This is a continuation of Compromised, you can read it as standalone but I doubt you'd understand most if the references. If you're not deterred, read on, my friend!

Doctor Gabriella Ackerly, blue merle border collie Orion, and Bernese Mountain Dog Lyra sat in their Quinjet, flying towards the United States for the Theta Protocol facility to see in person the Hellicarrier that was being repaired, on the request of Nick Fury. They were also going to meet with Phil Coulson who, according to Sam Koenig, was heading to the facility as well as her. It would be great to catch up with the now-Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and once the tour of the facility was over, they were going back to the Playground to meet his team as it's been a long since they last met. It was going to be a welcome change of pace since her capture and... various experiments in the HYDRA base and the consequent break that was almost forced on her by Fury. She was heading back into the world and was looking forward to it. She was ready for the numerous questions asked by Coulson, Teagan Meyer, and the rest of Phil's team, even Fitz. It might have been over a month since he woke from his coma, but he was still in recovery and the presence of friends during recovery does the world a good.

The doctor didn't have to worry about navigation as she had the autopilot do the work; she'd take over if needs be. She sat in her chair and watched Lyra pace about the jet and the old dog Orion asleep on the floor. It would take them a couple hours to get to the facility so she would use this time to come up with answers to greetings and answers to questions.

The hours flew by and before long they were landing in the underground secret base. They landed in a small inbound and outbound aircraft hanger but obviously there was a much larger one for the Hellicarrier. She stood up from her chair and put a harness on Lyra; she walked well without one but this place looked easy to get lost in. Besides, she could control the curious dog if she got to jumpy. Walking towards the ramp, she pushed the button and it opened. The trio left the Quinjet.

Waiting for her a few feet from the base of the ramp was Sam. He smiled seeing her and approached them. "Welcome to Theta Protocol, Doctor!" He gestured vaguely to their surroundings and handed her very fetching lanyard.

She looked at it before slipping it over her head. "I don't remember ever having to wear these."

"They where implemented as a standard means of identification when Phil became Director. There's a tracker inside so I know where everyone is at every moment."

"They don't have to wear one, do they?" Ackerly asked, pointing to Orion and Lyra.

"Y'know, I didn't think of that. They'll be with you most of the time... hmm, maybe I will create some for them."

"I eagerly await it." She said. "Now where's Phil?"

"Follow me." Sam replied with a smile. She followed him as he lead her to Coulson.

"I heard about your brother. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, Doctor. Eric died doing what he loved."

Ackerly nodded and they left the hanger. They walked down numerous corridors and dodged passed many agents. "How the hell did Nick keep this a secret? Where did he get the money? Just, how?"

Sam laughed. "For starters, only people Fury trusts absolutely know about this place."

"So I guess Steve and Natasha don't know?"

"You are correct. Neither does your friend, Meyer, and I hope to keep it that way."

"Really? Fury didn't tell her?"

"I assume he has his reasons."

"Quite right. I'll keep my mouth shut about it then."

"Thank you." Sam said smiling.

A few passing S.H.I.E.L.D. agents recognised Ackerly and they momentarily stopped her to say they were looking forward to seeing her back in action; two offered to look after Orion and Lyra if she needed someone to. After the last agent to finish talking to her, she and Sam resumed their walk towards Coulson, who was in a room overlooking the construction of the Helicarrier. How Fury managed to salvage the Helicarrier without being seen was beyond her. The cloak? She would be surprised if it still worked after being taken down by Steve and Sam. Wilson, not Koenig.

They reached the viewing room and Sam swiped his lanyard on the scanner by the door. It opened and she sauntered in. Before Coulson had a chance to turn, she announced herself loudly, "Surprise Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.!"

He instantly pivoted to face her with a wide and happy smile. "Gabriella!" They walked up to one another and tightly hugged for a few seconds. Coulson said as they parted, "God, it's good to see you in person."

"Same here, Phil. It's nice to be with people who don't want me dead." She replied, patting his back. Coulson glanced down at the familiar, and the unfamiliar dogs. "Lyra, meet Phil Coulson. Phil, meet my new dog Lyra."

The Director smiled down at Lyra and patted her head. "You look fluffier in person." Lyra stuck her tongue out. "Cheeky."

Sam chuckled behind them and they turned to him. "I'll leave you two to get reacquainted. You know how to find me." With a final smile, Sam walked away, the door closing behind him.

"So!" Ackerly said turned to Coulson, "Here the same reason as I am?"

"Nick?"

"Yep."

"It seems I am."

They moved to sit on two chairs overlooking the huge Helicarrier. Orion and Lyra lay next to each other on the floor in front of their owner's feet. "Teapot doesn't know, eh? May? Skye?"

Coulson shook his head. "No, it's super secret. No one can know."

"Then what do they think you're doing?" She asking watching the Engineers work.

"Recruiting in London." Coulson replied. "We're gonna have to think of an excuse if you want to come to the Playground."

"I've already got one." Coulson looked at her with a raised eyebrow and an expression that wanted her to elaborate. "I was in my place in Russia keeping an eye on things from afar and I saw that you had landed in London. I thought that it was about time I left my hermit lifestyle and went to see you. We failed at trying to find recruits, unless you count me, and then we came back."

"You thought that on the way here?" He asked.

"Just now actually. Spending time doing next to nothing in a HYDRA base really increases one's mental capacity."

"I'm-"

"C'mon, Phil, don't say I'm sorry. We already went through this."

"I know." Coulson said. He looked her up and down. "I'm going to say something I don't think you'll like."

"Yes?"

"I couldn't tell during our chat, but you look absolutely exhausted. Regardless of your break, you look horrible. That can be expected with what happened and what you said but I've only ever seen you look so tired once before."

She silently nodded in agreement. After the O.R.B.S thing... She'd rather not talk about that dark time. "Let's hope I drop the bags on our way back the Playground."

"Will you be sticking around?"

She shrugged. "I dunno. Probably not. I've got to try and find where they keep the Scepter, and if that comes up bust I... I'll find something to do. But if you ever need a hand just ask."

Coulson looked at her. "There is always a spare spot on the team for you."

"Thanks. I might take you up in that in the future, depending on things that is."

"Of course." He said with a nod.

"How's Fitz?"

"He's slowly making progress."

"Good, give him time. Hypoxia and Aphasia suck but friends go a long away. They are the best medicine."

There was a pause in which Coulson sighed quietly before saying, "He's hallucinating Simmons."

Ackerly turned her head to Coulson with wide eyes. She blinked once, "Excuse me? Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Ever since she left, he's been talking to her. We have to pretend she's still there."

"How bad are they?"

"They're alright but I think they might get worse."

Ackerly nodded slowly and rubbed her chin. "I still want to see him." After a quiet moment, she stood up. "Right, let's not sit around here, let's see what this Helicarrier has to offer."

Coulson smiled as he stood to his feet. "Someone's back to their normal self."

She smiled at him. "Almost."