Every since this damn war began, Andromeda had lost one good soldier after another. It's war. And death is natural at war. She expected that she went in knowing that death would become a natural part of her life. What she didn't foresight was how hard it going to be writing and signing those letters to their families. How difficult it was going to see the life drain out of someone you've just seen talk so passionately about winning this war. Or how painful it was to see men go home with a lost limb and practically dead inside.

All this pain and death because her siblings and cousins started a war. Children of Zeus and Poseidon against the children of Hades. And Earth was the battleground and mortals were paying the price. She didn't agree with this war. She was adamantly against the war. After hearing the effects of the last World War, she told her brothers and sisters that they playing a dangerous game. But they didn't listen to her. They never did.

Which made all the angrier with herself when decide to help her siblings. Because they were family after all, forever and always.

They knew was skilled enough to lead her regiment, she had lived in camp half-blood her entire life. Always training and studying battle strategies have made her a skilled leader and warrior. She was currently the youngest colonel in the army at the age of twenty-three.

Of course, no mortal knew that. For all, they saw when they took her was an old, grouchy Colonel Chester Phillips.

Because even though her brothers and sisters knew that being a woman didn't hinder her capabilities as a leader. Mortal men didn't see it the same way. To them, women had no place in the military. Thus, they came up with a plan, not to protect since she was more than capable of doing that herself. But to protect the feeble and fragile of mortal men's ego and mind. Since they would never accept following the orders from a woman, let alone believe she was a demigod. A daughter

of Poseidon.

So the plan was put in motion, with the assistance of the Mist mortals would only see her as Colonel Phillips. And Andromeda Kingsley practically ceased to exist. Their eyes saw what their minds could comprehend. For they wouldn't possibly be able to understand everything that truly happened behind this war.

And sharp knock drew her out of her thoughts, she hadn't realized that she's been staring at the same piece of paper for the last 20 minutes. She hastily straightened herself in her chair, cleared her voice, and let a stiff welcome.

"Come in."

The door to her office squeak open and Private Maxwell gave a stiff salute. "Sir, you're needed in the lab. Dr. Erskine needs to speak with you."

Andromeda nodded. "I'll be right there. Dismissed."

Maxwell saluted once more and left. With a sigh, she stood and head for the lab where Dr. Erskine has been attempting to create a super-soldier serum. It was clear from the beginning that winning this war would be different. Man's weapons have evolved yet mankind was still fragile. Thus man needed to evolve as well.

"You wanted to see me," Andromeda spoke as she entered the lab where Erskine was bent over a table. Completely alone in the lab.

Erskine didn't even bother to lift his eyes from his notes. "Yes, wanted to tell you that the lasted batch of animal testing has so far been successful."

That caught her interest. "How long has it been since you injected them?"

"Two hours. But they have never survived this long. I've been monitoring them every half hour." That's when he finally looked up, a gleam in his eyes. "You've let your hair down."

She ran her finger s through her hair. "I got a headache earlier so I let down. Didn't see the point to put it back up. The day's almost over."

Erskine was the only one in the entire camp that was clear-sighted. Saw right through the Mist when they first met. It was perhaps because his mind had open the possibility of something greater, something beyond the world of mortals. When he saw what had happened to Johann Schmidt was injected with an incomplete serum. And suddenly, the idea of monsters and gods didn't seem so fictional.

And after the strange and awkward first meeting, where had to explain herself and her history, she came to be grateful to have him as a friend. Her only friend.

"Well, you look lovely." He offers a small grin.

"Thank you," Andromeda replied just a loud screech was heard from the rat cages off the side.

Erskine and Andromeda turned to see rats, where they all began to shake and screech out in pain. Andromeda flinch at the sight as the fur of the rats began to fall off their skin began to boil as if they were being burned from the inside out. And with the last squeal, they fell silent. The bodies slump dead as steam rose from their dead bodies. Blood pooled around them as they began to decay.

"Verdammt," Erskine cursed as they both stared at the six dead rats.

"Well, at least they lived for two hours. That's progress," she commented lightly in an attempted to lighten the mood.

"You're right. We're getting closer," he nodded and went back to his table. His pen flew across the page, jotting down his notes.

"I also wanted to tell you, the military has finally settled on engineering to help with Project Rebirth," she informed him, settling on a stool across from him.

"Who?" Once again, eyes didn't leave the page.

"Howard Stark."

"Really?" He looks up in shock for a brief second before return to his notes.

"Yes, my brother thought he would be the best choice. Given his history and such," she added with a shrug. "Never met the man."

"He is quite a character, but a good man deep down. I wouldn't be here if not for him and Peggy," Erskine commented quietly.

But Andromeda's nose scrunch at hearing the mention of Peggy. The only other woman at Camp Lehigh, but she wasn't hiding behind the mist.

"Don't make that face," Erskine muttered, eyes still locked on his notebook. How much does this man need to write?

Andromeda immediately relaxed her face. "I wasn't making a face."

"I know you, you were making a face." He argued, looking at her with an arched eyebrow. "I thought you said you didn't hate her."

"I don't," she remarked sharply. "I respect her. She's strong and an intelligent woman."

"Then why the face?"

Andromeda paused with her mouth open ready to argue that she wasn't making a face. But then she signed and whispered, "I envy her."

Erskine's face softened, he didn't say anything. Waiting for her further explain what she meant.

"When I put here under this…new identity as a man, an older man. I was told it was because mortal men weren't able to understand to see a woman in the military, especially in one with a high rank. Take orders from a woman. Yet, here she is. A woman among men in the military. And I know she had to overcome many obstacles to be here. And I respect more for it. But there is part of me, that envies her."

"Have you ever eaten lunch in the canteen?" He asked her gently, folding his hands over his book.

Andromeda huffed. "Of course not. Those men already give me enough headaches. I want to eat my meals in peace."

"Well, I have. I observed them," his voice has lowered significantly. His tone and accent lured in here to listen. He had her full attention. "I listen to them. Learn who they are. And I have discovers two things." He held up his hand and extended his index finger. "One: These men are not the one I'm looking for." He extended his middle finger. "And two: these men do not respect her."

Her eyebrows furrowed at the information Erskine has just given her.

"While they obey her orders, they do not do that because they respect her. They take her orders on their fear of you. Fear you instilled in them because of the power you have. Because you are seen as a man. Your siblings knew that you would have more authority as a man. It's unfortunate but it is the world we live in."

Andromeda signed and slumped forward. "Mortal men need to realize that women are just as efficient as them. Let go of such a medieval notion."

Erskine nodded. "I agree. But until they do, this situation will have to do."

"It would seem so," Andromeda exhaled in defeat. "Well, are you finished here? I have a new bottle of scotch hidden in my office. Want to have a drink?"

"Have I ever said no?" He joked, resulting in her laughing. "Let's go."

Andromeda could hear, what she assumed to be, Mr. Howard Stark's voice down the hall. Getting louder as it neared her office. Erskine seemed to be with him, their voices excitedly bounced off each other. She could tell that Erskine was eager to have another man of science working along with him. She tapped her foot nervously as she waited for them.

Her gut told her something was going to happen. She didn't know why she was nervous all of the sudden. This wasn't her first time being introduced to a new mortal. Yet her instinct told her to be on guard.

Her head snapped to the door when there was a knock on the other side.

"Entered," she announced.

Erskine entered first with a smile. "Good afternoon, Colonel. I would like for you to meet Mr. Howard Stark."

He stepped to the side to let Howard in. That's when things change, her instinct had been right. As always.

Howard's carefree smiled disappeared the second he laid his eyes on her. Confusion settled over his face when eyes landed on her. He looked around as if looking for someone else.

"Doll, won't you get in trouble for being in the Colonel's office? I don't think he'll take it too kindly of you seating on his chair," Howard stated as he stood proudly with hands in his pocket.

Erskine and Andromeda stood frozen, in a complete state of shock. No one said anything. Both of them didn't dare to say a word. Howard bounced back and forth between the black hair women with vibrant sea-green eyes. She was beautiful, without a doubt. Warm tanned skin that looked as if it was practically glowing with soft with a natural blush on her cheeks. Her hair cascade just barely passed her shoulders in tight curls, as seen in almost every other modern woman. It was pinned perfectly to frame her face.

"Erskine, close the door. Mr. Stark, have a seat," she gestured to the chair on the other side of the desk.

"What the hell is going on? Where's Colonel Phillips?" Stark demanded as Erskine closed the door gently behind them.

"I am Colonel Phillips," Andromeda stated in a clear voice.

"You're a woman," Stark stated, completely dumbfounded.

She inhaled deeply, this was going to be a long conversation. "Thank you for stating the fact. Yes, you're correct. I am a woman but I'm also Colonel Chester Phillips. Or at least, that's what everyone thinks."

"What do you mean?" Howard slowly walked closer to her but didn't seat down.

Erskine however did. He rubbed his forehead and shot her a look, a warning to tread carefully. None of them suspected that Howard would be clear-sighted.

"Mr. Stark, you have become part of a much larger and dangerous world. My world," she gently began. "How well versed are you on Greek mythology?"

"Very well, I would say. What does that have to do with this?"

She held her breath, rapidly tapping her finger on the desk. "Everything. Because they're real. Zeus, Poseidon, and every other god or goddess are real. Monsters like Medusa and cyclops are real. The stories you've heard of heroes like Hercules and Perseus, are very much real."

Howard didn't say a word, face went rigid. And then, with a complete surprise burst into a fit of laughter. He laughed and laughed wildly as Erskine and Andromeda only stared at him without a hint of humor.

"Now, wouldn't that be something? Greek gods and goddesses. Right, Erskine?"

But Erskine didn't say a word. Instead, he stayed silent and took a swift chug from his flask.

"Erskine?"

He hissed as the alcohol ran down his throat. "Because what she saying is true. They really do exist."

"You're drunk. You don't know what you're talking about." Howard slammed his hands on the chair.

"I can assure you, I'm perfectly sober." Erskine offered his flask. "Take some, it will help."

Howard stared at the flask for a second before he took it. He quickly brought the flask to his lips, shot his head, and drank. It warmed his throat as it traveled through his body and settled in his stomach.

"Vodka?" Howard handed it back.

Erskine nodded and tucked back into his jacket.

"As I said before, please take a seat." Andromeda waited patiently as Howard slowly sat down. Eyes locked with hers the entire time. "What I am about to be extremely confidential. There's only a certain number of individuals that know the truth. Erskine is one of them if that wasn't clear enough."

"Wait, if what you are saying is true, which I don't think it is. Where's the proof? I'm no idiot, I won't just take your word for it."

She nodded, processing his words. She didn't expect anything less, he was a man of science. The physical proof was essential to a man like him.

"I have proof, but I need to explain myself first. So will you listen, without a single interruption?"

Howard pondered for a moment, thinking over her words. "Fine, I'll listen. If Greek mythology is real, then what does that have to do with you?"

"Everything," she repeated and went on to tell him all about how the children of the Greek gods were involved in the war. The role they had all played in, children of Zeus and Poseidon (the Allied Forces) against Hades' children( the Axis Powers). How she came to be stationed at Camp Lehigh as colonel and director of the SSR. And how she managed to pass off a Colonel Chester Phillips of the U.S Army. And lastly, why was it that he was able to see through the ruse.

Well, she did leave some things out. Deciding it was better to tell him later.

"Any questions?" She finished with a single clap.

Howard's eyes blinked rapidly; his head was going a mile of a minute. Attempting to wrap his head around what he was just told. He didn't know where to beginning. He didn't know what to believe, logically it all sounded completely insane. But going off her expression and Dr. Erskine, they really thought they were telling the truth.

"I need proof." That was all he was able to let out.

Andromeda wordlessly got up and began to leave her office. Erskine followed closely behind, patting Howard on the shoulder to follow. Both men hurried to catch up to her. And as they, it quickly became clear to Howard that say could be true. Every man they walked past, stopped and saluted the women immediately. Without an ounce of hesitation. They would all addressed her as 'sir' without a hint of hesitation. No one had a single clue that she was, in fact, a woman.

Maybe they were all in on it. This ruse, pretending that she was a man. But couldn't be possible, not an entire military camp. Word would have spread of women trying to pose as a military officer. An unease pit formed in his stomach as his world seemed to collapse around him. Could it all be true then? That the Greek gods were real, and that their offsprings were to blame for this war.

When they arrive at to empty jeep, she hopped in behind the wheel. Erskine settle next to her. "Get in."

"Where are we going?" He asked, jumping in behind her.

"There's a lake not too far from here," she told him and the jeep rumbled to life.

The road was bumpy as they traveled to the lake. The sun shone down on them, tall trees surrounded them as journeyed away from camp. It was probably twenty minutes into the drive when she moved off the main dirt path and park the jeep.

"We'll have to walk on foot from here. There's no road directly to the lake." She informed him.

He could already see the water in the distance in between the trees. It may have been another 15 minutes on foot to reach the lake. Clearwater that expanded for miles, glistening beautifully under the rays of the sun.

"What are we doing here?" He rested his hands on his waist and turned to look at her. That when he noticed something else, her eyes seemed to change colors. The once vibrate sea-green eyes have lightened to soft, almost clear, blue. But they still looked beautiful.

"You wanted proof. I'm here to give it to you." She toed off her heels and walked closer to the water.

Howard saw Erskine settle on a large fallen tree trunk, and when Howard made eye contact with him, Erskine simply pointed to Andromeda. He whipped his back to her, taking in how she was now stepping on the water. Howard harshly rubbed his eyes, this correct be right. She was standing on water as if was solid. And right before his very eyes, it looked as if the water began to swirl around her. The water seemed to awaken because of her. His instincts told him to take a step back, as fear began to crawl inside him. But he didn't dare to blink, even more, afraid to miss a second. And as if he couldn't take anymore, she began to rose.

Before he could say anything, a huge wave began to form. A long wall of water stood before him and that's when he lost feeling in his legs. He could feel the mist on his face as the wave towered over him. Howard Stark fell to the ground, jaw dropped as he leaned back to catch a glimpse of Andromeda on the very top of the wave. And that's when Howard's world went black.

"It's all true," Howard mumbled, in a complete daze. He was laying on his back, bones still weak to move. So he looked up at the sky, the clear and bright sky. Wondering if Zeus, King of Gods, was there, in Olympus. Gazing down at mankind, his creation.

"Yes, it is," Andromeda responded. She was next to him, legs stretch out, crossed at the ankle. Leaning on palms behind her to support her torso. Unlike Howard, she was staring out at the lake.

"And you're a demigod," he added.

"Correct. My father is Poseidon."

He said nothing but his head was screaming at the new information.

They fell into a peaceful silence, each lost in their minds. Soft snores came from Erskine, his body also on the ground and resting his back in the tree trunk. Hat covering his head. Gentle waves rocket on the stores. Trees branches danced in the wind, their leaves producing the sweetest music.

"How many siblings do you out have?" He asked quietly.

"That's somewhat of a complicated answer. Poseidon has many children; monsters, animals, and demigods, like me. But if you're just referring to demi gods, there's around forty or so. I'm not completely sure, Father isn't the greatest at keeping track. Most of them are older than me, the oldest one I have met was William, he's fifty-nine. He's in the Navy."

"Wait, William Halsey Jr, the Bull, is your older brother?"

"Yep." She popped the p.

"Huh," he murmured. That is probably the least crazy thing he's heard today.

She waited for a moment before speaking again. "Do you feel better now?"

He had to think about it before answering. "A little, I'm still shocked. I do have another question."

"Shoot."

He had to lick his lips. "Do you have other sisters that need to hide with the Mist?"

"Yes, there's a few of them, there were more during the first war. But most of my sisters either have kids or pregnant. So, they decided not to join the war."

A loud groan came from Erskine, she turned to see him stretching his arms and back. His mouth was wide open in a yawn. Howard probably didn't hear it, but she did, a defining pop from stretching his back.

"Did you have a nice nap?" She teased with a grin.

"Lovely," he said, standing and wiping his pants. "Days like these are rare. Especially now."

She hummed in response. He was right, days like these have become sparse. She missed days like these, back in camp. She missed the strawberry field, the beach. She missed home. Being with her brothers and sisters in cabin 3, those were the simple days. She hoped that her younger siblings were safe. Prayed that they would never have to join the war. That it will end before they reach eighteen.

"We should head back, we've been gone for an hour now. People will be wondering where we went." She rose to her feet and stuff her feet back in their heels.

They walked back to the jeep; dried leaves crunched underneath their feet. The journey back to camp was quiet and even when they got back to camp, not said a word. It wasn't until they all in the safety of her office, did she finally talk.

"So, Mr. Stark, I hope this goes without saying but you cannot, under any circumstances, reveal my identity," her voice was firm. The voice of a military colonel. One that rang with leadership and demanded respect.

Howard shook his head. "I would never. I swear."

She stared down at him, a stare so cold and unwavering that it made Howard afraid. He has never seen such a look. After a moment, she relaxed and smile. The sudden switch between the two expressions was so sudden, it left him confused.

"Good, I hope we can become friends, Mr. Stark." She held out her hand for him to shake.

He took it, he was surprised at the firm gasp she held his. And with a grin, he said, "Call me Howard. My friends call me that."

She smiled happily at the prospect of having a new friend. "Well, Howard, it silly to think how much I've told you about myself, yet I haven't told you my name. I'm Andromeda."

"It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, Andromeda." He smiled.

"So, is it correct to assume that you will help us on Project Rebirth?"

That was the first time she ever heard Howard laugh.

"Yes, I will help. Every family has its issues," he teased which Andromeda laughed.

"True, but not every family has a full war." She commented. "But I look forward to working with you, Howard."

Erskine came up behind Howard and patted him on the back. "Let's get to work."

Just then a knock came on the door. And Andromeda announced to let the person enter. Peggy Carter entered, and with the usual stiff and proper stance, she salutes the Colonel. Colonel Phillips nodded at her and returned.

"Agent Carter, I'm sure you know Howard Stark," Andromeda spoke in her gentle voice, but all Peggy heard was the rough, deep tone of Colonel Phillips.

Peggy nodded, stiffly. "Yes, we've met. How have you been, Stark?"

Howard chuckled at the question. Had she asked before he met with Andromeda, the answer would have been simple. He would have said something like Splendid, doll! But now, it's was a whole different ball game.

"Still alive," he answered simply since he couldn't come up with a better answer.

Peggy only nodded, not quite sure what to say to an answer like that. "Sir, you need out in the training field. They're about to start to do the obstacle course."

"Well, that's always a sight to see. Let's go. Gentlemen, until next time." Andromeda nodded and swiftly made her way to the obstacle course.

"Mr. Stark, shall we?" Abraham gesture to the door for him and Stark to head to the lab.

In the lab, both men dive into their work. After Erskine had filled him in his research and ideas, each went to work on their own. Nothing was discussed as to what occurs out in the lake, mainly since the lab was filled with other people. But once the last research assistant left the room for the day. Erskine finally brought it up.

"I thought I had truly gone crazy when I first saw her," Abraham gently murmured. "It was a week after you and Peggy had rescued me. Any man would go insane after seeing what happened to Schmidt."

Howard stopped what he was doing to listen to Erskine's story.

"Men kept calling her Colonel Phillips, but all I saw was this woman. Beautiful, no doubt, but something deep in my bones, told me she was dangerous. Powerful. I saw the way she carried herself, this was no ordinary woman. So, I kept to myself, kept silent and, avoided her at all cost.

"Then one day, she came to me. Like a storm, she burst through those doors and told me to cut the crap. And so, I muster the small courage I had and asked if I was going mad. She told me gently that I wasn't insane and explain everything to me," Erskine smiled, thinking back to that day. "And then she told me that she knew from day one that I probably saw through the Mist. But none of that is what shocked me the most, what she said next shocked me the most.

"That she hadn't come to me sooner because she knew that I needed time to process what I saw. And that when I was ready, I would come to her. But when I didn't, she couldn't stand being quiet any longer. Acting as if nothing had changed when everything has for her. She told me that she had been stationed for a year, almost two then. A whole year without a friend to talk to, surrounded by people but unable to talk to anyone."

Howard took in his words. He never saw himself as a very emotional or an empathetic person. The trials he had to overcome in youth toughened his skin. Resulting in an arrogantly, egotistical, and emotionally distant man. Yet his heart for the young women. For he knew how difficult the world of man was. Worse men than him running the world. But at least, he had friends around that he could talk to. Confide in.

"Seems like a lonely life," Howard commented in an empty tone.

"Yes, it was," Abraham agreed with a weak smile. "She is a strong woman, capable of defending herself and others. She's a leader, no question about it. And extremely powerful. But she was also very lonely."

Erskine remembered how happy she was when he began to join her for lunch. The light in her eyes as she chatted excitedly about anything she could think of. About her siblings, younger or older, her life as a child of Poseidon. Quests she took in her adolescent years, the countries she's traveled to. And most of all, her beloved camp, a safe-haven for demigods from the monstera that hunt them down.

He constantly had to remind her to eat. It was evidently clear that she greatly missed having a friend. Some to talk to at the very least. He also remembered how her drastic attitude change resulted in many rumors spreading around the camp. The most popular one that the Colonel had found a lady friend. Andromeda quickly put that rumor to rest. From then on, she was careful to control her emotions around others.

"She has us now, and believe me, with me as a friend. Life's never boring." Howard declared proudly, a large smile on his face.

"What you boys going on about?" Andromeda's voice reached their ears.

They both turned to find her standing by the door. Arms crossed at their chest, head tilted to the side and a small smirk graced her face.

"That you, my goddess, have found yourself a friend for life today. And that deserves a toast!" Howard exclaimed as he walked to her. Erskine wasn't so far behind with his bottle of vodka, two tin coffee cups, and his flask in hand. He happily filled the two cups with vodka and gave one each to Howard and Andromeda.

Holding out his cup, Howard smiled. "To new friends!"

"To new friends!" Andromeda happily repeated.

Erskine nodded contently. "To new friends."

And they all clinked their containers to celebrate a few found friendships. And the night would have ended perfectly right there, had she stop after one drink. Or at least just stuck to only vodka.

Translation(s)

Verdammt: Damn it

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think.