S.H.I.E.L.D.'s launch control station.
"Entering the final launch phase."
[Insight Hangar is on alert.]
An agent studied the data on his computer screen, leaning toward the microphone to report the launch procedure's progress.
"Guidance systems ready."
"All personnel, proceed to the launch platform."
A group entered the ground-floor lobby of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. Pierce walked beside the two people at the front, greeting them warmly.
"How was your flight?"
The blonde councilwoman smiled at Pierce and reached out to shake his hand.
"Very pleasant, though the trip here from the airport wasn't quite as nice."
She was alluding to the inconvenience caused by the layers of checkpoints set up for the arrests Pierce had ordered.
"Unfortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D. can't control everything." Pierce pressed his lips together apologetically, suggesting that he had had little choice.
The white-haired old man walking a step behind them interjected, "Apparently, that includes Captain America."
Had Nick Fury been there, he would have recognized the old man as the one who always "disagreed" with him.
This time, however, his sarcasm merely had a different target.
Pierce opened and closed his mouth, left speechless by the old man's jab.
"Identity verification here is biometric. These badges will give you unrestricted access."
Pierce took an open little box from the reception desk and had the council members pin the badges to the left side of their jackets.
Once everyone had put on their badges, he led them into a private elevator that went straight to the top floor.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ground control room.
Two agents on duty chatted and slacked off while monitoring the communications channel.
"My car's been in that space for two months."
"But that's Jack's space."
"Where'd he go, then?"
"No idea. Afghanistan, maybe."
"What's wrong with using it while he's gone... Hey! DT-6, the landing