Hale and Ruby

Director Maria Hill of BRIDGE

Maria walked into the interrogation room with Fury on her right side, and her new Deputy Director, Victoria Hand on the left. Sitting at the table was one Brigadier General Hale, a member of the United States Air Force who had defected from HYDRA in return for several stipulations.

Maria sat down in front of her, and Hale blinked in surprise. "Huh. Things must have changed if you're Maria's lackey, Fury."

Fury smirked. "Oh, quite a bit has changed. After all, you gave yourself up with barely a fight, didn't you?"

"With none at all, if I remember," Victoria said, flipping her trademark pink stripped hair back.

Hale smiled a bit, looking chagrinned. "Point. I suppose a lot has changed."

Maria held a hand out, and Victoria passed her a tablet. "We've been looking at the conditions you gave us in return for information on HYDRA. You understand some of it will have to be negotiated and the information will have to be confirmed. Some stuff you asked for just won't be possible."

"Like what?" Hale's eye narrowed, her posture stiffened.

"Well, you won't be getting off scot-free. We will have to give you some jail time," Maria said. "Even with the information you've given, those in the world's governments will want to come after you purely for your association with HYDRA."

Hale clenched her hands together, but she only nodded tightly rather than contesting that. Not what she was worried about then. Maria had a guess as to Hale's true priorities.

"And then there is your daughter, Ruby Hale," Maria watched the fire rise in Hale's eyes. Jackpot.

"Ruby is innocent," Hale said harshly. "She's just a child."

"A child raised to be a killer," Fury replied, resting his hands flat on the table. "She's got skills, that can't be denied. Not many fourteen-year-old girls who can fight my best," Fury winced, looking at Maria. "Sorry, force of habit. Our best."

Maria nodded gracefully, acknowledging the slip. "She's been trained, no doubt about it, but she's still a young girl. Quite frankly, it's hard to tell what we should do with her."

"Train her further," Hale said, imploring. "Keep her safe. I'll give every bit of information I have, I'll do whatever it takes. Just please, don't hurt Ruby."

Maria scoffed. "Hale, did you think for a second we were planning on hurting your daughter? Dissecting her the way Whitehall was planning?" Maria tutted, shaking her head from side to side. "No. But we can't exactly make a brainwashed-"

"She wasn't brainwashed!" Hale protested.

"Raised in a HYDRA facility while being told over and over to obey, kill, and worship the chain of command?" Victoria strode around to look down at Hale, her high heels clicking with each step. "Brainwashing doesn't just mean chemistry and technology. Ruby will need serious deprogramming to be seen as anywhere close to normal."

"But she can be useful," Hale glared at Victoria. "Ruby just wants to fulfill her purpose. To be a hero. Yes, she's been raised to be a warrior-"

"A killer," Fury interrupted, shrugging at the glare Hale gave him.

"She's still a young girl," Hale said softly. "She can be a good SHIELD agent. She won't be able to integrate into society, I know that. I just... I want my daughter to have a home. To be safe, and to live her life..."

Maria leaned back in her chair, resting her hand against her fingers. "So you want us to... what? Take Ruby and groom her to become an agent?"

"She's already got the training," Hale said. "You take care of her, make her strong, and I promise she can be an asset. In return, I'll give you everything I have. Every base, everyone who is still active. This information is current. But not for long. HYDRA will move everything the second you give them a chance. You've already attacked Whitehall, haven't you?"

None of the three answered, and Hale nodded.

"Protect my daughter. Train her. And I'll give you anything you want," Hale said.

"No attempt to make things easier on you?" Victoria asked curiously.

"Just Ruby, I went into this knowing I made my bed," Hale said, clenching her hands together.

Maria smiled slightly and slid the tablet towards Hale. "I think we might be able to work something out."

As Hale read the tablet, Maria looking at Fury, who nodded.

Maria was still getting used to being Director. In some ways, nothing had changed. The paperwork had increased, and she had to manage not only the organization, but also Tony, Dial, and the other Avengers, all of whom needed to be kept under watch, simply so she wouldn't be left surprised the next time they suggested something crazy.

But this was part of her old work. Convincing someone to do something she'd already planned on.

Ruby Hale could be an asset. Not now. But in four years, a former ticking time bomb could become something very, very useful. Natasha already had thoughts on that. They'd help her, and if Ruby wanted a normal life, they would let her. Until then, she'd be kept out of the fight, but continue being groomed for it.