Steve couldn't help but feel a twinge of nerves as he walked through the double doors to the Oval Office, two Secret Service agent flanking him. He immediatly felt ridiculous at his nervousness, this wasn't exactly the first time he met the President. Hell, it wasn't even his first time meeting THIS President, the two had already met just a month ago after Sunshine had pulled him out of the ice. But even now, after all he'd seen and done in his life, the experience of meeting The President of the United States never quite lost it's shine.
The office was almost cramped despite it's size, various political officials and even a few men in military uniform waiting for him inside, most of whom Steve had never seen before, or atleast didn't remember meeting, things had been a bit of a blur when he visited the White House last time.
Kennedy was waiting by his desk, alongside a pretty woman in a stylish pink dress, and another man who bore a distinct resemblense to the President, who Steve recognized as Robert Kennedy, the Presidents brother.
"Captain America, it's an honor to see you again!" Kennedy said, happily shaking Steve's hand "Frankly, we were worried we'd never see you again at all after you took off on your sabbatical last month! I hope you've found what you were looking for."
"Yes, some of it atleast" Steve answered honestly as he returned the handshake "As I said to a friend of mine the other day, I never had much of a chance to see the country before I joined the army, and I spent most of the war in Europe, so I didn't exactly have time to go sightseeing then either. It's been good to take a step back and actually experience what we fought for back then."
"If anyone has ever earned it, it's you Captain. It's been a while since you set foot in the Oval Office, hasn't it?"
Steve nodded "Last time I was here, the man sitting behind that desk was Franklin Roosevelt. I never got a chance to meet Truman before I was... indisposed, I'm afraid."
"Both of them were fine Presidents, even if I don't agree with all of Trumans policies" Kennedy stepped aside, allowing the woman by the desk to walk up to them "I don't believe you've met my wife, Jackie?"
"Haven't had that pleasure yet, sir. Ma'm" Steve said politely, giving her a short bow. Jackie smiled.
"The pleasure is all mine, Captain. It's not every day one meets a living legend, even as the First Lady."
"And this is my brother, Robert Kennedy. He serves as the Attorney General for my administration" Kennedy said as the other man by the desk walked up, a bit more hesitantly as his brother had, offering Steve his hand.
"It's an honour to meet you, Captain. We used to hear all about your exploits back when I was in the V-12 training program. When you disappeared, it hit us all hard. Always wished I could have been out there in the field making a difference like you did."
Steve nodded, returning his handshake "I only did my duty sir, same as everyone I served alongside. And from what I've read about you work since I woke up, I'd say you're making a difference perfectly well on your own."
Robert blinked, surprised "You would? I mean, you have?"
"All the work you've put into civil rights and desegregation? It's things this country has needed for a very long time. There's more than one kind of war, as I'm sure you've figured out by now, and in some ways, the war I fought in was easier, atleast then there was a clear way to win."
"Well put, Captain." Kennedy stepped in for Robert, who almost looked shellshocked from the praise "I must admit, I'm a little surprised to hear you voice your support for Bobby's civil rights initiative so openly. While I never thought you to be a prejudiced man, to hear what some of your contemporaries said about you..."
Steve sighed "Yes, that I bled red, white and blue, and I was a sterling, golden example of white America, who would never speak against what the rich and powerful wanted, because that would be communism. I've seen some of the things people wrote about me after the war, Mr. President, and as far as they were concerned, I was just a blank slate they could project their agenda on to. I love this country, but I still have a mind of my own, and as much good as you have accomplished, I think we both know there's still a lot to be done if America is to live up to it's own promises."
A murmur passed through the room at Steve's words, but the President simply nodded "I can't argue with that, Captain. There are wounds in this nation that will take a long time to heal, but what use is being the President if I don't even try?" Jackie put her hand on her husbands arm supportingly as he spoke "Now, with all that in mind, you said you had second thoughts about not returning to your role as Captain America?"
"Yes, sir!" Steve said, straightening up "As I said, I've spent my sabbatical getting reaquinted with the country, and reading up on the work your administration has done on fixing the injustices in America... and I've also seen what the reaction to your work has been, especially in the South. There are forces out there who are going to do everything they can to undo every bit of progress you've made, Mr. President. And I don't want to risk that happening."
"Captain, what are you saying, exactly?" Kennedy said slowly.
"Mr. President, if you think you can make use of me, I'd like to offer my services as security for yourself, or anyone else in your administration as you see fit!"
Before Kennedy could answer, an older, heavyset man with short, greying hair and sunken eyes pushed his way through the crowd of officials by the door. "Mr. President, this is ridiculous! With all due respect to Captain America, he's not qualified to work security for anyone, much less the President of the United States! He's got no training, no qualifications! You can't seriously be considering this!"
It took a moment before Steve recognized the man "Director Hoover. I'd heard you were still in charge of the FBI. I have to admit, I never expected to see you again." "And I hoped I'd never have to either" went unsaid.
J. Edgar Hoover sneered, giving Steve a contemptuous look "Thats's right, Captain. Some of us didn't have the privilege of a 20-year nap to keep us young, I've been busy serving my country, trying to keep the damn communists at bay. If you're so damned concerned about America, you should have signed back up with the military and help us stomp the Reds down!"
"Director Hoover, you're out of line!" Kennedy snapped "Captain America's record is impeccable, you know that as well as I do, and I'd hardly consider nearly sacrificing his life to thwart a Nazi war operation to be a "nap"! As for his security qualifications" He chuckled, shaking his head "If Captain America isn't qualified to guard the President, by god man, who is?!"
"But sir-"
"I understand your reservations, Director, but if Captain America offers to provide security, them I'm not fool enough to turn him down. We'll make it happen."
Hoover gritted his teeth, a sour look on his face "Yes, Mr. President..."
.....
"Our main story tonight, White House officials report that Captain America has returned from his sabbatical and has accepted an as of yet unknown position as part of President Kennedy's administration. The celebrated World War 2 veteran shocked the world after seemingly returning from the dead a little over a month ago, having spent the past two decades in stasis after his final mission, only to turn down returning to his original post in lieu of settling himself in his new time. It appears that Captain America has now decided to return to the uniform, and has seemingly expressed his support for the current administration. The announcement has been met with surprise from several military sources, as well as heavy criticism from certain state officials, many of whom are outspoken critics of President Kennedy. Statements from the public has however been largely positive..."
Stark looked away from the radio, giving me an annoyed glare "Sunshine, you wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you?"
"I resent the implication that it's always my fault when some crazy shit happens!"
"I notice there wasn't a No in there."676