Phil Coulson was, to say the very least, nervous. He was being interviewed to work at SHIELD HQ, a rare feat for such a recent graduate of the academy.
What was more, he was being interviewed by Director Peggy Carter, who had fought alongside his hero, Captain America, during the Second World War. Perhaps he wasn't nervous, just panicking.
He sat outside Director Carter's office, waiting to be allowed inside for his interview.
After what felt like hours, he was called in.
"Phil Coulson, I'm Director Peggy Carter. Please, take a seat."
Phil shook her outstretched hand before sitting down and trying to look like he was not shaking on the inside.
She smiled lightly. "You can relax Coulson, I'm not as terrifying as some would have you believe. Now, it says here that you were top of your class at the Academy. Congratulations."
"Thank you Director."
"Tell me a little bit about yourself. Why you wanted to join SHIELD, things like that," she prompted.
Phil smiled. "Working for SHIELD was always my goal from the time I was a child. It's like a new SSR, which what made Captain America the hero that he was during the war. That made him my hero."
Peggy smiled. "You're a fan then?"
Phil nodded. "Captain America has always been, and will always be, my hero."
"I fought with him during the war. He was a wonderful man, even before the serum. Shy, kind, really he was a man who stood up to bullies, no matter how big they were or how far away they were. He had to work so hard to get where he was, like I did," she said, "it says a lot about you, the fact that he's your hero."
Phil smiled. "I suppose it does. Everyone always just said that I was a fanboy, plain and simple."
Peggy laughed lightly. "Maybe, but I think you're a fanboy that we could use here at HQ. If you're ready and willing, that is," she said as she stood up and held out her hand again,
Phil stood up and gave her a firm handshake. "Director Carter, I was born ready," he said confidently.
"Welcome to the team."
