A/N: My apologies for not updating yesterday. My brother-in-law is in for open heart surgery today, and yesterday I was dealing with a ton of family messages back and forth. But the chapter is done, so you have it... just a little late. Thanks for your patience!
I don't know how much writing I will get done this weekend, either, so there may be a delay in the next chapter as well. But I will do my best!
Chapter 9
It didn't take long for Skye to move her computer to the large conference room; she and Tony had Coulson and May on the video conference screen by the time Bucky assembled the rest of the group. A few minutes later, they also had their network and the Playground's network interfaced so they could actively share data.
"Okay, so here's what I found," Skye began after everyone exchanged greetings. "There's a HYDRA facility in the mountains of Montana, basically in the middle of nowhere. It's mostly underground, several miles off the interstate – probably so they can ship in supplies without appearing too strange. According to the data we got, it looks like they're following another line of human enhancement research and experimentation. They haven't gone the Centipede route; it looks more like they're trying to tamper with DNA to give people powers. Forceful mutation, that sort of thing."
"Wasn't there a government group experimenting with mutates several years ago?" Bruce asked.
"Not officially," Coulson answered over the screen. "Though anti-mutant sentiment has been an issue on and off, as we all know. The X-gene isn't a problem for SHIELD right now; there are other groups focusing on those issues."
"Anyway," Skye continued after a moment, "it looks like this HYDRA facility – whatever they're doing – has a couple of highly valued Assets. They're not identified in the database. But from what little they do say, we might not want to leave these Assets in their hands." With an apologetic glance at Bucky, she added, "I don't think we need to leave them with another Winter Soldier, or whatever else they might be trying for."
"I would have to agree," Coulson said seriously. "May, see what Fitz and Mack can pull together in the way of entry tech. We'll get Morse and Hunter called back when we know what we've got." He turned back to the screen. "Thanks, Skye. You did good."
"Thanks, AC, but I have a feeling you're not getting into this place without me. Their security is that kind of high tech," Skye broke in before he could end the call. "I know Fitz is getting better, but he never could crack security systems like I can."
Coulson paused, then shared a glance with May. May nodded. "Have you got enough of a handle on the tremors?" she asked, her voice serious.
"Enough so that I don't start setting them off if I get angry," Skye answered coolly. "If I stay calm, I can control them. If something happens in the middle of one, it's hard to make them stop, but I can't imagine I'm going to be deliberately starting earthquakes if we're underground."
"Fair enough," May nodded, and Skye smiled a little at the glimmer of pride in May's eyes.
"Perhaps we should make this a joint venture, Sir," Steve spoke up. "Bucky and I would happily accompany Skye and your people into this facility; there's no need for you to pull people off other ops."
"JARVIS and I could run communications and tech support from here," Tony offered. "We can easily link up again, so you can monitor the team as well."
May and Coulson again shared a glance, then looked back in time to see Skye nod as well. "Fine, and we appreciate the assistance," Coulson agreed. "May, Fitz and Mack will pick you up in three hours and the six of you will head for Montana. Skye, send any schematics you have to us. May and Cap can coordinate an entry plan during the flight."
"Yes, sir," Skye agreed with a small smile.
"Dismissed," Coulson said out of habit, then smiled a little as only May left the room.
"Can you guys give us a minute, please?" Skye asked the other Avengers. Her eyes met Steve's and he nodded in understanding. "We'll go get our gear together. Tony, you may want to set up all the connections from your lab rather than here."
"Yeah, sure," Tony agreed. "You good, sweetheart?" he asked Skye.
"Yeah. Thanks."
The room cleared fairly quickly and Skye smiled at Coulson.
"How are you doing, Skye?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"I'm okay, AC. Honestly. Steve and Bucky have been really sweet and understanding. We've been taking things slowly. Despite magazine articles."
"Simmons saw it when she went into town, believe it or not," Coulson told her. "Be careful, Skye. Your… Cal is still out there."
"Yeah, I know. But we've stepped up my training and are taking precautions. I'll be fine."
"I know you will," he said gently. "But more importantly… are you happy?"
Skye smiled slowly, and her eyes took on a soft glow. "You know, I really am. I'm still adjusting to life in the tower, but they're all good people. They've gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. I miss you, though. And the team, or the way the team used to be at least."
"It's okay to miss it, Skye," Coulson assured her. "I miss you too, but I'm glad you're happy. You have a place to belong, and maybe it's not where you thought you'd be but it's yours."
"And it's a good feeling," Skye agreed. "I'm glad we're still working together, though. I'm glad I can still help."
"You're always welcome as far as I'm concerned, Skye. Be careful out there, okay?"
Skye nodded. "Yeah, I will. Talk to you again soon, AC."
Coulson nodded and then broke the connection. Skye watched the image fade from the screen and stood quietly for a long moment. Then she took a deep breath and went down to her apartment to get herself ready for the mission.
Skye, Steve and Bucky stood together at the private air field where Tony kept his planes. He'd already arranged for landing permission for the Bus, as well as covering any refuelling costs. They were all fully geared up for the mission; Skye had a bag with her tablet and laptop, though she was currently unarmed. She hoped they'd have spare ICERS on board for her. If not, Bucky had more than enough weapons to spare one for her to use, but Skye still preferred to use nonlethal force whenever possible.
They watched the Bus land nearby and waited for the ramp to open before moving closer. They paused at the bottom, Skye just at the edge of the ramp with her soulmates on either side and just behind her. May strode down to greet them, her expression blank as usual. She took in the trio silently, then motioned them in.
"Wheels up in ten," she said as she led them back in.
"Refuel is arranged, if you need it," Steve spoke up as they followed her up the ramp. May glanced at him, then at Skye who nodded.
"Thanks. We'll do that first, then; wheels up in twenty."
"Fitz in the lab?" Skye asked when May paused to hit the button on the ramp.
"Yeah. Everything's where you're used to it being. You three take Coulson's room; bunks will never fit these guys, let alone more than one of you."
Skye frowned a little. "Is Coulson okay with that?"
May smirked. "I won't tell if you won't. Just don't make a mess up there."
Skye grinned back and nodded. "Got it. Thanks, May." She looked over at her soulmates. "Come on, let's stash our stuff."
"Get what intel you can into the command center while we take off," May instructed Skye as they parted ways. "We'll meet after we're in the air."
"Yes, ma'am," Bucky answered for the three of them as he followed Skye up the stairs; she gave them the quick tour on the way, showing them the command center, kitchen, bathrooms, lounge area and bunks. Then she led them to the upper level and into Coulson's office/bedroom. It wasn't much compared to the tower, but they'd spend at least one night on the plane, and it would be more comfortable by far than any of the smaller bunks.
"That's it. You could fit most of the plane's living space into Tony's tv room," Skye said wryly. "And my bunk here was larger than my van. So you can see why I'm not really used to all the space even in my apartment, let alone yours."
"It's fine, Skye," Steve said as he pulled her into his arms. Bucky joined them just seconds later. "Just relax; we've stayed in far worse places. Don't worry about it."
"Should we go meet the others?" Bucky asked as he felt Skye relax in their arms.
"Yeah. I'd like to see how Fitz is doing."
"He's the guy who got dropped into the ocean?" Steve asked gently.
"Yeah. Him and Simmons, but she's not on this trip. Fitz hasn't been the same since; his brain was damaged by lack of oxygen. He was getting better before I left, but…"
"It's okay, doll. We can be patient with him."
Skye smiled. "I know. Mack's going to be a little harder. I don't think he blames me for what happened in the Kree city, but he hasn't been comfortable with me since then either. Honestly, it was the newer team members who I disturbed the most. Simmons just wanted to run endless tests to see what had changed and why I got powers. Fitz… I'm not entirely sure he fully understands what happened to me." Skye sighed. "Coulson and May changed the least. May was just concerned that I was a risk and a danger if I couldn't get my power under control."
"It'll be okay, kitten," Steve assured her.
"Just do me a favour and don't let the team hear you call me that, okay?"
"Deal," he agreed, chuckling. "Come on, let's go meet the others."
Skye led the way down to the labs, but she paused outside the glass doors. She just watched Fitz talking animatedly with Mack, the older man occasionally filling in words much like Simmons once would. She smiled sadly and stepped backwards. "He looks happy. Maybe I should just stay out of the way," she murmured.
"I'm sure he doesn't want that, doll," Bucky murmured to her.
Bolstered by their support, Skye headed into the lab. "Hey Fitz, Mack," she greeted the two men when they looked up at the sound of the door. She tried to ignore the uneasy look that flitted across Mack's face. "I thought you might want to meet the other half of the team. This is Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes."
Fitz's eyes lit up when he processed their presence and he smiled. "Skye! You're… you're…"
"Yeah, Fitz. I'm here. And I brought my soulmates as backup."
"Great!" Fitz approached Skye and flung his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug with his good arm. She froze for a moment, then gently hugged him back. She rested her cheek on his shoulder and just enjoyed the moment.
Mack, in the meantime, bypassed Skye to hold his hand out to Steve and Bucky. They both shook it politely, exchanging greetings. "It's an honor to meet you, Captain Rogers," Mack said genuinely, smiling.
"Thank you. It's nice to meet you as well," Steve answered, his tone courteous. He smiled a little when he saw Fitz hug Skye; he and Bucky exchanged a knowing glance.
"Come on, Skye, you've got to see this," Fitz said excitedly as he pulled away from her. But he grabbed her hand and dragged her over to the holotable. "Look! We made a… a new… a new…"
"Oh, Fitz, is that a new magic window?" Skye asked, recognizing the specs for the observation device.
"Yes! And look, it can show thermal or spec…spec…"
"Spectrometer readings," Mack spoke up, filling in the difficult word for Fitz.
"Yeah, those."
"Cool, so you can analyse what something is made out of without opening it, right?" Between the science twins and Tony, Skye understood much more of the technobabble than she used to. Fitz was actually making sense.
"That's right!" Fitz looked up at Skye, his expression proud. "You've been studying."
Skye laughed happily. "Not really. But having a conversation with Tony is almost as difficult as keeping up with you sometimes."
Fitz's eyes went wide. "You talk tech with Tony Stark?"
With a shrug and a nod, Skye explained, "Well, I do live in Avengers Tower, Fitz. It's kind of hard not to."
"Get Tony talking about tech and it's hard to make him stop," Steve said, coming up behind Skye. He held his hand out to Fitz. "It's nice to meet you, Agent Fitz."
"Just Fitz, please, Captain." Fitz returned the handshake, though his grip wasn't as strong as he would have liked. "Soulmates?" he asked, looking between Steve and Skye.
"Yeah, both of them," Skye explained.
"Good. Maybe superheros can keep you out of trouble," Fitz teased her, and Skye blushed.
"Well, we can try," Bucky spoke up as he moved over to join the group around the holotable. "Though Steve, here, was never any good at staying out of trouble either."
"Oh, hush. They don't need to hear old stories," Steve said with a mild glare. "Jerk."
"Punk," Bucky replied good-naturedly. But he refrained from telling stories for the moment.
Mack moved to stand behind Fitz, quietly observing the interactions going on in front of him. He still had problems dealing with Skye; he knew Trip's death wasn't her fault any more than she could be blamed for what happened to him in those tunnels. But she brought back the memories, and it was hard for him to cope with. He could tell, though, that her soulmates weren't going to tolerate him if he couldn't tolerate her.
It would mean a lot to Fitz, anyway. Mack knew that the young engineer saw Skye as the little sister he never had. They hadn't been close during Fitz's recovery, but Skye had always made the effort to be around, even when Fitz wouldn't let her be close. Mack made up his mind to be professional and polite with Skye, even if it was still hard for him to be friendly. It was for the best, for everyone.
"I brought something to show you, Fitz," Skye said as the banter died down.
"You did?" His excitement made Skye smile, reminding Skye of better days with their old team.
"Yep. Here." She pulled out her tablet and brought up the photo gallery. Then she offered it to Fitz, who took one end while letting her hold the other. The two of them bent together over the pictures. "I brought you pictures of the Tower. This is my guest apartment, on like, floor eleventy-one."
"Stark Tower only has 93 floors, Skye," Fitz corrected. Skye only rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, I know. I'm actually on 85; there are four guest apartments, and I'm living in one. The Avengers' apartments are each a floor, except for Sam because he asked for something smaller. There's a second apartment on his floor, where Rhodey stays when he's in New York."
"No pictures of those?" Fitz asked curiously as they flipped through images.
"Nope. I haven't been in most of them. Most of the group takes their private space fairly seriously. I got to peek into Thor's living room, though, because he hasn't been around."
"Don't tell Simmons. She'll never forgive you for not bringing pictures if you saw Thor's apartment," Fitz says, some of the excitement leaving his voice.
Skye shook her head, agreeing. "Yeah. Anyway, 91 is a big common area – kitchen and dining room, gym, home theatre and lounge. I have lots of pictures of those." She shows them to Fitz; several of them even include her, from big group dinners.
"How did you get pictures of yourself at dinner?" Steve asked, looking over her shoulder. "We're all there."
"JARVIS, of course," Skye answered. "He has video of most of the common areas, except the gym."
"JARVIS?" Fitz asked, intrigued.
"Oh, yeah, Tony has this AI that basically runs the day-to-day stuff. He has audio interface just about everywhere, and in an emergency can do things like monitor heart rate and stuff. And it's super helpful; he'll even run programs in the background while I'm hacking."
"I'm officially jealous," Fitz teased her, crossing his arms awkwardly. "Why do you get to have all the fun?"
Skye laughed. "Because you're not going to shake everything apart if you have a panic attack?" she teased right back. Then her voice lowered. "Seriously though, Fitz, you're welcome to come visit sometime. I've missed you."
"I missed you too, Skye," Fitz replied solemnly. "I'm glad that you're safe, and I'm… I'm really happy for you, finding your soulmates and all. But it… it isn't the same without you."
Skye just sighed and rested her head on Fitz's shoulder as they flipped through more photos.
"Everyone strap in for takeoff," May's voice rang through the speakers in the lab. The group moved to seat themselves; Skye left the tablet with Fitz to look at while she settled into the seat between her soulmates. Once everyone was in, Mack hit the intercom to let May know they were set.
Takeoff was fairly quick, and they were able to move around again soon. "I suppose I'd better get upstairs and get the intel into the command center. Don't have too much fun without me," she told the guys as she headed out of the lab.
TBC...
