Here's the next chapter! Like always I don't own Marvel.

At the war meeting, I can't help how nervous I feel next to the Asgardians. All of them are hardened warriors who have lived for more than a thousand years, and I'm the newbie on the block beside Thor. Each one of them has earned their place to sit at the table. I'm only here by default. Steve would have been a better option than me. He knows how to speak to others in ways I never can. Hell, I only look the part due to the Asgardian regalia I'm wearing, but I'm the least competent person here.

Right now, we're meeting in the War room within the Palace. The room itself is drawn with maps and plans with the table itself in a U shape to accommodate everyone. Only those who strategize in war and peace can appear in front of the royals. Odin is at the head of the table with Frigga and Thor flanking him. I'm beside Thor with Sif, Hogan, and Volstagg at my right. Frandal is forced to sit on the other side with a few others who grace our presence, none of which I'm too familiar with. Even now, it's a bit dizzying keeping up with the entire ordeal and the new faces I'm trying to keep in my memory.

The only important person missing from the meeting is Heimdall since he's keeping guard at the Bifrost. This isn't a problem since he can hear and see every movement in the room, but he can't voice his opinion as easily. While no one wants to mention it, another presence is missed during today's meeting. I'm sure Thor and Frigga can feel Loki's departure today. He would've sat on Frigga's left, but now another man takes his seat with ease.

Speaking of men, we've had trouble this entire month during my stay to gather everyone to the table. The first week was filled with arguments with Odin. I guess he gathered the nerve to prove his point that I don't belong here. Even with Raja hanging in the back of all of our minds he stayed resolute. Finally, it was Frigga who swayed him to our side. The following weeks were filled with chaos. The few emissaries from the other realms that remained on Asgard left at the final notion of my aide to the war front. This lost some of the support from Asgardians, but the majority still approved of my help. Still, the ones attending the war meeting are not among the populace who welcomed me.

"This will never work," Vali answered from across the table. "Prince Thor, your time spent among the Midgardians has dulled your senses. No one in their right mind will follow this child. She is vulgar and disrespectful. A child through and through."

"I must agree with my brother," Vidar spoke up next. "Now is not the time to improve the meager standing of Midgar. We need to ready our forces. Although Jotunheim and Muspelheim haven't made their move yet, the other realms have."

Vali and Vidar are the supposed gods of revenge and vengeance. Since Thor spoke about bringing me into the fold concerning the war, the two men have been at the forefront of speaking against the idea. They aren't alone in the sentiment.

"Thor," Tyr called out beside the men. "You know I would follow you anywhere in the cosmos, my dear friend. Still, what makes you think the Elves, Giants, and Dwarves will listen to her. Not to mention the countless masses between the realms."

As Thor re-explains his plan to the group, I remain silent. It's no secret how outspoken I am now in days. Not to mention the visible distaste displayed across my face when others speak. Still, I promised I'd help Thor and become an ambassador for Earth. So, as much as I hate it, I need to channel my patience from my younger years.

Geeze, I think to myself. Why'd I sound like a vieja? I'm 18; for crying out loud, not 80! Ops, c'mon Calliope, you're missing the meeting. Focus!

"Thor has a valid point," Sif agreed. "This entire time, we acted like gods when we should've treated the rest of the realms as our equals and not our underlings."

Hogan is the next to speak, "If Asgard is honestly prepared to change, now is the time. My homeland, faithful to the Aesirs since the dawn of time, quickly fell victim to the difference between us due to the nature of our lifestyle. What is immoral living in tents by nature rather than palaces plaited in gold?"

"Exactly! We have long since lost ourselves to vanity, and it's time to allow revitalization of our community."

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Midgard is hardly qualified to stand beside us," Volstagg tried to point out. "I mean, they can hardly defend themselves."

"See, even your own friend deems the plan a failure," Vale interrupts. Volstagg tries to double-back to save the argument, but Vale cuts over him. "Thor, your fascination with the Midgardians must end here. We have larger details to attend to."

"Really," Frigga inquires with a quirked lip. "What may that be? The upheaval of the nine realms that we allowed to happen? Or the venom we permitted to fester by our superiority?"

The entire room delved into silence at Frigga's overwhelming presence. Nevertheless, the silence exhuming from Odin is by far the worse of the group. I may not tolerate the man, but I have to admit he's rather intimidating.

Surprisingly enough, when the King of Asgard does choose to speak, it's directed towards me. "Child, what do you think of this?"

I bite my tongue to stem the curt reply I wish to unleash upon the old man. I'm not sure if this is Odin attempting to validate his point by infuriating me or not. So, instead, I stand to my feet and walk to the other side of the table. Once I reach the empty space, I turn to face the group. With as much courage I can muster, I begin to speak.

"I grew up hearing plenty of mythologies. The most common being the Greeks, with the Norse and Egyptians coming in second. You can imagine my surprise when I learned about your existence. Now, I stand among you, but apparently, not as your equal. Still, this form of racism is not new to me, nor anyone on Earth. Not only that but I'm seen as a lesser simply due to the fact I hold no metals or a crown of gold. Nevertheless, I stand beside you while your allies fight against you to become the new supreme power." I hold their eye contact for a moment, steeling myself, before taking a step away from the group to face the wall behind me. "Loki, your second Prince, was treated like a lesser. All of his life, Loki was told about the 'monsters' known as the Jotunn's, only to learn he is one. Suddenly, he understood why he was deemed inferior by Odin in comparison to Thor. Do you ever wonder what might have happened if his kind was never met with scorn?" I turn to look at them; their faces vary between contemplation and outright guilt. I slowly walk as I continue my speech. "I'm not perfect, but neither are you. This is why we must seize this opportunity by the hand to work together. Embrace our differences and learn to trust one another." Finally, I stand in front of Odin as I meet his gaze head-on. "I think it's high time we are allowed to speak for ourselves. Earth will not stand for a king they do not recognize as their own to communicate for them. Your only choice is to allow one of us to stand beside you or for your realm to stand alone."

Odin meets my gaze, steadfast but not remorseful of his past sins. Still, it's apparent that my words ring true, and although I'm not sure I've swayed the entire room to my side, they aren't firmly beside their king either.

"Very well," Odin rumbles. "You and Thor will represent Asgard and Midgard as a united front. Tomorrow, you will return to your governments and report this hearing to them before returning. In one week's time, you will journey with Thor to win over the realms."

"Of course," I dip my head in approval. "Thank you, Odin."

I hear a growl under his breath from my informal reply, but he says nothing of it. He waves a hand, dismissing us.

Thor and I leave the room, weaving through the halls until we reach the library. Once there, we journey to a hidden room we designated as our meeting spot. Inside, the two of us flop onto the chairs, tired by the proceedings.

"Thor, how do you deal with the pressure," I asked as I slumped in my chair. "I thought I was going to tear my hair out mid-way through the conversation."

"Now that would have been a sight," Thor joked, swiping a large hand down his face. "Still, I'm proud you held yourself together."

"Same."

The two of us share a smile, happy to be in the presence of the other. Still, I'm not sure how Thor deals with the stress. He must have had Loki's assistance in the past, but now? I can only wonder.

"So, tomorrow, you will finally return to Midgard."

I don't miss the sudden change in his tone. It's easy to notice what's bothering the blond.

Unlike Loki, Thor is an open book. He is the definition of wearing one's heart on his sleeve. Every emotion, every act, each moment is etched onto the crown Prince. Loki, on the other hand, is an enigma. I only understand him due to the shared memories we experience each night while we sleep. It doesn't mean Loki no longer has any walls surrounding him, but there are fewer than before, allowing me a chance to understand the Frost Giant.

I know Thor feels guilty for dragging me into 'his' mess. He still blames himself for Loki's betrayal and the war between the realms. The entire month I spent here, I noticed how this ordeal has weighed on him. Thor doesn't smile or joke around like he used to. At least, that's what Sif mentioned to me during the first week of my stay.

To make matters worse, in Thor's eyes, he feels as if he's forcing me into another fight. Thor forgets that I willingly allowed the action, and I'm happy to help my friend. The words never reach him, so I repeat them daily like a mantra to the blond.

Another thing, Thor obviously misses Earth and the woman he left behind. He fell in love with Jane, wanting only to return to the scientist, but forced by his duty to remain on Asgard. I guess the saying is true, 'duty is the death of love.'

"Yeah," I finally reply to my friend. "I can't wait to get a taco de carne asada."

He huffs a laugh, "Your appetite rivals mine."

"But not Volstagg."

"No one can consume as much as him."

"True," I smiled.

"Is there anyone you wish to visit during your departure?"

I hesitate with my response, not knowing how to reply. "This is a business trip, not pleasure. So, no."

"Calliope, you are allowed to rest during the week."

"Not with so much at the balance," I reply, keeping my tone neutral. "I need to work for the people of Earth. Plus, you don't receive any vacation time, so why should I."

Thor opens his mouth to speak but thinks better of it and redirects the conversation. "So, is there no one?"

"...No."

"Then why did your eyes light up for a brief moment?"

"Thor~!"

"Listen, my friend. I have lived a long life, and the worst mistake one can make is not to cherish the time they have with those they love."

"...I know," I mumbled, recalling my past grief as my head thuds against the wall behind me. Thor notices and immediately calls for my attention.

"You can't allow the past to cloud you, Calliope. If you do, then you will never love again."

"I don't deserve to."

"Nonsense! We all deserve to find happiness. I'm sure Christopher would agree if he could."

"Then why did he move?..." I muttered, and when I turned to face Thor, a look of shock crossed his features.

A week or so ago, I informed Thor about Christopher's current status. I even shared how I loved the teen, even when he murdered my sister in cold blood. The amount of pain and loss I feel every time I think about my first love is still too painful to ever move on from. I don't think I ever will.

"When?! When did this happen?"

"The last time I saw him. About a month and a half ago."

"Calliope..."

"Look, I know it can mean any number of things, but don't I owe it to him to remain loyal? Patient? What if he gets better?"

"Calliope, you don't owe anyone anything. Your life and what you feel are your own."

"But-"

"Listen, I understand you feel this way, but the boy you once loved is gone. You can't wait your entire life for something that may never happen. Your life will go by as you wait, and you will grow bitter. Then the love you hold for him will turn to anger."

"But he promised to return to me. To love me."

"But not to trap you in unending pain."

I let out a sigh, knowing Thor is right. It's the same thing my Laoshi told me not too long ago. Still, I keep fighting it. I know I should give in, but I don't know how.

"What if I told you I met someone... someone I might possibly have feelings for in a small way."

"Then I would be incredibly happy for you."

"Well, I met someone," I smiled shyly, trying not to give too much information away.

"How long have you known him?"

"For some time."

"Have you told him about your feelings?"

"No, I haven't..."

"Because of Christopher?"

"Yeah."

"Calliope-"

"I know, but there's more to it! I swear!" I nearly shout. Arching his eyebrow, Thor waits for my response. "This man is a friend, and I'm pretty sure he sees me as a friend, nothing more."

"But are you certain?

"...no, but he's also hung up on a past love."

"I see, but perhaps he's in a similar situation as you. Wanting to move on, but needing a push."

"Pushing someone can cause more problems, Thor."

"Or solutions," Thor tries to tell me, but I cut him off.

"It could be nothing. I mean, I don't even know if what I feel is real."

"Then tell me, in any way, what you feel for this man."

I pause, not knowing what to say. My Laoshi never asked how I felt about Steve, he merely accepted it. Thinking about it some more, I can't decide on a clear answer myself. I don't have a reason, but then again, Thor never asked for one. He asked me how I felt.

"I haven't breathed in years," I finally answered, and although it isn't the direct answer Thor is looking for, he allowed me to continue. "I stopped breathing when I was forced under eight feet of radioactive liquid concoctions. The pain was intense, and during this, I knocked the mask off. I was the only test subject to do so, and I managed to live through it. That day, I lost the ability to breathe. The thing is, I still yearn for it."

Thor's eyes widen at the implication, slowly coming to terms with my secret. "Your drowning?"

"I got used to the sensation," I nod to the older being. "Still, there are nights I wake up trying to suck in air, but I can't. I don't think my body knows how to, but still, I try." I close my eyes, feeling the burning sensation in my chest; however, I don't allow it to get the better of me. "When I'm with him it's like…"

"You can breathe…"

"No," I said, smiling at the Prince. "It's like nothing else is necessary. I don't need air or water. I just want him by my side. Even if it's for a minute, if I can see him, then nothing else matters. I feel different but in a good way. I feel like me. Still, that same feeling fills me with fear and guilt. Fear of rejection, and guilt over being happy beside him."

"Why? This should be something to rejoice over."

"But I can't," I mutter to the Prince. "I feel guilty about not feeling guilty."

"You are not making any sense."

"It's leaving, slowly over time. I feel less guilty about the way I feel about this man; instead, I enjoy it. When I realized this, I felt more confused than before and replaced it with guilt. I shouldn't move on. How can I? What makes this worse is that I feel… no, I know if Christopher wasn't in his current condition I would still fall in love with Steve."

"Then perhaps, that is a sign to move on," Thor gently adds. I share a smile with him, but this one doesn't reach my eyes like before.

The following two days pass in a blur. I hardly remember meeting with Director Fury informing him about the current developments in space and Asgard's next move. Quickly, Fury called an emergency meeting with the World's Security Council, but it became evident that the United Nations needed to be involved.

By the end of my first day back on Earth, the UN received word to assemble in New York. At most, it will take another day for everyone to convene, so the meeting will take place on the third day of my return at dawn. Since then, I've been in countless meetings with so many people I'm surprised I managed to snag so much as five hours of sleep.

Now, as I ready myself for today's meeting, I can't help the anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach. Other than Alexander Pierce, I don't know a single person here. I don't even like Pierce since the Tesseract business, so that doesn't help.

I wish Steve was here, I think to myself. If only I could catch a glimpse of him.

True to my word, I haven't visited my friends since my arrival. I'm not sure if they're aware I'm Earthbound at the moment. Still, that's not something I should focus on. In thirty minutes, I'm meeting with the UN and basically informing them their fates, along with the rest of the world, are in the hands of an eighteen-year-old.

"What a mess," I mutter, burying my face in my hands. After collecting myself, I look at my reflection, analyzing my features. I hardly recognize the woman in front of me. Even if I'll never say I'm as beautiful as Natasha, Pepper, or Edwards, I do have a sort of odd mixed beauty to me from my mixed parentage. Still, it seems as though the clothes, although gorgeous, do not suit me.

I'm wearing a fitted black dress with loose short sleeves that never reach my bicep. The length of the skirt goes past my knees so as not to seem inappropriate. While the dress isn't tight enough to showcase my merchandise, it does accentuate my figure in a classy spotlight. The point is to make it seem as if I'm grown without going overboard, my stylist informed me earlier.

That's why I'm not wearing jewelry today. However, my dress is paired with four-inch synthetic leather heels that are a mix of black and grey on a white background. I have no makeup other than plain lipgloss to keep my lips from getting chapped. I prefer lipgloss, so I don't mind wearing it, and neither did my stylist.

Finally, my hair is straightened and placed in a bun. Some volume was added to the top, but not enough to seem silly. Nevertheless, my outfit is missing one final piece. I wanted to place my pink butterfly brooch my sister gave me on the hip of my dress as I did with my uniform during the Battle of New York. However, before I had the chance to put it on, the stylist removed it and tossed it in my bag. Instead, I was given a badge stating my name.

Star Ray

As if anyone needs reminding who I am. I groaned inwardly. Not to mention the stupid earpiece I'm wearing.

Alexander Pierce's idea, really. He wants someone to guide me through the meeting rather than allowing me to voice my own thoughts.

"Agent Rodriguez, it's time," an unfamiliar voice informs me. I nod my head and follow the man to the main chamber of the assembly.

Entering the room, I feel all eyes land on me. I remain silent and impassive as I head to my seat beside the center stage. While the noise dies down and everyone sits, I can hardly fight the urge to run from the eyes staring at me.

Unlike most top-secret meetings, this one is being televised. Right now, in front of the entire world, I'm being shoved into the spotlight for all to see. It's a naked feeling that I can only grit my teeth and bear it for the sake of all those I wish to keep safe.

As the President of the United Nations stands to speak, I can only focus on the speech S.H.I.E.L.D. gave me and the strange voice in my ear telling me what to do. Finally, I hear my name and I stand to walk toward President Vuk Jeremic. He gives me the stage and I freeze. Suddenly, I'm unable to move a single inch.

Say something, I order myself in a pleading voice. Speak!

I can't, no matter how hard I try, I can't. Maybe it's because Thor was with me the times before, or the fact I know the Asgardians see me as an ant to be protected rather than a person. Nevertheless, that sentiment isn't the same here on Earth. Everyone here either hates me, fears me, or wants to use me. I'm not afraid of the Asgardian, I'm terrified by my own kind.

I remember the breath I desperately wish to take even if the ability to do so is far from my reach. I slightly shake, feeling my nerves come over me.

I want to leave…

My tongue feels swollen, yet my face for once feels hot. Dots cross my vision, but the colors in the room feel too vivid.

"AGENT RODRIGUEZ, DO YOU COPY!" The voice from my headset inquires. I give a subtle nod to the question, waiting for more. "Good, now continue as planned."

Nodding once more, I clear my throat to speak, albeit with a stutter. "G-good evening- I mean morning! GOOD MORNING! Ahem- I am Calliope Rodriguez, aka Star Ray aka, Agent Rodrigueze aka... Y'know what that isn't important. I'm here to tell you about Asgard-"

"We are well aware, Star Ray," Someone from the back row calls out. "We want to know why you deem it important to call all of us here for something in space."

"Right, well, space is in trouble-" I tried to voice, straying a bit from my speech, much to the aide's chagrin. "We need to pull together-"

"Why?" A woman from another point in the room speaks. "It's far from any of our borders. Or do you disagree?"

"Well, not really."

"Then tell me, why are we here?"

The agent in my ear growls for me to start the speech, and I do my best to do so as my anxiety grows. "Whatever lays beyond may reach us at a moment's notice. It is important to show we will not allow-"

"We?" A man scoffs at me. "The Asgardians started this and now we need to clean it up? Won't that place us at odds with everyone else? How does this help?"

"I-"

"It doesn't seem as if you know, do you?"

I try to interject but more voices topple over my own. Soon enough, the entire room is in an uproar while the President tries to calm them. An agent comes to escort me away and I leave willingly.

That night, Pierce reams into me. He comments on how I'll be removed from the project and sent back to the Academy as a failure. I don't even fight back as I hang my head in shame.

Hours later, I hear a knock on the door of my hotel room, and I slowly rise from my seat to answer it before the person on the other side barges in.

"Hello," I say glumly before realizing it's Edward's. "What-? What are you doing here?"

"Technically, I'm not," she answers with a quirk of her lip. "Can I come in?"

I allow her to enter as we sit at the table together. I don't have the heart to face her, so I settle for my hands.

"Did you see it?"

"We all did."

"And?"

"The UN will make a decision tomorrow, but you are allowed to attend if you want. Although, it would be wise not to do so. Another agent had to plead the case for you, but he wasn't well received."

Shoving my face in my hands, I groaned, "Edwards, I screwed up! Everyone was counting on me, and I messed up! I always mess everything up!"

"So why did you even try?"

I hadn't anticipated the question; instead, I had thought she would motivate me. So, it's a shock when I look up to see the anger in her eyes.

"I..."

"We believed in you, so why did you fail."

"I-I got s-scar-redd."

"Life is scary!" She yells, standing up from her seat. "But we have to face it to move on. If we don't, what do we have left?"

"I..." my voice dies in my throat, and I hardly find the strength to look at Madelyn Edwards.

She must have felt guilty for her comment because she moves closer to me. "Callie, what happened out there?"

"I'm terrified of them."

"Who?"

"Them," I whispered as I drop my head to avoid eye contact, ashamed of my own emotions. "I'm scared of the government."

"Oh," was all Madelyn could say. Eventually, she sits back down, and after some time, the older woman speaks. "We're all afraid of something, y'know."

"How many of you are as powerful as me and scared of something weaker than you?"

"Nearly everyone," Madelyn scoffed. "Ever heard of phobias? The irrational fear of certain things, animals, or situations." Scowling, I study the woman as she continues her rant. "Hell, I know a person who has Arachibutyrophobia. The fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth."

"Edwards, why are you telling me this?"

"Because we're all afraid, Calliope. The difference between all of us is how we respond to those fears. Do we allow our fears to control us, or do we overcome them?"

Raising my eyebrow, my scowl deepens. "If that's how you feel, why did you scream?"

Now it's Edwards's turn to hunch over in her seat. "Sorry, I guess I was frustrated for you."

"Why?"

"Secretary Pierce decided you would return to your former schedule at the Academy. He deems you a failure, and I... I got angry."

"You don't have to be; he's right," I said weakly, looking at my hands as they light up. "Look at me. I've made no progress this entire time and now we might go to war because of it. Pierce is right."

"But he isn't," Madelyn mutters. The statement surprised her as much as it did to me. Before her nerves can get to her, the older woman shakingly continues. "He's not right. You are ready. However, the person out there wasn't."

"Huh? You're contradicting yourself."

"No, well, I-I just mean the person they're trying to paint you as isn't meant for the center stage. If you're going to speak for us, you should be yourself. The woman I know has made more strides towards doing good than the fake golden child they want you to be."

My eyes slowly soften, and my worries begin to slip away little by little. Even if it's not entirely gone, I feel lighter than before.

"Thanks."

"No, I want to thank you," Madelyn continues. "Because I can be brave knowing your here."

Madelyn places a hand on mine for a moment, only to give it a quick squeeze. I give her a nod back, but I say nothing further.

The next morning, I quietly get dressed. I put on a sleeveless high-collared white dress, the length going just past my knees. I leave my hair in its natural state with the top half held back with a white clip. Two strands of thin curls frame my face to complement the look. The black high heels I sport bring it all together. Next, I put on just a tad bit of make-up. Winged eyeliner and clear lipgloss. Nothing extreme, but enough to stand out. Finally, I put the butterfly brooch on slightly above and to the left of my heart where it's meant to be.

Looking over the mirror, I hardly recognize the woman in front of me, but in a good way. Because this woman is the one I want to be and attempting to become. A more put-together individual, I suppose. Smirking to myself, I stride out of the room, past the agents, and to the meeting.

I arrive just as President Jeremic calls for the vote. Before anyone can answer, I walk in and step forward until I'm to his bottom right, leaving him to remain on the stage alone. I rather keep to the main floor than climb on stage.

The entire room begins to murmur, and many, if not all the cameras, swing in my direction. Many guards take a few steps forward, and an agent steps up to stop me, but I simply hold a hand up to stop them. Nodding, the agent retreats, and I'm left standing alone.

At first, President Jeremic is shocked, but rather than kicking me out, he nods to me, almost with a knowing look. "Star Ray, would you care to speak?"

"I would," I calmly reply, steeling my resolve. Turning to face the men, women, and cameras, I straighten as I take a single step forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for my late arrival. However, I have something important all of you should hear." Murmurs erupt from the congregation, but no one speaks to me, so I continue. "All of you, the governments of the world, scare me."

"We scare you," a man scoffs from the first row. "How can we scare the mighty Star Ray."

"Because I wasn't always Star Ray," I explain evenly. "I was a small child once, from an immigrant family. I'm a citizen of the United States, but my parents, as all of you say, were considered illegal aliens. On the totem pole of our society, we are in last place. So, I grew up fearing all of you, and that fear never left. Even now, all alone, my family gone due to the sacrifices we all had to make, I'm still afraid. I don't know why when I have nothing more to lose, but I am. Still, there is one thing I fear more than you, and it's the coming war."

"So, we are at war?" asked a woman, the same as the day before, I believe. "With space?"

"Yes, and no. Yes, we are at war, but we can avert it," I quickly explain to the masses. "We are at the beginning stages. Earth may seem like a lesser compared to the others, but we are steadily rising in power. When they realize we are a threat or our resources are too valuable to leave in our hands, they will come. The rest of the realms are already in an all-out war. It's only a matter of time until they come here."

"So, what do we do?"

"Talk to them. Instead of joining the fight, we can help end the war. The Aesirs believe if we stand beside them, then the rest of the nine realms will follow."

"And what do you believe?" another voice called.

"Peace is the way," I declared without hesitation. "We've done enough fighting throughout history. We don't need to continue the trend on another planet. I believe we can stop the war."

A bitter laugh echoed through the room as another woman stood up to her full height. She's perhaps in her fifties but still remarkably beautiful. Her voice is stern, but I note the severity in her stare towards me. "And I suppose you want us to put all our faith in you."

"Honestly, no," I answered. "I don't want this responsibility, but I'm the only one who can shoulder it."

"Really? Because it seems to some of us that this is another power play from the United States."

Rosemary DiCarlo, the ambassador to the U.S., took to the defense to stop anyone from following the other woman's train of thought. "The United States has never used the Avengers as a way to control other nations."

Peter Wittig joined the conversation, "Really? So when Captain America stormed Germany, it had nothing to do with the United States?"

Soon the room exploded in voices filled with distrust and fear. It was all I could do to stare at them in wonder. The conversation had nothing to do with who held the most power here on Earth, but that's what they're fighting about.

"I'm beginning to wonder if I should even trust any of you?" I said loud enough for all to hear. Someone tries to speak up, but I simply cut over them. "No, just stop. I've tried so hard to fight for Earth, to keep the peace, but all of you want to fight. Isn't it the duty of the United Nations to stand together? To speak about peace instead of arguing about power struggles and war. What have I fought for if this is what it will lead to?" No one has anything to say to counter my argument, so I continue. "If you want to send someone else in my place, then, by all means, do so. I'm eighteen years old; I'm supposed to be out in the world living my life, not stopping an intergalactic war."

"You're eighteen?" a small voice said from behind me. Looking back up to President Jeremic, I noticed the look of astonishment crossing his features with sympathy. "We all knew you were young, but you're just a child."

"I was sixteen when I fought in Houston, Texas. Seventeen during the battle of New York, and now I'm eighteen. I'm a high school dropout. I've never spoken to so many people at once until today. Hell, I don't even know my birthday, but I am here to help."

"Mein Gott," Peter Wittig voiced. "A child is at the forefront of the war, and all we have done is argue."

"Makes you wonder who the real adults are," Rosemary DiCarlo mentions. "We never gave her a chance, yet she still wants to save us."

"Can you save us?" President Jeremic said, his eyes never leaving my own.

Nodding, I turn to look at the rows of men and women. "I promise I will do everything in my power to save Earth from this war. I will end it, no matter how long it may take."

"Then you have my support," Peter Wittig said, raising his hand. More hands followed until the entire room unanimously agreed.

Hours later, I found myself packing my belongings. S.H.I.E.L.D. brought over some of my belongings from my apartment in D.C., so I could be comfortable in Asgard. I made it clear that I wanted to be seen as a human at all times and not mistaken for an Asgardian. Fury, of course, agreed, so now all I'm doing is packing the clothes from the U.N. meetings.

A knock sounds on the door, and I leave my packing to answer it. Madelyn is on the other side with a bag in her hand. I smile, inviting her in.

"What brings you here?"

"I was in the neighborhood, and I thought you'd like some food."

Nearly drooling at the thought of food, I hurry us to the table while speaking my gratitude to the older woman. A few minutes later, the two of us are digging into tamales and sipping our drinks. It may not be tacos, but I love tamales, so I'm not complaining.

"Ah," I happily groaned. "I miss this!"

"The food or the company."

"Both," I swallowed. "Don't get me wrong! I like the Asgardians, but it's not the same."

"At least you have Thor."

"True," I smiled, shoving more food down my throat. When Edwards and I finished eating, we remained in our seats, talking about mundane affairs.

"So, when are you due to leave?"

"Now, technically."

"Oh, I thought you would have more time," Madelyn said, taken aback by the plan.

"No, I have to speak with Thor and go over our strategy for the meeting with the other planetary leaders."

"Huh, right, that makes sense. Well, when will you be back?"

"I don't know."

Madelyn looked disappointed, but she never voiced it. Instead, she promised to help with the last of the packing. Twenty minutes later, the two said their goodbyes on the rooftop of the U.N. as the Bifrost beamed Calliope to Asgard.

"Agent Edwards," an agent, one of Pierce's personal guards, calls out to her. "Secretary Pierce is waiting for you."

"Right," Madelyn Edwards replied as she followed the agent inside where Secretary Pierce was lodging.

When they entered, Madelyn stood at attention until Pierce invited her to sit beside him on the sofa. Unlike her time beside Calliope, Madelyn felt on edge beside the head of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"Great job, Edwards," The man voiced. "You managed to motivate Star Ray and further her trust in you. I'm impressed."

"Thank you, sir."

It was all she could say. The disgust soon fills her to the core, like the Brady she'll have to drink tonight to get over it.

To think, there was once a time she admired Pierce and Hydra. Now, she remains out of fear. Ironic, really, she had the audacity to make her little speech to Calliope, yet she's sitting beside a viper, too afraid to move.