AHumanMadeMOFO
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Chapter 177: Howard's Defeat (2)
🕑 Added 2025-01-21 15:17:54 +0000 UTC"Well, I understand. Thank you for telling me all this. But are you suggesting that I take charge of this project?" Peggy asked, putting down her cup and looking at Josh.
"Actually, Peggy, have you ever wondered what would have happened if it had been you who stepped into the Rebirth Pod back then?" Josh pretended to think deeply before he spoke.
"What? Are you serious?" Peggy was stunned by his words.
"I know it sounds absurd, but after reading that report, I looked into the Rebirth Project in detail. I also came across Dr. Erskine's theory—that the serum amplifies the good or evil in a person. But think about it, Peggy; his comparisons were limited to Schmidt and Steve, weren't they? Josh explained.
"What do you mean...?" Peggy's brow furrowed even more.
"I'm saying that while his theory has some merit, it's not complete. The real side effect of the serum is more likely to be the amplification of personal emotions. If the user's beliefs are strong enough, the chances of success are quite high. And frankly, of the people I know, apart from Steve, no one is stronger than you. In fact, Peggy, I don't think you're any less capable than Steve. Dr. Erskine probably overlooked you back then just because of your gender," Josh said, spinning his story convincingly.
Even though Josh was making this up, he managed to hook Peggy.
Because of her past experiences, Peggy trusted Josh very much. However, she was slightly embarrassed by his praise.
Still, she couldn't help but be tempted by the idea.
If she succeeded, she could continue Steve's legacy...
"Of course, the risks involved in such experiments are high and unpredictable. I'm only suggesting the idea—the decision is entirely yours," Josh added.
"No, I'll do it!" Peggy agreed without hesitation. "But will the military allow me to participate?"
"As a partner, the CIA has ten slots in this project. Unlike the military, we'll ensure that all participants are volunteers. But you're the only woman on the list," Josh explained.
The other nine participants were loyal supporters of the Council. Josh wouldn't risk sending his own people into such an uncertain experiment, except for Carter, who theoretically had the best chance.
But the Council was very interested in the project, so Josh generously gave them all the other slots.
"I see. When does the experiment start?" Peggy asked.
"Here's the volunteer waiver form, a signing bonus, and an insurance agreement. Just report to this address a week from now,” Josh replied, handing her several documents and a check.
"Is this really necessary?" Peggy looked at the check—it was a $10,000 cashier's check from Continental Bank, a huge sum of money.
"Take it. It's covered by the public budget," Josh said with a dismissive wave.
Of course, it was technically out of the people's pocket—but only Peggy received it.
The nine other participants from the Council wouldn't see a dime. In fact, the Council had to give the CIA a $1 million sponsorship fee for the spot on the project. If even one of their participants succeeded, they'd be owed an additional $1 million bonus.
After all, the Council had a lot of money, and Josh wasn't one to pass up an opportunity to profit from it.
Seeing Josh insist, Peggy didn’t refuse. After all, she could use the money.
Peggy Carter's salary from the Strategic Scientific Reserve wasn't very high. If Josh hadn't bought Steve's property in New York and given it to her, most of her income would have gone into renting a decent apartment in the city, leaving little else.
In the original story, Peggy had to settle for sharing a room or staying in a cheap, restrictive women's shelter. Eventually, Howard Stark had to lend her a place to stay.
Although Peggy didn't have many personal expenses, the $10,000 Josh provided was enough to make a big difference in the lives of her widowed sister-in-law and nephew in London.
When it came to insurance, Peggy named her sister-in-law and nephew as beneficiaries.
Josh wasn't surprised.
To make her situation even easier, he handed her an envelope and a car key.
"Take the week to relax and explore. The scenery here in the USA is quite remarkable. Don't say no!"
"Thank you, Josh," Peggy said with a soft smile, slightly stunned but quickly recovering. "I'll take my leave then."
"I'll see you off—otherwise I'm afraid you won't find the car," Josh said, standing up. He walked Peggy out and led her to the parking lot where her car was waiting—a stunning red Volkswagen Beetle.
"What a beautiful car. I've never seen anything like it... Wait, Boeing?" Peggy exclaimed, momentarily stunned as she noticed the logo.
