DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters, these are reinterpretations of well established characters from Marvel Comics but set and established in an entirely alternate universe. This is not a story made for profit, this is a story made for the sole purpose of entertain the readers as well as any comic book fan out there. However, the stories written here do belong to me, for they are part of a new universe of my creation called "The AlternEarth".

You may see some similarities with the well known stories of origin but trust me, there will be twists and changes that will make it stand as its own.


Iraqi Territory
En-route to Saladin
06:00

It was a quiet route to Saladin where Tier 1's next mission was going to be. All four members prepared themselves like they always do before their missions. It was pretty much a routine for them, from the shower to wearing the tactical suit to assembling their assault rifles and radio equipment for any possible eventuality that requires calling for assistance, especially since the orders are to call once the area is cleared. As soon as they were all set to go they marched towards the Humvee that was waiting for them to send them into their drop zone.

"Heads Up team, we're bound to Upper Saladin for a Search and Destroy operation; The Insurgents are working with an unknown faction in a weapon smuggling operation" informed Captain Rogers with the seriousness that is custom in their line of work.

"Standard weaponry?" asked Buck.

"Highly advanced; we talk about laser technology, stronger rounds of ammunition, more compact explosive arms; these people are bringing in weapons that rank even higher than 'Mass Destruction'"

"I guess saying 'Holy Shit' is an understatement" commented Sam, which provoked a stern look from Steve's face towards him.

"The big question here is how they do it, we swept the city last time we were here so whatever activity they do, it should be noted by satellite since something like that can't come up by magic" added Peggy.

"If you ask me, there might be an underground tunnel system, it's the most logic way to transport them to an empty city and hide them into the empty buildings" replied Steve.

"Makes sense" commented Buck.

"You know the drill, once we're done clearing the area, we'll contact for reinforcements and extraction, any questions?"

"Just one boss" interjected Sam "How we'll celebrate this one?" asked with a smirk.

Buck and Peggy laughed yet Steve maintained the seriousness of the moment only to show a small smile on his face.

"We'll discuss it when the time comes" replied Steve who then turned his face to the window, watching the desert flashing before his eyes as the vehicle is moving.

The group was chatting amongst themselves about what to expect for this mission but Steve was focused on getting the task done and not having any casualties. After a long trek of an hour the Humvee stopped right in the desert but on the path of a trail that leads to a village.

"This is the starting point; I've been ordered to make the drop and depart, the rest is up to you" said the driving soldier.

"Understood" replied Steve who nodded and then saluted the soldier who immediately started the vehicle and turned around to take his leave "It's a long trek to Al-Shirkat but we're prepared" added as he took his assault rifle and gestured with his right hand to move forward.


Later…
Al-Shirkat, Saladin, Iraq
07:00

The team maintained a straight line formation with Steve leading the pack followed by Buck, Peggy and Sam. The tactical suits were made to blend in with the color of the desert sand, therefore it wouldn't be a problem for them being unnoticed, and actually it suits for the best given the situation.

Each member started to distance from one another in a moderate length of four bodies as they march into the city, making small rests in the rocky formations they find. The wind was blowing in moderate speed, something they were thankful so they could avoid a potential sandstorm before they reach the village.

After an hour trekking through the desert, the group has finally reached the village. The place was entirely empty, almost as if the place became a Ghost Town, not a single soul was to be found. Steve was the first one to enter, placing himself in the edge of a wall, peeking his head to his right to see any movement. Once he sees the coast is clear he signals with his right hand to the rest of the group to move forward.

Each one of them had their eyes to the rooftops and the damaged buildings. All the ruins over there make the perfect hideout for their enemies to make a surprise attack while also provide a cover for them in order to advance.

Once they reach a broad plaza Steve starts analyzing the environment. Nothing but torn down trees, light posts on the floor, destroyed cars, it was truly a ghost town where once it laid a beautiful place now damaged by the consequences of war. Steve turned his head towards Buck's position, gesturing with his hand to use the trail of damaged cars as cover to march towards a three-floored building a few meters from his position. Buck nodded and repeated the gestures to Peggy who did the same to Sam.

As soon as Steve made the first steps to the first car the sound of firing bullets echoed in the surroundings hitting the car where Steve was. Buck ran to Steve's position while Peggy and Sam took their rifles and assumed their stance, ready to strike back.

Steve sets his rifle while his teammates are all lined up next to him, each one is aiming at a different point; Sam to the west, Peggy to the front and Buck to the east. Another round of shots emerged hitting the cars that Buck and Steve are using as a shelter, yet none of the Tier 1 soldiers are able to see where the shots are coming from. There are very few buildings in their surroundings; the tallest one is of three floors, which is precisely the one the team is heading to.

"Got 'em!" exclaimed Buck who detected a figure up in the north-east, the direction of the bullets was the giveaway; locating it in a distant position from their target.

"Peggy, help Buck handle them; Sam, you're coming with me" ordered Steve who proceeded to crawl to the nose of the car awaiting for the signal of his teammates.

"GO!" screamed Buck as he started to shoot alongside Peggy. Steve and Sam moved forward, using the other cars to take cover as they get closer to the building.

Steve reaches the place first, bursting in through the open door with Sam not too close behind. Peggy and Buck keep moving and firing their guns as they reach the place and then is when the moment of calm arrives, however, they know that it won't last too long.

"Seems that somebody knew we were coming" commented Buck.

"A trap…how convenient" added Sam who wasn't hiding his anger at what just happened.

"This is what they wanted, but we won't yield against them" replied Steve.

"Guys, I found something!" called Peggy who was exploring the site. At a couple of meters she found a grilled door on the floor that leads to a descending stairway "You were right…there is an underground tunnel system"

"And now we're right in front of the entrance" added Sam.

"Am I the only one who feels this was just…too easy?" asked Buck with a slight concern on his voice. His fears were becoming true as outside of the building the enemy group was setting up a pair of rocket launchers slightly larger than the average RPG. As the enemy is setting up their weapon, Peggy manages to unlock the door, opening the way to the underground.

Just as the group takes one last look around before going through the passage, the enemy soldiers fire their rockets straight into the top floor corners of the already damaged building. The impact sends enough shockwaves to alert the Tier 1 soldiers.

"You guys felt that?" asked Sam

Another shot was fired, now at the middle floor which sent an even stronger shockwave, one powerful enough to make the top floor collapse over the other, causing the building to crumble.

"MOVE!" screamed Steve as he and his teammates made the jump into the entrance as the remains of the building they were started to fall down on them effectively sealing the entrance way. The echo of the falling rocks was fading as the seconds passed by, being replaced by the noise of loud breathing.

"Is everyone OK?" asked Steve as he grabbed a light stick, lighting it up to watch his teammates as they start to recover.

"I'm OK" said Sam

"Same here" added Buck

"Little shook up Sir, but I've been through worse" commented Peggy

Steve sighs in relief, looking around until he bumps into what it seems to be a power switch that's connected to a group of wires leading to the top of the tunnel. He decides to flip it, turning on a long trail of lights that go forward.

"We're trapped" said Peggy with concern

"What's the plan?" asked Buck as he looked at Steve

"There's only one option…we go forward, if there is an entrance, there is an exit and we'll find it" replied the team's captain, grabbing firmly his rifle and then he turned back to begin the long trek through the tunnel. The only question that goes through his mind is what types of danger will they encounter but little does he know that the enemy is indeed waiting for them up ahead.


So there you have it, Chapter 3, things are looking very grim for Tier 1 now that they're trapped in the tunnel but this is only the beginning because from this point forward it will be a dark day for these soldiers.

As for Easter Eggs, the stern glare Steve gave Sam during his swear, might as well consider it as the equivalent of the infamous "Language!" line from the AoU film.

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll expect any and all reviews.

Thank you for Reading!