nysalogs | [ semi-closed ]

cont.

[ She smiles quietly as they sway in a slow circle. It isn't naivety to want to believe the world isn't as terrible as it seems; maybe it's blind idealism, maybe there's no room for that anymore. The war can drum a lot of things out of a person but strengthen the resolve of other qualities in spite of it, too. ]

No, [ she says after a moment. ] I think the real question is what it's the start of. Nothing good, maybe. But we've gotten here in the middle of the story. Whatever's on the horizon has been brewing long before any of us woke up, I think.

cont.

[ She hums softly in lieu of a laugh, and slants her gaze over at him. ]

Yes, [ comes the slow answer. ] But I meant — what makes you think I'd be interested in what you're offering? Especially since you mentioned trades.

cont.

cont.

[ Too much heart for the job isn't necessarily a bad problem to have. (But likely Peggy learns to compartmentalise her emotions more strictly as the Cold War spins on. Except she never lived the years written in the history books of Steve Rogers' future. That life isn't hers anymore.) It makes it difficult, it means chasing matters with the heart when the head should rule, it means getting into trouble — but better feel too much than nothing at all.

She's learning to open herself back up. Being here, strangely, has helped. She has no office to bury herself in, not in the same way. She trusts her friends here far more than her colleagues with the Guard, rather than the other way around. It's a curious thing but she doesn't regret it, feeling her way through this new chapter in her life. Fraternising with another agent from another agency in another England! Imagine. ]

I should have known you have a little sister. [ They're still dancing, the song has wound down from something upbeat to an more relaxed tune and they slow to match. It makes conversation a little easier, at least. Talking about family isn't something she does often (or at all) but as an acquaintance in El Nysa told her not too long ago: Christmas is for remembering. ] We haven't known each other for very long, but I do know she's lucky to have you. What's her name?

cont.

[ It's a good request to make. Everyone has their angle to every story — and everyone carries their own perspective, they were all somewhere else. It helps piece together the whole picture. The way this man phrases it means he knows the implications and she can appreciate that sort of thoroughness. ]

It was a deliberate attack. [ They dance away from the locals; he's leading, but Peggy might just be adding the slightest bit of suggestion in how she moves so that they're in a more secluded part of the dance floor. ] A bomb went off in the marketplace and released a poison gas — that's where the sickness started. [ Biological warfare isn't unknown to her; there was talk of it during the war, she's aware the Pacific theatre likely saw more of it than the European front. ] There was a video transmission from a member of the local group who claimed responsibility but it also accused several other refugees of helping them, albeit without their knowledge. Then it became something of a manhunt all throughout Olympia.

[ Peggy relays this all quite calmly, not like someone sharing gossip, but with the air of a woman who is at ease when it comes to giving a report. ]

The Royal Guard was tasked with arresting anyone who might have ties to the group in question. It was difficult to pinpoint what was real and what was just rumour; people were afraid, you understand. There was the threat of another attack — which never came, but no one knew it at the time. The Institute and the Sanctuary were working on treating the sick, containing the disease, and trying to find a cure. Then finally, someone caught the supposed ringleader — they called him the Shady Man — and got a confession out of him and some hints towards a cure, although it didn't matter. He chose to be taken dead rather than alive.

[ "He" was an android. Which was baffling enough for someone like her, someone from 1947. ]

Not long after, everyone was evacuated south to Wyver so Olympia could be — sterilised, for lack of a better word. Even though Wyver had been struck with the same disease, they weren't suffering the same food shortages we were up north, so it was the right call. Empress Simwe and King Shanrian struck a truce to make it happen and we're still reaping the benefits of that tonight. [ A pause. ] Although how long that will last, I can't say.

Edited 2017-12-30 07:32 (UTC)

cont.

[ The genuine delight that blooms across her face when she spots him is clear enough — the feeling is quite mutual (and she's also, at this point, had just enough whiskey to be relaxed). Mr Henry DeVere is one of the more curious friends she's made in this place, not necessarily because he himself is curious (although he is, the incident in the alley is still a strange one) but because there's a comfortable understanding between them that she can't define. But that's all right. They come from similar walks of life, their conversation is always interesting and poignant. Often a man of his age and bearing in the mid-twentieth century wouldn't give her the time of day but he's never once condescended to her, even let her take the lead when it came to a backalley brawl.

It's so refreshing. The mysteries between the lines can be put aside for an evening. ]

Gladly, Mr DeVere. [ Peggy takes the offered hand with a smile, stepping out with him in a flutter of burgundy velvet. ] I have absolute confidence in your abilities — especially given our conversation about how dancing has changed since my time. I trust a waltz is still a waltz?

cont.

Yes, of course.

[ Of course, she says, as though it's a given. The fact that he asks, the fact that she clarifies, means that it isn't always. That's the sad state of the world and what it means to be a person who tries their level best to see the hope in it all the same. It's hard to do; often in her line of work, she's found herself wondering what the point was — more so during the war. Years and years and years of feeling like you were fighting a losing battle but you jump into it regardless (literally, in her case, parachute and rifle and all), not for yourself but for those you love. Your country. Because it was the right thing to do. And working in intelligence means being in the right place at the right time at all times. Or trying to get one step ahead of it.

She doesn't say that. She can't. As far as most people here are aware, Peggy Carter did her duty behind a desk during the war like hundreds of thousands of young women and went on to be a secretary after. But it's never been about the commendations and it's never been about her. It was simply what needed to be done.

All this to say (or not say) that she understands. Of course. ]

A lot of people might not see it that way, but the fact that you do says quite a lot, Mr Gently. I try to do my bit as best I can and I've always found perspectives like yours to be quite inspiring.

[ Her brother. And Steve Rogers, of course. ]

cont.

[ She huffs out a breath, almost a laugh, almost amused. But that seems misplaced here, even if the other woman is shooting her a smile. ]

Believe me, I'm familiar with the consequences of waiting too long. [ She studies her for a moment then adds, voice wry, ] How much have you guessed about me and Steve?

cont.

[ She looks amused. ]

I don't know if "peace and quiet" is what I would call the past few weeks.

cont.

[ Their drinks arrive and Peggy helps herself, a manicured nail tapping the side of her glass to mark the thoughtful silence that follows. Then — ]

Am I allowed to ask after those circumstances, Mr Hawkins?

cont.

That's really what matters.

[ Her childhood Christmases were full of warmth and family. Less so when the war came, when rationing came and bombs fell from the sky. ]

I know plenty who want to keep Earth traditions alive here. Our memories are all that's left.

steve rogers | gala

byerly vorrutyer | gala

john watson | gala

eggsy unwin | gala

steve trevor | gala

harry hart | gala

dirk gently | gala

claire fraser | gala

ocelot | gala

sandy hawkins | gala

bucky barnes (616) | gala