I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 49: The Hammer of Asgard

Director Nick Fury's office was enveloped in an atmosphere of intense concentration. The walls were adorned with maps, operations plans and various security gadgets. Grant Ward sat, focused, while Clint Barton, known as Hawkeye, did the same next to him. Both were waiting for the briefing that Director Fury would provide.

The atmosphere was charged with expectation when Fury entered the room, followed by Phil Coulson, who was carrying a folder full of documents.

"Good afternoon, Ward, Barton," Fury greeted, his deep voice echoing in the room. "Let's get straight to the point. We have a mission to New Mexico, where a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility is studying an object of unknown origin that fell from the sky. The object is a hammer that no one can lift and is generating a lot of curiosity and concern."

Grant and Clint exchanged surprised looks. Grant, with his vast knowledge of missions and events, immediately recognized the reference to the hammer, and thought that Thor's entrance was happening, but he decided to pretend he didn't know anything.

"A hammer?" Grant asked, trying to maintain his composure. "You mean an artifact of some kind?"

Fury nodded, his expression serious.

"Exactly." Fury confirmed. "And for now, that's what we know. Phil Coulson will be the mission leader on site. You two will be assigned to provide protection and support to the team studying the artifact. The site has been cordoned off to ensure security, but we need to make sure nothing unexpected happens."

Phil Coulson, with his usual calm demeanor, opened the folder and began to distribute some documents and photos of the artifact.

"This is the hammer," Coulson explained. "So far, it has resisted all efforts to be lifted. Our scientists are trying to find out more about it and its origin."

Grant observed the images of the hammer carefully. Its shape was imposing and seemed to carry a mysterious aura.

"And what are the details about security at the site?" Clint asked, his voice revealing practical concern.

"The area is surrounded by a high-tech security perimeter," Coulson replied. "But we need to ensure that no outside threat can compromise the operation. That's why you were chosen for the mission."

Fury approached, his piercing gaze fixed on Grant and Clint. "Ward, Barton, we need you to prepare for any eventuality. The site is in an isolated area, and the presence of an unidentified threat could be a risk. If anything goes wrong, we need to ensure that the hammer and our team are protected."

After the briefing, Grant and Clint went to the S.H.I.E.L.D. equipment room, where they prepared their equipment and reviewed the details of the mission. The mood was tense, but the team was focused and ready for whatever came.

"Do you think there's any chance that this hammer is more than just an artifact?" — Clint asked, as he adjusted his quiver and checked the arrows.

Grant, with a thoughtful expression, looked at the documents and the images of the hammer.

"Based on what we know, it seems we are dealing with something out of the ordinary," Grant replied. "This type of artifact has the ability to alter the balance of power if not handled with caution. And, as you know, there is always something more behind the appearances."

Clint nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Understood. We will make sure everything goes smoothly," Clint said, as he finished the preparations.

After the preparations, Grant and Clint boarded a S.H.I.E.L.D. plane to New Mexico. The trip was uneventful, and the arrival at the site was marked by a sense of anticipation and tension. The site of the installation was cordoned off and surrounded by an advanced security area.