The next couple of days consisted of tests on the 0-8-4. Ackerly found out that it sure as hell emits energy like the sun. In three hours of studying she found out that it produces at least 3.86 x 10^27 joules of energy per hour. Ackerly also discovered that it also has its own energy source deep within itself. She used a high-powered microscope to delve into the depths of the artefact.

A few days later Ackerly was called to Fury's office to tell him her findings. While she talked and showed him diagrams and data, Fury nodded along. "Are you able to harness the energy?" Fury asked after Ackerly finished.

Ackerly nodded slightly. "Yes and no. Like I said I've been able to see inside the O.R.B.S-"

"Wait? O.R.B.S?" Fury asked.

"Yeah, we can't keep calling it an 0-8-4, can we? It stands for Object Regarding Bizarre Sparking, what can I say? I'm not that creative," Ackerly replied with a smile. "Anyway, I've been able to see inside it and get a good look at its organs. It's all incredibly intricate with tiny orbs, everything has its place. Extracting even small amounts of energy, from this point here," she pointed to an array of tiny pipes leading to a ball in the centre, "will be very tricky even with a steady hand. The inner protective casing is hard to get too. I need more time."

Fury nodded, "You'll have it." The Director stood up and moves towards a computer. He brought up the weapons designs. "So you think it's compatible with our designs."

"Yep," Ackerly said with a nod, "I'd say within the next week you'll have the casings."

"Good, good." Fury said rubbing his chin. "You've done a lot of work, have-"

The whole Helicarrier shook. Fury and Ackerly stumbled off their feet and tumbled into Fury's desk with a loud thump and pained groans. The door to Fury's office flung open with agent Teagan Meyer clinging onto the door frame for dear life.

"What the hell is goin' on out there?!" Fury urgently shouted at her.

"We've been attacked by something!" Meyer shouted back. The Helicarrier shook violently as it was hit again; Meyer almost lost her footing, "Romanoff and Barton are engaging whoever's attacking us!"

"Meyer, Ackerly," Fury called. He used his desk to help him stand up. "They may be after O.R.B.S. Get to it and protect it!"

"Yes sir!" The two chorused. Ackerly hastily stumbled to her feet and sprinted out of the room with Meyer hot on her heels.

"Do you have any idea what's going on?" Ackerly asked Meyer as they hurried down the corridors.

"I was in the control room when it happened. Clint and Nat kicked onto action and sent me to tell Fury." Meyer said. "We just jolted, we couldn't see anything!"

Once more the Helicarrier lurched harshly and they slammed onto the floor. The two agents pushed themselves up and continued to the lab.

"Ackerly, hit the ground!" Meyer shouted. Ackerly instantly hit the ground and a shot rang in her ears. Ackerly looked over her shoulder at Meyer and she gestured to the dead body lying on the floor inches from Ackerly's face.

Ackerly kneeled in front of the body and examined it. "Where'd he come from?"

Meyer pointed to the air vents above them. One of the grates was ajar. "From there. He was going to dangle by his feet, but I got him before he could get us."

"Remind me to talk to Fury about the air vents. Need to make them smaller so people can't climb through them." The doctor said. Meyer nodded. "Nice shot by the way." Ackerly commented as she stood up. "Let's go."

The two women hastened down the corridors and jumped down stairs to get to the lab quicker. They could hear gunshots in the distance so they brandished their own guns. The pair skidded around the corner and was immediately fired upon by enemy forces. They fired a few times before ducking behind cover. They needed to think up a plan. Men and women shouted at each other. They shot their guns, only hesitating to reload.

Meyer and Ackerly had their backs pressed against the cover. They reloaded their weapons. A bullet hit the wall in front of them. "I'll go around back and flank them. I'll try to get into the lab." Ackerly suggested as a bullet ricocheted behind her.

"No, I'll cover you. Get into the lab as fast as you can." Meyer said. "We need to protect O.R.B.S."

Ackerly sighed, "Ok, but are you wearing-?"

"A bullet-proof vest? Yup." Meyer revealed the vest under her shirt before unbuttoning and taking off her jacket for more manoeuvrability. "Ready?"

Ackerly nodded, "Ready."

They counted to three and at the last nod of a head they charged through the throng of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and enemies in olive-coloured masks. They shot and kicked their way though. The lab that contained O.R.B.S was another floor down in the section they were in. The two emerged from the mass with cuts and bruises. Meyer ordered the surviving S.H.E.I.L.D agents to fan out and take down the enemy. The agents hurried away from the fight. The doctor and the agent darted down the corridors trying to miss conflict heading their way. They reached a tight corridor with two men blocking the flight of stairs they needed to get to the lab. The men in front of them stared the pair down.

The scene was like something from a western. Two pairs of gun welding opponents standing off against one another with their hands inches away from their weapons. One second could be the difference between life and death. The determined eyes of men stared down the equally determined women as their finger hovered over their guns.

BANG

Four shots fired. Two dead. One injured.