Chapter 53 Little Soiree

I don't own Captain America.

November 14, 1962

Hà Nội [Hanoi], North Vietnam

In North Vietnam, a young Vietnamese married couple walked through Hanoi's busy street market in the balmy and humid afternoon. In the crowded market area of the capital of North Vietnam was a cacophony of noise and smelled with vendors selling food, loud motorbikes passing by, radios playing music, and thousands of pedestrians squeezing their way through. Life here looked rather ordinary as opposed to South Vietnam.

Throughout November, the U.S. Pentagon expressed satisfaction at progress being made in South Vietnam against the homegrown, communist insurgent group known as the Viet Cong or VC. The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was becoming more effective against the VC, and the insurgent group's activities were reportedly diminishing. The ARVN now numbered more than 219,000 troops, Civil Guard was at 77,000, and the Self Defense Corps was above 99,000 personnel. The U.S. also had stationed in South Vietnam or 11,000 "advisors," 300-aircraft, 120-helicopters, heavy weapons, and aircraft sorties delivering defoliants and napalm against the VC during Operation Ranch Hand.

While South Vietnam engaged in a fight to maintain stability against the VC, North Vietnam almost seemed at peace with a sense of normalcy.

The young couple pushed through the market then turned and walked into an old apartment building that looked like French architecture. The couple walked up the tight stairs, passing by a few tenants on their way, and then stepped off on the top floor. They then headed down the hallway to an apartment on the other end.

The couple stopped at the door, and the man removed a lock pick and began picking the door. While her partner worked on the door, the woman drew her concealed pistol and kept watch. In a few seconds, the door opened, and the woman went through the threshold first.

She stepped inside the small apartment and quickly cleared the small apartment with her weapon raised. Her partner put his lock pick away, drew his pistol, and followed her in, closing and double-locking the door behind him. After clearing the rooms, the woman nodded at her partner, "Clear," she said in English.

The man nodded, "Got the camera ready?"

The woman reached into her bag and removed a small camera. "Hopefully, this little camera has the range as advertised by those SHIELD techs," she said.

"Relax, when has SHIELD R&D ever let us down."

The woman chuckled, "Right."

The couple was actually a team of undercover SHIELD agents posing as a married pair. The woman is Agent 33, and her partner is Agent 72, both assigned to the Saigon Station in South Vietnam.

Agent 33 grabbed a chair and positioned it by the window. "What time is the meeting supposed to happen," she said, adjusting the curtains.

Agent 72 joined her side and looked at his watch, "Fifteen minutes." He looked out the window to the vacant dirt lot that was farther away than expected. "Shit, that's got to be at least a hundred yards out," he said, removing a small pair of binoculars from his pocket. "At least we got a nice unobscured view."

"Let's hope R&D never fails," Agent 33 said, sitting down and prepping her camera. "We can at least write out what we see. Do you think Sokolov (Meyers) will be at this meeting?"

"Maybe," 72 said, looking through his binoculars. "Intel reports a weapon sale, but it didn't say he's the buyer or seller so that he might be the broker. So maybe."

Agent 33 sighed, "SHIELD has been hunting this guy for years. Isn't this the first good lead we had on him in a while?"

Agent 72 nodded, "Yeah. We're not even sure Sokolov is his real name. He was known as Derek Kohl from the Stasi, and now he's Tomas Sokolov of Leviathan." He shrugged, "He could be playing the Soviet Union like he was playing the East Germans." He chuckled, "Chasing this guy is like Alice In Wonderland going through the rabbit hole."

"Nice," 33 responded. She glanced at her partner, "You think the Director has a personal vendetta on this guy?"

"I would. The guy tried killing her all those years ago, escaped, murdered our fellow agents, and disappeared. Then reappeared, stole information, and murdered more people." Agent 72 shook his head, "he's the type of guy SHIELD will go after regardless if he didn't murder our people and tried murdering our Director."

Agent 33 nodded.

Agent 72 frowned, "In fact, it's personal for me because I knew one of those agents he murdered on Shaw's team." He shook his head, "It should be personal for all of us."

Agent 33 agreed, "It is. He's been working in SHIELD for a while before he revealed who he truly was. Damn, even with all those security measures."

"Yeah," 72 replied. "But, we're trained to circumvent any safeguards of the enemy to spy and sabotage. It only makes sense that the enemy would be doing the same to us," he said, stating the obvious.

A few minutes later, Agent 33 spotted two Soviet-made UAZ-469 utility vehicles pull up to the lot. "Wait, here we go," she said, getting her camera ready.

Agent 72 picked up the binoculars and saw seven soldiers from the People's Army of Vietnam and one Vietnamese man in a suit step out of the vehicles. He noticed two of the soldiers were Colonels and the rest looked to be regular soldiers with AK-47s. "Got two Colonels and one unknown man in a suit. It looks like the PAVN are the buyers," he reported. "I don't know who the man in the suit, though. He's clearly Vietnamese."

Agent 33 took a picture then wrote down the information on a small notepad. "Got it."

A few moments later, the pair saw four more UAZ-469 utility vehicles. A ZIL-157 2 1/2-ton 6x6 truck with a canvas tarp over the flatbed appears on the opposite side of the lot. Agent 72 let out a breath of air, "Well, that must be the seller and the product."

The two agents observed as they saw a large group of soldiers debark the vehicles, many pouring out of the truck. The soldiers looked like Soviets with dark green uniforms and helmets, black boots, and carried AK-47s.

Agent 72 smiled, "Well, it looks like the seller is Soviets. But what's bugging me is that the Soviet Union already has trade agreements with North Vietnam; what's with the obvious secrecy here?" Suddenly he saw two Caucasian men in black suits appear from behind the utility vehicles. "Hold on."

"Maybe it's the item they're selling that's secret," stated 33.

Agent 72 squinted through the binoculars and observed the two men in suits, and recognized one of them. "Wait a minute," he said.

Agent 33 took a photo of the lot and looked up at him, "what is it?"

"I think one of those men who just arrived is Obadiah Stane, CEO of Stane International."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. His face and company have been all over the world as a major competitor with Stark Industries. His company is based in New York, like Starks."

Agent 33 raised a brow, "Weren't Stane and Stark partners for a while?"

Agent 72 nodded, "Yeah, rumor has it that they had a falling out. And he bought the remnants of Titan International after SHIELD seized most of their assets for aiding in the attempted assassination of the Director." He frowned, "Like Stark Industries, Stane International is a weapons manufacturer and engineering company."

Agent 33 chuckled, "Talk about backstabbing. Former partners are now competing in the weapons market."

"But it looks like Stane is in bed with the Soviet Union and North Vietnam."

Agent 33 took another picture, "Gold mine. Any sign of Sokolov?"

"Nothing. I don't think he's here," Agent 72 said. He suddenly saw Stane looking in the direction of their apartment building. "He's looking this way," he said, lowering the binoculars.

Agent 33 captured another photo, "I'm sure he's just taking in the sights."

Suddenly, the pair heard a loud thud on the door.

"Shit," Agent 72 yelled as she drew his pistol. There was another series of loud thuds as someone was trying to break down the door. "Burn it!" he yelled.

Agent 33 quickly pulled a tab off the camera and placed it and her notepad on the floor. The camera suddenly detonated a thermite charge, erupting in white smoke and bright sparks as it burned itself and the notepad in intense heat.

As the camera incinerated its contents and her notes, Agent 33 drew her pistol just in time for the door to get kicked open.


Saturday, November 17, 1962

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

It was another cold and cloudy Saturday, early afternoon in November. It was one of those days where the day seemed mild at first but quickly became numbing. Pedestrians walked through the town bundled up in thick coats, jackets, and scarves as they went about their day. The local weather broadcast even hinted at the possibility of snowing for the first time this winter. The thick cloud ceiling and dropping temperatures seemed to acknowledge that forecast. Though it looks like a cold, gloomy Saturday, the Rogers was planning a fun afternoon and evening with family friends.

Peggy, in lovely form-fitting navy blue pants, a long sleeve striped blouse, and matching heels, stepped out of the bedroom while still putting on her earrings. "Kids, are you ready to go?" she called down the hallway.

John stepped out of his bedroom, "Ready, Mom!" Dressed nicely in a brown sweater, collared shirt, and pants, he smiled, "I can't wait to see Daisy! I'm so excited."

Peggy chuckled as she walked over to John, "you look very handsome, honey." She finished putting on her last earring, "Daisy will be very impressed."

Michael stepped out of his bedroom, tucking in his plaid collared shirt into his dress pants, "I'm ready, Mom."

Peggy nodded, "Are you going to wear a coat? It's cold outside."

"Yeah, I'll be grabbing one."

"Where's Angela? Is she ready?"

John nodded, "She's ready. She's downstairs reading."

"Like always," joked Michael.

Peggy smiled walked over to Sarah's room, "And Sarah? Is she still in her room?"

Michael sighed, "yup. On the phone, with Kevin, I think." He frowned, "I'm surprised she doesn't want to come with us."

Peggy smirked, "I'm not." She turned and walked into Sarah's room, knocking on the door as she stepped in. "Sarah, we're about to, are you sure—"

In a comfortable housedress and her long brown hair down, Sarah was lying on her bed, talking on the phone with Hannah, "Tonight is going to be really swell! Are you going too?"

Peggy sighed, "Sarah," she raised her voice slightly to get her attention.

Sarah laughed, "No way! Are you going with someone? Who?"

Peggy frowned, "Sarah Amanda Rogers."

"David? Really? I didn't think this sort of this was something he enjoyed." Sarah chuckled, "And Amy? Is she going with Theodore? Theodore from Math class?"

Peggy sighed again, walked over to her daughter, grabbed the phone from her hand, and hung it up. Sarah gasped, "Mom!"

Peggy placed her hands on her hips, "I called your name three times."

"I didn't hear you."

Peggy shook her head, "Hard to believe. You'll be seeing Kevin later. You can talk to him then."

Sarah rolled off the bed and stood up, "I was talking to Hannah, Mom."

Peggy shrugged, "Well, from the sound of it, you're going to see them later anyway." She scowled at her teenage daughter, "immediately after your suspension from the phone, you already are testing my patience."

Sarah frowned, "I'm sorry, Mom. I'll listen next time."

Peggy sighed, "I guess you don't want to see your Aunt Angie?"

"I do, but I already made plans."

Peggy nodded, "Okay. We're about to go; we'll take Athena with us. Be back by 8:30." She pointed sternly at her teenager, "I mean it, young lady."

Sarah nodded, "I know, I know, Mom."

"And make sure you finish your chores before you go."

"I will."

"Good," replied Peggy as she walked out.

A few moments later, Peggy walked into the kitchen and saw Angela sitting at the couch in the family room, reading. The young blonde girl wore pretty blue pants and a matching patterned sweater. Sitting by her with her head resting on the armrest is Athena, the not so small, all-black German Shepard.

Peggy smiled at her daughter, "Angela, are you ready to go?"

Angela lowered her book and sat up, "Ready, Mama." Athena also sat up and watched Peggy with loving and curious eyes.

Peggy walked into the kitchen and saw Steve, handsomely dressed in a leather jacket and dark jeans, at the table, reading a newspaper. "Everyone's ready, darling," she greeted.

Steve lowered the paper and stood up, "Alrighty, let's roll."

She quickly turned around, "Angela, sweetheart, can you grab the desert from the fridge for me?"

"Mhmm," hummed Angela as she stood up and walked over to the kitchen.

As Angela grabbed the cake from the fridge, Peggy walked over to the stove and grabbed a pan of her homemade bread. She closed the stove and smiled, "Okay, let's get going. Shall we?"

Angela grinned, "Yeah!" She then walked out of the kitchen to the foyer, Athena hopping off the couch and following the twelve-year-old. Angela walked stopped in the foyer to see her older siblings and little brother, "Mom says, it's time to go."

John grinned, "Yes!"

Athena walked over to Sarah and sat down at her feet, wagging her tail excitedly.

Sarah hunched over and pet her dog on the head, "I hope you have fun at Aunt Angie's."

In a charcoal-colored coat, Michael raised a brow, "Hey, you mad at something?"

Sarah stood up and shook her head, "I'm fine."

"I thought you'd want to hang out with Aunt Angie and her big house."

"I do, but not today," replied Sarah. "Already made plans."

"Okay…" Michael responded. "So what exactly is your deal? I can tell you're not fine."

Sarah sighed, "Mom. She hung up on my Hannah when I was talking to her."

Michael chuckled, "She probably called your name at least twice, right? And when you didn't respond, she hung up the phone."

"Yes, but—"

Michael shook his head, "You kind of asked for it."

Sarah furrowed her brows, "whose side are you on?"

"The right side," responded her twin.

Sarah sighed, "Yes, fine. I guess I was so immersed in my conversation I ignored mom."

Michael shrugged, "I'm sure Hannah would understand. Got to say I'm surprised you weren't talking to your boyfriend."

Sarah gave her twin a funny look, "Boyfriend? We're not exclusive, Michael."

"Right," Michael said sarcastically. "I bet you want too, though."

Sarah rolled her eyes, "Whatever. When are you leaving?"

"Soon, I think," responded Michael.

Back in the kitchen, Peggy had removed the bread from the pan and wrapped it in a large cloth and placed it inside a tote bag. She looked over at her husband, "Darling, are you ready?"

Steve nodded, "Ready." He looked in the direction of the foyer, "Michael, can you grab Athena's leash!"

Michael walked over to the front door and to grab the dog's leash, "Got it, Dad." He glanced back at Sarah, "I'll tell them you say hello," he said, referring to Aunt Angie's family.

Sarah nodded at her brother, "Thanks."

Peggy walked into the foyer and made a beeline to the closet to grab her coat while Steve walked over to Sarah. Steve instantly saw Athena panting happily by Michael at the front door, wagging her tail excitedly to go outside.

Michael gripped the leash and grinned, "Hang on there, Athena. We'll go outside in a little bit!"

Steve laughed as he stopped by Sarah, "She's such an energetic dog."

Sarah nodded, "She is."

Steve glanced at his teenage daughter, "Sure, you don't want to come? Aunt Angie and them would love to see you."

Sarah nodded, "I know, Dad. But I already made plans for today."

Steve hesitated, for a second, "Okay."

Peggy closed the closet door, tote bag and purse in hand, and now wearing a long navy blue coat; she smiled, "Ready?"

"We're ready," replied Angela.

John ran over to the door and opened it, letting all the cold air in, "Let's go!"

Athena bolted out the door, taking Michael with her. "Woah!" Michael gasped as he shot out the door.

Angela smiled as she followed her siblings out with the cake in hand.

Steve smiled at Sarah and hugged her and kissed her on the head, "enjoy your evening, sweetie."

Sarah smiled and hugged her father in return, "I will, thanks, Dad."

Steve let go of her and pointed at her, "And don't let that boy make you do anything stupid."

Sarah laughed, "I won't, Dad."

With that, Steve spun around and pointed outside, "onward!" He called as he marched out.

Peggy laughed at her husband, then hugged her daughter and kissed her on the cheek. "Have fun tonight, darling, and be careful."

Sarah nodded and smiled, "I will, Mom."

"Finish your chores, be home by 8:30, and be sure to dress warmly. It's very cold outside," instructed Peggy in her motherly tone.

Sarah nodded again, "I will, I will, Mama. I promise."

Peggy let go of her daughter, "I'll hold you to it." She turned around and waved, "Have fun, honey!"

"You too!" called Sarah.

Peggy then closed the door behind her and went to join her family in the car.


Daniel & Angela Sousa's Residence

Riverdale, Bronx, NY

As Steve turned the car down the street, he sighed, "Look, all I'm saying is, Sarah has been really occupied with that boy recently. She hasn't really made time for family. At least she's taking care of her responsibilities."

Peggy chuckled, "It's only been a week since she started dating that boy, darling." She glanced at him and smiled, "She's in that love haze phase."

Michael raised a brow in the backseat at the mention of love.

"Just you wait. It's going to get worse as time goes on." Steve raised his brows, "She'll stop talking to us, ignore rules and her responsibilities. Watch!"

Peggy raised a brow, "If you're so worried about that, why didn't you tell her to come with us?"

"I—" Steve paused and slouched, "Uh."

"Exactly." Peggy chuckled, "You have a soft spot for the kids, but you're actually not that worried about her. Because you believe she'll do the right thing."

"Yeah," Steve responded.

Peggy smiled, "I believe so too. She'll make mistakes, but we know her heart is in the right place. Plus, I know you aren't concerned about anyone trying to harm her because you're more worried about her getting sent to jail for anyone crossing her."

Steve nodded, "I'm more concerned about someone breaking her heart."

Michael spoke up, "Yeah, me too, Dad."

Peggy chuckled, "Let her enjoy being a teenager, boys." She glanced at Michael, "when you get a girlfriend, Michael, we'll probably be having the same conversation about you."

Michael waved his hand, "Psh."

Peggy laughed.

Steve pulled the car over in front of Angie's house, "And here we are."

The neighborhood they're in had rows of fancy and big houses and a series of large trees lining either side of the street. Many of the trees are still shedding their colorful red-orange leaves while others are already baren. The Sousas house is a large stone Tudor home with a sharply pitched roof and featured tall windows. The house also had a series of tall trees in front, the sides, and back of the house. Angie and Daniel moved their family to this nice suburb shortly after their first son, David Bradford, was born in 1951. For an actress quickly rising in fame, the house was still considered modest.

John ran up to the front door, with the rest of his family close behind, and excitedly rang the doorbell.

A few seconds later, Angie opened the door and beamed happily, "Hey!"

Athena jumped on her hind legs and barked excitedly at Angie, wagging her tail as she bounced.

Michael squatted down and held Athena in his arms, "Woah, Athena, sit, sit!" Athena did as she was told and sat down, but her tail continued to wag excitedly like a swinging bat.

Peggy grinned at her friend and hugged her, "Hi, Angie."

"It's so good to see you," Angie said, happily returning the hug. After a moment, she let go and stepped aside, "Come on in! Get out of the cold." She looked back in her house, "Daisy, David, come quick! The Rogers are here."

"Coming, Mom!" called the two kids from inside the house.

John ran up to his Aunt and smiled, "Hi, Aunt Angie!"

Angie grinned, "Hey, kiddo!" As the Rogers stepped inside the house, Angie quickly closed the door behind them. Angie looked at Michael and laughed, "Wow, Michael, you gotten taller and more handsome than the last time I saw you!"

Michael laughed, "Thanks, Auntie."

Angie nodded, "You can let Athena roam around. It's okay."

Michael nodded and let Athena off the leash, and she immediately ran off into the house.

Angie looked at Peggy and Steve, "No, Sarah?"

Michael made a distasteful look, "She has a thing with her new boyfriend."

"Boyfriend, huh?"

Peggy shook her head, "I don't know if they're boyfriend-girlfriend yet, Michael."

Angie grinned at Steve, "bet your dad loves that."

Steve smiled, "Finger on the trigger, Angie."

Angie laughed and hugged Steve, "It's good to see you, Steve."

"Likewise," responded Steve, returning the hug.

Angie let go and nodded into the house, "Daniel is out back warming up the grill if you want to say hello."

"Sure thing," Steve nodded and walked past her.

Angie smiled at John and Angela, "Geez, all gotten so big since the last time I saw you."

Michael nodded, "Yeah, it's been more than a few months, I think."

"Give your aunt a big hug!" Michael, John, and Angela all happily gave her a big hug.

A few seconds later, Daisy and David showed up to greet them. David Bradford, now eleven, smiled at everyone, "Hi, guys! Hi Aunt Peggy!"

Daisy, the seven-year-old girl, ran up to Peggy and gave her a big hug, "We got distracted with Athena and Uncle Steve!"

Peggy chuckled, "Did Uncle Steve do something?"

Daisy smiled, "Lifted me up and gave me a big hug."

Peggy grinned, "Aw."

As the kids and the lone teenager greeted each other, Angie patted her son on the head, "Okay, you guys, runoff, and have fun now."

Daisy smiled, "Okay!"

Michael nodded, "Thanks, Aunt Angie." With that, all the kids, except Angela, made their way to the family room.

Angela looked up at her mother, "Mom, want me to put the cake in the kitchen?"

Peggy nodded, "Yes, thank you, sweetheart." Angela nodded and ran off to the kitchen.

Now alone, Angie smiled at her friend, "So, Sarah is busy today, huh?"

Peggy shrugged, "She has plans with this boy she's dating this evening."

Angie laughed and shrugged, "Well, she's young and enjoying her high school years."

"As long as she makes good decisions and gets home on time," said Peggy.

Angie nudged her friend, "Come on, English. You and Steve are great parents and have been raising her right. She'll take on after you."

Peggy smiled, "She takes after her father more so."

"Then you definitely got nothing to worry about," joked Angie. Both women laughed humorously. Angie calmed down, "I see Angela was carrying your famous cake." She pointed at Peggy's tote bag on her shoulder, "What are you carrying?"

Peggy glanced at her bag and smiled, "Homemade bread."

"We'll be eating good tonight."

"Definitely," agreed Peggy.

Angie laughed as she began to head over to the kitchen with Peggy close behind. "Sarah is going to wish she was here. We'll save her some food."

As they walked into the kitchen, Peggy glanced at her friend, "Need help with any of the food?"

Angie smiled, "Sure, if you don't mind. It's an everyone cook type of party."

Peggy chuckled, "Simple party. Love it." She put the bread down on the counter then walked over to the sink to wash her hands.

Angie leaned on the island behind her and chuckled, "Simple parties are my favorite too. Got to say, not a huge fan of those snobby Hollywood ones."

"I can understand that," Peggy responded as she turned off the sink. She looked out the kitchen window and saw her husband and Daniel drinking beer in front of the grill. "I see Steve and Daniel dug into the beer already." She chuckled and shook her head, "How can they drink cold beer in the cold like that?"

Angie shrugged, "I don't know why Daniel wants to grill out in that cold, either."

Peggy laughed, "At least the grill will keep the boys warm."

Angie looked in the family room and saw the kids talking, laughing, and playing with the Rogers dog. She smiled, "They look like they're having fun. Even Michael, the only teenager in the room, looks like he's having fun."

"Come now, Angie. Michael loves visiting you guys." Peggy nodded, "Sarah does too, but her current priority is that boy."

Angie chuckled, "I know, I know." She called to the kids, "After dinner, who wants to play a game. Family competition, maybe?" Peggy chuckled.

John poked his head over the couch, "Sounds fun!"

Daisy grinned, "I like that idea!"

Michael stood up and made a cocky grin, "Bring it, Aunt Angie. Your family is going down."

Angie returned the confident look, "Just be ready, young man." As Michael was going to sit back down, Angie called out to him again. "Speaking of games, heard your team might be going to state, Michael."

Michael frowned and shook his head, "Not anymore. We lost last week. 44-46, three times over time."

Angie frowned, "Oh, I'm sorry, Michael. That had to be heartbreaking to be that close."

Peggy nodded, "Could you believe it? Three times in overtime."

Michael sighed, "Yeah. I feel bad for the seniors on our team, though. They don't get another shot, but we'll make it next year! Mark my words!"

Angie laughed and looked at Peggy, "He's definitely you and Steve's kid. Unwavering optimism."

Peggy nodded to the kitchen window and chuckled, "That's another Steve trait."

In the family room, David looked at John, "Want to play a game now, guys?"

Angela nodded, "Sure."

"Yup! Which game?" said John.

"Daisy, Michael?" David asked.

Michael nodded, "Sure, what game are we thinking of playing?"


In the backyard, Steve and Daniel stood in the cold by the hot grill with beers in their hands. Though the temperature outside was frigid, the two men enjoyed drinking their beer and cherished the warmth and smell from the grill.

Steve took a swig of his beer, "That chicken smells good. Pork and beef, too, of course."

Daniel nodded, "Well, that's good. You taught me the recipe for the seasoning."

Steve raised his beer, "Well, it smells great."

Daniel laughed, "Is it stupid that we're drinking beer in the cold like this?"

Steve shrugged, "I'm sure our wives would say so."

Daniel laughed. "So," he began as he took a sip of his beer. "Heard Sarah is seeing someone at her school."

Steve sighed and nodded, "Yeah."

Daniel laughed and smoke in a fake English accent, "Didn't meet this chap yet?"

"Nice," Steve laughed. "But no, haven't met him yet. Sarah was late for her curfew after her first date."

"Oh," Daniel smirked.

Steve shrugged, "I know Sarah made the decision to be late, but that boy she's seeing didn't help her coming home on time. So that's not going to help his first impression when we meet him." He then spoke in his version of a British accent, "Not really the actions of a proper gentleman."

Daniel laughed, "Bet Peg was mad."

Steve nodded, "Definitely was. She's been holding it over Sarah's head for the past week." He took another swig of his beer, "How's it going in SHIELD?"

Daniel shrugged, "You know. Same old, same old." He drank his beer, "Espionage, operations against Hydra, and dealing with the spread of Communism in South East Asia and such."

Steve chuckled, "Normal office stuff. Got it."

"You bet." Daniel opened the grill, picked up the tongs, and began to shift the meat. "I have to ask. Do you ever want to come back to SHIELD?"

Steve chuckled and took a swig of his beer, "Not even a little tempted." He looked to the house and saw Peggy and Angie through the kitchen window. "They're my priority," he said, referring to his family.

Daniel nodded, "Yeah. I get that." He nodded in the direction of Peggy, "I'm still thankful that Peggy promoted me all those years ago."

"You definitely earned it, Daniel."

"Though the job is stressful, it gives me more time with the family." Daniel sighed, "But damn it, gets hard."

Steve smiled, "That's the weight of leadership."

"Yeah," Daniel smirked as he drank his beer. "I don't know how Peggy does it, honestly? The decisions she makes every day and dealing with whatever consequence. Oh, and raising a family. She makes it look easy."

Steve smiled, "She's a very strong woman, that's for sure. But…She needs support like anyone else. She's human." He laughed, "I know we joke about being superhuman, but we're still human. We make mistakes and feel for things like normal."

"Yeah."

"She makes it look easy because she has the experience, but she needs that support system." Steve raised his beer, "You guys are important friends to her, so here's to you guys."

Daniel laughed, "Here's to you and Pegs friendship!" Both of them clinked their beers together and took a long swig. Daniel shivered, "Damn this cold weather." He smiled, "We should make this a regular thing."

Steve looked at his beer, "Drinking in the cold?"

"No," Daniel laughed. "You, Peggy, Angie, and me. All of us meeting up together for an evening for dinner and maybe even play cards. Kids or no kids, doesn't matter."

"Oh, yeah, definitely," replied Steve.

"Does Peg like to pay Bridge?" he asked, opening the grill to check on the meat.

Steve laughed, "Definitely not. She can't stand that game. All the housewives in our neighborhood invited her to play a few times, and she hated it the whole time. She couldn't stand it."

"I don't blame her," laughed Daniel.

Steve chuckled, "Of the few time Peg went to play, she would come back shortly after. She couldn't take the constant gossiping, posh small talk, and fake laughter."

"That bad, huh?"

Steve nodded, "That bad."

Daniel chuckled, "We'll figure something out."

"Well, how often do you want to do this? I mean, meet up?"

Daniel shrugged, "I don't know. More frequently than a few months. Angie and I don't want it to be months before we see you guys again."

Steve patted him on the back, "I agree. Well, she probably wouldn't mind playing Bridge with you guys. But I think she's more into Poker than Bridge."

Daniel laughed, "Definitely can be poker."

The backdoor of the house slide open, and Peggy poked her head out into the cold. "How are you boys doing?"

Daniel closed the grill, "We're almost done here." He glanced at Steve, "Mind getting me a plate for the meet, Steve?"

Steve nodded and headed for the house, "Sure thing."

Peggy smiled at the two men.


Later that evening, with food served, the Rogers and the Sousas sat around the table, enjoying dinner and company together. The bountiful feast included grilled chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, potatoes, freshly baked bread, and fruits. There was so much food on the table that it could rival the Thanksgiving feast late in the month. The kitchen table was a little cramped with everyone sitting together, but with good company and good food, no one really minded. Steve, Peggy, Angie, and Daniel sat by each other, while the kids and Michael sat across from them.

Peggy looked across the table at John, who sat by Daisy, "John, make sure you eat your fruits and vegetables."

John nodded, "I will."

Angie chuckled and glanced over at Peggy, "John still doesn't like vegetables?"

Steve laughed, "he likes fruits, though. Not so much vegetables."

Peggy smiled, "He still doesn't like foods that are green and healthy."

Daniel drank his beer, "how's the chicken, guys?"

Steve raised his beer, "Delicious. You did it great."

David grinned, "It's good, Dad!"

"Very good," chimed Michael.

Peggy swallowed her bite, "It's delicious, Daniel."

Michael chuckled, "Sarah doesn't know what she's missing."

Angie laughed and looked at Peggy, "See? Got to save her some food."

"We will," replied Peggy with a smirk.

Angie looked at her niece, "Angela, you've barely said a word. Do you like the food?"

Angela nodded, "Mhmm. It's really good, Auntie." She looked over to the floor where Athena sat by her, silently begging for food.

Peggy noticed Angela staring at their dog, "Don't give her any of the food, darling. She'll be fed when we get home."

"I know, Mama," Angela responded, petting the German Shepard on the head.

Angie looked at Peggy, "She's still quiet, huh?"

Peggy nodded, "Mhmm. There are times when she talks a lot compared to other times."

"Ah." Angie then turned her attention to Michael, "So, Sarah is dating now. How about you, Michael?"

Michael swallowed his bite, "Oh no, not me." He laughed, "not yet."

Daniel chuckled, "Come on, Michael. Don't you like anyone?"

Michael nodded, "I do."

"Too shy or too scared, Michael?" joked Angie.

"Too busy," smirked Michael.

Steve and Peggy laughed.

Daniel rolled his eyes, "Heard that one before."

Michael laughed and shrugged.

Peggy looked over at Daisy, "So Daisy."

"Yeah, Aunt Peggy?"

"How's school going?"

Daisy nodded, "It's good! I like school. I have lots of friends!"

Peggy smiled, "That's good. What about you, David?"

David nodded, "It's going good, Auntie. "

Daniel smirked at Steve, "My daughter loves school. Strange right?" Steve laughed.

Angela smiled at Daisy, "I love school too, Daisy." Peggy smiled at her daughter.

Suddenly, the sound of a muffled phone ringing interrupted the dinner. Michael looked at his uncle, "Where's the phone ringing from?"

Angie looked at Daniel, "Is that your work phone?"

"Think so," Daniel said, pushing his seat back and standing up.

Peggy watched Daniel is he walked around the table, "SHIELD's calling?"

"Think so; I'll let you know." Daniel walked off and headed for his downstairs study.

Angie raised a brow. Peggy shrugged, "I don't know."

Steve nodded, "I'm sure it's fine."

After a moment, Daniel popped back into the kitchen, "Peg, phone for you."

Peggy looked confused, "For me?"

Daniel put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall, "Yeah. It's for you."

Steve raised a brow in response. Peggy shrugged and stood up.

Michael spoke up, "Is everything okay, Mom?"

"We'll see, darling," Peggy said, joining Daniel's side.

Daniel pointed past the foyer, "It's in there in my study."

"Thanks," Peggy said, walking over to the office. Daniel stayed behind and rejoined everyone at the table.

In Daniel's downstairs study, Peggy walked over to his desk and picked up his work phone, "This is the Director."

Peggy heard Thompson's voice on the other end of the line, "Director, it's Thompson."

"What's going on, Jack?" Peggy said, placing her hands on her hips.

"Agent 33, Amy Tran, and Agent 72, Derick Nguyen, are dead. Their team found them in the outskirts of Hanoi in a ditch on the side of the road, burned and nearly unrecognizable," reported Thompson.

Peggy frowned and clenched her fists.

"Their cause of death wasn't being burned alive. They were shot multiple times and then burned postmortem."

Peggy shook her head at the news of her dead agents, unable to respond. Agents Tran and Nguyen are two more names to add to her long list of agents she has ordered to their deaths. Most she didn't know; they still died serving their country while following her orders—many in places most people can't find on a map. It would be easy to feel separated from those who died in SHIELD while conducting various covert operations. They could easily be just numbers to her. But not her. Every time an agent is killed during an operation, she organized, ordered, or authorized, it hurts her.

Peggy understood that sacrifices must be made to defend the United States and her allies, but that didn't make it easier.

"Director?" Thompson asked.

"I'm here," she replied.

"What do you want to do?"

Peggy sighed, "North Vietnamese are onto us. Freeze our operations in Hanoi for a week, let the dust settle. Operations in the countryside of North Vietnam can continue, but carefully. Hanoi is just a little hot right now."

"Got it, boss," said Thompson.

Peggy nodded, "Thank you, Jack. That'll be all." With that, she hung up the phone and let out a loud sigh. Peggy closed her eyes and took a deep breath for a moment. She did her best to compose herself before returning to dinner.

Her bottom lip quivered, the same way a child would before it cried. The sadness of those two agents hit her harder than expected. It traveled through every cell to reach the ground. Peggy quickly filtered it and kept what was pure, and it was the dirt that left.

Peggy fixed her blouse and walked out of the study and returned to the kitchen. She smiled at her family, "Sorry, it was important."

Angie nodded, "No problem. Welcome back, English."

Peggy smiled and sat down at her seat by her husband. Steve leaned over and whispered, "Everything all right?"

"I'll tell you later," she mouthed to him.

John spoke up, "Auntie Angie, why do you call my Mom English?"

Daisy chimed in, "Yeah. Why do you call her that?"

Michael laughed, "Cause Mom is from England."

"Oh," John responded.

Angie grinned, "Michael's right."

"That makes sense," replied Daisy.

Peggy didn't say anything and only smiled. She was doing her best to hide what was going on from everyone in the room. But her husband being her husband, read her like a book. Steve didn't dig or betray his concern to anyone.

Angie took a bite of her food, "So, Michael."

"Yep?" responded Michael as he continued to eat.

"Your birthday is coming up. Is there anything you'd want from us? And do you know what Sarah would like?" Angie asked.

Michael shrugged, "I don't know. Haven't really thought about it much." He smiled, "I don't know about Sarah, though. Anything art related is always the right answer."

Angie chuckled, "Okay. Well, if you do figure out what you'd like for your birthday, let me know." She nodded at Peggy, "Or let your mom know, and she'll tell me."

Michael nodded, "Okay, thank you, Aunt Angie."

Peggy made a small smile, "Your Aunt and Uncle are very nice to do that for you two."

"I know, Mom. I said, thank you."

Daniel chuckled, "You're welcome, bud."

Steve spoke up, "so funny story—"

Michael swallowed his bite, "Are you going to tell them that you got into a fight at my school?"

"What?" Angie, Daniel, and David said in unison as all eyes looked at him.

"Oh man," Steve chuckled. "Thanks, bud," he said to Michael, who grinned cheekily at him.

Daisy looked at her Uncle with her jaw on the floor, "Uncle Steve, you got into a fight at school?"

Her older brother laughed, "with who?"

Steve uncomfortably rubbed the back of his neck, "Uh, I don't want to talk about it."

Peggy smiled, "Yes, darling, tell the family why you got into a fight in school."

"Spill it," demanded Angie with a grin. "Why did the most anti-fighting parent get into a fight."

Steve furrowed his brows and raised his hands, "Woah, I'm not against fighting, okay." He sighed, "It was a scuffle in the parking lot."

"In the parking lot!" gasped Angie. "God, that's like an average high school fight."

Peggy laughed.

"Tell us, Steve," begged Angie.

Steve sighed.

Peggy leaned into her husband, "Go ahead, darling." She looked at everyone, "To my husband's credit, it was self-defense."

Daniel laughed, "Oh, of course."

Steve sighed again, "Alright, fine."


Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

After a nice dinner, the Rogers and Sousas closed the evening out with a very family-friendly but competitive game of charades along with excellent music in the background. It was overall a pleasant day for the two families with lots of smiles and laughter. Even with bad news over the phone, Peggy still enjoyed some time with family and friends. It was hard to put the news of her agents aside, but she made the most of her day.

Later that evening, with the dark, cold clouds sitting low in the sky, Steve drove the family home after a fun day with the Sousas. Peggy, in the front seat, glanced back at her kids, "Almost home. Everyone have fun?"

Michael smiled from the back, "It was nice to see Aunt Angie and them again."

"It was, wasn't it?" responded Peggy, looking at Steve.

John spoke up, "When are we going to see them again?"

Steve smiled, "Probably Thanksgiving."

"Thanksgiving?" John and Michael both gasped.

"We're having Thanksgiving with them this year?" John asked excitedly.

Peggy smiled, "Planning too. We've only talked about it, but it's a good bet we'll have it this year together."

John smiled, "Yay!"

Michael smirked, "Oh, it's going to be a full and funhouse. And food. Lots and lots of delicious food."

Steve shook his head, "He just ate so much food, and he's already hungry for Thanksgiving." Peggy didn't respond and just stared outside. Through the rearview mirror, Steve glanced at Angela in the back row of seats, "Angela, did you have a good time?"

Angela looked up from Athena, resting her head on her lap, "Yep."

Peggy looked back at her daughter, "Athena has gotten so big. You can move her if you want, darling."

"I'm okay, Mama," replied Angela.

Peggy nodded and looked back out the window.

Michael remembered when his mom had to take a phone call at Aunt Angie's place and recalled how serious she looked when she returned to the table. Wondering if she was okay, he spoke up, "Mom?"

"Yes, baby?" responded Peggy evenly.

Michael glanced at his siblings and saw John staring at him with curious eyes. "Oh, uh, never mind," Michael responded, thinking not to bring it up in front of his younger siblings.

"Alright," Peggy responded, sharing a brief look at Steve.

As Steve pulled the car up to the driveway of the house, Michael grinned, "bets if Sarah made it home on time."

Steve laughed as he turned off the car and opened his door, "I'll take the bet. I'm betting she's home. How much?"

Michael opened his door. "Two dollars," he said as he stepped out.

Steve stepped out of the car and shook Michael's hand, "deal."

Peggy shook her head as she opened her door. She glanced back at John, "John, make sure you grab the leftovers."

John grabbed the numerous Tupperware containers by his feet, "I got it, Mama." As he carefully got out of the car, he looked at his Mom, "Mama, how come we didn't open the garage?"

Steve chuckled, "It's because the garage is full of stuff."

Peggy smirked, "Well, you're still working on your motorcycle in there."

"It's almost done," replied Steve.

Once John was out of the car, Michael went back to the car and put down the middle row of seats to allow his little sister and Athena to hop out. Athena bolted out of the car and headed straight for the lawn, Angela following closely behind.

Peggy shook her head, "You're unfinished project is clogging up my garage, hon."

Steve shrugged, "it's almost done."

Michael fixed the seats and closed the car door, and with that, the family walked up the path to the front door. Athena loyally positioned herself in the middle of the family as they walked to the door.

As they walked up the porch, the door swung open, revealing Sarah in her pajamas. Steve grinned at Michael, "Where's my money!"

"What just happened?" Sarah asked in confusion.

Michael sighed, "Damn."

Peggy snapped Michael a look, "Language." She looked at Sarah, "I wouldn't worry about it, darling."

John walked past his big sister while he carried an armload of Tupperware, "they made a bet if you made it home on time. Dad won."

Sarah looked at Michael with a shocked look, "You made a bet against me? My own twin brother?"

Michael nodded, "Yeah…"

Everyone entered the house, and Sarah closed the door behind them, Athena jumping excitedly to greet her.

Sarah rolled her eyes, "Ugh!"

Michael shrugged, "Dad had more faith in you than I did."

"I know he does," Sarah smiled as she kneeled and petting her dog.

Steve smirked, "It's well-placed. Most of the time."

Sarah chuckled and focused on her dog. "Hi, sweet girl! Did you miss me? Did you miss me?" Athena happily licked her face and wagged her tail like a baseball bat.

Peggy looked at Sarah, "Aung Angie and her family wish you were there. They say hi and give their love."

John grinned, "They also made us bring all this food back just for you."

"Some of it is for us too, darling."

Sarah nodded and stood up, "Next time I'll go."

Peggy clapped her hands and looked at John, "Alright, John, sweetheart, food in the kitchen and wash up."

John nodded, "Okay!" He then marched off like a soldier to the kitchen.

Peggy looked back at Sarah, "We didn't feed Athena yet. So can you go feed her, please?"

"Sure thing," Sarah said, standing up.

Steve raised a brow, "Did you have fun with your friends?"

"And Kevin," added Michael.

Steve sighed, "And even him too. Didn't get into any trouble or do anything you weren't supposed to?"

Sarah smiled, "We had lots of fun, Dad, and no trouble and didn't do anything bad." She looked at her mother, "Made it home on time."

Peggy shook her head, "Long way to go to prove that I can depend on you to get home on time."

Sarah sighed, "How long? How can I prove to you that I'll get home on time?"

Peggy shrugged, "It's not going to happen just like that, Sarah. Every time you go out, you come home on time or sooner. I'm not lifting your restriction after one try. That's now how it works."

Sarah sighed, "Mom…"

Peggy crossed her arms, "You're fourteen, you're in high school, and you're supposed to be more responsible. One of your responsibilities is coming home on time. You're supposed to be setting a good example for your little brother and sister." She frowned, "Are you setting a good example when you disobey us and come home late? No."

Sarah grumbled and looked at her father.

Steve shook his head.

Peggy sighed, "Allowing you to go out with your friends, and that boy is a privilege. Don't forget that?"

Sarah nodded.

"So prove to us that you can come home on time. It is not hard, and it's not like we're telling you that you can't go out." Peggy sighed, "I trust you with many things, darling. But not with coming home on time. Prove to us that you can," she repeated.

"Mom, can I—"

Peggy snapped, raising her voice more harshly than intended, "No!" Steve took a cautious step forward toward her.

Peggy raised her hand and calmed down, "No. No arguments, Sarah."

Sarah sighed, "Yes, ma'am." She walked off to the kitchen with Athena happily walking beside her, tongue hanging out and tail wagging. Angela turned on her heels and following her big sister and dog.

Michael looked at his mother and spoke quietly, "Hey, Mom."

"Yes?" responded Peggy, calming down.

Michael hesitated, "I didn't want to bring this up in front of John and Angela. Or Sarah."

Steve raised a brow.

"Is everything okay at your work? You came back after that phone call a little…off. I know no one else probably noticed, well except Dad. But—"

Peggy interrupted him, "Everything is okay, Michael."

"Well, you seem off, and you just snapped at Sarah. I don't know if she—" Michael began.

Peggy interrupted him and gave a reassuring smile, "Thank you for asking. I'm okay, darling. Just things at work for me to worry about later, okay?"

Michael paused, "Uh."

"Don't worry about it, darling. I promise," Peggy reassured.

Michael nodded and knew he well enough that he wasn't going to get anything from his mother, "Okay."

When it came to anything from work, Michael knew his mother probably wouldn't share any deep emotions, subjects, or stresses with him and his siblings. The only one his mother would share it with is his father. It made sense since a lot of what his mother does is a government secret, and his father has worked with his mother before.

"Thanks for asking, though, darling," Peggy smiled.

Michael nodded, "of course." With that, he headed upstairs.

Steve called out to him, "Don't forget my money."

Michael sighed, "I'm getting it. I'm getting it."

Steve looked at Peggy with concern. Peggy slumped her shoulders and ran a hand through her hair, "I'll talk about it later when the kids go to bed." She then walked off without saying another word.

Steve didn't respond and only nodded.


Late that night, Sarah lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, unable to go to sleep. Her mind has been occupied with being upset or even angry at her mother from the conversation from earlier. The whole curfew conversation was annoying, and her mind continued to churn in the darkness like a runaway motor. She knew it was getting bad when she tried running through study material in her head to avoid thinking about her anger. This sleeplessness is her torture. At least there wasn't school tomorrow. While the rest of the world embraces their dreams, their eight hours of sleep, Sarah tossed and turned, chasing the white rabbit in her mind.

Sarah sighed and repositioned herself in bed for what seemed like the millionth time. Suddenly she heard something from downstairs and the faint sound of her mother's voice. Her eyes open and dart to the clock. It's one-thirty in the morning. Sarah threw off her covers with another heavy sigh and got out of bed to see what's happening downstairs.

She quietly opened her door and stepped out into the dark hallway, and saw the faint light illuminating from the foyer. Tiptoeing ever so quietly, Sarah made it to the stairs and made her way down. As she carefully took each step, trying not to let the stairs creak beneath her, she could hear her mother talking to her father.

Once on the ground floor, Sarah hugged the walls and peeked around the corner to the kitchen like a little girl trying to sneak a midnight snack. She instantly saw her mother and father sitting at the table next to each other. Her mother looked sad, the saddest she ever has seen her before.

Peggy frowned and looked at the floor, "I sent them to their deaths, Steve." She shook her head, "Every day, I make decisions without hesitation that can lead to my agent's deaths." She looked at Steve.

Steve nodded and spoke gently, lacing his fingers together, "I know. I know, it's hard. Being in that position, and having that responsibility."

"They aren't just numbers to me," Peggy said, tears building up in her eyes. She shook her head again as they began to slowly roll down her cheek.

Steve nodded, "I know that. And those who work under you and know you, know that."

Peggy began to cry into her hands, prompting Steve to move over to her and allow her to lean into him. Steve frowned, "You've been holding it together and being strong in front of everyone for so long. For the kids and for everyone in SHIELD. You're the strongest and most resilient person I know." He smiled and held her tightly, "It's okay to cry, Peggy. There's nothing wrong with it."

Peggy continued to cry into Steve's shoulder and wrapped her arms around him.

Steve nodded, "You've been strong for so long, but it's okay to cry."

Steve lead men and friends into battle and lost them, and he admittedly cried when the dust had settled. Peggy has also led men and women into all sorts of conflicts, but unlike Steve, her decisions affect more than just a team of a small group of people. They affect hundreds, thousands, and even millions of lives. Decisions that can cause deaths. The responsibility of leadership is heavy, especially for someone in that position. It would be easier to only think of her agents as faceless, soulless numbers, but not for Peggy. Though most of her agents have numbers, Peggy knew they're people.

Steve rubbed her back, "I know it's hard, and it doesn't get easier. It's hard making those decisions, and the weight of everything is resting on your shoulders. But those sacrifices you and your agents have made, and the decisions you have made protect this country." He smiled, "Peggy, no one could ask for a better leader for SHIELD. No one could ask for anyone better to protect this country."

Peggy continued to cry into Steve's shoulder.

"The fact you care so much for those two agents and those people below you will always speak volumes for who you are. I know you'll never let the sacrifices of your agents go in vain. That's why people follow you. That's why even those who have doubted you follow you today."

Peggy continued to lean into him, "It's so hard, Steve." She shook her head, "It's hurting more than usual."

"I know. It's hard to find time to talk about it, and it feels easier not to talk about your agents' deaths and just put it off to the side. Especially since you don't want to reveal that to the kids." Steve spoke softly, "But you don't have to bottle it up forever. And you especially don't need to go through it alone."

"I know, darling," Peggy whispered.

Steve spoke reassuringly, "You're a good leader, Peggy. You care about those below you. Even when you don't know them." He paused, "What were their names?"

"Amy Tran and Derick Nguyen, Agents 33 and 72." Peggy sighed, "I sent agents to track Sokolov, you know him as Meyers, in the past, and some of them never come back. Those two agents are the recent casualties. Two more dead following my orders." Peggy repeated, "Two." She frowned, "I've been hunting that man for years." She shook her head, "I don't know if I'm making this personal."

Steve shook his head, "You're not."

"How can you tell?" Peggy said, sitting up and looking at him.

"Because I know you. If it was personal, you'd find a way and do it yourself."

Peggy leaned into him and sighed, wiping tears off her face.

Steve nodded, "Because I'd do the same." He sighed, "That man SHIELD is hunting is evil. He's murdered and terrorized innocent people. He needs to be stopped, and it's a just cause."

Peggy nodded and wiped more tears off her face.

Steve glanced at his wife, "I know it's hard losing your agents. I know those two names are another on the long list you have, and I know it weighs you down. But it's okay to feel weak sometimes. You taught me that."

Peggy leaned into Steve and took a deep breath, Steve wrapping an arm around her. He smiled, "I'll be here with you. Not going anywhere," he said, in reassurance.

"Thank you. For listening," Peggy closed her eyes.

Sarah looked down at the floor and quietly walked upstairs. That was the first time she ever saw her mother cry. From the conversation she overheard, Sarah didn't know how many people have died while her mother has been in charge of SHIELD. She actually never thought about it or how much responsibility her mother holds. The closest glimpse of her mother's responsibility is when her mother was called to Washington during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Sarah silently closed her bedroom door and went back to bed, thinking about her mother and the scene she just witnessed.


Thanks for Reading!

More to come as always. Lol Progress is slow though.

Advancing a multitude of plot lines here as we advance further into the 1960s.