After leaving Skye, Coulson went straight to the war room and found Agent Hand.
"My two team members, Ward and Fitz, were told there was a rescue team when there wasn't one."
"You owe me an explanation, Hand. I have Level Eight clearance."
"I have the right to know information concerning my team's safety. You should have told me."
Looking at the aggressive Coulson, Hand shook her head. "Looks like I don't need to say anything."
"And what would knowing change, Agent Coulson?"
"You've designed plenty of missions like this yourself. You understand this kind of situation."
Coulson countered, "Usually, we have a rescue plan."
Hand gave two names. "Barton. Romanoff. They never have rescue plans."
Coulson looked Hand straight in the eye. "But they knew that from the start."
Hand explained, "Agent Fitz has no field experience at all. Knowing the truth would only distract him and kill his morale."
But Coulson did not agree. "That should still have been my decision."
Hand shook her head. "I was afraid you wouldn't agree."
"You have a non-agent on your team wearing electronic cuffs, and she's famous for leaking secrets."
"That reminds me. How did you learn this information?"
Coulson looked at Hand and said, "I know the value of a thousand lives, and I also know the importance of destroying weapons with extreme destructive power. But I also know my people and their worth."
"Whether they join an operation should be their decision."
Hand nodded. "Maybe. But you need to trust the organization, Agent Coulson."
"And this mission is one your team has to complete, isn't it?"
After saying that, Hand no longer looked at Coulson and turned to leave.
Watching Hand leave, Coulson turned and headed straight to the Helicarrier, found Mei, and gathered Skye and Simmons.
"Mei, it's