Chapter 9 [JFK International Airport—a few hours later]

As on most days, New York's flagship airport bustled with traffic. Cars wound in and out of its parking lots and pick up points. Passengers muddled through security checkpoints and customs. Some argued with ticket agents and airline personnel about issues. Others used their laptops over the wireless network and with coffees to rejuvenate them after long flights.

But truly, this would be a day like no other…..

[Eating Area—Outside of Gate C8]

Betty tried to relax as much as she could. The three flights, two puddle jumps and one cross country, had taxed her stamina a bit. She knew that the hotel options wouldn't be ready for her until eight. So she settled in and did her best to eat what passed for dinner in the bustling food court. WishIcouldcallBruce.She frowned. He'dwantyoutofocusonyourpaper.She sulked and bit into her chicken sandwich. While reading and rereading her paper, she had made some headway on the gamma emission theories. IhopeDr.Ronstadtmighthavesomething.She bit her lip and looked around herself.

In the crowd, couples engaged in the traditional rites of reuniting: embraces, kisses and warmth. Perhaps a picture of family waiting for them outside or at home. Sharing a dinner across the table and holding hands in the process.

Betty sulked at these sights. She remembered Bruce's last 'visit'. Actually she gave him refuge. But it was a wonderful refuge…and she remembered why she loved him.

That was before her father, Thunderbolt Ross, showed up with his platoon on campus and provoked an ugly emerald eruption and standoff with the Hulk.

She shook her head. Someday their ship would come in. She knew it.

[Customs]

Jane rolled her eyes as the heavy set TSA agent checked her laptop for the third time. While she and Peggy had enjoyed the flight over the Atlantic, she was glad to be back on terra firma once more. Whycouldn'tColonelFuryhavegottenuspastthesewatchdogs?Forcryingoutloud!

"That's it, Ma 'am. Set to go," the guard noted while handing her the case.

"Thank you," she expressed while keeping her tone neutral. She hurried past him to where Peggy stood waiting. "Finally! I didn't think he was going to give me my computer back."

"They are strangely vigilant today," Peggy assessed with a frown. "At least we didn't have to check our bags."

"Thankfully. Let's get something to eat while we're waiting for our ride," Jane urged while looking toward the food court.

"I'm famished. That does sound good," Peggy indicated. "Wish that Steve and Thor would meet us."

"The Colonel has them working on something," Jane assumed. "At least though he's made arrangements for us." She pulled out her phone and selected the texting option. "I'll let Pepper know we're ready."

"Sooner we're back at headquarters, the better. For some reason, I don't feel right," Peggy declared.

"You and me both," Jane concurred as they stood in line. After getting their food (and Peggy paying for it), they looked around the area. "Talk about packed! There isn't an empty table in the place!"

"Wait!" Peggy saw Betty sitting at a table with two empty seats. "Maybe she wouldn't mind if we sit there?"

"Maybe. Wait a minute! I know her! Come on!" Jane walked over to Betty. "Betty? Betty Ross? I don't know if you remember me. We met at a conference in 2008."

Betty glanced up wondering who was talking to her. She recognized the sandy haired physicist dimly. "Albuquerque, right? You were giving the paper on auroras."

"Right. Dr. Jane Foster and this is my associate, Peggy Simmons. We're coming back from Europe on business. Mind if we join you?" Jane reintroduced herself and Peggy.

"Of course." Betty felt glad for the company. At least Jane and Peggy would keep her mind off of the other romance going on around them. "Been a while, Jane. I saw you wrote an article last year. What have you been doing since?"

"Getting my life together. I've been working on a project with the government. One of those hush hush things. Meantime I met some great friends including Peggy and there's a guy in my life now." Jane grinned. "Finally."

Recalling their conversation at the Hilton's conference area, she recalled how down Jane had been. "I told you to have faith. Now the situation's reversed. I have a guy I can't be with."

"What happened to Harold? You two seemed to be great," Jane wondered.

"We broke up. I met another guy but he's here and there. He has a major health problem that has explosive consequences," Betty recounted. "Anyhow I'm working on some gamma exposure research. How about you, Peggy? What do you do?"

"I've been in government service for years. Widowed a few years back. I was reunited with my first love. We're getting married this weekend," Peggy summed up. Although she really didn't feel comfortable talking about herself in front of a stranger like that, seeing that Betty and Jane were friends broke the ice somewhat. "Have faith about your friend, Dr. Ross. If he loves you, he will find a way back to you. It took years but Steve and I have made it back. So have Jane and her man."

"I know. But thanks for the reminder, Peggy. Are you British?" Betty expressed.

"I lived over there for several decades. Dual citizenship actually. Has its benefits," Peggy explained while sipping on her coffee. "I'm planning though to be here for a long time once Steve and I have tied the knot." She smiled. "Just have faith. Do you live here or are on business, Dr. Ross?"

"Please call me, Betty, Peggy, and business. I'm speaking tomorrow at a conference." She squirmed. "You both wouldn't happen to know a good hotel, would you?"

"Given that your Dad's a three star general, I can't see why you can't come with us." Jane dialed her cell phone number. "Give me the Colonel. This is Dr. Foster."

A minute later, Fury came on the line. "Foster, what's going on? Are you and Agent Simmons back yet?"

"We are. And we have a situation. Dr. Betty Ross is in town for a conference and doesn't have a definite place to stay," Jane explained.

"Damn! I have half of the bleeping world going to Hell and you want me to worry about stuff like that?" the Colonel barked before settling down. MaybeStarkisright.Thisislikeadamnsoap!He frowned. "Ross? As in General Thunderbolt Ross?"

"The same. I don't think he'd want his daughter on the street. He'd owe you a favor," Jane suggested.

Fury chuckled sarcastically. "Lady, Ross doesn't do favors. I've gone round and round on that one. So has Stark. But yeah, bring her back here. We'll get her some place secure to spend the evening. I'll task Potts and Hogan to get you ladies." AndmaybesheknowswhereBanner'shidingnow.

"Thank you, Colonel. Sorry to bother you. I didn't want a situation with Betty and us. Thinking of government relations," Jane expressed.

"It's okay, Dr. Foster. You did the right thing. Get yourself some dinner and we'll talk when you all get back," Fury concluded before hanging up.

"Jane, you didn't have to do that!" Betty argued. "I don't want my father owing anyone."

"It's all right," Peggy assured her. "Nobody should have to wonder where they're going. Meantime just relax."

Great.Underlodgingswithacolonelattached.YouknowDaddy'sgoingtoflipwhenhehearsaboutthis! Betty managed to smile and continue the conversation with her seatmates despite her nerves about the situation.