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Evelyn and Steve quickly slipped into their uniforms before making their way back to S.H.I.E.L.D.. With strong strides, they made their way down the hallways of the Triskelion towards Alexander Pierce's office. As they passed, Sharon strolled by and she offered the duo a warm, encouraging smile that brightened the otherwise serious atmosphere.
"Captain Rogers. Agent Parrish," she greeted.
"Neighbour," Steve replied coldly. Evelyn smiled apologetically at her as they walked to Pierce.
"Ah. Captain. Agent. I'm Alexander Pierce," he shook Steve's hand.
"Sir, it's an Honour," Steve said.
"The honour's mine, Captain. My father served in the 101st." With a warm smile, Alexander extended his hand toward Evelyn. "Agent Parrish, it's truly a delight to see you again," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Evelyn tilted her head slightly, scepticism crossing her features as she scrutinised him. "Have we met before?" she inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.
Before she could linger on the thought, Pierce stepped forward without hesitation. "Indeed, we crossed paths shortly after you arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D. in ninety-two. Come on in," he urged
Evelyn and Steve stepped into the dimly lit office, the air thick with the scent of polished wood and aged paper. They lingered near the entrance, allowing Steve to approach his desk, where he carefully draped his jacket over the back of his chair, the fabric slipping effortlessly into place. As Evelyn's eyes wandered around the room, they fell upon a framed photograph of Fury and Pierce resting on the desk. Intrigued, she picked it up, her fingers grazing the cool glass, curiosity igniting within her as she studied the captured moment of friendship between the two men.
"That photo was taken five years after Nick and I met when I was at State Department in Bogota," Pierce said. "E.L.N rebels took the embassy, and security got me out, but the Rebels took hostages. Nick was Deputy Chief of the S.H.I.E.L.D. station there, and he comes to me with a plan. He wants to storm the building through the sewers. I said, 'No, we'll negotiate.' It turned out the E.L.N. didn't negotiate, so they put out a kill order. They stormed the basement, and what do they find? They find it empty." Pierce made his way over to the couple and sat as he placed a file on the table. Steve and Evelyn took a seat on the two-person couch beside his.
"Nick had ignored my direct order and carried out an unauthorised military operation on foreign soil and saved the lives of a dozen political officers, including my daughter," Pierce went on.
"So, you gave him a promotion," Steve said.
"I've never had any cause to regret it," Pierce said. "Captain, Agent, why was Nick in your apartment?"
