Chapter 29
AN: Thank you so much for the support. Hope you like this chapter.
February 24th 1969
Six weeks have passed since Mutants and Agents of SHIELD worked side by side and ever since Peggy, Howard and Charles have been working to set up ways for them to communicate and share resources, while also guarding against the fact that the government cannot be trusted.
Thankfully, there is no evidence that they destroyed the government experimental facility, and because the government want to keep things quiet Peggy and Howard know that they are not going to be discovered.
It is about midday on a Monday. Peggy and Howard are in Peggy's SHIELD office when there is a knock on the door.
"Come in," Peggy says, and an agent walks in.
"You wanted to see me, Director Carter? Director Stark?" The Agent asks.
"Yes, take a seat Agent Stoner," Peggy requests, and Agent Rick Stoner sits down.
"Rick, Director Carter and I have been reading your threat reports, and they are quite impressive," Howard admits.
"Thank you, Sir," Agent Stoner says.
"We've got an assignment for you," Peggy says, handing over the file.
"Project Reclamation?" Stoner asks, reading the file.
"Black op, compeltley off the record," Peggy tells him. "Agent Sousa will be your immediate superior, and only he, you, and the two of us will know about it," Peggy explains, as for now they aren't even going to tell the rest of their extended family.
"What exactly is it?" Stoner asks curious.
"A fail safe in case of catastrophe," Howard answers.
"It your job to design protocols, and strategies for what to do if the worst happens, and predict what those worsts might be," Peggy admits. "Agent Sousa has more information for you, including information about the resources that are available," Peggy explains, and she and Howard have managed to use a hell of a lot of hiding, and influence, to even get a emergency location if needed.
"This is to be your immediate focus," Howard instructs. "Nothing has a higher priority," Howard explains.
"I understand," Stoner says.
"Get to work, Agent," Peggy instructs.
"Yes Ma'am," Stoner says before getting up and leaving the room, as he leaves Peggy and Howard exchange looks.
Many hours later Peggy and Howard are at home, in Howard's lab. While Howard is working on something Peggy is sitting on a nearby bench cross legged, working on a mission plan.
"That cannot have been easy for you, to destroy all of that," Peggy says, looking at her husband who has just finished explaining something to her.
"It was too much of a risk to keep that much of it, they would be no guarantee of keeping it from getting into the wrong hands," Howard admits. "I kept samples," Howard admits. "I truly believe that there are keys to medical advancement for the good of humanity that I cannot walk away from, but no other scientist, not even Hank, Janet or Jason, are going to work with it," Howard admits, as while he is nervous about keeping samples he knows the potential advancement and has to keep trying to work on that.
"That may be for the best," Peggy says, as she knows it could also put their friends lives at stake if anyone finds out they are working with the serum.
"Damn it," Howard says annoyed.
"What's wrong now?" Peggy asks curious.
"I'm trying to put the final touches on this computer harddrive, but these wires are causing issues, and I need another set of hands," Howard says annoyed, and as he speaks Peggy jumps down from where she is sitting and she walks over to Howard.
"What do you need?" Peggy ask as she needs a break from her mission report to think through an issue and this could be the perfect distraction.
"See that," Howard says, pointing to something, and Peggy nods. "Hold it steady," Howard requests, and Peggy and Howard work together on Howard's invention, and once they're done Howard listens to Peggy's mission plan which helps her figure out her solution.
March 30th 1969
Almost five weeks have passed since Peggy and Howard set into motion Project Reclamation, and ever since they have started to put into place the plans for the other projects to save lives and protect.
It is a Sunday night and Peggy and Howard have put Tony to bed, and are heading to Natasha's room. When they get there, they knock on the door.
"Come in," Natasha says, and when Peggy and Howard walk in they find Natasha in bed, reading.
"Lights out soon, Tash," Peggy tells her daughter.
"I know, I just want to finish this chapter," Natasha admits. "You're not going to be here in the morning, are you?" Natasha asks.
"We're leaving for DC in a few hours," Howard tells his daughter. "We're attending former President Eisenhower's state funeral, and have a couple of meetings," Howard explains, as their meetings are to try and get a bigger budget for SHIELD.
"We'll be home by the time you leave for school on Tuesday," Peggy assures her daughter, who nods. "I love you Tash," Peggy says, bending over and kissing Natasha's head.
"Love you too," Natasha responds.
"We'll see you when we get home," Howard tells his daughter. "Love you Tash," Howard says, as he hugs her and kisses her head.
"Love you too," Natasha responds.
"We'll tell Mr. Jarvis and Ana that you have some extra time before lights out, but when they tell you to go to bed, go to bed," Peggy tells her daughter.
"I will," Natasha says, with a nod.
"Goodnight Tash," Peggy says, as she and Howard leave the room together, and before long the two of them are on their way to DC.
Three weeks later
Since Peggy and Howard went to DC for Eisenhower's funeral the two of them managed to get an increased budget for SHIELD, but they had to compromise, which means they have more oversight over certain matters, but more freedom for their black ops which they plan to use to keep hidden the work they are undertaking with Charles.
It's s Sunday afternoon and Peggy and Natasha are doing what they haven't had much of a chance to do lately; train together in the backyard.
"Left, right, duck, hook, upper," Peggy says as she is telling moves for Natasha to repeat.
"Come on, Mom. You could at least make it a challenge," Natasha argues, as Howard gets to the backdoor and starts to watch.
"Oh, you want a challenge, do you?" Peggy asks curious.
"It would be nice," Natasha teases.
"Left side kick, right jab, left elbow, left knee, left hook, right roundhouse, left upper, right upper. Left roundhouse," Peggy quickly says, increasing the speed of how she says things as she goes, and as she does Natasha moves faster, and as Peggy says left roundhouse Natasha is so focused on speed that she lets a but of strength get ahead of her and she accidently knocks Peggy over with her kick.
"MOM!" Natasha yells in terror, as Howard runs out from where he is watching.
"I'm fine Tash," Peggy says, as she gets back to her feet. "But this highlights a key point, you always need to remember your control," Peggy tells her daughter. "There are times where you can let go, but for the most part you need to control your strength, not just focus on speed," Peggy tells her daughter.
"I know," Natasha says, with a nod.
"You're doing Tash," Peggy assures her daughter, with a smile, as Howard walks up.
"Hey Dad," Natasha greats.
"Nicely done, Kiddo, it seems like you're doing well," Howard says to his daughter.
"I'm trying," Natasha admits. "Do you want to learn something?" Natasha asks her father curious, to Peggy's amusement.
"It would be a good idea," Peggy says, as she has been trying for years to get Howard to do more self-defense.
"Come on, Dad, please! I would love to teach you," Natasha says to her father, giving him a pleading look.
"Okay," Howard says, and to Peggy's amusement Natasha, with imput from Peggy, starts to teach Howard some basic self defense.
May 29th 1969
About five and a half weeks have passed since Natasha taught her father some basic self-defense and while Natasha wants to teach her father more he hasn't been interested.
It is early on a Thursday morning and Peggy and Howard are walking into Tony's room where they find their son sitting up in his crib.
"Hey Little Guy," Peggy says, walking over to her son.
"Mama," Tony says as he reaches up for his mother, and Peggy picks him up and cuddles him close.
"Hey Pal, today's your Birthday," Howard says to his son. "You're One-year old today," Howard informs him.
"One year," Tony repeats, almost like he is trying to figure out what that means.
"Yes, exactly," Peggy says to Tony as she kisses his head. "Come on, Tash, Jarvis and Ana are waiting downstairs," Peggy says to Tony and the two of them, along with Howard, head downstairs.
A little while later the three of them walk into the kitchen where Jarvis, Ana and Natasha are sitting around the table. As soon as she sees her parents and little brother walk into the room Natasha jumps up.
"Tony! Happy birthday," Natasha says, hurrying over to her brother so that she can hug him.
"Tash," Tony says, with a smile, and he reaches for his sister and so she takes him from their mother.
"Today's your birthday, that means you're going to get presents, which I am going to help you open, and cake, with candles, that I'll help you with," Natasha explains to her brother, causing her parent to exchange proud looks.
For the rest of the day the Carter-Stark celebrate Tony's first birthday which involves the rest of their extended family coming over for dinner.
August 2nd 1969
Over two months have passed since Tony's first birthday and with every day that passes Peggy, Howard, and the rest of their family are constantly amazed by what he can do.
It is a Saturday afternoon and the extended family have come over to the Carter-Starks, and because they are older both MJ and Natasha can tell that something is going on while Stephanie, Melinda and Tony are seemingly oblivious.
"Tash, MJ," Peggy says from the backyard as the five kids play in the back yard.
"Yeah Aunt Peggy?" MJ asks as he and Natasha walk up to Peggy.
"Is everything okay?" Natasha asks her mother curious.
"There is a situation that your Dad, your parents, aunts, uncles and I need to discuss," Peggy says, looking between Natasha and MJ. "We need you two to look after Stephanie, Melinda and Tony," Peggy explains.
"We can do that," Natasha assures her mother.
"Good," Peggy says relieved. "Do not leave the grounds, or go further than the pool, or in the pool, under any circumstances," Peggy tells them. "We'll be in the office, but please knock if you need anything," Peggy requests, looking between the two kids.
"We will," MJ assures his aunt.
"We'll be okay," Natasha assures her mother.
"I know," Peggy says, smiling at her daughter and nephew. "I'll see you both later," Peggy says, before heading back into the house, and after Peggy heads inside MJ and Natasha head back over to Stephanie, Tony and Melinda, and continue to play; though Natasha is also looking for any sign of danger.
A little over an hour later Natasha, MJ, Melinda, Tony and Steph have moved from out on the grounds into the living room where they are playing with Lego together when Dugan and Gabe walk in.
"Steph," Gabe says, to his daughter.
"Yeah Dad?" Steph asks curious as she gets up and walks over to her farther and godfather. "Is everything okay?" she asks concerned.
"Your Uncle Tim and I have to go on a mission for a few days, so you're going to stay with Uncle Howard, Aunt Peg, Ana, Jarvis, Tony and Nat," Gabe explains to his daughter.
"How long will you be gone for?" Step asks curious.
"A few days," Gabe explains, knowing that he can't be more specific than that. "You okay with that?" Gabe asks curious.
"Yeah," Steph says, with a nod.
"Good," Gabe says, before hugging his daughter. "I love you," he says, placing a kiss on her head.
"Love you too," Steph responds, and when they break apart she walks over to Dugan. "Love you Uncle Tim," Steph says, before hugging him.
"I love you too, Kiddo," Dugan responds.
"Dinner will be shortly," Gabe says. "Nat, MJ, do you want to take Tony, Melinda and Step to wash up?" Gabe asks, the two older children.
"Sure, Uncle Gabe," Natasha says, and she and MJ proceed to take Tony, MJ and Stephanie upstairs, and within half an hour they are having dinner with their family; because of Natasha's training she can feel the tension in the room.
October 6th 1969
Two months have passed since Steph stayed with the Carter-Stark's for a few days. While she was worried about her father and Uncle, she did have an enjoyable time. It's early on a Monday morning and due to Stark Industries Responsibilities Howard is preparing to leave for LA, a trip which Peggy cannot make with him.
"You're going to be fine," Peggy assures Howard as they walk down the corridor on the bedroom level of the Estate. "Howard you know your tech, and people are going to love it," Peggy assures him.
"But what if they don't?" Howard asks worried. "If this fails I'm not going to be able to hold the board off anymore, they'll demand we go back to manufacturing weapons," Howard says concerned, as he knows how much is riding on this.
"One, it's not going to fail," Peggy assures him as she has heard about the tech so much over the last few months that she believes that. "And two, this is something you've decided that you won't compromise on, and I know you so I know you won't," Peggy says, being sure that Howard would rather give up the company that cave to the board. "It will be okay," Peggy assures him.
"I love you," Howard says, before kissing Peggy.
"I love you too," Peggy says, when they break apart, and they head downstairs to where Tony, being held by Jarvis, Ana, and Natasha are waiting by the stairs.
"Will you bring me something back from LA? And the other places you go?" Natasha asks curious, as she knows this is different to the trips her parents usually make, so she might be able to get some kind of present.
"You got it, Kiddo," Howard assures his daughter. "I love you," he says before hugging her and kissing her head.
"Love you too," Natasha responds, and once she breaks apart from her father Howard picks up Tony, and Natasha hugs Jarvis.
"I love you," Howard tells Tony. "Be good for your Mom," Howard tells Tony before kissing the top of his head and handing him to Ana. "I'll see you when I get home," Howard says, looking at Peggy.
"See you then, Howard, Mr. Jarvis" Peggy says, with a smile, and Howard leaves with Jarvis, as it was decided that Jarvis would go to LA with Howard.
Forty Hours Later
Since Howard and Jarvis left for LA Peggy, Ana, Natasha, and Tony have been doing their best to continue on their normal routine, which has involved Peggy needing to be late at SHIELD. It is late at night and Peggy has just finished checking on Natasha and Tony, as she just got home, and is walking into hers and Howard's bedrooms.
As she starts to get changed and ready to bed the phone starts to ring and so Peggy walks over to answer it, wondering if it will mean she has to go back to SHIELD.
"Director Carter," Peggy answers.
"Hey, it's me," Howard's voice says.
"Hey," Peggy says, with a smile, glad to hear from him. "How'd you know I'd be home?" Peggy asks curious as she sits down.
"I called the office first," Howard admits. "So, you were right," Howard reveals.
"Oh?" Peggy asks curious.
"The loved the tech," Howard reveals. "We've already got massive orders for it," Howard admits.
"Howard that's great," Peggy says, sounding glad. "I want to hear all about the presentation," Peggy tells Howard.
"Well, it started big," Howard reveals, and he starts to explain all about what happened, and thanks to the way Howard explains Peggy almost feels like she was there.
One Week Later
Ever since Howard did his Tech Presentation in LA he has had to go to several cities to launch the products. Even though it is after dinner time Peggy is still at SHIELD, and feeling a headache coming not, not to mention feeling a little guilty about not making it home, though Ana assures her it is fine.
"General no," Peggy says, talking to someone she has been in a meeting with for the last hour a person who, unknown to her, is Hydra. "SHIELD agents are not your personal security force," Peggy informs him.
"They're only yours, right?" The general asks, with a grin which Peggy would very much like to slap off his face.
"SHEILD agents protect everyone, they do not act as private security," Peggy says, keeping her voice calm, but her annoyance is slipping through. "You've made a request multiple times, and now you're here in person thinking you can intimidate me into changing by answers, but you can't," Peggy informs him. "Your request is denied, SHIELD Agents are not yours, or anyone else's, to hire," Peggy says, her voice stern.
"I can go over your heard," The General informs Peggy, who can't help but laugh.
"There is no one over my head when it comes to SHIELD Personnel," Peggy says, knowing that the only exception is that she unfortunately cannot get rid of Zola, no matter how much she may want to "The president, multiple presidents in fact, have made it clear that when it comes to assignments for SHIELD agents there is no higher authority than me," Peggy informs him. "Anything else I can help you with?" Peggy asks, clearly putting an end to the earlier conversation.
A little while later Peggy's meeting has thankfully ended and Peggy is walking into her office, honestly tempted to have a drink before heading home. Due to her annoyance at the meeting Peggy is distracted and so she doesn't realize Howard is sitting on her couch, at least she doesn't until he says;
"Did you miss me?" and Peggy turns to look at him.
"Definitely," Peggy confirms, and she walks over and kisses him.
"You look stressed," Howard says, once they break apart, as she learnt to recognize what stress looks like on Peggy a long time ago.
"I just spent several hours with a pigheaded, chauvinistic General who thought he could intimidate me into giving him what he wanted," Peggy explains.
"Damn I missed you putting him in his place?" Howard asks, looking a little disappointed as he always likes watching that.
"It wasn't as enjoyable as you seem to think it was," Peggy informs him.
"Usually is," Howard comments, and Peggy gives him an annoyed, but loving, look. "How about we go home," Howard suggests.
"That would be good," Peggy says, and she goes to collect her stuff, and once she has it she and Howard leave together.
December 4th 1969
Just over seven weeks have passed since Howard returned from his business trip and ever since his new technology has been selling well which, to his relief, has gotten the Stark Industries Board off his back.
While Peggy is on a mission with Jack, Dugan, and Michael, Natasha has realised what day it is, and so she knows what she has to do. Knowing that her brother should wake from his nap any minute Natasha has headed into his room.
"Tash!" Tony says from where he is standing in his crib.
"Hey there you," Natasha says, as she picks up her little brother. "I'm going to need your help with something," Natasha says, causing her brother to look at her in confusion. "Dad and Ana are going to be really sad soon, so we're going to sit with them, and be really quiet, do you think you can do that?" Natasha asks her brother.
"Shh," Tony says.
"Exactly," Natasha tells her brother with a smile.
A little while later Howard, Ana and Jarvis are sitting on the floor in front of an unlit menorah when Natasha, holding Tony, walk over and sit with them. Looking at his children Howard feels overwhelming love for them and feels beyond supportive and so he puts his arm around Natasha and kisses the head of both his children before he goes back to looking at the menorah.
March 29th 1970
Almost four months have passed since the first night of Hanukkah and even though she couldn't make it home for that night Peggy was home for most of the eight nights, and Howard was grateful to have her support along with their children.
As it is MJ's 11th birthday the following day MJ, his parents, Steph, Dugan, Gabe, Mortia and his family, Daniel, Jack, Melinda, William, Lian, Janet, and Hank have all come over to the Carter-Stark Estate to Celebrate.
"You having a good day?" Natasha asks her cousin as she sits down next to him.
"Yeah, I am," MJ confirms. "Biologically, we're the same age now," MJ realises, looking at Natasha.
"Yep,"
"That's so weird," MJ comments, knowing that he is pretty used to weird, but this is even weird for him considering how old he was when he and Natasha first met.
"Really is," Natasha confirms. "But I like that I can be close in age to you, and Steph, Mel, even Tony one day," Natasha admits, saying what she has never said before. "It kind of feels like we'll get to be closer," Natasha admits, as before Peggy and Howard took her in she never got a chance to be close to people, so she is glad to get the chance now.
"I like that," MJ admits. "Who else will understand our lives and family?" MJ asks his cousin with a grin, as they look around at their, admittedly unconventional, but nevertheless amazing, family.
"No one on earth," Natasha says, causing MJ to laugh. "Which is why we have to stick together," Natasha informs MJ.
"Yeah, we do," MJ confirms and the two cousins drift into silence as they sit together.
Five Days later
Ever since her conversation with her cousin Natasha has been thinking about what her slow aging will mean, and even though there are things she doesn't like she is going to focus on the good; like being able to be close in age to the other 'kids' in the family.
It is early morning and Peggy and Howard are lying in bed together, both enjoying the last few minutes of rest they have before they have to get up. As Peggy turns her head she sees Howard is awake.
"Happy Anniversary," Howard says, smiling at her.
"Happy Anniversary," Peggy responds, and she leans forward and kissing him.
A little while later Peggy and Howard, who are now dressed and ready for the day, walk into the kitchen where there is a giant 'Happy Anniversary' banner and the second they walk in, Natasha, Jarvis and Ana say;
"Happy Anniversary"
While Tony yells;
"HAPPY"
"Yeah, Pal, we are," Howard says, smiling at his son, as he and Peggy hug their family, feeling incredibly grateful for all of them.
June 4th 1970
Two months have passed since Peggy and Howard's fifteenth anniversary and in that time Tony has turned two and he has continued to amaze his parents, sister, and the rest of his family.
It is the early hours of a Thursday morning and Peggy and Howard are fast asleep, or at least they were until the phone rings, waking them up.
"Director Carter," Peggy answers, still half asleep.
"Hi this is Nurse Rebecca Schuetze from Bellevue Hospital Centre, am I speaking to Margret Carter-Stark?" The nurses, and hearing who is calling Peggy turns on the light.
"Yes, it is," Peggy confirms, as she sits up, and Howard sits up as well.
"There has been an accident and you, and your husband, are listed as the emergency contacts for William, Lian and Melinda May," Nurse Schuetze says.
"Are they alright?" Peggy asks concerned.
"I'm not able to answer that question over the phone, you and your husband need to come down here, as soon as possible," Nurse Schuetze says.
"'We'll be there as soon as we can. Thank you," Peggy says, before hanging up.
"What's going on?" Howard asks concerned, as soon as Peggy hangs up.
"Somethings happened to William, Lian and Melinda. We've got to get to Bellevue," Peggy explains as she throws off the blanket, and they both quickly get up and get ready to leave.