Robert Hall's First Assignment
The Shrink is in
Shocked silence rocketed throughout the room following Jarvis’s statement. Being able to hear the sound of a pin drop wouldn't be an exaggeration. Tony’s mouth had dropped open, Steve was confused as hell, Jane and Bruce were trying to figure it out, Pepper and Natasha were looking at Tony, and even Loki and Thor were in shock.
Finally, to break the silence, Clint spoke up, "Um, Robert, with all due respect... how the hell did you figure that out?"
"Well, yes, I'll get to that, but first: DESSERT!" Robert stalled. He stood up and walked over to the oven, he praying that Jarvis kept an eye on it. As he opened the oven door he breathed a sigh of relief, "Thanks Jarvis, I greatly appreciate it."
"You are welcome, sir, although I concur with Agent Barton. I would like to know how you figured it out." Jarvis replied.
"All good things come to those who wait. Now, does anyone have room for some peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream?" Robert chuckled when everyone's hand shot up.
Fifteen minutes later, everybody was rubbing their stomachs. Even Fury, Hill, and Loki had big smiles on their faces. "Agent Hall, I have to admit, that was the best and most entertaining dinner I have had in a very long time." commented Fury.
"Thank you very much, sir.” Robert paused dramatically for a moment, “Now, I’m sure everyone would like the mask to be ripped off of this Scooby Doo villain...Okay, everyone’s aware that Tony never listens to reason, and Jarvis is protective of Tony right? Well, I’m fairly certain that Jarvis looks electronically for anything that concerns the Avengers, Stark Industries, or Tony and Pepper, right?"
“You’d be correct on that note.” Tony agreed.
Robert nodded, "So, Jarvis finds the email sent to the FBI, CIA , NSA, and god knows who else, concerning this assignment. Then, Jarvis analyzes every name on the list and comes to the conclusion that they are not...equipped to properly handle the case. Jarvis has two choices. One: he can tell Tony or Pepper which will lead to Tony storming into Fury's office and blowing it all to hell. Which, correct me if I'm wrong, would lead to Fury snapping and possibly, likely, shooting Tony. Tony had an affronted look on his face, while Fury was nodding his head yes.
"Option two: Jarvis analyzes the roster of each agency to find an agent that would best fit the government and Avengers’ needs. Long story short, he decides I'd be the best candidate; since I already I work for S.H.I.E.L.D., so, Jarvis changes the email and adds me to the top of the list... How am I doing there, Jarvis, ole buddy?" asked Robert.
"Actually sir, you are quite right. I am amazed." commented Jarvis.
"Okay, so there’s a three person committee that got to make the decision. My guess is that with the deadline approaching, Jarvis slightly altered the spelling of their names in everyone's contacts and consequently created bogus email addresses for them. That way, when applications were sent in, the committee never actually received them. That’s when Jarvis sends the email recommending me. He probably sent in some other applications as well to reduce any suspicion. So, here comes the deadline date, and there is my information and a bunch of losers. And TA-DA, here I am," said Robert, as he got up to get a beer, offering to everyone. Clint, Tony, and Jane accepted.
"That is the most insane, Oliver Stone's conspiracy theory I have ever heard, and I’ve heard some weird ones," Hill shook her head, as if that would bring her back to reality.
That’s when Jarvis cut in,"Agent Hall, I am truly surprised.You are quite correct. How did you figure this out? Also, I would like to hear your theory on their psychological conditions."
Robert straightened his back, “About that, I actually have a hypothesis that they all share the same psychological problems.”
"Yeah, about that, us all sharing the same one that is impossible. That only happens on TV." Clint interrupted.
"I am going to agree with Clint. I don't see how it’s possible," added Bruce
"We’re all screwed up, but please, let's hear your diagnosis." Tony took a swig from the beer.
“Well, let’s take it person by person. Bruce is afraid of losing control over the Hulk and going wild. The Hulk is afraid of Banner trying to get rid of him. Clint is afraid of losing control over his own mind and body again, like when Loki took control of him.Tony is afraid of not being in control of his own life, and his own inventions, like what happened in Afghanistan. Natasha’s afraid, to face her past, and constantly fights to keep it from controlling her to this day. Thor’s afraid of losing control of his brother, and thus losing his love.Steve’s afraid of losing control over his life, again. I mean the guy basically had a seventy year time jump, and now he has to adjust to a completely new world. Then, there’s Loki, who’s fighting to control every aspect of his life, since almost everything he’s ever known to be true, turned out to be a lie. That’s why he made a deal with the devil, or more accurately, Thanos; he was tired of living in Thor’s shadow. Of course, that doesn’t excuse his actions now.
"To sum it all up, every single one of you suffer from the fear of losing control, I’m included in this as well. My file has so much red tape, because of my personal past. Remember the crazy Italian woman? Well, we divorced and she took my daughter. I ended up getting married to another woman, who had a son from a previous marriage." Robert paused and for a moment and then sat down, struggling to find the right words.
Robert thickly swallowed, "We were married for over seven years, and it was r-re, uh, r-really g-good,"
"Robert, it’s okay. You don't have to force it out. You can stop," said Steve placed his hand on Robert’s shoulder, but it was shrugged off.
“Brave Robert, take comfort. You are among friends,” Thor stated, bringing his fist to his heart.
“About two and a half years ago, I um…” Robert shuddered, fighting back tears, “-my family.”
Pepper got up and walked over to Robert, putting her hands on his shoulders. “It’s okay, Robert, we understand. We’ve all gone through hard times.”
Robert began crying more, knowing he had to get it out. Finally, he felt a burning gaze against his face and looked up, seeing Loki’s eyes, such a deep green. He could tell at that moment that Loki knew what he’d done.
Taking in a breath of resolve, Robert forced the words out as everything faded to black.
"I killed my family."
