Chapter 6
AN: Thank you for the support. Hope you like this chapter, please let me know what you think.
June 2006
About three weeks have passed since Tony's birthday and ever since the kids of the family have been enjoying the start of summer while Bobbi, Antoine and Sharon have continued to get used to being SHIELD agents; preparing for the time when they will take part in their first mission.
It's pretty late in the evening and Tony and Peter, who have been out in the workshop for the last few hours are walking back into the main house.
"Now, if Aunt Mellie and Aunt Nat ask what do we say?" Tony asks his son as they make their way towards the stairs behind the kitchen.
"We didn't start a fire," Peter says to his father, in a matter of fact tone of voice. "And we weren't in the workshop until after bedtime," Peter recites, remembering what his father told him.
"Good, that's exactly right," Tony tells his son, as he, Melinda and Natasha have all agreed that they don't want their kids to have the same sleeping patters as them which means trying to help them establish healthy sleep patterns and because of that he knows that Peter staying in the workshop until after bedtime goes against the spirit of that.
"But Dad, won't Aunt Mellie and Aunt Nat already know that were in the workshop until late?" Peter asks his father, as he knows how good his aunts are, that they are likely going to know what happened without either of them saying so.
"Probably," Tony admits, as years of trying to surprise Melinda and Natasha tells him that being able to keep things from them is pretty much impossible. "But we're not going to tell them, okay," Tony tells his son, and as he does, he realises the door to the office is closed which tells him Melinda and Natasha are inside having a serious conversation as when they're not in the office, or they are talking to something they don't mind the kids overhearing, the door is open. "Let's get you to bed, okay Bud," Tony tells his son.
"Okay," Peter says, and he lets his father pick him up and carry him upstairs.
Across an ocean from the Lebanon house Jiaying, Kora, Gordon and Peggy are at Afterlife in Jiaying's private courtyard having a serious discussion.
"So, we're in agreement," Jiaying says as she looks between Peggy, Kora and Gordon.
"Yeah, Aunt Peggy's research is right, she is a potential inhuman," Gordon confirms.
"And she's young enough that if she has the knowledge that she is meant to go through Terrigenesis she'll adjust, even if she doesn't go through for a few years," Kora says, knowing it is towards the later end of the 'ideal' age, but that she should still be able to adjust.
"And from what we've been able to find out she's likely going to want to use her gift to help people," Peggy says, having released that.
"Most likely, but we'll make it clear that she doesn't have to," Jiaying says. "If she goes through Terrigenesis she can continue to just work her job at the museum, she can continue to teach art classes, she doesn't have to use her gift for anything," Jiaying says, knowing they will make it clear to her as she doesn't want them to be recruiting soldiers, rather she just knows, deep inside, that more people are meant to go through Terrigenesis now than ever before, and they need to find the people whose time it is, which is something Peggy has been helping with.
"We'll make it clear everything is her choice, I promise Jia," Peggy assures Jiaying, as they have had intense conversations about this, and come to an agreement and understanding.
"Speaking of making everything clear, are we all good with Spanish?" Kora asks, and Peggy, Jiaying and Gordon nods. "Good, then we leave for Columbia first thing in the morning," Kora says, as while all the planning has come from her mother and Peggy, she is the one who has been working out the specific details of the approach.
A little while after he carried Peter upstairs Tony has helped his son wash up and put him to bed. After making sure he is sleeping soundly Tony heads downstairs but rather than heading to his room in the basement he heads to the office.
As it's become an office, he, Melinda and Natasha all share equally, a place they go to when they need to talk, or just spend time, just the three of them, Tony walks straight into the office without knocking through the door that leads from the library. The second Tony walks into the office he takes notice of Natasha sitting at the desk with legs on it, throwing a stress ball up and down, while Melinda is pacing. Due to how well Tony knows Melinda and Natasha he knows straight away that Natasha is stressed, and Melinda is feeling it.
"Okay, I'm getting the top shelf or the bottom draw?" Tony asks, looking between them, knowing what they need based on the way they are acting.
"Top shelf," Melinda and Natasha say, and Tony walks into the sunroom alcove where there is a cupboard and opens it, a few seconds later he returns to the main room carrying a bottle of scotch and three glasses.
"Okay, so what's going on?" Tony asks as he sits on the couch, puts the glasses on the coffee table and starts to pour drinks for the three of them.
"We're leaving for a mission tomorrow," Natasha says, as she stands up and walks over to the couch, knowing they can explain what is bothering them without going into too many specific details about the mission.
"With Bobbi?" Tony asks, as Natasha sits down on Tony's left side, stopping what he is doing to look at Natasha and Melinda.
"And Sharon and Antoine," Melinda confirms as she sits down on the couch on Tony's right side.
"I'll make these doubles," Tony says, pouring a little more into each glass, before putting the bottle down. "So, first mission with the kids, that explains the stress," Tony says, knowing that, as he picks up one of the glasses and leans back on the couch, not sure exactly how he likes this, but knowing he doesn't like it.
"We've spent the last few weeks making sure they're ready, that they're up to our standard, but that doesn't make this any easier," Natasha says, picking up one of the glasses and also leaning back against the couch.
"I've… we've, spent their entire lives protecting them from this exact kind of thing, and now not only are we knowingly letting them be apart of a mission, but leading them… it feels wrong," Melinda admits, as even if she can't 'feel' it she knows she would if she could.
"Really does," Natasha admits, taking a drink. "I don't know, should we have tried harder to keep them away from this?" Natasha asks concerned, wondering if they've made a huge mistake in letting Bobbi become an agent.
"I don't think we could have," Melinda admits, as she felt what not just Bobbi, but Antoine and Sharon as well, all felt when they talked to the adults of the family about joining SHIELD. "It was what all three of them wanted, they made that clear," Melinda says, knowing it was clear even without her gift.
"They really did," Tony says, remembering the conversation, and every single time it was brought up since that first conversation. "If it wasn't Bobbi, Sharon and Antoine, if it was just three junior agents, who you've been working with for the past few weeks, how would you feel about having them on the mission?" Tony asks, trying to get all three of them to see the situation in a different light, though he knows it's a little bit of a different situation.
"Cautiously optimistic," Natasha admits. "We've made sure they're as prepared as they could possibly be," Natasha admits, knowing they have worked hard to make sure they have done that.
"But this is different, it is Bobbi, Sharon and Antoine," Melinda says, knowing that it is impossible think of them as anything other than their kids, their family.
"Who you've done everything to help get ready for this very moment," Tony says. "Look, I don't like this easier, I hate that they're going to be in danger, but I know the two of you, and Coulson, and Clint, and every other member of our family who over the years have taught them things, have prepared them. You've all, we've all, done our best to make sure they can handle this, and there's nothing more we can do," Tony admits, and Melinda feels how conflicted he feels about that, as he, like both her and Natasha, would all prefer that Bobbi, Antoine and Sharon didn't regularly put themselves in danger, but they all also know that the trio have a desire to help, to protect, just like the rest of their family.
"We could tell them they're not coming on this mission," Natasha suggests, as that is something she has been debating doing.
"That might work for this mission, but I don't see that being a long-term solution," Tony admits, though he knows he would very much like it if they could.
"I know," Natasha says, with a sigh, as she takes a drink. "We could keep them from being on this mission, but they could easily join other teams for mission," Natasha realises, knowing that Melinda has had conversations about Izzy Hartley about when Bobbi, Sharon and Antoine would be able to join them on missions.
"And we'd all prefer it if their first mission was with us," Melinda says, knowing that because of what she is feeling from Natasha and Tony, and also knowing what she would be feeling herself if she could.
"We would," Tony and Natasha confirm, as even Tony knows that if Melinda and Natasha are the ones that the 'kids' are with on their first mission then they can watch the kids backs a little more.
"So, we do this mission together, try to keep them safe, and see what happens," Melinda says, being able to fee how uneasy both Natasha and Tony are feeling about that and knowing that if she could she would be feeling the same.
"Yeah," Natasha says with a sign, realising that it is the only option they have, and the three of them drift into silence as they sit together, Melinda and Natasha resting their heads on Tony's shoulders, all three of them feeling worried about how the mission is going to go.
"Why do you smell like smoke?" Melinda asks Tony, without moving her head off his shoulder.
"There was a small fire," Tony responds, like it's no big deal.
"Okay," Natasha says, and the three of them once again drift into silence as they sit together, none of them needing to say anything to know they are all feeling pretty conflicted and worried.
After a night of very restless sleep Natasha and Melinda have travelled to New York with Bobbi while Tony is home with Daisy, Yelena and Peter, planning on making sure the trio have a great summers day to distract himself from what he knows is going on.
Even though they are both feeling pretty apprehensive about what they are going to do, Melinda, due to what she is feeling from Natasha, and Natasha herself are giving the mission briefing to Bobbi, Sharon, Antoine, Clint, Coulson, and Mack, who they have requested be a part of this mission, in the office that has become theirs in Maria's field office.
"Okay, pay attention, we're leaving in exactly two hours," Natasha reveals, as she looks between the group, noticing that Bobbi, Sharon and Antoine are all sitting up in their seats, like they are sitting at attention.
"Where are we going?" Bobbi asks curious.
"Mongolia," Melinda answers. "There is a facility working with stolen SHIELD technologies," Melinda explains. "Natasha, Fury and I have talked to the leak, and we believe it is the only facility that has been given this technology," Melinda explains, knowing they can't be sure, but they are reasonably confident with that assumption.
"But we're not going to take that at face value, so we're going in to gain intelligence as well," Natasha says as she knows that that is an important part of the mission. "Because can't predict for sure what technologies we're going to face we are going to go with a two-pronged approach," Natasha explains.
"Mack, you're running back end from the van, monitoring what you can," Melinda instructs, and Mack nods, as he assumes that was going to be the case. "Clint, you'll be providing cover from a nearby ridge," Melinda says, passing him the file that will explain his exact position. "Now, the two-pronged approach is simple. Coulson, you'll be leading Antoine and Sharon, and the three of you will be entering through the back entrance. You're on intel gathering, and collection of SHIELD tech," Melinda instructs, and the trio nod. "Bobbi, you'll be with Ma… Agent Romanoff and I and entering through the front, we are drawing the personnel to us to give the back team as much time as possible to gather what's needed," Melinda explains, having needed to stop herself before she accidently called Natasha 'mama' which is something that they cannot do while within the walls of SHIELD. While she and Natasha both knew that putting Bobbi in the front team would be putting her in more danger, they also knew that they would prefer to have their daughter close so they can protect her if needed, which is why they have made this decision.
"Any questions?" Natasha asks, looking around, and she and Melinda answer the questions the others have while also explaining what information they have about the location, and break the mission down into more details.
Far away from Afterlife Peggy, not having her mask activated as she is less likely to be recognized when looking like her true self as the years go on, Jiaying, Gordon, who is wearing large sunglasses, and Kora have arrived in Bogota Columbia, Gordon having teleported the four of them to a secluded part of the city where they wouldn't be noticed.
"What direction do we go?" Kora asks Gordon, trying to figure out exactly where he teleported them to.
"North, her house shouldn't be far," Gordon explains, being able to 'feel' the person they are looking for and knowing that she isn't too far away.
"Okay, then let's go," Jiaying says, wanting to make the approach as soon as possible.
"Remember, keep your eyes out, this isn't the safest place," Peggy instructs as while she knows that the other three can handle themselves, she feels the need to give the warning, as she doesn't want any of them to get hurt.
"Got it Aunt Peggy," Kora says, and the four of them start to walk, Gordon leading them towards where they will find the person, they are in Columbia to talk to.
For the next few minutes, the foursome make their way through the streets, keeping their eyes open like Peggy warned until Gordon leads them to the right apartment, once they get there Kora reaches out and knocks. A few moments after Kora knocked the door opens to reveal a Columbia woman in her twenties.
"Elena Rodriguez?" Peggy asks, being pretty sure that it is her, but wanting to make sure.
"Si," Elena confirms, clearly confused about what is going on, as she looks between Peggy, Jiaying, Kora and Gordon.
"My name is Peggy, this is Kora, Gordon and Jiaying, there's something we would like to talk to you about," Peggy says, speaking perfect Spanish as all their information indicates that Elena does not speak English, and as she says the words it is clear that Elena is pondering the words, sizing each of them up.
"It's okay, we're not here to hurt you, we just want to talk," Kora says, also in Spanish, and as she speaks Elena looks at her, clearly considering what she is saying.
"Come in," Elena says, in Spanish, letting Kora, Peggy, Jiaying and Kora into the house, it being clear to Peggy that she is apprehensive and believes that, if necessary, she can take them out, something which she would be wrong about.
In Lebanon Tony is doing his best not to think about the fact that he knows members of his family, including Bobbi, Sharon and Antoine, will soon be leaving for the mission. He is especially trying not to think about the fact that he knows that because it is Melinda and Natasha leading the mission then it would be a dangerous one, one Fury decided that only they could handle. As Yelena, Daisy and Peter all had a bit of a sleep in, something which is normal with it being summer, the four of them are having a late breakfast together; which is actually happening at a time that is closer to brunch time.
"Are we going to work in the workshop today?" Yelena asks Tony, as the four of them have been working on a project together, one that the kids are excited about, and that Melinda and Natasha don't know about just yet.
"We can if you'd all like," Tony says, as he only wants them to do it when it is something that all four of the kids want to do, as what they are doing is purposely something which he is encouraging them to work on as a team.
"Yes please," Yelena says.
"Definitely," Peter says, and as Peter and Yelena both answer Tony notices that Daisy is quiet and just picking at her food.
"Daze?" Tony asks, and she looks up at him. "Would you like to work in the workshop today?" Tony asks her.
"Sure, sounds fine," Daisy says, though it is clear that she is distracted.
"Daisy? Are you okay?" Peter asks worried, being able to tell that there is something wrong with his sister.
"I'm fine, Pete, just thinking," Daisy admits, forcing a smile, trying to reassure her brother.
"Something you want to share?" Tony asks, and for a moment Daisy hesitates, then sighs and puts her fork down.
"Do you know how long Mama, Mom and Bobbi will be gone?" Daisy asks curious, knowing that sometimes Tony knows those details, but sometimes he doesn't.
"I don't, sorry," Tony answers, and as he does Yelena realises the issue.
"You're worried they're going to miss your birthday," Yelena realises, as Daisy's birthday is in ten days.
"They did last year," Daisy reminds the others, and as she does Tony tenses, as he knows how guilty Melinda and Natasha felt about that, how guilty and pained they still feel.
"I know Daze, I know how much that hurt you, and you know how bad they felt about that," Tony says to Daisy, moving closer to her.
"I do," Daisy admits, as she knows how hard they tried to make it up for her. "But I don't want them to miss my birthday again," Daisy admits.
"They don't want that either," Tony assures her. "So, I know they are going to everything they can to make sure they are back," Tony says, knowing that, but also knowing that he knows everything they have been planning for Daisy's birthday so that he can make sure it happens the way they all want even if Melinda and Natasha don't make it.
"I hope they are," Daisy mutters.
"Me too," Tony says, and he gives Daisy a hug, kissing the top of her head. "If we're going to spend the day in the workshop then we all need the energy, so eat up," Tony tells the kids.
"You need energy too, Dad," Peter tells his father.
"I know, Pete, that's why I'm going to eat too," Tony tells his son, and together the four of them have breakfast together, and once they are done, they head out to the workshop.