Chapter 23: The SHIELD Report

Shortly after the successful joint mission in Afghanistan, Clint Barton returned to the Triskelion, the imposing SHIELD headquarters in Washington, D.C. The quinjet landed smoothly on the platform, and Clint stepped out with the usual calm he demonstrated in almost every situation. He knew that the report on his mission would be crucial, especially because of John Hawke, the super soldier who was attracting the attention of SHIELD and several other military agencies.

Upon entering the building, Clint was greeted by a support agent who led him directly to the conference room on the upper floor. There, Director Nick Fury, Deputy Director Maria Hill and his handler, Agent Phil Coulson, who always closely monitored Barton's most delicate missions, were waiting for him.

Clint entered the room with his relaxed posture, but his eyes attentive to every detail.

"Agent Barton, good job on the mission," Nick Fury said, his tone firm, but with a slight inclination in his voice that indicated respect. "We need to know all the details, especially about Captain John Hawke."

Clint sat at the table and looked at the three in front of him. Fury was at the head, with his classic eye patch and a dominant posture. Maria Hill, next to him, maintained her usual serious expression, her eyes showing total focus. Phil Coulson, sitting more relaxed, seemed eager to hear what Clint had to say.

"The mission was straightforward and without complications," Clint began, throwing his backpack on the floor next to him. "The objective was neutralized, and the Delta Force team worked impeccably. Hawke led the operation with precision, both in strategy and execution."

Fury crossed his arms, leaning forward.

"And what about Hawke himself? What did you observe?"

Clint paused, searching for the right words.

"He's different, Director. And not just because of the abilities the serum gave him. Hawke has a natural sense of leadership. He's not just stronger, faster, or tougher. He thinks quickly, adapts quickly. And what impressed me the most is the respect he has for his team and how much they trust him. It's not something common, even among elite soldiers."

Maria Hill, always practical and objective, intervened.

"Do you think he's comparable to Captain Rogers?"

Clint grimaced slightly, thinking carefully before answering.

"Comparable? Maybe. He definitely has the potential. But there's a difference..." Clint paused for a moment, trying to articulate the exact difference. "Rogers, from what I've read, has always had this thing, an unwavering integrity. I'm not saying Hawke doesn't, but he's more... human, I think. He has flaws and he knows it. But he uses those flaws to improve, to be a better leader. He's always focused on the well-being of his team, as if they were his family."

Phil Coulson, who had remained silent until then, raised an eyebrow.

"That makes sense, considering Hawke's history. He lost his parents early and always sought a family in the military. It seems he found that in Delta Force."

Fury kept his gaze fixed on Clint.

"What about his physical performance? What did you see?"

Clint leaned back in his chair, remembering the scenes from the mission.

"He's a monster, in terms of physical abilities. He can run absurd distances in a short time, his strength is… well, he can lift things that would be impossible for any ordinary soldier. And his reaction speed, especially in combat, is something out of the ordinary. I would say that, in time, he could even surpass Captain Rogers in terms of pure physical abilities."

Fury, impassive, absorbed this information. He was always thinking a few steps ahead, and now that he had another super soldier in the equation, the options began to multiply in his mind.

"You said he's loyal to his team. What about loyalty to others? If we decide to recruit him, do you think he'd come?" Maria Hill asked, ever the pragmatist.

Clint thought for a moment, looking at Hill and then at Fury.

"He's loyal to what he believes in. If he thinks we're doing the right thing, I think he'd come. But he won't be easily manipulated. He's the kind of guy who needs to believe in the cause, and if he senses something is wrong, he won't hesitate to question it or even act against it."

Fury smiled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"That sounds familiar."

Phil Coulson looked at Fury and then back at Clint.

"So, what do you suggest, Clint? Should we approach him now? Or give him more time to observe him?"

Clint leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

"I think he's still adjusting to what the serum did to him. Giving him more time might be a good idea. He's still learning to use his full potential, and when he's at his peak, he'll be a valuable ally, if we can convince him."

Fury was silent for a moment, pondering what had been said. He knew that making a rash decision could alienate Hawke, but he also knew that time was a precious resource. With the world becoming increasingly dangerous and SHIELD in need of powerful allies, a super soldier would be an important asset.

"Very well," Fury said, finally breaking the silence. "We'll wait. Let him continue with military operations and observe closely."

He looked at Coulson, who nodded in confirmation.

"Coulson, keep your team watching him. Don't interfere, but I want to know every move he makes. If there's any sign that he's ready, we'll approach him."

Coulson, as always, accepted the mission with a slight nod.

"Consider it done. I'll monitor him and report everything directly to you."

Maria Hill, ever direct, added:

"Should we expect any complications from the military side? JSOC and SOCOM know what he is now, and they will certainly want to keep him in the most secret operations."

Fury fixed her with his sharp gaze.

"They know what is best. Hawke is an asset to them, but his potential goes far beyond any military mission. And they know that as much as we do. When the time is right, SHIELD will be the place for him."

Clint stood up, knowing the meeting was coming to an end.

"If you need me again, I will be here. But I suggest that when you approach him, come with something big. Hawke will not be easily impressed."

Fury nodded, indicating that he understood Clint's point.

"Thanks, Barton. Rest for now, but stay close. Something tells me Hawke will give us a lot of trouble yet."

Clint gave a small nod, picked up his backpack, and left the room, leaving the three SHIELD agents to discuss their next steps.

As soon as Barton left, Coulson turned to Fury.

"Do you think Hawke could be the next Captain America?"

Fury looked out the window of the conference room, observing the constant movement in the Triskelion.

"He doesn't need to be the next Captain America, Coulson. He needs to be John Hawke. And that might be even more important."

Coulson nodded, understanding the depth of Fury's words.

"I'll keep Hawke on our radar. When the time is right, we'll make the approach."

Fury crossed his arms and looked at Hill.

"Make sure that when we do, he sees SHIELD as the only logical choice. We can't lose someone like him."

Deputy Director Hill nodded, and with that, the meeting came to a close, with everyone aware that John Hawke would be a name to remember.