A/N: Remember when I mentioned that this was the sequel to "Without Expectations"? This chapter is when the information from that fic comes in rather helpful...I would suggest reading it before continuing. Or don't, and be a little confused...either work. Enjoy the chapter =).

Carefully, Jemma carried her specimen sample over to her workstation, dodging around the other white-coated scientists in the lab, and placed it next to her microscope. Placing it into its slot, she peered at it, adjusting the knobs to bring it into greater focus. Not that she really needed it at this point, though, because she had examined this exact specimen three times in the last hour already. Really, she was just wasting time until everyone else left for dinner so that she could move freely around the basement hideout. There were only a couple left; most had already cleared up and headed out for the day.

Absent-mindedly, she scribbled some notes down on the pad of paper next to her right hand, outwardly the picture of the perfect, dedicated scientist. Finally, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the last remaining scientists pack up and leave, chattering amongst themselves. The second they were out of sight, she straightened, stretching out the aches in her back with a groan.

Now came the hard part of the plan - she had to find access to a computer terminal - specifically the one that Ward had told her about - so she could upload the bug that Skye had given her before she left. Quickly, she put her equipment away, then poked her head into the hallway, checking for any stragglers. Not a soul moved.

Alright, Jemma, she told herself, taking a deep breath, now is the time to act confident. Her pathetic little pep talk didn't do much to soothe her frazzled nerves, but she figured that it had been at least worth a try.

Easing herself around the corner, she strode as confidently as she could while still making sure that her footfalls stayed absolutely silent. Ward had told her the location of a computer lab and had arranged for a security override - but only for half an hour. Any longer and someone would notice that the security cameras were on a loop. She had to hurry.

The walk seemed to take forever and she just couldn't make herself relax - she was constantly checking behind her, praying that no one had caught her moving outside her designated areas.

Finally, she reached the door of the lab. Thanks to Ward, the door opened easily and she was greeted with rows of dark computers. She sighed with relief, even though she knew that she wasn't done yet.

Taking the USB from her pocket, she plugged it in to the nearest computer, waiting impatiently for it to boot up, then clicked the download button, watching as a progress bar appeared.

Of course, she thought, feeling her heartbeat speed up, there always has to be a waiting time.

Voices.

Immediately, Jemma went completely still, listening intently. Voices were coming down the hall - one of them she recognized as Garrett's. Her blood froze. She knew that he wouldn't hesitate to kill her if he caught her here, sabotaging his network.

Her brain felt like it was Jell-O, her thoughts running sluggishly through her brain. Glancing wildly around, her gaze fell upon a door leading to another room - her only chance. But she had to wait for the bug to finish...and it was still only at 90 percent.

The voices were getting closer.

Frantically, she tensed up, one hand on the USB drive as she waited for the bar to reach 100 percent. It felt like an eternity before it finally finished and indicated that it was safe to remove it. Quickly, she yanked it out and ran to the door, pulling it open and then easing it closed behind her, only seconds before she heard the door to the lab open and Garrett enter with what sounded like Ward. Although she could identify their voices, the walls were thick enough that she couldn't make out any actual words.

Abandoning her attempts to eavesdrop, Jemma looked around the small room, curious about why the entrance was only accessible through an off-limits area. The first detail she noticed was that it wasn't as dark as she expected - there was a dim, green glow in the room. It seemed familiar, somehow, but she couldn't place it. Moving on shaky legs, she explored the small space quickly. The only thing in it was a large - taller than her - steel box in the center of the room with what seemed like a little hatch on the side. That seemed strange to her - what would merit a hidden room by itself? Then, all of a sudden, she made the connection. The green glow.

A huge cavern had rose up in front of them, obviously the source of the glow. The walls, floor, ceiling, all had been a brilliant phosphorescent green. She had found the glow eerie, but Ward's presence next to her had helped calm her nerves.

With a muffled gasp, Jemma jerked out of her flashback. It had been her and Ward's mission - the mission that had brought them together; the mission that she had realized that she loved him. A part of her wished that she and Ward were back there, back when things were easier and their relationship was exciting. Back before Ward had turned out to be Hydra. Ruthlessly pushing down the sorrow, she resolutely moved over to the hatch in the steel back and started to turn the wheel. If the steel box contained what she dreaded, this situation was going to become so much worse. The hatch opened silently, and her fears were confirmed.

A flash of green light.

A piercing scream - hers.

A shock wave that had radiated out from where she had stood next to the source of the glow.

She had flown through the air.

Then everything had gone black.

Stumbling backwards, she put a hand over her mouth. Inside the steel was the tall, brightly glowing piece of rock that sometimes figured in her nightmares. It had nearly killed her - its power was significant and mysterious. They had never even figured out what it was, really. However, in the hands of Hydra, it was surely going to be lethal.

She didn't know how much time she spent, staring at it, before she finally closed the hatch. The voices were gone - Garrett and Ward had left.

On her way back to her room, Simmons found that she was trembling, and with good reason. It was time to put her own feelings aside and focus on the mission. She had to contact Ward.

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