"The girl looks out the window, watching the gentle, familiar blue-sky fade into darkness. The stars come out, slowly at first and then all together, diamond-bright, each one a new world to discover. But no matter how long the girl looks, she feels nothing. Puzzled, she looks for the girl who wanted to be an explorer, the girl who wanted to learn deep-sea diving and mountain-climbing, the girl who wanted to travel the stars. But she can't find her. That girl died when her parents did, in a little shop in the slums of November. And now she has no soul left to shatter. She closes the shade over the window."

― Amie Kaufman, This Shattered World

Phil Coulson never found himself being taken by surprise. After all, at this point in his life, he had seen it all. He had first-hand encounters with the God of Thunder, a giant green monster, a soldier who had been frozen for nearly 70 years...yeah, Phil had seen quite a bit in his life. When he sat in the booth at the small NYC diner where Ward's mystery woman worked, he knew he was prepared for what he would face. As he set the hard drive the young woman had recovered the day prior, he was prepared to follow her when she took off.

However, he was not prepared for her to set her notepad down and slide into the seat across from him. This woman - Skye - had effectively taken him by surprise.

"So," she said, determination evident in her voice. "Let's talk, Mr -?" Coulson took a moment to regain his composure. He shifted in his seat and ran a hand down his suit jacket, straightening the already straight article of clothing.

"Coulson. Phil Coulson. You left quite the impression on my specialist yesterday."

"Yeah, well, I've been told I leave a mark," Skye shrugged nonchalantly, her steady gaze remained on Coulson. She showed no weakness, no fear. Her voice remained steady and calm.

Coulson studied the young woman. She was closed off - this facade she had was a front, a way to protect herself. He could see a hint of sadness in her brown eyes, only a hint. She had perfected the art of hiding. His heart hurt at the thought of what this young girl had to go through in order to be this closed off.

"I have a proposition for you," Coulson stated after a moment. "It's a little unconventional, but hear me out." He watched the girl, waiting for a signal to continue. At the rise of her eyebrow and the purse of her lips, Coulson continued. "I have a team, each person hand selected, some of the best agents S.H.I.E.L.D. has to offer, but there is one flaw: they don't have ingenuity. They can't look at something and see ways that deviate from the ways they were trained. Most of the time, we don't worry about that, but I know an unconventional asset can be the difference between success and failure." Ideally, Coulson would have loved for her to immediately agree and follow him, but honestly, how often do things work out the way one hopes.

"So, what you're saying is that you need me on your team? I'm flattered Phil, truly, but S.H.I.E.L.D. is the last thing I want to be a part of. No offense, or anything." Skye scooted toward the edge of the seat as she prepared to leave the booth - and conversation - behind.

"I understand how you feel, but I think S.H.I.E.L.D. would be an excellent fit for you. The things you believe in; the things you fight for - like stopping that upload - those are the same principles S.H.I.E.L.D. has, however, I understand your hesitance."

"Glad we're on the same page. Now, if you don't mind, I have to get back to work." Skye grabbed her notepad as she prepared to get up.

"Unfortunately," Coulson continued, causing Skye to freeze at the edge of the booth. "You don't really have a choice." Skye turned toward him and narrowed her eyes slightly. "One of my team members checked the hard drive and she noticed it was completely wiped. No information on it." Skye raised her eyebrow.

"Huh...weird."

"Yeah...I can't help but wonder where that information went."

"Maybe I accidentally erased it?" She was not convincing. Coulson gave her a small smile before standing up. At that exact moment, Ward walked into the diner.

"I believe you have that information stored somewhere and unfortunately, that makes you a liability. For your protection and the protection of others, I'm going to have to place you in S.H.I.E.L.D. custody for the foreseeable future."

Ward had reached them by now. He had handcuffs out and ready to be used. Skye snorted in amusement. Coulson noticed several people around them had stopped talking and were watching the exchange with interest, which meant they had to get a move on finishing up this conversation.

"You know I can stop you with relative ease, right?" Skye raised her eyebrows, almost as if she were daring Coulson.

"Yes, but I don't think you will. That's not who you are." Skye snorted.

"And of course, you know me so well." Her words dripped with sarcasm.

"I know enough, Skye." Skye rolled her eyes and offered Ward her hands.

"Take me away, robot." Ward did not acknowledge her statement, he just placed the handcuffs on her and began to lead her out of the diner. At this point, the entire diner went silent, all eyes were on Coulson, Ward, and Skye. As they reached the door, a heavy-set man in a stained white shirt walked out of the back.

"What the hell is going on here?" The man bared gruffly.

"Joe!" Skye said as she turned from the exit. "So, obviously I quit, but before I leave forever, I just want you to know that you're a pig and I hope you rot in hell." Before he could reply, Ward pushed the exit open and lead Skye out. Coulson nodded at the now fuming man before he, too, left.

"Was that necessary?" Ward barked as they walked down the sidewalk toward the S.H.I.E.L.D. SUV.

"Well you don't have boobs and didn't spend the last 6 months being stared at by that creep, so you wouldn't understand, but yes, it was necessary." Skye snarked back at him. She could hold her own against Coulson, against Ward...Coulson couldn't help but think that things were about to get way more interesting on The Bus. Before Ward could reply, Coulson spoke up.

"Skye, where do you live? We can stop and get some of your belongings."

"Around that corner." She motioned toward the alleyway entrance near the diner. That can't be right , Coulson found himself thinking. She's joking, obviously .

She was not joking. Parked at the back of the alleyway was an old, light blue van filled with what few belongings Skye's had. Skye just shrugged at the looks she received from both Ward and Coulson. Clearly, she was used to the looks.

"Everything I have is in the van. I'd offer to drive, but I figure you wouldn't trust me."

"Definitely not," Ward mumbled under his breath. Coulson shot him a glare.

"Agent Ward, will you please take off Skye's handcuffs." Ward tried to immediately argue, but Coulson continued without pause. "Skye - you and I will head to our base in your van. Agent Ward - you will take the car back." Coulson could tell Ward wanted to put in his two cents - it seemed to be in the young agent's nature - but he did as he was instructed and took off Skye's handcuffs. With a curt nod, he turned to head out of the alley. Skye's reached into her back pocket and pulled out her keys.

"You driving, AC? Just kidding, no one drives my baby." Skye smiled before heading toward the driver's side. With a small smile, Coulson headed toward the passenger side.

Coulson found himself feeling relieved. He was expecting hostility from Skye considering he more or less threatened her to join the team, but her personality didn't seem to waiver one bit. Skye was clearly adaptable, a trait that rarely came from a person who lived a stable life.

It didn't take long them to return to the bus. As they entered the airstrip, Skye had a look of intrigue on her face.

"Your 'base' is a plane?" She asked as they slowed to a stop near the ramp.

"Yeah, it was a gift." He explained simply.

"Some gift," Skye muttered. Coulson just smiled at her before getting out of the van. After instructing Skye to collect her things and instructing FitzSimmons to assist her - and keep an eye on her - Coulson and Ward headed upstairs to the situation room. May was already there, waiting patiently for the two agents.

"Sir, I don't want to undermine you-"

"Then don't Agent Ward."

"You brought me on as your specialist. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't assist in different situations and voice my stance. This situation will not work out well. Skye is a loose cannon. She is a major liability."

"Ward has a point, Phil. We already have two kids untrained in the field. Not only are you adding a third, but she's not even an agent."

"At least FitzSimmons have gone to the Academy, they are trained agents, and they know how S.H.I.E.L.D. works." Coulson remained quiet as May and Ward voiced their opinions. Nothing they said was new to him. These were all things he considered before he went to the diner to get Skye. He decided that the risks he would face for bringing in an outsider were worth it. He felt confident he could handle the consequences that might arise and he knew it would not be easy to convince Ward and May to trust him on his decision. At the end of the day, that didn't matter, because Coulson was in charge. There was something about Skye that struck a chord with him, something he couldn't quite put his finger on, but he was determined to figure it out.

She was defiant, determined, and smart. It seemed that she had discovered long ago that she was on her own and no one had her back. It was heartbreaking to think about what she went through to become like this at such a young age. Coulson tended to have a soft spot for those who have been labeled as "hopeless" because he knew there was much more to these people than what they've been credited with. He didn't know much about Skye because there was nothing out there about her, but at the same time, that told him so much about her. He was determined to learn more and he was determined to break through the wall she had built. She had the potential to be extraordinary, but she needed a push and she needed support.

"I understand where both of you are coming from. I understand and share those concerns. Everything you've said, I've already considered, but my decision is final. Skye is now apart of this team and will remain so for the foreseeable future." Coulson's tone left no room for discussion.

Just then, FitzSimmons and Skye made their way through the lounge area and to the only empty bunk left on the plane. Fitz hurried excitedly to the bunk and set Skye's box down.

"I'm in this bunk," he gestured to the bunk next to hers.

"Guess that makes us neighbors." Skye smiled.

"Yes...if you need any sugar, just knock" Fitz joked awkwardly. Skye smiled before she turned and set her bag on the bed in the bunk.

"Well, we'll let you get settled. Let us know if you need anything." Simmons said politely.

"Thanks." Skye took the box Simmons was holding and set it in the bunk. FitzSimmons turned and headed back toward the lab. May spared Coulson one last glance before she headed toward the cockpit.

"Hey," Skye greeted as May walked past. May ignored the young girl. Skye just shrugged and turned toward Coulson as he made his way to her. "Well alright, she seems fun," Skye remarked.

"Don't take it personally."

"Wasn't planning to," She replied nonchalantly as she sat down on her bed. "So AC, I am now your official prisoner. What are you going to do with me?" Skye's tone was joking, but there was a hint of seriousness to her words.

"You aren't a prisoner, Skye." Skye rolled her eyes in response.

"Really? Sure feels like it…" Coulson tried to think of something to say, something reassuring, but he came up blank. Yes, he did technically force her to join the team, but it was for her own good. She just didn't realize it. When Coulson finally opened his mouth to reply, Skye had stood up and reached for the door to shut it. "Chill AC. As far as prisons go, this could be worse. Guess I'll unpack." She spared Coulson one last glance before sliding the door shut.

Coulson sighed and headed for his office. This was not going to be an easy transition. Coulson was not looking forward to it.

After about an hour of sitting in her bunk, Skye finally decided to venture out to explore her new "home" - prison. She meant what she said to Coulson, it was a nice prison. That didn't mean she wanted to be there - she was distrustful of anything government related - but this temporary "partnership" was going to suck slightly less. Slightly.

Skye headed through the lounge and toward the door that led to the lab. Out of everyone on this plane, FitzSimmons were the only two she remotely liked. Even though she had only met them once and their interaction was short, they had yet to aggravate her like Ward, ignore her like May, or force her to do something like Coulson, so that put them at the top of her list of people she wanted to be around. Not to mention, they were the furthest away from a government robot so they were capable of holding an actual conversation.

She found the two scientists working diligently on something in the lab. The female scientist - Jemma, Skye recalled from their earlier introduction - was the first to notice her.

"Oh, hello," She greeted politely. "What brings you to our neck of the woods?" Fitz gave Skye an awkward wave as Skye moved to sit on one of the available stools. Skye gave him a smile in reply.

"Just wandering around. Getting a feel for my new home," finding the stool unpleasant to sit on, Skye stood and walked through the lab, eying the equipment on the table. She picked up what resembled a bullet from the workbench by Fitz. Examining it, Skye saw what appeared to be a packet on the crease of the bullet.

"This is too fancy to be a normal bullet. What is this?" She asked.

"This is a cartridge filled with adrenodendrotoxin. It's a sedative the lovely Miss Simmons here developed. Ideally, it should knock people out as soon as it makes contact." Fitz spoke animatedly, clearly proud of their little creation.

Skye raised her eyebrows, trying her best to feign appreciation for the invention. She wasn't a fan of guns or shooting in general. She set the bullet down.

"I'm not a big fan of guns, but if it is less violent and messy, I'm all for it." An awkward silence followed for the following seconds. Skye shifted from foot to foot trying to think of a reasonable excuse to leave.

"So, um...Skye?" Simmons began cautiously. I should have thought of an excuse quicker , Skye thought to herself. She wasn't trying to be rude or anything. She just wasn't good with awkward.

"Yeah?" She replied after a moment.

"We overheard Agent Coulson talking to Agent May and Agent Ward…" Simmons stated.

"And they mentioned you had...powers," Fitz finished hesitantly. Skye found herself wondering if they were scared of her or her powers.

"I do," She replied simply. She wasn't sure what else to say. It's not like she goes around flaunting her powers. More people in the last few days have found out about her powers than since she got them.

"Well, we were just wondering how you got them," Simmons explained, a hint of eagerness in her voice. "If, of course, you don't mind talking about it."

So they very clearly were not afraid - which was a good thing. If Skye had to be a part of this team, it would suck tremendously if she was isolated from everyone. She could handle eagerness and they were scientists after all.

Before Skye could reply, she heard a throat being cleared behind her. She turned to see Robot Ward standing in the lab doorway.

"Oh, you're joining in? Sounds fun," Skye snarked. Ward ignored her - as expected.

"Coulson wants everyone in the briefing room in 5. We have a mission." Without another glance, Ward left.

"Man, he really needs to get laid. Or drunk. Or both. Both would probably be better," Skye muttered quietly although not quiet enough seeing as Fitz began to snicker. She just shrugged sheepishly. "So, a mission eh? I wonder what we'll be doing. Well, I know what I'll be doing. I will be locked up in my prison cell. I wonder what you all will be doing." She was half joking. She knew Coulson brought her on for her skill, but what he was going to want her to do is a different story.

Before either scientist could reply, Skye headed toward the exit. When she got to the doorway, she stopped and turned toward FitzSimmons.

"To answer you about my powers...I wish I knew. They just appeared one day. I don't know why or how, but I was really confused when they first manifested. I've tried to find information online, but everything turned out to be a dead end. Sorry if it wasn't the exciting story you were looking for." Skye didn't wait for them to reply. She continued to the briefing room - she really didn't want to be scolded for being late.

Ward was the only person in the briefing room when she walked in - on second thought, she didn't mind being scolded for being late. She turned to leave, but his voice caused her to stop.

"I'm not going to bite, Skye," Ward was leaning against a railing, his arms crossed. If this were any other place, and he was any other guy, Skye would have taken this time to admire the definition in his arms.

Too bad he's a dick, Skye thought to herself as she made her way to stand a few feet apart from him. The two exchanged glances every few seconds, but neither made to start a conversation. Ward finally had enough of the silence.

"I'm sorry for the diner guy. He shouldn't have been treating you like that." Ward's voice was tight, controlled. Skye knew he was just trying to break up the awkwardness but -

"Thanks," Skye replied with a small smile. "The job wasn't so bad if you didn't count him. Had a couple of regulars I liked. Mr. Raymond always showed me photos of his grandkids. He was a sweetheart. Kind of sad to be leaving him, but I guess when you get arrested-"

"You weren't arrested. You were detained," Ward tried to defend.

"What's the difference?"

"Arrested means we're going to throw you in a cell and let the justice system take it from there. Detained means we decide what to do with you for the moment."

"That's not the opening to like fifty pornos or anything,"

Ward's face flushed at that and he swallowed. Skye hid a smirk at the thought of throwing a curveball at a trained spy. She'd have to remember that one.

The rest of the team started to file in shortly after their conversation.

"Skye, Agent Ward, good to see the two of you getting acquainted. I'm pairing you up for the first part of this mission." Coulson said with his steady cheerful tone. Ward felt his stomach wretch for a split second before he caught himself.

"I'm sorry, what?" Skye started to object.

"Alright people, let's get started," Coulson addressed the room, completely ignoring Skye's protest.

I suck. I'm so sorry for not updating for so long. I have not given up on this story. Life just gets in the way sometimes. Thank you all for being patient and supportive. Many thanks to James aka agenthaywood for editing and helping me with parts of the chapter.

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