Title: Good of the many
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary:see part one
San Francisco, CA
July 2021
"I'm glad you all could be here on such short notice."Denise Christopher began as she stood in the main living area of the bunker.
"You said you wouldn't reactivate the Lifeboat unless someone had a time machine or Rittenhouse resurfaced."Lucy said anxiously.
"I know but this was important enough to take the Lifeboat out of drydock."Christopher continued. "As far as we know this mission has nothing to do with Rittenhouse."
"Then what is it?"Wyatt asked as he stood next to Lucy with an arm around her shoulders.
Denise turned on the large IPAD she was carrying and turned it to face the group. On the screen was a woman with dark brown hair in her thirties. She was wearing a dark colored business suit. With the photo being black and white it was hard to know for sure what the color was. Behind was a wall with a circle. In the circle was an emblem with a large winged bird at the center. Around the inside of the circle were the words Strategic, Scientific Reserve
"Who is she?"Rufus inquired.
"Oh my God."Lucy interjected breaking from Wyatt. "That's Peggy Carter. She's..."
"Made S.H.I.E.L.D what it is today!"Jiya said excitedly. "She was a trail blazer. There were no female agents before her."
"S.H.I.E.L.D?"Wyatt repeated. "As in Captain America and the Avengers S.H.I.E.L.D?"
"Yes, Peggy Carter worked for the SSR which was S.H.I.E.L.D's predecessor."Denise explained. "Timeline's changed."
"How?"Lucy asked worriedly. "She lived into old age."
"No, she didn't."Denise said sadly. "That's what you're going to prevent. Right now the world needs the Avengers and if S.H.I.E.L.D's history has changed..."
"We get to meet the Avengers."Rufus interjected starstruck. "That's awesome!"
"Only if we succeed."Denise replied.
"We've already done pre-launch on the Lifeboat."Jiya commented as she tugged Rufus to his feet. "With it being a futuristic upgrade it didn't need much to shake the dust off."
"Good."Denise acknowledged.
"Where and when are we going?"Wyatt asked.
"Los Angeles, 1947."Denise replied. "I stopped and got clothes out of storage for everyone."
"Let's suit up."Rufus said as the group dispersed.
"How did you know the timeline changed?"Connor asked after the room cleared.
"I had a visit from Dr. Stephen Strange."Denise replied grimly.
Los Angeles, CA
1947
Edwin Jarvis's fingers were nearly numb from all the number's he'd dialed in the last half hour. He was in Howard Stark's ocean front home in Los Angeles trying to reach his employer. He was grateful for the task because if he let himself think of the news he'd received Edwin knew he might be physically ill. That couldn't happen. Peggy Carter was a close friend and she needed help. Help that Howard Stark could provide; if Edwin could get bloody hold of the man. After the second to last number on his list came up empty Jarvis slammed the receiver down hard enough to vibrate the small table it was on.
"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it."A familiar voice said from behind."Edwin Jarvis destroying the furniture."
"I did not..."Edwin started to reply automatically as he turned around and then stopped when he saw who was there. "For the love of God do you know how many messages I've left for you?"
"Fifty at last count."Billionaire Howard Stark replied as he set his briefcase on the coffee table. "How is Peggy?"
"Not good; Chief Sousa says it's a fast acting poison."Jarvis explained grimly.
"Let's go."Howard ordered. "I'm here to save the day."
Edwin sent off a silent prayer that would be exactly what happens. The world needed Peggy Carter. As he drove away Edwin could admit to himself that he needed her too.
Daniel Sousa sat in the visitor's chair of Peggy's hospital room. Technically it was an intensive care room but he'd refused to leave when the staff started to list the rules of the floor. Aside from being her fiance Daniel was also protection. He'd placed two agents on her door and two more by the elevator. There were four by the front entrance and two more on the back. If someone came after Peggy again they'd have a hell of a fight.
"Daniel."Peggy called softly.
"Right here, sweetheart."Daniel replied as he scooted forward and took her right hand in both of his. "I'm right here."
It was only then that Daniel realized she wasn't full conscious. The doctors had her sedated to ease the pain but still Peggy had been nearly conscious a few times. Her eyes had opened briefly and then she'd drifted back. With a sigh Daniel placed a kiss on Peggy's hand. He ducked his head in prayer. Daniel hadn't prayed much since he'd returned from the war. Even during it he'd strayed from his faith. Now though Daniel needed everything that could help. He wasn't ready to lose her.
Loud voices interrupted Daniel's vigil and he gently released Peggy's hand as he stood grabbing his crutch. He walked to the door and stepped outside. Two agents were arguing with Howard Stark at the elevator along with Edwin Jarvis. Daniel was never so happy to see the pain in the ass inventor.
"Let him through."Daniel ordered sharply.
Stark straightened his black suit jacket as he stepped away from the SSR agent and walked to where Daniel stood with Jarvis close behind.
"How is she?"Stark asked worriedly. "Jarvis said she was hit with a poison dart?"
"Docs here can't help her."Daniel replied grimly. "I need to know that you can. The dart's at the SSR lab."
"I'll help anyway I can."Howard promised.
"I hope you really do care about her."Daniel responded sharply as he turned to look through the window at his fiance's still form. "She needs all her friends right now."
Howard walked over to the window and stood quietly watching Peggy for a few moments. Daniel studied the businessman. Peggy had always insisted that despite Howard's many flaws he was a friend who deserved her loyalty. Daniel had doubted that but right now he'd bet money that Stark was genuinely affected by the circumstances. He hoped that would be enough get Peggy the help she needs.
"Do we know who did this?"Edwin Jarvis asked hoarsely breaking the silence.
"No."Daniel replied angrily. "But I'm sure as hell going to find out."
"Holding you to that."Stark said turning away from the window and heading back to the elevator. "Let's go, Jarvis."
"Yes, Sir."The butler acknowledged as he followed.
Daniel watched them go hoping against hope that they could move this one to the win column.
