Meeting Peggy and Steve

Inside the headquarters of the Howling Commandos, a beautiful brunette with an old English hairstyle was sitting next to a man in a blue and white costume with the American flag imprinted in it.

Before them, stood a handsome emerald-eyed man with a stubble. 

[[PoV: Marcellus Hanley]]

"I don't think I can accept that Miss. Carter." I let out a sigh. "The military specifically agreed to me having full control of this project. And 𝙄 am the one who came with this idea. 𝙄 am the one who developed it. The military respects that and thus they gave me the rights over it."

I didn't work my ass off just to give it away for free.

She was seemingly frustrated at this point. "Mr. Hanley, the government officials overlooked the situation. 'Project I2' is an extremely dangerous project. If it succeeds and a single individual has the rights over it… It will be chaotic." 

I suppressed my smile. "Indeed, it is dangerous. But so are the 'Stark Industries' with rights over arms manufacturing. So I don't see a point to this discussion." At this point, I stood up... just to be stopped by Steve.

"Please, sit down. We are trying to come to an understanding." Mate, I don't think that you have any idea what this project is about. Well, Rogers has never been the smartest.

Even Peggy isn't that good when it comes to technology. She is an excellent leader, a genius strategist, and a strong woman. But she is nowhere near as good with technology as some of the other people around.

The only reason, she figured out the dangers of letting an individual have the rights over this project... was because of her deduction skills and not her knowledge of technology.

"Mr. Rogers, I am in charge of this project. I also have permission from the government. So, I don't see how you guys have any say in this?" Steve clenched his fists. "And, I believe that is not the only reason, I was called here?" 

Peggy shook her head and sighed. "Take a look." She said, pulling out a file from under the table. 

"Project DEFENSE?"  Huh? What's this about?

"Yes, project 'DEFENSE.' It is just an idea at the moment but still viable." This made me raise an eyebrow. I don't remember any project 'DEFENSE' from Marvel. 

"It is one of the three major projects that we are working on. Although it is just an idea, it will be possible if you accept to join the initiative. General Isenberg has specifically selected you for this initiative and you are not allowed to reject it."

Wait what? Making me part of a project only after a few months of me joining the military?

But money can buy wonders. I was nothing more than a fly until a few months ago. But with money... And a little effort, I became a major part of the current society.

I find it hilarious and tragic. In my past life, I had to live as a thief. If not for 'him' I would have died even before I turned 10.

Money is the only truth in this world. With money comes power, love, and respect. If you do not have money... you are worthless.

"You still haven't answered my question. What is this initiative about?" 

Let's not get sidetracked.

"It is a special espionage, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism initiative. And at this moment only me, Steve and you know about this project within this HQ." She crossed her legs. "Other officials who are ranked right below the president and a selected few army officials know about this project. Out of the selected scientists, you and Howard Stark will be the in charges of the technological department, with Howard being the head." 

Wait wait wait! Don't tell me!

"The name 'DEFENSE' is still not finalized. There are two possible names that could be used. They are W.A.L.L and S.H.I.E.L.D." 

How? S.H.I.E.L.D wasn't supposed to be formed before the mid-'60s. 

"We… were originally planning on launching this initiative after a few more years and even now it is still just an idea so it will take time to make it functional. But still thanks to your "project I2." She didn't sound happy when she said 'my' project I2.  "And Howard's new advancements in the arms field, we were able to reduce the time significantly."

I knew that my involvement was going to speed up a lot of projects and events... but I didn't consider S.H.I.E.L.D to be one of them.

"And how strong will this programme be?" My involvement changed the timeline quite a lot. So, I wasn't sure if it changed the basics of S.H.I.E.L.D.

"It will be directly under the US and other than the highest-ranked officials, no other person can command us."

So nothing much has changed here. But I am worried about Hydra. Since things have sped up... what are they going to do?

This is definitely something that I need to look into.

"I see. Very well then. But I do hope to meet my partner before the start of all this." I met Howard a few times but that was during parties while he was surrounded by the ladies.

"Sure. He said the same thing as well. I will arrange a meeting for the two of you within this week." I nodded before getting off my seat. 

"Very well, I should get going now. I have another meeting to attend." Peggy took the file before looking towards Steve.

"Steve will show you the way out." 

Both Steve and I nodded.

…

…

The hallway was massive, no wonder she sent Steve to show me the way.

"By the way, Steve." Rogers looked towards me. "What are your plans for after the war." I asked.

He stopped midtrack. "Honestly, I don't know. I would most probably work as a mascot of freedom." The scowl on his face expressed his displeasure.

But then his expression softened. "And probably motivate others to work for the country."

Of course... There he was... The symbol of hope, freedom, and patriotism.

"And later settle down with someone I love."

He didn't say it, but I already knew who he was talking about. But... love huh?

I am not someone who believes in love. But when Steve said about love it made me remember a certain someone... 'Chris Rock'.

He once said. 'Only women, children, and dogs are loved unconditionally... A man is only loved under the condition that he provides something.'

Which is sad... But true. Especially in this world.

"We are here." He said pointing towards the gate. "Good Luck, with your projects." 

In the end... Steve Rogers is a good guy who wouldn't mind sacrificing his life if it meant saving another.

And I respect that... But I can never be like that.

A chuckle escaped me. "You too man." I walked towards the gate before turning towards him. "And be careful of ice."

I left a puzzled Captain America standing in front of the gate.

…

…

[Saturday]

"I am quite impressed by your take on this." It was not that big of a deal considering I already had the knowledge of the future, added my bootleg version of eidetic memory, I can even recall the tech from my previous world. 

As a thief, I used to steal a lot of gadgets and open them up to see what they were made of. And now since I have knowledge about electronics… Which is thanks to the intense study sessions I took with the help of my eidetic memory... recalling the technology of the future was pretty easy. 

"The power source is quite dangerous, but once you are able to stabilize it. The things that you could achieve will be monumental." I adjusted the blueprints a little which was going to make the power production more efficient.

"Brilliant!" He looked at the blueprints with awe. "Now I know why General Isenberg chose you." He was still holding the blueprints. "Glad to have you as my teammate."

I laughed.

"You too. I am glad that someone who can understand such concepts is the one I will be working with." 

He nods. "And soon your 'Project I2' will come into action and that will also be the time when my new missile launches. With the help of 'Project I2,' it will be unstoppable." 

"Did the military agree?" He instantly nodded his head. 

"Yes, the rights will still be under my name. But without their agreement, I cannot launch a single missile." 

Howard doesn't care much about the fate of his weapons. As long as he can create new things and gain money, he will give away the rights.

"So how long before you launch your project?" 

Taking a sip from the cup, I replied. "Should be within a year and a half... two at max." 

Nodding his head he takes a sip from his hip flask. 

One thing to note about Howards. He prefers alcohol above every other liquid.

"By the way, what will you name project I2, once you launch it?"

A small smile appeared on my face as I put the cup down. Closing my eyes, I replied-

.

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"Internet."