Chapter 136: Omniscience in Marvel 132
Title - A Rare moment in an Immortal's Life.
…
Time passed swiftly and soon, it was the year 1950. The year prior had been one of the most engaging in the life of the Current Leucadius or Lucas as he's known.
A few months ago, the SSR was restructured under Howard's and Peggy's extensive efforts. The Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) was originally a secret military organization formed during World War II to combat Hydra, the Nazi-backed research division led by Johann Schmidt, a.k.a. Red Skull.
The SSR was instrumental in various key events during the war, including the development of the Super Soldier Serum that created Captain America, and leading the efforts to stop Hydra's global conquest.
After World War II ended and with the defeat of Red Skull and the disappearance of Steve Rogers, the SSR's role began to evolve. The SSR continued to operate in the post-war period, focusing on securing and containing advanced technologies and dealing with new threats, such as the rise of Soviet espionage during the Cold War.
However, as global threats became more complex, the need for a more robust and permanent organization became apparent. The growing tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with the emergence of new global threats, underscored the need for an organization that could operate on a broader scale than the SSR.
The rise of super-powered individuals and the potential misuse of advanced technology made it clear that a more advanced and covert agency was necessary.
Leucadius found it weird that there were no overly offensive criticisms against those who were found to be powered, and upon asking Aspect to run a search in his database, it was found that he didn't exist in this Universe.
Sublime. The one and only parasite to gain Sentience and walk the Earth…Not this earth though.
Leucadius also found that individuals who were powered were quite weaker in this part of the world than in the East. Perhaps because the bombs exploded in Hiroshima, there were more powerful powered individuals emerging in the East.
Leucadius didn't find it strange though. Was there ever a manhwa he'd ever read as a human where powered individuals in the West were more powerful than in the east?
The answer was no.
Back to the matter at hand, the SSR was primarily a U.S.-based organization. However, the emerging threats were global in nature, requiring cooperation and coordination with other nations. The visionaries within the SSR, including Howard, realized that a new organization with an international mandate was essential to maintaining global security.
Howard, who was deeply involved in the SSR's efforts during the war, recognized the potential for future conflicts involving advanced technology. His experiences with Hydra's advanced weapons, the Tesseract, and other dangerous artifacts convinced him of the need to safeguard the world from similar threats.
Howard, along with Peggy and a few others, were instrumental in the transition from the SSR to S.H.I.E.L.D. Stark envisioned an organization that could proactively handle emerging threats, conduct advanced research, and operate with a level of secrecy and efficiency that the SSR could not achieve.
And with the help of Lucas' Hawthorne family, they didn't have much of an issue establishing in the United States. This effectively gained Lucas a Consultant position which also came with a Level 10 Clearance. A clearance level below only that of the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The SSR was gradually phased out and restructured into the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.).
This new organization was officially founded in November 1949 and was designed to be a global intelligence and defense agency capable of dealing with extraordinary threats with Peggy as the Director and Howard as the Deputy.
Currently though, Lucas, alongside some of Howard's close friends, were gathered in a beautifully arranged garden. The garden was a harmonious blend of natural beauty and elegant design.
Set within a vast estate, it featured a grand pavilion draped in white silk, with garlands of roses and ivy cascading down. The ground was scattered with fresh flower petals, forming a natural aisle leading to the altar.
The air was filled with the scents of jasmine, lavender, and roses, while flower beds of different exotic colors lined the pathways. A small fountain bubbled gently in one corner, giving off a soothing soundtrack to the serene environment.
Well crafted crystal vases filled with roses and gold-accented lanterns added touches of luxury, ensuring a balance between nature's wild beauty and the elegance of the occasion.
"To think that this day would come."
"Yeah? Who would've thought? Huh? Not me."
"Definitely not me."
"Yeah? But seriously though. The Howard Stark is getting married. Color me surprised."
"That makes two of us."
The owner of the two voices, Peggy and Lucas, sat in the front row as they observed Howard and Maira exchange vows of marriage. It was a stunning sight to see Howard looking all lovestruck.
The two were dressed in attires that complement the ceremony on ground, and while one exuded an aura of elitism, the other gave off a calm and collected one. A bearing cultivated over the years as both a field agent, spy, and currently, a woman of power.
"By the way, I haven't been opportuned to know the identity of the woman you brought." Carter suddenly said as the applause came to an end.
"Oh Her?" Lucas asked and turned to the golden haired woman sitting regally with her legs crossed beside him. "This is Thena. Thena Eliot, my betrothed."
"Betrothed? I didn't know you were engaged."
"There's so much you don't know about me, my dearest Peggy." Lucas said slyly and turned to Thena. "This is Margaret Carter, popularly known as Peggy. One of my few friends."
Thena who'd been sporting an Ice cold expression despite the occasion, let out a rare and beautiful smile as she regarded Peggy. "A pleasure." She said with a demure nod.
"The pleasure is mine." Carter sported a smile and nodded back. "To think that Lucas has someone as beautiful as you waiting on him. It's no wonder the ladies don't enter his eyes."
"Hm." Thena hummed softly and shot Lucas a glance. "They wouldn't dare." She said as her smile widened. "Wouldn't want them getting lost on the way, would we?"
To the question, Peggy didn't know how to reply and just chuckled before turning back to the podium where Howard was currently waving at everyone that he could be bothered to invite to his wedding.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the soft strains of classical music filled the garden, signaling the beginning of the wedding reception. The guests began to rise, their voices a low hum of conversation and laughter.
Howard and Maria, now officially husband and wife, descended from the altar, hand in hand, their faces beaming with joy. Howard looked around, waving at the familiar faces that had gathered to witness his special day.
Some of his closest friends and colleagues were here, each sharing in the happiness that this day brought. The garden, with its elegant decorations and soft, ambient lighting, provided a perfect backdrop for the festivities that were about to commence.
Lucas, who had been observing the proceedings from his seat beside Peggy, stood up and stretched. "I suppose it's time for the pleasantries," he said, glancing at Peggy with a smile.
"Indeed. Howard looks happy, doesn't he?" Peggy replied, her gaze fixed on the couple.
Lucas nodded. "It's a good look on him. Maria seems to have a calming effect, which is probably what he needs."
They then made their way through the throng of guests, exchanging greetings and brief conversations with old friends and acquaintances.
"Howard," Lucas called out, stepping forward as the man of the hour noticed him.
"Lucas! I was wondering when you'd come over," Howard replied with a broad grin. "And Peggy! It's good to see you both."
"Congratulations, Howard," Peggy said warmly, giving him a quick embrace. "You look very dashing today."
Howard chuckled. "I clean up well when I need to."
Lucas smirked, looking between Howard and Maria. "I must say, Howard, I never thought I'd see the day when you'd tie the knot. Maria must be a saint to put up with you."
Maria laughed softly, her hand still entwined with Howard's. "He's not as difficult as he seems, once you get to know him."
"I'm sure he's a charmer when he wants to be," Lucas replied with a wink. "Maria, you look absolutely stunning. Howard is a lucky man."
"Thank you, Lucas," Maria said with a smile.
Lucas turned slightly, gesturing to the woman who had been standing quietly beside him. "And this," he said, "is Thena Eliot, my betrothed."
Howard's eyebrows shot up in surprise, while Maria looked equally intrigued. "Betrothed? Well, well, Lucas, you've been keeping secrets," Howard remarked.
Thena inclined her head gracefully. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. Lucas has spoken highly of you."
"The pleasure is ours," Maria replied warmly. "Lucas can be quite a handful, it's good to know that someone out there can put up with his quirks."
"She's the only one who could," Lucas said with a chuckle. "She's remarkable in every way." He added with a loving look directed towards Thena.
Howard gave a knowing nod, his gaze shifting between Lucas and Thena. "I see we're all growing up," he said with a hint of nostalgia. "But it's a good thing. The world needs more of these moments."
"Agreed," Lucas said, his tone becoming more serious. "Especially considering the times we live in. It's important to cherish these moments."
There was a brief pause as the group shared a silent understanding. They all knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows, the threats that could emerge at any moment.
But for now, in this beautifully arranged garden, those concerns seemed distant.
"Let's not dwell on the dark stuff today," Howard said, breaking the silence with a bright smile. "Today's about celebrating, about the future. And I'm glad I get to share it with all of you."
"To the future," Lucas echoed, raising an imaginary glass in a toast. "May it be as bright as this day."
As the reception continued, the guests mingled, laughter and joy filling the air. Lucas found himself engaged in lighthearted conversations, but his attention always drifted back to Thena, who seemed to be effortlessly charming everyone she spoke to.
Eventually, the night deepened, and the time came for the newlyweds to depart. Lucas and Thena, along with the other guests, gathered to see Howard and Maria off. As they waved goodbye to the couple, Lucas couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment.
"Today was a good day," Thena said softly, her hand slipping into Lucas's.
"Yes, it was," Lucas agreed, squeezing her hand gently. "It's not that much of a rare thing, but I'm glad we could be part of it."
As they stood together in the quiet garden, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, Lucas couldn't help but think of the road ahead.
They were immortal existences and had personally witnessed a couple of these unions up close and the sight never got old for them. Heartless as they could be when needed, they were still emotional beings.
There would be challenges, no doubt, but for now, Lucas allowed himself to enjoy the peace and happiness that the day had brought.
"Shall we?" Thena asked, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.
"Let's," Lucas replied with a smile as they left the Garden with no one noticing.
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A/N: In case you don't feel the connectedness between the two chapters today. Don't mind it. I don't even know what I wrote as I've been busy with a lot of things.
I wanted to use this chapter to give a little explanation on what Carter would be experiencing in Ygdrassil just after the wedding, but I guess that'll have to wait.
Today isn't over yet, so hopefully, one more chapter could drop. Don't wait on it though...
Anyways, Enjoy...