Athena Erskine was beautiful and bold. A female scientist in a world of men. Athena lived every day outnumbered but not outsmarted. Athena had to force her way into every room. So that she could demonstrate how much brighter, she is than all the men...
"Heroism doesn't always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history."
Mary Roach
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Steve and Athena walked towards Pierce's office in full tactical gear. Athena still didn't know all of what had happened in their apartment with Fury. But she trusted Steve. And that was all that mattered.
As they turned a corner, Athena saw their neighbour talking to Pierce, which was odd because Sharon had told her that she was a nurse. Not an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. When Athena looked at Steve, confused, she could see the annoyed look he was sending Sharon.
"Captain Rogers, Doctor Erskine," Sharon greeted as she walked past, inclining her head politely.
"Neighbor," Steve responded coldly. Not even looking at her.
Athena didn't say anything as she looked between the two of them, deeply confused.
"Ah, Captain, Doctor Erskine," the man smiled. Extending his hand to Steve, "I'm Alexander Pierce."
"Sir, it's an honour," Steve said politely as he shook his hand.
"The honour is mine, Captain." Pierce told him, "My father served in the 101st."
He then turned to Athena, extending his hand. Athena shook it politely. "Pleasure to meet you," Athena told him politely.
"Come on in," Pierce said, inclining his head in.
Both Steve and Athena entered the large office. Athena was not 100% sure she was meant to be there, but she would be dammed if she left Steve. Peirce walked to the desk. Picking up a pile of photos, he handed them to Steve before stepping back. Placing his shield on the floor propped against the Sofa, Steve looked at the photos as Athena peered over his shoulder Steve wrapping his spare arm around her.
"That photo was taken five years after Nick and I met," Peirce told them as they looked at the picture of a younger Fury and Pierce. "When I was at the State Department in Bogota." Pierce carried on explaining as he took his jacket off. "ELN rebels took the embassy, and security got me out, but the rebels took hostages." Pierce picked up some documents before coming towards Steve and Athena. "Nick was deputy chief for the S.H.I.E.L.D. Stationd 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 ELN didn't negotiate, so they put out a kill order." Pierce explains as he came towards Steve and Athena. "They stormed the basement, and what did they find?" Pierce asked rhetorically as he sat down. Steve and Athena following suit. "They find it empty." Pierce carried on talking. "Nick had ignored my direct order and carried out an unauthorised military operation on foreign soil. He saved the lives of a dozen political officers, including my daughter."
"So you gave him a promotion," Steve stated.
"I've never had any cause to regret it." Pierce agreed. "Captain, why was Nick in your apartment last night?"
