Out Of Time

seventy-eight

The team put all of their resources and effort into hunting down Ian Quinn. A group of them were in the command center, looking at anything they could find about him, when Coulson walked in.

"Ian Quinn," he said.

"You found him?" May asked.

"No, but we think we know how we can. Skye tracked down an invoice from one of his shell companies. He made a big purchase recently."

"$10 million dollars big," Skye clarified.

"Any idea what it is?" Simmons asked.

"No clue, but it was designed and built by Cybertek, Inc, a small firm that deals in advanced technology and research."

"Which is where this gets interesting," Coulson said. "They've hired a private-security outfit to transport the purchase. Former military, ex-mercs."

"Lot of muscle to move one package," Ward commented.

"And they know SHIELD's got eyes on Quinn."

"Which is why they're transporting it old-school," Skye said.

"On a train, through the Italian countryside, from Verona to Zagreb. Very rural, very isolated."

"And you think Quinn's on that train?" Y/N wondered.

"No, but I believe they're delivering the item to Quinn himself. We got our intel from Italian authorities who have been monitoring the situation."

"And they don't mind us taking over the op?" May asked.

"I asked very nicely. If everything goes as planned, Cybertek's security team won't even know we were on the train."

"So we're going in undercover," Ward stated.

"I hate undercover," May murmured.

"May and Ward, you're front and center," Coulson began explaining the plan. "Once we locate the package, you'll tag it with a tracker. Skye and Fitz, you'll be running communications. After the package is tagged we'll follow it to Quinn. Once we capture Quinn, we'll be one step closer to the Clairvoyant."

"And what about the two of us, sir?" Simmons wondered.

"And me?" Y/N added.

"Y/N, you'll stay here and guard the bus," Coulson said.

"What?! That's insane! Leaving one of your best agents to sit and wait."

"You're too well know. They'll spot you from a mile a way, know we're there. You staying here and being back up is our best shot."

"And what will you and Simmons be doing?"

"We'll be the back up on the train and make sure that they can track down the package. You're all dismissed to get ready."

Coulson walked out, Y/N quickly following him to his office.

"Did I do something, sir, to upset you?" Y/N asked.

"No," Coulson replied, sitting at his desk. "Like I said, I need you here."

"I need a better excuse than that Phil. What is going on?"

"You had a panic attack in the middle of the last mission."

"And? You and Skye have been locked away for days!!" Y/N set her hands on his desk, leaning forward. "This mission is getting personal! If any one should be benched, it's you and Skye."

"This is my team, Agent Rogers." Coulson stood up, challenging Y/N. "And you will respect and follow my orders when I give them. Understood?"

Y/N took a step back, surprised at her friends actions. "I know that you're struggling right now, Phil... But I don't understand why you're taking it out on me. Nor with I accept it."