Coulson looked at Garrett and said, "Since S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters has already taken control of our plane and is directing it toward the Hub, it's clear they won't shoot us down in midair. That concern is off the table."
Garrett nodded at Coulson's reasoning and added, "We're still undermanned. You should release your tactical specialists—make full use of all available assets."
At that moment, Killer Bee broke into a dance, "Oh yeah!"
"The greatest rapper in the ninja world is storming S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ."
"Rescuing comrades is my expertise, my blades are sharp as steel."
"HYDRA heads or devilish fiends, I'll slice them all with zeal!"
Garrett glanced at Killer Bee, well aware of the rapping ninja's reputation.
Coulson nodded, "We are going to fly straight in."
…
Meanwhile-
At the Hub-
Hand commanded the tactical team, securing numerous S.H.I.E.L.D. agents whose loyalties had yet to be confirmed. Despite the infiltration, the Hub had not fallen to HYDRA's control under her leadership.
Agent Shaw approached and reported, "Agent Triplett and Agent Simmons are to be seen. They're currently being tracked, and there's nowhere for them to run."
Hand turned to Shaw and said, "Don't underestimate Coulson's team. Find them immediately."
Shaw nodded and quickly led a search team to locate the missing agents.
Though HYDRA's operatives continued to resist within the facility, S.H.I.E.L.D. forces maintained control.
…
In the laboratory-
Triplett handed Simmons a compact holographic communication device.
Simmons looked at it and asked, "Are you sure this line is secure?"
Triplett nodded, "Yeah, but you'll need to be quick. Sneaking around like this is a sure way to draw attention."
Simmons swiftly activated the device and initiated a connection to Agent Weaver at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy.
"I sent her a request. She might not have even seen—"
Suddenly, a holographic projection of Agent Weaver materialized.
Simmons beamed with excitement, "Agent Weaver! Thank you for answering."
"I thought for a moment—"
Agent Weaver's expression turned tense as she spoke quickly, "Jemma, thank heavens you're still alive."
She then glanced warily around her surroundings.
Jemma Simmons, bewildered, asked, "What?"
"What's going on?"
Weaver clasped her hands together and urgently asked, "Is the Hub still secure?"
"Are you with your team?"
"Find a safe place, lock the doors, and stay hidden."
Simmons raised her voice, "What's happening?"
Weaver glanced toward a door as if someone was attempting to breach it. She hurriedly continued, "Tell your commanding officer: the Academy is under siege."
"We don't know how long HYDRA has infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., but they're taking over!"
Simmons, wide-eyed, gasped, "HYDRA?"
"What?"
"Where are they?"
Weaver's eyes darted toward the door as she yelled, "They're everywhere!"
"They're among us!"
"If you survive, you know where to find me."
"Jemma, trust no one."
With a sudden explosion of bright light, the holographic projection disappeared.
Simmons stood frozen, her mind reeling from the revelations. Weaver's words echoed in her head as she tried to process the truth about HYDRA's infiltration.
Suddenly, the sound of the lab door locking behind her broke the silence with a sharp click.
Startled, Simmons whipped around, her heart racing.
She saw Triplett sealing the door and immediately demanded, "What are you doing?"
Triplett calmly replied, "Following the lady's advice—locking the door."
Simmons, her eyes filled with suspicion, took a step back, "Let me out!"
In that moment, she could no longer be sure whom to trust.
Triplett took a few steps closer and said with a small smile, "Be my guest."
"If they come looking for us, this door won't hold."
"But they won't come right away. Either way, I'm not going out there."
Simmons swallowed hard keeping her eyes fixed on him, "How do I know I can trust you?"
Triplett replied evenly, "Because I'm trustworthy."
He pulled out a knife, making Simmons take a cautious step back.
"And you are the one working for people who come back from the dead."
Triplett moved closer, flipping the knife around so the handle faced her, "Take it."
"If you use it on me, I'll know you don't trust me."
As a field agent— Triplett felt confident he could handle himself against a scientist, even if she was armed.
Simmons exhaled with relief. If he was giving her a weapon, he wasn't HYDRA.
Taking the knife from his hand, she gripped it tightly.
Triplett glanced at the holographic communicator, "Reboot that thing. Let's see if we can reach our friends."
"I can't wait to share this great news."
Simmons immediately turned to the console and began working to reconnect the signal.