AVENGERS EVOLUTION

in

"The Chessboard Is Set - Avengers Assemble Part One"

Note: All characters and locations mentioned here are property of Marvel Comics Inc, I claim no ownership to them whatsoever.

PART FOUR

In the woods of German-Occupied France

April 1942

"Can you run the plan by again?" asked Toro. "I dont quite get it."

His elder counterpart, Human Torch, gave his young comrade a playful smack in the back of the head. "Pay attention, lad."

Captain America sighed, but he was willing to go through with explaining the plan again, so that Toro would finally understand what they wanted to achieve. Stretched across the entire kitchen table was a blueprint, the blueprints of the HYDRA base that the Red Skull was command of.

"Once more," he announced, "this is the plan." With a small stick, he pointed out certain sections of the castle. "One, Blue Diamond and Red Raven will create a distraction so that myself, Whizzer, Miss America, Thin Man, and Logan can sneak into the castle undetected. While we do that, Jack Frost and Bucky will disable the power source. Since HYDRA is likely to have backup generators, they will take a little while to power up - that should give the Human Torch and Toro ample time to destroy the communication tower;" he looked at Torch and Toro. "The power outage will be your signal to action."

Both Toro and Torch nodded in unison, the Captain carried on.

"Once that is done, we capture the Red Skull, and put HYDRA out of business once and for all." Cap dusted off his hands. "Now we dont have much time, but ..."

Logan spoke up. "Captain, there is one thing you haven't told us yet - what is HYDRA up to anyways?"

Cap hesitated a bit, he wasnt proud to tell them, but after all they deserved to know. He took a deep breath before beginning his explanation. "HYDRA's planning on something big, ti would see that they can fortell that the war isnt going to go well for Nazi, Germany. They're planning on building giant robots they've nicknamed 'sleepers' - that's why they sent Von Strucker to Japan so he can oversee the construction of these sleepers. The plan is to sneak these creations within several allied territories, once victory has been assured for the allies, the sleepers will be awakened - and proceed to destroy everything in their wake ... making sure nothing will survive." Cap then clapped his hands. "Now we better make sure our plan succeeds, cause if we dont - the Allied Forces will be crushed."

But Miss America had a question that plagued her mind. "How do we plan to sneak in, Captain?" She asked. "We don't actually seem like HYDRA agents - let alone German soldiers."

Logan suddenly became agitated, looking around as if he had heard something that everyone else missed. "Something's coming," he growled. "A tank ... and at least six soldiers ... I can hear their footsteps as they march."

Everyone was surprised that HYDRA had discovered them so quickly, everyone but Captain America - who checked his watch underneath his red glove. "Interesting," he replied. "I expected them to have been here sooner than this."

He quickly rushed over to the window, outside he could see the large armored tank and at least a half a dozen HYDRA soldiers. Blue Diamond was shocked. "You expected this!" He exclaimed. "Was this part of your so-called 'cunning plan'?"

Cap turned to face him, "As a matter of fact, it is. And I've found out the perfect way of how we can sneak in undetected."

The HYDRA tank slowly came to a stop outside of the cabin, whatever the US forces had dropped off to the rebels - most likely it would be here. And even if it wasn't, there'd be evidence leading them to where the rebels would be, but it was already known where the rebels were - they were in THAT cabin.

The group commander turned to two of his subordinates, each armed with rifles. "Search that cabin," he ordered, pointing to the cabin. "Those American scum are probably hiding in there - find them!"

Both subordinates saluted. "HAIL HYDRA!" they shouted, and then turned to head for the cabin. The commander turned his attention to the other officers, and gave them orders as well - to search the nearby woods for any sign of the enemy. They gave the same salute, and went to do as they were ordered.

The commander suddenly heard a noise come from the cabin, this caused him to reach for his sidearm, until he saw his two officers fly out through the window. He then saw a familiar figure shoot out from the opening in the cabin. "Gotten heimel!" He gasped. "It's Kapitan Amerika!" His exclamation brought the four soldiers back, and when they saw the Cap - they aimed their rifles and opened fire.

Cap managed to deflect the shots from their rifles with his circular American shield. "All Winners Squadron, go into ACTION!"

Both Toro and Torch rushed out the open door. "FLAME ON!" They exclaimed as they both burst into flames, shooting into the air. Jack Frost followed out on a wave of ice, while Blue Diamond and Thin Man ran out after them all.

The soldiers opened fire on Blue Diamond, who fortunately transformed into his dense diamond form, causing the bullets to bounce off harmlessly. He turned to watch Bucky and Logan dash out into action, ready to beat up some HYDRA scum - he then noticed one of the soldiers aiming his weapon in their direction.

"Look out!" He shouted. Bucky managed to jump out of the way, but Logan was hit in the shoulder.

Miss America rushed to the aide of her fallen associate. "Are you alright."

Logan clutched at his arm. "I'll be fine ..." he growled. ".. just a scratch ..."

Both Torch and Toro flew overhead towards the armed soldiers, and shot blasts of flame towards them, melting their rifles into useless slag. The Thin Man was being chased by the HYDRA tank, the cannon aimed at the American rebel and fired. Quickly grabbing onto some nearby trees, Thin Man stretched himself out like a large rubber sheet, which caught the flying shell with ease - then slingshotting it back right into the barrell.

The hatch atop the tank flung open, and two soldiers scrambled out of the tank, just as the shell exploded - destroying the front end of the tank.

The fighting continued on, until the Whizzer bolted out of the cabin at superspeed, taking down the soldiers with punches at breakneck speed.

The HYDRA commander noticed his men, at least those who were still standing, running for their lives. "Cowards!" He shouted. "Stand and fight!"

"Fight THIS, HYRDA scum!" shouted Bucky, knocking the commander on his rear with a right cross.

When the fighting came to a close, Cap checked on his fellow super heroes. "Everyone alright?" He asked. Both Human Torch and Toro landed on their feet, their flames quickly extinguishing upon touchdown,Miss America, and Blue Diamond rushed to the Cap.

"Everyone except for Logan," replied Miss America. "I believe he was shot in the shoulder."

Bucky rushed over to check on his fallen friend, he pulled away Logan's hand from his shoulder - and gasped in shock. Logan's shoulder had completely healed, it was as if he'd never been shot at all. The sleeve of his uniform was torn, but there wasnt a single scratch on him.

Blue Diamond rushed over to see Logan's surprisingly quick recovery. "This is impossible!" He exclaimed. "I saw you get shot."

Logan slowly got to his feet. "Let's just say I'm a fast healer."

Bucky began looking around, someone seemed to be missing from the group. "Hey," he replied. "What happened to Red Raven and Whizzer?"

After a blast of wind hit the heroes by surprise, the Whizzer appeared with two soldiers under his arms - both unconscious. Red Raven came down from the sky, holding to two more soldiers - he dropped them down at the Captain's feet while the Whizzer did the same with his prisoners. Miss America picked up the HYDRA commander, who was knocked cold by Bucky's left hook, and tossed his body on the pile of soldiers.

"Quickly," ordered the Captain. "Take off their uniforms and then tie them up in the cabin. We'll use their uniforms to disguise our appearances."

As they started to disrobe the unconscious officers, Bucky began to look around. "Hey, anyone see where Jack went?"

Jack came out of the woods, slightly out of breath. "I tried to catch those soldiers from the tank," he gasped. "But I lost them in the woods."

Cap sighed. "Then we're one uniform short. Jack, you will have to be part of the distraction with Diamond and Raven. We'll have to up our time frame to completion - before those soldiers manage to get word back to base!"

Diamond picked up a couple of undressed soldiers, wearing only white undershirts and boxers, hauled them up over his shoulders and carried their limp bodies back to the cabin - while both Whizzer and Miss America began to slip into their HYDRA uniforms.

The Red Skull waited in the communications room for the soldiers' report, eagerly awaiting to hear that they found whatever those filthy Americans dropped off and perhaps apprehending them at the same time.

The communications officer spoke from his post. "Leader, we're receiving a report from one of our operatives."

The Red Skull smiled in triumph. "Excellent," he replied with a satisfactory tone in his voice. "Have the rebels been exterminated like the vermin like they are?"

The communications officer focused on the German chatter on his headset, then returned his attention on Skull. "Nein, leader!"

Hearing this angered Red Skull immensely. "Dummkopfs!" He exclaimed. "I will have them shot for this!"

But the communications officer added with promising news. "They are also reporting going into battle with some American superheroes ... one matching the description of ... Keptain Amerika."

The crimson headed villain's mood changed quickly from enraged to contempt. "So the foolish allies think they can stop us by sending their top soldier, Captain America, to stop our plans - but not anymore."

"Shall I have them return to base, and have a firing squad set up for their immediate execution, mein leader?" It was standard procedure that those soliders who fail face swift termination but the Red Skull shook his head.

"Nein," he said. "Have them return at once, they still maintain their usefulness. Meanwhile we will continue construction on the Sleepers, so we can assure ourselves victory over the allied forces!"

Another communications officer spoke up, "Mein leader, we have also received a message from Baron Strucker. He is arrived in Japan, and construction of the Sleepers has been put into effect."

Things were beginning to sound more promising to the Red Skull, until he heard the door burst open and armed German soldiers began to run into the commucations room with rifles at the ready. The armed group was followed in by a single man with long blond hair and thick-rimmed glasses.

"What is the meaning of this!" demanded Red Skull.

The man with glasses had a large grin on his face. "My name is Schultz, I have been given direct orders to take over this project." He handed a paper to the Red Skull. "You are to return to Berlin, and report to the fuhrer at once."

This caused his blood to boil, the Red Skull tore the paper to shreds. "No!" He shouted. "I will not have my victory taken away from me by a pencil pushing subordinate!"

"Failure to comply with these orders will be considered an act of treason," explained Schultz. "A crime punishable by death."

The Red Skull wasnt ready to let what he worked hard for during the entire span of his career be swiped from his grasp, and given to some idiot who'd probably take all the credit for the idea in the first place. "Adolf Hitler is an incompetant oaf," grumbled Red Skull. "He could not even lead his way out of a 'paper bag', as the Americans would say."

Schultz eyed him suspiciously. "I beg your pardon?"

"Hitler is not fit to lead the Third Reich into the new Millenium - I AM!"

Schultz has heard enough. "Then you are a traitor to the fuhrer."

Not looking back, he spoke to his men, barking orders in German. But the Red Skull gave off a confident smile, as the soldiers aimed their rifles at him - their fingers slowly tightening on the triggers. The Red Skull backed towards the communications console, and pressed a button underneath. The door burst open again, and several HYDRA officers rushed in with guns trained on the German soldiers.

"It would appear, herr Schultz," mocked Red Skull, "that we are at an impasse."

Schultz tried his best to look unfazed by this change of event, but the Red Skull could tell otherwise. "This man is a traitor to the Third Reich!" He shouted, pointing at Red Skull. "By order of the fuhrer himself - you will lower your weapons and STAND DOWN!"

But the HYDRA soldiers were unimpressed, as they kept their weapons trained on Schultz and his men.

Red Skull smirked - or at least he did something that was close to a smirk. "They are my men - they do not listen to your orders." He looked at the Nazi soldiers. "Lower your weapons."

"Do not do as he says! You will join him in his death sentence and your lives will be forfeit!"

But the soldiers out of cowardice and concern for their own lives dropped their rifles. Schultz stared Red Skull right in his bony face. "You will pay for your treachery." He said under his breath.

Red Skull noticed the soldier who had brought him the status report earlier, Hans Oberfeld. He motioned him over to his side, whispered in his ear, and handed over his gas gun to the man.

Schultz wondered what he said to the man, as he approached Schultz with gas gun in hand. "What is this? What's going on?"

"For a man who is about to die, you ask a lot of questions, herr Schultz." laughed Skull. "Corporal Oberfeld has agreed to be your executioner."

Sweat poured down his face, until Schultz noticed the Nazi armband on Oberfeld's arm - a smile appeared on his face. "Anyone wearing the Nazi armband is loyal to the fuhrer - he will not kill me."

"But that's where you are wrong, herr Schultz - he is loyal to me." He looked to Oberfeld. "You know what to do."

Oberfeld did not hesitate, he raised the gas gun and shot a puff of red smoke into Schultz's face, causing him to choke on it.

Schultz was about to curse at Red Skull, but suddenly had trouble getting any sound out of his mouth - as if his voice had just given out on him. He noticed something fall to the ground at his feet, a strand of blonde hair. He placed his hand on his head, only to pull out a tuff of his own hair. Schultz began to feel hot, he took off his glasses to rub at his face, but his skin had become very dry all of a sudden. In the blink of an eye, Schultz began to find it difficult to breathe, he gasped frantically as his windpipe slowly started constricting, causing his face to go bright red. He dropped to his knees, his glasses clattering to the floor, he then collapsed to the ground and began convulsing on the floor. Schultz's eyes rolled up to the back of his head, and finally stopped his convulsions - he was dead.

Red Skull took a step towards the motionless man, crushing his glasses under his boot. He kicked him over, and that's when the other soldiers loyal to the Third Reich cringe in utter terror. The man was dead, and a shriveled red skull now rested on the man's shoulders. Red Skull approached Oberfeld, who stared at the motionless Schultz - he could not bring him to convince himself of what he had done. "You have done well." He said as he took the gas gun from the man. He then reached over to his armband and tore it off, there underneath was another armband - the armband with the HYDRA symbol on it.

"Hail ... HYDRA ..." Oberfeld said quietly.

Red Skull turned to the HYDRA officers. "Get rid of this trash at once!" As the soldiers picked up Schultz's lifeless body, Red Skull turned his attention to the German soldiers. "This is what you have to look forward to, a slow painful death - which Schultz experienced first hand. But I will spare your lives on one condition, that you swear loyalty to me - that you swear loyalty to HYDRA."

Without giving it another thought, the German officers tore off their Nazi armbands and tossed them at Red Skull's feet, he smiled - everything was going according to plan even though it was a bit sooner than he'd planned. He returned his gaze to Oberfeld.

"Corporal, what do we say after we salute?" He asked.

"Hail HYDRA." Oberfeld answered.

Red Skull turned to the officers. "Say it."

The officers saluted. "Hail HYDRA!"

"AGAIN! Everyone this time!"

Everyone spoke out all at once, in one loud unique voice. "HAIL HYDRA!" They all shouted.

A smile appeared on Red Skull's face. "Hail HYDRA."

Will Captain America succeed in stopping the Red Skull from releasing his Sleepers? To be continued...