The song for this chapter is:
Swing Back by Phos Toni
watch?v=gp7IYR_F29Y
EPILOGUE
Two days later, the five of them gathered at the main harbor in Athens, the Port of Piraeus.
As Peggy was saying goodbye to her friends, it all felt rather bittersweet. They had been through so much together during these past few weeks. She hoped they could keep in touch, but it would prove difficult with the current political climate between their two nations.
And it was only going to get worse between them once she convinced Namor to work with the US and not Russia.
If only there had been more to show for all this, then maybe Namor staying on US soil would be an easier pill for the Soviets to swallow. Troubled, Peggy sighed, "I wish that there were ancient artifacts or some bounty from our little adventure."
After a coy smile, Dmitri shrugged, "Well, we did as ordered and stopped the Baron from taking over the world. Besides, I found all the treasure I needed right here." Turning, he and Zdenka shared a quick kiss.
Blushing, the Russian Doctor grinned adorningly at him. She then addressed her new friends, "Thank you, comrade. Too bad our story could not be shared with the world. At least I have enough material to write many archeological papers regarding the Wonders."
Smiling sincerely, Peggy said, "And I hope they will be well received."
Howard coughed out, "Um, don't be surprised if in a year or so, a movie comes out that is vaguely reminiscent of our adventures." He clocked Peggy's glare, "Come on, pal. How could I ignore such great material? It practically writes itself. And don't worry, I will not use your real name."
Peggy huffed, "As long as you don't use Betty Carver's name, I will allow it."
The others chuckled at her reaction.
Smirking, Peggy said to the Russians, "Oh, and I promise that after six months, I will send the Atlantean Prince to your country." A deal was a deal, after all. Maybe Namor would find Russia too cold for his liking. That would certainly help her future plans greatly, she thought.
Dmitri grinned, "And we will probably tell you to keep him. Somehow I think his autocratic ideology and arrogance will rub my communist leaders the wrong way. It had already taken us years to get rid of those damn Tsar Emperors, as it were."
"Regardless, I hope his presence brings our two countries closer again."
Contemplating the possibility, Zdenka smiled sadly, and Dmitri pursed his lips. "I hope so too, Peggy."
The nearby passenger liner sounded the horn for 'last call,' which broke them from their introspections. After one last hug to everyone, the Russians boarded the vessel. Since Namor wouldn't be visiting their land for some time, they were going to take a leisurely boat ride back to Russia.
The other night over dinner, Dmitri and Zdenka had talked about their unhurried journey home. After seeing the loving glances passed between them, Peggy easily guessed why.
Zdenka confirmed Peggy's observations when she said, "We were thinking of honeymooning at Naples for at least a week, maybe longer."
Dmitri stared at Zdenka longingly, "Just like old times, eh lyubimaya."
After many enthusiastic congratulations were given, Howard bought the most expensive bottle of champagne available in the restaurant to celebrate.
Now hours later, they watched as the happy couple waved farewells to their American friends from the boat.
Once the distancing ship had reached the horizon, Howard hugged Peggy with the promise, "See you back in DC in a few weeks."
When she had first informed Howard about the SSR disbanding, he just shrugged and said he was not surprised. But then he did become intrigued when she mentioned starting a new intelligence agency that they would co-direct together.
And since they were both now on an unexpected holiday, she asked him what his plans were. In typical over-dramatic fashion, Howard bemoaned that he needed a vacation.
Since he anticipated a much calmer trip, he and Jarvis were going to take his ginormous yacht towards the sunny beaches of the Bermuda Islands.
No doubt to show off those atrocious swimming trunks, Peggy thought with a shudder. But, at least his tan had evened out after all his time on the Mediterranean Sea.
With a shrug, he added, "Also, I am curious as to what this Great Spine of theirs was. Maybe I will find that on the way there. Hell, I might even run into Namor during my investigation."
Peggy smiled at his plans, "Well, I wish you good luck."
Then he tried to get her to join him, and now standing on the docks, he invited her once again, "Come on, Peg, it'll be fun."
Demurely Peggy declined. "Honestly, I have had enough of that mode of transport for the time being. Taking a train to London and later flying back to DC will be much more relaxing."
As he began to protest, Peggy wagged her finger at him, "Between your intended plans and knowing you'll be on the hunt for the female variety, I'll keep to my itinerary."
Howard held up his hands, "Hey, I'm a changed man, Peg. I am through with my womanizing ways."
Peggy and Jarvis looked at him incredulously.
"I mean it. This trip proved that life is too short. Nearly dying multiple times showed me that. I need to settle down and get married." He grinned at the thought, "Maybe even raise a brood of kids. What? You don't think I can, Auntie Peggy?"
She could not keep her smirk at bay, "I know when you put your mind to something, you can succeed, Howard. But, regardless of your assurances, you best stay out of trouble. I won't be there to rescue you this time."
His smile became a thin line when he stated, "Actually, without you by my side, I expect to finally get some rest. You claim I am the trouble magnetic, but I truly think it is you, pal. So, you be careful."
She chuckled, "It is just a train ride, Howard. What could possibly go wrong?"
They all shared a laugh.
"I'd take those odds," Howard drawled.
A worried Jarvis said, "Yes, do be careful, Miss Carter."
"I will, Mr. Jarvis. And you watch out yourself," she grinned fondly at the pair of them.
Still, she was almost tempted to join them on the open sea after all. Especially after she had received a cable from her mother this morning. How a simple telegram could sound like a call to arms was beyond her.
Overhearing her grumbles, Howard chided her, "You fought Hydra and battled the Nazis. Your mother can't be any worse than that."
Peggy countered, "Had my mother been at the front lines, she would have nagged Hitler until he had happily run into that bunker just to die quicker." But Howard was right. So with stubborn determination, she grasped the handle of her suitcase tighter.
Having only a small travel case with a few sets of clothing that Howard had insisted on paying for while in Greece, she certainly had far less than what she came with initially.
Most of her clothes had been ruined on this trip. Also, she had no hats and no weapons. Worriedly, she had no idea what had happened to Bessie and hoped it wasn't somewhere lost around the Mediterranean. And though it was rather nice to travel light, she still felt vulnerable.
Hearing a cheerful "Hello, sir," behind them, they all turned. It was Captain Jasper and the handsome Steward James. "Glad all of you made it through your journey safely. We are ready to disembark whenever you are, Mr. Stark."
Peggy smiled at them both, but then she frowned when she saw the square box that James carried.
Howard replied after a smirk, "Yes, thank you, Captain. It certainly was an interesting adventure." Seeing the package, he held out his hand. After the Steward gave it to him, the millionaire added, "Thanks for bringing this. Now, if you two wouldn't mind giving us a moment."
"Of course, sir," and they moved far enough away to give Howard and his friends some privacy.
Howard held out the large square box tied with string to Peggy, who eyed it suspiciously. With a cheeky grin, he suggested, "Don't open it until after you have boarded your train."
Fearful, Peggy replied with a sigh, "And here I did not get you anything." More seriously, she added, "And I am sorry that this excursion has cost you so much money, Howard."
He shook his head and stated serenely, "Seriously, Peg, the number of ideas I got from this trip alone will make me rich, err, richer! Let alone that movie I'll be writing and directing. Now stay safe, and we will discuss your plans when I get back to DC."
She nodded quickly, and then for some reason, she felt teary-eyed. After a longer hug than what she would normally do, a leering Howard released her. When she had done the same to Jarvis, he at first appeared scandalized. Then he patted her on the back with a heartfelt, "Safe travels, Miss Carter."
Then all the men left hurriedly toward Howard's yacht.
Once they had gone, Peggy carried her small bag and the ridiculous square box to catch a taxi to the rail station.
Peggy had just barely made it to the Athens rail depot in time. Dashing to the platform, she saw her train's engine blowing out steam to signal that it was ready to leave.
Hopping aboard, she was pleased with her mode of transport. Honestly, it had not been a difficult choice to take this relaxing commute to London. And thankfully, the ride was a straight shot, so she did not have to worry about the hassle of changing trains during the commute.
As Peggy made her way toward her cabin, she smiled. She thought Jarvis would have loved to join her on this nostalgic last jaunt, but Howard wanted to sail away. And wherever Howard went, so did his loyal manservant.
"Besides," Jarvis had sniffed indignantly, "it was not the real noteworthy train, just one of its subsidiaries."
Peggy grinned at his derision but understood. It was not as if she was riding on the actual Orient Express anyway.
After the final call to board was sounded, the Arlberg-Orient Express slowly chugged out of the station.
While the train was picking up speed, Peggy maneuvered along the slim corridor toward her berth. Howard had splurged for her to get a cabin all to herself. She was certainly going to enjoy sleeping and not worrying about someone trying to kill her.
This whole trip had exhausted her, and she was looking forward to seeing Daniel when she eventually returned home. That was the one benefit of the SSR disbanding. They would have no excuses for being separated anymore.
Entering her cabin, she dropped her small traveling case and square box unceremoniously onto a cushioned seat. After locking the door and shutting the curtains, she turned to view her surroundings. It was a good-sized berth. Howard had even gotten word to set up her bed. Though he sometimes drove her mad, he was truly a good friend, and she could kiss him now.
Speaking of which, she yanked off the string that tied the square box closed. Cautiously she pushed off the lid and gasped in surprise. Inside was her lucky red hat.
"Well, hello, gorgeous," she crooned. Underneath it was a card from Howard that stated, 'Captain Jasper said this was the only thing that survived intact. Sorry about the rest of your stuff.'
Smiling, she plopped the red hat on top of her suitcase. Then after a wide yawn, she collapsed onto her thin mattress face first and was instantly asleep.
For the next two days, Peggy slumbered on and off. When not sleeping, she ate wonderful food. The opulent meals were so rich that she soon found herself back in her cabin, napping away. She had to admit, using the train had been a grand idea.
She could almost get used to this. But then, she was a woman of action. Being cooped up with nothing to do but sleep and eat would eventually get on her last nerves. Perhaps it wouldn't be so dull if she had the right company with her.
As she drifted off to sleep for her umpteenth nap, she wondered if Daniel would like to go on a Mediterranean vacation with her.
Her thoughts must have influenced her dreams because soon, she could feel the sandy beach under her reclining body. Resting on her elbows, Peggy flexed her toes as she curled them in the luxurious granular warmth.
She heard her name being called from the surf and looked up to see a figure emerge from the frothing waves. But it was not the lithe form of her beau but the strident march of a well-muscular man. In moments, Namor was standing over her, his strength and arrogance a pull upon her very core.
As she eagerly reached up her hand to touch his chiseled abs, his mouth opened. She heard him yell in a voice that was not his own, "Miss, you need to wake up!"
Reality crashed into her slumber, and she awoke to the train Steward rapping loudly on her door. Blurrily, she called out, "Yes, what is it?"
His muffled, cheerful voice stated cordially, "Sorry, Miss. But there seems to be a problem with the train. Luckily the other London-bound train is at the station with us. But you need to hurry if you are going to catch it."
"What's wrong with the—" But already she heard the man knocking on the next passenger's door.
Military training instantly took over, and Peggy scrambled to her feet. She quickly dressed and, in no time, had her meager belongings repacked. Needing more light to make sure she had not missed anything, she pulled open the curtains.
Glancing out the window, she saw a sign stating they had arrived at the Budapest station. Having no wish to be delayed, she counted her blessing that there was even a backup train available. Though this new sedate pace had been what she needed, she wanted to get to London to face her mother sooner rather than later.
Vaguely recalling her dream, she ignored the implications and just focused on making it onto the other train in time. Red hat firmly on, she hurried down the few steps off her train. Quickly she dashed across the tracks toward the larger train indicated by the Steward.
Peggy snorted when she saw that she would be taking the original Orient Express that Jarvis had so longed to travel on.
She overheard the Steward say to the irate transferring passengers, "No need to rush. They won't be leaving for a few minutes."
Pushing past the onslaught of annoyed boarders who crowded at the front, Peggy aimed for the last passenger car. Usually, people were inclined to look in the first few carriages. If they started at the back instead, they would have better luck finding an open berth like she would.
Soon she was striding determinedly down the train's slim corridor. Suddenly, one of the doors to a cabin ahead slid open. A large man stepped out, obstructing her path. As she approached, she recognized his silhouette and huffed.
"Hello, Mr. Hodge," she said with a growl. Ignoring the implications, she glared at him. Seriously, all she wanted to do was find any available compartment before they were all taken.
Standing in front of him, she braced herself to fend off any attack. Then the calm voice of Agent Smith drifted out from the cabin's open door, "Won't you join me, Margaret?"
Tempting as it was to put Gilmore in his place, she really did not want to call attention to herself unnecessarily.
So, hiding her irritation, Peggy smiled sweetly at Hodge. Almost reluctantly, he stepped aside enough to let her enter the cabin. After handing him her suitcase, she then sauntered into the small berth.
Crunching his teeth down in aggravation, Hodge dropped her suitcase onto the cabin's floor with a loud thump. He then slid the door shut behind him and blocked the exit from the inside. Peggy ignored his looming form that stood at parade rest and instead focused on the seated man.
Though pale and his arm in a sling, Agent Smith appeared healthier than she thought he should be after the amount of blood loss. He sat in the corner by the window and indicated for her to take the seat across from him. A half-read newspaper rested beside him.
Sitting on the opposite padded bench, Peggy relaxed and daintily crossed her legs, the picture of composure. But inside, she was coiled, ready to defend at any given moment.
She greeted him with a cordial, "I see you are feeling better, Agent Smith."
He nodded, "And I am sure you will be happy to know that Professor Spencer will also make a full recovery."
"Yes," she replied a bit too brightly, indicating that was the least of her concerns. "Now, why do I doubt this is a social call?"
Already she had figured out how they both ended up on the same train. It was obvious that Smith had been listening in on her phone call to the Colonel. For him to purposely sabotage another train just to get her on board this one was pretty low.
Seeing how fast she had connected things, Smith grinned, "That sharp brain of yours is what makes you so special, Carter."
She waved her hand about, "You did all of this so you can tell me how wonderful I am? Such a waste of taxpayer dollars," she then picked imaginary lint off her finely pressed suit. After being dirty and wet for what felt like an eternity, it felt wonderful to be clean and put together. Her tidy composure had always been a sort of pride for her.
"Actually, I did all this so we could talk in private," Smith tossed the newspaper so that it fell open beside her. Pictured was her group at the Oracle of Delphi. She winced at the black-and-white image. The headlines screamed in Greek about their mysterious appearance.
Peggy glanced out the window to hide her annoyance. As per her luck, she came off looking not so fresh on the printed page.
Smith almost sounded pleasant when he asked innocently, "So, where were you just before this picture was taken? Witnesses say that they scattered when a massive earthquake suddenly shook the area. Then your group arrived from out of nowhere, dripping wet."
Silent, she now looked at him expectantly.
Undeterred, Smith grinned and added, "So scuttlebutt is that you made quite the catch."
Her reply was to smile enigmatically at him. She did not know if he was fishing for clues or just stumbled upon the perfect pun. But there was no way he could have found out about Namor. Even Dmitri and Zdenka hadn't said anything yet to their leaders. Eventually, they planned to deliver their full report in person.
Eyeing the smug CIA Agent, she wondered if there was a file out there regarding Namor's father's little adventure.
"Come on, Carter, spill. What did you find? Where did you go? Did you get your heart's desire? You must have found something before you reappeared out of the blue," his stubby finger pointed at the newspaper.
Acting casually, Peggy said with a shrug, "I don't know what you are talking about."
When she refused to explain, Hodge took a threatening step toward her. Ignoring his overbearing presence, she told Smith coolly, "Either put your ox back in its pen or I will."
Hodge snarled, "I bet you would like to try, Queen Victoria."
Smith motioned the irate man back, and Hodge reluctantly did so.
Hearing people scurrying past the cabin, Peggy knew she had just lost any chance of finding an empty berth. Peeved, she snapped, "I don't have anything to share with you, but you already knew that."
He tilted his head like a bird's, his eyes resembling a predatory hawk, "True, though I will find out soon enough when we get back home."
"Then what do you really want, Agent Smith?" She was annoyed that he had inconvenienced her so that he could flex his power. She hoped no one had gotten injured from any sabotage to the other train.
Smith's growing smile reminded her of the used car salesman who had tried to sell her a lemon back in Los Angeles. Like then, she did not buy what he was selling.
The older Agent crooned, "That is the directness that we need. Frankly, I want you to join the CIA ranks. I know my boss would consider it a boon if I recruited the ever-resourceful Agent Carter."
She snorted at his suggestion. Then, quickly he held up a hand before she could rise to her feet, "Hear me out."
From the corner of her eye, Peggy saw Hodge tense. Before she could punch the hovering man in the painful area that she was level with, Smith barked out, "Step back, soldier."
Pursing his lips from outrage, Hodge did as ordered, but he glowered down at Peggy the entire time.
Relaxing, Peggy said, "You're wasting your time, Agent Smith."
He winked at her, "Call me George." Taking in her angry glare, he cleared his throat and continued, "I know you would be an asset to our organization, Carter." Smith couldn't help but gloat, "While you were away on your 'mysterious trip,' the CIA was awarded all of the governmental funding. Your once illustrious agency will be gone very soon."
Before she could stop herself, she snapped, "I will never work for you." After a calming exhale, she decided to see how he liked being provoked and asked sweetly, "So how is the shoulder, Agent Smith?"
His automatic shrug caused him to wince. Smith rubbed his wounded shoulder and gritted, "After a few months of physical therapy, the doctors say it should be back to normal."
Peggy figured that he must have been in the hospital this whole time. By his sallow complexion, she wondered if he had signed himself out against Doctor's orders just to catch up with her in time.
"Are you sure you do not want to work for the CIA?" He was a persistent man, Peggy thought tiredly, and she vehemently shook her head 'no.'
Registering her stubborn scowl, he sighed and rubbed his forehead in frustration. "Well, good luck with your future plans." Not one to give up, he leaned forward, "And once you're canned, look me up. My offer is always open."
"Integrity means a lot more to me than job security," she spat.
Irritated at her obstinance, he sneered, "Your loss, Carter." He murmured, "A classy dame like you could go far in our organization."
"Not bloody likely," Peggy growled. She glared at him sharply, knowing all too well what he was insinuating.
Women in the CIA were mostly used to seduce enemy agents for their secrets, a Honey Pot as it were. It seemed to be another sexist old boys club, just like all the other governmental institutions. And hell, if they were willing to hire the likes of Smith and the brute Hodge, they were frankly not very good people.
"Well, you might as well stay here then. There's nowhere else for you to sleep," he leered appreciatively at her.
Instead of resorting to physical violence, she smiled wide at him, her barred teeth appearing ferocious. It was a dangerous grin that had the lead CIA agent leaning back in fear of being struck.
Tired of the games, Peggy decided it was time to go.
Curtly she replied, "Good day, Agent Smith," and Peggy stood abruptly. She doubted there were any more free cabins on the train for her now. Regardless, she would rather sleep on the floor of the corridor before she stayed anywhere near such an odious man.
"Show our friend out, Agent Jones," a frustrated Smith called over. Even after Hodge had opened the door, he still refused to get out of Peggy's way.
When she stood in front of him, Hodge smirked down at her. It took one look at his malicious grin for Peggy to raise her fists.
Hodge sneered, "I should have been Captain America, not that little twerp. I'd be famous and get the girl." He had the gall to look her up and down as if she was some prized piece of meat.
Furious, she snarled, "You get one chance, Hodge. I am on vacation and am in no mood for patty-cake."
With no words of protest coming from his boss, Hodge stuck out his chin and put one foot forward, "This time, I am ready. Now I'm going to enjoy wrestling with you, Queenie."
When he suddenly swept a meaty fist at her face, Peggy automatically ducked. Popping right back up, she then punched him square in the jaw as she had back at Camp Lehigh. And just like then, he was knocked out cold. The man had never worked on that glass jaw of his, Peggy thought, amused.
After his large frame tumbled backward out of the open doorway, Peggy dusted off her hands.
She heard the train's whistle, and then the conductor hollered, "Last call for London." Suddenly, Peggy had an idea.
Grinning, she turned to stare at Smith, "Actually, since you have inconvenienced me, I shall return the favor. Get off this train, Smith." She marched toward the seated CIA Agent.
Smith looked up at her worriedly, but she brushed past him. Instead, she shoved down the compartment's window. Glancing out of it, she mumbled, "Yes, this will do nicely."
As the train began slowly chugging out of the station, Peggy straddled the groaning Hodge. Helping the groggy man to his feet, she assisted the barely coherent Agent out of the nearest exit, the cabin's open window.
She heard Hodge's sharp exhale of breath and then a moan when he landed painfully on the platform of the station.
After straightening her clothes, Peggy then glared at the surprised Agent Smith.
Clearing his throat, Smith raised his hand placatingly, "It's all yours, Agent Carter."
Smiling pleased, she watched as he scrambled out via the cabin door. Following behind him, Peggy went to shut it when she spied Agatha Christie standing just outside the doorway. The older woman's gaping mouth shut with an audible click.
Recognizing Peggy, she breathed, "It's you."
Embarrassed, Peggy nodded cordially, "Sorry, it's been rather difficult to get a free berth."
The writer nodded absently. Suddenly an idea struck, and she muttered, "I know. I will write a spy adventure next. I say it is most exciting watching you work, my dear."
"Thanks," Peggy replied dryly as she began to slide her door closed. She wondered just how much the cagey old bird had overheard regarding her discussion with Agent Smith.
Intrigued, Agatha asked, "What is your name?"
The door seemed slightly jammed, probably from when Hodge's bulk slammed into it, "It's Peggy, mum."
Wrestling the door free, she overheard Agatha mumble, "No, you look more like a Victoria or an Anna to me." Grinning pleased, the older woman then ambled off, tapping her chin as she contemplated her next novel.
The last thing Peggy heard before Agatha reached the next car was, "And here I thought I would be going home without a story to write!"
Shaking her head, Peggy chuckled. This whole situation reminded her that Jarvis had tucked one of those famous mysteries into her suitcase. On the last train, she had been just too exhausted to do anything more than sleep and eat. Well, now she had time to read what he had gushed so loudly about.
"Death on the Nile" seemed a little too on the nose for her, but it should prove to be entertaining nonetheless.
Wryly grinning, Peggy finished yanking the door shut to her cabin.
She tossed her suitcase into the corner of the cramped cabin and went to the open window. As she closed it, she noticed Agent Smith standing over the dazed Hodge. The CIA Agent stopped berating the large man when he saw her staring at him. After he had done a slight wave to her, she smirked back at him and then pulled the curtain closed for privacy.
As she rang for the Steward, Peggy figured she might as well get as much rest as she could. She had a feeling that the next year was going to be busy as she got this new clandestine agency officially up and running.
While waiting for the bed to be set up, she wondered just what name her new group should go by. Her thoughts went instantly to Steve and what he would think about her future plans. She grinned, thinking he would have been the perfect symbol for all this new agency would stand for.
If only there were some way he could be immortalized as a part of it. Yawning, she imagined she would just have to sleep on it. Who knows, maybe she'd have figured it all out by the time she arrived in London. Or she could ask Howard when they met up later. He was rather good at branding (except for the whole adding the Stark name to everything), so he might have some ideas on what to call this organization of theirs.
Once her bed had been made, she nodded her thanks to the Steward. Before she shut the door behind him, she placed the given placard outside on the handle that reads "Do Not Disturb."
After locking it shut, she prepared for bed. Finally crawling under the sheets, she closed her eyes and, in moments, was sound asleep.
Even the faint echoing clatter of typewriter keys as Agatha Christie furiously hammered away on her next novel from down the corridor could not disturb Peggy's peaceful slumber.
But it did make her dreams most peculiar.
THE END
Thanks to everyone who joined me on this crazy adventure. Though it had taken me a few years to write, I would never have given up a moment of it. And I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
I also wanted to dedicate this story to my deceased aunt, who was like a mother to me. Auntie E, may your travels never end. Love and miss you – J
Oh, and if anyone is interested, the book that Christie started writing here is called 'They Came to Baghdad.' Never read it, but after seeing the summary, I could not resist adding it here :- )
As for the final song, I want to use "That's Right!" by SwinGrowers to sum this story all up:
watch?v=9Jy8pK7tTzg
Ciao and thanks again!