Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation.
We are doing something a little different; it's time for an email chapter. There will be a few sprinkled throughout the series.
As a reminder, they do not use the real names of any of the kids in the good timeline. The Bartons have a code system in place. Lila is well aware of the system and uses it as she is supposed to.
Emails 1: You have 285 unread messages (you only care about six of them)
From: Lily bear
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 09:05:41
Subject: Mom really is in another timeline
Hey, Uncle Tony:
When will you be back from DC? Connor is being an emotionless prick. I know mom is stuck in another timeline, but that's no excuse. You should know we made contact with her this morning. I got to speak with her. She's safe. Which is good.
I might get to talk to her again at 2 PM. Ana suggested that I make a video since the other Avengers will have important things to discuss with Mom. Also, this way, Nikki can say hi. He really misses his mom-divorce sucks. They say this is just a separation, but I know better. I know the end is coming.
Dad likes your idea of sending us to Malta. Connor is against it because he doesn't think you should send him to Malta if you're not sending Benji, MJ, and Flash. He doesn't get that there's a big difference between a normal 13-year-old and a 16-year-old with superpowers. MJ may not have powers, but she does have agent training. Also, Flash is 18 and can do whatever he wants. Again, my brother is a brat. I'm glad my parents decided to have another kid because baby brothers are so much better.
Anyway, I got to go. K is calling. She wants to know what's going on since she's now on her way to Malta. She's not happy about that and is sure something's going on. She wants to stay and fight. How much does she know? What am I allowed to tell my BFF?
Xx
From: Baby Girl Friday
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 09:21:41
Subject: Sorry, I did too much science. Don't worry, I'm going to bed now.
Hey Dad,
I am sorry we did all night science. We just had to finish the project, but we're done now. Actually, I'm emailing you now because we're all going to go to sleep. Even me because apparently, I do need rest now. I think Wanda is slowly making me a real girl. I have mixed feelings about this. She better not make me have a period. This is her revenge for Obadiah's treachery leading to her parents' death. Never suggest classic Dick Van Dyke for Avenger movie night.
I'm going to sleep in my own room, not in the cuddle pile going on between Benji, MJ, and Flash. See the picture attached. They are in one of the Embassy guest rooms altogether because there are king-size beds here. They remodeled rooms on this level not to look like barracks to ride out the apocalypse. Everybody's wearing clothing, but they're just the cutest. A sleepy Benji just crawled in between the two. I have video.
Our sleep deprivation was for a good cause. So good news we can now send text messages to Laura in the other timeline. The bad news is we can only do it in certain windows. Plus, time moves faster on their side than on our side. Or rather, more time moves on their side between windows than on our side. The princess is going to see if she can fix that. The AIs are running the numbers as we sleep.
Apparently, I only need to sleep for two hours, which will be enough to override Wanda's forced sleep requirement. Although if it's an emergency, really, she should let it go. Ana is going to look into that.
Also, I want to lock the entire Fitzsimmons-Hunter family in a room together until they work out all of their bull shit. It's either that or send them to the other side of the country because I just can't deal with them. I want to punch somebody, but that would be inappropriate. I'm going to sleep.
I'll see you at 2 PM. That's when the next window is between the two timelines. Because of that, we are having an all-hands meeting. You will be there by then, right? Ana will give you details because I'm sleepy. Wanda, why did you do this to me?
Anyway, love you.
X
XXX
From: Pepper
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 10:05:04
Subject: If you're going to go make out with your boyfriend in the Rose Garden, I deserve to know first.
A little warning about the Rose Garden pardon ceremony yesterday would've been nice. For PR purposes, if nothing else. I know you don't work for SI anymore, but I like to know these things as your friend. I know you have a lot going on with Laura being MIA and Steve being back on American soil. However, I expect you to call me, especially when I'm supposed to be providing cover for your kids being out of school. You owe me an explanation of why I am covering your ass.
It is way too early West Coast time for me to be dealing with this. The principal called Kevin on his personal number because apparently, one of Kevin's kids went to Midtown before the relocation. The principal knows him personally. Kevin covered because he is the best. Again, I would like to know what is happening.
I feel like there's a lot going on because Ana tried to schedule me on a three-week vacation to Malta in the middle of April. I feel like I'm missing something beyond a missing Laura. Write me back or call me. I deserve an explanation.
Also, why can't I get a hold of my CCO right now? I've called three times and nothing. By this morning, I got desperate and texted Hunter, and still nothing. Aliens are coming, right? Do I have to let the board know that James is actually the head of the UN Avengers and a super-spy secret agent?
XXXX
From: Kate Carbonell
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 09:59:41
Subject: I need to find a new job
Hi, Uncle Tony:
I really hate my job. Especially because things are going on that I don't know about. Half the people here are ridiculously incompetent. Jimmy is either an idiot and doesn't realize half of what's going on, or he's kind of in love with Scott and ignoring the obvious. I'm trying to decide if I ship it. Regardless, I'm probably going to be spending some quality time at Scott's place.
Did you buy him that house? It feels like your type of guilt present. There's no way he can afford a place like that in San Francisco. I know you're personally paying for my rent here. Cousin Ana told me. Apparently, you didn't like the housing the agency provided before.
Anyway please call me when you get a chance. I would love to face time with you. Also, you should get to see my new apartment since I'm sure you're paying for it.
XXXX
From: James_R
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 10:43:41
Subject: I miss the Air Force
You know there are days when I deeply regret leaving the Air Force. Like today when I was forced to make an unscheduled diplomatic visit to Norway. I'm pretty sure I'm the distraction, so the King of Cats and his team can do their thing. The life of a Deputy Assistant Secretary is exhausting.
We're bringing back a souvenir, but unfortunately, you'll have to go visit the princess's lab to see it. Joey is very good at collecting souvenirs, especially rare metals, and Vision is very good at carrying them.
XXXX
From: Principal_Morita_Midtown
To: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
Time sent: 03/25/2018 10:45:41
Subject: Please contact me directly when your children need to be excused from classes
If your children need to be excused for national security reasons, please call me yourself. Do not have your AI call me to give an obvious and laughable explanation for their absence. Please let me know at your earliest convenience why my counselor is unavailable for the unforeseen future.
Xxxxx
"I should've never looked at my emails," Tony said, looking up from his phone. They were now on the Zephyr One, heading back to the Lighthouse.
"No, you shouldn't have."
"I only showed you the most important ones. I will answer the rest." Ana replied. That makes sense because he has 285 unread messages between his two accounts.
"You're the best, Ana. Especially because you considered nothing from Talbot as being necessary."
"I aim to please, sir," Ana replied.
"Please tell Dr. Leopold to go call his boss and explain everything that's happening."
"He's currently asleep." That makes sense from Afia's earlier email.
"OK, can you explain to Pepper what's happening until Dr. Leopold is conscious enough to talk to his boss himself? Also, dust off the strategy to tell the board that he's an Avenger. We might need it soon."
"Of course, sir. Do you want me to tell her what is actually happening or the public consumption version?" Ana asked.
"Tell her what is actually happening. Pepper is already going to be mad at me for having you call her. Also, see if you can convince her to go to Malta? I would like her not to end up collateral damage from the purple one." He is sure she'll say no, but he needs to try. He is still surprised May Parker Riley agreed to go. But maybe she's just going for Miles's sake.
"I will try, but she may want to speak to you directly," Ana replied.
"That's understandable. If that happens, tell Pepper I'll talk to her after the 2 PM meeting. She's a CEO; she understands schedules and not actually having a weekend." Tony lamented.
"I can contact some of these people for you if it would help?" His fiancé offered.
"I don't think Sharon would appreciate you contacting her right now. Also, the protocol dictates it has to be me. Especially because part of her cover is me being her uncle." Tony wonders what member of the team that creates fake identities he pissed off that week. But since he already had a secret daughter come out of the woodwork, he can have a secret niece.
"I could call off this principal. I am listed now as Afia's other parent, right?"
"Yes. You're also an alternate guardian for MJ and Peter." Ana responded.
"With MJ being targeted because the public now knows that she is Quake's cousin, her mom felt it was a good idea. So we're both alternate guardians right now." Tony explained.
"What about Flash?" Steve asked. Which is why he's the best fiancé ever.
"If you had signed the Mumbai agreement before his 18th birthday last week, you would have also been his guardian. However, since he is legally an adult, it's not necessary anymore. Although, I think I'm still allowed to call in medical excuses and things like that. So maybe ask the principal how that works with Flash being 18 even though I was his legal guardian before then because his parents were trash. I am still his legal next of kin." He is still protective of Flash even though he let him get his own apartment. (That Tony owns, but Flash doesn't know that.)
"I'll ask. I'll go call the principal in the other room so I don't disturb you." Steve said as he leaned over to kiss Tony.
"You are the best fiancé."
Xxx
From: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
To: monkey lover forever
Time sent: 03/25/2018 12:01:13
Subject: Call Pepper Pot. She's pissed off at all of us
When you get up from quality Hunter time or recovering from last night's science, call Pepper. For the sake of time, I had Ana contact her and give her the basics of what's happening, but she probably will want to talk to you. Or maybe scream at you. It could be either right now.
Also, even though I'm the boss, apparently we have an all-hands at 2 PM. This means I am still not going to get to spend any quality time with my Fiancé yet. I've barely managed to get any kissing in.
Also, congratulations on perfecting trans-dimensional text messaging. We will definitely be talking about that when I get in.
PS: You need to decide how you're going to tell the board that you're actually an Avenger and Widow with science skills. We're probably not going to be able to keep that a secret during active apocalypse mode.
Xxx
From: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
To: baby girl Friday
Time sent: 03/25/2018 12:04:41
Subject: I'm happy you're sleeping
I'm glad you're resting now. Although I am concerned about that all night science but apparently, it was for a good cause. I heard from Lily bear that she got to text her mom. Which was good because I was very worried about her. I would love a scientific explanation for all of that, but I am sure it's going to have to wait until I get there.
We are on our way back to the Lighthouse after finishing the morning talk show circuit. Good news, I did not punch out Chuck Todd even though I really want it to. He's only slightly more tolerable than Everhart. Some of the questions with Steve went a little bit over the line. Apparently, everybody wants him to become Captain America again, probably because they can't handle Asian Captain America. They couldn't handle a not White Cap the first time around either. Fuck them all.
Steve is much happier being Nomad and isn't going back to the old identity even if he's no longer a fugitive. He misses his shield but doesn't miss all the pressure that goes along with the shield. The paragon of virtue Captain America can't be gay (I hate "no bisexuals"), but Nomad can have a husband. It's easier for Steve to find his place this way.
I should probably talk to the princess to see if we can develop a better classic-like shield for Steve. I do agree with her that dad's original design was a waste of a precious resource. There are more economical and technologically advanced ways to get the same result with fewer raw materials. Yes, he has the digital version, but I think he misses the classic. He can't throw the digital shield.
Xxx
From: Tony_Carbonell-Rogers
To: Lily bear
Time sent: 03/25/2018 12:11:23
Subject: I'm glad you were able to talk to your mom.
Hey sweetie. I'm glad that you got to talk to your mom. I promise that we will work on getting her back as soon as possible. Apparently, there's a meeting as soon as I get back to discuss that. Unfortunately, for reasons Ana refuses to elaborate on, it's not something that can be moved.
Ms. Marvel knows some of what's going on but not all of it. She doesn't know what happened to Uncle Phil. Let's try to keep all information related to alien invasions in house for the moment. Although she does know your mom went missing. She doesn't know that your mom is in another timeline. If you tell her that, make sure you use the Young Avenger line, not regular text messaging. There's a reason why you and your BFF have a separate line; use it.
Sorry, I can't do anything about the brother. 13 is a weird age, and he's probably not going to come out of it for a while. Hopefully, the stupidity will wear off sooner rather than later. If I could, I would send the other kids to Malta as well. However, I know them too well at this point. Also, at least one of them has field training. The other one has been trained by Pepper which can be just as lethal. Anyway, I'll be back soon.
PS: I brought chocolate
XXXX
"OK, emails are all done," Tony said after dictating the last message to Ana. "How did your phone call go?"
"Jim's grandson would like for you to consider Brooklyn Vision Academy for your kids for next semester or possibly private school," Steve replied dryly.
"If it wasn't for the sake of socialization, Peter would be in college next year, and Flash would just finish up via a GED and work with Pepper. But the boys wouldn't like that. MJ is Ms. Jones's problem. What did you tell him about Laurel?"
"Not the real reason because his mother and grandmother were there. Jim's wife wants to know why I'm marrying you."
"I ask myself that question all the time." Tony joked.
"I told her she can find out at the wedding."
"Because, of course, the howling commando widows and children will be there." Tony is not surprised, nor is he going to complain.
"Only Ena, she is the only one still alive. I don't think Daisy could take seeing Dugan's daughter at the wedding." Because she was also Agent Triplett's mother.
"OK, we have 45 minutes before we get to the Lighthouse. So, I say we eat something while I contact platypus and Carter Junior."
"There are Mozzarella, pesto, and prosciutto sandwiches in the kitchen area. However, I believe you should wait until after the 2 PM meeting to contact Agent Carter Junior. There will be pertinent information revealed at that briefing that you will need to pass on to her." Ana told him.
"And I rather not have to talk to Sharon twice in the same day. Ana, send her a quick email that says I will call her after my 2 o'clock business meeting."
"Of course, sir," Ana replied.
"Things will calm down soon," Steve said as he squeezed Tony's hand.
"As soon as we're not dealing with multiple Apocalypses simultaneously." Because, of course, they are. At least the Confederacy has already been handled. The earth was still in one piece, so that's a win.
"Although then we will be working on our wedding." Fingers crossed, they both survive this.
"We're taking a two-month honeymoon." Tony sighed, exhausted.
"Agreed. I will grab you a sandwich while you text message the Deputy Secretary." Tony responded by leaning over to kiss his fiancée.
"You are the best."
To be continued…
Also, a reminder, because it's been a few years. In this timeline, Tony covered up Sharon's involvement in getting Steve his shield back. Therefore she never became an enemy of the state. This happened because Tony had a very close relationship with Sharon's mom. This happened before the dividing line. Does that move us away from the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in regards to Sharon? In a good timeline? Yes. At most, we're getting morally ambiguous Sharon. In the mistakes were made timeline, I won't tell. You're just going to have to keep reading.