The next day, at The Trisekelion, Laura and Steve angrily marched into Fury's office.
"I see why you wanted me on that "mission" Nick." Laura hissed while air quoting the word mission.
"Those hostages could've died, Nick." Steve told him as they walked up to his desk.
"And I sent a woman with a super suit who was trained by the world's deadliest assassins and the greatest soldier in history to make sure that didn't happen." he argued.
"Soldiers trust each other, that's what makes it an army. Not a bunch of guys running around and shooting guns." Steve argued.
"The last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye. Look, I didn't want you doing anything you weren't comfortable with. Agent Romanoff is comfortable with everything." he explained.
"I can't lead a mission when the people I'm leading have missions of their owns." Steve argued.
"It's called compartmentalization. Nobody spills the secrets because nobody knows them all." he countered.
"Except you." Steve argued.
"You're wrong about me. I do share. I'm nice like that. You wanna show him?" he asked her.
"Show me what?" Steve asked confused.
"What I've been consulting on and we might as well. It's going online in a few days anyway." she sighed, knowing he wouldn't approve of the project and they walked into the elevator.
"Insight bay." Fury asked as his, Laura and Steve's face came up on the screen, Steve's saying he didn't have access.
"Captain Rogers does not have clearance for Project Insight." the computer alerted.
"Director override, Fury, Nicholas J."
"Confirmed." the elevator began to descend.
"You know, they used to play music." Steve told them.
"Yeah. My grandfather operated one of these things for forty years. My granddad worked in a nice building, he got good tips. He'd walk home every night, roll of ones stuffed in his lunch bag. He'd say "hi", people would say hi back. Time went on, neighborhood got rougher. He'd say "Hi", they'd say, "Keep on steppin'. Granddad got to grippin' that lunch bag a little tighter." he said.
"Did he ever get mugged?" Laura asked.
"Every week some punk would say, "What's in the bag?" Fury continued.
"What did he do?" she asked.
"He'd show em. Bunch of crumpled ones and loaded .22 Magnum." he answered and she smirked approvingly.
"Granddad loved people. But he didn't trust them very much." he finished as they continued to descend and Steve looked around at the giant helicarriers in the basement behind them.
"Yeah, I know. They're a little bit bigger than a .22." the three got a good look.
Laura crossed her arms proudly at the helicarriers with thousands of large guns and artillery pieces on them while agents loaded quinjets on the runways.
"This is what I've been working on. Project Insight. Three next gen Helicarriers synced to a network of targeting satellites." she said proudly as they walked underneath them.
"Launched from the Lemurian Star." Steve replied.
"Once they're launched they'll never need to come down. Continuous suborbital flight courtesy of our new repulsor engines." Fury added.
"Your idea?" Steve asked.
"Well, kinda yes. Inspired after Tony got an up close look at our old turbines on the U.S.S. Watson. Figured they'd be better than the giant rotating blades of death. These new long range precision guns can eliminate a thousand hostiles a minute. The satellites can read a terrorist's DNA before he steps outside his cave. We gonna neutralize a lot of threats before they even happen." she clarified.
"I thought the punishment usually came after the crime." he argued and she sighed, expecting this fight.
"We can't afford to wait that long." Fury argued.
"Who's we?" he asked.
"After New York, I convinced the World Security Council we needed a quantum surge in threat analysis. And I got Watson to consult for us because despite our differences we share the same goals. For once we're way ahead of the curve." Fury answered.
"By holding a gun at everyone on Earth and calling it protection." he countered.
"And what's beyond Earth, Steve. You or Nick didn't even see the threat that's out there. I saw it firsthand. These carriers are a good first step." she argued.
"First step?" he asked incredulously.
"You know, I read those SSR files. Greatest generation? You guys did some nasty stuff." Fury argued.
"Yeah, we compromised. Sometimes in ways that made us not sleep so well. But we did it so the people could be free. This isn't freedom, this is fear." Steve argued back.
"The only people who should be afraid of these are those that are guilty. If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to be afraid of." Laura said confidently.
"Don't hold your breath." he turned and walked out.
"Well, that went as well as I was expecting." Laura murmured to Fury.
"He'll have no choice but to get with the program. Good work Watson." they shook hands.
"Thanks. It's not bad when we're on the same page for once. And FYI thanks to Project Insight I haven't slept this good in years."
Later, she drove out on the bridge over the Potomac in her Tesla to the Smithsonian.
She put on a hoodie, and found Steve outside the entrance an exhibit of Captain America.
He saw her walking up to him and they smiled at each other.
Despite their differences and even starker ideals they were close friends.
They walked inside, checking out the exhibits crowded with people and kids as a narrator spoke over the intercom.
"A symbol to the nation. A hero to the world. The story of Captain America is one of honor, bravery, and sacrifice. Denied enlistment due to poor health, Steven Rogers was chosen for a program unique in the annals of American warfare. One that would transform him into the world's first super soldier." Steve looked over at a kid recognizing them in amazement.
He indicated the boy to be quiet while Laura smiled at him and he nodded.
They walked over and watched some old footage of Steve and the Howling Commandos.
"In this rare footage, everyone's favorite war hero, Captain America…" they walked over to check out mannequins of Steve's old squadron.
"Battle tested, Captain America and his Howling Commandos quickly earned their stripes. Their mission, taking down HYDRA, the Nazi rogue science division." they walked over and Laura began reading the description of the display of Bucky Barnes.
"Best friends since childhood, Bucky Barnes and Steven Rogers were inseparable on both schoolyard and battlefield. Barnes is the only Howling Commando to give his life in service of his country." they walked into a theatre where a clip of Peggy Carter was showing.
"That was a difficult winter. A blizzard had trapped half our battalion behind the German line. Steve... Captain Rogers, he fought his way through a HYDRA blockade that had pinned our allies down for months. He saved over a thousand men, including the man who would... who would become my husband as it turned out. Even after he died, Steve was still changing my life." Steve opened up a compass. and looked down at a picture of Peggy.
"You ok?" Laura saw the look on his face.
"Yeah, I'm fine." he put it away in his pocket and they began to walk out.
"I wish I could change your mind on those carriers. I still don't like it." Steve told her as they walked outside and towards her car.
"It's going online Steve. Whether you like or not. I figured the least I could do is give you a heads up." she said while unplugging her car from the Tesla supercharger.
"Well hopefully I'm wrong but history proves otherwise." he argued and she sighed, hating this argument.
"We'll see. Now if you'll excuse me I have plans." Laura said as they hugged each other.
"So do I." he smiled back but hesitated for a moment.
"Uh can those plans wait? There's someone I know who really wants to meet you?" he asked her and she sighed, already pushing back the date already.
'Who is it?" she asked.
"An old friend."
"Peggy I finally caught a moment in her schedule to for her to meet you." Steve told Peggy Carter who was lying in her bed as they entered her room.
Laura smiled widely and she smiled back at her.
"Mrs. Carter it's a huge honor to meet you. Steve didn't even tell me I'd be meeting you." she shook her hand.
"Call me Peggy dear. The world needs more women like us." she clasped her hands around it.
The three spent a few hours drinking tea and Peggy told her old stories of Steve when he was younger that she enjoyed.
She checked her watch, seeing the whole afternoon pass by.
"Well Peggy this certainly was a nice surprise. You're an inspiration." she said while getting up.
"Keep Steve out of trouble for me. He tends to find it." she asked while smiling at him.
"She isn't much better." he joked.
"He's right."
Later that evening, Laura was in the living room at her SHIELD provided apartment, on another date with T'Challa as she ate a late lunch with his head projected from a Kimoyo bead.
"So how is your secret project coming along?" T'Challa asked her.
"Almost wrapped up. It's going online in a few days assuming there aren't any hiccups." she shrugged her shoulders.
"I'm amazed you have lasted this long without getting into any trouble." he joked and she frowned.
"Hey don't jinx it. I've already been shot at and had missiles shot at me. I don't wanna know what's coming next!" she exclaimed and T'Challa smiled amused.
"So, are you planning on coming back once you're done?" he asked.
"Should be. One good thing about having a suit is quick flights between New York and D.C. so I've been able to balance both of my workloads but I've come to the executive decision that Pepper or SHIELD won't need me as I spend some much needed quality time with my boyfriend." they smiled at each other.
"Good. You've been spending all of your time with Captain Rogers lately I'm starting to get worried. Should I be concerned." he joked.
"Yeah no offence to Steve but he's not really my type." she joked back.
"Well that puts my mind at ease. I must say I like your new look." he nodded at her new contacts and she smiled.
"Why thank you. I was able to shrink the tech in my old glasses down into the lenses. Know I always have a hud ." she replied.
"So are you flying out this weekend?" he asked.
"Yep. Once this project is online I'm all yours." they shared a knowing look.
"I look forward to it. I love you." T'Challa told her.
"I love you too." she smiled and they ended the call.
T'Challa smiled and put the bead back on his bracelet.
He revealed a ring and held it in his hand.
Thinking to himself, he'd be asking Laura a very important question when she returned.
Meanwhile, in Fury's office.
"Secure office." he asked and the windows darkened.
He took out the drive Nat used to download all of the files from the Lemurian Star and inserted it into his computer.
"Open Lemurian Star's satellite launch file." he asked.
"Access denied." the computer denied.
"Run decryption." he asked.
"Decryption failed." it came on the screen against his wall.
"Director override, Fury, Nicholas J." he asked again.
"Override denied. All files sealed." the computer revealed.
"On whose authority?" he asked incredulously.
"Fury, Nicholas J." it answered and he looked at it confused.
"World Security Council." he walked into his elevator.
"Confirmed." he walked into an office where Secretary Alexander Pierce was meeting with the World Security Council.
"I work forty floors away and it takes a hijacking for you to visit?" Pierce joked.
"A nuclear war would do it too." they shook hands.
"Busy in there?" Fury indicated the council.
"Nothing some earmarks can't fix." he answered.
"I'm, uh... here to ask a favor. I want you to call for a vote. Project insight has to be delayed." Fury asked.
"Nick, that's not a favor, that's a subcommittee hearing. A long one." he argued.
"It could be nothing, probably is nothing. I just need time to make sure it's nothing." he reassured him.
"What if it's something?" Pierce asked concerned.
"Then we'll both be damn glad those Helicarriers aren't in the air." he said and Pierce hesitated for a moment before responding.
"Fine. But you gotta get Black Bird to stop by my niece's birthday party." he asked and Fury shook his hand.
"Thank you, sir." he nodded.
"And not just a flyby, she's got to mingle."
Later that night, Laura was at the steps of Steve's apartment as she watched him ride up on his motorcycle.
It was another one of their movie nights since she "forced" him to catch up on popular culture.
"Hey, I've already picked up Chinese food for us so we're good to go." she held up the plastic bag filled with take out containers and he smiled.
"Good. So what movie are we on now?" he asked as they walked into his building.
"Empire Strikes Back" Trust me it's really good. The best of all of them. The last movie was "A New Hope" and this is just the trilogy." she explained.
"Trilogy?" he asked confused and she nodded.
"Well, that and then we have the prequels. I mean episode lll is good but you gotta force yourself through l and ll. And who knows how good the sequels will turn out." she added as a woman walked out of her apartment while on the phone, carrying her laundry.
"That's so sweet. That is so nice. Hey. I gotta go, though. Ok, bye." she recognized Laura.
"It's an honor to meet you. I didn't know you were a friend of Steve's." she smiled
. "I tend to keep my personal life out of the public eye for obvious reasons." she smiled back.
"Hey, if you want... if you want, you're welcome to use my machine. Might be cheaper than the one in the basement." Steve offered.
"Oh, yeah? What's it cost?" the woman asked.
"A cup of coffee?" he asked and Laura smiled amused.
"Thank you, but um... I already have a load in downstairs, and, uh...you really don't want my scrubs in your machine. I'm just finished orientation in the infectious diseases ward, so." she explained.
"Ah, well, I'll keep my distance." he joked.
"Well hopefully not too far." Steve nodded and he and Laura began to walk into his apartment.
"Oh, and I think you left your stereo on." the woman got their attention.
"Stereo?" Laura frowned, hearing it from the other side of the door.
"Oh. Right, thank you." he and Laura shared a concerned look.
"Yeah..." they watched her walk down the stairs.
Steve slid his window open as they crawled through and into the kitchen.
They heard the record player blasting and Laura brought out her spear.
Steve looked at it surprised, seeing it for the first time but Laura gestured it towards the living room.
He nodded and picked up his shield.
They snuck against the wall in the hallway and peaked over, seeing Fury sitting on the couch in the dark as the record player blasted music.
"I don't remember giving you a key." Steve stated.
"You really think I'd need one?" he winced while sitting up.
"My wife kicked me out." he explained.
"You're married?" Laura asked surprised.
"A lot of things you don't about me." he added.
"I know, Nick. That's the problem." Steve turned on his lamp.
Laura went wide eyed, seeing his bullet wounds in his stomach, as Fury turned the lamp back off.
He typed a message in his phone and showed them saying "Ears Everywhere."
"I'm sorry to have to do this, but I had no place else to crash." he typed another text saying,
"SHIELD compromised"
"Who else knows… about your wife?" Laura improvised.
He typed another text while wincing as he got up, "You and me."
"Just my friends." he told them.
"Is that what we are?" Steve asked.
"That's up to you." he said but suddenly three shells were shot through the wall and hit Fury.
He collapsed as Laura aimed her spear at the wall, looking for the assailant.
They dragged him out of sight of the window and Fury placed the drive in her palm.
"Don't… trust… anyone." he passed out.
They heard banging outside and Laura aimed her spear at the door while Steve raised his shield.
"Captain Rogers?" Kate walked in while aiming a gun.
"Captain, I'm Agent 13 of SHIELD Special Service." she revealed.
"Kate?" he asked confused.
"I'm assigned to protect you." she explained.
"On whose orders?" Laura asked suspiciously.
"His." she got a good look of Fury.
"Foxtrot is down, he's unresponsive. I need EMTs." she spoke into her radio.
"Do you have a twenty on the shooter?" an agent asked as Steve saw him through the window.
"Tell him I'm in pursuit!" he smashed through the window, across the street and through the window on the other building.
"Not fair!" Laura ran out of there and began running down the stairs.
Steve was running through the office building when he saw the shooter running above him on the roof.
He smashed through a walls and cubicles and began running down the hallway.
Laura was in pursuit, noticing the smashed walls and windows, as Steve smashed through another window and jumped across an alleyway to a rooftop where the shooter was running away from him.
He threw his Shield at him but he grabbed it with a metal arm, stopping it, and threw it back to him.
Steve slide backwards on his feet as Laura ran up to the window, watching the man jump over the edge and Steve leapt on it, losing him.
At the hospital, Laura and Steve were in the viewing room, watching Fury's surgery gravely as Nat rushed in.
"Is he gonna make it?" she asked as the surgeons began cutting him open.
"I don't know." Laura muttered, watching on horrified.
"Tell me about the shooter." she asked.
"He's fast and strong. Had a metal arm." Steve answered as Hill walked in.
"Ballistics?" Nat asked her.
"Three slugs, no rifling. Completely untraceable." she replied.
"Soviet-made." Nat added and Laura raised an eyebrow at that statement.
"Yeah." Hill confirmed as the heart monitors began to beep fasted.
"He's in V-tach." a surgeon warned.
"Crash cart coming in."
"Nurse, help me with the drape." a doctor asked.
"BP is dropping.
"Defibrillator!" Laura, Steve, Nat, and Hill all watch in shock as Fury flatlined.
"I want you to charge him at one hundred.
"Don't do this to me, Nick." Nat pleaded.
"Stand back! Three, two, one. Clear!" they shocked him with the defibrillator.
"Pulse?" a doctor asked.
"No pulse."
"No pulse."
"Ok. 200, please. Stand back! Three, two, one. Clear!" they shocked him again.
"Give me epinephrine! Pulse?" the doctor asked.
"Negative." a surgeon confirmed.
"Don't do this to me, Nick. Don't do this to me." Nat continued to plead as the four watched on in horror.
"What's the time?" the doctor asked.
"1:03, Doctor."
"Time of death, 1:03 a.m." Laura, Steve and Hill walked out, leaving Nat alone.
As Laura and Steve walked down the hallway she elbowed him, getting his attention as she revealed the drive in her hand.
He nodded back and she put it in her pocket.