A/N: We are nearing the end. It's been such a joy to write. I am considering possibly doing a sequel, though that depends on you all. Happy reading

The jet flew me to a building in New York that was clearly a S.H.I.E.L.D safe house. Upon landing, I was ushered into the towering glass structure. The elevator continued to rise, higher and higher, until we finally arrived at the top floor. I already had an inkling of what happened on the helicarrier, though I needed to be certain.

I approached the desk, a woman typing quickly on the keyboard. "Hi. My name's Olivia Grant." I flashed my badge. She nodded her head impatiently. "Could you get me the file for Douglas Rhames?"

"Give me one minute." The woman finished her typing, rose from her seat, and quickly paced down a hallway. She returned a few minutes later, file in hand.

"Thanks."

"Mmm-hmm."

I skimmed the file while I walked towards the meeting room. Immediately, I saw Thor arguing with Colonel Fury. "How can you say Loki had anything to do with the man's escape?"

"I can't account for your brother's whereabouts, especially since someone convinced me to let him out of the handcuffs!"

"Even Olivia confirmed to you that he-"

"I cannot trust Doctor Grant's opinion on Loki! For that matter, he looks at her the same way! Maybe they're in this whole thing together!"

"Good to see I'm a prime suspect, Colonel." I crossed my arms across my chest, staring him down.

"Doctor Grant, I see you're back-"

"Don't play innocent with me. I heard your conversation. That eyepatch must really be clouding your judgment if you think I had anything to do with this." Thor moved to stand next to me, almost to act as my defense. It was a rather sweet gesture, though I didn't need it. I was perfectly capable of holding my own.

"Look, I've noticed the way you and L-"

"That's because our personal histories are eerily similar. There's an unspoken understanding between us. Nothing more." The thought raced across my mind that I wished there was. I quickly discarded it. "Besides, I'm guessing the quick turnover was an inside job."

"Inside job? You're suggesting one of my people-"

"Yes. Now, I'm not saying they willingly helped Alec. I think that Alec had some kind of information about one of them-"

"Blackmail?"

I sucked breath through my teeth. "Eh, nearly. Likely more of a vulnerability."

"Vulnerability?" I took the file from my hand and slapped it into Fury's hands. "What is this?"

"Private Douglas Rhames. He has a vulnerable point, oh say, a terminally ill mother at St. Peter's Hospital." I allowed a satisfied smirk to spread across my face.

"I don't understand."

"I noticed him on the way to the jet. He showed all the typical signs of anxiety: sweaty, shifty eyes, twitchy, etc. Checked his badge, got his name, and proceeded to get his information upon my arrival here. And wouldn't you know he has a background in explosives."

"I take it Coulson informed you of what happened on your way in?"

"Naturally."

He flicked through the pages in the folder, occasionally glancing at me. "Fine. I expect an interview."

"When don't you?" He growled at me as he strode from the room. "I really am not cut out for government work..." I muttered, shifting my weight.

"Olivia," Thor began, looking at me with awe. "I truly have never met a woman quite like you."

"Er, thanks. I guess?"

"You are welcome."

We stood in awkward silence for a moment. "So, what about Jane?"

"Jane is also entirely different." He smiled at the mention of her name. "I think the two of you would get along."

"Maybe. People have never exactly been my forte. When they find out you can see them better than they do, well...it doesn't exactly make you many friends."

"I consider you my friend."

I smiled and punched his shoulder. "Careful who you say that to. But thank you."

Fifteen minutes later, Rhames was in the room. The only thing I had to do was walk into the room and he cracked. Typical of a guilty conscience. "I swear, I never wanted to hurt anyone! He had my mother and I just-" On and on the confession went. I sat, plastered in my seat with a very large cup of coffee. As he prattled, I occasionally took a sip, staring at him the entire time.

"Thank you, Private Rhames. We'll take that into consideration." I smiled at him and left, finishing my last gulp of coffee. I stared down in disappointment when the cup was empty.

"I can't believe that little weasel worked for me." Fury stated with irritation.

"Oh, cut him some slack, Colonel! They threatened his mother, for crying out loud. He felt guilty enough about the prospect of killing his coworkers. No one was injured. He did everything he could to prevent harm."

"Why is it you seem to have an obsession with playing both sides?" He asked grumpily.

"I blame it on the fact that I'm a libra." I quipped, tapping my empty cup. "I only want what's fair."

Fury scowled, leaving to answer a cry from somewhere behind me. "Olivia!" Thor bellowed, scooping me into his arms and squeezing. It was the most painful bear hug I had ever experienced.

"Thor..." I wheezed. "Can't-can't breathe..."

He set me down gingerly and I clutched my hand to my chest. "The colonel has released Loki from prison!"

"That's great, Thor."

"It was all because you proved his innocence."

"No problem."

"My brother, he's lost, but he isn't a bad person." Thor frowned as he spoke.

"I know." He smiled then, seeming to be reassured by response. "Thor, what is the Saeculum?"

"Ancient legend tells of a box. A box that held the origin of time."

"The origin of time?" It sounded like an episode of Doctor Who.

"Yes. The legend states that one can sacrifice themselves to the box in exchange for a reversal of time."

"So, Rakthon is planning on sacrificing himself to reverse the civil war of his people?"

"That is correct."

"So that their race can finish their quest to take over the universe?"

"Yes."

"Great. Any idea where it is?"

"No."

I sighed, chunking my cup in the trash. We would figure it out. We had to.