1952-08-11 - On Her Majesty's Service
Summary: 1952, Peggy Carter meets the new senior agent who has been assigned to her by the Queen herself. A few things are revealed about Brian, but they generally get along. Of course they do, they are British.
Related: None
Theme Song: None
uj peggy 


SHIELD is still, very much, in the building stages. Desks being brought in, younger agents reviewed, operations protocol finalized. Hell, two of the back interrogation rooms are still being repainted from their SSR forest green and gold to a more gray, blank slate. But, one of the first finished and well lived in things is Director Carter's office. Namely because, well, she's practically living in it. She hasn't a clue what time it is, probably well after finishing hour, but in this situation there is no finishing hour.

The woman is currently behind her desk, probably too young looking for most people to be considering the Director of such an organization, but stories have preceded her. A pile of paperwork rests in multiple trays and she's currently leaning over a report. A mug of cold tea rests near her left hand. Her curls have slightly fallen from the start of the day, but she's still managing to look mostly put together and awake.

*

Brian flew into the States a few of days ago. Before reporting to SHIELD, he felt the need to get the feel of the city in order to gain a better perspective on the American he's going to be working with. He did phone ahead and let them know he'd be arriving today so they'd be expecting him. Escorted to the Director's office, he looks in then raps on the door.

*

While it's not the whole reason Peggy stayed late, she has remained back to give plenty of time to their new commanding officer who is coming in from her home country. So, it's no surprise when she hears that knock and she calls almost immediately, "Come in, it's open!" Her own accent rings out crisp and clear, mostly London, but with a touch of growing up in Surrey at the back of it that only someone else from the UK could probably hear. She folds shut the report, standing from behind her desk and tugging on her suit coat again so she looks half put together by the time he's coming through the door. Her red velvet colored smile is pleasant and professional.

*

Opening the door, Brian walks in and gives the place a quick once over before closing it behind him. "Margaret Carter, I presume?" he asks, giving her a smile. "Lord Brian Falsworth. A pleasure, madam." Reaching into his overcoat, he withdraws a file. "My bonafides."

*

Despite her initial feather ruffling displeasure at, basically, being *shoved* an agent she didn't know, Peggy cannot help but smile a bit more to hear his accent. Sometimes little pieces of home were nice. She accepts his file, laying it in front of her without opening it. She then offers her hand to him for a firm shake. "Director Margaret Carter, but… you are welcome to call me Peggy. Off hours, at least. Lord Falsworth. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her handshake is that of a woman who has been in a man's world a very long time and isn't scared any more. Not trying to prove anything, but firm and confident.

*

Brian clasps the hand for a firm shake. "Of course Peggy, and I'm Brian of course. Her Majesty informed me of her conditions regarding your agency. I could hardly say know to her, of course though the idea grew on me after a bit. I expect we'll get along famously."

*

"Come. Let's sit. Would you like a drink?" Peggy still has ignored his file. Chances are, she read the thing backwards and forwards already the moment she heard he was coming, or a copy of it at least. Originals are always helpful. She steps around her desk, suit jacket still unbuttoned, but otherwise she looks prim and put together as a Director should. She motions over to the little sitting area, a nod to actually having some comfort in this office. If he's particularly observant, however, he will see a small pillow hiding behind the corner of the couch. "I will admit I was a touch put out that Her Majesty thinks I'm so bloody well American now she had to send along someone else to keep tabs on everything. That being said, your record is exemplary and I need all the good help I can get." She cracks a bit more of a smile with that.

*

"I wouldn't say no to some scotch if you have some." Brian answers, moving over with Peggy to unbutton his coat then take a seat where she indicates. "Or perhaps Her Majesty simple wished to have two of her subjects in positions of authority." he suggests, pointing out an alternative explanation.

*

"Distinctly possible. Either way… Exactly how much were you briefed on before accepting this position?" Peggy asks. And, of course, she has scotch. She works with Howard Stark — he practically demands scotch in every room of the office. She steps over towards the little wet bar, grabbing a bottle of proper scotch and not bourbon. She pours them both out a few fingers before offering him the second tumbler.

*

"Let's pretend that I've been told nothing." Brian suggests. "Tell me what you think is important. That will cover anything that may have popped up since I was briefed last." And what she considered important will tell him something about her.

*

Those words draw a slight arch to her brow as Peggy folds into a seat across from him — though she does wait until he sits. She crosses her legs, managing to get comfortable but also still look utterly business like. She's just got that commanding sort of presence, despite her age. "It will also tell you things about me, like what I consider important." Her catch of his tactic isn't displeased, though. She just sees it. She takes a sip of her scotch and sets it down. "There are threats in this world greater than communists — despite what most of the United States seems to believe. Hell, there are threats *not* of this world that still exist on this world. Do you believe in super-human abilities, Lord Falsworth?"

*

"Brian." he reminds her. "Of course I do. I fought against and with a number of people who possessed them during the war. Just which file did Her Majesty supply you with?" he asks, quirking a single brow. "I may have to add some to it if we're to work together effectively.

*

"You'd be surprised at how many people have experienced such things first hand and yet, still, lie to themselves about such existing. I'm glad to see you at least understand there are… greater things out there than most of us could have dreamt when we were born. The amount of other-worldly artifacts alone we've collected since the war is staggering. So, we are here to ensure the world has protection against these things. Literally, to be the world's shield. We fight what shouldn't exist. We don't turn a blind eye to the strange and supernatural or super human. We make certain that the rest of the world can sleep at night, content in their cluelessness to what truly lays out there." It's not some practiced speech from her, which might be why it's a bit rambling, but they are words that utterly come from her heart.

*

"I've encountered a mythological thunder god who very nearly killed me and left me with the ability to discharge electricity like an eel." Brian notes dryly. "I'd have to be daft not to believe in such things." He takes a small sip of his scotch, glances down into the glass, then takes a more normal sized one after the initial taste. Seems he approves. "I spent years fighting the Nazis and their creations, Peggy. And after the war, I continued to do so back home. No doubt why Her Majesty decided to volunteer me."

*

"…Oh." Peggy states simply. She then pauses, making a motion that he should hold that thought, before she stands and moves back to her desk to claim his dossier. She stands there a few minutes, reading over the few missing pieces about his abilities, before she comes back over to him and sits down. "…while I read about your encounter with a certain 0-8-4… Her Majesty was careful to leave out that second part. So… yes. How much do you know about HYDRA?"

*

"0-8-4?" Brian asks, not familiar with the classification which is what he assumes it is. He takes another sip from his glass and looks at Peggy over the rim. "Did she now? Perhaps I should look it over and see what she left out. While I understand her desire to keep a few secrets, they should perhaps be known to the Director if not in the actual file."

*

"Ah, sorry, habit. Extra-terrestial. The code. It keeps people in a panic calmer, sometimes, to use a code. And yes… If we are to work together this closely, I'd be quite curious about anything you are willing to share. And… just as willing to answer questions you may have. I hope that was a good start?" Peggy asks, having been nothing but open with him so far. She finally takes a sip of her own scotch.

*

Brian extends a hand for the file. "Yes, indeed. Keeping the people from panicking was always a priority and one of the hardest tasks. Fortunately, not one I needed to concern myself with." At the question, he offers a nod. "That does agree with what I was informed of."

*

Peg extends the dossier to him, arching a brow curiously, but she's willing to listen and let him study. "… I can't promise that protection won't sometimes mean cover up. There are things this world isn't ready for. Hell… the red scare here in the US alone is proof. Every Joe and Jane is ready to accuse their little old lady neighbor down the street of being a commie. It's a mess. What would they do if they knew aliens existed."

*

Brian just nods as he flips through the file. "Sometimes it is best if the public does not know how close they are to being killed." He stops on a page toward the back to look over more thoroughly. "Dr. Scmitt, yes. The Destroyer. The good Captain and his compatriots. Yes, most of it is here. Had she wanted to keep the electricity under the table, she should have thought to mention that fact to me." Closing the file, he offers it back. "There is one thing though…"

*

"…Yes? What is it?" Peggy asks, sitting forward now, legs uncrossed. She's studying him with a gaze that has broken prisoners and commanded troops. Also, a gaze that is used to dissecting a person's entire personality with a simple look. She's been at this game long enough she can read someone within a few moments of conversation.

*

"I expected Her Majesty to leave it out. No doubt, it's been left out of all my files regardless of who has them" Brian tells Peggy. "But in the interest of preventing any possible future… situations, it would be best if you were aware that I, shall we say, share a certain preference with Oscar Wilde that has nothing to do with literature."

*

"…Oh. Oh! That's… goodness, Brian, that's fine. We're… not like that, around here. Well, not like everyone, I guess." Peggy's lips come into a firm smirk. "Close minded bastards who think a lily white man with a wife and two point five children at home is the most fit to do any job in the world. I spent most of my career working with the Howling Commandos until now, and couldn't be a more diverse and more professional group than any. I understand reasons for that to never leave this room, but… it's not an issue in these walls." Peggy leans forward, a bit closer, so he can see how serious she is. "And if… if you ever get into trouble, picked up or something… call me. I'll handle it. Personally. No one will ever know." Yes, she just offered to abuse her power if he gets picked up for being at a gay bar.

*

"I'm pleased to hear it." Not that it would change anything since Her Majesty is aware as he father was before her. "I decided years ago that one must be who they truly are." Brian states, lifting his glass to gaze at the liquid swirling in it. "And as there is always a certain risk of blackmail…" He doesn't bother to shrug. It's implicit, not to mention uncouth. Peggy's offer gets a genuine smile. "I thank you for the offer but there's never been a Bobby who could catch me if I didn't want him to."

*

"Well, the offer stays. You never give me issues about the fact that, eventually when there is time, I'll be marrying one of the division heads, and I think we can come to an agreement." Peggy states with a smirk. "But just because I'm married doesn't mean I'll have any less time here, plan to have a baby, retire, or be a house wife any time soon." Sure enough, there is an understated engagement ring on her right hand. Yet, she is still here this late.

*

"I believe Her Majesty has similar plans." Brian points out. At least Britain does. "If she can do the job with all that, I see no reason why you'd be unable to do this one."

*

"Then you won't complain about the corgis I got for the office either." Peggy deadpans, utterly serious, managing to keep that flat look for a good five seconds before she breaks into a grin. "No corgis, I promise. But… I should get back to it so I don't end up asleep here. I'll expect you 9 am tomorrow, yes?"

*

Brian finishes his drink and rises. "Nine am sharp." he agrees. "Until then." Setting down his glass, he gives Peggy a nod and heads out.

*

Brian leaves, heading towards the Shield HQ [Out].

*

Brian has left.

*

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