"Tyler Hayward, former member of the S.W.O.R.D. Bureau..."
As Anton and Monica continued their conversation, Tony was busy gathering information about the man through his own means.
"After S.W.O.R.D. was disbanded, Tyler Hayward joined S.H.I.E.L.D.," Tony reported. "Right now, he's stationed at the S.H.I.E.L.D. office in Washington."
He spoke while steering the car toward Stark Tower.
Although S.H.I.E.L.D.'s main headquarters had shifted away from Washington—its focus now centered on Europe, where Hydra was more entrenched—it didn't mean the agency had completely withdrawn from the U.S.
They still maintained an office at their former headquarters location, ensuring S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives had access to logistical support when needed.
It was a practical move.
Anton glanced at Tony, already reading his intentions.
"You're coming to Washington with us?"
Tony shrugged. "I already told you—this is my problem now too."
Shortly after, a Stark Industries jet lifted off from the private tarmac.
Whoosh!
The aircraft streaked through the sky, heading straight for Washington.
Washington, D.C.
At the former S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, now occupied by Special Forces, an urgent request had just come in from Anton's Men in Black organization:
[Request for Assistance]
Subject: Tyler Hayward
Status: Former S.W.O.R.D. Member, Current S.H.I.E.L.D. Operative
Location: S.H.I.E.L.D. Office, Washington, D.C.
Request: Immediate detainment
Though there was no official connection between Special Forces and the Men in Black, the two had collaborated before. Their past encounters with Anton Jameson had been productive, and there was mutual respect between the groups.
Hawke, the commanding officer, read the request and made a quick decision.
"This is a good opportunity for training," he muttered.
Looking up, he barked out an order.
"Assemble!"
Within minutes, a squad of heavily armed operatives stood before him.
"Listen up!" Hawke addressed them. "We've got a new mission. This time, we're assisting an old ally—Anton Jameson's Men in Black—by apprehending a high-value target. He's suspected of being involved with alien criminals, so this mission is also a test of our readiness."
His gaze landed on his second-in-command.
"Duke, you're in charge of this operation. I'll remain at HQ and expect a full report."
"Understood." Duke snapped a crisp salute. "We'll bring him in."
Duke led an elite Special Forces unit into action.
Their team consisted of:
Duke, the seasoned field leader Snake Eyes, the silent but deadly martial artist Roadhog, a demolitions expert Umbrella, the team's intelligence specialist Cable, a cybernetic marksman Cover Girl, an infiltration and disguise expert Miss Jane, a tactical sniper Heavy Cannon, a heavy weapons specialist Blake, a combat medic
After the Battle of New York, their unit had suffered heavy casualties—but their outstanding performance had made them one of the most respected teams in the field.
They honored the memory of their fallen comrades, but their focus remained on the mission ahead.
Upon receiving Hawke's orders, they immediately mobilized toward S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Washington office, conveniently located near their own base.
"Target locked."
Miss Jane, the team's intelligence officer, studied the live surveillance feed.
"He's in the lobby. On duty."
Roadhog chuckled. "Hah! This might be easier than we thought."
Duke shot him a look.
"Don't get cocky." His expression hardened. "This mission isn't routine—our target is connected to an alien faction. We were there during the Battle of New York. We all know how unpredictable extraterrestrials can be."
He hesitated for a brief moment but decided against saying what was really on his mind.
What if Tyler Hayward isn't human?
This mission involved Anton.
And based on past experience, whenever Anton got involved in something, it usually turned into a global event—one that often ended up involving the Justice League.
"Relax," Roadhog said casually. "I was just joking."
"Good," Duke nodded. "Get ready to move."
Tyler Hayward sat at his desk, his face expressionless. His eyes, however, subtly shifted as he observed his surroundings.
He had received word that his cover might be blown.
"Nick Fury..." A thought flickered through his mind. "Even when you're forced out, you still find ways to cause trouble."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Tyler's face darkened.
He didn't hesitate—he immediately recognized the danger.
Although there weren't many people in the office, these footsteps didn't belong to S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
There was only one possibility.
The enemy was here.
Without wasting a second, Tyler reached under his desk, grabbing a concealed energy weapon. He sprang to his feet and rushed toward the door.
BOOM!
A fierce energy blast erupted from his weapon.
The shockwave sent Special Forces operatives flying before they could react.
Flames, debris, and shattered stone exploded outward, filling the air with smoke.
"Damn it!" Duke cursed. "We're exposed! He knew we were coming!"
"Go, go, go!"
He turned to Roadhog and the others. "Change of plans—engage in direct combat!"
"Got it!" Roadhog grinned, hefting his heavy weapon.
With a roar of gunfire, the Special Forces team opened fire, unleashing a wave of bullets that forced Tyler Hayward back into the office.
Pinned down, Tyler's face was grim.
After a brief hesitation, he reached for a hidden control panel.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Bullets tore through the walls, leaving him with little room to maneuver.
The Special Forces team quickly surrounded the office, weapons trained on their target.
"Tyler Hayward," Roadhog smirked, "you're out of options."
But to his surprise, Tyler wasn't panicking.
Instead, he looked at them with a mocking smirk.
"Huh?"
Roadhog's instincts flared.
Something wasn't right.
"Your face is pissing me off," he muttered. "I get the feeling you know something we don't."
Tyler chuckled darkly.
"Unfortunately for you… you're the ones who are out of luck."
BOOM!
The moment he spoke, a golden streak of light tore through the sky, leaving behind a blazing trail.
Then—like a meteor crashing to Earth—the figure slammed into the building with overwhelming force.
The entire Special Forces operation was being recorded via live surveillance.
At Special Forces Headquarters, Commander Hawke watched the mission unfold in real time.
At the same time, he relayed the footage to Anton and the others, who were still aboard their jet, en route to Washington.
Then—everything changed.
Everyone on the plane froze as they watched the sudden development.
And among them, the most shocked wasn't Anton or Hawke.
It was Monica Rambeau.
Her eyes were locked onto the screen.
She could barely breathe.
Because the golden figure that had just descended from the sky…
It was someone she knew.
"Aunt Carol…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Staring at the screen, Monica could only watch as Carol Danvers—Captain Marvel—made her entrance.
….
patreon.com/Vks_sh