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...
"This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave."
Elmer Davis
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Athena and Steve walked into the hospital, trying to be as anonymous as possible. They were enemies of the state, but they needed to get that USB stick back.
Steve was kitted out with a hoodie drawn above his head. Athena had hidden her face with a hat and glasses. Making sure not to make eye contact with anybody, they walked with enough confidence that no one would talk to them but not so much that people would start to stare at them. Something that Athena had mastered as a German in America during the war.
As they came to a stop in front of the vending machine, Athena felt her heart drop. 510 was empty; there was no gum. Steve and Athena looked at each other with desperate looks passing across their faces before turning back to the vending machine.
As they looked back at the vending machine, they spotted the reflection. Natasha was blowing a pink bubble of gum. They two spun around to face the assassin. A grin drew across Athena's face as she celebrated the fact that the USB stick was safe. On the other hand, Steve looked up and down the hall to see if anybody was coming. When Steve ascertained that it was okay, he grabbed Natasha by her arm and dragged her back.
"What are you doing," Athena demanded.
"Where is it?" Steve demanded, ignoring Athena.
"Safe," Nat assured him, seeming unconcerned by the angry super-soldier with a death grip on her arm.
"Do better," Steve demanded.
"Where did you get it?" Nat asked.
"Why would I tell you?" Steve demanded.
"Because she is on our side and has a right to know," Athena told Steve, thoroughly unimpressed. "And I would rather like to know myself."
"Fury gave it to you. Why?" Nat asked.
"What's on it?" Steve returned.
"I don't know," Nat told him.
"Stop lying," Steve ordered, shaking Nat.
"I only act like I know everything, Rogers," Nat told him, not scared but peeved off.
"Guys, we are all on the same side," Athena butted in.
"I bet you knew Fury hired the pirates, didn't you?" Steve demanded, ignoring Athena
"Well, it makes sense. The ship was dirty; Fury needed a way in, and so did you." Nat told him, thinking out loud.
"I'm not gonna ask you again," Steve threatened.
"Stop it, you two. If we work together, we will get further." Athena told them. "You both trust me, and I trust both of you. So please, can we stop this stupid fight."
