Chapter 65: Mike Peterson's Mission

The atmosphere at the California bus station was tense. The movement of people passing by could barely mask the presence of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, strategically positioned at various points. Everyone was on high alert, aware that the situation could escalate in a matter of seconds.

Mike Peterson, the man in the hood, stood in the middle of the station, clearly disturbed. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes were filled with anger and frustration. With each step he took, the people around him moved away, realizing that something was about to happen.

Bus Station, Lower Level

Coulson approached Mike carefully, trying not to alarm him. He knew that any sudden movement could trigger a violent and potentially disastrous reaction.

"Mike, we need to talk," Coulson said in his calm but firm voice. "I know you're angry, but we can work this out together." Mike looked at Coulson, his fists clenched so tightly that his muscles were bulging. He was sweating, struggling to maintain control of himself.

"Fix it?" Mike replied sarcastically, his voice thick with frustration. "There's nothing you can do to fix it. They… they turned me into this! And now you want to capture me like I'm a monster?" Coulson remained calm, maintaining his conciliatory posture.

"I don't see you as a monster, Mike. You're a man who was manipulated, who was used by unscrupulous people. But you still have a choice. We can help you get out of this." Coulson took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Mike, as if trying to reach the man behind the pain and anger.

Mike stepped back, shaking his head in denial.

"You don't understand. They promised me I would be something more, something better." He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to control his emotions. "But now… I feel like I'm going to explode at any moment!"

Bus Station, Upper Floor

On the second floor of the station, Ward was observing the entire scene through the scope of his prototype weapon. He followed Mike's every move, calculating the right moment to act. His mission was clear: to neutralize Mike without killing him, ensuring that he didn't explode and cause a disaster.

Beside Ward, Melinda May was also in position, ready to act in case things went wrong. She looked at Ward, who kept his eyes fixed on the target.

"Are we ready?" Melinda asked, her voice low but full of confidence.

Ward nodded, adjusting the aim of the weapon.

"I'm just waiting for the right moment. He's still talking to Coulson. Let's see if we can resolve this without violence," he replied, keeping his eyes on Mike.

Melinda watched the interaction between Coulson and Mike. She knew that Coulson was one of the best at negotiating, but she also knew that there were times when words weren't enough.

"Just don't wait too long," Melinda warned.

Ward adjusted the prototype, ready for any eventuality.

Bus Station, Lower Level

Coulson could tell Mike was on edge. He could see the metallic glint on Mike's forearm, where the Centipede device was installed. He knew there wasn't much time.

"Mike, we can get this out of you," Coulson insisted. "The Centipede device is pushing your body beyond its limits, but our scientists can help. You don't have to do this alone, you can be reunited with your son."

Mike looked at his forearm, the ominous glow of the device reflected in his eyes.

"I don't know who I am anymore," he whispered, almost as if speaking to himself.

Suddenly, his body began to shake uncontrollably, and his eyes widened. He looked at Coulson in despair.

"It's happening again! I can't stop it!"

Coulson took a step back, realizing the collapse was imminent. He spoke quickly into his communicator.

"Ward, now!"

Bus Station, Upper Floor

Ward pulled the trigger of the prototype weapon without hesitation. The shot was silent but accurate. The small, high-tech bullet went straight for the Centipede device on Mike's arm, piercing the metal surface and releasing a wave of energy that instantly disabled the device.

Mike grunted in pain and fell to his knees, clutching the arm where the device was. His eyes closed as he passed out, finally unable to bear the weight of the transformation he had undergone.

On the Floor of the Bus Station

Fitz and Simmons rushed towards Mike as he fell. Fitz already had the medical equipment in hand, while Simmons checked Mike's vital signs.

"The reading is stable," Simmons announced, breathing a sigh of relief. "He is no longer in immediate danger."

Fitz began examining the now-deactivated Centipede device.

"We were able to neutralize the device without causing permanent damage," he said, looking at Ward and Coulson.

Coulson crouched down next to Mike, watching the man who had fought so hard to stay sane.

"He's going to be fine," Coulson said in a calm but firm tone. "We're going to get him out of here and make sure he gets the help he needs."

Moments Later, Bus Station

The S.H.I.E.L.D. team was gathering up equipment and making sure Mike was safely transported to a safe location. The chaos that could have unfolded at the bus station had been avoided thanks to Ward's precision and teamwork.

Ward and Coulson were watching the scene from afar, while the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents carried Mike on a stretcher to an ambulance waiting outside.

"Good job," Coulson said, turning to Ward. "It was a tough mission, but you did what had to be done."

Ward nodded, still staring at Mike.

"He deserved a chance." — Ward replied. — I'm glad we were able to stop it from exploding.

Coulson put a hand on Ward's shoulder.

"Not all missions are easy, but what matters is that we did the right thing today."

Recovery Room, S.H.I.E.L.D. Base

Later, Mike was in a recovery room at S.H.I.E.L.D. base, sedated and under medical care. Simmons was monitoring his vital functions, while Fitz continued to study the Centipede device.

Ward, Coulson, and Melinda were outside, watching through a window.

"He'll survive," Simmons announced, leaving the room. "But it's going to take a long time to recover. His body has been put through a lot of stress by the device."

"The most important thing is that he's out of danger," Coulson said, relieved.

Melinda crossed her arms, watching Ward closely.

"What about you, Ward? How are you feeling?" she asked.

Ward shrugged, trying to hide the tension he still felt.

"Just doing my job," he replied. "But I know it was a close call. Mike still has a long journey ahead of him." Coulson looked at Ward and Melinda, his gaze contemplative.

"What matters is that today, we saved a life. That's what S.H.I.E.L.D. does," he said with a slight smile.