002 ➶ video

[arches]

<sub>( You know how the network has a lovely habit of ending up places it doesn’t belong? Today that is becoming a matter of interdimensional security. Because what is being broadcast is coming from a computer in a secret laboratory called Project PEGASUS. It’s a dark, cavernous room, filled with high tech equipment and either dead or unconscious scientist and SHIELD agents. There’s a light blue smoke coiling around everything. And there are four people you should be paying attention to—Dr. Erik Selvig, Director Nick Fury, Agent Clint Barton, and everyone’s favorite zombie god, Loki.


The tessaract, a small blue cube pulsing with power, is at the center of the scene. But for now watch as Barton tries to take out Loki. This doesn’t really work, and instead this happens: )



( Yes, Loki takes his ominous scepter and taps Barton’s chest with it. What did that do, exactly? Well, you don’t get to know. Because the feed cuts out shortly after that. It comes back a few minutes later, to this: )









( There’s the sound of a shot being fired a few moments later. And then, nothing. )</sub>

Comments

[arches]

I wasn't aware that I had to call in my position to you.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Call it friendly concern.

[arches]

I was thinking it's more along the lines of butting in.

And it isn't appreciated.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Then think more along the lines of professional responsibility.

Where are you?

[arches]

Not where I was five minutes ago, and not where I'll be tomorrow.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Helpful.

Director says you're compromised.

[arches]

Yeah? Fury says a lot of things.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Usually things worth listening to.

[arches]

Today he may have missed the mark.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Considering the metaphor, I'd like to take your word on that.

[arches]

But you won't?

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Too much is going on to.

Come in and prove me wrong, Barton. [Yeah. Like that's going to work.]

[arches]

After Fury tried to bury me and Hill tried to run me over? No thanks.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

I heard the Director might have been a little unhappy about being shot at.

[arches]

Then I guess both of us have to deal with a little irritation.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

One way to put it.

Try staying safe until we can screw your head back on straight, Barton.

[arches]

Don't patronize me, Coulson.

Worry about yourself.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

No patronizing intended. [He just doesn't want to deal with an extraordinarily pissed off Natasha if Clint skips off and gets killed.]

Not to worry. I'm on top of that too. I'm a multi-tasker.

[arches]

You're going to have to be.

[notmyfirstrodeo]

Ominous threats. Not your best, Barton.

[arches]

Not a threat. A warning.