Coulson's office was quiet when Su Zhan entered. Coulson looked up, his expression serious. "Do you know that Skye has been investigating her parents?" he asked quietly.
Su Zhan nodded. "She's been in foster care her whole life, shuffled from one family to another. Her childhood wasn't happy, so she's always wanted to know the truth about her origins. That's why she became a hacker, and it's why she joined S.H.I.E.L.D. as a consultant. If not for that, she probably wouldn't be here—and neither would I."
Coulson sighed. "I went with May today to look into it. The results… weren't good. Not like Skye hoped. I'm worried if we tell her, she won't be able to handle it. You're her boyfriend, so I wanted your opinion first."
Su Zhan understood the weight of Coulson's words. He knew the truth about Skye's parents, but there were still many details he didn't know. Even if he told her the truth, it would only bring her more pain. Some things had changed, but some things were still the same.
"Don't tell her yet," Su Zhan said gently. "Let's wait."
Coulson nodded. "Alright."
"My base is under construction and should be finished in about a month. I'll be staying here for a while," Su Zhan said, stretching slightly. "After all, I haven't been a S.H.I.E.L.D. consultant for long. I should enjoy it while it lasts."
He left the office just as Coulson's phone rang. Coulson answered, his expression growing grave as he listened. After a moment, he hung up and turned to Su Zhan. "The transport vehicle carrying Donnie Gill was attacked. Donnie was taken by Dr. Connors—the Lizard."
"Need me to help?" Su Zhan asked.
Coulson shook his head. "Let's wait until we find the Lizard's location. I just hope Donnie's alright."
"Yeah," Su Zhan replied, then left.
He was not surprised by the news. Donnie was not a high-priority target for S.H.I.E.L.D., so Connors' sudden move was bound to succeed. Still, Su Zhan wondered why Blink had not reported in yet. As he thought this, his phone rang.
"Boss, it's done," Blink reported, her voice tinged with amusement. "But this Donnie kid has some skills. The Lizard almost got more than he bargained for, but now Donnie's under control. I doubt he'll leave quietly, though."
Su Zhan chuckled. "Let Donnie know who I am. Tell him if he doesn't want to spend his life in a cell, he'd better behave. I'll meet him when I get back."
"Yes, boss!"
With the situation handled, Su Zhan felt at ease. Donnie Gill-Blizzard had already shown promise, even giving the Lizard a hard time. He was worth cultivating.
Returning to his quarters, Su Zhan found Skye waiting for him. "What did Coulson want?" she asked.
"Nothing much. I'm overseeing the base construction. It'll be finished in a month, so I'll be here for a while," Su Zhan replied with a smile.
"Really? That's great!" Skye said, her face lighting up.
Su Zhan pulled her into his lap, grinning. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course," Skye replied, blushing.
He leaned in, his voice a low whisper. "How about coming to my room tonight?"
Skye hesitated, then nodded shyly.
That night, after everyone else was asleep, Skye quietly slipped into Su Zhan's room. The soft sounds of their laughter and whispered affection lingered long after the lights went out.
When it was over, Su Zhan held her close. "Stay. Everyone knows about us anyway."
Skye shook her head, embarrassed. "I'll go back. It's still a little awkward."
Su Zhan relented, watching her leave before settling in to absorb etheric particles. Only when sleepiness overtook him did he finally rest.
The next morning, Su Zhan joined the team for breakfast and watched as Skye and May sparred in close combat drills. Skye's progress was impressive—no longer just a hacker, she was quickly becoming a capable field agent.
"Want to try?" May called to Su Zhan, inviting him to spar.
He agreed readily, but just as they were about to begin, Coulson approached.
"I'm afraid you'll have to pause," Coulson said. "Someone's here to see you."
Su Zhan grumbled, "Why does this feel like visiting hours at a prison?" He turned to May. "We'll spar another time."
He followed Coulson out, curious about his visitor. To his surprise, it was Captain America himself—Steve Rogers.
Su Zhan was taken aback. For Captain America to come in person, something serious must have happened. But it was not yet the time for the events of The Winter Soldier, and S.H.I.E.L.D. was not after him.
"We have a problem," Steve said, his expression grave. "I'm afraid I need your help."
"Oh?" Su Zhan replied, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Let's talk on the way."
He quietly activated his precognition. In a flash, he saw the answer: Elliott Randolph, the Asgardian blacksmith, had suffered an accident. In his vision, Randolph wielded a pair of blades, drawing on the power of fear from an entire city, becoming unstoppable.
It seemed the reforging of the Berserker Staff into Twin Blades had succeeded—but the power of fear was threatening to dominate Randolph's mind.
Su Zhan's eyes narrowed. He knew what needed to be done.