"Tyler Hayward. Former S.W.O.R.D. agent…"
As Anton and Monica continued their discussion, Tony was already pulling up information on Hayward through his own means.
"After S.W.O.R.D. was disbanded, Tyler Hayward joined S.H.I.E.L.D..
"Right now, he stationed at S.H.I.E.L.D. field office in Washington, D.C."
Tony muttered, his eyes on the road as he drove back toward Stark Tower.
Although S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters had moved out of Washington, and their operations had shifted focus to Europe, where HYDRA had taken root, that didn't mean they had completely abandoned the U.S.
They still maintained a field office in Washington, D.C., at their former headquarters site—a strategic outpost for active agents to receive logistical support.
It was a practical and logical setup.
Anton processed the new intel, and after glancing at the direction Tony was heading, he immediately understood his intent.
"You're coming to D.C. with us?"
"I told you," Tony smirked.
"This is my business now too."
Before long—
A jet took off from the Stark Tower helipad.
Whoosh!
It blasted toward Washington, D.C. at top speed.
Washington, D.C.
The special forces unit that had taken over S.H.I.E.L.D. former headquarters received a transmission from Anton Men in Black organization.
[Requesting assistance in the apprehension of former S.W.O.R.D. agent, now active S.H.I.E.L.D. field operative in Washington, D.C.—Tyler Hayward.]
Although there was no formal alliance between the Special Forces and the Men in Black, it was undeniable that they had collaborated with Anton Jameson on multiple occasions.
And so far, their partnership had been productive.
As both were U.N. organizations, Hawk—the leader of the Special Forces—had no reason to refuse.
In fact, he saw this as an excellent training exercise.
"All units, assemble!"
Hawk order was immediate.
Within minutes, a fully armed and geared-up Special Forces strike team stood before him.
"We've got a new mission."
Hawk addressed his soldiers.
"This time, we're assisting an old friend—Anton Jameson and his Men in Black organization—in capturing a highly dangerous suspect.
"This individual is potentially connected to extraterrestrial activity, which makes this mission a rare opportunity for us."
He then turned to his second-in-command.
"Duke. You're leading this operation. I'll remain at headquarters and expect a full report."
"Understood."
Duke saluted.
"Mission will be completed successfully."
Special Forces Deployment
The Special Forces strike team quickly mobilized.
This elite task force, personally commanded by Duke, consisted of the best operatives in the unit.
Alongside Duke, the team included:
Snake EyesRoadblockRipcordCover GirlScarlettHeavy DutyBreaker
Though the Battle of New York had cost them dearly, their heroic efforts had cemented their reputation as one of the world most formidable military units.
They honored their fallen comrades while keeping their eyes set on the future.
That was the way of the Special Forces.
Upon receiving Hawk orders, they immediately set out for S.H.I.E.L.D. field office, located near their own headquarters in D.C.
Target Acquired
"Target locked."
Their intelligence officer, Scarlett, spoke through comms.
"Tyler Hayward is currently on duty in the field office lobby."
"Well, that makes this easier than expected."
Roadblock smirked.
"Stay sharp."
Duke tone turned serious.
"Don't let your guard down.
"This is a mission—and it involves extraterrestrial elements.
"We all fought in the Battle of New York. We all know firsthand how dangerous aliens can be."
There was one more thing on his mind—something he chose not to say out loud.
This mission involves Anton.
And based on what he had seen over the past two years, every event Anton was involved in had ended up becoming a global crisis.
A crisis that often led to the Justice League stepping in.
"Relax. We know the stakes."
Roadblock grinned.
"I was just messing around."
"Good."
Duke nodded.
"Prepare for action."
S.H.I.E.L.D. Washington Field Office
Tyler Hayward sat motionless in his chair, his gaze unfocused, yet his peripheral vision constantly scanning his surroundings.
He had just received a troubling message—
He might have been exposed.
"Nick Fury…"
A thought flashed through his mind.
"Even after being forced off-world, you still manage to make trouble…"
Attack Incoming!
RAPID FOOTSTEPS.
A sudden burst of intense, hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Tyler Hayward expression darkened instantly.
There was no room for wishful thinking—he immediately recognized the threat.
Even though the field office was lightly staffed, these footsteps were far too aggressive to belong to S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
There was only one possibility.
The enemy was here.
Counterattack!
Without hesitation, Tyler reached under his desk, pulled out a firearm, and stepped toward the door.
BOOM!
A blinding energy blast erupted from his gun.
The first wave of Special Forces operatives stood no chance—they were sent flying instantly.
A blazing shockwave, mixed with debris and shattered stone, detonated right in front of them.
"Damn it!"
Duke immediately took charge.
"He spotted us!"
"Go in!"
Then, turning to Roadblock and the others, he issued a new command—
"Change tactics. We're going in head-on!"
"Understood."
Roadblock and his men grinned viciously, hoisting their heavy weapons as they charged straight toward Tyler Hayward.
Gunfire erupted.
Hayward was forced to retreat further into the room, his expression grim.
For a moment, he hesitated, then reached for a hidden control panel and pressed a button.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
A sudden barrage of bullets rained down from behind him, cutting off any escape routes.
Taking advantage of the moment, the Special Forces operatives surged forward, surrounding him.
"Tyler Hayward! You're out of options!"
Roadblock smirked.
But—
What stunned him wasn't Tyler capture.
It was the expression on Hayward face—he showed no fear, no desperation.
Instead—
There was a subtle, mocking sneer.
"Huh?"
A sudden wave of unease washed over Roadblock.
His instincts screamed at him.
"That look on your face… I don't like it."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Which means—you're about to be in serious trouble."
Tyler chuckled coldly.
"Oh, no. I'm afraid it YOU who in trouble."
His gaze shifted to the operatives behind Roadblock.
"The Special Forces… after today, you'll be nothing more than history."
A Golden Meteor Falls from the Sky!
BOOM!
The instant he finished speaking, a golden figure streaked across the sky like a meteor, leaving behind a brilliant, fiery trail.
Then—
With explosive force, the figure crashed into the building, slamming into the battlefield like a star descending from the heavens.
The entire Special Forces operation was recorded by surveillance cameras.
At Special Forces headquarters, Commander Hawk was watching the live feed.
At the same time,
Hawk also broadcasted the footage to Anton and his team, who were on a plane heading toward Washington.
Seeing the unexpected development,
Everyone expression changed.
Among them,
The most shocked person was neither Anton nor Hawk, but Monica Rambeau, sitting beside Anton.
"Aunt Carol…"
She stared blankly at the screen, completely frozen.