The Viper

Chapter 9

A/N: 

As always let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

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Present Day

"I just genuinely think we should modify policy with regards to restriction." Serena explained as she leaned back in her desk chair.

She was currently on a conference call that consisted of top-level SHIELD officials, which included Sitwell, Victoria Hand, and Maria, to discuss a recent cyber-attack conducted via a lower-level SHIELD Agent, who was angered because they couldn't get clearance for higher level files.

"Policy is not the problem, Pierce." Hand explained. "The problem is that the lower-level people are not briefed on what they can access, and what they can't."

"But again, before getting their new promotion or appointment, shouldn't we train them on the understanding aspect of it, or at least allow them to understand what they are getting themselves into?" She asked as she crossed her left leg over her right.

"They all should have an understanding of what being part of the intelligence community entails." Sitwell explained making Serena shake her head in disbelief.

"Suppose they get recruited out of high school..." Serena began.

"They would be placed directly into the SHIELD Academy.' Hand interrupted. "Whether it would be Communications, Operations, or Science and Technology is based upon the application."

"But suppose that student doesn't receive government funding." Serena began. "Suppose they don't get offered a position at the SHIELD Academy...and they accidentally cause a leak, but they weren't trained on how to manage it...then what do you do?"

They all were silent. Serena knew she was right. There needed to be policy for special cases regarding procedure with accessing information...especially to the lower-level agents and workers. There needed to be some form of a course that could allow for them to be trained on when encountering confidential files.

"This is not the CIA, Pierce." Hand said with a sigh. "Trying to change SHIELD to be like the CIA is not the way to go."

"I'm not trying to do that." She countered. "I am saying there should be training done for those who are new to intelligence and or potentially those who are not working directly in an intelligence portion but are part of SHIELD."

"I agree with Pierce." Maria said making Serena smile internally. "There should be training for non-essential personnel"

Serena and Maria had been friends prior to Serena joining SHIELD, so when she did join SHIELD, Maria practically ran over to her apartment to celebrate. Hand rolled her eyes and Sitwell let out a frustrated sigh. Going against Fury's number 1 and number 2 was a tough thing to do...and few came out alive.

"We should end it here." Maria said with a sigh. "We'll touch base, same time next week."

Hand nodded before logging off along with Sitwell. Serena leaned forward at her desk and Maria rolled her eyes. "Your idea should go over well with Fury when you mention it."

"I know." Serena replied with a groan as she crossed her arms and leaned back again.

"How're you holding up?" She asked. "I'm worried about you...I heard what happened."

Serena rolled her eyes. "He's mad at me."

"Who?"

"Steve." She explained.