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He didn’t have the time for his usual pleasantries. Alistar produced the aspirin he needed. He’d been up for well over 24 hours at this point, and was exceptionally tired. He’d been up for 48, even 72 hours before on assignments… but there was just something about tonight and the monotony of it all. The pill helped with the headache. He felt a surge of energy as he got into his van, James getting into the passenger seat. It was a quiet drive back to New York. He didn’t speak much to his new passenger, not bothering to reveal anything about his former life nor his more recent escapades. He was instead preparing the briefing in his head. He had a lot of uncertain questions that still needed to be answered. He supposed he’d get most of them tonight.

He pulled into the same parking garage as before, getting out and bringing with him only a single case. He wanted to make sure he had enough comms for everyone, because they would certainly need them. His half-demon friend would be able to take care of most everyone else’s needs. Nonetheless, Sling got in the elevator with James and went down to the base. It’s sheer grandeur was impressive, but the vigilante didn’t really care. He went to set up his equipment.

Jackson Hurley let the others take in what the base had to offer while he made his way to the lounge, setting up the equipment he needed. He connected his laptop to the monitor. One thing he managed to learn in SHIELD: how to make a good powerpoint. Within minutes he had it finished up with the information he had. He didn’t know quite everyone, but he knew enough.

Once finished, he gathered everyone back into the lounge. It was important to get everything sorted as quickly as possible. He had a new identity to forge, plane tickets to purchase, and a homicidal maniac to catch. Just another day as an international man of mystery. Nonetheless, Jackson gave a small nod to everyone as he began.

[color=c4df9b]“Keep all questions until the end. My name is Jackson Hurley, formerly United States Navy SEAL, former Agent of SHIELD. I’m not going to insult your intelligence and explain who they are. Most of you have heard about them, if not all of you. To be clear, I’m no longer tied to that organization, and do not have the current intention to report to them. Which means everything we have done and will be doing is off the books.

“I’m not looking to lead you lot into any sort of war, but I am giving you the option to do something right. It’s come to my attention HYDRA is operating in New York at the moment, and God knows where else. I have a location, which I will send all of you to begin doing some digging if you to get yourselves involved. But, as I keep specifying, you’re not a SHIELD strike force, you’re not special agents. For the most part, we’re all narcissistic assholes with special powers or abilities that like beating the shit out of people who deserve it. And oh boy, do these fuckers deserve it.”[/color]

Jackson sighed as he tapped a button on his laptop. The TV behind him showed gruesome images: the burnt corpses of children in cages, a drug manufacturing plant with chained women working the line, a warlord seemingly in Africa sitting upon a throne crafted entirely of skulls and bones. [color=c4df9b]“I’m still trying to piece together what it is they’ve been up to, and where they have their connections. But they’ve begun to make things personal. And right now, I’m pretty confident all of you are in the crossfire. You could easily run away, or hide in your fancy underground bases… but with the literal firepower we have in this room we could bring them to their fucking knees…”[/color]

A moment passed by as Jackson hesitated continuing. He wasn’t entirely sure the impact this next segment would have on the group dynamic… but ultimately, it didn’t matter much to him. [color=c4df9b]“I will not be able to aid you for some time. I have to catch a devil… not the literal devil, mind you.” He gave a glance over towards Alistar. “So, it’ll be up to you lot. But you should probably know who each other are…”[/color]

On screen, Alistar’s face appeared. Next to it, a scrolling list far too long and scrolling far too fast to properly read. Accompanying pictures helped show an individual roughly matching Alistar’s appearance throughout several historical events and periods. [color=c4df9b]“Alistar, a half-demon with a checkered past. To some, a creation of pure evil. To those of us at SHIELD, someone willing to do what it takes to make sure the right thing gets accomplished.”[/color]

Next on screen was Draku. [color=c4df9b]“Despite looking like he just walked out of an anime convention, Draku is a powerful individual, perhaps too powerful for his own good. Considered a serious threat by the higher-ups in SHIELD, but have been afraid messing with him would cause serious collateral damage.”[/color]

He gave a quick look to those who were remaining. He wasn’t entirely sure Joc’s friend was, but given the lot that he was in this room with, he had to be powerful. Next on the screen was Jocelyn. [color=c4df9b]“Jocelyn Beatrix Victoria Harmon, though seems to have a fondness for the alias Tonic, to my understanding. One hand gives, the other takes. It’s a shame what they did to you at Weapon X, but glad you didn’t go feral like another one of the experiments.”[/color] Another flash on screen showed her face from earlier in the night, when attempting to escape the bar. [color=c4df9b]“Though, currently wanted for questing in regards to the killing of multiple armed police officers and the robbing of a local bar in New York City. Considered armed and dangerous, believed to be working with a ring of criminals, and legal experts are speculating the DA will push for the death penalty when he gets to his office tomorrow morning. If she’s caught, that is.”[/color]

Jackson tapped his laptop, and James’ picture came up. [color=c4df9b]“Not entirely sure about you, mate. Name’s James Walker, former police trainee in NYC. Not entirely sure why you’re wrapped up in all this, but you stole a helicopter and something tells me it wasn’t on the ground when you did it.”[/color]

Jackson then gave a small sigh, his finger drumming impatiently on the laptop as the final picture came on screen. Well… blurry pictures. Gruesome scenes. Assassinations of powerful politicians and individuals of immense wealth and weight. All showing a shadowy figure being present, but never a clear picture. “[color=a2d39c]And lastly… our dear friend Ava. An assassin from Russia, nicknamed “The Black Frost” in your native tongue. Most of your files have been scrubbed clean, couldn’t even get a facial ID on you… oh, and of course. Hydra agent with a burn notice sent by the fucking Winter Soldier himself. 

“So even though I said I was going to take questions, I’m pretty sure we all have a few for you.”[/color]