[The Last Days As Agent 13] – A Call for Backup – The Desperate Search For Allies

Peggy and Val stepped into their cozy abode and sank onto the plush couch, letting out a sigh of relief. However, the moment of tranquility was quickly interrupted by Val's grave revelation.

"Whitney survived the explosion," Val uttered, his tone weighed down with solemnity. "And to make matters worse, Zero Matter has now taken root within her."

Peggy's eyes widened in alarm. "What's more, she mentioned something about using bombs, didn't she?" she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

Val gave a solemn nod. "Atomic bombs," he confirmed.

Peggy's mind raced as she tried to comprehend the gravity of Whitney's plan. "Atomic bombs?" she exclaimed in disbelief. "How on earth does she plan to get clearance for that? It's impossible."

Val's face twisted into a look of deep concern. "If she does somehow manage to obtain the necessary clearance, we'll be facing a monumental task. The two of us alone won't be enough to stop her."

Peggy's mind raced as she tried to figure out their next move. She knew that they needed more than just the two of them if they were going to stand any chance of stopping Whitney and Chadwick. "I'll try the SSR," she said, determination ringing in her voice. "They've got the resources and manpower we need."

Peggy stood up from the couch and walked over to the telephone. She dialed the number for the SSR and after a few seconds, the call was answered by Thompson, the chief of SSR.

"Thompson, we've got a major problem," Peggy began, her voice tinged with urgency. "Whitney and Chadwick are planning to detonate an atomic bomb."

Thompson's response was not what Peggy had hoped for. "Agent Carter, I'm warning you not to interfere in this matter," he barked. "This is a delicate situation and we cannot risk any further complications."

Peggy's frustration boiled over at Thompson's lack of action. "But we're talking about an atomic bomb here," she protested. "We can't just sit back and let them do this."

Thompson's tone was stern as he issued his warning. "I understand your concern, Agent Carter, but I cannot risk the safety of our country for your personal vendetta."

He continued, "State the death of Jane Scott as caused by natural causes and close the case, or else, you will be arrested and detained."

With that, Thompson hung up and Peggy tried to make sense of his behavior. She had never known him to be so aggressive before. It wasn't until she thought back to the Council of Nine that it all clicked into place.

Peggy slammed down the receiver and turned to Val with a look of frustration. "The SSR won't help us," she said with a sigh.

Val raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why not?"

"Thompson just ordered me to cover up Jane Scott's death and threatened to arrest me if I continued the investigation," Peggy explained.

Val's expression hardened. "That doesn't make any sense. Either Thompson is in on it with the Council of Nine, or they've got something on him and are using him as a puppet."

Peggy nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Thompson would never talk to me like that unless he was under extreme pressure."

Val sighed deeply. "So what do we do now? We're up against Whitney Frost, who has Zero Matter in her body and access to atomic bombs. We need backup, but we can't count on the SSR or the LAPD."

"But, where would she get her hands on the bombs? Does Isodyne Energy have them?" Val asked.

Peggy's eyes lit up with a sudden realization. "Only one man can give us the answer to that question," she said.

Val's curiosity was piqued as he asked, "Who?"

Peggy replied confidently, "Howard Stark."

Val looked puzzled and asked, "Why would Howard Stark know about Isodyne Energy?"

Peggy's tone turned disdainful as she replied, "Because Howard Stark is a manipulative liar, cheater, coward, and profiteer. I am pretty sure that he already has the complete layout of the most secure Isodyne Energy facility."

Peggy picked up the telephone again and dialed Jarvis's number, hoping he would answer. After a few rings, she heard his familiar voice on the other end. "Jarvis, it's Peggy. I need to know where Isodyne Energy keeps their atomic bombs."

Jarvis seemed taken aback by the question but quickly recovered. "I believe they keep them in warehouse 17B at the docks."

Peggy thanked him and hung up the phone. She turned to Val with a smirk, feeling confident in their next move. "That was pretty quick," Val said.

Peggy replied, "Jarvis knows Howard Stark's secrets better than anyone. Now, let's get to work."