The Quinjet descended slowly and smoothly beside the shimmering lake, its downdraft stirring a rustling through the dense woods. The rear boarding ramp lowered, and Skye, carrying a duffel bag, followed Coulson down from the aircraft.
The scenery here really was quite beautiful. The lake water was clear as a mirror, with a wisp of mysterious white mist drifting over its surface. The trees along the shore were lush and green, whispering softly in the breeze like they were singing a soothing lullaby. Wind passing through the woods brushed over the lake, sending emerald ripples rolling one over another like green silk.
A small wooden cabin stood by the lake, simple and compact, certainly a fine place for a vacation. But Skye had no mood for one right now. Following Coulson toward the cabin, she could think only of those prominent figures who retreated into seclusion and cut themselves off from the world after achieving fame and success. She felt as though she was heading down the same path.
"This was once one of Director Fury's retreat spots. I haven't been here in years." Coulson led her inside and set his bag down on a wooden table.
Skye looked around the cabin. "Fury doesn't seem like the type to hide out in a cabin and relax. So what exactly is this place?"
"A safe house for people with powers," Coulson explained. "Captain America stayed here for several weeks right after he was thawed out."
Skye knew Captain America had been Coulson's most admired superpowered idol since childhood. Bringing up the Captain was surely meant to make her feel better about what came next, but it did not help in the slightest.
Skye took a deep breath. "All right, but who is this 'safe house' supposed to make feel safe? People