8646/Bearing News

Bearing News
Date of Scene:	11 November 2021
Location:	R and D Labs: Triskelion
Synopsis:	Peggy visits Jemma for updates on some situations with SHIELD, and one very personal, very pleasant surprise. No rabbits were killed in the making of this scene.
Cast of Characters:	Jemma Simmons, Peggy Carter

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Jemma Simmons has posed:
The more things change, the more things stay the same.

While Jemma Simmons may be considered a 'senior' agent, with a shiny badge and whatever comes with it (a desk? Maybe her own cubicle?), there are just some things that simply do not change. And, for Jemma, one of those things is quite basic.

Jemma does her best thinking in the lab.

Maybe it is just habit. Or, maybe it is because she has her own personal hand in how the laboratory is laid out. Whatever the reasoning, Jemma finds that she is best when surrounded by scientific implements. Familiar territory, as it were.

As such, it is the laboratory that Jemma currently occupies, with at least three different projects open before her, because of course Jemma is only best when there is a bit of pressure to stimulate the mind. Project number one is the tactical suit that she has been tinkering with, the beloved blue and red ensemble that Daisy and Bobbi insisted for the whole Secret Warrior project. Most likely to just drive home that whole 'Poppins' callsign they hung Jemma with. Still, there is room for improvement...and improvement for Jemma means improvement for SHIELD.

Project number two involves the last mission Jemma was a part of. With DNA and RNA sequencing upon the screen before her, it is apparent that Jemma is reviewing the specifics of the HYDRA-developed MEDICI. The name of Project Abraham is noted, as well as details about the Geneva Freeport within. It would seem that Jemma is living up to her reputation of preparedness, using her time to study to anticipate every variable.

The third project is also her most personal. The mobile laboratory that Jemma developed to increase her effectiveness on the field sits to the side, with random notes on how to make it more effective...and yet more mobile. Both this and the tact suit are being ignored for the mission details, though both show signs of recent tinkering.

Jemma is, at least for now, alone. Apparently the other R&D scientists know to vacant whenever Jemma comes in to study. Maybe due to intimidation, given Jemma's status...but most likely as a courtesy. It gives them a break, whatever the case.

Peggy Carter has posed:
When SHIELD sensors let Peggy know that Jemma was alone in the laboratory, Peg breathed a small sigh of relief. Catching up with the woman, and other matters, would be easier one on one. So, towards the end of her own work day, the Director pops her head in past the lab's door and gives a little knock on the metal that lines it. "...Jemma? Am I intruding? I can come back with tea, if you need a few minutes?" The familiar clip of Chief Carter's British accent is unmistakable. She does step just inside the door, but doesn't come in farther unless invited. She's respectful of her people's time.

Peggy still looks better than ever -- fresh faced at 29 and full of energy -- but there is something else about her nowadays. She seems more settled. More content. She's in a winter wool suit with a dark plaid swing skirt and matching double breasted jacket. She looks like she stepped out of some 1950s working woman's catalogue, but her smile is far less stressed than a secretary or housewife.

Jemma Simmons has posed:
At the sound of the very familiar accent, Jemma immediately turns around so that she has sight of the lab door. "Peggy, please. You are never intruding. Feel free to come in. I was just..." Jemma gives a shrug and indicates with a wave of her hand her slightly cluttered lab station, "...working." The workstation might get a quick tidying, but only slightly. It isn't like Jemma is sloppy by any stretch of the imagination.

Still...the fellow Brit waves Peggy in with a smile, even as Jemma puts what little of her toys that are out away. "No need to fetch tea. Not when I have a secret stash in here. Just...don't tell May. She will never forgive me if she knew I had some squirreled away. Strictly for special occasions, of course." Like...when no one is around and Jemma forgets to leave the lab, which hasn't happened in a while.

At least, to anyone's knowledge.

Those brown eyes meet Peg's own. "I trust everything is well with you?" It is a friendly enough of a question, but there is a hidden undertone to it. The same sort of tone that a doctor will ask her patient. And, given the way Jemma is dressed in her usual style, with a light sweater, jeans, the red canvas shoes and complete with the labcoat thrown over all of it...that is exactly how Jemma looks.

"Usually, when someone walks into the lab looking for me, it is because they desire something. However, I see no bribery with you, so I take it that this is a pleasant and altogether unexpected surprise." A laugh, then an explanation. "Unless you took a page from Daisy's playbook and are about to offer some sort of take-out."

Peggy Carter has posed:
"Ah, no, no take out. Unless you *haven't* eaten, then I will arrange some quite shortly for both of us," Peggy offers her warmly, the expression on her face truly happy to see Jemma. The question of all being well gets a strange tint to Peggy's smile. For just a moment. Her eyes drop, and she doesn't quite answer that exact inquiry yet, but she does ask, "Tea, if you have some on, would be lovely. And things are... well as they ever are, around SHIELD." A likely diversion.

And then, having jumped into SHIELD in general, she starts: "I hopefully won't take too much of your time but, at some point, if you can come up to medical, I suspect you have a new patient. Finley Ellison, from science? She was the one working on Ava Starr's quantum disresonance issues. Well, Ms. Starr seems stable now, but her time in space has... infected Dr. Ellison with some sort of nanotech? Her body is stable for the moment, as the nanites do whatever they are planning, but she won't wake up from a coma. They've been working on her a few hours now, since Ms. Starr carried her in. I don't know that we will be able to separate the nanites from her system but if anyone can figure it out, it's you." Peggy's smile turns a little more apologetic at dumping another problem in Jemma's lap.

"Oh, and I spoke with Dr. Foster about the...HYDRA mess. I'm glad you're on board with it. Any more support, or time to focus on it, you need? Take. Helping neutralize what HYDRA has planned there is a priority."

Jemma Simmons has posed:
"Oh! Oh no. No need. It is just standard Daisy operating protocol to offer a food bribe whenever she has a special request. As such, Fitz looks forward to her visits, just in case he gets fed." Even as she speaks, Jemma dips down out of sight for a moment behind a low counter, then returns a few moments later with a warm teapot and a couple of cups, which are placed on the countertop. Then back down a little further with a container of sugar, what looks to be a small matching container for cream, and a couple of small spoons. "Hmm...yes. I might happen to have some on. And the cream is cold and perfectly fine, despite what Fitz might think due to where I keep it." Yes...that might be a story in and of itself, though Jemma does not seem to be forthcoming with that particular tale.

It is the tale of Finley Ellison that actually draws Jemma's attention. "Nanotech, you say? And she is currently comatose due to whatever machinations the nanites are performing? That is a particularly vexing situation." Jemma actually pauses in her tea service, as that mind of hers shifts to contemplate possibilities involving care. "And fairly recent? Well, that is somewhat fortunate, though with these sort of things, time is of the essence. I would be happy to look into Agent Ellison's condition as soon as possible." There isn't an immediate dash out the door, due to Peggy's statement that yes, Finley is stable...but it doesn't take a master spy like Peggy Carter to know that Jemma just altered her priorities to shift Finley closer to the top.

And then...to Jane's 'HYDRA mess.' "Yes, well, admittedly the genetic formula intrigued me once I started to research it. With the capabilities that formula could hold, I felt it was in our best interest to, well, liberate the research from HYDRA. As you very well know, I am more informed than most on just what is possible with genetic engineering." There isn't any false modesty in Jemma's tone. She knows that Peggy knows what can be done. Peg is living proof of such.

Jemma then returns to her tea service, pouring into the two cups, but leaving the sugar and cream for Peg to do as she wishes. "As well as they ever are." The words are echoed as Jemma places the teapot down. "So, we should be ever vigilant of being whisked away to an alternate dimension or some sort of science fiction made real?" Now...that was a jest, as apparent with the slight smirk upon Jemma's features. Even if the jest may not be all that far off from recent events.

Peggy Carter has posed:
"Oh hell, I hope not." Peggy responds to the cmoment about being whiskey int another dimension. "I've been enjoying just being... Here. It's almost relaxing. Almost." She grins a little and accepts the mug of tea that she's been offered. The creamer story does get a somewhat curious look and bemused smile, but she doesn't press the younger woman on it. She simply settles into a lab stool, slightly perched on the thing but not fully sitting, so she can take a few long sips of her tea. She doesn't seem to mind it's almost tongue burning. Just the way she likes it.

"Yes, the matter with Ellison is... concerning. If you can get down there before you leave, I think it'd be wisest. Just to see if there is anything YOU can do they haven't thought of..." But Peggy does trust the other medical staff. If she didn't, she'd have called Jemma already. She takes one more sip of her tea and then sets it aside on a mostly not occupied table, her expression growing a bit more serious.

And awkward. There is something genuinely awkward behind Peggy's eyes. Almost nervous. "There was one other... matter. Not a favor, not really. But Daniel and May both... well, they rather pressed home that I should check in with you about... Matters. Considering the miracle you managed early this year. It seems to have been... quite effective. So effective that, ah..." Peggy looks downright like some school child waiting to be scolded now, "It seems Daniel and I are in a... Family way."

Jemma Simmons has posed:
Jemma, for her part, pours the cream in and adds just a touch of sugar. "Almost relaxing. I will need to try harder perhaps." A big smile is flashed, as Jemma takes a sip from her cup. "Though, I do understand the sentiment. On multiple levels." After all, is there really ever a time to completely relax when in SHIELD?

"Of course I can check on Agent Ellison. I am sure that the medical staff is just trying every avenue before reaching out to me." There is a pause as Jemma places her cup of tea down. "They know I am more than willing to assist whenever necessary. I am almost positive they would have asked, if you did not." That is probably true. Jemma is hardly the scary sort...unless it is dealing with personal friends of hers. "I will certainly make a visit to Medical extremely soon."

And...speaking of medical. Jemma watches as Peggy slides into a very non-Peggy awkwardness. Which gets Jemma's interest piqued. "May and Daniel wanted you to check with me? About matters?" That little nugget of information is reviewed, even as Peggy continues to speak. Effectiveness....of Jemma's actions to save the chief's life. And..."A family way...." That phrase is taken and examined.

And, in a testament to the genius mind of Jemma, it does not take long for her to venture a guess. "I take it that the recent rejuvenation, coupled with the slight unease in which you are speaking presently and the phrasing used..." This time, Jemma takes her own turn with slight nervousness.

"I am assuming that...physical relations produced an unforeseen result? Unforeseen, but perfectly normal, biologically speaking?" Yes....yes. Jemma is beating around the bush a little too much. Finally, Jemma just takes a swallow, to build up her nerve, and just comes out with it. "Are...you pregnant?"

Peggy Carter has posed:
Clearing her throat slightly, there is a rise of color on the Chief's cheeks. Even at 100 years old, there are certain matters she's not very practiced at speaking of. Especially when it's getting into such trouble like randy teenagers. Peggy reaches for her tea once more, trying to bury that blush in a sip of the stuff, but Jemma's attempts to dance around the issue aren't helping either. This simply wasn't a conversation she expected to have with someone who is both a friend and a colleague.

"...Ah, yes, if the little stick that I picked up at the chemist's is to be... Believed. I don't know if they are actually that... effective. The last time this was a question for me, we were still killing rabbits and frogs to get an answer, so this all seemed a little too easy. But," She gives her friend a game little smile, though her cheeks are still rather flushed, "A touch of stomach flu doesn't tend to last this long. And Daniel and I were... well... Matters are settled. He's in this time for good. I suppose we rather... Celebrated."

Jemma Simmons has posed:
Well, it isn't Jemma's experience to be discussing certain matters as a friend, rather than a doctor. And certainly not with a person she would consider a role model to her. So, the delicate maneuvering around the topic was perhaps a little too involved, but necessary. At least in Jemma's mind.

However, speaking about the effectiveness of the drug store's tests? That Jemma can speak to. "Well, I can assure you that, depending on the brand that you used, urin home pregnancy tests are approximately 99 percent accurate. We can perform a test in the laboratory here via a blood sample that has a even less percentage of error, but, strictly medically speaking, the home test is fairly accurate. Although, as a medical professional, I would state that I would look into a laboratory confirmation. There could be variables with a home test that could contribute to a false positive. Unlikely, but certainly possible." Yes, leave it to Jemma to shift into scientific mode.

Yet, she flips back to almost girlish gossip rather easily. As much as her British sensibilities will allow. "Yes, well, celebration would have been the appropriate response. And, yes, I didn't necessarily anticipate that our efforts would have been quite that effective. But, I should have anticipated." Then...the slightest of grins. "I imagine that it was quite a celebration."

Naughty Jemma. Naughty, naughty for thinking as such.

And then...a flip back to doctor mode. "Did...did you want a confirmation? We could perform that as discretely as possible, should you like."

Peggy Carter has posed:
"Oh... oh. 99 percent? Well, then..." Peggy clears her throat again, dark eyes a little too wide. She thought they were probably fairly right, but not *that* accurate. Sometimes modern technology really makes her head spin. A nervous, quiet laugh escapes her lips after another moment and she shakes her head, "And to think we used to wait days for a... Likely answer." This isn't Peggy's first time around the block with the matter. Just the first time in about 70 years, so things have come a long way.

Then Jemma comments on the celebration and just as Peggy's blush was fading, that heat doubles down on her cheeks. She stares at her friend with a wide gaze and slightly scanalized smile which she tries to press into a little bit of a smirk, "... A lady doesn't tell. But... well, after 60 some years, I will simply say I was quite overjoyed at having my husband back." There's a glimmer of tease and clear loving in her eyes. The woman is madly in love with this man, if nothing else.

She then takes a deep, steadying breath, echoing quieter, more to herself, "99 gods damn percent." She's still in shock. "I...suppose a confirmation would be wise. And to make certain everything is... Fine. With all that was done before. I think that was Daniel's biggest worry. Had we planned better we would have..." What, asked Jemma for *advice*? Run more tests and worried SHIELD? Peggy stops mid sentence and shakes her head, "Well, no matter, we didn't! And life finds a way." She states with a quiet, relieved laugh. She isn't upset about this at all. Simply a bit overwhelmed. Happily so.

Jemma Simmons has posed:
Jemma Simmons says, "Well, that 99 percent is dependent on the brand used. Some are notoriously less reliable than others." Again, that brutal honestly comes through from Jemma. "But, yes, we can do the confirmation here. Under the strictest of confidences." After all, for as much as Jemma has examined Peggy and resolved other medical issues, Jemma might just consider herself Peggy's personal physician. And, really, a pregnancy is actually considerably less complex of a situation than others she has dealt with. "It wouldn't take long at all. If you didn't mind a small blood draw, we could finish the test before we finish the tea."

As far as the other logistics of a pending baby? Well...Jemma has no idea on how that would be handled. However, she is willing to help! "You of course have my congratulations on the, err, surprise. And I will be willing to do whatever you wish to assist. You have but to ask.""

Peggy Carter has posed:
"Oh hell, Jemma, I don't know what brand I used. It was bad enough ducking into the chemist *for* such a thing. I couldn't look the poor man in the eye! So, yes, I... do suppose confirmation would be nice. I've got plenty of blood to give to the cause." Peggy admits with a wry, rather teasing smile. She's doing her best to hide her nerves behind that expression, but Jemma can probably see them. She's hopeful and scared all at the same time.

"And I hope... congratulations would be... Nice. Daniel never got to raise his son. Never really had the chance at all to be a proper father, other than that damned... Framework. It'd be nice to... I don't know, just... A proper second chance, you know?" That's why she's gotten her hopes up, and she clearly has now. "But yes, we'd also prefer to keep this quiet for a few months. Don't need all of SHIELD worrying, though I trust you as a Doctor more than... any in the world, truth be told."

Jemma Simmons has posed:
To the medical doctor's credit, Jemma doesn't devolve into giggling at the image of Peggy asking the pharmacist for a home pregnancy test. It doesn't quite stop the smile from curling the corners of her lips, but Jemma does keep it together as she holds up a finger. "Then, just a moment while I gather the necessary items." Which, at least for Jemma, isn't long at all. After all, the two are in *her* laboratory. A couple steps to the left and Jemma opens a cabinet door to withdraw a standard blood draw kit consisting of a syringe and a set of sterile latex gloves. Then...another step or two to procure a small vial to use, if needed. Then....it is on to a final cabinet, in which Jemma selects a few choice chemical compounds. All of this is placed on the counter near the teapot, sans the gloves, which Jemma takes with her over towards the washing station to wash up and prepare.

As Jemma runs the tap, a quick preparatory dissertation is given. "The pregnancy tests sold in stores are qualitative tests. That means that they are simply looking for the presence of a hormone in your urine stream that is secreted in pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG for short. Essentially, urine tests are only looking to see if there is HCG present." Hands are washed. Gloves start to be donned as Jemma continues. "The blood test is usually quantitative. Not only will it detect the presence of HCG, but also the amount of it. If we monitor over time, then we can watch the rise of HCG levels as the pregnancy continues. In general, your HCG levels will nearly double about every two days in early pregnancy." With the gloves on, Jemma now returns to the counter, stepping around to be on the same side as Peggy, as those gloved hands now prep the syringe for the blood draw. "Not that I intend to do this that frequently at all, mind you, but I am just providing you with all the information so you know how accurate that this particular testing will be."

Not to mention that it is Jemma performing the testing, which should provide a little more comfort that it is being handled correctly.

"I plan on taking a measurement of the HCG levels at this point, to assure you if your over the counter test is indeed correct. And then, should you decide to do the serial blood test round, we can monitor your potential pregnancy for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, as well as the possibility that there may be more than one surprise awaiting you." Finally...the syringe is ready, as Jemma holds it in her hand. "Are you ready, then?"

Peggy Carter has posed:
The amount of information that Jemma is providing her is a *lot*. More than Peggy maybe ever wanted to know, but she's curious as well, even as her dark eyes have gone a little wide and her cheeks are just deepening with that blush the more they discuss it. She's still old fashioned in some ways, and this is one of those ways. "Well then. I... suppose that's just a far more modern and fancy way of doing what we did with the rabbits back then. Just... fortunately a lot cleaner and more effective." She's not wrong, hilariously. But science has come a long way in making it less cumbersome to figure out.

The thought of their being a second surprise makes her cough a little. "Oh hell, don't think it out loud. I think one is more than a handful." But her expression does go a little somber at the thoughts of what could go wrong. There's old ghosts behind her gaze there. This isn't Peggy's first go around, in many ways, not just having a child. She holds out her arm for the draw, offering hand or forearm, whichever Jemma needs. "I would... appreciate the monitoring, yes. Just to be certain thing are going... well enough, everything considered." She states that softly, both gratitude and worry mingled in her quiet voice.

Jemma Simmons has posed:
Jemma takes the forearm. A bit of cool dampness is felt as Jemma sterilizes the area she is going to insert the needle for. "This will only be a slight pinch." Standard medical disclaimers, probably taught the second day of medical school. But, with Jemma, it is only slight as the needle penetrates and a blood sample is claimed. It is quite obvious that Jemma has done more than her fair share of tests, as she is in and out in a manner of seconds, with a cotton ball pressed upon the draw site. The syringe is placed down upon the tray, the needle capped to prevent contamination. This is to free up Jemma's hand to fetch a small circular bandage that is part of the blood draw kit, opening it to swap with the cotton ball. "There we are. Done with that. Now, just a moment to run this through the analyzer and we will have our results."

And...that means just a little more prep. As Jemma returns to her station, in full view of Peggy, she proceeds onward in meticulous but efficient order. The blood sample is transferred to the vial, with just enough to fill the small glass vessel. Then, a couple drops of the compounds before a stopper is placed on the vial and given a good mixing. And...into said analyzer. The trusty tablet makes an appearance. As Jemma taps the screen, the Medici files are shunted to a folder on the monitor while an app opens, showing that the analyzer is pending results with a tell-tale spinning of the usual circle on the screen. However...it does not take long at all, as SHIELD spares no expense when it comes to laboratory equipment.

And...while the data might seem foreign to Peggy, Jemma can read it like a bedtime story. The eyes scan through the results...and, with a quick flick of the fingers, highlights the presence of HCG.

"Right. Congratulations can officially now be given..."

Peggy Carter has posed:
Once her blood is drawn, Peggy reaches over to top off her cup of tea again. If there is anything to sooth rattled nerves, it is tea, and she's hugging her mug like a lifeline right now. She watches Jemma working over the machines with slightly too-wide eyes. Despite her 100 years, it just makes Peggy look painfully young, along with her 29 year old face. There are some things that bring out the innocence in everyone, and hope is very much one of those things.

When the timer finishes, she lets out a little crack of a sound, trying to read results she doesn't entirely understand. But Jemma translates a moment later, and Peggy's eyes fall shut in pure, almost intoxicating relief. "Well. I... suppose I should be buying more ginger tea. I lived on the stuff with Michael..." She sounds like she's half ready to laugh, or crow. Then she's up, her tea abandoned, and pulling Jemma into a surprisingly tight, warm hug for a few moments. It doesn't last too long, but in those seconds she breathes out, "Thank you! Thank you..." Before releasing her and straightening her shoulders again, smoothing down her jacket. "Ah... Sorry. Yes. I mean. The news is... Appreciated." Back to British and stoic. Of course.

Jemma Simmons has posed:
The hug is quite unexpected. However, Jemma does reciprocate, returning the embrace willingly. When they both release, Jemma offers a nod. "Right. Happy to be of assistance." British and stoic. Perfectly normal. Nothing to see here.

However, there is just a hint of a conspiratorial smirk as Jemma gives a flicker of a wink. "I would imagine additional celebration will be in order. Privately, of course, until such time that you deem fit." Was that a vague poke towards the situation that caused for the revelation to begin with? Being British and proper....Jemma is not going to say.

However, with Peggy being who she is, it would probably be safe to say that whatever implications come to mind are probably the correct ones.

Peggy Carter has posed:
Peggy then forces herself to settle, at least long enough to finish her tea. The whole world seems to be moving a bit too fast and the comforting, heady flavor of a good tea is the best way to focus. She takes a long sip of the stuff, well hiding her blush behind it as Jemma gives her ANOTHER one of those looks. She clears her throat softly. "Yes, well... There probably will be. Daniel and I have been talking about having another wedding. A... reaffirmation, as it were. It'd be good to give everyone a reason to celebrate. And the holidays are coming. I am certain there will be many reasons to cheer which don't have to do with... Delicate matters. A few months, and we'll tell people." Peggy reassures her friend. But she does have the guarded look of someone who has been through this before, for both good and ill outcomes. She knows to have a care.

"And once GEMINI is handled, I owe you a long, enjoyable dinner. Where ever you wish to go. Or, if you wish to come see the house, I'll have Daniel cook. He makes the best Portuguese food you've ever tasted. But... I know your plate is full. I feel like I've kept you too long already."

Jemma Simmons has posed:
Well, what did one expect? Peggy did tell Jemma to lessen the formality of their interactions, as much as their upbringings would allow them to. Without that encouragement, Jemma wouldn't even dream to give anything else than a professional demeanor at all times. The fact that Peggy saw that look at all is testament to the budding friendship between the two. Yet, the two soldier on. "A renewal of vows? That would be delightful. And yes, with the holidays approaching, there will be enough to bring cheer without divulging more personal reasons. It shouldn't be stated, but for the sake of completeness, I will say that I will certainly keep this information in the strictest confidence."

However, when the matter of being owed is spoken, Jemma shakes her head. "Nonsense, Peggy. You owe me nothing. I am more than happy to be of assistance, truly. However, if you do insist, then perhaps a visit to the house will be in order." Because...Jemma perfectly knows that Peggy will not be denied. "And...you are always welcomed. I will find time for you." Not just because she is the boss, either.

"I will check with Medical on Agent Ellison shortly. And you will be sure to be apprised of any updates with Medici. Please, don't let me keep you from sharing the good news with Daniel." Somehow, Jemma just senses that is probably the course of action for Peggy Carter.

"And again, congratulations, Peggy."

Peggy Carter has posed:
Finishing up her tea, Peggy sets the empty cup aside on the little cart where it looks like dirty cups would go. She gives Jemma's shoulder one more, brief squeeze. "Well then, I look forward to having you at the house. Keep me updated on everything else... And yes. I should go speak with my husband. Thank you again." With that, Peggy tilts her head in a mix of farewell and respect, giving Jemma a little salute before she turns on the ball of her foot and heads out the door, practically whistling as she goes.