Steve wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to take some time to think about the offer. It had been six weeks since he last saw Fury. His back pay turned out to be over twenty million dollars. For someone brought up in the great depression, the money was a little overwhelming. Since the last time he spoke to Fury, he'd been sent invitation after invitation by Stark to visit Avengers Tower, he bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle, rented an apartment in Brooklyn Heights, and pretty much kept to himself reading books, mainly history books, and watching movies, as he attempted to make up lost time.
His being found alive was kept a secret as best as it could. President Ellis, the DOD, and SHIELD thought it best to give Captain America as much time as possible to adjust to his new time period. Steve appreciate the time and the solitude. So far the 21st Century was overwhelming.
His new i-Phone buzzed, as it sat on the coffee table. He looked at it and saw that the caller was Pepper Potts, Tony Stark's girlfriend and the CEO of his company. Taking a deep breath he picked up the phone and answered it.
"Steve Rogers," he answered the i-Phone.
"Steve, we are having a party at the Avengers Tower. Tony wants to attend and I want to meet you. Will you come?" she asked.
She sounded like a friendly woman. Steve sighed.
"When is the party?" he asked.
"Tomorrow evening. Be here at eight," she said.
"Ma'am, what should I wear?" he asked.
He heard her giggle over the phone, as if this was anticipated question.
"Tony had a suit made for you. JARVIS took your measurements when you were here last. I'll have it sent to your apartment along with a proper dress shirt," she told him. "It should arrive this afternoon. Is that okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," he answered.
"Steve, call me Pepper. I want us to be friends," she said. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night."
Pepper hung up. Steve stared at his i-Phone for several seconds then placed it back down on the coffee table.
AVENGER
The suit was a black one, hand tailored, that fit Steve's six foot three, two hundred and fifty pound frame perfectly. Steve guessed that it was probably the most expensive suit he ever owed. Pepper also sent along a blue dress shirt and a pair of Italian loafers. Steve dressed in the new clothes then put his motorcycle helmet on and headed off to Avengers Tower. When he arrived at the tower, he was surprised to see limos pulling up and letting men and women off at curbside. The party was going to be far more elaborate than he anticipated.
Pulling over his motorcycle then taking off his helmet, he looked at the young man who was dealing with the limos and cars.
"Hey, I've been invited to this party," he said. "The name is Steve Rogers."
"Yes, sir. I'll take your bike for you and park it in the garage. Mr. Stark told us to give you VIP treatment," said the young man.
Steve got off the motorcycle. As he did he noticed people taking his photograph and several news crews filming him. He ignored the chaos of celebrity and headed into the tower.
"It is good to see you, sir," JARVIS' voice said to him.
"JARVIS," Steve greeted the AI.
"I have an elevator waiting for you. The party is on several floors. The one that Mr. Stark wants you to attend is the top floor in the communal area. The other party is more of a charity affair raising money," explained JARVIS.
Steve stepped into the elevator then said, "Take me up."
The top floor, the penthouse floor, had a mix of Avengers, VIPs like Fury and some other SHIELD personnel, and some of Stark's personal friends. The elevator doors opened and Steve was almost immediately overwhelmed by the number of people. He stepped off the elevator and was immediately greeted by Bruce Banner.
"Steve, I'm glad you're here. I'm usually the fish out of water at this soirees," smiled Bruce. "Now I have company."
"How are you, Doctor?" said Steve.
"Bruce. Call me Bruce. I've been busy studying your blood and tissue," said Bruce. "Fascinating."
"I'm glad you find my blood fascinating," smiled Steve.
"It is fascinating. Unfortunately, it won't help me, but it's given me great insight to Erskine's serum," nodded Bruce.
"I gave you those samples out of trust, Bruce. I ask you not to recreate the formula," said Steve.
"I won't, Steve. The serum has bonded with your DNA. I have my doubts that it would work on very many people," said Bruce. "You made the serum work as much as the vita rays and the serum itself. As I said it's fascinating."
They walked into the party. Waiters and waitresses carried trays of appetizers and wine. Bruce smiled when he saw Steve grabbed a crab puff, sample it, like it and then call the waiter back so he could grab five more to eat.
"Do you drink?" Bruce asked.
"I drink but I don't get drunk," said Steve with some disappointment. There were times that he love to get drunk and forget.
A loud laugh filled the room. Both Bruce and Steve looked over to the corner of the room where a large, muscular, long blonde haired man appeared to dominate. Bruce shook his head.
"That is Thor," said Bruce. "He's loud at times."
"He's also big," said Steve.
"Captain Rogers," a familiar voice greeted Steve.
Steve turned to see Nick Fury along with another man who was dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie.
"Director Fury," said Steve. He offered his right hand and they shook hands. Steve then offered his hand to the other man. They shook hands.
"Phil Coulson," said the man. "I'm a huge fan of yours, Captain."
"Phil knows just about everything you did in World War II," said Fury.
"You were the first great superhero," said Coulson.
"I was just a soldier doing my duty," said Steve with real modesty.
Phil Coulson smiled at this. The man standing in front of him was truly Captain America.
Steve heard a sexy laugh. He looked over at the bar to see Agents Romanov and Barton. Barton wore a black suit and a white shirt without a tie. He was nursing a drink. Agent Romanov wore a black dress that showed off her curves and pointed out to the room that she just might be the most beautiful woman in the room. She reminded Steve of someone special to him, she reminded him of Peggy. He watched as she brushed back her red hair in a sexy manner, as she flirted with a man. Suddenly, Steve wanted to know who the man was.
"Who is that Agent Romanov is talking to?" he asked.
Coulson looked over at the bar and chuckled.
"That is Dr. Stephen Strange," said Coulson. "They say Stark is interested in getting him to join the Avengers."
"What are his skills?" asked Steve.
"He's a sorcerer," answered Fury.
Steve looked at him as if he had two heads then he mumbled, "Sorcerer?"
"Yup. Sorcerer. You know a mother fucking magician, except the magic he uses is real," said Fury. "I don't understand."
"Natasha is probably flirting with him in order to get him interested in joining the Avengers," said Coulson. "She has an extensive skill set."
"Oh," said Steve.
"Kind of feeling really out of time and place, Steve," observed Bruce.
"Very much so," said Steve.
"Here let me introduce you to my cousin Jennifer Walters. I gave her a blood transfusion recently and turned her in what she likes to call She-Hulk," said Bruce.
"She-Hulk?" questioned Steve.
"I never told you this, but I was working on a super soldier formula. My misfired now whenever I get angry I turn into a seven foot tall, pure muscle, green rage beast," said Bruce. "I call him the Other Guy. Jennifer is lucky. My blood turned her green, but it also made her sexy and gave her super strength, agility, stamina, and reflexes. She's in control of herself, while I'm not when I turn into the Other Guy."
"Okay, this evening is getting better and better," said Steve.
"Just take a deep breath and go along with it. You'll eventually feel comfortable," said Bruce.
"That's what works for you?" asked Steve.
"I'm still waiting for the comfortable part," smiled Bruce.
Steve laughed.
AVENGER
The party thinned out. With a glass of Irish whiskey, Steve made his way out onto the balcony. He sipped the whiskey and looked out at the city that had changed so much from when he was a kid. Someone opened the balcony door..
"Steve," came the voice of Tony Stark, "Pepper and I were wondering where you were."
Steve turned and faced Stark and Pepper Potts. Pepper offered Steve her hand. He took it and gently shook it.
"You are even more handsome than Tony said," she commented.
Steve blushed, which made Tony laugh.
"He blushed," Tony said.
"That's sweet," said Pepper.
"Thank you for inviting me to the party," said Steve. "It's been enlightening."
"Hey, I think of you as sort of a brother in a way. My father did help create you," smirked Tony. "You're like a step-brother."
"Tony, stop teasing Steve," Pepper warned him.
"Still, I'm glad you came. Did you meet Thor?" asked Tony.
"I missed out on that. I did meet others, though," said Steve.
"The Avengers are all the rage right now because we fought off an alien invasion," boasted Tony. "If you ever want to tryout for the team, I could make arrangements. We could use a tactician."
"No, thank you, Tony. I've been thinking about joining SHIELD, though," Steve told him.
"Really, SHIELD. I don't trust them," said Tony.
"Well, I'm learning all I can about SHIELD," smiled Steve. He looked down at his empty glass. "If you excuse me, I think I'll say my goodbyes."
'We'll have to have you to dinner some night," said Pepper.
"That would be nice," said Steve, who then shook Tony's hand and left.
"Damn it," said Tony.
"You approached him all wrong, Tony, when it came to getting him to join the Avengers," Pepper said.
"I'll work on him," said Tony.
AVENGERS
Steve rented out the boxing gym that was not too far from his apartment late at night. He made the arrangement with the owner. Wrapping his hands, he punched the heavy bag until it ripped and the sand came out of it. Once the heavy bag ripped, he put up a new one then take his aggression out on it until it ripped and the sand seeped out.
"That is impressive," said Nick Fury.
Steve stopped his punching and turned to see Nick Fury standing there along with an attractive brunette in a catsuit.
"Steve Rogers, this is Deputy Director Maria Hill. She came with me tonight to visit you," said Fury.
"Director, Deputy Director," Steve greeted them.
"So, you ready to get back to work, soldier," said Fury. "SHIELD needs you and I'm afraid your country needs you. Hill, give him the file."
"Director, I advise not to until he is a member of SHIELD," she said.
"This is Steve Rogers, Captain America, give him the file," he ordered.
She walked over and handed Steve a pad. He began to read it and suddenly blanched.
"Hydra still exists," he said.
"Not only does it still exists but Hydra is growing," said Fury.
"How? Why?" said Steve. "I failed."
"Captain, you didn't fail. Your job isn't over yet, though," said Fury.
"What do I have to do?" asked Steve.
"You'll have to move DC and go through training," said Fury. "We'll help you arrange everything."
"Why do you want me?" asked Steve.
"Because you are still Hydra's number nemesis," said Fury. "The DOD wants you as a recruitment poster. I want you as an agent and super soldier."
"Where do I sign up?" asked Steve.
Fury smiled.
"Hill, sign the man up," said Fury.
AVENGERS
Deputy Director Hill entered Fury's office in the Triskelion. He sat behind his desk reviewing files, as she came in and sat down in the chair in front of his desk. Fury looked up at her.
"I have Captain Rogers progress report," she stated.
"Let me hear it," said Fury.
"The Captain has taken several martial arts courses and has quickly become proficient in Krav Maga, Brazilian Jujitsu, judo, and Semper Fu," she started the briefing. "According to his teachers, he is a quick learner and their only complaint is that he holds back for fear of injuring someone."
"The Captain has an eidetic memory," smiled Fury, "so I'm not surprised that he picks things up quickly."
"IT reports that he is now able to use a computer and other modern technology without embarrassment now," she continued.
Fury grinned.
"Is he adjusting as a person?" asked Fury.
Hill looked up at him and stared at him for a moment as if he'd asked her if she had a personal life. Nick Fury didn't care about such things.
"Sir?" she asked.
"Is he personally adjusting to life in the 21st Century?" asked Fury.
"I wouldn't now, sir. Captain Rogers tends to keep to himself," she said.
"Where is he now?" asked Fury.
"In with Dr. Kline," she answered. "After that he has to qualify in firearms with Agent Barton acting as his SO."
Fury smiled.
"Keep me abreast of his progress," said Fury. "It sounds like he is almost ready."
AVENGERS
Dr. Kline ran his right hand through his gray hair and sighed. So far, Captain Rogers was a less than forthcoming patient.
"Do you like women?" he asked Steve.
Steve was seated in an armchair across from Kline. He was wearing his new stealth suit that SHIELD had designed for him. It wasn't like his old World War II gear, but it fit well and he was able to move well in it. As Kline asked his question Steve was looking down at his combat boots. They needed shining, he thought. Steve looked up at the doctor.
"Yes, I like women," he answered.
"How are you adjusting to modern dating?" asked Kline.
"About as well as I adjusted to dating in the old days. I've never been good around women. It's probably a combination of being a ninety pound weakling most of my life and being Catholic," said Steve.
"Are you sure those are the reason? Could it be something else?" asked Kline.
"Like what?" Steve asked.
"You were close to a James Bucky Barnes. Maybe sexually you prefer men to women?" asked Kline.
Steve exhaled a long breath slowly. In the war he had see the maltreatment of homosexuals and it offended him. But never did he feel attracted to another man. Bucky was his brother not his lover.
"Bucky Barnes was like a brother to me. When my mother died, I had no one but Bucky and his family. I was never attracted to him, though," Steve said calmly not wanting to get upset.
"I see," said Kline. "You feel guilt over his death?"
"Yes, I do. But I feel guilt over all the men I lost in the war," Steve corrected him. "Bucky just hurt a little deeper because he was my brother and I was finally left with no one."
"Are you a virgin?" asked Kline.
Steve sighed then asked, "Do you know Tony Stark?"
"No, I don't," answered Kline. "Why?"
"Because you two think alike," Steve stated. "It's not a compliment."
AVENGERS
Steve showed up at the firing range five minutes early. Before being noticed he heard several agents placing bets that Hawkeye would wipe the floor with him. Natasha Romanov bet two hundred dollars that Barton would intimidate Rogers. He walked further into the gun range until he was finally noticed.
"Steve," smiled Barton. "You ready to qualify?"
Steve grinned, nodded yes, then picked up the Glock 24 with a 15 round mag. He examined it then looked down at the target, which was at what agents called Hawkeye range for a sidearm. Steve readied himself to shoot.
"Headphones, Cap," said Barton. "I don't want you to get ringing in the ears."
Steve put on the headphones then looked at Barton.
"Fire off a mag with your right hand then fire off a mag with your left hand," said Barton. "After that we'll check you out how good you are with a rifle."
Steve smiled then he fired off fifteen rounds. Eight round were in the heart, two just off slightly, and five rounds in the forehead. Steve placed the sidearm down. Barton picked it up and checked it then he handed it back to him. Steve put in a new mag in the Glock and this time changed from his right hand to his left hand. He started firing at the target with his left hand. He did as equally well. Barton smiled.
"Not bad, Cap," he said.
"I passed?" asked Steve.
Barton laughed and then looked at the crowd of agents and said, "Not as good as me, but not bad."
"You know I'll be carrying my shield and not a firearm?" Steve asked him.
Barton looked at him and shrugged then said, "Rules are rules, Cap. You still have to qualify and you did."
Steve turned and found himself facing a smirking Agent Romanov.
"Not bad for an old man," she said.
"Thank you, Agent Romanov," he said then walked away.
Clint walked over to Natasha.
"I really like him," said Clint.
"Should I tell Laura that she has competition," smirked Natasha.
"Don't give him too hard of a time, Tasha. I have a feeling he's going to be a good partner," said Barton.
"Whatever, Barton," she laughed then walked away.
Clint had started thinking of retirement soon. He had a wife, two kids, and a farm. Eventually, he'd retire from SHIELD and the Avengers and Natasha would need a new partner. Steve Rogers was looking like a good replacement for him. He'd have to mention it to Fury one of these days.
AVENGERS
Steve waited patiently in the outer office for Fury to call him into the office. Fury's secretary kept looking over at him, but he ignored her, just like he ignored most of the women at SHIELD. It wasn't so much that he felt superior to them, but that he felt like the ninety pound, asthmatic weakling he used to be. The secretary's phone buzzed. She answered it then she hung up.
"Director Fury will see you now," she said.
Steve stood up, smiled at her then entered Fury's office. Fury was standing looking out the widow at DC. He didn't bother to turn.
"You are ready to be an active agent," he told Steve.
"Do you have an assignment for me?" asked Steve.
Fury turned and looked at him.
"There is an estate in Costa Rica not far from Puerto Limon. We have intel that the owner of said estate is a high ranking Hydra member. You'll take a Strike team along with Agents Romanov and Barton and infil the estate, collect intel, and the Hydra member, if he is there, and then exfil. We will be without permission from Costa Rica and Panama. If anything goes wrong, you'll have to head for Colombia, who will support us," explained Fury.
"When is the mission?" asked Steve.
"Four days. Enough time to study the intel we have, prep, and plan," said Fury. "I have given you a level 8 security rating. The Strike team members are level 6 and Barton and Romanov are level 7. This puts you in charge, Captain. It's going to be difficult for you to deal with more experienced agents who think they know better, but I want you in charge."
"I'm used to leading, sir, even when some don't think I can," smiled Steve.
"Romanov will be a pain in the ass. She hates following orders. She'll listen to Barton and Barton will listen to you. As for the Strike team, tomorrow they are having a sparring session at one in the gym. I thought you could earn their respect then," said Fury.
"Yes, sir," said Steve. "Can I ask a question?"
"Go right ahead," said Fury.
"Who owns the estate?" asked Steve.
"Fredrick Zemo, a descendant of Baron Helmet Zemo," answered Fury.
Steve felt his jaw tighten. Zemo. Becoming Hydra runs in the family, he thought.
"If he's home, I'll put him in your lap, sir," said Steve.
"Dismissed, Captain."
