Captain America & Agent Carter: New Beginning

by Hollywood1946

AU of Captain America the First Avenger. Where Captain Steve Rogers and Agent Carter live a full life together. They go on numerous adventures and experience the ups and downs of life throughout the years. Recurring characters like Stark. Prologue is linear to get the bearings of the story. I'll do my best to be accurate to the eras. Not Canon to Marvel Universe. ALot of Steggy

62. Chapter 57 Truth

Chapter 57 Truth

I don't own Captain America

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

January 14, 1963

Michael sat in his room, slouching at his desk chair with his door closed behind him, deep in thought. It's been a long Monday, let alone a long few days. Michael has been bitter and angry since he discovered his little sister's truth last Friday and did nothing to hide it from anyone. Especially from his own family. Michael was mad at Angela for keeping such a big secret from him. A secret that can jeopardize her livelihood later as well as the family. Did he hate his sister for being gay? No, of course not. Angela is family, and he loves her. It was Angela keeping secrets and the danger of a society that he was mad at and worried about. At least that's what he told himself.

Michael hunched over his desk and sighed. He planted his elbows on his desk and rested his head on his hands, letting out a loud sigh. Conflicting emotions between anger, fear, and confusion continued to rattle in his brain. Just as they did all weekend. Michael has been home for a few hours and achieved completing none of his homework.

Suddenly, he heard the spine-chilling tone of his mom being mad call through his closed door. "MICHAEL JAMES ROGERS!"

Michael closed his eyes and cringed. He knew that bumping into Angela the way he did was somehow going to get him into trouble. Grumbling, he stood up and headed out of his room.

Peggy stood in the foyer with her hand on her hips in her black pantsuit with blazer unbuttoned. She wore a very stern look on her face and is set to scold Michael for every moment he mistreated Angela, in addition to his attitude toward the family. Peggy tapped her foot on the hardwood floor as she waited. Suddenly, Michael appeared at the top of the foyer. "Yes, Mom?" he called, barely looking over the railing at her.

Peggy sharply pointed to the floor, "Get down here, now!" Michael didn't respond and quietly made his way down the stairs.

In the kitchen, Angela sat at the table with her head hung low and her father sitting beside her. Steve made a small smile at his blonde daughter. "Angela, why don't you go upstairs. You don't need to hear us scolding your brother."

Angela nodded, "Okay, Dad."

Steve stood up with his daughter and gave her a tight hug, kissing her on the top of her head. "I love you, kiddo."

Angela nodded, "I love you too, Dad." With that, she left the kitchen and headed to the foyer.

As Michael walked down the stairs, he spotted Angela walking out of the kitchen. He paused on the steps for a mere moment and unknowingly made a faint scowl on his face—a look his mother didn't miss with her sharp eyesight. Continuing down the stairs, he passed Angela without a second glance and stopped in front of his mom.

"Yeah, Mom?" he asked, a faint sound of apprehension reverberating from his voice.

Peggy pointed, "Kitchen now."

Michael nodded and headed in that direction, releasing a nervous sigh as he walked. As he entered the kitchen, he saw his Dad leaning against the sink with his arms crossed. Michael stopped by the table and took another nervous gulp.

Peggy walked around the table and faced her son with a stern glare. "Do you have nothing to say for yourself?"

"About what?" Michael plainly responded, knowing that answer would probably make his situation worse.

"Michael," Steve scolded with a disapproving look.

Peggy raised her hand to stop her husband. "So you didn't purposely bump your little sister after school today?"

Michael shrugged.

"Don't be cute, Michael," Peggy responded sharply.

Michael rolled his eyes and shrugged. "It happens."

"Michael," Steve repeated.

Peggy rested her hands on her hips. "So it seems that talk we had this morning about your attitude didn't change anything. So what's your problem?"

Michael shook his head, "I don't have a problem."

"You clearly do. You've been giving this whole family attitude since Friday."

"I don't have an attitude," Michael insisted, raising his voice.

Peggy raised her brow. "Really? Sure sounds like you do."

Michael sighed, rolling his eyes.

Peggy groaned. "What's the matter with you? I raised you better than this."

Again. Michael groaned in response.

Peggy glanced at her husband. "Why isn't anyone communicating?"

Steve shrugged, "I have no idea."

Peggy eyed her son once again. "Angela seems scared to talk. Are you bullying her?"

"What?" Michael couldn't believe what his mom just asked him. "I'm not!" He never would bully his little sister.

Peggy made a look of utter disbelief at her son's response. "Are you sure? Because it sure looks and sounds like it."

"I'm not bullying her!" Michael protested.

Steve shook his head, not believing his son's response. "The looks you've been giving her, how you been treating her, that situation in school? Sure seems like it."

"I'm not," Michael shot out desperately. "Besides, I didn't bump into her that bad."

"So you admit that you did it purposely," Peggy frowned.

Michael sighed, "It's not my problem that she can't take a little bump."

"Michael!" Steve in a disappointed tone.

Peggy shook her head. "Really. Because it seems like the only one with a problem is you." She leveled her hand just above her head. "I had it to here with your attitude."

Michael groaned, "Look…I'm just going through a few things. I got a lot on my mind."

"Like what?"

"Things, Mom."

Peggy frowned, "That isn't going to fly. I'm tired of your attitude and the lack of communication with you. You're not leaving this room until you tell me what is going on between you and Angela." Michael remained silent. "And saying just 'things' isn't an answer."

Michael again didn't respond to his mother.

Peggy sighed again. "Going through things isn't an excuse to be so rude to me, your father, and your sisters. Do you hear me?"

Michael rolled his eyes. "What, you're not going to understand it. So why bother?"

Peggy leaned on one hip and calmed down for a moment. "Michael. Every teenager of every generation always says the same thing. That their parents don't understand their problems. I was like that too. But what is going on between you and Angela that is causing all this trouble?"

"Don't worry about it," Michael responded quietly.

"Michael—"

Michael clenched his fists, "it's none of your business!"

Peggy frowned and responded sternly again. "Michael James Rogers, do not talk to me in that tone."

"Whatever," Michael whispered.

"I've had it!" Peggy stepped forward.

Michael held his ground defiantly.

Steve then suddenly stepped forward and gently gripped his wife's arm. "Peggy, Peggy." Peggy turned to her husband with a questioning look, with Steve only slightly shaking his head.

Peggy sighed and looked back at her oldest son. "I don't know what is going on between you and Angela. But whatever it is, I'm tired of it and tired of your attitude. Be a bloody man, and solve whatever is wrong between you and your sister." She nodded toward the foyer, "if you don't fix whatever is going on between you two by the end of the week, we will. And then you will have real major problems, young man. Go."

Michael nodded, "yes, ma'am." With that, he turned on his heel and began to walk away.

Peggy placed her hands on her hips again. "And, Michael." Michael turned around at his name. "Whatever plans you have this weekend. You might as well cancel them. I'm not tolerating your back talk to me and your attitude again." She shook her head, "I sure hope you haven't been treating your friends the same way you've been treating us."

Michael sighed. "I'm not."

"Mhmm," Peggy hummed suspiciously.

Michael sighed again and left the kitchen.

As soon as Michael left the kitchen, Peggy rolled her eyes and let out a loud sigh. "What is going on with this boy?"

Steve chuckled, "Definitely your son, hon." He shook his head. "Anyway. I'm sorry I interrupted. It sounded like you were about to really tear into him."

Peggy shook her head. "No. Thank you, my darling. Getting emotional while disciplining your child isn't a good way to parent. I'm just so upset at how he's treating the family right now." She began to rub her temple. "It's bugging me at what's going on between them. I want our family to go back to normal, for God's sake."

Peggy chuckled, "It's like I'm concerned about two cases now."

"Yeah," Steve responded.

"Clearly, whatever the problem is, got Angela scared to talk about it and angering Michael, which is frightening."

Steve shrugged, "Hm. It would appear that the problem has Michael scaring Angela. Keeping her in fear of talking about it."

"It would seem like that," Peggy said, walking over to her husband. "But. I can't prove it. If that is the case, I don't know what I'd do. I'm already mad, but I'll be very ashamed of my son. Thought I raised my son better."

Steve wrapped his arm around his wife's hip. "It wouldn't be just on you, Peg. I'm part of the parent equation too."

Peggy sighed. "Hopefully, they do work it out and fix it. It breaks my heart seeing my children not get along."

Steve nodded, "I know what you mean. But whatever it is, seems pretty serious to the point they are at each other's throats." He shrugged, "Well, Angela hiding under her shell."

"Yeah."

Steve raised a brow. "If it doesn't get fixed, I agree we have to be more forceful and directive to fix it. But let's wait and see. You gave them 'till Friday, right? It gives them some time for the two of them to work it out." He shrugged, "this seems like a problem that can't be fixed overnight, let alone yelling at it to be fixed."

Peggy nodded. "Yeah. You're right as always." She smiled, "Anyway, change of subject."

Steve smiled, "Your day?"

Peggy sighed, "I'll talk more about that later tonight when the kids are in bed. But in short, a former SHIELD employee who created something for us is now trying to sell it to Leviathan."

Steve raised his brows in surprise. "Wow, that's a big deal. Treason big. Must be stressful."

Peggy nodded, "Mhmm." She waved her hand. "Anyway, I was thinking more along with this date we want to do this Friday."

Steve smiled, "Right. Well, I know it's a little chilly outside because it's January. Still, I was thinking, we both try and leave work early on Friday, you and I drive out to a beach and have ourselves a nice relaxing bonfire. Maybe some food and some wine. Just the two of us. What do you think?"

Peggy grinned happily. "It'll be a little chilly, but I'm sure we can feel real cozy together by the fire."

"That's the idea. Bring some blankets and have a nice evening." He shrugged, "Do something different for a change."

Peggy nodded, "I love it. Let's do it. I can't wait."

Steve kissed his wife. "Me too."

Peggy chuckled, "Hopefully, we can wrap this case up at work and resolve this Michael-Angela issue by then." She shrugged, "If not, we can always have Michael babysit John since he can't go out this weekend."

Steve chuckled, "Sounds like a plan."

---

In the next few days for the Rogers family, not much has changed between Angela and Michael. The two of them still aren't talking, and it has seemingly gotten worse as the week progressed, much to the displeasure of their parents. Even Sarah and John grew more bothered by the whole situation. However, Sarah grew more short-tempered with Michael while John just avoided him altogether. Despite Peggy's scolding throughout Monday, Michael and Angela didn't seem to make any attempt to fix what's broken. The entire family saw Michael as the aggressor of the whole situation based on his negative attitude and Angela hiding in her shell.

While Peggy was handling her son's teenage drama, her agents in SHIELD continued to shadow Dominic Reed. Reed is a former civilian engineer, encryption specialist previously employed by SHIELD, who created Project Chimera and looks to sell it to Leviathan. Project Chimera is a Top Secret SHIELD laser array designed to be a drill then modified to be a weapon. Throughout the week, the SHIELD Major Cases Response Team, led by Agent Jack Thompson, continuously followed Reed to see if Leviathan contacted him. So far, Reed's routine was very predictable and structured. To the point, it gave Thompson and Kathryn Ottis bad feelings. Nonetheless, it was only a matter of time before Leviathan would reach out to Reed for Chimera.

---

January 18, 1963

Lower Manhattan

In the brisk early Friday morning, SHIELD Agents Kate and Ramirez sat in their cold car spying on Reed, sitting in a café across the street. As usual, the roads were busy with cars. The sidewalks were also packed full of pedestrians, making it easier for the two agents to be closer to their target without being spotted or raising suspicion.

Ramirez peered through his pair of binoculars and observed Reed drinking a cup of coffee. He lowered the binoculars and sighed, "Same restaurant, same time. I can set a timer for every event."

Kate nodded. "He's predictable, which makes me feel nervous. I'm sure he's waiting for Leviathan to contact him, which is why he's predictable so they can feel a warm and fuzzy for contacting him."

"Or. Reed knows we are watching him since we just nabbed his broker."

Kate sighed, "Whichever, he's probably not going to make any sudden changes to his habit pattern to avoid tipping us off and scaring off his buyers."

"God, it's cold," Ramirez shuttered. "Hold up," he said, quickly bringing the binoculars up to his eye-line. In the café, Ramirez spotted an unknown young blonde woman in a fancy coat approach Reed. "We got a guest."

Reed stood up from his seat and smiled at the woman. The two embraced and kissed each other on the side of the cheek before sitting down at the table together. Ramirez hummed as he continued to watch the newcomer. "Blonde woman with a luxury-looking coat. Looks cozy. They look like they know each other."

Kathryn brought her camera up and took a picture of the pair. "Could be anyone."

"Like a lover? He's way too old for her."

Kathryn smiled and shook her head. "Or a daughter, or a Leviathan agent, or simply an old friend." She sighed, "Or the fairy God Mother."

Ramirez chuckled, "I got the idea." He chuckled, "Talk about a change in his habit pattern."

"This is why this woman is a big deal," said Kathryn. She sighed, "I hate this part of the job. I hate stakeouts." She let out another sigh, "But keep an eye on her."

Ramirez smirked, "Weren't you undercover protecting the Director and her kids for a while? That's kind of like a stakeout."

Kathryn took another photo of the woman with Reed. "I was protecting her kids. And I loved being around them. It was an enjoyable experience up to the point the house came under attack. That isn't the same as this."

Ramirez raised a brow, "Do her kids remember you?"

"Sarah and Michael vaguely do." Kathryn shrugged, "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting John or Angela as babies." She smiled, "I wonder how they're doing, though."

Ramirez hummed.

"What?" Kathryn asked.

"Speaking of the Director. She has been monitoring this case closer than usual." Ramirez shrugged, "We plugged security breaches and spies before, and she wasn't looking over our shoulder like she is now."

Kathryn raised a brow, "It's because she's hoping this Leviathan cell will lead to Sokolov. We keep losing the trail on him, and it's been years. He keeps evading us, and she has no progress in finding him."

"Yeah, exactly." Ramirez sighed, "I think she's making this a little personal. Don't you think?"

Kathryn furrowed her brows, "I mean, the guy did orchestrate an assassination attempt on her and killed a handful of our Agents. I'd understand it." She glanced at him, "But she's fine, Rick. Trust me. No one is in more control than she is," she reassured.

"If you say so."

Kathryn nudged him, "Hey. I'm telling you she's fine."

---

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

Steve walked into the kitchen, dressed in a fancy black suit and struggling with putting on his tie while walking. "Good morning, everyone. Ready for school?" he said, still trying to get his necktie on.

"Good morning, Dad," Sarah greeted from the table. She had her hair in a ponytail, wearing a nice sweater, skirt, and knee-high socks.

"Hi, Dad," Angela softly greeted, sitting by her sister. She, too, looked rather lovely with a navy blue dress, matching leggings, and her hair held back by a headband.

John, dressed in a collared shirt and slacks, didn't say anything but wave at his dad with his mouth full of cereal.

Steve smiled at his girls, "You ladies look lovely today." He furrowed his brows in frustration at his inability to tie his own necktie.

Peggy, in a black belted pantsuit, walked up to her husband with a grin. "My girls will always look nice, darling." She started to help Steve with his tie, "Here, hon, let me do this for you. It's hard to watch."

Steve chuckled, "Thanks, Peg."

Sarah and John smiled at one another at their father's necktie situation.

"You just need to slow down and take your time," Peggy said, finishing the tie in a matter of seconds. Steve chuckled in response at how fast she finished it. She patted his chest and planted a brief kiss on his lips.

Sarah smirked, "Dad, when can Michael and I learn to drive?"

Steve shrugged, buttoning his suit. "Probably this summer."

"Seriously?" Sarah asked in excited surprise.

Peggy turned around and put a hand on her hip. "I think summer is an appropriate time. Your father and I have to discuss the car situation later when you get your license."

"Yes!" Sarah bounced excitedly.

Steve looked around and didn't notice his oldest son in the room. "Hey, where's your brother?"

Sarah rolled her eyes and groaned. "Taking his sweet time."

"Did he eat breakfast at all?" Steve asked, raising a brow.

Michael walked in dressed in a sweater over his shirt and tie and slacks. "I'm here. Are we going yet?" he said briskly.

Steve frowned, "Yeah, good morning to you too."

Peggy spoke up, trying not to inflame the situation, giving her son a chance. "We'll head out In a minute. Don't you want to eat, sweetheart? We still got some time."

Michael shook his head, "I'm fine. I'll see you outside." With that, he turned and walked out without a second glance.

Sarah let out a loud and annoyed sigh. "Geez. Another day of him being a jerk. Fantastic."

Steve and Peggy shared a look, both of them feeling annoyed at Michael's constant sour mood. Neither of them was looking forward to scolding their son again about the whole thing.

Peggy glanced at her girls and youngest son at the table, "Alright, if you're done, rinse your dishes in the sink, and let's get ready to go." She saw Angela lost in thought and gently spinning the milk in her cereal bowl with her spoon. "Angela, darling, are you ready?" Angela didn't respond. "Angela?"

Angela was utterly removed from reality and was lost in thought as she played with her spoon. She was busy wrestling about finally telling someone about the situation between her and Michael. After a week of drama, Angela wanted it to end. She wanted her brother to stop treating her with neglect, resentment and stop snapping at her. But Angela didn't want to dump the truth of her sexuality to anyone and keep that a secret. She needed to find a way to tell someone the situation while omitting personal details. With that fact, the answer was simple.

She's going to tell Sarah, Michael invaded her privacy and read her journal without permission. Omitting some facts, Angela planned on telling Sarah that Michael is treating her harshly based on the things he read in her private journal. Though Sarah enjoyed pestering her about who she liked in school, the older sister knew better than to truly dig into Angela's privacy. Both girls knew the importance of that word, having lived in a big family with two brothers.

Suddenly, Angela felt a finger poke into her shoulder, bringing her back to reality. "Yeah?" she looked over and saw her little brother standing behind her and poking her with a big grin.

Sarah chuckled, "I told him to do that." She swatted John's hand, "You can stop now, geez!" she laughed.

Peggy raised a brow, "You okay, Angela?"

Angela nodded, "Mhmm. I'm okay."

"Do you want to talk about it before we go? We still have time."

"I'm okay," Angela repeated.

Peggy walked over to her daughter and grabbed the cereal bowl from in front of her. "I'm going to assume you're done?"

Angela nodded, "Yes, thank you, Mom."

"You're welcome, dear." Peggy nodded toward the foyer, "Okay, get ready for school. Don't forget to brush your teeth."

Sarah stood up, "Got it, Mom!" With that, Sarah and John rushed off to get ready, with Angela slowly following behind.

Peggy gave her husband a troubled look before walking over to the sink to rinse off the bowl.

Steve sighed, "It's the end of the week."

Peggy nodded as she turned on the sink. "I don't know what to do. We're going to have to sit them down and have them talk about it."

"Probably," Steve rubbed his chin and shook his head. He couldn't think of something to say. "Well, thanks for driving them today."

Peggy nodded, turning off the sink, "It's my turn." She walked over to her husband and kissed him on the cheek, "See you tonight for our date? Hoping that our case gets wrapped up today, or very least nothing pressing happens this afternoon."

Steve nodded, "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Peggy smiled, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Peggy then went back over to the counter, grabbed her purse and briefcase, and headed out to the foyer. "Kids, I'll be in the car. Come down when you're ready. Don't dawdle!" she called.

"We won't, ma!" Sarah's voice echoed through the house.

---

Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale, NY

A little later in the morning, Peggy pulled her car up to the curb in front of the school. Arriving earlier than usual. She put the car in park and turned to her high schoolers, "Okay, kids, have a good day at school." John wasn't there since she dropped him off at his school first.

Sarah smiled. "Thanks, Mom," she said from the backseat.

As Michael, who sat in the front, was about to open his door, Peggy quickly glanced at him. "Michael, stay for a second. We need to talk."

Michael frowned, "Mom, I got school."

Peggy nodded, "And we have time." Angela and Sarah looked at each other with knowing looks. Peggy looked back at her daughters, "Go on, girls."

Sarah nodded and quietly got out of the car, holding the door for her little sister, before closing it behind her.

Michael rolled his eyes and opened the door. "If this is about my attitude again, I don't need to hear it. I know the drill."

"Michael," Peggy shot sternly.

Michael got out without a second glance, slammed the door, and walked off.

"Michael!" Peggy expressed in a futile attempt to get his attention. She sighed and shook her head, frustration seeping into her mind and the stress of the week compounding. At least it was Friday, and it's date night. Peggy put her car in gear and drove away without looking back at her defiant oldest son.

Sarah wore a look of shock as she called out to her twin. "Michael! What was that?"

Michael didn't respond and continued to make his way to the school entrance.

Sarah groaned and looked at her little sister with a troubled look. She sighed, "Unbelievable. I'll see you later, Angela. Try and have a good day." Sarah playfully rubbed Angela's blonde hair. "Don't think about Michael's problems too much. Whatever it is, it's not your fault. Let him make himself look like an ass."

As Sarah turned to leave, Angela quickly grabbed her arm. "Wait, Sarah. I have to tell you something."

"What's up?" Sarah raised her brows.

"Michael read my journal, saw a lot of my personal things, and is bullying me for it." Angela frowned and began to ramble, "I don't know what to do. I'm tired of him being cruel to me and treating me like I'm unwanted. He doesn't even make eye contact with me other than to show his disapproval."

During the car ride to the school, Angela planned a script on telling Sarah about Michael's invasion of privacy. Unfortunately, at the moment, her entire idea went out the window and turned into word vomit.

Sarah's eyes widened. "He what?"

Angela frowned. "He didn't directly say it, but I'm sure he sees me as a freak or something." She sighed, "I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to explain anything in my journal. I—" She paused, "It's nothing bad. I-I can't explain. It's private, and I—"

Sarah put her hands on Angela's shoulders. "No. You don't need to tell me anything, Angela. If those things in your journal are private, then it's for you only. You don't need to tell anyone anything." She frowned, "Everyone has things that they find private and don't want to share. Mom and Dad definitely do. Don't be ashamed of that." Sarah grumbled, "Michael had no business in looking through your journal. But I knew he would."

Angela frowned.

"I'll handle it. Don't worry," Sarah made a reassuring smile. She rubbed her hair again, "Don't worry, bud."

With that, Sarah walked off, her smile fading. She's ready to make Michael's world a living hell. This drama is caused because he invaded their sister's privacy and saw something he didn't like. Logically speaking, it should be the other way around, with Angela being the moody and bitter one with the attitude. However, Angela isn't that type of person. Sarah saw this whole situation as backward and Michael being a baby about something that isn't his business. Since he caused the family so much grief, she figured. It's time to return the favor.

---

Lower Manhattan

About the same time Angela finally told someone about the issue between her and Michael, SHIELD Agents Ramirez and Kathryn found themselves trailing Reed through a heavily forested park. The two agents still followed his strict daily pattern and expected him to head back home after his morning stroll. Kathryn and Ramirez posed as a couple to prevent him from feeling suspicious, linking their arms together as they trailed behind him at a distance.

After a while of strolling through the relatively empty park, Reed suddenly stopped by a tall dead tree at the edge of the path. He looked around and saw Kathryn and Ramirez walking toward him, deep in conversation and laughing amongst themselves. As the couple approached him, Kathryn waved and smiled at him for a moment before focusing back on Ramirez. Reed returned the wave and waited for them to pass. After the couple gained some distance from him, he bent over, picked up a rock, and turned it over. He opened the small door on the underside of the "rock" and took out a small microfiche square.

A microfiche is a flat piece of film that contained microphotographs of documents. It functioned a lot like microfilm, but instead of a tape, it was a square.

Reed quickly closed the small door and put the rock back down. He put his hands in his pockets, turned, and walked in the opposite direction of Kathryn and Ramirez.

With a little too much haste, the two agents turned back around and began to follow him again. Ramirez nodded, "We need to intercept him."

Kathryn smiled, "He broke his pattern, but I know what route he's going to take to get back to his car." She nodded toward Reed, "Stay on him. I'll cut him off."

Ramirez stopped and held his arm out in front of Kathryn. "Wait." The two of them saw Reed staring back at them with a growing frightened expression on his face. "We blew it."

Reed then made a break for it, running as hard as he could.

"Definitely blew it," Kathryn said, chasing after him, Ramirez close behind her.

Reed ran but didn't make it far before feeling an extreme burning sensation in his chest. He tried to push himself further in a futile attempt to escape the SHIELD agents. Reed became dizzy and lightheaded as he ran. The burning pain inside his chest quickly grew too much, causing him to collapse in the middle of the path. He panted and groaned on his knees, gripping his chest in agony, before finally collapsing face down on the cold pavement.

Kathryn and Ramirez quickly caught up to him and turned him over. Reed wasn't breathing and was motionless. Kathryn placed two fingers against his neck to check for a pulse and felt nothing. The man was dead.

Kathryn sighed, "Call Jack. Tell him what happened." Ramirez nodded and walked off. Kathryn quickly searched the body, removing everything in his pockets, and found the microfiche tucked away inside his wallet.

An hour later, Peggy arrived at the scene at the park escorted by Agents Jack Thompson, Mike Li, Danny Witwer, John Reese, and her personal security detail. She wasn't happy. Peggy just barely made it to work when she got the call. As she neared the scene, she saw the SHIELD Medical Examiner zip up a black body bag containing the body of Dominic Reed. Peggy made a direct line over to Kathryn and Ramirez, who was off to the side, giving space to the SHIELD Medical team.

Kathryn spotted the Director and greeted her. "Director," she said courteously.

Peggy stopped in front of them. "You were supposed to take Mr. Reed alive, not chase him into a coronary!" she scolded.

Ramirez spoke up, "Director. He made us. We had to pursue."

Kathryn glanced at Ramirez, "We needed to question him." She held up the microfiche, "But we got the dead-drop he picked up. Likely the details of where the meeting is. Just need to—"

Peggy frowned, "Or 'was,' because you two chased him to death in a public park! Do you think Leviathan wasn't watching him?" She raised her voice again, "How close were you two tailing him, anyway?" Peggy sighed, "He has knowledge of a Leviathan cell and other arms dealers of interest that we can't access now."

Kathryn frowned, "At least we didn't do it intentionally and shot him."

Ramirez nodded, "Does have a point."

Peggy snapped, "Don't get cute, you two."

Thompson spoke up, "Regardless, would've ended in the same result."

"Jack," Peggy warned him sternly.

Thompson raised his hands, "If Reed was going to die, this was probably the best way for it to happen." He looked at Ramirez and Kathryn, "And I'm betting they're not caring suppressors, right?"

Ramirez nodded, "Yeah."

"Exactly." Thompson nodded, "He died quietly in a park on a weekday morning. If he had escaped, we might've lost all chances of getting the Leviathan cell. Right now, we still have a chance." He reassured, "There is a possibility Leviathan didn't see this, and that's fifty-fifty, but it's better than nothing."

Peggy sighed.

The SHIELD Medical team leader, a short older man, approached the group. "Signed for the body."

Peggy looked over at him, "Go on, Doctor."

"Cause of death was likely due to myocardial infarction. Due to his poor diet, little exercise, and the mistake of trying to outrun two SHIELD agents. Put enormous stress on his heart."

"Anything else?" Peggy asked sharply.

"Not until we do an autopsy," replied the Doctor.

Peggy nodded and walked away without a backward glance.

Kathryn let out a sigh. Ramirez gave her a knowing look.

The Doctor looked at the other agents, "Is she doing okay?"

Thompson shook his head, "Whatever is on her mind, it isn't Chimera. We still need to find it." He looked at Ramirez and Kathryn, "You two, get back to the squad room and find out what's on that little square," he said, referring to the microfiche. Thompson nodded to the others, "Li, Reese, start at Reed's home and tear it apart, look for Chimera. Danny, go back to SHIELD too and go through his records, reconstruct a pattern of life and see where he frequented, and places he might've likely hid Chimera."

Everyone in the team acknowledged his orders.

Li put his hands in his pockets, "What's the plan when we find Chimera?"

Thompson nodded, "First, we need to make sure we have it and protect it, capturing any copies of the plans we find. Second, we're going to try getting the Leviathan cell and take them alive." He pointed to Kathryn, who had the microfiche, "Assuming that little square has the meeting place on it." He sighed, "Unfortunately, it'll probably be one of those scenarios where they will wait to see Reed at the meeting place before showing themselves. So we have to figure that out."

Reese shrugged, "We can always use a body double."

"Yeah, we'll discuss that in the office." Thompson nodded to the team, "Get to it." With that, he went off to talk to Peggy.

As Peggy and her entourage walked down the path toward her motorcade, she heard Thompson call out to her. She stopped and looked back, waiting for her agent to reach her before continuing on her way again.

Thompson joined her side as Peggy greeted him. "What can I do for you?" she said calmly. Thompson didn't say anything and just gave her a look. She sighed, "You think I'm going off the rails."

Thompson nodded, "I just don't want you to drive us so hard for a thin lead in hoping to catch Sokolov. Look, I want to catch that bastard too. But I want to make sure you're not going to commit my team to do anything unnecessarily risky for a slim chance of catching him."

Peggy didn't show any emotion. "I won't. It's still a chance to get anything on him, so I'll take it. But I won't lead you into anything unnecessary."

Thompson nodded, "You know Leviathan cells rarely talk to each other, right?"

"I know that, but if they don't have anything on him, then at least we'll get some intelligence on Leviathan agents and operations in the U.S."

"Okay, at least we're on the same page," said Thompson.

As the group got to the motorcade, Peggy's driver opened her door. She stopped and faced Thompson, "As usual. Keep me posted."

Thompson nodded, "Will do."

With that, Peggy got into her car, and her driver closing the door behind her. Thompson took a step back and watched her security detail get into the three vehicles then quickly drive away.

Thompson let out a sigh and walked back toward the crime scene.

---

Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale, NY

Once again, it was lunchtime, and Angela made her way down the hallway with her head hung low, seemingly invisible to the crowds. While the other teens laughed, joked, and expressed their general excitement for a break in the day, Angela's head was clouded with her situation. She wondered what Sarah would do to her brother and whether her brother would reveal her secret to Sarah. Angela began to second guess her decision on telling her big sister because she was sure it would result in more drama she didn't want to face. Her decision was made out of haste because she got so tired of the treatment from Michael.

As Angela approached her locker, she spotted her three best friends, Linda, Stephanie, and Jennifer. Linda raised a brow, "Uh oh. Angela's head's low."

Stephanie gripped her books against her chest. "Hm."

Jennifer smiled at Angela, "You doing okay?"

Angela nodded, "I told my sister."

"Uh oh," Linda smirked.

Stephanie nodded, "Good. At least you told someone. He shouldn't be invading your privacy like that then bully you for it."

Jennifer tilted her head to the side, "Why do I feel like you aren't happy?"

Angela shrugged.

Stephanie turned to Jennifer, "Probably because she's afraid it'll cause more trouble than it's worth." Angela nodded. Stephanie always managed to read her look a book. Stephanie smiled at Angela and reassured her. "Don't worry so much. It's better to tell someone and do something about it than accepting someone mistreating you like that. Especially if you live with that person."

Angela smiled, "Yeah. You're right."

Linda grinned, "It'll be all right. Besides. You got us!" She paused, "And your sister."

Suddenly, Michael appeared from behind the girls. "Angela," he said intensely. "We need to talk."

Angela took a step back as her friends turned and saw him.

Stephanie stepped in front of Angela. "Pump the brakes, my overly zealous friend. Don't you have somewhere to be? You know, with other jocks or something?"

Michael squinted at them. "I need to talk to my sister."

Jennifer nodded, "Yeah. Sure. You can talk to her with us." Michael snapped a look at Jennifer.

Linda looked at Angela then back at Michael. She smirked, "It's pretty obvious she doesn't want to talk to you, though."

Michael sighed, "Let me talk to her." He eyed Angela, "Angela."

Angela took a step back and shook her head.

"What's the matter with you?" Michael raised his voice and, taking a step toward her, Stephanie stepping in front of him.

"MICHAEL!" Sarah's voice boomed in the loud hallway.

Michael sighed, "Ah geez."

Angela took Stephanie's arm, "Steph, come on."

Linda smiled, "Hold on, I want to see this."

Stephanie shook her head and pushed her friends, "You heard the lady. Move your butts." With that, Angela and her friends quickly left.

Sarah angrily came up to Michael and spoke rapidly. "What the hell were you thinking? Invading her privacy?" By this time, the hallway got relatively quiet as everyone watched the exchange between the Rogers twins.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Are you seriously getting on my ass about this? Ms. 'I have to know everyone's business.'"

Sarah furrowed her brows, "It's not like I go out of my way and peek into their personal belongings."

"Oh shut up!"

Sarah shook her head. "You know? I knew you would read it."

Michael sighed, "Whatever." He quickly looked around the hallway and saw the spectators. Michael managed to calm down for a moment and stepped toward her, and whispered. "Look. We always knew she wasn't normal…"

"What did you say?" snapped Sarah.

"She. Isn't. Normal." Michael said in a slow and low tone.

Sarah got angrier, "In case you didn't notice. Neither are we." While Sarah got loud, Michael tried keeping his tone down.

Michael sighed again and spoke under his breath, "Whatever, at least people don't think we're freaks—" He paused after he misspoke. Overcome with thoughts and emotions about Angela and, now, Sarah, getting in his face, Michael said the first thing that came to mind. It wasn't that he thought of Angela as a freak, but he was concerned that everyone else would see her as one.

Upon subtly hearing the "F" word, Sarah wound up and clocked her brother right in the jaw.

Michael stuttered back and quickly retaliated, swinging back and hitting her across the face too.

"Fight!" said one of the teens, as everyone gathered around the Rogers twins to watch. The hallway erupting with cheers and commotion.

The fight was short, with only a few punches exchanged between the twins before a teacher interrupted the fight. A male Math teacher pushed through the crowd. "Break it up! Now!" He yelled, pulling Sarah back by her sweater.

Michael tried to lunge forward, but the teacher stopped him. "I said, stop!" Michael and Sarah were panting heavily, both with discolored cheeks and faces from the brief fight. "Principal's office now!" The teacher pointed. The two teens nodded and walked off, the teacher following behind them.

In the Principal's office, Michael and Sarah sat silently in front of his desk. Though their faces were bruised, they were quickly healing. Principal Dunam frowned. "You two have been earning a fast pass to my office this year." He sighed and leaned forward on his desk, "What was this one about? This time it's between the two of you. A little drama at home you two haven't figured out?"

Michael remained silent.

Sarah glanced at her brother then back at the Principal. "Got into an argument. That's all there is, sir."

The Principal eyed Michael, then Sarah. He somehow already knew they wouldn't say anything more about the matter. The Principal sighed. "I let the last few times slide because they were self-defense. But this is the first time I know that you fought each other. I know you two are good kids, got solid heads on your shoulders, and come from a good family background." He leaned back, "And. You're doing very well in school. But we can't tolerate this here. Do you understand? Can't tolerate fights anymore."

"Yes, sir," said both Michael and Sarah.

The Principal sighed, "We have to make this very clear, so you don't do this again. As well as the rest of the school that fighting isn't tolerated. Even between siblings." He frowned, "I'm suspending both of you for the rest of the day. I hope you two can settle whatever your differences before coming back this Monday."

Sarah nodded and frowned, "Yes, sir." She eyed Michael. Michael didn't say anything.

"Count your blessings. I'm not suspending you longer out of respect for them. You can thank your parents for that," said Principal Dunam.

"Yes, sir," repeated Sarah.

The Principal nodded to the door, "wait in the other room with Ms. Fischer. I'll give your parents a call. You'll meet with the guidance counselor until they arrive."

Sarah and Michael stood up and left his office without another word.

---

Times Square, New York City, SHIELD: AEGIS HEADQUARTERS

Peggy sat at her desk doing menial paperwork for SHIELD to be sent to the White House and Pentagon as she waited for a report from Thompson. It's been a rather hectic morning, and she felt it would probably be an equally rough afternoon and evening. Peggy frowned, she was looking forward to the date with her husband tonight, but by how things are going with the investigation, it doesn't seem like it'll happen. She knew Steve would understand, but it didn't feel any better having to reschedule a date.

Suddenly, her phone rang, causing her to flinch a little. Peggy quickly composed herself and answered it. "Yes?"

Rose, her secretary, spoke on the other end. "Director, there's an urgent call from the high school for you."

Peggy looked up and sighed, practically knowing why the school is calling her. "Okay, thank you, Rose. Put them through." After a few seconds, she heard the line connect. "This is Director Rogers," she said in a neutral tone.

Principal Dunam greeted her in a respectful tone, "Director Rogers, this is Principal Dunam from Scarsdale High School."

"What can I do for you?" said Peggy, leaning back in her chair.

"There's been a situation concerning Sarah and Michael. They got in a big fight at lunch." Peggy frowned and shook her head. "We had to suspend them for the rest of the day."

Peggy sighed, "Are they okay? Are they able to return to school on Monday?"

"They're okay; they're with the guidance counselor right now to help resolve their conflict. They're welcome to return to school come Monday, Madam Director."

Peggy sighed, "Do you happen to know what their fight was about?"

"They didn't say to me, but maybe to the counselor." He paused, "Are you or Mr. Rogers able to pick them up right now?"

Peggy nodded, "I'll have my husband come by and get them. Thank you, Mr. Dunam."

"No problem, Director. Have a good day." With that, they hung up the phones.

Peggy sighed again. The day just got more frustrating, and she definitely wasn't happy. She picked up the phone again and spoke to the operator. "Operator, connect me to the President of Stark Industries, Steve Rogers, please."

After a moment, she heard Joan Kelly, Steve's acting secretary and standing Office Manager, answer the phone. "Steve Rogers office, this is Joan. How may I help you?"

Peggy leaned on her desk and rubbed her temple, "Joan, this is Director Rogers of SHIELD."

"Director Rogers, let me connect you," she said courteously.

After another pause, Peggy heard Steve pick up the phone. "Hey, honey, what's up?"

Peggy sighed, "Darling, Sarah, and Michael just got suspended from school."

"What?" Steve expressed in shock. "For what?"

"Guess," Peggy said, standing up and looking out the window.

"Fighting," Steve replied with a grumble.

"Fighting each other," Peggy added.

Peggy heard a sigh on the phone. "Are they suspended for three days or something?" said Steve.

"Just for the rest of the day, and they're welcome to come back on Monday. I guess the weekend constitutes three days." Peggy shook her head, resting one of her hands on her hip. "I'm sure the Principal could've suspended them for three school days, but I'm sure it's because of who we are that he didn't."

She heard Steve sigh on the other end of the line. He spoke up, "Need me to pick them up?"

Peggy nodded, "Please." She paused, "I know you're busy, but…"

"I'll take care of it. In fact, I'll take them back to work with me, and they'll start their punishment here."

Peggy nodded, "I was going to suggest that. I need to remain close to SHIELD in case there's an update for the investigation. I can meet you in your office, and we can sort this out with the kids together."

"Sounds good," said Steve.

"And, darling. More bad news," Peggy said with a frown.

"So busy that we might not go on our date tonight? Probably wouldn't be able to anyway since our kids just got suspended."

"Yeah, rain check?" Peggy managed a small smile for her husband even though they were talking over the phone.

"Definitely. We'll find time for our date," said Steve. "Alright, I'm going to get Michael and Sarah. See you soon."

"Bye," Peggy said, turning back to her desk and hanging up the phone. She then turned to her intercom, pressed her finger on the talk button, and spoke to Rose. "Rose, I'm about to leave for a few hours. Tell Agent Thompson if he needs to contact me; I'll be at Steve's office in Stark Industries."

"Yes, Director," replied Rose. "Shall I call your driver?"

"That won't be necessary, thank you, Rose," said Peggy. She then started to get her things together to leave.

---

An hour later, having picked up Sarah and Michael early from school for their half-day suspension, Steve silently drove them back. The car ride was quiet and tense, with neither the two teens and the father saying a word. Sarah, who sat in the front seat, looked up at her father and saw the look of disappointment and anger. A look she rarely, if ever, sees him wear. Sarah frowned and looked away, feeling the gravity of the situation. The teenage girl knew her parents only tolerated fights as long as they were self-defense. Still, she knew that the fight between her and Michael would definitely throw her parents over the edge. Especially their mother. Getting suspended also didn't help the situation.

As the uncomfortable silence began to press on Sarah, she noticed her father driving back onto the highway. She looked at her dad and spoke carefully. "Where are we going?"

"Taking you to work with me," Steve plainly said without looking at his daughter. "I have a lot of work to do still. I'm not happy with picking you up from school early for fighting." He finally looked at his daughter, "Worse. Hearing that you two were fighting each other."

"Dad—," Sarah frowned.

"Save it," Steve shot back. "Your mom is going to meet us at my office." He frowned, "She's also super busy and is making time to talk to you. So save your explanation as to why you two were fighting until we get there."

Michael, who sat in the back, gulped nervously upon hearing that his mom is meeting them. Definitely not good that she took time off from her busy day to meet them. He didn't think things would spiral out of control in this way. He definitely didn't expect to get into a fight with his twin at school. This is all bad.

Sarah looked back at him and glared at him for a brief moment.

Steve sighed, "I don't know what the deal is, but you two shouldn't have gotten to the point where you ended up getting into a full-on fight with each other." He frowned at Sarah, "Do you know how embarrassing it is to get a call that you two got suspended for fighting EACH OTHER?"

Steve shook his head, "I don't feel bad if I get called because you're defending yourself or a friend, but for each other? Are you kidding me?"

"Sorry, Dad," apologized Sarah in a soft tone. Michael didn't say anything.

Steve shook his head again, "Apologize to each other. Not to me."

Michael and Sarah glanced at each other for a moment but said nothing to one another.

"You guys don't even want to talk to each other. Figures," Steve said to them in a disappointed tone. "We'll talk to your Mom, and we'll sort it out with her."

Though not saying a word to one another, both Sarah and Michael felt nervous. Getting in trouble with their mother was probably one of the scariest things in their life right now. Their mom is terrifying when mad. Undoubtedly, she would be beyond furious for the two of them getting suspended therefore interrupting her work.

Stark Industries: New York City Facility, Manhattan

Steve stepped out of the elevator with his two teens close in tow and headed directly to his office. As Sarah and Michael followed their dad, they passed through the busy office floor with employees hard at work at their cubicles and desks. They felt a little nervous as they started attracting eyes as the only two teenagers at the office in the middle of the school day. Sarah genuinely started to feel embarrassed. She could only imagine how their dad felt, having to leave work early to pick up his teenagers from school for getting suspended.

As the trio neared the office, Sarah and Michael felt an enormous weight rest on their shoulders, knowing that their mother was probably waiting for them behind that closed door.

Joan stood up from behind the secretary's desk and greeted Steve. "Your wife is waiting in your office," she said.

"Thanks, Joan," Steve said, stopping by her and managing a smile.

Both Sarah and Michael noted how pretty their father's secretary was. Sarah noticed how her father's secretary's long red hair combined with a bright dress brought a lot of color to this dreary office space. On the other hand, Michael saw her as extremely attractive in that form-fitting dress that accented her curves. The brief distraction with the secretary was cut short by their dad talking to them.

Steve waved over to his kids, "Joan. These are my trouble makers. Sarah and Michael. Sarah, Michael, this is Joan Kelly. She's the Office Manager."

Joan chuckled, "nice to finally meet you. Your father told me all about you. He talks about you all the time." She smiled, "All good things believe me."

Sarah smiled and waved.

Michael nodded, "pleasure, Miss Kelly."

Steve sighed, "Sorry you didn't meet my kids under better circumstances."

"It's okay, Steve," smiled Joan.

"Alright, let's go," Steve said, pushing open the door to his office.

The trio entered the office and immediately saw Peggy standing by Steve's desk. With her blazer and coat draped over Steve's chair, she stood rigid, looking out the window with her arms crossed. Peggy's posture, combined with the situation, gave a very intense and heavy atmosphere. Steve even felt the intensity, but he wasn't the one in trouble.

Sarah and Michael stopped by the door while their father walked over to his desk. Sarah gulped nervously, "Hi, Mom." Michael remained silent.

Peggy didn't respond initially and only sighed, not breaking her gaze from the window. Then, after a brief pause, without even looking at her two teenagers, she finally spoke. "Sarah, Michael. Wait outside. I need to talk to your father alone for a moment."

Sarah nods and quietly excuses herself, with Michael close behind.

As the two teenagers left, Steve walked up to his wife and placed his hands on her shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

As Sarah and Michael stepped out and closed the door behind them, Joan tried giving the two teens a welcoming smile. She knew what was going on since Steve had to leave work earlier, so she tried making them feel better by at least having them feel welcome in the office. But neither of them seemed to be interested in anything but their predicament.

Michael finally talked and shoving Sarah, "Great, because of you, we got suspended for half the day. Couldn't keep your temper under control."

Sarah snapped back at her brother, "maybe if you didn't upset Angela so much, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Oh, get off your high horse," responded Michael.

Joan stood up from her desk. "Hey, this isn't the place to hash things out—" The exchange started drawing the attention of all the employees like back at the school.

Michael sighed, "well, at least no one thinks you're a freak…"

Upon hearing that word again, Sarah lost it and punched him in the face, striking her brother twice before he could defend himself. She believed her brother called their little sister a freak yet again, which threw her off the edge again.

"Hey!" Joan tried to intervene, walking around her desk.

Michael took a step back, blocked a few of Sarah's punches, then retaliated and struck her across the jaw.

Sarah continued to fight, throwing punches, but he managed to block a few. Michael blocked another punch with his arm, but Sarah quickly struck that elbow with her opposite hand. He grunted and lowered his arm, allowing her quickly to hit him in the cheek with the bottom of her fist. Michael then tried to knee her, but Sarah slid to the side, kicking his foot away from him and causing him to fall onto his knee. She then struck him across the jaw again. Michael coughed and spat out blood.

Everyone on the office floor was watching the fight with great interest and surprise.

Sarah panted, "Apologize to Angela and to me." She rolled her shoulder back.

Michael wiped the side of his mouth from blood and stood up. "Screw you," he said.

He stood up and swung at her. Sarah ducked and punching him in the kidney. Sarah again then punched him across the face, resulting in him becoming dazed for a moment. She took the opportunity and threw him against the wall opposite her dad's office. Sarah threw another punch which Michael blocked and retaliated by punching her in the kidney multiple times. Michael then switched arms and tried striking her, but she caught his arm, wrapped her arm under his, and pulled up, resulting in an extremely painful standing armbar. Sarah let him go then shoved him back against the wall, causing him to yell in pain.

Michael panted and took a moment to breathe. He pushed himself off the wall, ready to face off with Sarah again. Sarah clenched her fist, "Apologize."

Michael immediately threw more punches which Sarah either blocked or dodged. Finally, he threw one last punch, which Sarah blocked, grabbed his wrist, wrapped her leg around his arm, and rolled forward, using her body weight to throw him onto the ground. All of which occurred in one fluid motion. Michael landed face-first on the floor with Sarah sitting on the back of his shoulder, holding his arm and wrist in a painful and awkward position. His arm was pushing the limit of how far it can rotate straight back.

Michael screamed in agony.

Joan took the opportunity to quickly rush in, "Stop it, you two!"

Suddenly, Steve threw open his office door and stepped out. "HEY! Enough!" He yelled, Peggy, watching from behind him.

Sarah looked over and saw her parents, which prompted her to release her brother quickly. Michael groaned in pain as his arm and shoulder were able to relax.

Steve quickly walked up to them. "What's going on?" he expressed loudly. "On your feet! Both of you." Sarah quickly stood up, with Michael slowly following.

Peggy appeared from behind Steve and frowned. "Inside the office. Now," she said sternly.

Sarah didn't say anything and headed into the office, brushing past her brother.

Michael stepped forward and yelled, "Sarah, we're not—"

Steve caught him with his arm, "I said that's enough!"

Peggy shot her son a glare, "Michael. Get in the office. Now. And keep your mouth shut."

Michael gulped, and as his father released him, he walked into the office with his parents close behind.

As soon as the office door closed, everyone on the floor who saw the fight looked at each other with surprised looks. "That was better than all the boxing matches I've seen," said one employee.

"Yeah, Steve's daughter can fight," said another.

Joan sighed and looked at everyone. "Back to work, everyone."

Howard appeared from down the hall, "You heard the lady. Back to work." As he headed over to Joan, he spoke up so the employees on the floor can hear him. "Never mess with the Rogers women. Sarah's mother was the one who taught her how to fight."

Joan raised a brow, "Did you see what happened?"

Howard stopped by her and shook his head. "Didn't have to. I heard it." He frowned, "Hope they'll be okay. Never seen the twins like that before. I've never witnessed them be at each other's throats like that." Howard looked over his shoulders and saw that no one was working still. "GET BACK TO WORK!" he yelled.

Suddenly, everyone in the office frantically went back to their duties, typing away on their typewriters, sorting papers, and the lot.

---

Behind the closed door to Steve's office, Sarah and Michael stood in front of their father's desk with rigid postures. Both teens having new bruises and discolorations on their faces from the second brawl. Peggy leaned on the front of Steve's desk with her arms crossed while Steve leaned against the cabinet next to it.

Peggy sighed. "What's the problem, hm?" she said sternly.

Michael shrugged, "Well, Dad picked us up from the Principal's office. You know what happened already."

Steve shook his head, "Michael."

Peggy raised her hand, "It's okay, Steve." She eyed her son, "Michael."

Michael closed his eyes and sighed.

"What's going on with you?" she frowned.

Michael made an irritated face. "Why are you blaming me? Sarah was the one who initiated both fights!"

Peggy looked at Sarah.

Sarah nodded. "It's true," she said without hesitation.

Peggy eyed her, "Explain."

Michael also eyed his twin sister.

Sarah frowned and shrugged. "Michael invaded Angela's privacy by reading her journal. Angela felt violated, and whatever Michael read, he didn't like and bullied her over it. That's what Angela told me earlier this morning."

Michael furrowed his brows. "I was not bullying her!"

"Bullshit," Sarah said, glancing at her brother.

"Language, Sarah," Steve said.

Sarah frowned, "Sorry."

Peggy leaned forward and looked into her son's eyes. "Michael. Did you read Angela's journal?" Michael remained silent.

Steve spoke up. "Answer the question, son." Michael stayed silent.

Peggy sighed, "Michael James Rogers. If you don't answer, I will—"

"Yes," Michael finally said, unable to look away from the look his mother was giving him.

Peggy furrowed her brows, "Why?"

Michael shrugged, "I don't know. I was curious." He was unable to break eye contact with his mom. The look she had on her face produced an invisible force that prevented him from looking anywhere but at her.

Peggy sighed again and frowned. "That's a poor reason. And it's an awful reason!" She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. "First, you shouldn't have. In fact, you should never have read it. I'm not going to ask what she wrote, but whatever you read is her personal belief, ideas, goals, and etcetera." She raised her voice, "And that's not your place or position to read! Do you understand that?"

Peggy continued with a harsh tone. "You may be her big brother, but that doesn't give you reign to invade your younger siblings' privacy!"

"I know," Michael responded.

Peggy shook her head. "No. I don't think you did. But I hope this will teach you. Is what you read the reason you've been in such a poor mood and treating everyone so poorly?"

"Yes," Michael softly said.

Peggy sighed again. "I don't want to know what she said. But whatever she said that made you so bitter, you need to talk to her about it. And you will." She paused, "I repeat. You will apologize to her for invading her privacy." Michael nodded. "Michael. I need to emphasize this to you. Do you understand what you've done to your little sister?"

Michael stayed silent and didn't know how to respond.

Peggy spoke in a very disappointed tone. "You did bully her. You mistreated her. You ignored her. AND physically harmed her. How do you think she feels, huh?" She frowned at her son, "She isn't, Sarah."

Michael frowned and was finally able to look away from his mother in shame.

"She isn't going to challenge you and confront you," Peggy said in a softer but stern tone. "You know, Angela is very quiet and reserved. What you did, made Angela scared of you and made her so afraid to even talk to you that she had to talk to Sarah to confront you. That's what your actions did. You made your sweet little sister scared of you. Is her fearing you, your goal?"

Michael trembled, "No. I—"

Peggy shook her head. "I know my daughter. I know she isn't secretly doing cruel things behind my back. Michael, you bullied your sweet little sister over her journal. That is totally unacceptable. I am upset and extremely disappointed in you." She clenched her fist, "I can't express how ashamed I am of what you did."

Peggy stood up from the desk, "Your sister loves you, and she cares about you. And I hope after whatever you read, you still feel the same for her."

"I do. I really do," Michael said quickly.

Steve spoke up. "Michael, you have to make amends with her. This isn't something we, as your parents, can do. It's up to you to fix your relationship with her. That's what we've been pushing you to do earlier this week. And we were hoping you would, as a mature big brother, take that step. But you're learning. So this talk will be a teaching point." He nodded, "Restore the relationship you have damaged and fill me with peace."

Michael looked down in shame again.

Peggy spoke up. "You shouldn't invade people's privacy. Definitely not bully someone. Ever. And you should never have treated your sister, your family, that poorly. You're not strong or better for doing that. In fact, you look weak. Insignificant and insecure which the whole world can see."

Michael nodded. "I'm sorry." He looked at his sister with shame in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Sarah."

Sarah didn't respond initially.

Steve sighed, "Now the fight between you two. It should never have happened." He said, now talking about the actual event of the siblings fighting.

Michael and Sarah both nodded.

Peggy leaned back against the desk, "You are family. You should be looking out for each other. Taking care of your siblings. Being the example. Not fighting each other!" She shook her head, "neither of you set the example today. I will not tolerate this between you two, understand? Especially a brawl in your father's office in front of people." She sighed, "That was embarrassing."

Sarah finally replied, "I'm sorry, Michael." She looked at her parents, "I'm sorry, Mom. Dad."

"I'm sorry too," Michael said.

Peggy nodded, "Okay. I forgive you. But this is not going to happen again. Do you understand? I will not tolerate it." She repeated.

"Yes, Mom," both teens said.

Peggy sighed, "your father and I won't be with you forever. Someday it'll just be you four. So you need to take care of each other and rely on each other now. Each other is all you'll have when life gets hard."

Michael and Sarah nodded in silence.

Peggy nodded, "Okay. punishment." Michael and Sarah both stood straighter upon hearing their mother say that word. "Both of you have extra chores around the house. Sarah, you're grounded for a week, Michael, you're grounded for two." She frowned, "I should punish you more but I won't."

Michael nodded.

Peggy made a small smile, "You are my treasures, and I love you very, very much." Michael and Sarah didn't respond. "It breaks my heart when my children don't get along." She nodded, "As your father said. Fill me with peace. Please."

Michael nodded, "We will, Mom."

Suddenly the phone rang. Steve pushed himself off the cabinet, walked over to his desk, and picked up the phone. "Steve Rogers," He greeted. Steve paused for a moment and nodded. "Peggy, it's for you. It's Jack," he said, handing the phone over to his wife.

Peggy took the phone, "This is the Director."

Steve looked at his teens, "You're here for the rest of the day until I get off work." He looked at his watch, "Which, judging by the time, won't be much longer if I can power through it all."

Michael and Sarah nodded.

"I didn't eat lunch yet, and I'm assuming you're hungry. If you want, we can grab something to eat real quick," Steve said with a warm smile.

Sarah nodded, "Okay. I'm hungry too. I don't know about Michael."

"I can eat," said Michael.

Steve nodded, "Great. Wait outside the office for a moment. I know a nice spot by the office we can go to that's quick." With that, Sarah and Michael turned and left the office.

As soon as the teens left, Peggy hung up the phone. She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I have to go back to my office."

Steve nodded, "I understand."

Peggy sighed, "Busy day. This thing between the kids didn't help." She frowned, "I'm sorry, I can't make our date, darling. I really was looking forward to it."

Steve smiled, "I know. Don't worry; we'll make it up soon."

Peggy smiled back at him, "Well, I'm off. I love you."

"I love you too," Steve said, kissing her on the lips.

Peggy sighed as she picked up her things from Steve's desk and chair, "Let's hope that little talk with them did something."

"I'm sure it did," Steve said.

---

Times Square, New York City, SHIELD: AEGIS HEADQUARTERS

Squad Room-FL020

An hour later, Peggy again returned to SHIELD. She stepped out of the elevator and walked into the squad room, heading straight to the Major Cases Response Team. She removed her purse and winter coat as she entered their section of the squad room. "You found Chimera and the location of the meeting?" Peggy said, stopping in the middle of the Team's area.

Reese stood up from his desk, "Yes, Director. Chimera copies are secured in the vault and confirmed by other Project Members as authentic." He nodded, "We have the original, and we have a SHIELD scrub team roll in after we left to double-check that Reed's residence doesn't have any more copies."

Li remained by his desk as he spoke to Peggy. "There were five copies total at his residence. We're still double-checking his pattern of life to see if there were other places he could've hidden other copies."

Peggy frowned as she walked over to their case board.

Thompson looked at her and put his hands in his pockets. "You don't look happy."

Peggy shot him a look, "Where's the meeting location?"

Agent Witwer suddenly appeared with a large map in hand and posted it on the board. "Quebec, 2200 hrs. Small airfield located at these coordinates. Aeroport de Sherbrooke."

Peggy looked at her watch. "We got six hours."

Kathryn raised a brow, "Is the Canadian border going to be an issue?"

"Not in the slightest," said Peggy.

"Are we going to notify them that we're coming?"

Peggy shook her head, "No time. If Canadian Law Enforcement gets involved while we're operating over there, we'll communicate with them then. Leviathan will be carrying illegal weapons and also be there illegally, so it wouldn't be much of an issue."

Thompson nodded, "Well, we got one issue." Peggy shot him a look. "Leviathan is expecting Reed."

"Well. It's time to get a double, then. Make a mask," replied Peggy.

Li stood up. "Unfortunately, we have at least one person that might've met him from Leviathan. The mask is good, but it isn't that good, and we don't have a voice recording to program a voice mimic."

Peggy raised a brow at him, "That woman you said he met? You sure she's Leviathan?"

Kathryn nodded, "Positive. She was the only person ever to meet him throughout the week. So she must've been the one who told him where to go for the dead drop."

Peggy sighed, "We'll have to go with it. Make the mask."

Ramirez finally chimed into the conversation. "Want to tell me again why we need to go through all this trouble to go undercover? Why can't we just send the SPU in there and capture them?"

Kathryn stood up and walked over to Ramirez's desk. "We only know the meeting place is at that airport. We have no idea where they'll be in the vicinity of that point, and they might wait for Reed to show face before making any moves." She paused, "Having someone who poses as Reed ensures that Leviathan will expose themselves. At least a portion of them. I'm sure they'll have someone watching over the exchange."

Li nodded, "Without Reed showing, Leviathan can easily just disappear. Plus, we can't just send a large SPU team down there. We risk detection."

Ramirez sighed, "Got it."

Thompson walked over to the board, "We should probably have a fake copy of the Chimera plans just in case." Peggy nods. "Li, get with the boys in the equipment department downstairs and get them working on a believable copy of the plans and fake calculations. Do it fast."

Li nodded. "Got it." He quickly headed out of the squad room.

Thompson glanced over at Witwer, "Danny, You're going to be Reed."

Witwer sighed, "Oh great." Kathryn chuckled. He shook his head, "I'll go with Li and get a mask made," he said in an unenthused tone.

Thompson nodded, "Don't worry you'll wear a bug. Reese will walk you through with what to say just in case." Witwer gave a thumbs up in response.

Reese walked over to Thompson and handed him a note, "It's a ten-hour drive to Quebec. So we have to fly."

Peggy nodded, "I'll handle your logistic. I'll deploy a small SPU team from here; they'll aid you in capturing Leviathan. I'll call SHIELD Lift Command and get you a C-130. We'll load a surveillance van as well." She looked at Witwer. "Witwer, I'm sure there's another regional airport that's a short drive to Sherbrooke."

Witwer nodded, "There's a few."

"Runway needs to be at least 3000-feet long and 50-feet wide," said Peggy.

"Got it."

Li smirked, "Director, why am I getting a sneaking suspicion you're coming with us?"

Peggy looked at Thompson, then looked at her agents. All of them looked at her with curious looks. Since the start of this case, she realized she has been overseeing everything Jack's team has been doing. More so than usual. Peggy realized she's flirting the line micromanaging her agents. There are times when she needs to take control of an operation, but this isn't one of those situations. They recovered Chimera and prevented a security breach from Reed which was what mattered the most. Eliminating or capturing the Leviathan Cell is necessary, but it doesn't require her direct intervention. Peggy admitted internally that she might've been reaching out to find anything on Sokolov to settle her personal vendetta for what he did to her. Agent Jack Thompson turned out to be a little bit right.

Peggy shook her head, "No. I'm not." She nodded at Thompson, "I'll get you the assets you need. In the meantime, I'll get Dugan to get his team spooled up." She smiled, "Case is all yours, Jack. Contact me when the operation is complete."

Thompson nodded and smiled, "Will do." He looked at his team, "You heard the lady, we got a lot of work to do. Let's get to it." He glanced at Kathryn and Ramirez, "Kate, Rick, head downstairs and coordinate with Dugan and Bucky."

"Got it," said Kathryn as she began to make her way to the elevator.

As the team of agents went about their assignments, Peggy quietly watched them, having both a look of pride and sadness. Part of her missed the field agent work, but she knew that wasn't her place anymore. She has a much more important job, and her agents are all more than capable of completing this case. In addition, though the Director position is demanding, the job gave her more flexibility in seeing her family more often than as a field agent. Although she couldn't just relax as Director, Peggy definitely had more times than not worked long hours at the office.

Thompson tapped Peggy on the shoulder, causing her to glance at him with a raised brow. Thompson nodded over to the window and headed that way. Peggy turned and followed him.

Thompson stopped by the window and smiled, "You okay?"

Peggy nodded, "Yes. I just need to step back and let you run the show."

"Is that all?" Thompson smirked.

Peggy scoffed, "You were right. I was hoping this cell could give us a clue on Sokolov." She sighed, "But the chances are slim. Leviathan cells rarely talk to each other for security purposes. As you said." She smirked, "I overstepped a little, and I'm sorry. This is your case."

Thompson nodded.

"We plugged the leak from Reed, so now the important goal is to remove this cell."

Thompson smiled, "We won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Jack," Peggy smiled in return. Peggy then excused herself and headed for the stairs.

Thompson watched her walk away. He had to be honest; he felt like she would end up personally leading them into Canada to catch that Leviathan cell. He'd be lying if he wasn't looking forward to it just a little. It would've been good to see Peggy back in the field for only a moment. On the other hand, Thompson knew why Peggy removed herself from the case and why it was important for her to do so. Peggy has been closely following this case more so than usual than others, and she did slightly reveal how personal she made it. Everyone thought the Director was reaching for anything to find Sokolov. It was good that she removed herself from it, not just for her sake, but for theirs too.

Thompson nodded, then headed back to his team. However, he couldn't help but wonder how she would react when they do find Sokolov. It wasn't a matter of "if," but "when."

---

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

Later that evening in the Rogers residence, with the sun setting and dinner yet to be ready, Sarah lay lazily on her bed, throwing a baseball up and down. It has been one of those days where mistakes just compounded into one giant mess. She sighed. Part of her punishment and being grounded is that she can't spend time with her friends nor call her boyfriend, which was a total drag. Her father did let her call him only once to tell him what happened and what to expect. Sarah was sure that her mother probably wouldn't allow her to do even that.

Their family dynamic was not like other American families. Her father was the gentler parent, and her mother was the disciplinarian and the most strict. As opposed to everyone else she met where their father was mainly the disciplinarian. Another difference was that Sarah's parents shared household responsibilities and weren't strictly on her mom. Regardless of all the differences to other families, Sarah was more afraid of her mother than anyone else on Earth. Her mother's stern tone, intimidating look, and cold eyes are the scariest thing to face when she's upset.

There was a knock on her door, which prompted her to catch the ball and sit up. "Come in!" she said.

The door opened, revealing Michael, his bruises and swelling long gone. He closed the door behind him, "Can I talk to you?"

Sarah nodded, dropping the ball on the floor, "Sure." She crossed her legs and made room for her brother.

Michael sat down on the bed, "Um. I wanted to talk about my attitude toward Angela. I was mad at her because…" Sarah raised a brow. "Well, this is a personal thing for her, but I want to talk to you about it."

Sarah shook her head, "If this is about what's in her journal, you shouldn't tell me."

Michael frowned, "if I'm going to tell anyone, it's going to be you."

Sarah sighed, "Is the specific thing that you read the reason you treated her so poorly?"

"Yeah."

Sarah rolled her eyes, "Okay. Fine. I won't say a word to her or anyone else."

Michael nodded. "Angela is Gay. She admitted it in her journal. Not exactly in those words but—"

Sarah shrugged, "Okay, so what?"

"So what?" Michael expressed in surprise at Sarah's apparent relaxed attitude to the fact. "That's a big deal!"

Sarah shook her head, "She's still our little sister, Michael. Are you going to treat her differently because of who she decides to love?"

"I…No," Michael sighed again.

"Alienate her from the family because she likes girls?"

"No."

"Think she's less than human?" Sarah continued.

"No!" Michael snapped.

Sarah raised a brow and shrugged, "Then what's the problem?"

Michael made a face and slouched. "I don't know why I'm angry, to be honest. I'm her big brother. It's my job to protect her, and I've, we, have been doing that since kids. I should've known that she was gay. She should've told us. I thought we were close."

Sarah didn't say anything.

Michael continued, "And then there's society. How do we protect her from society's judgment? How do we protect our family from that harassment? If people find out about her, is it going to affect Mom and Dad's jobs?"

Sarah raised her hand, "You're going too far into this. First, we are close with Angela, Michael. But we're entitled to our secrets too. Angela hid it because she knew how people would react to it. Not good, clearly. She hid it from us cause she didn't know how we would react."

Michael frowned, "Yeah, and I blew it."

"Definitely did," said Sarah.

Michael sighed. "I love our sister. I want her to be happy and achieve her goal of being an engineer. But I don't want her to face the prejudices for being Gay. She already got a glimpse of that with just rumors about her." He looked down in shame, "And I did nothing to help that fact recently. Angela probably thinks that she can never express that side of her because of me. Her own brother mistreating her because of who she is."

"Yeah," Sarah said.

Michael sighed and looked at his sister. "No one can find out. Not even Mom or Dad."

"I'm sure she'll want to tell them eventually, which can be a while from now." Sarah smiled, "But when she does, we have to be there to support her. Be the support she needs because she's obviously been hiding this part of who she to us for so long."

"Yeah."

Sarah nodded, "There's nothing we can do about society and the culture. We can't just solve everything by punching everything." She chuckled, "Funny coming from me, I know. But we just have to support her when we can and protect her when we can." She paused, "And hopefully, someday, people will be more open-minded by this whole thing."

Michael smirked, "How is it that you're so calm about this? Just curious."

Sarah shrugged, "Um. I don't know. It's not my place to judge her. I still love her for being my little sister, and nothing will change that. It's also not my place to tell someone who they can or can't love." She smiled, "though, definitely not the same thing; I can't stand racist people getting up in arms about interracial marriages." Sarah smirked, "Love is love to me."

Michael nodded. "Gee, that sounds like something Dad would say."

"Why thanks," smirked Sarah.

"Well. I guess I have to talk to her, huh?"

"Probably for the best," smiled Sarah. "Don't tell her you told me. Let her come to me."

Michael nodded, "Okay." He frowned, "I'm-I'm. Sorry, Sarah."

Sarah scooted over and hugged her brother, "I am too. Didn't really give you much of a chance. Just got mad and went from there."

"I definitely deserved it."

Sarah let go of her brother, "Why did you call her a freak?"

"I." He sighed. "I didn't mean to call her a freak. I was thinking about how others would call her that, and it just slipped out. I'm sorry." Michael pleaded, "I don't actually believe—"

Sarah raised her hand, "I got it. I believe you." She paused, "You know, Mom might actually know."

"You think?" asked Michael.

"There's a strong possibility. She tends to know everything."

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in!" Sarah called.

Angela walked in and closed the door behind her. "Hi."

Michael hopped off the bed and rushed over to her. Angela severely flinched as he came toward her. Michael then swiftly embraced her, picking her up off her feet. Angela was in total surprise and didn't know what to do.

"Uh," she managed to murmur.

Michael set her down again but held his tight embrace. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I was such a screwup! I'm sorry I read your journal! I love you so much, Angela. I hope you can forgive me." He then let her go. "I've been such an ass. I can understand—"

Angela smiled, "I forgive you." Sarah smiled at her.

"Just like that?" Michael expressed in confusion.

"Mhmm," Angela nodded.

"I—" Michael stammered.

Sarah chuckled, "Angela has always been a pure soul, Michael."

Michael smiled, "I promise to never, ever, do it again."

"It's okay," said Angela.

Sarah laughed, "Yeah, you better not. Hate to pick up where we left off in that fight."

Angela walked toward Sarah's bed and sat down. "Um. Since you read it, Michael."

Michael waved his hands, "You don't have to say anything."

Angela shook her head, "I-I want to. Michael, you know, but Sarah should know." Sarah took a deep breath, knowing what's coming.

"If you're sure," Michael replied.

Angela nodded.

Sarah leaned forward and gripped her thigh, "Whatever it is, you don't have to say it right now if you don't want to, Angela."

Angela again shook her head, "I want to." Sarah nodded in encouragement. "Sarah, I'm… Gay. I like girls." She paused, waiting for Sarah to say anything. After a long pause, Angela frowned, "I can understand if that knowledge angers you. Angers both of you."

Sarah shook her head, "You shouldn't have to understand that." She smiled and hugged her. "I'm not mad. I'm proud. You did a brave thing telling us. I'm sure you were wrestling a long while trying to figure out how to tell us. That's a big obstacle."

Angela leaned into her sister and smiled.

Michael then sat down beside Angela, putting her between the two of them, and hugged her as well. "I'm sorry, I overreacted. I was scared about people treating you differently, and in that turmoil, I mistreated you. That's not an excuse, but understand now that we will always have your back."

Sarah smiled, "We love you, little sis."

Angela smiled, "You mean it?"

Sarah laughed, "Just cause Michael flipped his lid doesn't mean I am."

"Hey," Michael made a mock offended look.

Sarah chuckled, "You will always be a Rogers." She rubbed Angela's shoulder. "I know we can't punch our way in changing people's minds, but we will support you and protect you as we always do."

Angela smiled happily and leaned into Michael.

Michael sighed, "I'd hold off telling Mom and Dad, though."

"Do you think they'll be upset?" Angela looked at her big brother and sister.

Sarah shrugged, "I don't know. But I wouldn't tell them until you're completely ready and comfortable." She smirked, "I honestly don't know how they would react, to be honest. But let's hope."

"Okay," nodded Angela.

The trio suddenly heard their Dad's muffled voice through the closed door. "Dinner is ready!"

Sarah smiled, "Want to eat?"

"Yeah!" Angela said happily.

Michael stood up first, "Let's go then!"

Angela smiled. Everything is going to be okay. Even if her parents might not support that she's gay, at least she will always have Michael and Sarah. It was good to have Michael smiling at her again. Though she didn't really understand the reasoning behind his attitude, she'll have to ask him later.

---

Times Square, New York City, SHIELD: AEGIS HEADQUARTERS

Operations Center

It was getting late in the night, and Peggy was still at work. Standing in the Ops Center with her arms crossed, she listened to the radio chatter of her agents in Canada. Sousa was present too and stood by the radio. Their agents and SPU team have been in Quebec, Canada, for over two hours and just now did their objective arrive.

Peggy tapped her finger against her arm as she listened to Li on the radio. "All stations, Mobile-1 has made contact with suspected Leviathan Agent." Mobile-1 is Agent Danny Witwer's callsign as he posed as Reed. Witwer is also wearing a wire so the field teams can listen in, but the Ops Center didn't have access too. So there was other information the Ops Center couldn't get from the agent's perspective. "Leviathan contact is female, don't have a good look at her face from my angle."

Ramirez came over the radio, "Might be that woman who Reed met at that café."

"Good thing we got a mask for Danny then," Kathryn's voice crackled in.

Thompson chimed in on the communications, "Focus everyone. Looks like the Leviathan Agent is taking Mobile-1 somewhere. She must've been there to make sure that was really Reed. We might've passed that test, but stay sharp."

Peggy took a deep breath as she continued to listen, powerless to do anything if things went wrong. Sousa fiddled with a pencil between his fingers, glancing at Peggy's near-emotionless look on her face.

"Looks like they'll be meeting inside one of the hangars," said Li. Another pause. "Heads up, a door opened in one of the hangars, looks like they're going to that one. Hangar-3."

Bucky came over the radio, "Raptor-1, shifting left, moving to the hangar."

"Raptor-2, moving to the hangar," said another SPU member.

There was a long and uncomfortable pause where the radio was silent. Li then broke the silence, "Mobile-1 is in the hangar." There was another pause, "I lost the wire. Either they're jamming comms, or they just found it."

"Lost it too," said Thompson. "Dugan, the show is yours."

Dugan's voice crackled on the radio, "All stations, I have control. Raptor-3 stand by on the cordon."

At fifty-one years old, Dugan is still a Captain and head of the SPU Tactical Team but didn't often participate in the field. He and the other command element members of the team remained in a mobile tactical operations center, in this case, the surveillance van, and supervised. From there, he would be able to provide the teams with different options and assets.

"Raptor-3, holding."

"Raptor-1 and 2, execute, execute, execute."

Peggy started to pace back and forth as she waited for any information to be passed. After what seemed like an eternity, Bucky came back over the radio. "Raptor-1. Mobile-1 is secured, all hostiles down. No casualties."

"Raptor-2. No casualties."

Peggy furrowed her brows and waited for a follow-on transmission before saying anything.

Thompson's voice came through, "There were two survivors, but they killed themselves with cyanide tablets."

Peggy sighed and slammed her fist on the table. "Damn it."

Sousa nodded, "Well, it was worth a shot trying to get them alive." He shrugged, "There's a strong possibility they have no information on Sokolov anyway."

"Well, we'll never know, will we?" replied Peggy. She sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "Bloody hell," she murmured. She looked at everyone in the Ops Center, "Good job still. One less domestic Leviathan Cell to deal with." She nodded at Sousa, "Call in the SHIELD scrub team."

Sousa nodded, "On it." He picked up the handset and saw Peggy turn and walk away.

A few moments later, Peggy walked into her office with a sigh while unbuttoning her blazer. She stopped when she saw Howard sitting in front of her desk.

"Long night?" smirked Howard.

Peggy raised a brow and headed for her desk. "You're here late. Burning the midnight oil here instead of Stark Industries? Is Maria going to be upset?"

Howard chuckled, "Well, I told her there's something I need to talk to you about."

"Hm," Peggy responded as she sat down at her desk. "What do you need?"

Howard leaned back in his seat, "Well, I'll get down to business. Do you remember Anton Vanko?"

Peggy recalled for a moment, remembering Anton Vanko helped her in 1946 when she was secretly clearing Howard's name from treason. At that time, he worked for Stark Industries under a working visa as a citizen of the Soviet Union. Vanko was instrumental in finding weaponized Nitramene formula, a unique chemical weapon that caused implosions.

"I remember him," nodded Peggy.

Howard sighed, "Anton defected from the Soviet Union and sought asylum here in the U.S."

"Where is he?" asked Peggy.

"In the U.S. Embassy in Rome. He contacted me directly, and I sponsored him. The State Department is holding him there until a SHIELD Agent arrives." Howard nodded, "He's not authorized to the U.S. until questioned by a SHIELD or CIA agent. He's also offering secrets of Soviet nuclear and rocket technology." Howard shrugged, "You'll probably hear the official word about it tomorrow or Monday when you get your morning briefings."

Peggy raised her hand, "Okay. Let me guess. You want him to work at Stark Industries and help with your special project."

"Yeah." Howard shrugged, "I'm sure you'd like him to work in SHIELD…"

"Not really." Peggy leaned back in her seat, "Just long enough for him to detail everything he knows about Soviet technology." She frowned, "However, I don't trust him working with the cube. I will not permit him to see it or any of the research about it."

Howard nodded, "I understand. I can use him in the project, though."

Peggy sighed, "Hm."

"If I just keep him on the design team."

"Fine," said Peggy. "Understand that the FBI will probably watch him for a while until he can be trusted."

"I understand," said Howard.

"If he passes his interview with the agent, we'll get him a new identity, papers, and the lot."

Howard smiled, "Thanks, Peg."

Peggy nodded, "But I want his information on Soviet secrets first before he works for you, AND he has to pass his interview with the SHIELD Agent. If there's any inclination that he's actually a spy, he's not entering this country."

Howard stood up, "Deal." He smiled, "Well, I know it's late, and you probably got some more work before you head home, so I'll get out of your hair." He nodded, "Thanks, Peg."

"Of course," Peggy responded.

Howard turned and left the office, leaving Peggy alone in her office. After a moment of quiet by herself, Peggy turned around to a filing cabinet with a dial lock on it. She spun the dial, inputting the combination, then pulled open the drawer. Peggy then reached in and pulled out a thick black file, and placed it on her desk.

It was a standard SHIELD file, except the tab was labeled "Project: Fallout." Peggy opened the folder and skimmed the cover letter at the front. In light of recent events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and instability in Central America and Southeast Asia, Peggy was considering more drastic measures of preserving security and peace. Though not an active project, she ordered a few of her leaders to propose a solution to the complex problem of safeguarding national security. Hence Archangel was created in response.

One of her top leaders, Deputy Director David Mason, proposed Archangel, a team of deep-cover agents assigned to intelligence gathering, direct action, sabotage, and assassinations. The project proposed behavior modification to break down assets' morality and make them more effective living weapons. It intended that after the breakdown in morality, the assets received advanced training in all kinds of spy tradecraft. It also called for recruiting directly from active military assignation program, though extreme, intended to target individuals who represent an immediate threat to the U.S. government and allies or to SHIELD itself. It was a dark solution to a chaotic world.

Peggy didn't imagine ever having to be in the position to consider creating a special assassination team to preserve national security. However, she did understand that sometimes assassinations are necessary to keep the country and the world safe. Her justification was the existence of brutal dictators such as Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. Their deaths would've prevented the tremendous amount of bloodshed and murder. Not to mention the assassinations of hostile spies, traitors who threaten the U.S. and NATO, and terrorists would protect national security.

She sighed and closed the file. Peggy continued to dwell on the idea of the assassination team. She glanced at the picture frames on her desk of Steve and family and sighed. Steve would disagree with such an idea and probably lecture her on such an idea of being morally wrong. Then probably say something along the lines of punishments come after the crime, and there's a right way and a wrong way to serve justice. Peggy sighed. Steve was probably right in the long run. The world came so close to nuclear war during the Crisis. If she could prevent that from ever happening again, she would take it. Peggy then looked back at the photos of her kids and frowned. She would do anything to protect them as a mother. If preserving their future meant assassinating a few dictators or terrorists, she would order it.

Peggy shook her head. She scoffed at the thoughts in her mind. Her head was going to dark places, probably in response to her frustration with the week. Peggy turned around and slid the file back in the cabinet, and closed it. Then, turning back around, she glanced at her desk and stared at the photos of her family once more. Peggy would do anything for her family, and because of this, she will continue to consider the project. But for now, she will put a pin on the idea.

Peggy sighed and stared at the photo of her husband. Regretting missing their date, Peggy glanced at the clock and noted it was getting late but hoped her husband is still awake waiting for her. Maybe, just maybe, they can enjoy the few hours of the night left together. But, unfortunately, the report from her agents of today's operation will have to wait 'till Monday. She has been working long hours all week, and at that moment, she decided to go home.

Peggy stood up, quickly grabbed her things, and headed out of the office. She wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with Steve for only a moment before having to be a parent of her kids on the weekend. She hoped to be intimate with him tonight. Peggy didn't understand the sudden longing and lust that came over her, but she loved the feeling. It had to be his recent actions supporting her work, being an outstanding father, and a loving husband.

---

Steve & Margaret Rogers Residence, Scarsdale, NY

By the time Peggy arrived home, it was long past midnight. The house was dark, with the only lights on were those in the kitchen. She stepped through the garage entry door and into the kitchen and saw plates of food wrapped in tinfoil on the table, still warm. Peggy glanced at the table and saw a note under her plate. It read We know you've been working hard, and we appreciate everything you do. We made you dinner, bloody good roast. Love, Sarah, Michael, Angela, John, and Steve.

Peggy smiled at the note and dropped her purse and briefcase down on the table. Though she should eat, she wanted to get out of her work clothes and see her husband. So Peggy quietly headed upstairs, and before seeing her husband, she stopped by each of her kids' rooms to make sure they were sleeping. Especially Sarah and Michael, since they were grounded and shouldn't be on the phone. Content that her kids were fast asleep, she headed to the master bedroom. As Peggy neared the closed door, she saw the dim light peeking through the bottom of the door.

Peggy quietly opened the door and saw Steve sitting in bed, leaning his back against the headboard, reading a book. She smiled, "You're up late, darling," she said, closing the door behind her.

Steve smiled, "Hey, welcome home." He closed his book, "I wanted to wait up for you. I had a feeling you would be home before 4-AM."

Peggy chuckled, "And how would you know that?"

"Had a feeling," smiled Steve.

Peggy sat down on the bed and smiled at her husband, "I'm sorry I had to reschedule our date. I'll make it up to you." She leaned over and kissed him on the lips.

Steve nodded, "I know, don't worry. Well, considering the situation with our kids and your case, probably a good idea that one of us stayed around this evening."

Peggy leaned over to Steve, "did Michael, Sarah, and Angela reconcile?"

"They definitely did." Steve smiled, "They seemed much happier at dinner. All three of them were laughing and talking."

Peggy nodded, "Good." She removed her blazer, draped it on the bed, then began to unbutton her blouse. "Are you tired at all?" she asked with a seductive grin.

Steve missed the look. "Surprisingly, no for a Friday and a long week. I'm excited for the weekend."

"Me too," Peggy smiled, finishing the last button. "The kids are in bed, so it's just you and me."

"Mhmm," hummed Steve.

Peggy stood up and stripped off her blouse, then quickly straddled her husband, placing her hands on his chest.

Steve smirked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to make it up to you," Peggy said, leaning down and kissing him.

Steve happily reciprocated the kiss. He broke it and smirked, "I was expecting that later."

Peggy giggled, "I got to have you now, my darling. I was really looking forward to that date today, but so many things seemed not to want it to happen." She kissed him again, Steve shifting down so he could lay on his back. Peggy broke the kiss again, "Since we didn't get our date, I'm going to make the most of what's left of this night alone with you."

Steve quickly undid her bra, which she promptly tossed to the side. He kissed a trail from breast to breast, her chest, and lips. He smirked, "Kids are asleep, so—"

Peggy hummed, "I'm sure they won't hear a thing. We'll try and keep it down."

"Can't promise that."

Peggy sat up, "Is that a challenge?" She then removed his shirt, and it too was tossed to the side.

"Possibly," smiled Steve, leaning up to her.

Peggy rested her arms on his shoulders and smiled, "Now shut and kiss me, Steve."

Steve didn't respond and began to kiss her ferociously. He then wrapped his arms around her and rolled to the side, tossing her down on the bed, attacking her lips. Peggy hummed in content at her husband's touch and taste. Hell of a way to end the week.

---

Sorry for the super long delay. Been super busy with work and other projects that distracted me.

As always, it will continue. However, I can't promise a regular schedule and stuff.

With Angela admitting to her siblings, she still has to overcome the obstacle of telling her parents.

As the 1960s continue, a lot of things will inevitably change and affect the Rogers family.

But more to come!

Thanks for reading and sticking with me.