The Past That Haunts The Present

by JTFox

Summary:

Robert Floyd is kidnapped after the Hangar gets attacked shortly after Maverick and Rooster touch down on the ground. What happens when the team finds a tip 5 years later as to his potential whereabouts? The team decided to follow it and meet the Thunderbolts along the way. How do both teams get along with each other? Who’s able to help Bob when the Void comes out sucking everyone in? What does Sam have to say when he finds out Torres has a connection to the so-called new avengers?

Notes:

In this fic Robert Reynolds signed the documents for experimental drug trial in the states, however he got into an accident before they could begin the trial, waking up with slight amnesia and the assumption he’s Robert Floyd, he decides to enlist after getting help. This Fic will be following the events of Thunderbolts with any necessary changes.

(P.S tags will be added as needed THERE MAY BE SPOILERS)

Chapter 1: A New Hope

5 years ago 2022

Bob started contemplating his life as he watched his fiancé Jake Seresin fly into the air against orders. It’s been 10 years since he was finally able to get his life back on track. The past 5 years have been amazing and he was so grateful for them. He found himself a boyfriend who was just so amazing at understanding him and his mental health, and Bob did the same for his boyfriend. They got engaged a couple months ago and they had yet to tell the team. His life was so good now, but something in the pit of his stomach told him it wouldn’t last. Told him the sins of his past would come crawling back to haunt him, not far away in the future for some reason his gut told him it was today. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft gentle kiss to his forehead. Bob smiled as he looked up, greeting his fiancé kissing him on the lips.

“So are we going to tell them?” Bob asked as they walked back to the hangar where they were going to do a post mission debrief.

“Well tell them after the debrief, something tells me they’d want to celebrate the occasion.” Jake spoke as he wrapped his arms around Bob’s shoulder.

They never did get to tell the team as a few seconds after everyone was in the hangar everything exploded. Bob felt a great heat hit his back from the explosion, there wasn’t any pain which meant he wasn’t too close. However as he got up he realized some of his teammates weren’t as lucky. Fanboy and Rooster seemed to be the most injured with a few noticeable shrapnel wounds. Most importantly his fiancé seemed to be struggling to get up from where he was thrown.

This is all your fault and you know it (came the voice inside his head)

No it’s not, it’s not it can’t be (Bob spoke as his eyes flickered trying to find where the voice came from despite knowing it was just all in his head.)

“Babe, babe are you ok?” Bob asked, his voice soft and shaky as he crawled over to check for injuries.

“Yeah, Bob I’m ok I was just thrown.” Jake spoke as he held onto Bob giving him a tight squeeze of the hand to reassure him.

Jake furrowed his brow as he watched Bob, he was jumpy, his eyes kept looking around as if he was searching for something. The way Bob flinched at the sound of gunshots, and the way Jake observed as Bob’s hand was twitching to cover his ears told him he was slipping.

“Have you been taking your meds? Bob.” Jake stated simply as he helped Bob up.

“I have it every day, but since the refill they seem to have stopped working.” Bob spoke looking at the ground. “I didn't want to worry you., we’ve been so busy with the assignment memorizing the flight pattern” He spoke as he drew his gun waiting to see what would happen next. 

Each of them carried small firearms at all times except for when they flew. Jake watched as Maverick and Cyclone dragged Bradshaw and Fanboy behind to take cover. Just as men approached with heavy guns in their arms, they all instinctively fired, managing to kill a couple men before things turned physical.

“Robert Reynolds or should I call you Robert Floyd?” Came the voice of one Valentina Allegrea de fontain.

Bob froze which left an opening for his opponent to punch him in the face which sent him sprawling back on the floor. He groaned his vision hazy as he tried to stand up only to stumble back to the ground.

“Valentina, what do you want with my men?” Cyclone asked, still aiming the gun at the men.

“I don’t want your men, I just want Bob.” Valentina spoke as she approached the group. “He signed an NDA for a medical trial I was doing and disappeared.” She spoke her eyes on Bob watching as he scrambled back.

“That was ten years ago, I was high on meth.” Bob explained feeling the sudden shame build up as he aired his dirty laundry for the whole team to hear.

“You didn’t commit though.” Valentina motioned for one of the men to approach Bob.

“I was hit by a car, what did you want me to do?” Bob spoke as he remembered that day from ten years ago. “I was in the hospital for at least 3 months in recovery.” He exclaimed as a huge hunky guy picked him up by the throat.

“I don’t really care, give him the good stuff.” Valentina spoke to her men as she walked away.

Bob’s eyebrows furrowed; he didn't want to stick around to see what she meant as he noticed the guy holding him by the throat take out a syringe filled with some strange liquid. The fight for everyone else resumed as Cyclone fired off more shots. Jake sighed in relief when his opponent dropped dead, his eyes filled with horror as the man Bob was struggling to fight with, injected him in the arm with the syringe. Bob’s eyes widened as he realized what was in the syringe as his body fell to the ground. The voices in his head were finally quiet once again, it’s the first time in the past months he could sort of think clearly. Jake tried to rush towards his fiancé only for the man to pick Bob up holding a knife to the throat. Bob struggled weakly as haziness started to cloud his vision and mind. A small indication to his mind that he was given too much. The other men had their guns trained on the rest of his team.

“He leaves with us, or you’ll never get to see him alive again.” The man spoke, pressing the knife to the throat drawing some blood.

“Bob, we will find you, I promise no matter how long it takes.” Jake spoke tears filling up his face as he saw the vacant look in his fiancé's eyes.

The small nod he received was the only thing that reassured him that Bob had heard what he said. It was a few minutes before they heard the sound of a plane taking off taking Bob with them.

“I’m sorry you guys had to find out this way.” Jake spoke as he turned to the team. “For those that didn’t know it was during Bob’s younger years he struggled with substance use and addiction.” He tried to explain as his voice shook tears streaming down his face as realization dawned on him.

The wedding they had planned wasn’t going to happen, the love of his life was gone to god knows where to do god knows what against his will. He sank to his knees crying silently into the palms of his hand Phoenix sighed as she approached giving Hangman a hug.

“We’ll find him.” Phoenix tried to reassure.

“I know we will… but it’s a matter of when and how he will be.” Jake sniffled. “Bob’s been struggling with his mental health all his life.” He spoke, he was the one to get Bob to see someone.

Phoenix didn’t know what to say for the amount of time she’s gotten to know Bob, she had no idea he struggled with mental health. There would be an occasion she thought he might have suffered from physical abuse as a child from the way the man would flinch and try to cover his ears when people started to argue.

“We… we were supposed to tell you guys.” Jake then added as he looked to the team.

“Tell us what Jake?” Maverick spoke his tone soft and curious.

“We got engaged a little while ago, we were going to get married in the upcoming months.” Jake spoke, crying harder.

The team gathered around while they waited for medical service to arrive, none of them knew what to say. There wasn’t much that would make Hangman feel better because the one who usually did that was Bob and he was gone.

Meanwhile on the plane

Bob was placed gently on what appeared to be a sofa like chair on the plane. It felt so soft underneath him, his grunts as he tried to sit up though. His vision swam causing him to be dizzy.

“I think we should give him another dose, keep him asleep till we get to the designated location.” Valentina spoke from beside Bob who flinched. “Carl please give him another does”

His senses were so dulled he didn’t even realize she was beside him looking down at him. Bob struggled weakly as Carl approached his limbs flailing about only for them to be pinned down as he was injected again, but this time in the neck. His struggles seemed to stop immediately as his eyes blurred, he felt as Valentina forced them shut before she started to cradle her hand through his hair in a semi creepy yet comforting manner.

“Rest well Bob, you have a long road ahead of you.” Valentina spoke with a smile as Bob’s breath evened out indicating he was asleep. “Well that was fast, he’ll be ready for us when we get there.”

“Can’t believe you had his meds switched, with placebos.” Carl responded as he returned to his seat.

“All of our other test subjects were stable mentally, before the trials.” Valentina explained. “He wasn’t when he signed up; he could've been our perfect subject.” She spoke as she got up to get a glass of wine.

“You don’t think we overdid it?” Carl asked, as he motioned to the form that was twitching on the couch.

“Nah, we’ll find out at some point if we did.” Valentina spoke as she closed her eyes for the long flight ahead. “I was afraid we wouldn’t have enough so I brought his favourite.” She answered as she pressed a button which turned off the lights of the plane.

“If he’s been clean for 10 or so years, what makes you think he’ll want it.” Carl pointed out.

“He won’t, we’d have to force it on him.” Valentina said, opening her eyes, staring at Carl. “Once it’s in his system the drug will take care of the rest for us.” She smirked as she closed her eyes again.

Carl backed off as he too settled down, closing his eyes. Valentina watched with a small smile, Bob was her last hope for the sentry project. She needed it to work, maybe it would justify all those that were killed by the trail.

2 years later 2024

Bob had lost track of time a long time ago, his mind was always foggy. He was always drugged up to the nines especially when they first started. It turns out they wanted him back to the state he was when he had first signed up. From what he remembered he always refused and fought back to the point where they’d have to tie him down in order to give him a dose. It took them 2 months to get Bob to be in the same state he was when he had signed back in 2012. As Bob woke up with a gasp he didn’t know how much time had passed, but something was wrong with him. He could feel it, the voices which now had names were loud and talking, especially the Void.

“Oh look who’s finally awake and conscious again the weaker one” The Void spoke with an evil laugh. “They’ve kept us here for two years.” He had finished.

“No, no it couldn't have been two years they would’ve found me.” Bob spoke unsure who he was talking about which scared him.

“Who’s they?” Void asked, laughing.

“I… I… I can’t remember” Bob spoke as he started to spiral.

Void only laughed as he was able to take control, the scientist who had woken him up frowned in confusion as they watched Bob’s skin turn black his clothes going awas well.

“Shit, pull the emergency button.” The scientist screamed seeing the Void of the person that used to sit on the lab table.

The scientist screamed as they were turned to shadows the void laughing as he saw their shame rooms.

Poor sweet scientist feeling guilty for what they did to us and so may others, yet choosing to continue with the work.” Void spoke to no one in particular.

Void felt his control slipping as Bob seemed to resurface, he sighed he should’ve put Bob in his own shame room, there were so many delicious memories. Bob scrambled back falling off the table as he saw the two shadows in front of him. He had felt the emptiness the void consume him and he was scared, he saw what it did to the scientist. He stood up wanting to take a closer look of the shadows when he felt a dozen little pricks hit his neck and back. The effects were instantaneous as all his limbs went numb causing him to drop to the floor. He couldn’t speak and couldn’t move, he could feel his heart rate increase as he saw two scientists enter with Valentina.

“Was that supposed to happen?” Valentina asked as she crouched down petting Bob’s hair.

“No Ma'am, it was an unexpected side effect. We don't know what happened.” The scientist spoke nervously.

“Well that's too bad, we should dispose of him.” Valentina spoke as she stood up. “Take care of him.” She spoke as she walked away.

Those were the last words they heard before everything went dark.

Present 3 years later 2027

Joaquin Torres sighed heavily from where he sat at his desk looking over files. Sam and Barnes have been working to find evidence against Valentina Allegra De Fontaine. Little did they know he’s been trying to find evidence of the so-called medical trial she had mentioned 5 years ago. He jumped as he finally got a hit after finding some leaked files from a private server to a recently destroyed lab in Malaysia. Torres screamed in joy as he found some evidence he quickly called over Barnes and Sam.

“Guys I got a hit, this lab in Malaysia was recently destroyed but some of the files were leaked.” Torres spoke only showing them what they needed to know. “It says here that Valentina had a bunch of evidence from a medical trial moved to a vault.” He spoke as he brought up the report on the screen.

“Bucky will you go and check it out before Valentina has her group of agents blow it up.” Sam asked as he read over the file. “Why is a metal casket in the vault?” He then asked, having read a list of the inventory that was moved.

“I just found a bunch of video files? But it’s from two years ago.” Torres spoke as he clicked play on one of them.

He almost puked seeing the horrendous bruising and needle marks of his friend's skin. There on the screen was his friend Bob, being injected with dozens of needles. A tear fell from his eyes as he watched a bunch of scientists trying to dress his friend in some clothes before carrying his friend's body and putting it in some sort of high tech coffin.

“Excuse me guys, I’m going to need to take a week off.” Torres suddenly spoke, downloading the files onto a highly secured private server, while also sending the files to Barnes and Sam before closing his laptop.

Sam and Barnes furrowed their brow as they watched Torres leave, the man's reaction was weird but they didn’t question it as they started to plan. Torres sighed as he walked out texting the group chat with his top gun teammates to let them know of the news. It was about 2 years ago when he had lost hope in finding Bob with the rest of the top gun crew. He couldn't hold out hope anymore and decided to change his name to Joaquin Torres and joined a different division of the army. He knew Maverick and Rooster stayed close with Hangman having experienced a similar loss. As far as he knew Hangman was still mourning the loss even though it’s been five years. As Torres checked his phone he saw the replies from everyone saying they’d take a flight to New York and they could discuss things in person. He was thrilled they were all coming to New York. It's been about a year since their last hangout together, but the recent news has given him a new sense of hope.

Chapter 2: The Vault

Summary:

What happens in the vault? Will Mel help bring Valentina down? What shocking news does jake find out about Bob?

Notes:

Sorry this took so long, I had re-written the last scene of the chapter like 10 times trying to figure out how I wanted things to go.

(P.S I hope y'alls enjoy the read.)

The table Yelena was hiding behind flipped knocking into what she assumed to be a box. Yelena went back to the fighting not hearing the mechanical noise of something being turned on. The box that had been hit was actually a metal coffin crate, which housed OXE’s one and only semi successful human from the Sentry experiments. As the gas that had forced the occupant inside the metal casket into a deep unending slumber receded, the occupants' vitals started coming online. The first thing Bob was aware of was the insane desire to breathe, as he inhaled he started coughing and the air around him burned his throat. That’s when he opened his eyes to complete darkness, so similar to the void he had felt so often throughout his life. Once he got enough air he tried his best to stay calm and assess where he was, what was the last thing he could remember. The more he thought about it, the more he panicked, because his mind was blank. Bob’s memory was so fuzzy he couldn’t even come up with a past memory. He started clawing at the lid in blind panic, he didn’t know where he was, or what year it was. He never truly had a fear of the unknown until he was on drugs waking up in strange places not knowing what happened the night before. Or waking up to a bunch of people trying to rob him, he was panicking yet so thankful that right now he was in an enclosed space which meant no one could get to him. He didn’t know how long had passed since he started clawing at the lid, when it eventually opened up on its own causing him to jump. He blinked as he stared up at the tall grey ceiling illuminated by some very bright lights. It was at that moment he realized he wasn’t alone, the sounds of people fighting frightened him. The sound of a gun going off had him jumping out of the crate. The sudden movement had his body promptly start retching as he vomited a bunch of bile and clear fluid. He was unaware of the silence as he started moving, trying to get away from the pile of liquid fluid. Yelena, Ave and John all turned towards the sudden noise only to find a man in what looked to be hospital clothes crawling on the ground. They all drew their guns waiting for the guy to see them.

“Is she actually…” Bob was going to ask but seeing the guns struck something deep within him as he tried to run out the door only for them to close on him. “The… oh… oh no. Hello… Hi I’m Bob” He spoke as he raised his arms.

“Who are you?” Ava asked, looking confused.

“I’m Bob, I told you I'm uhh yeah. I’m Bob.” Bob said, feeling nervous.

“Jesus Christ, stop saying Bob.” Walker spoke, sounding annoyed.

“Who sent you Bob?” Yelena asked, sounding very serious.

“Nobody, why would I be sent?” Bob asked. “Where, all of you sent?” He half gestured trying to keep his hands up.

“I’m not sure what’s going on here, but you’re all exhausting and my job is done.” Ava spoke as she lowered her gun and started to walk away.

“Oh I bet, you see my job is to keep an eye on you.” Yelena spoke, approaching Ava while pointing the gun at her. “So no you are not going to go anywhere anymore.” She finished her eyes on her target.

“So you’re here to keep an eye on her?” Walker spoke with pause, his gun trained on Yelena. “That’s a halfway decent cover for someone stealing assets from OXE.” He finished sounding confident.

While they argued Bob quietly made his way behind some boxes trying to hide himself, not wanting to get killed over a huge misunderstanding. As the three continued Bob started to tune them out slightly, as he troubled his mind to find a memory on how he could’ve gotten into this situation. He shook his head, nothing came to mind and oddly enough the voices in his head were silent for now.

“It’s getting so tense in here, for a second.” Bob spoke as he looked at the others nervously as he stepped back from where he had stepped out.

“I’m not leaving here without completing the mission.” Walker spoke as he started to advance. “Valentina gave me a clean slate guarantee, and I’m not screwing that up, but this weirdo wasn’t a part of the job. So I got to know, how’d you get in?” He asked, sounding confident with a smirk.

“I don’t remember.” Bob spoke after having tried yet again but his memory seems blank for the moment.

“That’s a terrific answer.” Walker spoke sarcastically as he turned around. “Alright, umm, tie yourself up.” He started to say before getting interrupted.

“Wow, no and goodbye.” Ava spoke as she started to walk away.

Bob watched as the woman’s mask covered her face before she disappeared, however he furrowed his brow because he could still technically see her. As Ava tried to walk through the barrier a loud noise sounded causing everyone to cover their ears. Bob groaned as he covered both his ears, biting his lips as the voices woke up.

Well well well, if it isn't the weak Bobby. (Void spoke, enjoying the slight shame that had built up.)

Please stop, I’m not weak. (Bob spoke hoping he wasn’t speaking out loud.)

Oh on the contrary my friend, it’ll only be a matter of time before I exact our revenge on Valentina for what she did to us. (Void said, plainly)

“Wow, did you guys hear that?” Bob asked as the noise stopped and the void became quiet.

It was a few more minutes when the lights in the room suddenly turned red and the temperature in the room started to rise. That heat stirred a memory in Bob; he felt something similar.

“Oh boy… that is no way to go.” Bob exaggerated.

“How would you like to die today, Bob?” Walker asked aggressively.

“Ok ghost lady.” Yelena started to say.

“Ava.” Ava corrected

“Yeah, sure whatever I don’t care, we need to get you through those walls so that you can open the door.” Yelena spoke, thinking of a plan.

“She tried that already.” Walker sassed.

“I know she did, but we haven’t tried shutting down the sound barrier.” Yelena spoke, sounding frustrated.

While they broke off to search for the power to the sound barrier Walker found the crate that had a body shaped indent in it, he looked from the crate to Bob conclusions forming in his head before he walked over to the girls to help them override the system. As they waited Bob voiced the only question they were all thinking the longer Ava was gone.

“You think she’s coming back?” Bob asked nervously.

He didn’t hear the others' response, as it got hotter in the room he was aware of the fact he was getting a headache. He didn’t know why though, hearing the sound of something mechanical he paid attention as the doors opened and they started running only to be thrown forward. Bob closed his eyes as a sudden bombardment of memories started to fill his mind as he felt himself slipping into the world of unconsciousness.

Meanwhile in New York

Mel has been working with Valentina for a sometime now, and has been there to support the women even when she was being impeached. While she does agree on some of Valentina’s views there are other points she does not agree with. Over the years especially since the kidnapping of Robert Reynolds off a military hangar base she’s been collecting evidence. With recent events she also had an anonymous electronic file delivered to one Joaquin Torres, with Valentina busy with keeping up appearances she wouldn't find out about data leaks until it was too late. Mel had a plan she would help the other side as a sign of good faith, she didn’t want to be on Valentina’s side when things blew over. She knew they would despite their best efforts in trying to cover OXE’s tracks. Secrets were meant to be found out with time, and it was only a matter of time before someone found out.

In Joaquin’s Apartment

Joaquin closed his eyes, tears running down them as he had watched the footage in the vault seeing the incinerators go one before seeing if his friend had gotten away. He was at his apartment when he had received an anonymous untraceable package to his computer. It had detailed evidence of the sentry experiments and all their test subjects, video footage of the vault and remote access to the newly renovated stark tower. He didn’t know why he was given this but he downloaded copies of everything and sent them to Sam and Bucky so they could give it to the right people. He also sent some of the files over to Jake so the man could know some of what happened to his fiance. He stood up unable to look at the screen any longer, his former teammates would be here tomorrow. If…. He didn’t want to think about it. Bob was such an integral part of the team during that mission, always there ready to cut the tension with a joke, watching everyone’s back when he could. Not to mention Jake would be devastated. Joaquin so badly wanted to call Bucky or Sam to see what he should do, but they were both busy and unaware of his affiliations. He was going to take a break for now and check in the morning for proof the misfits made it out alive.

3 hours later in San Diego

Rooster stepped out of the car just as Maverick parked it, they both planned to drive Jake to the airport so they could all be together. Having read the text from Fanboy or as they now call him Torres, there was a spark of hope that they’d be able to find Bob. They both knew how Jake would feel, 5 years after the fact and the man still held on to the hope that he and Bob would get their happy ending.

“You think he’s ready to go?” Rooster asked as he walked towards the front door of the house.

“Let’s hope he is, he’s been doing a lot better recently.” Maverick spoke as he knocked on the door.

They both frowned as no one answered, they knocked again and waited a few more minutes before taking out a set of keys Jake had given them for emergencies. They unlocked the door and stepped in, the first thing they saw were Jake’s bags at the door all ready to go.

“Jake!” Rooster yelled, not being able to see the man anywhere.

A quick look into the office and seeing the documents, told Rooster and Maverick all they needed to know. The pictures of Bob hooked to different IVs, his form so skinny the way the man’s eyes looked sunken in. They could guess where Jake was, as they made their way towards the bedroom and frowned seeing Jake curled up in bed, his face buried in a pillow.

“Hangman!” Maverick said his voice taking a tone of command.

“Maverick?” Jake asked, turning his head towards the voice. “I… th…I…” He found it hard to form the words he needed to speak.

“We saw the files on your desktop, we’re sorry Jake.” Rooster spoke as he crouched down to be eye level with the man.

“It’s not about the files… I mean it is… but it’s more than that.” Jake spoke as he sat up wiping his eyes. “It’s noted in the files that he… he has no recollection of his past.” He spoke, his voice shaky.

Maverick and Rooster stayed silent showing their support as best they could, with a hand on the shoulder and hugs just doing their best to be reassuring. They were at a loss for words because if Bob didn’t remember anything, then a whole lot would be changed for all of them, but more so for Jake. If Bob couldn’t remember who he was, or his past memories with Jake, they both knew it would destroy the man. They prayed that somewhere down the line that Bob would be able to remember who he was and what Jake meant to him.

Notes:

Comments and Kudos are much appreciated :)