46. Grant and Christian
"Good we are on time," Skye said as she entered Coulson's office.
The three of them entered Coulson's office just in time to hear the newscaster say, "We had the good fortune to catch up with Senator Christian Ward of Massachusetts who agreed to talk about what he will be discussing at the emergency meeting of United Nations. Welcome, Senator. What are you planning on telling the UN tomorrow?"
The camera turned to a good-looking, authoritative man with dark hair, someone who looked like Grant. He was placed against the backdrop of the Washington, DC skyline to give his statements that much more weight. Underneath his face was his name. Sen. Christian Ward(R). Grant snorted from the memories he had of Christian, he never thought he would break the family tradition and be a Republican. Given his propensity of hurting people though, it made sense. Grant turned his head around to see the shocked expressions of Fitz and Skye who other than Coulson knew the most about his history with his family and how he felt regarding them.
"SHIELD is a terrorist organization and they should be treated as such," Christian Ward said forcefully. "What I plan to do is lay out a proposal for a multi-national police force that will target those suspected of ties with SHIELD using any means necessary."
The camera switched over to an older blonde man against a backdrop of what looked like European homes. The words Julian backers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium were underneath the picture on the screen. "Anyone suspected of ties?" Beckers asked incredulously. "And who determines that? Belgium will never accept this proposal. It destroyed the very idea of citizens' rights!"
"Mr. Beckers," Christian countered in a more conciliatory tone, "if you want to welcome SHIELD at your borders with open arms be my guest, but" his voice got more forceful again, "this infestation needs to be exterminated."
Christian continued in the same vein but Coulson turned away from the monitor, indicating that he was done with the news and everyone else could be too.
"Wait," Bobbi said turning his head towards Grant, "Is Senator Christian Ward your brother?"
Grant nodded his head as he said "Unfortunately yes"
"Guess being a douche bag runs in the family," Hunter said with a sly grin at Grant.
"Are you surprised?" Grant countered with a smile of his own.
"Your brother never cared about SHIELD before," Trip said to him in a confused voice.
"Not openly" Coulson corrected
"General Talbot told me he was working with the Senator who have deep pockets," Hunter told the group. "Do we think it's this bloke?"
"I do," Coulson told them as he shut off Christian's face and the screen changed into a map with what looked like close to 100 dots scattered around the globe. "Months rebuilding and this is SHIELD." He gestured to the map in a frustrated manner. "Thanks to our efforts we have managed to get a lot more operatives out there but if Senator Ward's proposal passes..."
"It will be a witch hunt" Skye finished.
"That's not the only thing we have to worry about, " Grant said
"What do you mean Ward?" asked Coulson
"With every other Country hunting us if there is one that doesn't have any problems with us being in their country, what do you think will happen?" asked Grant
"Every operative out there will move towards Belgium," Coulson said
Grant nodded his head and continued "I don't know if Julian Beckers truly doesn't have any problem with SHIELD or he is just acting but whatever the case is if our Operatives move to a single country then..."
"They will be easily picked by Hydra or the government" finished Fitz
"Every military organization on the planet will have a license to kick our operatives' doors down and shoot them on the spot. I can't let that happen." Coulson said as he glanced over Grant who gave a subtle nod without anyone noticing. "That's why I have decided to go meet the Senator personally and deal with this situation. We will try negotiations first but if that doesn't work then we will try other means necessary"
"Is there anything we can do for you, sir," asked Simmons
"Try to dig up as much dirt as you can on Christian we need every leverage we can have against him," Coulson said
____________________________
Senator, Christian Ward stride purposefully into his office, briefing book in hand. Grant, waiting in the corner wanted to snort as he thought 'He never changes, always sure of his own importance.' Christian looked up saw Grant and paused in the act of putting the briefing book back on his desk. Grant took a moment to savor the look of surprise and fear on Christian's face.
"Excuse me," Christian said after he recovered himself. "What are you doing here? "
"Hey, big brother heard you were looking for me," Grant said spreading his arms wide. "Well here I am"
Christian appeared to be speechless. Grant didn't bother to hide his smug smile, after assimilating the previous memories of Grant this is the second time his feelings were affected by them, the first was with Skye and now Christian it was clear that Grant Ward hated Christian as much as he loved Skye.
"Don't worry" Grant said easily walking out of the shadows, "I haven't been waiting long. Here I mean in this office," he said, looking around at the bookshelves filled with trappings off the power. "I have been waiting a long time to see you in general. Though." He stood in front of Christian's desk enjoying his wary expression and silence.
"I assume these are for your speech," Grant said waving around several pieces of paper. "Kind of old school, don't you think still using paper?" Christian said nothing. "Ah, never mind that just made it easier for me to make a few changes. It's funnier now humor never was your strength."
Grant turned around, started walking around a little, wanting Christian to react. He quickly got his wish. He almost laughed at Christian's frantic attempts to use a phone.
"So tell me. Is my re-emergence why you are trying to call whomever it is you are trying to call? Are you trying to call our parents perhaps? Do you need to let them know that I have finally been found?"