#agentshepard

@lxstdiirection @agentphilcollins​ @agecfmiracles​ @specialagentace​ @agentshepard​ @eye-spied​

“Alright, look alive, people.” 

It was how Sterling usually started the IA meetings and not much had changed since he took over as head of department. Well, a lot had changed. More than the team even knew. Sterling took a moment to look down at the file in his hand and scratch his forehead with his thumbnail before continuing. He’d been stretched pretty thin since November of last year. He blamed himself for a lot of what had gone wrong with the Abstractionss case but he was doing his best to keep morale up in the department. 

“Quick update on Agent Germaine Shepherd’s condition. We think we are nearing an end to that particular chapter and hoping he will be back at work soon. Everyone be sure to give him a warm welcome upon his return. If anyone would like to chip in on the welcome back gift, that would be appreciated. Antique teapots aren’t cheap.”

“Physicals and psych evaluations are coming up and I expect every single one of you to be in attendance, on time, and completed without a fuss. Everyone here should know the importance of mental health and fortitude and if this job is weighing on you in an unhealthy way we need to know so we can take action to keep everyone healthy and safe. The same goes for me as well and I am a big supporter of these evaluations. I wish they happened more often, to be honest. If I hear one of you has skipped either evaluation you will be suspended without pay and you will not be allowed to work again until that evaluation is completed. There will be no leniency on this matter.” 

"I'd like to apologize in advance for the construction that will be happening around the office end of next month. They will be updating our security measures to include..." Sterling furrowed his brow at the file in his hand, flipping to the next page then flipping back. "Ghosts and supernatural entities. Salt in the doors. Lead lining. Silver doorknobs. The whole shebang." He tucked the file under his arm and continued a bit more confidently. "The S.T.A.K.E. department is moving their HQ from New Jersey and this base will now serve as host. Agent Morgan has requested certain departments get authorization for the changes to further protect our facilities from unseen and unknown threats. Naturally we are one of the first to get approval as most Intel is passed through here at some point. That and I did the paperwork for it two weeks ago for early approval. There’s also room in the budget for each of you to receive one piece of inconspicuous silver jewelry, either a watch, a ring, or a bracelet, to test for shifters and other beings weakened or harmed by silver. If you already have one and would prefer not to add more, that’s fine. As someone who was once framed for assault by a shifter, I highly recommend." Sterling held up his hand to show his silver wedding ring. 

“Last announcement, I will be taking off the entire month of December this year and possibly the next two following months for personal leave. Normally Agent Honey would be my natural replacement but since the leave of absence is... extensive we will be looking into the best possible long term replacement. Whether that will be Agent Honey or if Administration feels the need to step in and suggest a higher level agent take the reins, perhaps someone from another department or base, is yet to be decided. Either way, I assure you, you will be in good hands. I will also be taking next Tuesday off for a doctor's appointment. Agent Honey will be covering for me then. You can also reach me by cell phone for emergencies but I assure you she can handle anything you will need. She is more than capable.”

“I will complete this mission, damn you, I will succeed...” He was tired and hurt, but Ray was determined to go after the target that had escaped the SHIELD team. He had been in the wrong place at the wrong time and had tried to intercept the guy as he fled the actual agents. Ray had simply been there to assist with keeping the guy calm as he was arrested when the target had tried to flee before that could happen and Ray was knocked down in the process. At least Ray had pulled the guy down with him, but the two had gotten into a brief fight as Ray attempted to restrain him. Unfortunately, he lost the struggle and the target was on the run again.