Susan Richard's first experience with a mission was chaotic. She knew that there was a problem, and waited anxiously for further information.

She saw the terror outside, right down the street Doctor Doom himself was rampaging.
Pepper had gathered all the non-Avengers people in the tower into the basement of Stark Tower, which was created for these circumstances. Susan made the rounds, making sure everyone was alright. She handed Dr. Eric Selvig a thermos of tea and settled next to Pepper.

"How do you think it's going?" she asked.

"Well, they're Avengers. They're very capable," Pepper assured her. "Cap's a very competent leader. They're all good fighters. They'll be fine."

Even still, she looked worried.

Susan thought back over the files she'd read on Doom. Leader of Latveria and a genius inventor and sorcerer.

Had the Avengers beaten him before?

Yes.

Yet he returned with bigger ideas each time.

Of course they'd beat him again. They had to.

The employees of Stark Tower sat in the basement for six hours before a slightly battered Tony Stark told them that the danger was over.

"Are you hurt?" Pepper asked him.

He shook his head. "Fine, dear. Everyone's okay."

Susan followed Dr. Foster up the stairs gladly, anxious to get into the more open area and sun.

"You alright?"

She turned to face the Captain. "Captain Rogers! I'm fine. None of us are hurt. How about you?" She eyed a gash in his uniform. "Were you hurt?"

He glanced down and shook his head. "No. Just a scratch." He shouldered his shield. "This is your first catastrophe, isn't it?"

"Nothing too catastrophic here," she admitted. "We're all safe, the threat has been stopped. Well done Avengers. From what I've heard, from here Mr. Stark throws a celebration."

Steve nodded solemnly. "I'm afraid you're right. Tony claims his parties are legendary. I've been to better."

"I've also heard Dr. Foster say that Thor's parties are the best," Susan pointed out. "It all depends on who you're asking."

"I think they certainly eat more on Asgard," Steve remarked.

Susan nodded. "Anyway, go get cleaned up," she said gently. "Don't want your 'scratch' getting infected." She stood out of the way and gestured.

Steve inclined his head. "Ah. Yeah. Thanks." He turned. "See you at the party."

"Employees are invited? I thought it was an 'Avengers only' deal."

"Oh no. The more the merrier, he says."

Susan frowned. "I guess I might see you then."

Thanks so much for reading! Please leave a review to let me know what you thought, it means a lot! And I'll see you in the next chapter.