Steve took a deep breath and straightened his collar. His interview with the cabinet was at 2:30, in exactly two minutes. Reviewing his proposition again, he opened the door.

The room behind it was large, with a huge oval table slightly to one end of the room. Opposite the door, at the head of the table, was President Proedros. To his left was a woman whose nametag marked her as the Secretary of Education. Sitting next to her was the Secretary of Agriculture, Followed by the secretaries of Commerce, Health and Human Services, the Treasury, Transportation, and Labor. To the right of the president was the Secretary of State, followed by the Attorney General. Next to him were the secretaries of Energy and Housing and Urban Development. Then came the Secretary of Homeland Security, who was an authoritive looking Marine, the Secretary of the Interior, who Steve was surprised to see was Maria Hill, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. A blond woman in a burgundy blazer was sitting in front of the door, her back to him. Steve thought that she was probably the Secretary of Defense.

Steve's work with SHIELD had taught him to observe fast- his entire train of thought had only taken the 10-15 seconds it took for President Proedros to recognize him and invite him into the room. Steve stepped inside, closing the door behind him, and then made his way to the space on the left of the table. He turned so that he was speaking to President Proedros more so than the others in the room- after all, he was the one who would be able to grant Steve his request.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the cabinet," Steve began. "I am Captain Steve Rogers, formerly of the 107th light infantry co-operative division, and a current member of the United States Army. When I first enlisted, the 107th took on the missions that no one else would, or that had been tried and failed already. We were a group of the most talented members of the US, British, and French militaries and intelligence services. Each of us had our own strengths, and together we were one of the most successful teams in the history of this country." Steve paused for breath before continuing. "With your permission, I would like to create a similar strike team within the United States, the 701st Combined Special Infantry Unit. I would pull talented individuals from all of the military's branches."

"Why not just call it the 107th?" asked the secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

"The 107th is currently attached to the New York National Guard," the Marine said, sounding as if he had said this multiple times already.

"I think it's a good idea. We could certainly use something like that," Hill said with a nod towards Steve.

"I agree- with one slight change." The Secretary of Defense spoke up. Steve glanced at her with surprise. She had a vaguely familiar accent. "I want to be on it."

"I can't have every young woman in the country on this team because of who its leader is. Sorry miss," Proedros said condescendingly.

"I quite agree," the Marine said, while Hill and Steve bristled with anger. The Secretary of Defense smiled slightly. "Miss Berrigan, would you please remind the reporters, staff, and anchormen clustered outside the door that the cabinet session will not begin for another hour? It wouldn't do for them to get any ideas." Secretary Berrigan smiled, stepping outside. Steve could hear her speaking to the people outside. Most people in her position would let the power get to their heads, yet she still addresses them respectfully. She knows that a leader does not get anyone's respect by yelling. I won't mind having her on the team, Steve thought.

The conversation resumed as she stepped back inside. "Well, I suppose we should vote on it," Proedros said. "All in favor of yet another unit, say aye."

Twelve of the 16 hands went up.

"Very well, Rogers. I will meet with you later to discuss recruiting," Secretary Berrigan said. Suddenly, Steve realized why her accent was so familiar. She looked different with make-up on.

"Thank you, Mississippi."