Chapter 26: Encounter

On a cold November afternoon in 2002, Nick Fury stepped out of his black pickup truck in front of a nondescript nursing home on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. He didn't often make personal visits, but this was an exception. There were few people he respected as much as Peggy Carter, the woman who helped found S.H.I.E.L.D. and shape the world of covert operations as they knew it. Even as the years passed and her health deteriorated, Fury still considered her one of the greatest minds the world had ever seen.

As he entered the facility, he was greeted by a nurse, who led him through the quiet hallways. When they reached Peggy's room, the door was ajar, and he could hear her talking quietly to someone. The soft sound of her voice still carried the authority of her years of leadership.

"Director Carter, Mr. Fury is here to see you," the nurse announced, stepping inside briefly.

Peggy, sitting in a cushioned chair near the window, turned her face toward the door. Her eyes, though a little tired with age, still shone with an intelligence few could match. She smiled when she saw Fury enter.

"Nick, dear, it's always a pleasure to see you." Her voice was weak but warm.

Fury removed his hat and took a few steps toward her, his expression serious but friendly. He felt a deep respect for Peggy, not only for her role as the founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., but also for her bravery during times of war and her ability to mold heroes.

"Peggy, you look great as always," Fury said, leaning over to shake her hand. "But I know you don't like flattery, so I'll get straight to the point. We need to talk about John Hawke."

Peggy's eyes lit up at the mention of the name.

"Ah, John…" She leaned back in her chair, as if reliving recent memories. "He's been lovely company. Reminds me of the old days. Always so kind, but with a strength few people possess."

Fury settled into a nearby chair and crossed his legs, clearly interested in learning more about Peggy and John's relationship.

"I know he visits you often, Peggy, and that you two have developed a connection. The thing is, I'm seriously considering recruiting him for S.H.I.E.L.D. He's… changed a lot. I know about what they did to him, the serum. He's different now, faster, stronger… He has the potential to be one of the best we've ever seen."

Peggy stared out the window for a moment, thoughtful. The late afternoon sun tinted the sky a soft orange, while the gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the trees. She turned to Fury with a serious but affectionate expression.

"Nick, I know this kind of power. I've seen firsthand what it can do to someone. The super soldier serum is not something to be taken lightly. I saw that with Steve." She paused, her mind struggling not to lose itself in the painful memories. "But John… he's different. Even with all this power, he's remained the same man, uncorrupted. He has a pure heart, Nick. If you truly intend to recruit him, you should keep that in mind. He's not just an enhanced soldier, he's a leader, a man of principle."

Fury nodded, taking in every word.

"I agree with you. That's exactly what caught my attention about him. With all that power, he remains true to who he is. And that's the kind of person we need in S.H.I.E.L.D., someone who won't let himself be corrupted by what he can do. But at the same time, I can't ignore what he's become. He's already a military legend, and with S.H.I.E.L.D. by his side, he could achieve even more. The world is getting more dangerous, Peggy. We need people like him."

Peggy smiled slightly, her gaze lost on the horizon for a moment.

"I understand. But remember, Nick, you can't just use him as a weapon. John needs something to believe in. He needs a cause, just like Steve did. He would never have become the man he was if he didn't have something bigger than himself to fight for. Don't treat him like just an asset, because if you do, you'll lose him."

Fury nodded. He knew Peggy was right. John Hawke was so much more than just an enhanced soldier. He was a symbol of leadership, an example of what the military could produce at its best, and Fury wanted to bring that to S.H.I.E.L.D. in a way that respected the essence of who John was.

"Do you think he'd be up for it?" Fury asked, genuinely interested in her opinion.

Peggy thought for a moment, her face expressing a mixture of pride and concern.

"I think John is looking for something, Nick. He hasn't had a family for a long time, but somehow he's found it in his men. He protects them with everything he's got. If you can offer him something similar, a team, a real mission, he might consider it. But it's going to have to be something authentic, something that resonates with who he is."

Fury nodded slowly, processing the advice. He knew that recruitment like this required more than just manipulative tactics. John Hawke wasn't the kind of man who would respond well to secrets. He valued integrity, and Fury needed to make that a priority.

"I'll be honest with him. He deserves to know everything. And if he decides to join S.H.I.E.L.D., it will be of his own free will. Not through manipulation."

Peggy smiled, satisfied with his answer.

"You're doing the right thing, Nick. Just take care of him. He's a good man, and the world needs more men like him."

Fury stood up, placing his hat back on his head.

"You got it, Peggy. I'll take care of him, just like we've taken care of each other all these years. And I promise, if he comes in, I'll make sure he's treated with the respect he deserves."

Peggy nodded, and Fury gave her one last respectful look before leaving.

"Come back and visit me more often, Nick. Don't let work take up all your time." She teased, her tone soft but full of affection.

Fury stopped at the door and looked back.

"I promise I'll be back. Be well, Peggy."

He left the room, leaving Peggy alone with her thoughts. She looked out the window again, thinking about how the world had changed, but also about how some things never changed. In her later years, seeing men like John Hawke, with his indomitable spirit, made her feel that, despite everything, there was still hope in the future.

As Fury walked through the halls, she knew she was about to make one of the most important decisions of her career: bringing John Hawke into S.H.I.E.L.D., with all the implications that that would entail.

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