Garrett remained unfazed and explained, "I'm a master."
"Granted, a master of deception, but still a master."
"Sometimes you have to fool S.H.I.E.L.D. to achieve your goals."
"Do you remember what our goal is?"
Despite the bitter disappointment she felt, Raina replied, "To change the world."
Garrett nodded approvingly before picking up a barber's apron and gesturing to a chair, "Have a seat. I'll show you how we're changing it."
"Don't worry, I won't let Ernesto cut your hair."
Raina cautiously sat in the chair. Garrett smiled and said, "Welcome to Hydra."
He pressed a button, and the chair slowly descended into the underground lair—formerly a S.H.I.E.L.D. base, now a Hydra facility.
…
S.H.I.E.L.D. Central Hub-
Fitz looked up as Coulson entered.
"Good news and bad news," Fitz began.
"Bad news: Konoha's ninja infiltrated the Cube prison and took the 084 artifacts stored there."
"Good news: They killed the Hydra agents on site, and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents have retaken control of the Cube."
Coulson being optimistic, said, "That makes four secure bases now."
"And if Konoha's ninja took the items, at least Hydra won't be using them against us."
Fitz gave Coulson a concerned look, "Aren't you worried about Charles's people?"
Coulson glanced at Killer Bee sitting outside the room and shook his head, "Worrying won't help. That's beyond our ability to handle."
Just then, May walked in and reported, "The main body of the plane is repaired. The flight systems are operational again."
Coulson asked, "What about the ramp?"
May looked at Fitz, who replied, "I've got mechanics working on it. It'll be fully functional soon."
At that moment, the large screen in the operations room flickered, and a technician reported, "Sir, we have an incoming transmission."
Once the call connected, a military officer appeared on the screen and spoke directly, "This is U.S. Air Force Colonel Glenn Talbot. I need to speak with whoever's in charge."
Coulson stepped forward and replied, "Colonel Talbot, I'm Agent Phil Coulson."
"I'm glad we could—"
Before he could finish, Talbot cut him off, "Mr. Coulson, you people have caused us a huge mess."
Coulson, maintaining his composure, said apologetically, "Hydra caught us off guard."
Talbot scoffed, "That's an understatement. Hydra infiltrating such high levels of command is more than concerning."
Coulson explained, "We're aware of the severity, Colonel."
"But I assure you, we're fighting back. The Hub is secure now."
"All remaining agents are prepared to assist in any way you need—"
Once again, Talbot interrupted, "I think S.H.I.E.L.D.'s 'assistance' has kept us busy enough."
"I'm sending a peacekeeping force to your location. They'll take full control."
Coulson nodded, "Understood. What should I tell my people?"
Talbot responded, "We just need to ask some questions and get a sense of the situation."
"If there's nothing suspicious, you'll be free to go about your business."
Coulson agreed, "Fair enough."
With that, Talbot ended the call.
May, who had been quietly observing, remarked, "He's definitely lying."
Coulson nodded, "If Talbot's in charge of this operation, peacekeeping isn't the real goal."
May said confidently, "Base defenses are fully operational. We can hold them off."
Coulson shook his head, "The last thing S.H.I.E.L.D. needs right now is to start a war with the U.S. government."
Fitz asked, "What happens if Talbot comes in?"
Coulson replied, "Best case? We're all subpoenaed and spend the next six months in hearings."
Fitz's eyes narrowed. "And the worst case?"
"They'll skip questioning and go straight to attacking the base," Coulson stated grimly.
"And meanwhile, Hydra is still running free."
Coulson turned to Fitz, "Contact the Airbus. We're activating the Odyssey Protocol."
May raised an eyebrow in surprise, "The Odyssey Protocol?"
Coulson nodded.
"We need to leave here immediately."
Without hesitation, May sprinted away to alert the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stationed at the Hub.
…
At the tarmac, May returned and reported, "A lot of agents are planning to stay and surrender."
Coulson, walking briskly, replied, "I hope they reconsider. We need all the help we can get to take down Hydra."
May spoke up, "My concern isn't about the agents."
"The Hub has a significant cache of 084 artifacts. I'm sure you're aware of that."
"If the Air Force takes control, they'll confiscate everything."
Coulson stopped in his tracks, looked at May, and acknowledged, "I know about the warehouse beneath the Hub—and it's not a small one."
"But if the U.S. government seizes it, we'll have a chance to reclaim it later."
May gave him a sharp look and reminded him, "You just said we need all the help we can get."
Coulson shook his head, "We don't have enough time. Talbot and his peacekeepers will be here in less than an hour."
May didn't respond immediately. Her eyes shifted toward Killer Bee, standing by the aircraft's ramp.
Coulson noticed her glance and asked, "You're thinking about the ninja…"
May nodded.
Coulson paused, recalling Kabuto Yakushi in his mind, but dismissed the thought. Killer Bee had been their advisor and proven trustworthy.
He called out, "Killer Bee!"
In a blur, Killer Bee appeared right in front of Coulson, his lightning-fast movement ghostlike.
Coulson, slightly startled but composed, looked at him and asked, "Killer Bee, can you get in touch with the Cloud Village ninja?"