Strike Team Delta Scares Medical

1

"Why were we not informed of this, Coulson?"

"The situation presented herself only a few hours ago, Chief."

Security Chief Luther Rhames stood with SHIELD Handler Phil Coulson in the cleared-out hallway of the third floor of Stark Medical Ward. Only a small group of hospital staff remained, huddled together to his left, peering through a window and gawking.

In the next room, guarded by his best men, sat two of the world's deadliest assassins, both bruised and bleeding from a fight that would become legend.

Luther knew the young SHIELD agent, Clint Barton. Coulson brought him in three years ago with a redacted file and bow slung over his back.

Initially laughed at for his weapon of choice, it soon became evident that the bow he wielded was an extension of himself. Perfect form with perfect aim. When the snipers were outmaneuvered, the man known as Hawkeye was called to finish the job.

Barton was the only one deft enough to track SHIELD's number one target. The only one who could rival her skills.

"She switchin' sides?"

"So I'm told." Phil said calmly.

"Was she told that? Barton put an arrow in her shoulder yet that young woman disarmed three of my men and knocked another three unconscious, bringing her here." Luther related in almost awe.

Phil pressed his thin lips together. Whether to hide a grimace or a smile, the Chief wasn't sure.

That young woman was Natasha Romanov, ex-KGB and former Hydra operative known as the Black Widow. Her kill count was higher than Barton and Coulson's combined.

"She didn't kill anyone." Phil pointed out.

Luther shot him a look.

The head of nursing, Joyce Miller, interrupted.

"You called, Sir."

Luther nodded for the guards to let her in, one following, leaving the door open.

"That isn't necessary," she frowned, "Agent Barton you need to leave the room too."

"No." His uniform was torn in several places from what looked like a knife fight.

"Agent Barton, you need to have those wounds cleaned and I'm sure our patient would like some privacy." Nurse Miller said with an air of annoyance.

"No." It was Romanov this time. She had been stripped of her clothes and weapons and put in a hospital gown.

Joyce turned to the door for help. Coulson looked at Hawkeye who only gave a slight shake of his head.

"Please continue." Phil instructed.

Nurse Miller made a disapproving face and finished bandaging Russia's most lethal killer as if she were any other patient.

"Agent Barton, I'm going to close the curtain and remove Ms. Romanov's gown to finish dressing her injuries. You need to leave the room."

"No!" Natasha scrambled out of the bed to Hawkeye's side.

The guard immediately pushed Nurse Miller aside and shouted, raising his rifle. Coulson and the Chief whipped out their pistols as well, yelling for Barton to get out of the way.

Black Widow growled something in Russian and Clint answered, shoving her behind him.

"Lower your fucking weapon!" Barton stood at his full height, shoulders back, one arm still protectively keeping the Widow covered, the other hovering dangerously near his sidearm.