Stark mansion, California. The palatial surroundings were decked out in the finest, if somewhat ostentatious, trappings of Christmas. In the lounge, Howard Stark was busying himself with the task of crafting his own cocktail. His butler, Jarvis, had been given the day off to relax. Howard insisted that he could take care of himself. Despite this however, Jarvis found himself continually gracing at his employers attempts at the oaken minibar, occasionally wincing at every inefficiency and blunder. Each time Howard hacked through a citrus fruit, the knife blade scored the wooden countertop, and each mark left Jarvis feeling like the blade had cut him directly. He frowned at the chaotic mess Howard was leaving in his wake also. Juices and split alcohol were soaking into the lacquered surface. Piles of pips were left in plain view. He would surely have intervened if not for the gentle hand of his wife Anna upon his shoulder. This was the true reason Howard insisted upon helping himself of course. This was Jarvis's first Christmas as a father.
With a gesture, Anna directed his attention toward their infant daughter, who was cradled in the arms her godmother, Peggy Carter. Under her breath, Anna whispered to her husband "Peggy is great with our little Margret, isn't she?"
"Indeed, my love. And if I'm frank, far more at ease than I would have imagined. Children suit her."
Oblivious to her audience, Peggy was cooing at the tiny human in crooked in her arm, who giggled and gurgled in reply. With her free hand, she reached into her bag an withdrew a slight worn teddy bear. One arm had been reattached multiple times, it's shoulder a patchwork of coloured threads. One eye drooped lazily and it's chest had several patches of other fabric covering holes in its fur. Holding the bear in front of the child, Peggy spoke softly.
"His name is Tiddums. He was my best friend when I was a little girl. I think you'll give him a good home, little one."
Baby Margret raised her tiny arms towards the teddy, making grabbing motions with her hands.
"Merry Christmas, Margret."
Jarvis walked over to his old friend and sat down beside her. Briefly he tickled his daughter under the chin with an outstretched finger before speaking to Peggy.
"Miss Carter, I'm sure Margret will treasure this gift." He said, warmly.
"I'm sure you will too. Howard took the liberty of adding a few upgrades to him."
"Should I be concerned?" Asked Jarvis, flustered.
"Not at all. I hope not, anyway. No, he's just installed a microphone and transmitter. You can use the bear as a monitor of sorts, hear her when she cries, that sort of thing." Peggy explained.
"How useful." Jarvis said, unconvinced.
"Hey, family matters! Who's for mojitos?" Howard called from the bar, holding a tray of drinks.
The moment of festive fun was interrupted by the shrill ring of a doorbell. Instinctively, Jarvis rushed to the door, forgetting his lack of responsibilities. After a brief conversation, he called for Peggy to join him. "Miss Carter, it's for you. SSR business."
"Can't they take a break for Christmas?" moaned Howard.
"Crime is not in the habit of sleeping, Howard." replied Peggy, as she handed the baby back to her mother. As she headed towards the door, Jarvis returned, holding a folder.
"This is for you, Miss Carter." he said, handing her the object. She took it from him, and found the only dry spot of the bar to lay the folder down. She began to speak aloud, partially to Jarvis, but mostly to herself.
"Explosions reported in London, approximately four hours ago. Outside a Santa's grotto."
"Good heavens. Any casualties? The children..." exclaimed Jarvis.
"Seemingly it happened after close of business. There were only staff members on site when it happened. Three confirmed dead." Peggy clarified.
"I don't suppose there's a chance this could simply be an accident?" Jarvis asked, doubtingly.
"Unlikely. It wouldn't be an SSR case otherwise. These were no ordinary explosions, by all accounts. Eyewitness reports say the explosions burned with a blue flame, and the blast site was frozen over by the time emergency services arrived."
"What could do such a thing?" Anna asked, shocked.
" I'm afraid I might have an answer to that." Admitted Howard, sheepishly. Peggy sighed and rubbed her temple.
"Why am I not surprised?"
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