Surprise muse swept in, took a seat and told me it was time, who am I to argue?

[directorfury]

I am not starting this out 'with all due respect,' because frankly you haven’t earned that yet. It’s not an insult, it’s a fact. I work in facts.

Fact is it’s my job, my responsibility to lead these people, to direct them as a unit. I’m not sure you are capable of bringing that to the table, and there is zero percent margin for error here. You screw this up and there’s a lot more than just embarrassment. You hear me? Am I being clear enough?

I catch even a whiff of this going south and I pull the plug myself, understand?

Good.

Now get me Hill or Coulson, I need a run down on things and I need it three days ago.

Comments

[directorfury]

Agent Hill, I have a whole lot of questions that I need answers to. I've been given basic information about this place but I need status updates.

Are we sure this isn't another Asgardian threat or some lingering effect of the Tesseract? Who do we have working on this?

[aidesfury]

As far as I know it's got nothing to do with Asgard or the Tesseract, Director. I think Stark and Agent Barton described it best. [A beat.] Just don't tell them that.

[She whips out a tablet device from out of nowhere and taps on it, reading the screen before looking up at him.]

I think getting people to work on it would be a waste of resources. We have other important jobs to do.

[directorfury]

Wouldn't dream of it.

[His head canted to the side, one brow arching upward, he admired her efficiency but damn, sometimes it was just spooky.]

Talk to me Hill, what do I need to know?

[aidesfury]

[Her efficiency was scary sometimes but Maria wouldn't have this job if she lacked in that area.]

No matter how much you protest, the typist won't listen. They'll drag you kicking and screaming to a game purely on a whim. The games vary: from a magical castle to a spaceship full of horrors and a whole mess in between. Talking ponies exist in these games. Fairies. Trolls. Witches. The list is endless.

[directorfury]

[He listened, he nodded and then he cringed.]

Talking ponies.

Can I please have the Chitauri again?

[aidesfury]

We at least know how to handle the Chitauri.

[Just not brightly coloured talking ponies.]

[directorfury]

[Talking ponies are a terrifying concept, aliens conquerors from another dimension? That he can cope with.]

Where do they have you stationed?

[aidesfury]

Nowhere, sir. She's just brought me out again for this occasion.

[directorfury]

What? Last I heard you were on active duty Agent Hill, what business does this woman have of slacking off?

[aidesfury]

I think it's because I intimidate her.

[directorfury]

At least she's got that right. Hardly an excuse though.

[aidesfury]

That's what I said but I think she's ignoring me on purpose.

[directorfury]

Well then I think it's about time you show her what I've known for years; nothing in this world can keep Maria Hill down for long.

[aidesfury]

I'll take that as a compliment, sir. [Is that a smile? Maybe. Holy crap, she's capable of them! A tiny smile.]

She just needs to find a little more confidence. Failing that, I'll find myself a new writer.

[directorfury]

That spirit of determination is why you're my right hand.

[Take the compliment, you know he's not great at giving them out.]

[aidesfury]

Here I thought it was because of my hard work and high scores.

[She does. And now she's smirking a little.]

Sir.

[directorfury]

No, that's what keeps you in that position.

[aidesfury]

I don't plan on leaving it either.

[directorfury]

Good, not looking forward to replacing you.