CHAPTER 5

"SPACE OPS"

"Welcome to SHIELD, Zella," said Connor. He spread his arms wide as they walked out onto the gigantic field, stretching far beyond anything she could've imagined. Their footsteps crunched on the frosty ground. She followed him, for once wordless, into the blistering cold.

"This is where we train, mostly," he said. "See those guys over there? They're in Ops, as field agents. They're throwing tires. To build up strength."

"I can see that," she said. "Oh my god. It's so cold out."

"I'm surprised they didn't lay out a sweatshirt for you," he said, glancing at her.

"Hmph," she said. "Brrr. So, you're in Ops too? What warranted you this morning off? Are you in trouble too?"

"Nah, I'm a model student," he said, shrugging. "I'm in Ops, yeah."

"Which branch? Mrs Bowen said something about a branch. Or different branches."

"I'm in Space Ops," he said. "Clearly the coolest branch."

"Space Ops? Operations in Space? Are you serious?"

"Yeah! It's like being an astronaut! But with less technical stuff. Less science. That's for the Sci-Tech students, luckily."

"Have you been into space?" Zella asked, completely bewildered. "I don't get it. I swear we don't have that kind of technology yet?"

"We do," he said, with a grin. "Or at least, we do. It's great. But nope, I haven't been into space yet. I've been in the simulations a couple of times. It's pretty cool. I technically only just started, which is probably why they chose me to show you around…"

"How long have you been here?"

"A few weeks," he said, squinting into the distance. "Hey! There's my team! Let's go say hi!"

He started jogging, and she sped up too.

"Ugh, I'm so unfit," she said, trying to keep up. He looked over at her and grinned.

"You're gonna have fun in the newbie training week."

"That sounds ominous," she said. "Why did you say it in that voice? Now I'm freaked out. What does newbie training week involve? Oh god, can we slow down?"

"Nah. This is good practice for you, anyway."

"It sucks," she said. He just grinned.

They jogged the last 10 feet or so until they were standing in front of a group of young people doing jumping jacks. They looked completely exhausted. After a few seconds, Zella realised they had weights strapped around their wrists and ankles. The 'teacher' was standing right next to Zella and Connor, shouting instructions. He was short and incredibly well-built, with arm muscles thicker than, well, her entire body.

"5 MORE MINUTES," he screamed at the trainees. "KEEP GOING. I'm watching."

He turned to look at Zella and Connor with a scary smile.

"Why good morning, Connor. Is this lovely young lady the reason for your absence this morning?"

"Yes, sir," said Connor. "Sorry about that. Orders from up top, you know?"

"We'll make up for it this afternoon," he said, and his eyes flashed… for lack of a better word… manically.

"That doesn't sound good," said Zella, unable to stay quiet.

"It shouldn't," the teacher said. Suddenly, his demeanour completely changed. He smiled at her, and this time it seemed nice. "Good to meet you, Zella. I'm Terrence. Maybe your father's mentioned me?"

"He hasn't," she replied, a bit shocked.

"Ah, well, tell him I say hello. We haven't gone for a drink in a while. So, you're considering Space Ops?"

"Um," she said. "Um, I don't know. I haven't… I don't even know what the other types of Ops are."

"Clearly Connor is a poor guide," said Terrence, giving him a look. "There's Space, Field Agent (National and International), Bodyguard, and Special Agents."

"What's the difference between Field Agents and Special Agents?" she asked.

"With Field, you're usually easily identifiable as a SHIELD agent. Fly around in a Bus, wear all black… that sort of deal. Special Agents are like spies. They use deep cover. No one could trace them back to SHIELD. Or at least, that's the idea."

"Wow," she said. "So I could be a spy! I always thought all this was just like the army."

"We do send certain recruits to the army, when required. I was in the army for a while."

"Well I don't wanna do that," she said. "I mean, I'm sure it's great and all…"

"But Space Ops is the best branch, right, sir?" said Connor. "We get to use the anti-gravity chambers! And we get to shoot things! Half the time it's like a video game!"

"What about the other half of the time?" Zella asked. He looked at her and grinned.

"The other half of the time it's absolute hell," he said.

"An accurate description," said Terrence. Next to them, one of the people doing jumping jacks slowed to a stop, and Terrence turned around, his face going back to that really angry expression.

"I SAID KEEP GOING!" he shouted.

"I… can't," the boy panted, crouching with his elbows on his knees.

"Jesus, how old is everyone here?!" she asked Connor. "That kid looks about 16!"

"Ranges from 18 to about 25," he replied quietly, while Terrence continued to scream at the kid. "He's actually 19, same age as me. I don't know how he got into this program… maybe a family connection." He looked at Zella, raising his eyebrows.

"Hey! I mean, that's accurate, but still…" she frowned. "I'm gonna be absolutely shit, aren't I?"

"It'll be hard," he shrugged. "But I found it crazy hard too. Everyone does. And you seem pretty smart."

"Well, at least I seem smart," she said.

He snorted.

Terrence turned back to them, having finished his yelling monologue.

"Agent Clement, shouldn't you be showing Agent Zaluski to the rest of the facilities? It's freezing out here, for god's sake!"

"Yes, sir," Connor said, and nodded back to the building. "Let's go check out the dojos!"

"The dojos? Are you kidding me? That's so freaking cool!"

"I know, right," he said, and they walked back across the grass. Zella ducked to avoid a tire as it hurtled through the air close to their heads.

A/N: And here's another chapter... I'll be updating one per day! :D Hope you enjoy - if you're liking the story so far please let me know by reviewing, favouriting or following! It's much appreciated!