So, here is the new chapter! Sorry for taking so long again,stared school and as they say, time flies. I saw the Captain America Winter Soldier Promo! AH! BUCKY! STEVE! *faints* I can't wait! I hope you like this, and don't be afraid to leave a review, long or short, suggestions, comments, berating for not updating sooner, opinions on the promo too! :P
Disclaimer: I don't own Captain America, but I do own my OC.
I stepped out of Dr. Erskine's car and looked around. We were at a military camp filled with trainees, all performing course exercises. A wave of nostalgia overcame me as it reminded me of my father. He was in the army and literally ran the house like one. He taught us the formalities, code phrases, and even some of the fighting techniques I displayed earlier that day.
Snapping out of my reminiscing, I followed Dr. Erskine into a nearby tent. There, I was introduced to Colonel Phillips, who was fairly rude. Our introduction went as such:
"Good afternoon sir. My name is April Robinson." With a quick salute, I then held out my hand to shake.
He ignored it, instead favoring a glance before continuing his talk with Erskine. No words, no acknowledgement, just a brief look.
We stepped out of the tent and made our way to the training fields. I followed a few feet behind the two men to give them some privacy.
As we rounded a corner, we came across a group of men doing jumping jacks. Immediately, I recognized the one person I would have never expected to see. Steve Rogers.
To say I was completely shocked would be a lie. I somehow knew that he would have become a great soldier despite his physical condition. He was brave, kind, and smart.
Now that I knew what Dr. Erskine's serum could do, I placed all my bets on Steve being the candidate. I looked back to Erskine and Phillips just in time to see the Colonel pull out a dummy grenade from a crate. He pulled the pin and safety lever and tossed it into the unsuspecting group.
"Grenade!" he shouted, sending the men running like ants.
Steve however, ran straight towards the grenade and covered it with his body.
"Get away! Get back!" he yelled, bracing for an explosion.
I smiled at his efforts, but was slightly worried.
"What if that had been a real grenade? He'd have gotten himself killed." I thought.
When he finally realized that the grenade wouldn't explode, he sat up and looked around slightly confused.
"Is this a test?" he asked, looking around. When I finally caught his eye, he looked very surprised.
I gave a small wave and he relaxed, giving me a smile in return.
I turned back to the pair of men and overheard Colonel Phillips say, "He's still skinny."
I chuckled slightly at his almost childish comment, and knew that Erskine had indeed chosen Steve. I watched as all the recruits got back into line and continued their exercises. After I had gotten permission from Dr. Erskine, I went to join the woman who was overseeing the recruits.
"Don't hurt them too badly," whispered Erskine just before I left.
I smiled. "No promises," I whispered back jokingly.
"Afternoon Miss. Name's April Robinson. I hear you're the one in charge of these louts."
"Peggy Carter, and you heard right. You work with Dr. Erskine correct?"
"Yes, but don't be mistaken. I can put up a mean fight if the situation calls for it" I laughed.
"Well then, maybe you could help me whip these sorry excuses of men into shape" she smiled back.
"It would be my genuine pleasure."
After helping Peggy train the soldiers for the day, and effectively proving to the men that they shouldn't mess with women, she gave me a tour of the facility.
"And last but not least, is the mess hall. The food may not be good, but the cooks make do with what they've got. It's almost dinner time, so how about grabbing something to eat before those savages come" said Peggy, pushing the double doors open.
I stayed behind as Peggy went into the back kitchen to talk with the cooks. After a few minutes, she came back out with two trays of food. She motioned towards a table in the corner, and we both sat down.
"What do you think about the recruits?" I asked.
"Proficient soldiers, except for that Hodge fellow." Peggy said casually.
I raised my eyebrow. "I meant in terms of romance. Surely out of all those men, at least one has caught your eye."
"I am far too busy to think about romance, what with the war going on Miss Robinson."
I gave her a look of unbelief. "On one note, just call me April. Secondly, I highly doubt that. Who is it?"
She continued to eat her food silently, not making eye contact.
"Is it Steve Rogers?" I asked, and Peggy choked slightly.
I grinned. "I wouldn't blame yourself; he is the most decent fellow here."
I took another bite of my mashed potatoes...
"What about you and Howard Stark?"
... and nearly spit them out.
Peggy grinned and said, "You would be surprised at how much Dr. Erskine talks about you two when he visits. He says you two dance around each other and wonders how two of the smartest people he knows cannot see it."
I blushed and fiddled with my fingers.
"I highly doubt someone like Howard Stark would like someone like me. I'm sure Doctor Erskine was just pulling your leg," I said.
"I beg to differ. If you are smart enough to be work side by side with Stark, and with your looks no doubt, I would be surprised if he didn't fall for you already."
I rolled my eyes. Peggy was just over exaggerating.
After we had finished eating, I excused myself and went looking for Doctor Erskine.
I walked over to the bunkers and overheard Doctor Erskine talking to Steve.
"Schmidt must become that superior man," said Erskine.
"Did it make him stronger?" asked Steve.
"Yes, but there were other...effects. The serum was not ready. But more importantly, the man. The serum amplifies everything that is inside. So, good becomes great. Bad becomes worse. This is why you were chosen. Because a strong man, who has known power all his life, will lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows compassion."
"Thanks, I think" replied Steve.
"Whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing. That you will stay who you are. Not a perfect soldier, but a good man." Erskine pointed to Steve.
I smiled at Erskine's speech.
Steve raised his glass up. "To the little guy."
However, before Steve could take a sip, Erskine stopped him.
"No! No! Wait! Wait! What I am doing? No! You have a procedure tomorrow. No fluids," he said taking the glass from him.
"How about I take it then?" I said, stepping away from the doorway and making myself know.
Erskine handed me the glass.
"Alright, we'll drink it after." Steve said.
"I don't have procedure tomorrow. Drink it after? Drink it now!" Erskine said, downing his glass in one go.
"You heard the man." I added with a laugh, drinking my glass in one gulp.
Steve smiled at our antics.
"You know Steve, I still need to get back at you and Bucky for ditching me back at the expo," I joked, handing Erskine the empty glass.
"Sorry about that."
"Miss Robinson, you know Mr. Rogers?" asked Erskine.
I laughed. "Actually, yes. We met a few months ago when he invited me to the Stark Expo. That was the same day I met Howard and got involved in this project."
"What a grand twist of fate this is." remarked Erskine.
"Speaking if Howard, I heard that you have been making some comments to Agent Carter about some issues regarding him and me." I said, giving a mock glare.
"Oh, uh... Would you look at the time, I believe we have to go. Goodbye Steve, I'll see you tomorrow," Erskine said quickly, heading for the door.
I just stood there for a moment before bursting out laughing. Meanwhile, Steve was looking very confused.
"Don't worry about it Steve. It's nothing you should be concerned about. See you later alligator," I said with a smile as I left.
