"In the end, she's gone, Ms. Peggy."
After Steve left, Peggy breathed her last breath in the night, carrying a happy smile, ending her life naturally without any regret or pain. When Nick saw Peggy's final happy smile, he was also glad for his old boss.
Leaving Peggy's small estate, he spoke sentimentally to another old friend. Having known this fierce sister for more than a day or two, even if Nick wanted to give Peggy a grand funeral, their special profession prevented it. They could only invite some political or Military figures who knew about S.H.I.E.L.D. to attend her funeral.
"Another old friend is gone, Howard."
"Yeah, Nick."
In this remote place where no one else was, Nick arrived at a massive underground secret Base. Howard and Maria had been waiting for him for a long time. With an old friend passing away, how could these old-timers not gather? It had been years since they had a good chat, and now everyone's time was running out.
Howard still clearly remembered the strong woman from his memories; he almost had his head beaten into a pulp when he tried to hit on her. But after spending time together, he realized just how strong she really was. Howard spoke to Nick with deep emotion. Time was the most lethal thing; they couldn't stop its encroachment at all. Even though Nick had undergone anti-aging surgery, it couldn't increase his lifespan. Old friends were leaving one by one; who would be next? Thinking of this, Howard couldn't help but sigh.
"That power—have you found the source, Nick?"
Maria thoughtfully poured coffee for Nick and Howard, then went to attend to her own things. Although there wasn't much to do, she still had many sweaters to knit for Artoria. This was the only thing she could do in her spare time. After Maria left, Howard asked Nick seriously. That power, which even S.H.I.E.L.D. couldn't detect, was ultimately a thorn in his side. It was the obstacle preventing him from reuniting with his daughter. He had not been able to properly hug his daughter for over a decade. As time passed and he grew older, some things were beyond his reach. He really wanted to enjoy family life with Maria and Artoria; he felt his own time was running out.
"I've felt it. S.H.I.E.L.D. is no longer the S.H.I.E.L.D. of the past. I even suspect those Hydra fellows never truly died out but have been by our side all along."
"Furthermore, this person has reappeared. You were right; it's Bucky."
Nick took out a set of photos. These were records he had spent a great deal of effort to find; most had been intentionally destroyed, but by using some alien technology, he still managed to find the person and identify him clearly. This person was Bucky, without a doubt.
"He's still so young, just like the Captain."
Looking at the photos Nick brought out, Howard narrowed his eyes, using his pinky to cover half of Bucky's face. The gaze from that night was exactly the same as the one in the photo—the attacker Howard had seen through the life model decoy.
"Nick, S.H.I.E.L.D. might not be S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore. You need to be prepared."
Howard lit a cigar, took a deep puff, and closed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. Since S.H.I.E.L.D. was no longer the S.H.I.E.L.D. of old, then let it be destroyed!
"I understand that. Also, I'll need your help with the Helicarrier; get it finished as soon as possible. I'm currently preparing the Avengers Initiative. Although the roster isn't complete yet, the hardware must be ready."
Nick said, his one eye carefully glancing at Howard. Did this guy notice his little move? He probably didn't notice that he was planning to recruit Artoria into the Avengers! Otherwise, would this guy be chatting with him so calmly?
"I'll hurry up, but you absolutely must not let Artoria join such a dangerous organization."
Hearing this, Nick breathed a sigh of relief and indicated he understood. It seemed Howard hadn't noticed his actions. With not much time to linger, as he had many things to do, Nick finished his coffee in one gulp, turned, and left, leaving Howard quietly gazing at the photo of Bucky.
"I'm very sorry I didn't make it in time to see Ms. Peggy one last time. I'm truly sorry."
Artoria looked apologetically at Sharon. Last time, Sharon had invited her to go, but she hadn't. Now, Artoria somewhat understood the meaning of that phrase,'Some people, once missed, may never be seen again.' She reached out and patted Sharon's shoulder to express her apology. Originally, she was going to meet the legendary female Special Agent, but unexpectedly, she ended up attending a funeral. What a dramatic life.
"It's nothing. She passed away peacefully, having fulfilled a decades-long wish. She left without any regrets."
Sharon's expression didn't show any particular sadness; it was very calm. Precisely because she was the one who understood her aunt the best, she could be so composed. She was also happy for her aunt, who had fulfilled her wish and left without a single care. This is something many people never achieve, so she took it in stride.
"When does the funeral start?"
"The specific time is set by the elders; I'm not very clear about it either."
Thinking that even though she hadn't met Peggy in life, Artoria still decided to see her off. Whether due to the relationship from the older generation or the present, Artoria deeply admired this woman who had kept her promise to Captain America for a lifetime. Unlike Captain America, who, right after his old girlfriend passed away, started hooking up with his girlfriend's niece—what speed!
"Natasha, are you going too?"
After exchanging a few words with Sharon, Artoria happened to run into Natasha, who was delivering documents. While talking to Natasha, Artoria observed her. This person had recently poached an employee she had recruited. Stacy had resigned, apologizing to Artoria, saying she was going to search for traces of her Father, and then left. Artoria didn't try too hard to keep her, but the feeling of having someone poached from her was still unpleasant. She wondered if she should try poaching from S.H.I.E.L.D. Natasha in front of her seemed like a good choice, and Sharon was also good. Maybe she should poach them both.
"The specific time will be notified later. Come with me when the time comes."
"Okay, boss."
Artoria explained the general idea to Sharon, and Natasha indicated that as the boss, she would listen to her. Actually, even if Artoria didn't take her along, Nick Fury One-Eye Nick would find a way to have Natasha take a day off to go. This was the funeral of one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders. As a member of S.H.I.E.L.D., except for those on duty or on dangerous missions who couldn't return in the short term, only someone like Natasha, with light duties and close proximity, could attend.
"Thank you, Artoria. Let's keep in touch when we have time!"
Sharon said as she prepared to leave. Her task today was to invite Artoria over on Nick's behalf. Now that the invitation was done, it was time to go.
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