Owner Pose
Jessica Drew Jess is suffering from a surfeit of energy which she ascribes to the present weirdness in the world. Once she had adapted to the idea of Michael becoming an agent of SHIELD and his being the lead of a space commando group called S.C.A.R (which she hopes is in no way prophetic for its members) the agent began niggling him for details concerning how they were going to go about getting started. During a tete-a-tete with him in the agent's lounge she had been open-mouthed to find out he had not set the machinery rolling to becoming an agent.

At great sacrifice to herself (she gave up a good foot massage) Jess contacted the Chief's office and arranged for an appointment. And, as busy as she knows the Chief to be, time was made to see them. In her role as prod, Jess got them both upstairs to see the Chief.

Dressed in black tactical armor, hair pulled back in a ponytail, the mutant agent knocks on the Chief's door, then looks at Cal'hatar with a "here-we-go look".
Michael Erickson     The Shi'ar, of course, does not seem...terribly worried. He's going to speak with a woman he respects, and for whom he has given his best efforts - and who wants him to join. In black tacticals himself, he comes here directly from the basement, where he had been resting after a long episode of work out in the city proper. And now, of course, they are here. Outside Peggy's front door, hands tucked behind his back.

    "Spereg'naa," he says, giving Jessica a wink. 'All is well'.
Peggy Carter It's towards the end of the day -- Peggy has spent most of it coordinating a large, secretive science project and a fresh wave of supplies to Mahattan -- she did agree to a brief meeting. The Director looks about as tired as she has as of late, but not ready to immediately charge into battle. She's given up on her tac suit and is in a plaid wool winter dress instead. It's a little tight as well, but not as bad as the suit. "Come in, come in...Sit." She calls to them both as they arrive.

There is, of course, the usual spread of tea and some biscuits. She finishes the last words of her most recent report and looks up at both of them with curiously lofted brows. "Drew. Erickson. How can I help you?"
Jessica Drew "Thank you for receiving us on such short notice and with so much going on, yet again, Chief." The Chief's tiredness shows more vividly than Jess has ever seen it, making her regret charging ahead with getting Cal'hatar on the official roll as an agent.

"We seem to be up here pretty often, ma'am."
Michael Erickson     Given his species' own stamina, Erickson is pretty crisp - but there's still wear around the edges. "A few things, Chief," he begins, going into it. "First, as Agent Sims seems to have things under control at Grand Central, and seems to have already gotten militia organization under way without need of me, I'll be easing off until such time as I'm required. I've recruited my core team of agents for the S.C.A.R. unit that you cleared me to put together, as well." He pauses to drum his fingers upon his topmost knee, legs crossed over one another. "And people keep referring to me, mistakenly, as 'Agent'. So I suppose it's time we make that official."
Peggy Carter A slight smile crosses her tired features as Jessica thanks her and admits to being up here often. Peggy dips her head in agreement, "Yes, but you aren't quite the only ones. That's my job, taking care of my people." She even shuts down the report she was working on, giving the pair across from her the full attention of her dark eyes. "So, what is on your minds?"

And then Michael just comes out with it. Peg blinks, taking that possibility in for a few heartbeats. She leans back in her chair, evaluating both of them, "This is... quite the turn around from not even two months ago. What changed? And, Agent Drew, would you support this?"
Jessica Drew "Well, you can pretty much always expect the unexpected with Erickson, ma'am. Yes, it surprised me. He had been so adamant about needing freedom to operate."

She glances at Michael then continues, "After talking to him, I've come to realize that it is in the optic of protecting Earth that he desires to work. The best way to do that is through our Agency. We discussed how he must obey the chain of command. Not that he doesn't understand that mode of operation well but we are a human structure so I asked."

After a deep breath and another glance at Michael, she says confidently, "He will conform to operational procedures and work hard."
Michael Erickson     "I'm already an agent," he replies with a shrug, looking between Jessica and Peggy. "I'm forming operational teams inside the organization. You'd be hauled out for Congressional review if I didn't join SHIELD now in some official capacity." He drums his hands atop his knee again. "There are things that need to be handled. I don't have American citizenship, after all. I'm an illegal alien - ha, ha. Is that something you can see arranged? All official and everything?"
Peggy Carter It's Jessica's response she foces on first, a little deeper, because Jessica is the trained agent and the one that she has entrusted to watch Michael the closest. Peggy's jaw sets thoughtfully, drinking all of that in though there is a faint level of skepticism in her dark eyes. "I appreciate that. It's harder and even more important to follow orders as an agent than a consultant. You can get away with a bit more and shrug, saying you're not in the command structure. I don't WANT you to do that, but... you can."

And then she's looking in the direction of Michael, listening to his explanation. A smirk dances across her matte red lips, the lipstick surviving somehow after all day, "I've been dragged in front of congress enough times to count on two hands, they don't scare me any more. But yes. This would make my life easier. As for citizen ship, likely not. Not this quickly. We can get you a green card like any other immigrating alien. But we have agents from all over the world and we are an international organization. That is not a problem. It's just... a very quick turn around from when you were so adamant before. This is... a very big choice, you understand."
Jessica Drew Gaze shifting between Michael and the Chief, "I believe this is what he wants. I'm not speculating. I believe. The final step to his leaving the Shi'ar behind and throwing his lot in with the Earth. With no fudge factor for not following orders or operating procedures." She locks eyes with Michael on those last words.
Michael Erickson     The man fixes hard blue eyes on Peggy, now, canting his head in a distinctly birdlike way. Takes in her face, gaze piercing, as if reading its own lines in a mirror.

    Finally, he replies. "Yes," Erickson points out with a smirk. "Because I'm a stranger to big, life-changing choices. If you're feeling unconvinced of my conviction, or if you have some some suspicion as to if I'm SHIELD material, Chief, I can remain a consultant for a while yet. Perhaps Commander May might echo Agent Drew's recommendations by that time."
Peggy Carter There is silence from Peggy for a few moments. She looks from them both down to the report on her desk, probably something more to do with the war in the city south of them. And then back to the soldiers before her. "I... if we weren't at war, I might say to wait longer. To try going through a few more departments, really taste every bit of SHIELD. But we are at war. And it seems like you very much know what department you're going to be working within. But I need you to understand, if you sign up, there's no going back. I won't approve recinding your agent status to go back to consultant because you wanted to return to being a neutral party. Do you understand that? This decision is for good."
Jessica Drew Drew adds nothing to the Chief's words beyond the pressure of her gaze on the Shi'ar. She remembers how it had been for her to join SHIELD. Fury had used all of his formidable charisma and intelligence convincing her when she had no mission beyond recovering from HYDRA training and finding out what it was like to live in the world outside of an alpha version of the Red Room.
Michael Erickson     "Chief..." Michael smile faintly at Peggy. "I like the people here. I believe in what you're doing - but if you feel like we should wait, that's fine. In fact, let's do that, yes." Erickson nods along, looking thoughtful. "I can still fight just as well as I am now. I'll need to get access to some documentation to further my work with the SCAR unit, but I can make that request through Agent Drew here. And it's not as if it would stop me making contributions where I might otherwise do. All right, then. Thank you, Chief. I'm thankful for your judgement."

    That said, Erickson gets to his feet. "So. I'll make a requet for that information so that we can start work. Thanks again, Chief. Get some rest, won't you?"
Peggy Carter Both of her brows arch as he back tracks as she offers that up. Peggy looks between them waiting to see if she is reading this wrong. But no, he's apparently changed his mind. She gives a brief nod, "Well then, if it's not that important to you at this moment, I suppose it is best we wait. Agent Drew, request whatever documentation you need. I won't keep either of you longer if this isn't pressing." She stands then, not even having poured herself tea. It has been a long day.
Jessica Drew Nonplussed, Jessica stares at Michael. Face impassive as stone, not a good sign among people who know her, she clears her throat to speak and thinks better of it. She will not die of embarrassment but is surprised at having misjudged him so thoroughly.

"Chief, I made a terrible mistake of judgement. Mr. Erickson continuing on as a consultant probably is best for all if he cannot commit to following the dictates of SHIELD. It might be best for us all if I am no longer his handler."
Michael Erickson     Michael pauses a moment, lingering at her desk. "...I didn't come up here for my health, Chief," he says, shaking his head. "I came up here to sign up. That's why I hauled myself here from New York to do. Where I've been voluntarily raising headquarters for SHIELD to operate from." He frowns. "That likely sounds sharp, but I'm not else sure how to put it: where I'm from, you demonstrate with actions first. I really felt that I was demonstraing my interest through the contributions I've been making, that's all. But if you need to hear it with words, here it is: I wish to join SHIELD. I am fully cognizant of what it means, and what goes into it. I am not someone who makes commitments to just turn around because it might get a bit rough - it took me fifty years to get where we are here, after all." He shakes his head. "So. That's where I am. I apologize for any assumption on my part."

    He looks at Jessica. "If that's what you want."
Peggy Carter Peggy is still standing. She's staring at both of them, exhaustion clear in her eyes and maybe the smallest edge of impatience, but she's very British and does a good job of swallowing those things down. She drags one hand across her eyes for a moment, looking from Michael, back to Jessica. "Drew, this is in your lap. You've worked with him more and as much as I can guess at his alien psychological profile, you've been in the field more often. But I am not a woman whose time is toyed with and no, I would not have wanted you to come up here from New York just to waffle in the questions period. So. Drew. Is he being honest? Do you support him being an agent?
Jessica Drew "Yes, ma'am, I do," she says sharing the Chief's impatience. Irritation reddens the agent's face as she looks at Michael.

"It is what we want, Erickson. You will have your green card and access to intelligence concomitant with your level of clearance. The Chief, whether you know it or not, is being very patient. More patient than I feel at the moment.

Turning back to the Chief, "I will remain in the role of handler and do the best I can, Chief. Unless you would like me removed."
Michael Erickson     "Shem ha'aa ladan sathla," Michael mutters to himself, running a hand through his hair. "The more I end up talking to humans the more I realize how much of my success as a spy I owe to keeping my mouth shut - truly, Chief." He looks to Peggy. "No waffling meant. I am here for the cause. I...it was a moment of cultural misunderstanding, nothing more. You've been able to count on me so far, and will not have to worry about it in future. I just want to help keep your people safe." A long, deep sigh. "I apologize."
Peggy Carter There is silence again, Peggy weighing this all. Finally, she just nods, mainly to Jessica, but her eyes flicker back to Michael as she sinks back into her desk chair. "Very well then. SHIELD it is. He'll have to go through all the proper training and certifications, and remain as a recruit for now, just like everyone else in the organization. SCAR and the war work will remain as is with the privileges of a consultant, but I'll start putting the paperwork through to get you on the roster as a recruit. You have a lot more work to do, Erickson. Drew will get you through it all, but proving oneself is far more than being competent in battle. Good luck. You are both dismissed." Peggy flashes them one more smile, but that is the cap of the conversation. She still has reports to finish before managing to maybe get back home tonight.
Jessica Drew Peggy's smile, unexpected and undeserved, completely disarms the agent. She nods her head, mumbling, "Thank you for your time, Ma'am."

Her inner dialogue is blistering. If she didn't see that misstep coming what else has she missed with him. Alien, indeed. Does she even know him?

Jess stands and backs up a step, "Ready, Erickson? Thank you again, Chief."
Michael Erickson     "Yes, Masile," he murmurs to Peggy, looking down at himself. "Thank you." His expression has hardened, but it's not from displeasure with Peggy. It's from shame. And there's that name again. He looks to Agent Drew. "After you, Agent."

    And that's it for his mood tonight.