Title: Temporal Exigency (4/8+epilogue)

A/N: I missed posting yesterday, because, well Glee. So, my lovelies, have two parts. :o)

...

"Where are the relays?" Steve asked as he ducked back out of the shuttle. With the EM grid in place above them, the remaining fighter planes had retreated to a safe distance. The city was eerily quiet, save for the occasional explosion that sounded and the creak of downed aircraft collapsing into rubble. Tony turned to Steve, helmet in hand and smirk firmly in place. Clint and Natasha stood beside him.

"How's the love munchkin?" Tony quipped.

"What?" Steve asked suspiciously.

"The wee warbler?"

"How did you-?"

"I looked him up," Tony cut in casually.

"You looked him up?" Steve asked, stepping closer to Tony and glaring at him.

"Investigated, inquired about, researched, stop me when you get it," Tony answered. "Or not," Tony added wryly after a beat.

"You investigated him?"

"Had to see if he was worthy of Captain America, didn't I?"

"Stark," Steve admonished sternly, stepping closer. Tony held the other man's gaze before lifting a hand and clumsily flicking imaginary dust off Steve's shoulder. Steve swatted his arm away.

"Oh, relax Cap. He's a good kid-got good grades, won a bunch of awards for his singing and other snooty endeavors. Had a spot of trouble back in 9th grade, but he seems to have recovered nicely."

Steve continued to glare at him, his annoyance with the other man clear on his expression.

"Why don't we get back to the matter at hand?" Natasha interjected, breaking the tense silence.

"Right," Steve agreed, eyes flickering to hers. "I ask again, where are the relays?"

"In the East River," Tony answered quickly.

"How 'in' are we talking?" Clint asked.

"Only about 100 feet down."

"Only?" Steve shot back.

"Yep," Tony replied glibly. "We better get a move on." With that, Tony engaged his thrusters and rose up several feet. "Head east to the ferry terminal, pier 11. I'll meet you there."

Tony shoved his helmet back on and took off. Steve turned back toward the shuttle, but Natasha grabbed his arm.

"No way to start that thing as long as the grid's up."

"On foot, then," Steve said with a nod as he shifted his shield more securely on his forearm.

"On foot," Clint agreed. The three took off down the deserted street.

"Bet you aren't too happy about me beating you on the treadmill right now," Natasha tossed over her shoulder at Clint as they reached the pier.

"I'm fine with letting you beat me on the treadmill," Clint snarked back breathlessly.

Steve scanned the still water and turned around, only able to see the large ship hovering over the Chrysler Building now. The pier was only five blocks from the shuttle, but the sounds of gunfire and explosions had dimmed to almost nothing. The ground shook suddenly, unsteadying all of them as the pounding repeated over and over, increasing in intensity.

"Like that damn dinosaur movie," Clint muttered. Steve stared blankly at him. "Jurassic Park. Came out in the 90s," Clint explained. "You haven't seen it yet?"

In lieu of answering, Steve turned back toward the city, crouched and shield held ready as the pounding grew closer. He squinted at the quiet streets, the dark of night shrouding the buildings. A moment later, he straightened and breathed a sigh of relief as Bruce appeared around the last building and came bounding across FDR Drive. Tony followed, flying above the green hulking man.

"Look who I found," Tony said proudly as he landed before them. Bruce patted Tony on the helmet and smiled awkwardly. Tony visibly wavered under the gesture. "Easy, big guy." Bruce grumbled in response.

"Intel's correct," Tony spoke up again. "We've got the remaining ships positioned over the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the New York Times Building."

"And Stark Tower," Natasha added grimly.

"There's a relay just under the pier here. Follow the insulated cable pipe all the way down," Tony explained. Before anyone could ask, he continued, "It'll level off. Relay's about a foot long, a tube inside a tube. You'll see it."

"Where's the other one?" Steve asked.

"Down by the Midtown Skyport, 23rd. I'll get that one," Tony answered. Tony tapped the keypad on his wrist.

"Pepper, how's the shutdown going."

The comm remained silent. Tony tore off his helmet.

"Pepper?" Tony prompted, all pretense gone. Steve and the others moved closer. "Jarvis, we still linked?"

"Yes, sir. However, Ms. Potts is currently incapacitated."

"Incapacitated how?"

"Ms. Potts sustained a gunshot wound, lower left quadrant with significant blood loss. Mr. Anderson was able to stem the bleeding and stabilize her vitals. She is resting and I continue to monitor her lifesigns, but she is in need of further medical attention."

"Blaine's there?" Steve asked, his fingers curling into fists at the rising tension. "Where are they?"

"Ms. Potts and Mr. Anderson are in the control room. Mr. Anderson is assisting me with the shutdown. I have initiated lockdown protocol seven. Intruders are attempting to enter the room."

"Is there another way out?" Steve asked, pointedly looking at Tony. Tony remained silent, the answer clearly displayed on his expression.

"What about the shutdown?" Natasha asked.

"Forget the shutdown," Steve countered.

"We need to shut that grid down," Tony argued, voice strained but determined.

"You willing to sacrifice her?"

Hurt flashed in Tony's eyes before he blinked it away.

"She knew what she was getting into."

"He didn't. And if there's a way for them to get out before the aliens break down the door, they need to take it."

"First the shutdown, then we can worry about getting them out," Tony persisted.

"There isn't enough time!" Steve yelled. The silence that followed lay between them like an impenetrable fog. Steve turned away from the others, gulping several deep breaths to calm himself; he more than anyone startled by his outburst. Natasha laid a gentle hand on his arm and he dropped his head.

"Steve?" Blaine's voice came over the comm.

"Blaine," Steve breathed out, lifting his head. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the others' expressions.

"We need to shut the system down," Blaine said earnestly.

"You need to get out of there," Steve protested, the plea echoing in his mind.

"We're almost done," Blaine insisted.

"Blaine-."

"I won't be responsible for destroying part of New York City," Blaine cut in. "You wouldn't want to be either. I can do it," he asserted quietly.

Steve swallowed but no words came.

"Mr. Stark," Blaine spoke up again. "Tell me what else I need to do."

"Right," Tony said, ignoring Steve's sudden silence. "Jarvis, light up the panel. As soon as the shutdown is complete, walk him through the disconnect process. We'll be in position to pull the relays."

"Yes, sir," Jarvis agreed.

"Cap." Tony came around to face Steve. "You're the best one to get down there. How long can you hold your breath?"

"Long enough," Steve said dully.

"Good. When the disconnect is complete, the relays will start to flash. Pull it and get back up here." Tony slid his helmet on and took off.

"You sure you can get down there?" Natasha asked.

"We don't have another choice," Steve said grimly.

"Well," Clint spoke up as he reached back and pulled an arrow from his sheath. "At least we can make sure you get back up here." He disconnected a reel of steel cord from the arrow and affixed it to Steve's belt.

Steve nodded his thanks, handed Bruce his shield, and stepped up to the edge of the pier. The others looked on as he made his way over the concrete barrier, scaled down the low wall, scrambled over the rocks, and sunk into the water.