Chapter Text
New York City, USA, 2011
Clunk, clunk, clunk.
The steady fall of high heels on linoleum floors finally brings noise to the quiet hallways.
Beside the woman causing the audible disturbance is a man, clad in black fabric.
“So, 1940?” The woman asks with a sigh, staring ahead.
Her and the man are walking fashion contradictions.
The woman’s hair is tied back, out of her face in period typical fashion. To anyone that looks, you can see the traces of hair dye removal, turning the locks back to their original warm brown colour.
The man on the other hand has no hair at all on the top of his head. All of it resides on his jaw and chin.
“You know what to do.” The man says, looking at the woman.
She is on the younger side. A week shy of nineteen. Old enough for what he needs from her.
“I know. I was just trying to make small talk.” The woman responds, pulling the hem of her skirt down a bit. It is already well past her knees, but when a woman is used to wearing pants all the time, it can be a lot to get used to when you wear a skirt.
The man sighs and stops the woman, looking at the younger girl. “Alice, I can not thank you enough for what you are doing to help us. Your efforts will be celebrated.”
The woman, Alice, looks at the man. “Thank you Director Fury.”
The man just nods before walking again, leading the woman down the hall.
They finally turn into a room with a few scientists and a machine straight out of a sci-fi film.
“Agent Miller.” One of the scientists says, offering Alice a small smile. He can clearly tell how nervous she is.
“So, I just stand in there and it will work?” Alice asks, looking at the machine.
“That’s our hope. We haven’t been able to test it on a full human yet, so let's just hope you don’t get ripped apart in travel.” The scientist says with an awkward laugh. Alice just copies him, hoping to alleviate the tension.
“Sounds great.” She mutters, giving Fury one last look before walking over to the machine.
The scientist helps her step into it holding her hand as she steps up in her heels.
“This is the release lever. After the shaking stops, wait 5 minutes to get out to make sure it wasn’t a malfunction.” The scientist says, moving Alice’s hand to a small lever that is about waist height.
“Make this quick.” Fury says, by the door to the lab.
“Sorry sir.” The scientist says over his shoulder before looking at Alice again. “Hoping to see you again Agent Miller.” The scientist says quietly before locking her inside the machine.
He moves to the collection of monitors and starts up the machine.
The screen blinks. New York City, USA, 1940.
The scientist gives one last look to Fury waiting for the nod of approval. The bald man gives a sharp nod and the button is pressed.
The machine shakes and buffers, before disappearing in a flash of light and a gust of wind, knocking everyone in the room off of their feet.
A chime comes from the monitors and the scientist scrambles to his feet. “She landed.” He says to Fury.
“Good. We just have to wait now.” Fury responds, pushing himself off of the floor.