18: Pillar

                                    

                                          
18: Pillar
The congress lasted a bit longer, during which many other details were refined, and many more orders and instructions were given. The war was about to enter a new chapter, a much bloodier one, as now the United States and all the allied countries had decided that the Third Reich would fall, no matter the cost.
Even so, everything had to end, and after everything was clarified, the meeting was concluded. Once the president left, Janet stood up next to her father, ready to return to New York with him. After all, she still had work to do.
But before the main members of the investigation committee could leave, a familiar voice stopped them.
"Wait, if I may have a moment of your time," The Captain America, or Colonel America now? approached them with a kind smile on his face. Janet felt her cheeks blush a little at seeing him so close. Again, she couldn't help but think he was much more handsome in person. Nervously, she looked away and stepped back a bit until she was behind her father, who actually thwarted her plan by being the first to step forward and extend his hand to John.
"Colonel, it's a pleasure to meet you in person."
"The pleasure is mine, sir?" he asked, and her father quickly introduced himself.
"I'm Vernon Van Dyne." The other members of the committee also stepped forward and began to introduce themselves.
"Robert Fermi."
"Richard Lawrence."
John greeted them all with a smile until he got to the last man, who actually made him pay real attention once he heard his name.
"Franklin Storm."
The man seemed to be in his 30s; his appearance was slightly above average but nothing that really stood out. He didn't seem special. Still, John shook his hand firmly. Was this the person he thought it was? Or did he just have a similar name?
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Storm." John didn't know for sure but decided to be cautious for now. He might be wrong, and he might be right. One way or another, he would find out sooner or later.
"And this is my daughter, Janet Van Dyne." Once he noticed that all his colleagues had introduced themselves, Vernon decided it was a good opportunity and pushed his daughter forward.
Janet, who was completely unprepared, let out a low squeal as she was suddenly pushed in front of John, almost colliding with him. Her face was so close to his chest that she could feel some of the warmth radiating from him and smell a natural aroma that reminded her of sandalwood.
When she looked up, she met his gaze. His blue eyes seemed to see through her soul, causing her to freeze briefly, unsure of what to do.
The man looked at her and, with a warm smile, gently took her hand in a formal greeting. His palm was surprisingly soft yet also firm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Van Dyne," John said, looking at the beautiful girl with dark, short hair who seemed somewhat distracted. For some reason, he couldn't help but think her name sounded familiar. Where had he heard it?
Janet swallowed nervously but still nodded timidly. She wanted to return the greeting but felt she might stutter if she spoke right now. It was fortunate, or perhaps unfortunate, that someone decided to rudely interrupt at that moment.
"With the introductions out of the way, I was wondering what you seek from us, Colonel."
The one who spoke was actually one of the "younger" members of the committee and also one of her father's main opponents, Harold Teller.