and go to snatch Viper. If they can grip her and drag her toward her and the heroes fast enough, she with flip up off the floor and kick with both feet toward Viper's chest as she gets pulled /toward/ C.A.T. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Over comms Hawkeye shouts "Cap Winter Soldier is on his way to your location." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Cap, Winter Soldier is on the way to your location.” COMMS: Tony Stark says, “Warning, Winter Soldier departed Cold Storage. Looks like he is heading toward the Lab!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: "NO. No airstrike. We have too many people in enemy territory to consider that without causing an international incident. I am not going to doom everyone in there." Hill glances sharply around with an angry glare. Agent Eirissach gets a part of the glare though she turns her remarks to the entire room. "We are NOT losing this many people, do you hear? We're trusting that our operatives have the main objectives at this point. GET THEM OUT, ALIVE. Assist the Avengers and senior Agents." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Wasp says, “That wifi hookup give you control over the ventilation system, too, Tony? Could use some fresh air over here.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: In the midst of the melee C.A.T.'s grapple goes true. Blitzing through the air, claws digging over into Madame Hydra's shoulder and YANKING her through it at several dozen miles per hour, fracturing the shoulder in a rather messy way then and rendering the arm rather grotesquely shattered from literally bouncing off her guardians as the bobbles that Ant-Man has tossed through the air hit the pioson and cause it to fizz, spritzing and then dissipating. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Once in range over of C.A.T. Viper would lash out over with a stiletto heel in a potent roundhouse kick aimed with intent to skewer! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: X-23, getting up and her healing factor managing to filter out the poison, calls, "Gather whatever you can!" Claws slahsing out, charging over into the mess of Hydra Agents and Viper's personal bodyguard. The unspoken words being 'I'll hold the line'. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America catches the shield just moments before the Skull's energy blast hits it. He carries himself towards the Red Skull. A perfect super soldier clone of himself. "You're army isn't going to win. We're going to stop you." He goes to bull rush the Skull. "Maybe so, but you have me and her. I've handled you everytime. This is no different." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Tony Stark says, “There are some fans, turning them on now to ventilate the area fast, good thinking Wasp. Also, turning them on reverse...so may get a little thin in there, but that's it.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: "Got it." Ward looks to Agent Grift, moving over to remove a long cylindrical object from his fellow agents' back, "Think I'm gonna need this more than you will, Grift." And with the man-portable rocket-launcher strapped across his back, Ward nods to Johnson and starts to book it in the direction of the cafeteria. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Coulson, It's Ward, I'm inbound to your location.” COMMS: Tony Stark says, “Spider-Woman! Shit! I'm entering the field!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Labs: Maybe if they hadn't thrown all of their fire at her, Shulkie's actions would have been different. "GRAH!" she screams and then charges into the firing agents. She's not holding back and it might be that there will be some, well...let's just say they're all going to be in traction if they don't run pretty quickly! But at least she's not attacked Cap. Yet. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Enemy reinforcements inbound to Labs." </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Phil was thinking that everything was going all right, not being shot at, nothing. That is until the pile of kitchen materials and mystery meat fall on him, no doubt going to leave a few bruises, and resulting in an unfortunate groan, a reflex that normally could have been avoided, but instead he had to do that. Phil picks himself up and wipes what he can off of his gun. After responding in his comm to Ward, he unclips another grenade from his belt and crawls back closer to the counter to try and chuck it at MODOK, best to at least keep him busy with the others tied up. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: You know who hates Hydra and Sin? Beast, that's who and he's been Assembled and he hates Viper too. He's bouncing across the room with almost inhuman speed. His arm moving up to deflect that stiletto heel meant for C.A.T. "I think not, Ms. Verde. I am partial to the cute SHIELD Agents. No SHIELD-Kabob for you." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: The Agents in Command would see this likely NEVER again (well, maybe in their fantasies). But Tony pushes the laptop aside, and starts removing his clothes. As he removes his clothes, only leaving his Speedos on two things happen. One, the pores in his skin open up wide and gold liquid pours out and starts to cover his skin like a new layer of skin with a bit of a digital look to it. His suit cause also unclicks open and the armor pulls out and starts to wrap about him in mid-air and form about him into the Iron Man suit. "Someone else can use the laptop, though I'll still be remotely assisting." He is then out of the mobile command, and jetting across the sky. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “Gotcha, Ward” COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Get behind something sturdy, Coulson. This is going to be anything but covert.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Iron Man incoming and I told you to keep your pants on Stark.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: The remains of the Red Room portal room are in a shattered mess. The sigils on the floor have been blasted, the computer parts scattered. Chunks of wall and ceiling have crumbled in from the blast. Bodies lay scattered as well, most still in green armor, but some even had pieces of that blasted away. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Under a chunk of ceiling, exposing the floor above, a red arm sticks out. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Ant-Man sheathes his blaster and drops the extinguisher. He moves into the rooms tossing mattresses aside looking quickly for any written materials. He grows to full size as he searches. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Pym sheathes his blaster and drops the extinguisher. He moves into the rooms tossing mattresses aside looking quickly for any written materials. He grows to full size as he searches. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Red Skull is prepared for the bull rush. This is a dance he and Cap have danced many times before and he knew the steps intimately. As Cap closes he ducks smoothly, sweeping out a leg to take Cap off his feet then firing both of his guns at the Avenger. They're stunners, after all it would not due to kill Captain America with a simple pistol. That, that would require something more hands on. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The HYDRA agents buckle when they're charged by something big, green and mean. Though it's tight quarters and some aren't getting out of the way in time. It'll be messy. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: There is occassional shot, a felling of a HYDRA Agent, or AIM Agent, that happens to encounter the Winter Soldier on his way in. But he is not slowing down, as he moves cleanly through the facility. He knows it well. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: There were some things that Hill never wanted to see and seeing Tony turn into molten gold was high on the list. Higher on that list was Tony Stark naked. Rather than dwell on it she orders, "Agent Eirissach, find the frequencies that AIM and HYDRA are using. I want them scrambled or kept occupied. Break up their communication." </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: The Hulk continues battering on the wall, concrete and rebar do not really stand a chance against the Hulk. He batters until he eventually gets what could be considered a Hulk-sized hole in the wall, howling as he barrels through it to make sure. "Hulk make door." The brute looks about for any other threats in the area on the other side. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Some might want brain bleach. Right now Agent Eirissach is cursing at what otherwise would have been a purely once ina lifetime opportunity but now is a pure clusterfuck. "Aye Aye Commander." Going over to switch to backup frequencies then. "Engaging jamming. They may try and hone in on our position by it." That was always the risk with ECM. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Except C.A.T. dropped down and bends her back, her right hand catching herself on the floor while her booted feet kick upward as the grapple line comes forward to kick toward Viper's chest. This will force her backwards and hopefully rip the grapple line free...though she will be releasing it about the same time her boots connect to hopefully send Viper flying back hard and nastily toward the other heroes, wounded. She wants to play her part in taking out the 'command' before she runs. She remembers Winter Soldier, he hurt Cap! And her instinct is to go after him! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “Switching to alternate frequencies. Mobile base engaging jamming.” COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Stark. Do not be foolish. We are here to ensure a successful mission.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: After Tony's transmission, the fans kick on...in reverse as promised. The green ichor is quickly dispersed, sucked through the vents and out. Jan darts into the north hall, searching rooms that obviously look like they belonged to officers. She grows to full size and starts systematically searching the rooms...one at a time, ten rooms in the hallway. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Daisy Johnson nods to Hulk. As another 'bomb' is found in the motor pool on the other side, by Grift, "Go further into the base, Hulk. Make a few more doors. When you hear me call for everyone to leave, I want you to help allies leave, and escape. By any means necessary. Do you understand?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Stark if you can scatter the reinforcements they're sending in we should be able to get our extraction team in to offer assistance.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Ward's breath is coming in pants after he's sprinted his way from the motor pool, lugging a heavy piece of equipment across his back, but it didn't seem to slow him down much. With considerable forewarning as to what's awaiting him, he unslings the heavy tube-shaped object from his back, fires up the targeting system, and arms the weapon. He comes bursting through the door at speed, and quickly picks out the GIANT UGLY FLOATING HEAD THING from the list of targets, levels the launcher, and squeezes the trigger: </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"FIRE IN THE HOLE!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>He yells out as first a flash-bang launches, exploding with a brilliant flash and an ear-splitting *BANG* just a few feet from MODOK's face, designed to distract him from what's coming next....that being the anti-tank missile that launches a half-second after the flash-bang...this is probably gonna be a bigger *BOOM.* Especially with Coulson's grenade being added to the mix. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: With much effort, Spider-Woman crawls over to where she saw Natasha last. "Nat.." she wheezes, "NAT!" Her armor scrapes across the ruins of the floor, bent and twisted. She bumps the underneath of her arm on some rubble and screams in pain, coughing heavily and spitting blood from her mouth. She looks down and sees a piece of the wood from the door lodged under her arm. A chink in the armor, so to speak, went straight through the kevlar and unstable molecules and into her armpit. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>What a time to have a medieval type wound. "Well, at least it wasn't an arrow in the knee," she gasps out, leaving the piece where it is. "Nat?" she says, going to pull the rubble off of the pile of bodies there one handed. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America is prepared for the trip so when the skull drops out of the way. Captain America goes into a tumble. Though as he comes up one of the pistols fire into his back and he takes the full blast. There's a grunt of pain but he rises to his feet. A weary look on his face. He lets his shield fly and of course it would be dodged but it would strike a wall behind the Skull and come flying at him from behind. The Skull would know this but he'd have a Cap moving in to throw a series of punches at the Skull. "So what was so important, you were willing to share with Hydra and AIM? Shouldn't you be telling me your plan and how you've already defeated me?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Maria Hill says, “All teams, pull back. Get everyone out of there.” COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Give me three more minutes, Hill.” COMMS: Wasp says, “ditto. Just secured the dorms. There's files here you all really need to see.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: The grapple gun has immense force shot frmo it as it yanks. Combined over with the high kick from Viper directed at C.A.T. which further adds to her very off momentum as Beast slams over into her. There's a gut wrenching twist in Viper's already shattered arm further as C.A.T.'s lowered center of gravity and the retracting grapple makes something break. In her case, clean off. Namely Viper's arm, being wrenched away at the shoulder as she SCREAMS! "BITCH! I WILL GUT YOU!" Limbless, but now free of the grapple Viper's hand shoots to her sidearm, filling the air with venomous blasts as she empties her clip everywhere! </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Today is just a bad day. Phil picks up his carbine and tries crawling back to the kitchen for better cover when the explosion from the anti-tank rocket hits along with his grenade. The giant explosion causes Phil's ears to ring for a bit, though he is able to catch Hill's command from his comm, giving a response, and taking advantage of the distraction to run like heck toward Ward, fire a couple of shots at the beekeepers and hoping MODOK is distracted enough, "Let's go!" And works his way out of the building. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “Falling back from the cafeteria.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Set the charges, Johnson. All teams out, I repeat, all teams out.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: MODOK. He's what's for dinner. The grenade, the falling ceiling, the anti-tank grenade exploding point blank in his face, the pots falling all over his giant oversized head, the various gunks throughout the kitchen all being dumped over into his chair as it short circuits and MODOK squeals and ends up falling mullet-first over into the giant crockpot. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: THe shot knocks the shield off course, careening into a wooden box. Vials of liquid are knocked out as the box shattered, scattering everywhere. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"Bozhe moy..." the Red Guardian snarls. But then his expression changes. "The charges..." he taps the comm in his ear-- whoever he was communicating with. He swears in Russian. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Code Red Abort. All Teams, Extract One Zero." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: The Hulk looks to Daisy and says nods. He walks back into the room and charges at the wall, punching as he goes and breaks through easily, repeating the process with a couple of more walls as needed for the others. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Red Skull carries on the steps of the dance, ducking the first strike of the Cap's shield and then the second before taking the punches. He reels back a little blood coming from his lips. "For me?" he asks as he returns the punches, each one brutal and well-aimed. "Nothing until you arrived," he throws an elbow then a knee. "I knew the presence of Strucker and that AIM abomination would draw you here, you and the others," another punch. "That is what I wanted. To remove an obstacle from my path." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>A glance is thrown towards where the Winter Soldier makes his way towards them. "And now it is time to do just that," he says counting on Bucky's arrival to distract Cap. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: C.A.T. takes her bloodied grapple wrist and tells Beast, "I'm going after Winter Soldier." There is no debate about it, but there is a silent thank you in her eyes before she takes off running at full speed. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: C.A.T. says, “Going after Winter Soldier to slow him down so Cap isn't fighting him and Red Skull. Combat level high for Winter Soldier, unrealistic to expect Cap to handle both and rampaging Hulks." C.A.T. is making excuses for putting herself in insane danger, something she normally would NEVER do. "I can disengage after the others escape, I know this place.” COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “"Lower..." a gasping sound, "lower levels. Need assistance... Widow down, Hell, Spider-Woman down." A bit of coughing. "Do not blow.." a wheeze " this Fucking place with me in it, ass.... assholes."” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Hill glances down watching, just for one quiet moment, with lips pressed together. "Damn it. All team extraction," she calls out informing them over the comm as well. And then she says the unthinkable. "Johnson, set the charges." As more calls come she shakes her head with another curse. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Tony Stark says, “I can handle things remotely. You are outgunned in the field, and I still handle nine other tasks while controlling the Iron Man unit, you are only down one task keeper. I can still do the job of nine other people, and the delay will only be .038 seconds at worse. I'll secure the Red Room. Dropping some 'surprises' for the reinforcements to find on their way 'in'.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Her claws covered in blood, X-23 slashes her way through the remainder of the Hydra agents, body smeared a miserable red as one of the fallen Valkyries hisses, "Cut off one head two more shall grow to.." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Laura's foot claw stabs downwards, "Then get me two more heads to skewer." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Any teams near Widow, and Spider-Woman, assist. We are not leaving anyone behind.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Hawkeye sees his chance when the Red Guardian looks towards the vials, he draws a pair of Taser arrows and opens fire even as he dives for the loose vials of serum. He grabs two in his free hand then rolls behind cover again. He tucks the serum away in a pouch then draws an explosive arrow, looking to take out the rest. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach goes to power up the jammers to full and switches to rotating frequencies, making sure to keep the commlines open by any means necessary. "All teams respond and confirm abort." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: "Copy That!" Ward comments to Coulson, waiting for him to reach his position and giving a quick visual scan to see if there are any signs of serious injury before moving to cover their retreat, his suppressed submachinegun now back in his hands, the disposable launcher discarded...just dead weight now. He pauses, glancing to Coulson as the comm-chatter continues, then tilts his head in the direction of where he presumes the Red Room to be, a questioning expression on his face. Are they close enough to be of use? </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Stark, god damn it, if you go to the Red Room I will personally kick your ass. We will get them out!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Ant-Man stops his fruitless searching and races down the hall to the officer section to rejoin Jan. "Jan?! Where are you? What'd you find. We have to get out of here!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Beast looks at C.A.T. "Wait, What? They just gave the order to pull out." He looks to X-23, "X-23, pull back they gave the retreat order." He calls out to Ant-Man, "Ant-Man, they're telling us pull out. We got more poison Gas in here. So get your Shit and lets get to paraphrase a common phrase today." Hank waves to Viper and then goes to escape. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: C.A.T. is moving down the halls toward the Lab, after where Winter Soldier went. She knows this place, she grew up here since she was a child. This is where she was beaten and taught that obeying orders got rewards, disobeying got you pain. This is where she learned to hate authority, to worship free will, and to trust NO ONE. Trust no one, except Steve Rogers. The memory of fighting Winter Soldier before and the fact he has a cybernetic arm that she could use to her advantage is there. The fact he hurt Cap and he is dangerous. The fact she hates him almost as much as Sin or maybe she does hate him that much. These emotions drive her forward at insane speeds as Winter Soldier won't expect someone to be chasing after him most likely. Her senses reach out to search for that robotic arm to warn her before she gains visual hopefully or he visual on her. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out again, "All teams, exfil by any available means. Updating escape routes to comm feeds. Primary routes may be blocked, go for nearest alternate if available." COMMS: Beast says, “More poison gas in the Dorms! Team science lets escape.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Janet finishes her circuit of the officer dorms, an armful of documentation from the rooms in tow. She drops her size, as her and the documents shrink. "Just got to check the east hall!" She is already down the hall, the wings sending her streaking down the hallway, checking the red hourglass doors and the black doors as quickly as possible. It is only after she checks the doors does she head out. "Okay...done!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Yes, things are very bad for the Hydra agents, but as more of them go down, She-Hulk's insane gaze starts to turn towards the duel between Cap and Red Skull. Oh, that's a FAR more interesting fight to involve herself in, and she charges...not at either, but really at the space between the two. She'll probably achieve nothing but, oh, helping the Skull get away if that's his plan. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: The bloody X-23 gives a nod over at Beast, "Understood." Falling in line over after him. And for some reason going to yank up the shattered arm off Viper then to loop it over her back. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: "< I don't think so, asshole, >" Alexi brings down the shield on Hawkeye, intending to bash him before-- </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>No. Who was that? Red Guardian turns slightly, watching as a form bolts out of the Cold Storage, carrying what seems to be some of the serum. "< No... >" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Wasp says, “Viper has been defanged. More closely resembles her namesake, now.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America catches his shield and then brings it around for a savage two handed strike at the Skull. "I will always be here to stop you and if not somebody will be. There are those that will always fight you and your evil. Good will never go quietly into the night." The he goes to bring his shield down again on Red Skull and She-Hulk is there and he tries to keep from striking her. "No, JEN!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: "I don't think so asshole," Hawkeye replies as he brings up his bow to deflect the shield, then he's rolling his hand scoops up a third vial, then it's dumped in his quiver as he pulls out his last explosive arrow to blow the serum. He lets fly and starts running for the door. "Cold storage, fire in the hole!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Cold storage fire in the hole!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: Red Guardian grabs a pack of the unfallen vials, and makes his way out as well-- saving some of the serum for Mother Russia, even if he cannot save it all. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Beast says, “Wait, Wait, Spider-Woman's down? How far is she from the Dorms? I'm heading her direction. Give me a route?” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “Updating to your comm feed. Ping for direction, hot and cold.” </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Coulson frowns as he is back in the hallway leading out, hearing the explicit order to get out ASAP, "Ward, let's go." He gestures with his free arm, and then again has his gun up as he leads the way out of the building, towards the extraction point. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Ant-Man says, “Team Science evac'ing by way of cafeteria.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: The room explodes, taking the remaining serum that wasn't taken by Hawkeye, the mysterious dark figure, or Red Guardian... with it. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Giving a nod as Beast splits away, X-23 heads out for the extraction point via the way of the cafeteria to get out ASAP. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD STORAGE: The arrow goes off with a concussive boom. He'd made an extra powerful one to blow the serum and it seems to have done the trick, even if Big Red had made off with some before he did, also that other guy. He checks on his team, most of whom are injured or dead in the corridor as he says over comms "We need containment, majority of the serum is blown, Red Guardian and another have left with vials. Also, what's Widow's status?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “We need containment, majority of the serum is blown, Red Guardian and another have left with vials. Also, what's Widow's status?” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: As Beast requests a route, Agent Eirissach works at doing a 'Marco.. Polo'.. Styled beeping loop through his comm, the beeps stronger as she establishes a route towards Spider-Woman. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Before Winter Soldier enters the Labs, he turns, to check his six. It's not that he believes someone is following him, but rather it's something someone as keen as he does, by habit. Always aware of their surroundings. CAT may be aware of his bionic arm, but not that he has mental control over it, even when detached. He pauses, eyes narrowed, giving the others a space, a moment, before breaching into the labs. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>He slips into the room, gun aimed. "Captain America. This is where you die." Yes, the Winter Soldier wants Captain to -know- who killed him. It's a vendetta. Even if a programmed one. The moment will give Captain America time to look into eyes. Eyes that Cap looked into thousands of times before. And a face, only a few years older than what it was in 1945. Hair unkempt. But, Captain America knows that man. Domino mask, or not. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “Outside of cafeteria. Watch out for MODOK and debris, Team Science.” COMMS: Laura calls out, "Will ensure MODOK is incapacitated. Be right behind you." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Ward doesn't like it, but it seems like some of the genuinely super-folks are handling any attempts at recovery, so it's best not to get in the way. So Grant high-tails it behind Coulson, only taking a moment every few seconds to make sure any bad-guys aren't threatening them on their way out. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Beast calles out to Pym, "I got a girl to go rescue. Don't wait up for me and get my student the hell out of here. X-23 guard Jan and Hank. That's an order. Your final depends on it." Then Beast takes off towards the Red Room and Spider-Woman following the location device of his com that the nice shield agent set up for him and soon his nose. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Spider-Woman says, “"I don't know, Hawk." A gasping sound comes over the coms. "I cant see her... I.." then silence.” COMMS: Grant Ward says, “MODOK is not combat-capable at the moment, but feel free to make sure he stays that way if you have the time.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: It could not be more perfect if Red Skull planned it. The arrival of the Hulk and Winter Soldier was perfect. Saved from Cap's shield he drops one of his stunners and pulls out a real gun, with a deadly armour piercing payload and takes aim. "I did not want it to end like this," he says to Cap for the last time. "But I will take it." He pulls the trigger. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: "Patrickson, get on Stark's laptop and see if we can work on getting the gas blown out of the affected areas." Hill calls out toward one of the men pulling him off of his duty to assist in the task. Looking over toward Cecennia she orders, "Update Agent Barton." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach gives a nod over at Commander Hill, "Confirmed Commander." She gives a nod. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Agent Barton, orders are extract and disengage immediately. Confirm reception and disengage with all friendly units." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Ant-Man runs after the Beast. "Follow Big Blue! They've got Avengers down in the cafeteria. If Modok is still there when we get there ... </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Ant-Man says, “If I run into MODOK the Big Giant Head can kiss my Big GIant Ass!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: Jan seems torn. Follow Beast and go help rescue, or get out with the documents. She utters some not-so-ladylike words as she know exactly what Natasha would tell her to do. And, therefore, she turns towards the cafeteria, growing to about 4 foot so that she still has her flight capability but big enough to, you know, open doors... </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Charges set. Avengers and SHIELD Agents. You have five minutes to extract. The base is being detonated in five minutes, completely. Assist in extraction, and move to the mobile command base as quickly as possible.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Iron Man is flying, already dropping off 'surprises' A.K.A. organic sensor mines he built specifically for this trip just in case, as he heads toward the warehouse. It's sadistic, he hated doing it, but they were a last ditch effort in case things went south. He hates killing, but he is one of the Avengers that will if he must. His sensors are reaching out to scan the building and the area of the Red Room, working to locate the heat signatures, he is then into the warehouse, dropping through the roof. He doesn't go through doors, he just blasts through the levels at full force, melting metal away as he drops down level after level of the facility for direct access. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>DORMS: STuck on his head like Jughead's beanie, a giant crockpot wedged on a mullet, MODOK rises, "Inferior brains! BOW BEFORE MODOK! Pym, you're the seventh smartest man in the world! Now we'll make you the last!" With that, MODOK's psychic prism flashes as he goes to try and unleash a massive psychic blast over towards Hank! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: She-Hulk snarls. Fortunately for Cap, her next random target is...the guy with the BFG. It's armor piercing, so if it hits her it will hurt her, make her madder, and make the entire situation worse. Extracting her might end up being tough too, in the condition she's in, but Skull is her next target, a meaty green fist flung across the space between them. "She-Hulk SMASH!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach starts a chiming countdown after syncing to Agent Johnson's sequence audible along the commlines to reinforce the point. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM:When Iron Man comes down through the hole in the portal room's ceiling, there is nothing but destruction and chaos. Bodies everywhere. A bleeding, barely conscious Spider-woman. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>And underneath several large chunks of rubble from the ceiling, a demonic-looking red arm, and a glint of black armor. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America turns his head as he hears the Winter Soldier speak, he couldn't help himself, He looks the man in the eyes and says "Bucky? " And he brings up the shield and blocks the bullet that would have killed him. "You're alive! Stand down, this isn't you... We'll get you hel...Ukh!" And that's when The Skulls bullet rips through Captain America's back and exits through his chest and the star. Blood running down the star and Cap takes two steps forward and stumbles to his knees and falls. He reaches out toward his one of his oldest friends. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>COLD Coral team shows up and Hawkeye barks out orders to get his men out of there. "My team is extracting," Hawkeye says but he only follows them as far as the place where Nat and Drew had left the team. He runs hard for their location. "Come on Barton, five minutes, you can make it." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “My team is extracting.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: "Nooo!!!" As MODOK fires the blast, Janet flies into the path of it, right between MODOK and Pym. At the same time, she shifts to all 5'4" of herself, taking the psychic assault fully. Jan tumbles to the ground, falling to Pym's feet unconscious. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Hill stares at the feeds. Even as the timer counts down chiming in the background she watches the video of the fight with Captain America and the Winter Soldier and Skull. A hush falls over the entire command center. It only lasts a minute. An agonizingly long minute. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"Captain America is... Down." Hill swallows hard before she whirls barking orders to get everyone moving again. "I want an update. I want everyone out of there. How many are missing? Keep the timer in mind. Extraction team be ready to be out of there with everyone or so help me..." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach closes her eyes. Biting her lips hard enough to draw blood and drown out her cry of anguish. There will be time for mourning later. "All teams, update status." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “All teams, update status and exfil. Members down.” COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Ward and Coulson, on our way to extraction, no significant injuries that I can see.” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “All teams, get to Motor Pool and get out of there.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Seventh smartest man in the world? He was ninth last he heard. Pym watches Janet fall in slow motion and thinks, "Not. Again." Then he's growing as big as he can and running forward MODOK with his arms thrown wide. "You aberration!!" Giant-Man slams into the floating organism and his great weight bears them both backwards into a wall as he delivers a headbutt that makes him see stars. One fist begins pounding the creature repeatedly as Pym screams in rage. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Iron Man finishes blasting through the floors and drops in. He's already running medical scans even as he runs toward the debris and starts to dig out Black Widow. "Spider-Woman! Stay with me! I'll need you to grab ahold of me, can you?" His heart is in his throat, though in reality it's a steady, constant beat as it is an artificial one. Not again...not again...is all Tony can think, but his body is operation. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Iron Man starts providing medical reports on Black Widow and Spider-Woman, and that reports of Captain America is down. Reports come in from all the different rooms in steady succession, as if Stark is responding methodically, robotically even. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Spider-Woman moans from her place near the rubble on her side and coughs violently, sending scarlet droplets of blood on the ground before her. "No," she gasps, "I can't. Nat? Where is she?" Jessica's eyes are barely open, staring sidelong at Tony and trying to look up where she saw the red arm, she fails to move her head that far. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: The news about Cap hits him like a shot to the heart, but Hawkeye keeps running. He would mourn his hero when there weren't lives to save. He bursts into the ruins of the Red Room bow in hand Tony's reports suggest he got there first, so when he comes in the bow is away and he's ready to help. "Tony, what can I do?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Moment's after Iron Man drops into the room all epic and 'Back in Black'. There's a furry beast of a man comes somersaulting and tumbling into the room and bounding into the room and lands next to Iron Man, "Shell head, Your princess is in another room, go get her. I got Spider Woman." Then he goes racing across the room using the med kit as he races to her side and starts to stabilize her. He looks to Spider woman. "Hey baby, I've missed you. I meant Viper. She's a bitch. Next vacation we're going to Disney land." He says working on the woman using levity to mask his concerns for her. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: MODOK is.. Squashed. Flat. In a most brutal manner. Then X-23 is leaping through the air, adamantium claws slashing and adding to the frontal lobotomy as she cleaves his psychic prism off, the surgically enhanced headband that helps boost his psychic abilities, between her an Pym MODOK being fully pacified. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Captain America says, “A time out was called and not my pose.” COMMS: Laura says, “Wasp is incapacitated.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Agents. Avengers. It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain Rogers is down. ... Someone, bring him home. We have four minutes. FOUR MINUTES. Get the HELL out of there, people!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Winter Soldier pauses, eyes narrowing, as he watches Captain America fall. And -not- by his hands. Then, as his name is called out -- as Cap's hand is extended out, realization begins to dawn in his mind. His face twitches. He blinks, rapidly, and presses a hand to his temple. His chest heaves, and the Winter Soldier, arguably the most dangerous man in Russian Hands, simply stands there a moment. One word escapes his lips, "Cap." His cybernetic arm clenches it's fist. His eyes narrow, "Cap," he says, choked. Then, he looks at Skull. And contorted on his features? Absolute rage. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>He dashes forwards, picking up Captain America's shield as he does so. And, he -runs up- She-Hulk's body, catapulting off of it, and slamming the shield down into Red Skull's face. "You killed Cap," he yells, slamming the shield into Red Skull again. Violently. And as strong as Captain America ever could. But far more viciously. Bucky isn't just trying to take Red Skull out. He's intent on killing the man. "YOU KILLED CAP!" Again, and again, the emblem, the sigil of Captain America reigns down on Skull. And Bucky's rage makes him utterly oblivious to the green machine of mean behind him. He pauses, there, and then lowering the shield, pulls out his own pistol. And aims it at Skulls head. "You," he says, visibly shaking, face contorted in pain, "Killed. Cap." His finger goes to pull the trigger, and then? Then his eyes roll back into his head, and he slumps to the floor with a silent thud as the brainwashing and his own mind finally reach their limitations, and simply shut down. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Well, now the timer is going. Hulk seeing the need for more ways out, obliges by barreling through one more wall, "We go?" he asks Daisy, "Hulk make more holes?" He is not as angry as before, but he does hear over the comm of Cap's death. Reaching a rage nearly unseen before, the Hulk smashes several more holes in the building, some more than Hulk-sized. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Structural instability increasing. Facility will not survive the blast zone. We need you in exfil location or the place will go down with anyone left in it!" COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “If anyone needs extraction, let me know. Hulk is prepared to breach where necessary. I am leaving to the base.” </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Jessica cocks a half smile when she hears Hank's voice. "Missed you too," she croaks, "can't..." she breathes heavily. "Can't do that here," she lifts her arm slightly, showing the piece of wood lodged under her arm. "No time." Jessica frowns when Hill comes over the comms. "Cap?" Jessica exhales sharply and slides a hand over her face. "Get. Me. Out. Now!" She says as loud as she could muster, sending her into a coughing, wheezing fit. Perhaps it's best that she wears a face mask. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Giant-Man blinks and starts to crawl to Wasp before his vision fully clears. He's topped out at ten feet when he reaches her and carefully cradles her in his arms. "Nononono. God no. It's not fair ... Jan, honey ... please ..." He looks ready to drop right there. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: C.A.T. is still out of range, 90 feet, just TEN more f'ing feet! Not like the door to the lab would interfere with her powers. However, with running full force, she wasn't watching where she is going, and suddenly there is a blaze of fire! She manages to dodge, barely by twisting her body to hit a hallway wall and slip into that hallway. She goes down hard and grunts at the impact, badly bruised. See, running full-force into walls is BAD. HYDRA agents are shooting at her. And she doens't know her Boyfriend, the only man she loves is dying and she isn't even THERE for him. Ya, best not to think of what is going to happen from that. In the meantime, C.A.T. is pulling out her gun with live ammo, and is soon shooting around the corner to take out the HYDRA Agents cursing herself. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Red Skull's eyes go wide when he sees the bullet pass through Captain America. He had done it! At long last he had done it! That's when he gets hit by She-Hulk's fist. The blow cracks bones and spills blood. Still the Red Skull is alive and conscious he flicks a switch on the gun and fires a burst of automatic fire into She-Hulk as he fumbles for something on his belt. He never reaches it, Bucky's sudden assault, drives him into the floor and keeps him there. Though, he had planned for that, and the teleporter he was reaching for activates on a deadman's switch. There is a flash of yellow light then, he's gone. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: X-23's words are sharp, "She is still breathing. Her heart is still beating. THis place is about to explode. She is still alive unless you stay here with her when it does." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Command this is Ward. Coulson and I are redirecting to recover Captain Rogers.” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach says, “Confirmed. Warning possibility of a free fire zone. Good luck.” COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Fair enough, I'll just shoot back.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: As confirmation to X-23's words, Janet does still seem to be breathing. Though shallowly. She is limp...no muscle control at all. She is knocked out cold. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: It's armor piercing. So it hurts...and the enraged She-Hulk takes it out on, oh, the scenery. You guys wanted a door, right? That look's still in her eyes...it almost looks like random flailing at this point. Or maybe what happened is starting to get through the gamma-induced rage. Door. Doors good. Doors very good. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Repeat. Does anyone need assistance with extraction? Hulk is prepared. T-Minus 4 minutes until complete detonation.” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Lab team, status. Do you require assistance?" COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Wait one Command. May need extraction.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America heard C.A.T. was suppose to be following Winter Soldier and now he's hearing shots fired from that direction. He reaching and clawing for the door. He calls out hoarsely, "Jen, I'm not going to make it. Get Buck and get C.A.T out. She's down the hall.. the way the Buck came. Don't leave her here." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Daisy Johnson points, "Hulk. Go save Hawkeye. Smash whatever you need to. I will make sure you have plenty of cookies." Again, she gives the huge, angry green guy a brief, but honest smile. "I am headed back to the base. Get him, and come back as soon as you can." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Iron Man says, “C.A.T. is trapped down by some HYDRA agents in the hall before the labs, about a hundred feet down. Cap needs medical attention immediately. Get medicals ready for two badly injured Hill.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: The rubble clears, leaving Strucker and Widow's unconscious forms exposed. Other than bruises and scrapes, they have no obvious major damage. The armor Stark had made for Widow seems to have been a boon. She's breathing, at least. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Hulk looks down at Daisy and nods, "Hulk go." With that, the enraged brute runs as quickly as he can without leaving craters towards Hawkeye's location. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Phil Coulson says, “Coming for Cap.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: Giant-man gets up with the Wasp held carefully in one arm. He heads to the doors and smashes them open, moving almost mechanically, a thousand medical nightmares vying for attention in his brain. "Let's get out of here and see what we can do for our wounded." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Hank looks at her, "I'm the doctor. You move when I say." He's only getting her stabilized to get her ready to move. "We'll be going as soon as we can." He doubles checks his work, then he moves to pick her up as gently as he can cradling Spider-Woman one arm. Then he starts extract her from the mission. He knew Tony would get Natasha and wouldn't wait to stabilize her. He needed to make sure he was where he could do surgery when he needed. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Maria Hill says, “We're on a timer, Barton. If anyone can assist please do.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: In the midst of the chaos, of Captain Rogers being down, Agent Eirissach spends two seconds closing her eyes and focusing, "Orders, Commander? All teams are disengaging and trying to exfil as possible." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Hawkeye, Hulk en route. Smith, Grift and I are returning to Command. T-Minus ...," a pause. "T-Minus -one minute-. One minute, people. Self detonation systems just lost two minutes. Move, people. MOVE." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: Iron Man looks over at Hawkeye, "Go get C.A.T." And soon the debris is removed enough and Widow is picked up carefully, delicately into Iron Man's arms, shifting her in his arms. Reluctantly, he pauses for a moment, before he finally reaches out to grasp the back of his armor and yanks him up. While Black Widow is cradled against his chest and shoulder, Strucker didn't even get a medical scan or a single careful action. But soon enough, Iron Man is jetting through the openings he had in the ceilings (now that he is going UP instead of DOWN). </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Laura says, “Wasp retrieved, en route.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>CAFETERIA: With Ant-Man and Wasp, X-23 is running up and over towards the surface, heading at a blur now as the group raced to try and beat the coming boom. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM:Jessica lodges her face into Hanks chest and sighs heavily, wincing and biting into her tongue at every movement. She watches at Iron Man takes Nat and Strucker, that's the last thing she sees before the world goes black. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: When Clint is sent after Cap's girl he nods, turns and runs. "On it," he knew Nat and Drew would be safe, and he wasn't sure if he was going to be though if he didn't haul ass. When word comes Hulk is en route he says "Coming up from the lowest sublevel walk way B will meet Hulk on the way up. Is someone getting C.A.T.? She should be near Cap's position." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Maria Hill reaches for the coffee she'd forgotten. It was cold now, but she doesn't care as she takes a long pull on it. The question for orders comes with a single nod. "Extraction teams are waiting. Make sure the meds are prepped. Feed medical as much information about injuries as you can. Prep a team specifically for Rogers. If we can save him..." God, please. Another gulp of coffee comes. "Get the hell out of there, Widow." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Coming up from the lowest sublevel walk way B will meet Hulk on the way up. Is someone getting C.A.T.? She should be near Cap's position.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: As the last of the Avengers leave or are pulled out of the room, a single flash of light goes off in the center of the room, and then suddenly fades. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Snapping a quick nod that's the equivalent of a salute off at Hill, Agent Eirissach gives a nod, "Confirmed. Request permission to send request to Command for cryo units to be dispatched." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: She-Hulk: < ...still no response... > </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>PORTAL ROOM: With a rarely seen level of fury, the Hulk arrives. With a roar he meets up with Hawkeye. Saying only, "We go." he grabs his fellow Avenger and moves with surprising speed out of the area towards the evacuation point. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Hill nods. "Granted. Sweep the area, make sure that AIM and HYDRA don't also have extraction units en-route. We don't need to butt heads more at this point." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Problem? She-Hulk's not...there right now, or maybe she is, because she turns to face Captain America...but she doesn't move, the wounds from the guns knitting together almost fast enough to watch, green blood dripping from them. Fixing her eyes on his. Not moving...despite the deadline. Of course, she's a Hulk, and getting blown up miiight not be so much a big deal for her. She doesn't say anything, either. Just...stands there, emerald eyes flickering. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Beast says, “Spider-Woman is extracted.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach nods, snapping her attention back over as she makes a quick call into the commlinks to command to update and then send the request, and checks the scanners and the comm signals for any possible further hostile assets. "Hydra and AIM comms appear to be cleared. They're covering their leadership." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach calls out, "Lab team, update, place is about to reach critical." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: With that, the 'Science Team' blasts up and out as they make it out to the escape point with X-23, Wasp, and Ant-Man! </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Running into the hallway is Agent Phil Coulson. The man is not his usual stoic self, instead he appears to be upset. A few tears are evident on his eyes his gun up and ready to shoot at anyone that seems remotely hostile. Hearing that Cap is down is not enough to override the need to ensure C.A.T's safety. As he raises his carbine he shoots a few rounds at the HYDRA agents, hoping to get their attention, if not kill them, and provide C.A.T. some cover. "C.A.T. Get out of here!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Med teams are prepped and waiting. Cryo unit en-route. There's no more time boys and girls, haul ass!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>MOTOR POOL: Daisy Johnson moves forward, with the two demolition experts, running as fast as she can towards the mobile command base. She taps her comm unit again, "Hawkeye. Status. Has someone secured Captain America yet? Report!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: "Not without Cap!" Loyalty from C.A.T.? Phil wouldn't know they are dating, and it would be against what everyone knows about C.A.T. and how she streets others. Loyalty is not her strong point by far. And suicide runs are also not her style. But another bullet is fired, killing the last HYDRA Agent thanks to Phil taking two out himself. Phil's actions helped. But C.A.T. is about to race toward the lab unless stopped. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Daisy Johnson says, “Hawkeye. Status. Has someone secured Captain America yet? Report!” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: Well you don't get taken out of a secret Russian super-soldier facility by the Hulk everyday. When the dust and debris clears off Clint's armour he says over comms. "Hulk and I are clear." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Hulk and I are clear.” COMMS: Maria Hill says, “Update on the Deputy Director's status, Barton.” COMMS: Hawkeye says, “Iron Man has her and was exfiltrating at last contact. Beast has Spider-Woman.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Grant Ward comes running in just behind Coulson, submachinegun at the ready, and putting it to good use blasting away at a couple more Hydra agents, until the path is clear, and then he's bolting down the hallway after C.A.T. "We're running out of time!" He calls out, knowing Phil will be right behind him. When he reaches the scene of the carnage, he spots the fellow next to Cap, and frowns, "Command, we've got another body here. I...he looks kind of familiar but I can't place him. Still breathing but unconscious. I'm pulling him out." Oddly enough, he doesn't seem to be paying much attention to She-Hulk, perhaps incorrectly presuming she's under control. He moves to reach down and throw Bucky over his shoulders, looking to make sure C.A.T. and Cap can be secured before looking to She-Hulk, perhaps expecting her to make them a really quick exit out? </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Grant Ward says, “Command, we've got another body here. I...he looks kind of familiar but I can't place him. Still breathing but unconscious. I'm pulling him out.” COMMS: Captain America says, “<Cough> <Cough> Phil, Get C.A.T., She-Hulk, and Bucky out. I'm not going to make it. Leave me behind soldier, that's an order. Katrina I love you.. I'm sor....” COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach takes a breath, "Agents, place is about to blow. You won't be fast enough. Don't dishonor him and his sacrifice by slowing down with him." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: Beast makes it to the surface with Jess. He gently turns her over into the custody of the SHIELD medical team. He gives her a kiss on the forehead and a hand squeeze. "I won't be far but another doctor needs to treat you." Then he turns to look at one of the Shield medical team. "Lot of injured, I'm a licensed M.D. and surgeon. Were do you need me?" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: Carrying the psychic band booster of MODOK and the arm of Viper, X-23 does not look pleased with herself, but the two items are.. Surrendered over into custody of agents on the surface. At this point given how much personal love Viper has of command codes hopefully SHIELD can use her palmprints and MODOK's headband in the future for access purposes. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE:Spider-Woman is still unconscious when she reaches the surface, she doesn't feel the hand off, or feel the kiss on her forehead or the squeeze of Hank's hand. She looks lifeless and limp, probably for the best that she doesn't hear the comms right now, anyway. She's carted off to one of the mobil medbays where she's checked out then rushed into surgery to remove the piece of wood lodged under her arm and into her lung. Prognosis, uncertain. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Ant-Man finds a medical team and places Jan on a stretcher. "We need vitals, an MRI, and CAT scans, Stat!" </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Phil scowls as the HYDRA agents fall, and he is not going to stop her to rescue Cap, instead he runs after her, carrying his carbine, towards the room where Cap is. He hears the order from cap, and a tear rolls down his cheek. He says and gives a tiny salute, "Yes... sir." Sadness evident in his voice he gestures to the door, "Let's go!" the last bit cracking. The agent then runs towards the door. Phil drops to his knees openly weeps as he reaches the extraction point. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: As Ward grabs the prone form of Bucky, his Cybernetic arm is - almost in a kind of dead cybernetic way, or intensity, gripping Cap's Shield. As if refusing, even in unconsciousness, to let go. A clinging point, for the Winter Soldier's sanity. The man is not exactly light, but neither is he going to be waking up shortly. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: C.A.T. comes bursting into the lab with Phil and soon Grant behind them. She leaps over Bucky, not even sparing him a look. He could be dead meat for all she cares. In her eyes, there is only Cap. "Steve!" It's instinct at this point as she races toward him. The girl...is actually crying...if C.A.T. was asked, she didn't realize she COULD cry like this...from exhaustion and stress yes, from physical pain yes, but not from emotional pain. C.A.T. didn't even realize she has it in her. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Hill has gone quiet after Captain Roger's last comm. Possibly the last words ever uttered by him. It was something that was difficult even for her, the career-centric hard as nails individual that she was to take. Now was not the time for it though. "Give us a count," she orders before coming to her senses. "Inform medical we have incoming. I want a headcount as to the number of casualties and injured we've sustained as soon as we get the last people out." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SHIELD MOBILE COMMAND: Agent Eirissach takes a breath, "Aye Aye Commander. Medical teams on standby. Tracking comm signals.." Focusing on obligation, on duty. To the living. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Captain America lays there, his breathing stopped, his body unmoving. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Iron Man says, “Captain America is non-responsive in all feeds." This is done in Iron Man's voice, as honestly...Tony can't project his own voice right now. "She-Hulk, get them the hell out of there.” </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: And She-Hulk...seems to snap back into sanity. Then, abruptly, she moves. She seems almost bigger than usual, a temporary boost from somebody's *brilliant* idea to shoot her up with gamma rays...and she'll grab Steve under one arm and, regardless of her struggles poor C.A.T. with the other...and leap out through the oh so convenient door she just made. She's not ENTIRELY back to normal yet, and faced with Cap saying to grab C.A.T. and Cap clearly needing to be grabbed...she's going to try and get them BOTH out. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>LABS: Bionic arm and shield or not, Ward now actually notices the giant gaping hole She-Hulk has already made, and bolts out of it. Bucky may not be light, but Ward's a strong fella, he can do a fireman's carry easily enough and not lose all that much speed. So he's bolting out as fast as he can manage, quickly putting some distance between himself and the labs </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: At Pym's insistence, Jan gets placed on the stretcher. She is still unconscious, but at least she is breathing and only some bruises from when she tumbled down. The medics murmur some words of encouragement to Pym, which probably does little to quell Pym's concerns, then she disappears somewhere within the mobile medbay. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: Now up on the surface, X-23 leaves the medical treatment to the experts, having mostly healed then of her injuries on the way out. Otherwise, she is silent. Standing vigil as the emergency work goes on. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade> COMMS: Cecannia Eirissach takes a breath, "All units confirm extraction. Field medical teams deployed for triage and stabilization." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Right as the last of the combined SHIELD and Avengers forces blast, smash, or leap clear-- the top level of the facility explodes. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>With thrice the charge that Daisy and her demolitions guys expected. That's right, SHIELD had planned to rig the place to explode. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The medical team-- skilled but not entirely robust, is already triaging and working on the injured that had arrived by now to the command center. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>SURFACE: Iron Man returns to the mobile command with Black Widow cradled in one arm and Strucker being dragged about by his other hand. When he enters, he tosses Strucker aside to be arrested. "I can tend to Black Widow. Use your medics on the severely wounded," Iron Man advises. He returned emotionally, in shock. He almost lost Black Widow, Spider-Woman, and Wasp, and when Captain America arrives...he can't think about it right now. He is smart, intelligent, but he isn't a medical doctor, not a real one. He leaves Pym and Beast to assist with the major medical concerns as he goes out of the way and to grab supplies before carefully removing Black Widow's armor. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>And She-Hulk comes running out of the explosion with...Captain America tucked under her right arm and a clinging C.A.T. tucked under the other. She didn't say anything on coms. She still doesn't say anything now as she stops to a halt, there's a look in her eyes that isn't quite normal...and which speaks of some deep inner battle. Yeah. Jen's not well. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach takes a breath, and glances at Commander Hill, "Request permission to take over field direction, Commander." And let Hill have her space to do what she has to. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Daisy Johnson and the two Agents are brought up to the mobile command base after waiting for a few moments. Her mannerisms are more stiff, than ever. She looks over to the pilot, "Once all are aboard, take us home," she says, stiffly. Far more formal than is even normal for her. No. She doesn't like this, one bit. Things went too bad, too hard, too fast. And they've lost Captain America. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>At C.A.T.'s arrival with She-Hulk, there are tears from her inhuman eyes (thanks to contacts they are inhuman), and the tears fall and slip beneath her Black Panther mask. As soon as She-Hulk stops though, she's wiggling to get free and to get to Cap! Black Widow and Daisy Johnson would know for sure why she's acting like that...she is really Katrinka, Cap's live-in girlfriend. "Medics, now!" Her voice is unusually commanding even if it still breaks from the emotion she feels. She can't stop shaking. When you are a girl that lives most of your life without intense emotion...experiencing it for the first time is...debilitating. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Agent Ward reaches the extraction point with Bucky in a fireman's carry across his shoulders He hands him off to the medics that -aren't- dealing with Captain America and others and notes, "Keep him sedated until further notice." He doesn't know what side this guy is on, but he knows he sure wasn't on the infiltration team. He seems outwardly calm, even cold. Any mourning can come later...they're still not completely in the clear yet. So he just stays out of the way, makes sure there aren't any stragglers left behind, and otherwise takes care of small details that others might not be attending to right now in the interim, like helping the transport pilots make pre-flight checks and making sure all the weapons are properly stowed and whatnot. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>A fluttering of eyes heralds Natasha's slow return to semi-consciousness as Tony is removing the pieces of her armor. "mmph... Drew, get out..." she murmurs, not entirely awake yet. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>When he's let go, Hawkeye drops down to the ground and looks up at the Hulk. "Thanks big guy," he says patting Hulk's arm. Then he lets out a long slow breath and pulls off his helmet. "What a mess," he says surveying the damage. When he sees Cap make it out of the building, not under his own power, and hears C.A.T. shouts for medics he shoots a look up at the Hulk again. "Oh shit, Cap," he says and starts running towards him. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Hank was helping with the medical staff. He was a blue furry 'Hawkeye' Pierce. He was too busy performing surgery to keeping people alive. He wasn't thinking about Jessica, his other friends, and he sure wasn't thinking about Cap. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>She-Hulk drops to one knee. Sets both down with equal care. Then she...stands and starts to walk away. Still not saying anything, and she does not *look* right. If there were any telepaths present they would be able to sense how close she is to the ragged edge of losing control again. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Maria Hill had departed the command center to go down to greet the extractees as soon as they were all loaded aboard. Just as she does in all her duties she snaps orders to everyone as she goes keeping things jumping and ensuring that everyone got the attention they deserved. Though there's a special order in there specifically to tend to Captain Rogers. A datapad is tucked in hand as she approaches with slowing footsteps regarding the body of Rogers pulled in only to stop short as everyone else converges on them, too. Rather than get in the way of his close friends she moves toward Natasha to regard the half-awake Deputy Director. Crouching down beside her she pats the woman's shoulder. "Objective completed." Lifting her gaze she regards Tony a moment, saying nothing, before she stands and walks away allowing him time with her as well. She does however grab one of the medical assistants to order him over to the Deputy Director. Everyone else was already assigned properly for now. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Iron Man pauses and shhhs Nat quietly, before he turns to face She-Hulk and her duo cargos, approaching them far enough to do a medical scan of Captain America to give the medics something to work with more quickly. His response? It's in Iron Man's voice. "No signs of life, brain activity dropping. Gunshot wound," and he starts going through the damage in that masculine computerized voice. Inside the mask, tears fall down his face. He then turns away and returns to Black Widow. When the assistant arrives to help, "He lists what items he could grab on his quick pass that he needs to tend to her, "Then go help the others once you get me those items," he states. It's all basic stuff, as Black Widow will be sore for likely two to three weeks, but she will survive...she was lucky and it was thanks to the armor...but it was meant to take bullets, not tons of heavy debris. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Daisy moves over to C.A.T. She remarks, as if in offering of a measure of solace to the girl, "I am sorry. If you need privacy, we can arrange that." She nods once, to Grant, then to Hill. She focuses on Captain America. Or rather, his body. She looks to Iron Man, nods, once. "Let's go home. Where he belongs." She turns away, before she begins to shed her own tears, moving to the computers and controls. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>After making sure the non-Avenger, non-injured, non-medic, and non-Coulson agents are securely strapped in for take off, Grant Ward silently moves to poke his head into the pilot's compartment next to Daisy, announcing to the pilots in a quiet tone, "We're clear for dust off. Let's get out of here." He generally keeps his eyes anywhere -but- on the group of mourning folks. It's easier to keep moving, keep working. Handle things that need to be handled. He wasn't close with Cap...barely met the man and only worked with him once, really, but Captain Rogers is an icon...it'd be hard for any dyed-in-the-wool SHIELD agent not to be affected by his passing. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"Tony?" Widow tries to focus, her head still ringing somewhat. She makes a move to start sitting up. "The mission... did we succeed?" She was knocked out long before what happened with Cap. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Phil rises from where he was kneeling and weeping. He wipes the tearas from his eyes and joins the others near Cap. He is rendered speechless as the others work. The agent slings his carbine back over his shoulder and hangs his head. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The Hulk nods to Hawkeye, "Cap..." the sorrow that hits him forces the Hulk to tighten his fists, but he sees Jen going off on her own and walks over to where she is, "Shulkie, we go home." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"Leave. Alone." Jen, finally getting words out, but there's a growl to them. Of course, the only people who know what she got hit by? Dead and unconscious, respectively. So it might just seem that it's...grief, not something more sinister. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach is currently within the mobile base, focused on busywork. Coordinating medical teams, extraction units, and.. Just anything she can to get her mind off how horridly this went. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>It isn't Tony's voice, it's Iron Man's voice. "We succeeded with what mattered, HYDRA and AIM do not have the serum, and we have secured Viper, Baron Strucker, MODOK, and Winter Soldier." Because, that is the answer he has to give, and he trusts Hawkeye to keep it out of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hands as Captain America wished. "Just rest right now." He doesn't say anything about Captain America, he can't. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Clint stops when he hears Tony's report. No signs of life. Cap was gone. He steps to Coulson's side and just stands with him, just as lost in shock. His hero (not that he said so) was gone. Maria Hill reaches up to tap her earpiece as she orders, "Get us out of here. We're going home. Have the Helicarrier prep for our arrival." With that done she walks over to stand beside Coulson regarding Cap with a stoic expression of her own. Everyone in SHIELD knew of Coulson's attachment, admiration, hell adoration of Captain America. Her hand lifts to rest on his shoulder giving a tight squeeze. Nothing is said though. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach closes her eyes then as she approaches Maria Hill, "Commander, I.. I'm sorry to have to bother you, but I wish to tender an.. Official recommendation on a course of action which is necessary." She closes her eyes as best she can. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>C.A.T. can't stop crying...even her nose is running, seriously gross! But she just can't stop. Daisy being nice to her is...strange, alien, and she can't say anything to the woman. She doesn't want to leave Cap's side. She follows after the medics, though she is careful not to get in their way. She finds a spot against the wall and sits there, curling up into a tight ball and hugging her legs to herself. Retreat...retreat...retreat...it's all C.A.T. can do right now. </i> <i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The Hulk can only nod to She-Hulk and walk away, as Banner regains control of the body and it returns to its normal form. Banner now goes over to where he had kept a coat for this purpose and puts it on. Realizing that his medical skills might be needed he begins assisting the medical personnel however they need it. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>As Natasha sits up, she'll see a prone Bucky, Cap's Shield still locked into his cybernetic hand, being taken to the medical bay on a gurney, a sedation IV bag already hooked up to his flesh-arm. The Winter Soldier, a known danger, is going to be kept 'on ice', it'd appear. For now. Even in unconsciousness, the pain of the last few moments of his wakefulness is evident. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Not that the medics don't try to bring Cap back, that they don't fight for him...but what can they do when the bullet did that much damage? And eventually, they will have to pronounce him brain dead well after they should have already done so. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Widow's hand reaches out for Tony's... even though he's in the suit. Her focus slowly comes back is as she finishes sitting up-- the mission isn't over until the team is back at the helicarrier, and Natasha is always about the mission above all else. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>A soft gasp escapes her lips, though, as her focus settles on Bucky. "...J..." she stops herself before she says his name. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The base, at Hill and Daisy's confirmation begins to head back towards the United States. She closes her eyes, hard, momentarily then turns around to watch everyone mourn, in their own way, Captain America. She looks to Iron Man, as he makes an assessment of their mission. She looks to Cecannia, and Hill, brow furrowed. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"He's gone..." Phil's voice trails as tears return after the doctors announce his death. His childhood hero, the man who he looked up to in his youth, used as a role model, and got to live the dream of working with as an adult... is dead. The agent looks from Hill to Clint and weakly smiles, still unable to speak more, but his hurting is visible and it is by pure will that he has not broken anything near him. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>She-Hulk continues to walk away. Once she's out of sight, the sounds of smashing can be heard. Hopefully that wasn't anything of significant historical value that just got destroyed. Maria Hill squeezes Coulson's shoulder again only to offer, "You've got vacation saved up." The hand falls away then as she turns to deal with the matters at hand. A simple, firm nod is given to Cecennia. "What are your recommendations?" Though she already had many things going over in her mind it wasn't beyond her to accept help or a good idea if one was offered. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Iron Man turns to look back at Winter Soldier. "I don't know for sure who he is." The cameras had visual, not audio. "He shot at Cap though, then tried to beat Red Skull. Apparently, he doesn't like either of them." Iron Man's voice does not really convey emotion, not computerized like it is. "Just rest Nat." He is holding the woman's hand, and moves to gently press her back down, careful of her bruising. The hand is given a gentle squeeze before he finishes removing armor and fixing up busted skin with disinfectant and bandages. His fingers are surprisingly dexterous in that armor as it responds to him like a second skin. If it wasn't for Nat, Iron Man would be out there with She-Hulk...or drinking as much liquor he can get his hands on till it hopefully kills him. Nat is the only thing keeping Tony grounded right now sadly. "I think everyone on this damn mission deserves vacation right now Hill. The entire damn country does." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach takes a breath. Closes her eyes. Translates rage to military speak. "I.. Given the.. Complete failure of reconnaissance of the facility either we were betrayed or those detailed to gather intelligence on the facility did a.." She closes her eyes again. "I recommend that we issue directives for their immediate arrest pending court marshall." Before they either are extricated or realize how badly they fucked up and go underground. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Clint nods and puts a hand on Phil's shoulder. He doesn't do that whole words thing too well at the best of time, and this was not even close to the best of times. So he just shuts the hell up and is there for Phil. When Hill mentions vacation, he gives her a tight smile "This was supposed to be my vacation," he grouses mildly before he just squeezes Phil's shoulder and he goes to find somewhere to collapse and rest until the world starts to make sense again. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>C.A.T. doesn't move, she doesn't say anything, the tears silent with only some quiet gasping sobs as she hugs herself against the wall. She doesn't have friends here, she didn't really have anyone as truly part of her life other than Steve. So she doesn't try to talk to anyone, to hug anyone to share her grief, she keeps it private...S.H.I.E.L.D. would flag her after this mission with high potential to betray S.H.I.E.L.D. without Steve Rogers as a stablizer. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"It will be under review, Agent," Hill informs as she knew partially who had provided the intel on the matter. The others... she nods solemnly. "For the time being those that gathered our intel are going to be held under guard. We don't want them going anywhere." Or anyone going in to do horrible things to them. Off camera. A glance is cast back toward Iron Man looking none at all pleased by this situation. A single, deep breath is taken and she tears her attention away just long enough to type in a request on her datapad. "We'll make arrangements. Full honors." This is said in a tight voice that has little to do in regards to vacation. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach nods crisply over at Commander Hill, "Aye Aye Commander." Giving a quick salute. Then picking up her earpiece to start the arduous task of coordinating debrief sessions once they're back on the Helicarrier. Work itself is a respite from mourning a man that she never knew. So she can at least be a coward and take that and leave the others by fleeing to emotional numbness. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Widow reaches for Iron Man's hands again, pushing them away, however gentle and useful they are being, forcing herself back up, hissing slightly in pain. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Her legs swing down and hit the ground, and she stands. Emotionless. "Hill. Eirissach." Her tone is ice. "Everyone here can hear you, and they are not cleared for..." she takes a step, and a knee buckles, but she catches herself. Another step towards them both. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Maria Hill draws a breath only to turn toward Natasha striding toward her. Though she was about to get chewed out by a superior officer the look on her face was one of pure, unadulterated rage right now. It's a rage she keeps quiet as much as possible as she meets her more than halfway. "Captain Rogers is /dead/, Deputy Director. We can discuss the /details/ later in the debriefing." The way she leans on the word details it sounds rather accusational. "If you'll excuse me, Deputy Director, I have some massive shit to clean up." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>More smashing sounds come from just over the horizon. There went a perfectly good moonshine vodka still...although she doesn't smash the bottles. If you're quick. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach takes a breath, "Deputy Director.. Of course. But now you need medical attention, as does the rest of the field team." She gives a quiet nod then, "And we.." She takes a breath, "Should.." Get going. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Iron Man moves to catch Black Widow, pulling her up into his arms. And when he snaps, he SNAPS! His Iron Man voice BOOMS! "If you can be so busy trying to find DAMN F$^*ING SCAPE GOATS go do your damn jobs! If you aren't injured, not here to tend the wounded, or too emotionally distraught to do your damn job, then get the F$^* OUT of the medical area!" And that was Iron Man's voice. Yes, he just kicked even SHIELD people out of the medical area if they didn't belong there. And considering after he puts Natasha back on the medbay bed his repulsors are powering up, he will back up that order with force. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>The Deputy Director staggers again, and this isn't from the soreness of flesh and bone. "...Steve? Steve is dead?" That wasn't right. That wasn't possible, in her mind, Captain America was as invincible and immutable as Nick Fury, or Logan. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>And then Tony picks her up, and surprisingly, she doesn't fight him. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>C.A.T. is opting for too emotionally distraught to do her job. Honestly, her job is done now. And other than a wince at the loud sounds, she doesn't respond. She stays there by Cap's medbay bed, the sheeting having been pulled up over his body. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Maria Hill just lifts her head regarding Natasha down the line of her nose a moment. When Tony steps in to pull her away and bark orders at them, she shifts her gaze to him. "Stand down or get off my ship, Stark." That's all she offers as she turns to stalk off calling out, "Everyone buckle in. Someone go retrieve She-Hulk with extreme care; we're leaving." </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Cecannia Eirissach stumbles over at the sudden shift and then the Iron Man rock off and just gives a nod over at the Commander's orders, stumbling over to her seat then and putting her headset on once more. </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>"Go to hell Hill, not your mission," is what Iron Man says, before he turns back to Natasha. The edge of the medbay bed got bent when Iron Man accidentally gripped it. Luckily, Nat wasn't still holding his hand at that moment and he wasn't still holding her. The next thing he says to Nat though, "Not your fault. Rest, we will talk later about.../everything/." And Widow may get a feeling that he /knows/. He isn't saying anything, but he knows. His Iron Man voice quieted for Black Widow. But he doesn't leave Nat's side until they return back, and only then he only leaves her side so he can get a few minutes alone with Steve Rogers... </i>

<i knew you would not betray us, comrade>Maria Hill snorts quietly, "We already did, Stark." Lifting a hand she waves in the air in a circle. A 'gather em up' gesture before she ducks back through to the command area of the ship.</i>