January 21st, 1942
I tugged my heavy wool coat tighter around my shoulders, shrugging the fur collar higher up my neck in an attempt to shelter my bare skin from the prickling morning wind that whipped through the city streets. As much as I despised being up and about this early, especially in this particularly unforgiving weather, there was something about the tranquil silence that shrouded the city at this hour that I savoured as my heels tapped rhythmically against the paving stones. A gentle gust of wind loosened a stray hair from its neat chignon, the small wisp of blonde fluttering across my face and obstructing my view for a moment. I huffed at the thought of my hard work being so easily undone, carefully tucking the stray hair back into place as best as I could whilst I continued to walk. Under any other circumstances, I would have scoffed at the idea of trudging through the streets of London at this ungodly hour, however, there were a very small number of people in this world that I just could not say no to. This list was extremely short and extended no further than to my mother and father, my little sister, big brother, and Peggy Carter. She was the only person outside of my family that I would bend over backwards for, even if it inconvenienced me. This unwavering loyalty is what led to my current sorry state of affairs, skidding along the icy pavements on my way to what was a suitably bizarre location, more than likely to be informed of something that I wouldn't be best pleased with. I steadied myself for the hundredth time with the assistance of a nearby lamppost as I barely refrained from tumbling to the floor in what would be the most un-lady-like manner, something which I would like to readily avoid if at all possible, most notably due to my wearing a skirt today.
"Need a hand?" An amused voice called out to me from a nearby doorway, a musical chuckle following their question. I rolled my eyes once I regained my footing, glaring towards the sound and blowing a puff of air at the rogue hair that had once again escaped from its pins.
"Pipe down Carter," I grumbled as I cleared the space between us, offering a frown in passing as I entered the building through the door she was propping open. The building was quiet, a small office like area filled the visible space, completely empty bar the two of us. I glanced curiously at my friend as she silently gestured to me to follow her, leading the way through a doorway near the back and along a dark hallway.
"I'll be very upset with you if you're leading me back here to kill me..." I commented, attempting to bring a little humour to the bizarre situation, despite my concerns. She laughed quietly in response, coming to a stop in front of a door, which she promptly unlocked and opened.
"I think we both know that you wouldn't make it that easy," She grinned towards me, an expression I shared as I entered the room behind her with a chuckle, "But don't worry, I just needed somewhere private to talk to you."
"And you couldn't have just popped round to mine for tea and privacy?" I sighed, sliding my coat off my shoulders and dropping into the nearest chair, glad for a rest after my tiring and somewhat traumatic walk here.
"This is a little too confidential for a casual chit-chat over a cup of tea, I needed somewhere out of the way due to the files I have to show you," She explained, dropping a large pile of manila folders onto the desk in front of us. I glanced at her curiously before turning my attention to the files, grabbing one from the top of the pile and flicking it open. I was greeted with a number of ominous sounding code-words I wasn't in the loop with and a vast array of photographs and sketches that I also had no clue about. From my limited insight and brief scan of the papers, I could just about dissect that the file contained a worryingly limited amount of information about a Nazi deep science division that appeared to be named 'Hydra'. I placed the file to the side, choosing a different one and getting started scanning its information. Peggy remained silent beside me as I studied the pages, allowing me some time to discern what I could by myself before filling in the blanks. From what I could see, this file pertained to something called 'Project Rebirth', however once again the details were limited. Why these files were so heavily classified was beyond me, I'd worked for the SOE for a number of years and code breaking was one of my fortes, yet even I couldn't work out what on earth these files were trying to tell me. I slapped the paper down onto the desk with a sigh, lounging back in my chair and turning my attention to the woman beside me, who had been watching me carefully.
"I'm going to need a bit of help here Peg," I raised my eyebrows as she shot one of her dazzling smiles in my direction.
"You've always said how your potential is squandered at the SOE, how you're destined for better things..." She quoted my own words, adding a dramatic flair to the re-telling as she gathered the files back into a neat pile, keeping the second file that I'd read in her grasp.
"You know Peggy, sometimes your vague and mysterious tendencies leave me just about ready to throttle you, so if I were you I'd skip the riddles and get to the point very quickly." I groaned, my threat laced with humour as I smirked.
"I'm working on a little project and I need some help..." her words were once again cryptic and threaded with riddles, something I had grown used to over our years of friendship, "How would you like a change of career?"
June 3rd, 1942
The sun peeked above the horizon, bathing the land in a warm orange glow as another day began. However, this wasn't going to be just any old day, and this fact had my stomach in knots. I wasn't usually one to get nervous, but there was a war going on and my sudden change in circumstances had painted an anxious shade over my thoughts. I found myself thankful for the brisk morning air which whistled through the partially open window as my transport sped across the New Jersey countryside towards camp Lehigh, where I would be situated for the next few weeks, perhaps months. I closed my eyes to the suns' early rays, allowing the gentle warmth it offered to spread across my cheeks. The pleasantly warm weather of New Jersey had offered a welcome break from the cold and rainy excuse of a summer that London had to offer. I hadn't heard an awful lot from Peggy over the last couple of weeks, which I assumed meant she was very busy as usual. However, she had contacted me briefly to explain my travel details and to express how excited she was that we'd be working together once again. It had been a while since we'd worked together, with Peggy running off to some new mystery job of which she could never divulge details. All I had known was that she would disappear for a period of time, only to reappear as the same old put-together Peggy to the untrained eye. I, however, knew that woman better than she knew herself, easily noticing the exhaustion in her dark bronze eyes and the way she often stared wistfully into the distance when she thought nobody was looking. Of course, I'd recently been let in on the big secret, discovering that Peggy had been recruited by the Strategic Scientific Reserve, or the SSR for short, and the times she had disappeared she had likely been off risking her life on some treacherous mission in some foreign country. Of course, as her best friend, I'd been less than pleased to hear that she had been placing herself in such risky situations, however, as her colleague and respecting equal, I knew she could handle herself and that if anyone was capable of the job, it was her. A sudden giddiness swirled in my stomach as I remembered why I was here, still basking in the pride and excitement of being handpicked to join the SSR and a specialised team leading a revolutionary project. Of course, I'd come greatly recommended by Peggy which I'm sure had ensured my place on the team, though according to her it was my impressive background with the SOE and the remarkable set of skills I possessed that had sealed the deal.
I straightened in my seat as the barracks of Camp Lehigh came into view, igniting yet another burst of anxiety and excitement. I took a deep breath as we sped through the gates, the car rolling to a stop outside what looked like the main building of the camp. I peered out of the window, spotting the soldiers grudgingly beginning their early morning routines, a few of them chancing a glance in the direction of the car out of curiosity.
"Agent Moore," the driver called my attention to him, offering a polite smile before continuing, "Agent Carter requested that you meet her outside the medical station, which is just through the middle of those two buildings there, and to the right." He explained whilst pointing towards the two closest buildings, offering me some much-needed direction before hopping out of his door and making his way to my side, opening my door for me before standing back.
"No need to worry about your things, they'll be taken to your room for you." I smiled gratefully, offering my thanks as I stepped out of the car, suddenly aware of a large number of eyes that had shot in my direction. I straightened out my skirt and took a breath, allowing myself the ghost of a smirk before rolling my eyes and heading in the direction I had been told. I was painfully aware that eyes still followed me, receiving a number of whistles and words of appreciation as I made my way past a particularly raucous group of soldiers. I sighed internally at their poor efforts to draw my attention, choosing to ignore the majority of them as I passed. I'd always been aware that my looks drew the men to me, never being short of company at the dance halls, yet I'd never felt the urge to indulge any of my potential suitors. My mother always said I was far too picky for my own good, something which I had taken as a compliment rather than the criticism she had intended. While other women may be happy to settle with the first man who makes her heart flutter, I knew my worth and would never be willing to give myself to any man who saw me as any less. I was halted in my tracks as a particularly confident soldier partially blocked my path, leaning casually against the wall beside us.
"What on earth is a beautiful dame such as yourself doing in a place like this?" He questioned with a smirk, an unmistakable southern drawl to his words and a clear pleasure at what he thought was an extremely complimentary statement. I didn't miss the way his eyes roamed slowly over my body before settling back on my face. I plastered a sweet smile on my lips, taking a small step closer and batting my eyelashes for added effect before speaking.
"What's your name soldier?" I slowed my words, raising the tone of my voice in the same way I'd seen many girls shameless do when talking to men, hoping to appear more feminine and gain their attention.
"Private William Anderson," He answered with a smug grin, convinced he had won my favour with the few short words we had exchanged. "That sure is a pretty accent you got there Queenie." I released a soft chuckle, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear before shooting him a half-hearted frown, a smirk still present on my lips.
"My name isn't Queenie," I commented, internally fighting the urge to punch him whilst retaining my calm and flirtatious exterior.
"Oh yeah? Then what should I call ya?" the smug grin hadn't slipped from his lips throughout our whole conversation, and his amusement was mirrored by the men who watched on in curiosity, eager to see how the exchange would unfold. I allowed myself my own smug smirk before taking a step back and regaining my air of professionalism.
"Agent Evelyn Moore," my voice had lost all its previous coquetry. The revelation that I was an agent, and therefore most certainly much higher ranking than him had startled the soldier as he pushed himself off the wall and adopted a much more professional stance. "You'd do well to remember that Private Anderson." He swallowed thickly as he offered a quick nod, much to the delight of his fellow soldiers who still watched on from the side lines.
"Yes ma'am, sorry ma'am." He spoke quickly, clearly embarrassed as he readily avoided eye contact. He remained frozen in front of me, unsure of what to do in the situation. I raised an eyebrow, releasing a sigh as I shook my head in despair.
"Don't you have somewhere to be Private?" My words seemed to jolt him back to life as he nodded, quickly turning on his heel and returning to the rest of the group who had all dissolved into laughter at his embarrassing failure of an attempt at flirting. Thoroughly amused by my first encounter at the camp, I continued on my way, eventually spotting Peggy waiting patiently on a nearby bench, her hands tapping at her thighs where they rested on her lap. I couldn't help the grin that stretched across my lips at seeing her, picking up my pace in order to reach her sooner. She pulled me into a tight hug when I got there, just as pleased to see me as I was her.
"My god Eve am I glad to have you here," she groaned placing a hand on my shoulder and rolling her eyes, "The level of testosterone and male grandeur in this place is close to pushing me over the edge." I broke out in an unrestrained laugh, completely understanding what she meant just from the brief time I had been here.
"Honestly Peg, I'm surprised you haven't shot anyone yet, I've only been here five minutes and I'm already tempted."
"Trust me I've considered it, though I think even I wouldn't get away with that." We continued our conversation, airing all our gripes concerning the soldiers and joking about how we'd have to kick them into shape ourselves if they carried on. I wasn't sure where we were going but we had passed through the medical station and out the other side, now heading towards a different building that stood close by. I began to feel nervous again as we approached the building, obviously nearing our destination. I chewed on my lip anxiously as I passed through the doors and into a dimly lit hallway, reminiscent of the small office Peggy had led me to when she had divulged the secrets of the SSR to me. Noticing my apprehension, she ground to a halt, placing a comforting hand on my arm and offering a small smile.
"Eve, I know that look but you don't have anything to be nervous about, you're here for a reason and honestly you're ten times for qualified than most of the men here." I nodded with a shrug, eliciting a laugh from my friend as I wholeheartedly agreed with her statement. "Just go in there and show them what you're made of, give them the confident, sure-of-herself Eve that I know and love. Plus, you have to hold it together, they can smell fear."
With that, she released me from her grasp and gave the door behind her a sharp knock. A muffled voice called out something I couldn't quite hear, but I assumed it was our invitation in as Peggy turned the handle and swung the door open to reveal three men, scanning over a variety of files and information. I took a deep breath, calling upon every last bit of confidence I could muster before following Peggy into the room. At our arrival, the three men turned their attention away from their work and up to us, my confidence faltering for no more than a millisecond before I had regained it, feeling positively fearless.
"Agent Carter." One of the men addressed her with a nod, his noticeably German accent betraying his nationality, before turning his attention to me. "And you must be Agent Moore, it's a pleasure to finally have you here, my name is Doctor Erskine." He rounded the table, crossing the room with his hand outstretched to me. I took it gladly with a firm shake and a polite smile.
"It's lovely to meet you, Doctor Erskine," He seemed pleased with my polite introduction, retreating back to his earlier position beside the other men.
"Evelyn, this is Colonel Phillips, director of the SSR and the commanding officer around here," Peggy began, gesturing towards the man sitting at the centre of the desk, an air of authority and what appeared to be mild displeasure surrounding him. I offered him only a nod, sensing that anything more might constitute crossing a personal space line in his opinion. "And this is..." Peggy began to introduce the final member of our company but was quickly cut off as he opted to introduce himself.
"Howard Stark," His lips stretched into a lopsided grin as he passed Peggy swiftly and gracefully, coming to a stop before me. He stretched out his hand to mine, and while I was reluctant to offer my far too innocent hand to the comparably non-innocent and notorious flirt Howard Stark, the polite disposition I had been raised with urged me to respond in like. I found myself thoroughly unsurprised when instead of shaking my hand he twisted it gently in his, raising it to his lips and placing a chaste kiss on the back, adding a playful wink before releasing me. "It's a pleasure to meet you Agent Evelyn Moore." He said my name slowly, as though he was savouring the words on his lips. Unfortunately for him, I wasn't the type of girl to fall for his well practiced charm, remaining the perfect example of professionalism as I returned my hand to my side.
"And you Mr Stark," I responded simply, more than ready to escape his advances and get to work.
"Please, call me Howard." He added with a devilish grin, unperturbed by my less than amiable response before turning on his heel and claiming one of the seats opposite the desk. He lounged back arrogantly, looking just as pleased with himself as Private Anderson had before I'd knocked him down a peg. Perhaps that's what I'd have to do here too, I'd take any opportunity to teach a man just how competent a woman could be. I swear I noticed a minuscule eye roll from Peggy as he pat her on the shoulder in passing, referring to her simply as 'Peg'. My attention was distracted when I heard a low mumble emanating from Colonel Phillips, grumbling about how it was unnecessary to add an inexperienced woman to the team. I ground my teeth together, my fists clenching at my sides before I relaxed them, sucking in a frustrated breath and ignoring the apologetic glance Peggy had shot me.
"I apologise if I'm speaking out of turn Colonel Phillips, but I don't believe inexperienced is quite the right word to describe me," I began, drawing the attention of the room, acknowledging a proud and expectant smirk from Peggy before continuing, "While I may not have stepped foot on an army barracks in my life before today, I am far from inexperienced. I've worked as a codebreaker for the SOE for a number of years, in my time there also acquiring an arsenal of weapons and hand to hand combat training. I speak five languages and excelled in a number of studies, both academic and practical, including, but not limited to, advanced molecular physics, clinical psychology and mechanical engineering." I paused for a moment, my anxiety dissipating in place of annoyance. A smile spread across Doctor Erskine's face and I noticed from the corner of my eye that Howard had raised an eyebrow in what I could only describe as sheer pride. "I'd hate to see what an experienced woman could do around here."
Silence fell amongst the group, broken only by a low whistle from Howard Stark who watched me with an amazed curiosity, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I felt panic rise in my chest as Colonel Phillips assessed me with hawk like eyes. My god Evelyn what were you thinking, you don't talk like that to the director of the SSR, that's a one track path to losing your job. At least you haven't unpacked yet, you idiot. I mentally chastised myself, preparing for the imminent lecture I was most likely about to face, followed by my dismissal and disappointing return to London. However, much to my surprise the reprimand I was expecting never came. Instead, the ghost of a smile threatened to grace the Colonel's lips.
"I am well aware of your vast skill set, Agent Moore... I look forward to seeing what you're capable of." He stated simply, earning the surprise of the room as he sent me a respectful nod before addressing both myself and Peggy. "You are dismissed, I want you both out on the training field at oh eight hundred hours, ready to kick these worthless boys into shape."
"Yes, Colonel." Peggy and I responded in unison, a weight lifting as I turned on my feet to exit the room, keen to push the entire memory of what had happened to the back of my mind. The door was just swinging shut behind me when I heard another low whistle, presumably from Howard, followed by a quiet statement that I just managed to catch.
"What a gal."
Hi! Firstly, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please let me know if you did (or if you didn't) as I love a bit of feedback and constructive criticism. Uploading of this story will most likely be slow progress as I'm a useless human being, though I promise it will be worth it :) I have many ideas for this story and would love to know that someone is enjoying it! Next chapter should be up soon!
- E.H.