In the present, Morse and Hunter deny their involvement with SHIELD, claiming they were on vacation and became caught up in events by accident, sticking to their story even when Coulson offers to extract them, as they are determined to protect their friends and prevent war. Insisting SHIELD no longer exists, President Ellis and Coulson (posing as an ATCU consultant) convince Olshenko not to execute Morse and Hunter, on the condition that they never work for the US government again. Morse and Hunter are released, but can have no further contact with SHIELD. The couple debate what to do next in a bar, aware they will be followed by both US and Russian agents. They notice Coulson, May, Mack, Daisy, Fitz and Simmons watching them, and the agents share a silent farewell, drinking 'parting shots'.
