"A New Guardian" (Chapter 21)

Wednesday, October 12, 1966

My Dearest Phil:

As I sit at my desk debating what to write, it occurs to me that it's been six months since I've had a brief chance to see you, to hear your voice and laughter, to see your beautiful smile with those baby blue eyes that hold so much wonder, and to pull you into my arms and cuddle you.

I'm sorry for missing your birthday, but I was undercover. Can you believe I, as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., actually participated in an undercover op? I just can't help the desire to go out in the field. I love it!

Jack told me about your party. He said the theme was Captain America, a hero you've recently grown attached to. It makes me proud that my son has taken a liking to the very man I had once loved. Then, he said you were full of energy and wouldn't listen. I guess you're starting the terrible twos.

So…some good news! Nick Fury has finally decided to join S.H.I.E.L.D.! As you know, I've taken special interest. Someday, I believe, he will take the reins from me. My time here will eventually end.

I must go. Got a meeting with Nick.

Love,

Mom

Peggy sets the pen next to the letter she's just written. Her office is relatively quiet for once, a rarity. The record player plays something soft. She enjoys the moment of slowness while the activity outside her closed office door sounds chaotic.

Then, she hears a soft knock on her door, prompting her to lift her head. "Enter." She says firmly, lifting the letter and stuffing it in the manila folder she uses for his letters and sets the pen in her pen holder just as the door opens and Nick Fury peeks his head around the frosted glass door.

"Director Carter?" He says her name in a form of a question.

"Come on in, Nick," She waves him in.

Fury enters the room and closes the door softly. He comes toward her desk, waiting for her to speak.

Peggy flips open a file folder with his name on it, scanning through his file. She really likes what she sees. He seems to be the perfect person for her planned task. She only hopes he'll accept. "Your resume proceeds you. It's very impressive!" Peggy says with enthusiasm and a smile.

"Thank you, ma'am." Fury curtly nods, throwing his arms behind his back and standing in an at-attention position.

"I have a task for you. Despite the simple task, it's very important." Peggy thumbs through more of his file before closing it as she looks up at him.

"What task, ma'am?" Fury wonders.

"I need you to look after my youngest son." Peggy answers, watching his reaction. Only a slight move of his eyebrows gave her the reaction she expected. "I know this appears to be beneath your skills, but I assure you that my little boy is very important to S.H.I.E.L.D."

Fury knits his eyebrows. "Ma'am, how is he important, besides being your son?"

Peggy gives him a studious look. She let him have this question. After all, the task he would embark on is heavy, something she was certain Nick Fury could handle. "He has a very important destiny ahead of him. One I'm counting on you to get him there." She points at Fury at the word you.

Fury inhales sharply, breath shuttering while exhaling. "Ma'am, I can't guarantee your son's safety. Too many variables, like where he is right now."

Peggy gestures for Fury to sit across from her, sliding the file on her son toward him. "He's in Manitowoc, Wisconsin." She answers, watching him read through the file. "I understand how frustrating the variables can be, Nick, but you can understand by the file the necessity to protecting him."

Fury's dark eyes widen as his head lifts, meeting her eyes. "His father is…"

Peggy nods slowly. "A Hydra leader, yes."

He scoffs. "How did that happen?"

"Undercover." Peggy admits. "We got…close."

Fury smirks, lifting the picture of Phil and showing her. "Yeah, I see the result of that 'closeness'."

Peggy doesn't look amused.

Fury backtracks. "I'm sorry, ma'am." He looks embarrassed.

"It's okay, Nick. This assignment is very different from the cases S.H.I.E.L.D. normally deals with. I know you're the right man for this job." Peggy assures him.

"How, ma'am?" Fury wonders.

"Because you think five steps ahead of anyone else. You have backup plans upon backup plans." Peggy answers.

"My father always said to think ahead." Fury states.

She knows. Peggy Carter personally knows Nick Fury, Sr from her days in SSR. She knows Fury Sr wanted to instill loyalty, strategy, and resourcefulness in his son. Where do you think they get all of their agents?