1998.

The Triskellion, Washington, D.C.

They walk together down the hallway to an underground tunnel where neither can be botthered. Somewhere across the Potomac River are the respective vehicles each will be using to exit in different directions. One is male and is still coming into his own within his line of work. The other is female and in her 70s. She has fought villains ranging from World War II to the end of the Cold War on behalf of an organization she helped founded. On the surface, it would appear that both have little in common.

Raymond: I just cannot for the life of me picture you in a state of retirement. I was under the impression that would continue fighting forever.

Peggy: One can’t simply fight forever. My time for fighting is done. One of my remaining hopes is that you’ll one day choose to work alongside SHIELD in a better capacity.

Raymond Reddington laughs at the sentiment, but the laugh softens out of respect for the woman next to him.

Raymond: I’m afraid with my track record, that would spell the end of SHIELD.

Peggy: I highly doubt it. I’ve had my own share of undercover work and it can indeed be taxing. However for you, it stopped being a cover.

Raymond: And I know, Miss Carter that you’ll be disappointed in me for embracing the role. The truth is, there is no embrace for either side. Whatever good or evil exists, everything down to the minute detail comes down to self preservation.

Peggy: You’ve certainly done a wonderful job of surviving. I just wish things could have been different for you.

Raymond: Perhaps in another lifetime. Unfortunately for me, the hand I was dealt involved the game I play now.

Peggy: And you won’t stop until you’re the most wanted man in America. Is that it? The satisfaction of being at the top of some list?

Raymond: No. My satisfaction stems from being able to carry out my task and succeed. Belive me when I say this, but if I were able to have your level of dedication-

Peggy: You have my level of dedication, Reddington. Your problem is how you utilize it. The one thing that keeps you out of the shackles of justice is your value to SHIELD as an asset.

Raymond: That’s only on occasion, plus it allows me to understand the mindset of Alexander Pierce. A fascinating fellow he is.

Peggy offers no words in return as they continue walking through the tunnel, the river rushing overhead.

Raymond: You’re still not convinced that Pierce is good for the World Security Council.

Peggy: I’d rather not discuss it.

Raymond: Personal reasons?

Peggy: Intuition. I could go further, but… You know I’m not and you know why.

Peggy grins as they reach the end of the tunnel.

Peggy: Be a dear and open the door, please. I’d open it myself, but I’m afraid I’ve not the same strength level as I did in my younger days.

Raymond: For you, Miss Carter I’m happy to open any door.

Peggy: I see you’re not without your charm.

Raymond opens the door to the outside where separate limousines await. Peggy is on her way out of SHIELD, the organization she had founded years ago with Howard Stark. Raymond is on his out to another mission.

Raymond: Until next time, Miss Carter. Assuming there is one.

Peggy: Assume nothing.

Peggy and Raymond exchange grins as they enter their respective vehicles. As Raymond’s vehicle rides off, Peggy finds herself seated next to someone still special to her.

Angie: What took you so long, English?

Peggy smiles.

Peggy: You haven’t called me that in years.

Angie takes Peggy by the hand as they ride together.

Angie: It was overdue. Just like we are.

Peggy smiles, resting her head against Angie’s shoulders. Their age difference is only a few years. The memories of one another span back all the way to 1945. A happiness together they had put off would now be theirs to have.