In the Strategic Scientific Reserve lab in London, Howard Stark gestures to a fabric on a workbench, shaped like a shirt. “Carbon polymer,” he says. “Should withstand your average German bayonet. Although Hydra’s not going to attack you with a pocket knife.” They pass Steve’s battered shield on the table. “I hear you’re kind of attached.”

Steve nods. “It’s handier than you might think.”

Howard points to an array of metal shields. “I took the liberty of coming up with some options. This one’s fun. She’s been fitted with electrical relays that allow you to-”

Steve’s eyes lock on a round shield. He lifts it, interrupting. “What about this one?”

“No, no, that’s just a prototype,” Howard says, waving it off.

Steve examines it closely. “What’s it made of?”

“Vibranium,” Howard replies. “Stronger than steel and a third the weight. It’s completely vibration absorbent.”

“How come it’s not standard issue?” Steve asks.

“That’s the rarest metal on Earth,” Howard explains. “What you’re holding there, that’s all we’ve got.”

Peggy Carter strides in from the far end of the room, her expression tight, still stung by Private Lorraine’s flirtation. “Are you quite finished, Mr. Stark?” she says sharply. “I’m sure the Captain has some unfinished business.”

Steve, oblivious to her mood, holds up the round shield, grinning. “What do you think?”

Peggy, unsmiling, grabs a pistol from a nearby table and fires four shots at Steve. The bullets ping off the shield, ricocheting harmlessly. With a falsely sweet tone, she says, “Yes, I think it works.”