[Coulson is silent a long moment before speaking.]
Do you think Loki couldn't have got the Iriduim without you? Do you think he couldn't have taken care of the helicarrier without you? Don't underestimate him.
With you there to make plans, Loki could move more in the shadows, certainly.
[He pauses again before continuing on in a serious tone.]
Do you have any idea how many lives that saved? In Germany and on the Helicarrier? Yes, you killed in Germany. Yes, we lost people during the Helicarrier attack.
But Loki would have done what he did with or without you. And with a higher body count.
He had Selvig, so he knew he needed Iriduim. He arrived in a SHIELD base so he knew he'd have to take care SHIELD. And he would have brought a frontal attack to SHIELD and we were not ready for one. Your more subtle maneuvering mean SHIELD was able to fight where SHIELD fights best. In the shadows.
While I can't give you proof this is true, from what information I learned this is what I believe.
[And there is a smaller, more terrifying yet almost cruel thought that if it hadn't been Clint it could of been Fury and then everything would have been fucked.
Phil gives a small sigh.]
No, I suppose I can't. But that's something you need to work out with yourself and with Natasha, when you can.
You didn't betray me. [He is firm on this point. Do not try to argue you will not win.] And it's certainly not your fault I- that Loki got me. Never blame yourself for my mistake.
[Phil knew shouldn't have taken his eyes off Loki.]
[Action] Still full of feels.
Do you think Loki couldn't have got the Iriduim without you? Do you think he couldn't have taken care of the helicarrier without you? Don't underestimate him.
With you there to make plans, Loki could move more in the shadows, certainly.
[He pauses again before continuing on in a serious tone.]
Do you have any idea how many lives that saved? In Germany and on the Helicarrier? Yes, you killed in Germany. Yes, we lost people during the Helicarrier attack.
But Loki would have done what he did with or without you. And with a higher body count.
He had Selvig, so he knew he needed Iriduim. He arrived in a SHIELD base so he knew he'd have to take care SHIELD. And he would have brought a frontal attack to SHIELD and we were not ready for one. Your more subtle maneuvering mean SHIELD was able to fight where SHIELD fights best. In the shadows.
While I can't give you proof this is true, from what information I learned this is what I believe.
[And there is a smaller, more terrifying yet almost cruel thought that if it hadn't been Clint it could of been Fury and then everything would have been fucked.
Phil gives a small sigh.]
No, I suppose I can't. But that's something you need to work out with yourself and with Natasha, when you can.
You didn't betray me. [He is firm on this point. Do not try to argue you will not win.] And it's certainly not your fault I- that Loki got me. Never blame yourself for my mistake.
[Phil knew shouldn't have taken his eyes off Loki.]