fifth | dictated

[ironlady]

[Agent Barton of SHIELD; backdated to after her conversation with Tres regarding repairs after Clint's arrival]

[The voice of a calm, quiet young woman is coming your way.] Good afternoon. I believe my subordinate conveyed my wish to speak with you. I would like our discussion to be in the gardens outside the castle. I trust you will have the good sense not to bring your weapon along for this.

Comments

[ironlady]

So in other words you didn't know initially. A human wouldn't have easily survived that. [A soft sigh.]

Am I going to have to waste time worrying about more incidents like this?

[compromisedarrow]

I knew before I fired. I would have aimed for somewhere less vital, otherwise. A knee.

[He's still calm, collected, completely nonchalant.]

As long as no-one threatens me, I'm as laid back as can be, ma'am. I don't want any trouble.

[ironlady]

I certainly hope so. There are a great deal of innocent, defenseless people brought into this world against their will. If there is another incident like your arrival again you have my word I won't be inviting you to the garden for tea afterward.

[She'll have his head blown off. Caterina is way too classy to come out and say that.]

Speaking of which, would you like some?

[compromisedarrow]

I only fight back when I'm threatened or have orders. You can rest assured that this likely won't happen again, unless under circumstances beyond my control.

[And you're welcome to try, Caterina.]

I wouldn't say no, but I would like to know your name.

[ironlady]

[She nods. That's agreeable to her though needless to say she will be keeping an eye on him.]

Cardinal Caterina Sforza, Duchess of Milan.

[compromisedarrow]

Well, Duchess, I have a request, if you don't mind.

[ironlady]

I am listening.

[compromisedarrow]

As the most senior, and only, agent of SHIELD present in the castle at this time, it's up to me to represent their interests.

[He leans back in his chair. Steve didn't count. Not yet. He barely knew what SHIELD was.]

I'd like to ask you to keep my identity, and the fact there are SHIELD agents present here, quiet. There may be some people who come to the castle bearing a grudge, and I don't want to cause more trouble.

[ironlady]

You have my word my people will keep it to themselves. [She pours him a cup and gently pushes it over.]

However the journal caught your arrival. Anyone you encountered as well as anyone listening that day could give you away. You should be prepared for that.

[compromisedarrow]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[A pause]

I realise that my arrival wasn't the best impression I could give. Sorry.

And I know. If there were any enemies of SHIELD about, I probably wouldn't be standing here right now.

[ironlady]

I appreciate the apology. Rest assured if your enemies come here we will not allow any innocent person to be hurt.

[compromisedarrow]

Assuming you can fight against...

[There's a pause here, a slight flicker of discomfort. He's going to take his tea now.]

Well, lets just say my enemies are legends.

[ironlady]

[She raises a brow. She's genuinely curious.] You assume your world is the only one with legends out to harm the innocent?

[compromisedarrow]

When legends come to take over the planet, that's when I assume they're a threat.

[ironlady]

A threat is a threat to us. We will fight regardless of the name and stories attached to them.

[compromisedarrow]

Then I hope you're ready to fight gods, because even I don't know everything that's out there. And they say there's hundreds of worlds represented here. God only knows what threats we could face.

[He stands.]

One last thing, your eminance. If a man shows up here, tall, black hair, by the name of Loki... He's mine. And I won't take any interference in that matter.

[One look into Barton's eyes should show how serious he is about that.]

[ironlady]

[Caterina can see that. She weighs the pros and cons in her mind a moment before settling on an answer.]

You will be the first man I notify.

[compromisedarrow]

If he's got a staff, stay away from it. Don't let him touch you with it. Or anyone else.

[A pause. How much should he tell her?]

The details are classified, but it's not pleasant.

[ironlady]

I will have to take your word for it then. Do you intend to share these details should he come?

[compromisedarrow]

That depends. If he arrives before a senior SHIELD Agent, I'll make the decision as it comes.

[ironlady]

I'll be awaiting your word then should the need arise.

[compromisedarrow]

[A nod.]

Thanks for the tea.

[And he's going to turn to leave, even though his cup is more or less untouched.]