- 3 Days Earlier -

"Is there really no other way?" Skye barged into Coulson's office. "Are we really putting Shield's fate in the hands of some traitorous asshole?"

"Listen Skye, I hate it as much as you." Coulson scratched the back of his neck. "We don't really have much of a choice, he's the only one who can infiltrate Hydra from the inside."

"Why can't we send someone else? Like Bobbi or Hunter. Just not him. Please." Skye was begging. She couldn't stand the sight of Grant Ward. He was vile. He was evil. He was manipulative. But what Skye hated the most was that deep down she felt for him. It made her feel disgusting. How can she hate the man but still have feelings for him? Well at least she convinced herself that she hated him.

"Skye." Coulson took a deep breath. "You know we can't send Bobbi or Hunter. We're stretched thin as it is. Shield is hanging on by a thread."

"But…" Skye began, "what makes you think that he'll do this? He did betray us in the first place."

"I'm a firm believer in second chances." Coulson placed his hand on Skye's shoulder. "I mean look at me, I'm a walking second chance." Skye looked up at Coulson. "It pains me to say, but I think it's time for Grant Ward's second chance."

"What makes you think he is worth a second chance?" Skye asked.

"Hope." Coulson responded. "The principle of Shield is to save and protect…don't forget that, Skye. Like I have." Coulson walked back around his desk and took a seat. "I believe if we reached someone early enough, they're worth saving. I believe that he is worth saving."

Defeated, Skye nodded and took at it as her cue to leave his office.

"Skye, one more thing. I need you to track and locate Grant."

"And what makes you think I can do that? He clearly does not want to be found." Skye was exasperated.

"Because you have been tracking him since he took himself off the radar." Skye froze in her tracks. "So I'm sure this should be no problem for you."

Skye exited Coulson's office.