Chapter 8 The Man with the Silver Arm
I do not own Captain America
As I said this is an accelerated timeline regarding the show, so we can move on from the show to the future.
Hope this story makes sense. Should've said earlier that there will be spoilers of the show.
A few days after Steve, Peggy, and Jarvis raided Sheldon McFee's residence, Peggy and Steve were doing their best to piece together the importance of the symbol Leet Brannis showed before he died. On top of trying to solve the mystery behind Stark's framing and Leviathan, the couple have been trying to sort their wedding details out. It was a bit difficult considering everything going on plus it was hard to focus on anything other than the job they have now, but they still managed to enjoy each other regardless. Since moving to the Griffith, the couple has been getting closer to Angie and have been enjoying the time with her. Angie of course LOVED spending some of her down time with her best friends, though she can never be with Steve she can at least say he's one of her best friends. Yes, she has a crush on Steve, but who doesn't? She will settle with calling him a best friend even though she hasn't known him as long as she known Peggy. Calling him a best friend seems to be the best way for her to get close to him, in her mind at least. Peggy on the other hand knows that Angie has quite a fancy on Steve, but she trusts Steve and Angie so she isn't worried about anything happening between them. Additionally the newest resident and close neighbor of Steve and Peggy is the cheerful and talkative Dottie Underwood who quickly tries to befriend them.
Both SSR and Peggy continue to try and dig deeper into finding the stolen Stark technology. Peggy, Steve, and Jarvis still manage to be one step ahead of the SSR in trying to clear Stark's name, but unfortunately the Army had other things in mind. Due to the growing threats of Soviet aggression, Captain Rogers, the Howling Commandos, 107th Regiment, and much of the BRT (Battalion Raiding Team) are being mobilized to Europe as a stabilizing factor in the still war effected Europe.
New York Port of Embarkation
At the New York Port of Embarkation the Howling Commandos, BRT, and the 107th were quickly boarding a large Liberty troop ship bound for France. At the same time the large cranes of the pier and the ship hoisted crates and caches of supplies, material, vehicles, and weapons onto the ship. At the pier where the ship is docked, Steve and Peggy said their final goodbyes. Steve stood in his iconic "Stars and Stripes" uniform with his shield strapped to his back and his helmet strapped to his war belt, his US Army green canvas duffle was resting idly on its side next to Steve's leg. Peggy wore natural make up, her favorite red lip stick, and a dark blue dress that flared just below the knees. The dress had a dark blue collar and a black belt that wrapped around the body just under her breasts. She was determined to look more beautiful than usual for Steve's going away, but Steve always thought she was beautiful no matter what time of day it was.
They held each other close as the time for them to part ways was fast approaching. She hugged him tight as she rested her head on his chest and remained silent. Steve smiled as he rubbed her back, "Peggy."
Peggy looked up at him, "Hm?"
Steve looked down at her concerned, "You're trembling."
Peggy nodded, "I'm…Fine darling." She lied.
He shook his head, "What is it?"
Peggy nodded and decided to tell him. She didn't want him to leave feeling concerned, "I'm scared darling."
"Of what?" Steve smiled reassuringly.
"I know you're Captain America and you could look out for yourself and all that but…" She looked into his eyes, "This is the first time I will be away from you for a long time since…"
Steve smiled at her, "I know." He cupped her face and kissed her passionately. All the passion he could muster he put it in the kiss. She happily reciprocated as she rubbed her hands up and down his uniform. After a long moment they broke the kiss and Steve spoke up first, "I love you Peggy. Please don't worry too much, the war is over."
Peggy smiled and kissed him again, "I don't want to lose you again… I love you."
"You won't lose me again." Steve chuckled, "Besides I got Dugan with me."
Peggy laughed and kissed him again, "No unnecessary risks okay? I know you." She played with his hair, "I'll miss you."
"NO risks. Got it." He smiled.
Peggy began to cry. She rolled her eyes at her tears, "Bloody hell. I promised you and myself not to cry."
Steve smiled warmly and wiped her tears away with a gloved thumb, "It's okay to cry Peggy." She kissed her again, "I promise to be careful."
"You better darling." She said as more tears fell.
Farther down the pier Colonel Phillips and Dugan were part of the few that needed to board the ship. Colonel Phillips looked down at his watch then spoke to Dugan, "It's almost time."
Dugan nodded, "I'll get Captain Rogers."
"Very well." He nodded at Dugan, "Get the Captain and board the ship and tell him I'll see him tonight in the officer's mess."
Dugan saluted, "Yes sir." He then grabbed his duffle and his gear and swung it on his back with one hand then began to run down the pier. He ran quickly to the other end toward the couple. Peggy spotted Dugan running toward them causing her to point to Dugan causing Steve to turn around to see what she was pointing at. He still had one arm wrapped around her back and she had one of hers wrapped around his as they both watched Dugan approach. Dugan stopped in front of Steve, a little out of breath, "Sorry to interrupt you Cap, but… it's time to go."
Steve nodded, "Thanks Dugan."
Dugan nodded, "No problem Cap." He looked at Peggy, "Hey there Peggy."
Peggy smiled as she wiped another tear away, "Dugan. Always a pleasure."
Dugan chuckled, "Looks like she's going to miss you Cap."
Peggy smiled and nestled her head against his chest, "Yes I am."
Dugan laughed, "Alright. Sorry to say it again, but we got to go."
Steve nodded, "On it." He turned his back to Dugan so he could talk to his fiancé. He smiled, "This is it Peggy." They embraced for a moment then he kissed her one last time, "I love you."
"I love you too." She said while containing her emotion the best she could. She smiled, "Come back safe okay?"
Steve smiled then let go of Peggy, grabbed his duffle and swung it on his back and then slowly stepped back.
Peggy called out, "You better come back and marry me Steve!"
Steve smiled, "Oh I will Peggy!" He waved.
Peggy pointed to Dugan, "Dugan! You better watch out for him!"
Dugan laughed, "He's Captain America, he watches us."
Peggy blew a kiss to Steve as he and Dugan turned around and walked away to board the ship. She watched them as she covered her mouth with one hand as she slowly cried. It wasn't like Steve was going to war, but she grown quite attached to him and hated to see him go.
The days, weeks, and months that followed Steve's deployment was rocked with uneasiness and fear as she and Jarvis continued on to clear Stark's name by themselves. Jarvis and Peggy discovered how Stark got his vault broken into and then located the ship docked in the bay where a number of Stark's inventions were located. Jarvis unanimously tipped off the SSR about the ship, while Peggy fought a large unknown man who was onboard. She was able to knock him out and the duo were able to escape without a trace before the SSR showed up. Once the SSR arrived, they boarded the vessel and took custody of all the inventions onboard and captured the man Peggy knocked out. Agent Ray Krzeminski was assigned by Chief Dooley to escort their new witness back to headquarters, but unfortunately Krzeminski was killed at gun point along with the witness immediately after leaving the pier. Chief Dooley and the SSR blame Stark for the death of Krzeminski. The reasoning was that he may not have pulled the trigger but his actions lead to his death.
Shortly after the death of Agent Krzeminski, Peggy was working hard to clear Stark's name while she did her best to cover her tracks from the SSR. The shroud of being charged for treason seems to be enveloping her more and more. Ever since Steve left for Europe, she hasn't been a 100%. She knew he could take care of himself, but she couldn't help but worry. Things didn't brighten when she found out Stark returned to New York City from overseas and was being held ransom in a train yard by subordinates of the smuggler named Otto Mink. Peggy and Jarvis quickly staged a rescue, and in no time they got Stark free. After his rescue, Peggy reluctantly lets Stark stay in her room in the Griffith.
Peggy warns Stark multiple times of the land lady Miriam Fry's hatred for prolonged guests. She tells Stark to keep a low profile, but Stark is busy gallivanting in other rooms to spend time with women. After Stark's multiple exploits, he tells Peggy that he is searching for a devastating device called the Blitzkrieg Button. She promises Stark that she'll get the device. Peggy parks her car at her usual spot on the side of the street near the SSR and goes to work as usual, but this time goes through the tech department and locates all of Stark's inventions they acquired from the ship. She finds the Blitzkrieg Button and carefully puts it in her purse and slips away undetected.
She later opens the device and discovers a vial of blood inside it. She then confronts Stark back in her room, and Stark tells her that he was entrusted with one of twelve samples of Steve's blood, while the government was supposed to have eleven they ended up having ten. The reason of that is because he swiped one of them to give to Peggy before they found Steve in the ice. Stark wanted to use the vial of blood to be the catalyst of change, to use what it can provide to save the world. He believed that Steve's blood may even cure sicknesses that many still believe are incurable. Peggy punched Stark in the face, and yells at him for using Steve's blood to make money. She tells Stark forcefully that he is using the generosity, kindness, and professionalism of Steve to line his pockets, and souring what Steve fights for. Both Peggy and Stark have a falling out causing her to throw him out of their room. Peggy resorts to hiding the vial of blood in the wall of her room for safe keepings.
The SSR at the other hand discovered some interesting news from a homeless veteran who was at the pier. Agent Sousa and Thompson find out a woman and a man boarded the ship, but the woman wasn't blonde. She had dark hair. Sousa decides to look at the picture they have of the blonde woman again.
SSR New City Branch "Bell Co. Office"
Just another day in the Big Apple, but this time it was a little rainy than usual. The weather like today reminds Peggy of England back when she spent a lot of time there. She didn't hate the rain nor did she love it, but the rain did bring a little pleasant change to her. She stepped out of the elevator into the SSR headquarters carrying her small brown purse, and wearing a woman's dark blue business suit with a brown belt that wrapped around her torso at stomach height. She just came from the automat where she met up with Dottie to help her find places to visit in New York City. The clumsy bubbly Dottie was very pleasant with her in the morning, but Peggy enjoyed her company nonetheless.
Peggy stepped into the office and saw that the office was extremely chaotic, she quickly walked toward her desk to see what's going on. She spotted Sousa limping toward her, "Daniel, what's going on?"
Sousa limped by her toward the briefing room, "The magic typewriter turned itself on all by itself."
Peggy followed him and asked curiously, "What did the message say?" They walked side by side as they cut between desks on their way to the briefing room.
"It's encoded. We got a cryptographer from Arlington trying to crack it." He shook his head, "He uh…stinks at his job." He opened the door to the briefing room for Peggy.
They entered the room to see a slightly overweight man, who is supposed to be the cryptographer, sitting at the table next to the typewriter surrounded by books and messy stacks of paper. Thompson and Chief Dooley were crowding the man and were obviously increasingly impatient. Thompson was without his suit jacket with his white dress shirt sleeves rolled up and Dooley in his usual grey suit, both stared coldly at the cryptographer. The man, said nervously, "It's obviously not a German cypher or the Turing Method would work." The man fiddled through his coding book.
Dooley stepped closer to the man's left, "What would work in your estimation." He said coldly. Sousa sighed and took a seat at one of the chairs while Peggy stood and watched the scene unfold.
Thompson stepped closer to the man's right and threw the coding book across the room. He leaned down and hovered near him, "You already looked through that book ten times." He said coldly. Both Peggy and Sousa sighed as they watched the situation worsen.
The man nervously stuttered, "I-I have to take this back to Virginia where I…"
Dooley put a hand on his hip and shook his head, "You're not taking that anywhere."
The man shot up from his seat, and it became apparent that the man was clearly shorter than Dooley and Thompson. "Look as difficult as it might be, for you people to understand I can't beat a code into submission!" He turned to Thompson, "Or SHOOT it with a gun." He said frustratingly.
Thompson stood straight and looked down at the short man, "Yeah." He stepped closer to him, "But that works great with pencil pushers like you." He said in a threatening tone. The man stepped back nervously
Peggy did one of the many things she's good at. Solve problems. She stepped forward, "May I see it." Her beautiful English voice broke the tense situation. She took the code and a piece of paper and started to decrypt it herself. Dooley sighed and paced the room impatiently. She looked at it then quickly came to a realization, "I seen a code like this before. It's a onetime pad system.
The man looked down at her, "You think I didn't try a pad immediately." He said frustratingly.
Peggy looked at him, "Did you account the original message to be written in Russian?" She said plainly.
The man stayed silent. Dooley glared at him then looked down at Peggy, "Can you read it?"
Peggy started to decode the message, "Map coordinates." The man plopped down on his seat and sighed in defeat. She wrote down the coordinates and read aloud so everyone could hear her, "53 degrees, 17 minutes north, 27 degrees, and 37 minutes west." Dooley signaled Sousa to find out where the location is. Peggy continued, "Purchased confirmed 0800, April 27."
Thompson crossed his arms and looked at the calendar across the room, "That's less than four days from now."
Sousa found the coordinates, "Coordinates are in the Maryna Horka Forest in Belarus."
Thompson looked sternly at Peggy and Sousa, "That's deep in Soviet territory."
Peggy continued to decrypt the code, "Leviathan…to acquire prototype…Havoc reactor."
"I'm sorry. Leviathan?" Thompson asked curiously.
Sousa sat down on the table, "As far as I know, it's an Old Testament sea monster…who types apparently."
Dooley chimed in, "No. It's a covert Russian organization… supposedly." He paused briefly, "I always thought it was a spook story. Rumors had it, after the war, their group wanted to purchase weapons to fight the allies."
Thompson looked down at Peggy, "Well, if they're real and if she's reading that right…" He began as he doubted Peggy's abilities.
Peggy interrupted him, "SHE is trying to concentrate, thank you." She looked at him coldly. She continued her decryption, "Payment of… $100,000 American upon delivery." She paused and realized what the last part read. She had to continue, "Payable to…Howard Stark." She stood straight upon completing her task.
Thompson clapped his hands excitedly, "Hot damn! We got him!" He pointed down at the code, "We got Stark red-handed selling weapons to the reds."
Dooley looked at Thompson, "Thompson grab your gear. You're heading to Belarus ASAP. Take Li and Ramirez."
Peggy jumped in, "And Carter."
Dooley looked at her surprised, "Come again?"
"And Carter. There is no one more qualified to go on this mission." Peggy looked sternly at him, "I'm going to the Soviet Union." She said confidently.
Peggy and Thompson were both arguing their reasoning to Dooley as they followed him back to his office. Peggy trying to convince Dooley that she is qualified to go while Thompson refuses to have Peggy come along solely because she's a woman. Their argument continued to escalate in Dooley's office as Dooley sighed at them bickering. Dooley raised his voice, "Enough! Both of you." He sat down on his chair and leaned back, "It's your team Thompson, what do you want?" He asked at the brink of anger.
Thompson sat down on his desk and sighed, "Look, it's great that Carter cracked the code. I am proud of her. I AM." He shook his head, "But, we have no idea what we're getting into over there, okay?" He started to list out things he needs, "I don't need brains. I need brawn, I need…"
Peggy interrupted, "You need someone who speaks the language and understands the region."
Thompson yelled and pointed to the door, "Ramirez speaks Russian!"
Peggy stated calmly, "I spent three years in the mud of Europe. The Eastern Front, the Western Front, and Everything in between." She looked at Thompson, "And I became a qualified sniper and counter sniper."
Thompson looked at her, "Yes. Surrounded by our best MEN."
"Agent Thompson, do you know what the smell of Hearing in the air in the middle of a Belarusian summer."
Thompson smiled smugly, "Mm, Someone's having a fish fry."
"It means wind is blowing in from the Baltic. It means a snow storm in July, and if you can smell the wind, it means you have 30 minutes to find shelter and build a fire before your die of Hypothermia in the morning." She said plainly, "I know all this because I've been there." Dooley raised his eyebrows, actually impressed with Carter.
Thompson smiled smugly and stood up, "Now I know too." Peggy rolled her eyes.
Dooley looked up at her, "Put yourself in my shoes Carter. If I send you and you get killed, I'm the moron who got a woman." Peggy shook her head. Dooley continued, "I send you and one of my guys buys it, I'm the one who set him up to die." He nodded at her, "I know you spent time in the Soviet Union. But we're setting up a European Tac Team that knows the terrain."
Peggy shook her head, "Not like I do. Not like Captain Rogers, the 107th, and the BRT." She looked at him, "You sent me with them before to grab General Reinhardt."
Thompson laughed, "That was because Captain America wanted you." He shook his head, "Besides no one knows Europe better than them." He looked at Dooley, "Captain America, the 107th, and the BRT are all on deployment in Europe right now. I wish I can snatch them up, but we can't because Uncle Sam has other things planned for them."
Peggy looked at Dooley, "What would you say if I can deliver them."
Dooley stated plainly, "I'd say, pack your bags. But that's not going to happen." Peggy turned on her heel and left the office for her desk.
Thompson laughed, "I'm going to miss her." He leaned on Dooley's desk, "Chief you really can't be seriously considering sending…"
Dooley held a hand up, "Son. I like you. But, I'm running an office here." He shook his head, "I got the vice president of the United States calling me at home, asking me when I'm going to deliver him Howard Stark. At the SAME time, I got a Nazi war criminal telling me that Stark was involved in a massacre. I'm trying to run an investigation here." He pointed at Thompson, "I don't have time on my docket. For your little CRUSH on Carter."
Thompson stood up, "Yes sir." He said plainly.
Peggy called Camp Lehigh to find a way to get a hold of Colonel Phillips or Steve. After she told the secretary that she was from the SSR, the secretary transferred the call to the acting base commander. The acting base commander answered, "Lieutenant Colonel Walt, acting base Commander of Camp Lehigh." Peggy recognized the voice and name.
She responded calmly and respectfully, "Good Morning Colonel, My name is Agent Margaret Carter of the SSR." She had to be cautious just in case he didn't remember her.
"Oh! How you doing Margaret! What do you need?" He responded happily realizing who it was.
"I'm doing very well. Do you remember France? You still owe me from that fire fight in France back in the summer of '44." She said humorously.
"How can I forget? What can I do for the soon to be Mrs. Captain America."
"I'm trying to head out to Belarus to track down a Soviet organization that is trying to buy illegal weapons and I need Steve…sorry, Captain Rogers and the 107th Commandos to meet me at the Polish side of the Russian border. Tell Colonel Phillips it's from Peggy." Peggy said quickly.
The Lieutenant Colonel said calmly, "You got it. Stand by." Peggy heard the phone go silent. After a long moment the Lieutenant Colonel came back on the phone, "Colonel Phillips has ordered Captain Rogers and the Commandos to meet you at your location."
"Thank you Walt." Peggy smiled while she spoke.
"Oh and both Colonel Phillips sends his regards." Lt. Col Walt said in a cheery tone, "Take care and good luck Agent Carter." They both hung up the phones.
Peggy entered the office just as Thompson was telling Dooley the plan. She leaned on the door frame, "Captain Rogers and the Commandos will meet us at the Polish side of the border. That is the most obvious one isn't it?"
Dooley nodded, "Gear up. You roll out in an hour." Thompson was about to argue but Dooley looked sternly at him, "That's all." Peggy smiled then left the office.
Peggy waited impatiently outside the men's locker room with her OD green canvas duffle bag full of gear. She shook her head at the childish tones and conversations taking place on the other side of the door. There are a lot of men and even women that just flat out disgust her. She sighed as she waited impatiently.
Thompson appeared from around the corner with his tie already undone around his neck and his canvas duffle bag, "Carter, if you're looking for a peep show, try Time Square." He said disrespectfully.
Peggy shook her head, "This is the only changing room in the SSR and I need to change."
Thompson walked passed her and stopped at the door, "Try the ladies room."
"The ladies' room is down stairs in the lobby of the ad agency. I'd rather suffer the musk of a men's locker room than have to change into tactical gear in a public restroom." She picked up her duffle bag with one hand.
Thompson shook his head, "Thought you'd be used to the musk of men. You know Captain America and all that." Peggy walked passed him and opened the door to the locker room. Thompson shook his head and called out to his fellow agents in the room, "Pull up your skirts boys!"
The door swung open revealing two agents in their white skivvies. Both Li and Ramirez clad in their white tank tops and white underwear got a shock when they saw Peggy walking through the door. Ramirez jumped in surprise, "Woah!"
Li shook his head, "Geez Carter give a guy some warning."
Peggy shook her head and went to the other side of the row of lockers from the men so she can change in private, "Oh, such fuss. Do none of you have sisters?"
Ramirez shook his head, "None that look like you."
Peggy put her duffle on the bench on her side of the locker room, "You know if you ever be so fortunate to have a woman in your life, you would need to get comfortable being a little intimate."
Li spoke up, "You offering?" He said sarcastically. Peggy rolled her eyes as she unpacked. Ramirez punched him hard on the shoulder. Li reacted, "Ow!"
Peggy spoke up, "Thank you Ramirez!"
"You got it!" He replied back.
Thompson put his bag down next to the men, "Come on congratulate the lady, she's coming with us."
Li got his utility trousers on, "Jack, you really think that's a good idea?"
Thompson unbuttoned his dress shirt, "Not my call."
Li leaned forward and whispered, "We can't be responsible to baby sit…"
Thompson turned around to Li and said sternly, "Let me know if you want to stay home. I got six guys out there who'd love to take your place."
Peggy removed a vest that looked like a standard Army Air Corps flak jacket but was far lighter and had chain mail lined on the outside. She looked at it surprised, "Oh this is new. It's lighter than it looks, but pretty loud if you ask me."
Thompson removed his, "Yep. Lab boys just dropped it off. It's 10% Titanium alloy." He put his vest on the bench, "Although, I don't think they had 38-22-38 in mind when they designed it."
Peggy started to unbutton her suit to get undressed, "I just want this thing to stop a bullet from hitting something important."
"I can't imagine what Carter." Thompson said sarcastically.
"I might want to start a family in the future, and I need them to do that Agent Thompson." She said sternly.
"That's, 'I need them to do that, sir'" Thompson said as he removed his shirt to get his gear on.
Peggy replied sarcastically, "Yes, sir, Lieutenant Junior Grade, sir."
Thompson smiled, "Guess you're so used to serving UNDER a Captain, huh?"
"I'm used to serving with men, not so much boys." She shot back.
Ramirez laughed lightly, "Oh. She got you Jack." Li chuckled.
Sousa entered the locker room with a file in hand, he didn't notice Peggy was on the other side as he limped forward. He limped to Thompson and handed him the file, "Field reports, maps, weather, charts, all known bogey dope of the area." He nodded and finished off, "And dossiers files on the tac team." Thompson opened the folder and looked through it. Sousa nodded, "Though, Carter is all you need on them."
Peggy smiled as she removed her business blouse. She was now only wearing her bra and her business skirt.
Thompson smiled, "As thorough as ever Sousa. Good work." He came to a realization, "Compass! I need my compass." He looked around then came to another realization, "Sousa, my compass is in locker 42. Can you grab it for me pal?"
Sousa nodded, "You got it." He limped away. Thompson paused and held up a three count to his fellow agents behind him. They went silent and smiled widely as they anticipated for what came next.
Peggy was just about to remover her bra when Sousa appeared. She jumped in surprise, "Oh Bloody Nora!" She turned around quickly and grabbed her suit jacket and covered her chest.
Sousa almost fell back in shock, "Oh! Uh… You're…"
Peggy nodded, "Yes, Everything is fine."
Thompson called out, "Found it!" His fellow agents laughed along with him. He called out again, "You don't have to worry about it, Sousa." He laughed, "Though I wouldn't tell Captain America you were eyeing his half naked fiancé" Everyone but Peggy and Sousa laughed.
Peggy cleared her throat, "Is there anything else, Daniel?"
Sousa stuttered, "Uh...uh…NO." He saw a scar on her right shoulder and realized it was an old gunshot wound. They were quiet for an long awkward moment as they both regained their composure.
Peggy nodded, "Alright then."
"Have a swell trip." He turned around quickly as he turned a bright shade of red.
"Right thank you." Peggy replied. She called out to Thompson, "Agent Thompson, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sir, you are a bloody wanker."
"If you're going to insult me, at least do it in English I understand." Thompson replied back.
"I tried, but then I'd have to tell the joke multiple times for you to get it." Li and Ramirez laughed lightly. Peggy smiled as she reluctantly removed her engagement ring from her finger.
Poland 1946
Days later, after crossing the Atlantic, and multiple flights through Europe, the team was finally on their last leg of the trip to drop into Poland at the edge of the Belarusian border. They were officially in hostile territory, since this is the Soviet Union. Unlike other nations after the war, the Soviet Union maintained its large army and military in order to counter its next big adversary. The United States. The SSR team was essentially in dangerous water now.
The C-47 sky train carrying the team was painted OD Green on the fuselage and top of the wings, and painted black on the entire bottom to maintain a stealthy entrance. The plane flew at high altitude in the clear midnight sky so it wouldn't be spotted as easily from farmers and villagers on the ground. The skies were clear and the moon was bright, but the plane still managed to be hardly visible in the night sky. Peggy sat near the door in the small dark confines of the plane. Her main parachute, reserve chute, and her Thompson submachine gun were already bulky as it is. But, she also carried a canvas bag full of ammunition and supplies on her chest and wore a green M1 helmet. She was pretty bulky like everyone else, but unlike the men her hair was tied up nice and neat under the green helmet. Like everyone else she wore a black combat blouse, OD green combat trousers, and black boots.
The plane bounced as it hit turbulence in the Polish skies. Peggy grabbed one of the beams to steady herself as the plane bounced. She looked around in the dark and saw Ramirez and Li sitting together near the front of the plane waiting patiently for the green light. She looked right and saw the Army jump master sticking his head out of the door. She then looked in front of her and saw Thompson rocking himself back and forth as he fiddled with his hands nervously. Peggy smiled and called out over the sound of the loud engines of the plane, "Relax! You might sprain something. It's just how you remember it."
Thompson shook his head, "You a mind reader, or is that your woman's intuition speaking?"
"How's this for women's intuition. This is your first jump, isn't it?" Peggy started to put on her gloves.
"Ninth." Thompson nodded, "Eight training jumps. I was a Marine in the Pacific, we didn't do this whole jump out of planes thing."
Peggy smiled, "Well you've infiltrated hostile territory before. Just relax and follow our lead."
Thompson nodded, "Thanks Carter, but I already have a mother." He said nervously.
"JUST Relax. You're starting to make me nervous." She laughed.
"What I need right now. Are soldiers." Thompson said confidently. Peggy chuckled.
Suddenly a red light came on at the door way. The jump master looked at his watch then called out as loud as he could to be heard over the loud engines, "FIVE MINUTES! FIVE MINUTES!" He made a hook sign with his finger, "Make ready!" Everyone took out the silver static line hook attacked to their main chutes. The jump master signaled everyone to stand up with his arms, "Stand up!" Everyone stood up. Thompson stood in front of Peggy as Ramirez and Li stopped behind her. "HOOK UP!" Yelled the jump master. Everyone did as they were told and locked the line hook onto the wire above them. The jump master patted his shoulders, "Equipment check!" Everyone began checking each other's equipment to make sure everything was secure and tight. Thompson checked his helmet for the nth time. "Sound off for equipment check!"
Li patted Ramirez's shoulder, "Four Okay!"
Ramirez tapped Peggy's shoulder, "Three Okay!"
Peggy did the same for Thompson, "Two Okay!"
Thompson stuttered, "One. One Okay!" He turned around to Peggy, "The Tac Team better be there!"
"They will!" Peggy yelled.
"They better be!"
The light went green and the Jump master called out, "GO! GO!"
Thompson yelled, "Let's go boys!" He charged out the door followed by Peggy, Ramirez, and Li.
Everyone made a clean jump and landed in the middle of a flat snow covered Polish clearing that was surrounded by tall trees. Luckily their jump was spot on, so no one got caught landing in the tall trees. Everyone got their chutes and reserves off their body and got ready to go. The team carried their opens chutes, reserves, and helmets into the tree line to cover their tracks. Li found a nice natural hole to throw their expended gear into, Peggy and Ramirez quickly threw snow covered branches and foliage onto their gear to cover any trace of their landing. Peggy breathed the cold Polish air as she threw on her canvas bag loaded with ammunition and supplies.
Thompson nodded, "We're eight klicks east from the RV. I'll take point, Carter you're tale end Charlie." He walked forward quietly with his Thompson submachine gun out, "Stay tight."
Peggy checked to make sure her hair didn't come undone from the jump. She then unslung her weapon and followed closely to the group.
After walking for what seemed forever in the dark frosty Polish night in the dense forest, they approached their rendezvous point. Thompson heard a branch snap causing and quickly got down on one knee causing everyone to follow. He pointed his weapon at the direction of the noise and whispered to his team, "Don't move."
A deep voice rang through the darkness, "Emu."
Thompson looked confused and whispered to his team, "What?" He kept his weapon up.
He heard a male English voice come from behind, "Ostrich Man! Ostrich!" Ramirez and Li quickly trained their weapons to the rear. Peggy lowered her weapon and chuckled to herself.
The man with the deep voice called back, "Shut up!" He softened, "Emu." Peggy smiled and stood up. Thompson looked at her sternly then back ahead.
The English man spoke up again, "Bloody hell. Carter, Dugan forgot the bloody password again."
Peggy stepped forward passed Thompson and saw a large burly looking man in a Bowler hat come out from the shadows. Peggy smiled, "The password is 'Eagle'. You apes."
A man with a large mustache stepped into the moon light with a big smile and holding a trench gun. He smiled, "Oh, Hi Peggy." He said cheerfully. He looked at the agents, "Fellas." More armed soldiers stepped into the moon light surrounding the SSR agents.
Li stepped forward and whispered to Thompson, "Thompson, that's Dum-Dum Dugan." He said excitedly as he pointed out to the man with the Bowler hat.
Peggy smiled, "Li, Ramirez, Thompson." She nodded to the commandos, "This is Dugan, Gabe Jones, Jim Morita, James Montgomery Falsworth, and Jacques Dernier." She listed off the original veterans of the group. She nodded to the new ones, "That is 'Junior' Juniper, 'Pinky' Pinkerton, and 'Happy Sam' Sawyer. This is the Howling Commandos, our tactical team part of the 107th and the BRT" She said happily. She knew the new guys' names because Steve told her all about them and even showed her a picture of them, she was essentially the expert on the team aside from the members themselves.
Ramirez started to get excited, "You… you the Howling Commandos are all legends."
Happy Sam Sawyer rolled his eyes, "I hate that name"
Dugan looked at Sawyer, "Buck up man. I made that name."
Sawyer groaned, "That you did…"
"Hey, Captain America endorses that name." Junior said plainly. Junior looks so young he doesn't look like he's even old enough to shave.
"Don't remind me. He's the only reason I put up with it." Sawyer groaned. Suddenly the agents realized why he's called "Happy" Sam Sawyer.
Ramirez smiled happily, "Dugan and the rest of you…did you all fight side by side with Captain America during the war?"
The original members nodded. Dugan nodded to Peggy, "Yeah. But…not as long as her." Peggy smiled. He smiled at the agents, "You all better treat her right she's an incredible woman." Peggy chuckled as the other agents including Thompson just stared. Jacques Dernier started speaking French to Dugan. Dugan shook his head, "You been with us for so long! And you haven't picked up a lick of English yet!" Jacques just shrugged.
Gabe chuckled, "He said to be careful. You sound like you're falling in love with Peggy." Peggy laughed.
Dugan was about to retaliate when Jim spoke up with clattering teeth, "Can we get moving. My nuts are freezing." Jim shivered with his hands in his pockets while he carried the team radio. Everyone but Thompson laughed.
Thompson stepped forward and shook Dugan's hand, "Agent Jack Thompson, I'm running point for the SSR."
Dugan looked at Peggy then back at Thompson, "The Colonel said Peggy was taking point." Peggy elbowed him in the gut. Dugan hunched forward and groaned, "Alright Jack…you're on point."
Peggy started to look around curiously to see if Steve was here since he's supposed to be here with them right now. She wasn't concerned as of yet, but she couldn't help being curious of his whereabouts at the moment. Thompson leaned back, "We'll head do east till we hit the border."
Steve emerged from the shadows behind Dugan in his "Stars and Stripes" combat uniform with his helmet on and his shield strapped to his back, "We'll hit a wall of Soviets before we reach the border." He just got back from scouting their present location and found nothing to worry about. Peggy smiled happily at him, she was extremely happy to see her fiancé again. Steve looked at her and smiled warmly at her briefly. He looked to Dugan, "You got the road map."
Ramirez was about to have a heart attack as his idol and hero stood before him. Li slapped his shoulder to try to get him to calm down. Typical Sawyer rolled his eyes at Ramirez.
Dugan nodded, "We'll head up to Lithuania, cross over into Belarus."
Thompson looked at Steve and Dugan, "You all planning on walking halfway across Lithuania?"
Dugan looked at Steve and they both chuckled to themselves. Steve laughed, "Well Thompson, that's up to you." He walked passed him and then looked at Peggy, "Care to join me Agent Carter."
She smiled and played along, "Why I never thought you'd ask." She joined Steve as they walked through the trees together.
Dugan laughed, "We will take the trucks." He patted Thompson on the shoulder and walked passed him.
Behind the trees was a small road with two US Army 2.5 ton 6x6 cargo trucks and a US Army motorcycle. Steve walked next to Peggy as he directed the newly formed team, "Load up! I'll take the motorcycle and scout ahead for any Soviet activity." Everyone acknowledged his orders and made their way to the trucks. He looked down at Peggy, "Well, have to cut our reunion short Peggy."
Peggy smiled, "it's okay darling." She kissed him for a long moment. Thompson stopped and couldn't help but to watch for a moment. She cut the kiss and smiled at Steve, "I'm really happy to see you again Steve." She ran a gentle hand across his jaw that wasn't covered by his helmet, "It's been a while. I missed you."
Steve smiled, "I missed you too Peggy." He said warmly.
Peggy kissed him again, "I love you." She let him go so he can get on the bike.
"I love you too." He said lovingly.
Dugan laughed, "Let's go love birds!" He waved his hand at them. He then turned to the SSR agents, "Agents join Junior and Happy Sam in the lead truck. Pinkerton will drive." He looked at Peggy excitedly, "Peggy join the rest of us in the second." Everyone paused as they saw Steve start the bike and drive off rapidly down the frosty road.
Gabe chuckled as he loaded the truck, "She's engaged Dugan…" The Howling Commandos actually only found out recently from the newspaper about the engagement of their Captain and Peggy. The Commandos obviously were extremely happy and excited for them, but had to give Steve some trash because he didn't tell them right away. Steve later told all the details about how he proposed after the commandos roasted him for a good day or two for not telling them immediately.
Dugan turned back to Gabe, "Shut up. She has something of mine."
Peggy laughed, "Oh come off it boys. I'll go on the truck just as long as Jim isn't driving."
Jim hopped onto the truck and protested, "That truck crash wasn't my fault. We hit a land mine!"
"Yeah, if we really did hit a land mine we would be dead." Peggy retorted. Everyone laughed.
Steve rode his motorcycle about a mile ahead of everyone else, making sure there wasn't any Soviets on the road to stop them. Behind him were the two 6x6 trucks speeding down the twisting frosty Soviet road. In the last truck Peggy sat between Dugan and Falsworth, and across from them was Jim with his radio while Gabe was driving the truck with Jacques Dernier riding shotgun.
Jim smiled, "We haven't seen you in a while Peggy." He looked out the truck, "Shoot…it's been months…maybe even a year." He laughed, "Was the last time we saw you the day we all got back from our deployment in Europe in '45?"
Peggy nodded with a smile, "Yes I believe it was." She laughed, "Just got back from our time in Austria."
Dugan came in sarcastically, "Yeah. I remember when you two told us you got engaged all the way in Austria in front of a beautiful panoramic view of the Alps." He nodded, "OH. Right you two didn't tell us. We had to find it out on the newspaper!"
Peggy laughed and patted Dugan on the knee, "I figured you all would eventually find out about it." Only reason she didn't want the Commandos to know is because she know they are a talkative bunch, especially when drunk. At the time she didn't want many people to know about their engagement, she wanted it private…and the Commandos would more than likely tell the world from the seats of a bar.
Falsworth's calm English voice came in, "Give her a break. Congratulate her on the engagement." He laughed, "We already gave the Captain a bunch lip for it."
Jim nodded, "Congratulations Peggy. You and him make the perfect couple."
Peggy was a little taken back from his statement, she simply smiled, "Thanks Jim."
Dugan put a hand up, "Before I congratulate you…why did you two not tell us?"
Peggy nodded, "I wanted to keep it private as long as possible." She shrugged, "The less people knew about it, the more private we can be. Steve, believe it or not, doesn't exactly have a private life. Everyone knows what he looks like."
Jim asked curiously, "What, you don't trust us to keep it quiet?"
"No. You'll tell it to the world in no time." She laughed.
Dugan laughed, "Ow Peggy."
Falsworth shook his head, "I wouldn't trust any of you in holding my first child." Peggy stared at him with a raised eyebrow. He put his hands up, "But I trust you and the Captain no doubt!" Peggy nodded with a victorious smile.
Dugan patted Peggy on the lap, "Well. Congrats!" He went stern for a moment, "You're inviting us to your wedding right?"
"Of course." Peggy said with a smile. She continued, "Steve and I were trying to make the wedding plans, but we've been caught up trying to clear Stark's name."
Falsworth nodded, "Ah Stark…that little rascal is always getting into trouble." He shrugged, "Always getting us into trouble. From Europe during the war to this mess with those Leviathan chaps." He laughed, "He sure knows how to pick 'em."
Peggy shrugged, "The SSR got it all wrong, and they think Stark is selling weapons to Leviathan and enemies of the United States. He may be an utter wanker but he's still one of us."
Falsworth laughed, "Wow."
Dugan nodded, "We can't do much like you and Steve, but we've been looking into it with him when we get a chance." He smiled, "But…You better invite all of us to your wedding or I swear I…"
Peggy put a hand up, "We are, we are."
He nodded, "Good then." He looked out of the truck then lowered his voice, "Back to business. Peggy do you have what I asked for?" The truck bounced on the road a few times as it progressed along the frosty road. Falsworth and Jim stared at them curiously.
Peggy smiled, "From our own private stash." She removed a bottle of Bourbon from her canvas bag and handed it to Dugan.
"Ah, Attagirl." Dugan took out his silver canteen cup and held it out in front of him along with the bottle of bourbon, "Get your cups out fellas." Jim and Falsworth got excited and quickly grabbed their cups. Peggy smiled as she watched her friends get excited over a simple bottle of bourbon. Dugan began to pour into his cup, "See the Germans are geniuses when it comes to beer." He started to pour Bourbon into Jim's cup, "But no one knows Bourbon like the U.S. of A." Peggy laughed. Dugan began to pour into Falsworth's cup. After he finished pouring he looked at Peggy curiously, "where's your cup?"
Peggy shook her head, "Don't want any." She said with a warm smile.
Dugan screwed the cap on the bottle, "Suit your…" He paused then looked at Peggy curiously again, "Wait…are you…"
Peggy raised her hands a little surprised, "Me? No. No heavens no. Not yet at least. I hope not actually, it be bad timing."
Jim laughed, "It be interesting to see little Captain America's running around."
"A pleasant thought." Said Falsworth in between sips of bourbon.
"I am thinking about it, but I just want to get married first." Peggy said happily. She laughed as she leaned to Dugan, "I don't drink when I'm on a mission like this."
Dugan raised his cup, "Understandable. More for us." He took a sip then looked at Peggy, "You think this whole deal we're heading to is a trap?" He shook his head, "It's always a damn trap."
Peggy nodded, "That's why we bring the guns. Question is, if Leviathan is trying to lure us in with promises of capturing Howard, then what is it they really want?"
Jim burped, "maybe it's the pleasure of your company." He burped again.
Dugan took out a cigar and plopped into his mouth and was ready to light it, when suddenly Peggy yanked from his mouth and threw it out the back of the truck. He yelled in surprise, "Hey!"
Peggy smiled, "You all smell bad enough."
"And you used to be fun!" he said shocked.
Falsworth took a sip of his bourbon, "Don't tell me being engaged to the Captain made you boring." He laughed.
Peggy chuckled, "Still am. Just annoyed with the SSR agents."
Dugan laughed, "Those agents giving you a hard time?"
"Only all the time." She chuckled.
Jim burped again, "We'll show them." Everyone laughed.
After hours of driving in the dark, the column of vehicles pulled over to the side of the road to rest for the night. The team dismounted the vehicles and set up camp and a camp fire in the tree line so they can stay warm in the cold Eastern European air. Jacques made chow from their rations as Thompson, Li, and Ramirez joined Steve in scouting their surrounding area. The rest of the team including Peggy sat on logs and rocks around the fire and cracked jokes as they waited for the food to be made.
Peggy smiled at Gabe, "How we doing?"
Gabe spoke in French to Jacques who then quickly responded. Gabe looked at Peggy, "He says we're almost done, though don't expect a gourmet dish. This is military food after all." He sat on the ground and leaned back on his log.
Dugan laughed, "Just keep it easy on the beans. The Reds will know we're coming just my smelling the air." Everyone laughed.
Peggy chuckled, "I'm sure they can already smell you Dugan."
Sawyer rolled his eyes, "You won't believe how much soap this guy needs just for him to smell less like ass."
Pinkerton's strong English accent broke through the conversation, "Doesn't matter. He still smells like ass."
Everyone laughed. Jacques spoke in French and signaled for everyone to hand him their plates so he could serve everyone food. Out of the shadows walked out Steve and Thompson. Thompson unslung his weapon and took a seat on a log across from Peggy, "Coast is clear, Li and Ramirez are taking the night watch. We should be good to go by first light."
Dugan smiled and leaned back on his rock, "Which means…we stand relieved." He said happily relaxing.
Steve laughed as he stepped around Jim, Falsworth, and Junior, "Hey, did Junior tell you his Abominable Snowman encounter when we crossed into Poland?" He strolled casually to sit next to Peggy on her log as he removed his helmet.
Peggy reached for his hand and gently pulled him down as he sat, "Hey." She said quietly. When he sat down she immediately leaned into him causing him to wrap an arm around her shoulder. They cherished their mutual warmth.
Jim handed Junior the bottle of bourbon. Junior stuttered, "I never said anything about…a…Abominable Snowman."
Pinkerton laughed, "In fairness he did specify Yeti."
"Yeah a Yeti." Junior agreed.
Dugan laughed, "Sorry, it was a little hard to make out words in between the sobbing." Everyone laughed. Peggy continued her light laugh as she hugged Steve's frame.
Junior took a swig of the bourbon, "Shut up it was scary."
Thompson received a plate of chow from Jacques. He nodded in thanks as Jacques moved on. Thompson smiled, "So what's the difference between an abominable snowman and a Yeti?"
Junior gulped down another sip of bourbon, "One's real and one isn't." Everyone laughed.
Peggy looked at Thompson and laughed, "So I hear they got mermaids in Japan. Run into them?"
Steve smiled wide, "Story time."
Junior passed the bottle of Bourbon to Falsworth, "yeah story time!"
Dugan chuckled, "Easy there junior. Behave and maybe Captain might even tuck you in tonight." Everyone laughed.
Thompson took a sip of water from his canteen, "You all heard these stories before. Seen a lot of things dug a lot of holes and trenches. You're all salty commandos, you know the experience."
Peggy pried, "They don't hand out Navy Cross's for digging trenches." Everyone looked at Thompson silently.
Thompson nodded and gulped, "Yeah. Navy Cross." He went silent for a moment. After a while he groaned and repositioned himself, "1945. Okinawa. Shuri Line. Nothing detail. I fell asleep on a nigh watch. I wake up to see six Japanese soldiers walking into our position. Just waltzing in the dark." He hesitates, "One of them…bends down over my sleeping C.O. One more second he slit his throat. I snapped too, shot him in the back…then shot the rest. Before any of them knew I was there." Falsworth handed him the bottle of bourbon, he took it then saw the commandos raise their cups in a silent toast. Peggy included. He nodded and took a swig. He smiled, "I'm just curious now Cap…I mean sir."
Steve nodded, "Go ahead."
"All those stories I hear from veterans who fought by you and near you, and those who saw you in combat…"
Falsworth cut off Thompson, "We just gave you a toast, don't second guess the Captain. The stories about him are true."
Dugan nodded, "Stories that aren't part of that stupid adventure show." Peggy smiled and leaned into Steve. She could tell he became serious.
Thompson shook his head, "I'm not saying they aren't true… I'm curious of the fact that after all your heroics and missions…I never seen you ever have a medal on your chest." The commandos all came to think on it and realized he was right.
Peggy looked at him curiously and saw a serious look on his face. She gently put a hand on his lap and squeezed it affectionately. Steve spoke softly, "I don't have them anymore." He paused, "I don't need them… I didn't join the Army to win medals and to be called a hero, I joined the Army to make a difference and to do the right thing." He had a small smile cross his face, "bringing my fellow soldiers and my commandos home, and protecting those people who can't protect themselves…that's reward enough for me." Peggy smiled up at him. He looked down at her for a moment then back at the group, "I can't stand being called a hero. Heroes are made to be perfect in all things…I'm not." He smiled a friendly smile.
Thompson raised the bottle to the air, "To the Captain."
Everyone raised their cups, "to the Captain." The cheered then drank.
Steve shook his head as Peggy brought a hand to caress his cheek. She leaned up and kissed his cheek then nestled her head under his chin and held him tight. Steve smiled and hugged her back silently as they enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie of the group. Falsworth took out a small camera from his bag and took a couple pictures of the couple and the group. He hoped the camp fire lighting was good enough. Peggy opened her eyes and saw Falsworth with a camera, she pointed and asked, "Why does James have a camera?"
Steve chuckled, "To document our journey… and to get photos for good memories."
Sawyer sighed, "It's a waste of space Cap."
Jim rolled his eyes, "You're such a downer Sawyer."
Falsworth chuckled, "Its cause he can't shoot." Everyone chuckled.
Maryina Horka Forest, Belarus Deep in Soviet Territory
At first light the team moved out and made their way all the way into Belarus through Lithuania. After hours of driving through the cold forests of the Soviet controlled Eastern Europe they were finally near destination. The team drove their vehicles off road as far they could into the forest, once they felt they were a safe distance away from the road they covered their vehicles with camouflage netting, tarps, and foliage. Once that was done they walked through the trees to within a mile of their target and set up a little temporary observation post to scan their objective. Their objective was a Soviet complex of four large grey brick buildings that looked like old office buildings with two large chimneys protruding out vertically on each building. The complex was surrounded by a large stone wall that had barbed wire lining the top of it. What made matters worse was the complex was entirely in the open. The team was at the literal edge of the forest.
Thompson scanned the complex left and right with his binoculars and saw no sign of movement. He stood up and returned deeper into the forest where the team waited. He put his binoculars away, "Almost looks like nobody's home. We might've beaten the bad guys here."
Dugan said sarcastically, "So we could've slept for another hour?"
Peggy smiled, "Sorry Timothy but we need the advantage of surprise more than we need your beauty sleep."
Junior raised an eyebrow, "Timothy?" He said confused. Many of the commandos didn't actually know Dugan's first name.
Thompson quickly took lead, "we'll infiltrate the facility with teams of two." He nodded, "Pair up. No weapons discharge unless absolutely necessary." Peggy and the rest of the commandos stared at each other with a look of annoyance. A random SSR agent suddenly wanting to take charge of the U.S. Army's most lethal warriors didn't sit well with the commandos. They have way more respect for Peggy than Thompson, if any SSR agent is going to bark orders, it should be her. Thompson nodded, "Meet on the ground floor in 30. Clear?" Steve nodded and followed along, since this an SSR operation after all.
Sawyer looked at Steve for guidance, "Sir?" Steve stood quietly with his shield on his back and his helmet on.
Steve simply nodded at Peggy, "Peggy? This is your mission…"
Peggy smiled at Steve then looked at Thompson, "Agent Thompson's lead."
Thompson looked at Peggy smugly, "Got a better idea? Let's hear it."
Peggy shrugged, "Teams of two is faster. Teams of six is safer. We should take two teams of at least six, more security. Since discretion is the word of the day, we don't know what we're walking into down there."
Steve nodded, "Sounds like a plan." The commandos nodded in agreement and even Ramirez and Li agreed.
Thompson nodded, "Fine. Happy Sam, Pinkerton, Ramirez, Jim, and Falsworth with me. Good?" Peggy nodded.
Steve nodded as well, "Jump to it fellas. The rest of you are with me and Carter." Grabbed his shield and drew his .45 pistol as everyone else got their weapons ready. Everyone had automatic weapons except for Steve who had a pistol and Dugan who had a trench gun. Gabe carried the whopping M1919a6 Browning modified .30 Cal machine gun, Jim carried an M3 grease gun sub machine gun, and Falsworth carried the British Sten MkII while everyone else carried Thompson Submachine guns.
Thompson cocked his weapon, "Aces." Everyone split up and made their way quickly out of the tree line and ran hard toward the facility.
Once Steve's and Peggy's team cut the barb wire and climbed the wall, they broke the lock of one of the large metal doors to one of the buildings inside the compound. Steve took lead followed by Peggy. As the team slowly walked down the hallways and down stairs they were protected in the front by Steve's shield, which took up the majority of the tight hallways and stairways.
Steve spotted a door with a small clear window and saw something familiar through the window. He signaled his team to prepare to enter. Once the team was in position he kicked open the door and charged in, Peggy followed and brought her weapon up at the ready. Steve paused as he looked around the room and got a sudden chill. The room looked surprisingly like an American elementary class room, complete with the American flag, globe, posters of the president, identical American desks, a map of the United States, chalk board with English writing, and a projector. Steve stiffened as he was getting cautious, "This doesn't look right." He said as everyone walked in slowly behind him and Peggy.
Peggy lowered her weapon, "did everyone suddenly get a sudden chill up their knickers."
Junior lowered his weapon, "I would if I wore knickers." He said uneasily.
Dugan silently stepped around them and said quietly, "I'd stay away from her knickers if I was you Junior."
Li walked deeper into the classroom, thoroughly creeped out at the sight of this room resembling an American classroom. "Almost looks like an American boarding school…" He said as he accidentally bumped into the projector causing it to turn on by itself. The projector whirled to life and played a black and white cartoon of a woman screaming for help. Li jumped in surprise, "Oh! Sorry!"
Dugan gripped his trench gun, "Shut that thing off."
Steve saw something hidden in the cartoon real, "Wait." He looked at Peggy, "Peggy, did you see that?"
Peggy nodded, "I did." She walked to the projector and stopped the reals from spinning. She started to move the real slide by slide as she watched the now stop motion cartoon. She stopped when she saw the cartoon having a large Russian word hidden in the background of the picture. "Instill…" She said translating it. She turned the real a few more times and spotted another Russian word in the background of another frame, "…Fear."
Steve tensed as he felt a foreboding chill down his spine. He gripped his shield and pistol tightly. Junior chimed in nervously, "Really regretting the lack of knickers right now."
Jacques and Gabe peaked out the door to make sure nothing will get a jump on them. Gabe looked back at Steve, "We got a bad feeling about this Cap." Jacques replied his agreement in French.
Dugan nodded, "Don't worry kid. I think I might've pissed myself." Suddenly the team heard a kid crying in the distance. Everyone brought their weapons up cautiously.
Li looked around, "That's a little kid crying. What's a little kid doing in this place?"
Steve started to walk toward the sound of crying, "Careful. Follow me." He said cautiously. He paused briefly and turned around, "Gabe, Jacques take up the rear. Keep an eye out." They nodded in acknowledgement.
Steve led his team quietly down another hallway as they followed the sounds of a little kid crying. He slowly pushed open another door and entered a big room with rows of beds the size of little kids. Only except these beds had handcuffs attached to the bed posts. Li asked nervously, "Little kid beds?"
Peggy nodded, "It's a boarding school."
Gabe asked, "Why is there handcuffs on the beds."
Junior looked around the creepy looking room, "It's the Soviet Union man."
Jacques finally spoke English in a heavy French accent, "Bad feeling about this whole place. Smells like a trap." Li turned around in surprise.
Steve nodded, "If he's speaking English…we're about to hit a trap." Everyone tensed as they walked deeper into the room.
Dugan spotted a little girl curled up in a ball in front of her bed at the far corner of the room. She was in some kind of black Russian uniform with a low white skirt. He said quietly, "Peggy, Cap…" Everyone slowly walked forward and got a better view of the girl. Peggy lowered her weapon and watched Dugan slowly approach the girl. Dugan put his trench gun back in its holster on his back, "Its alright." He put his hands up, "We're here to help."
The girl slowly looked up at Dugan with innocent eyes. She looked around to the people in front of her and saw them lower their weapons. Then she recognized Captain America approaching the man in front of her. Dugan squatted down in front of her, "It's okay, we're not here to hurt you." She whimpers then slowly points to Dugan's hat. He smiled then bowed his head in front of her, "My hat? You like my hat?" She nodded. He smiled, "It's called a bowler hat." He chuckled, "It's called a bowler because…" he paused then quickly turned around, "Why do they call it a Bowler Peggy?" he asked curiously. Peggy and the group shared a brief chuckle.
Suddenly the girl pulled a knife and thrusted it into Dugan's chest causing him to lean forward and groan in pain. She rolled forward leaving the knife in his chest and was able to draw Dugan's pistol from his hip then she rolled again behind a bed. Everyone seemed to be reacting slowly…except for Steve. The girl pointed the weapon at Junior who was still trying to process what was going on. Steve quickly slid in front of Junior at the same time bringing his shield up to cover his head and upper body just as the girl pressed the trigger. The bullet ricocheted off the shield and hit the ceiling. Peggy quickly ran forward and kicked the gun away from the girl, but the girl still managed to quickly roll away from her as well. The girl slid under a bed then jumped over another one and power slide into a small square opening in the wall.
Dugan pulled the knife out from his chest and stood up. He angrily approached the opening and pulled out a grenade from one of his pouches. Peggy pointed her weapon at the small opening in the wall, "Dugan she's just a little girl."
Dugan shook his head, "She's anything but that." He was ready to pull the pin but Peggy stopped him.
"Dugan no!" She yelled. He sighed then slowly put the grenade away.
Steve patted Junior on the shoulder, "You alright?"
Junior nodded, "Yes sir. Thanks."
"No problem kid." Steve walked to Dugan and holstered his sidearm. He patted Dugan on the back, "You alright?"
Dugan nodded, "Yeah. The vest took the most of it. I'm good to go." Steve nodded. He signaled Gabe and Jacques to keep an eye on the opening.
Thompson and his team quickly showed up at the other side of the room. Thompson lowered his weapon when he saw friendly faces, "What happened."
Steve looked at Thompson, "We walked into a trap."
Peggy nodded, "There's a good chance Leviathan is alerted to our presence."
Thompson shook his head, "We come to far to turn back now…"
"We need to move quickly."
Dugan looked at Steve, "We need an exit strategy out the back…"
Steve nodded, "agreed, but we can't leave until we know who's setting up Stark." He turned around to the team, "Dugan, Pinky, Junior, Ramirez, find a way out of here." He looked at Peggy, "Peggy you got the road map?" Peggy nodded with a confident smile. Steve looked back at the team, "Everyone else follow me and Peggy."
The remaining team consisting of Steve, Peggy, Thompson, Li, Falsworth, Jim, Gabe, Jacques, and Sawyer pushed deeper into the facility to find out more about it, but more importantly discover Leviathan's plan and the link associated with Stark. Steve took point with his shield up as he lead the team down the cramped stairway to a subterranean hallway. They were now in a massive basement. He cautiously rounded the corner and spotted a Soviet Soldier standing guard about ten meters from him. Both the Soviet and Steve reacted quickly, but Steve reacted and moved faster than the Solider. Steve rocketed his shield at the soldier before he could get his weapon off safe. The shield with its uncanny physical and molecular properties hit the soldier with such velocity it bounced off his head and sent him unconscious. Instantaneously after striking the soldier, the shield hit and bounced off the wall back to Steve's hand.
Steve nodded to his team, "Gabe and Jacques stay here and cover our back." He started to walk down the hallway cautiously, "everyone else with me." The team complied.
They made their way down the hallway and realized on the left side of the hallway were cells in ten meter intervals with iron bar doors. The team began to check each cell as they walked, and each one they checked were empty and looked roughly the same. The cells were small individual rooms with a bunk bed center and perpendicular against the left wall, single dim light bulb hanging from the ceiling, grimy toilet on the far right corner, a small table and two chairs against the right wall, and dark concrete dirty walls.
Jim cleared another cell and said, "Never thought I'd see a hostile foreign cell again."
Steve whispered with light chuckle, "I don't know Jim, these cells look way better than the ones Hydra put you in."
Jim stopped in his tracks, "Don't remind me."
Falsworth sighed, "Good times…"
Peggy chimed in, "These cells are the typical look of communist oppression…"
Steve continued to lead the way down the hallway then stopped at the first cell with people inside it. Two middle aged men in ripped clothing stood behind the bunk bed and watched as they saw more Americans appear outside their cell. One man had long hair and facial hair and the other was bald but looked incredibly older compared to the other. The bald man spoke in a light Russian accent, "You're not Leviathan… you're American… who are you?"
Steve smiled then looked at Peggy who approached the iron bar door. She smiled confidently, "we're the good guys."
The balder older man walked toward the bars and leaned against it, "Are you going to kill us."
Thompson shook his head, "No, we're not."
Peggy nodded to the man, "Why is Leviathan holding you down here."
The man sighed, "They acquired some schemata in the black market… A weapon they don't know how to build." He said while shaking his head. He nodded to his friend hiding away in the back, "They wanted us to build it for them."
Steve looked at the other man, "So your engineers."
The bald man turned around and nodded to his friend, "HE is the engineer." He turned back to face the Americans, "He is Nikola, and I serve as his Terapevt…" He shrugged as he figured the translation, "Psychiatrist."
Thompson chimed in plainly, "So the Reds locked up a head doctor and a mad scientist to build a bomb of some kind." She shrugged, "Sure…why not."
The bald man got defensive of his friend, "He is not mad! He is burdened!" He walks back to Nikola and places a hand on his back, "Look, he sees things in dimensions that we can only imagine. You look at a field of grass, and you see pretty picture. He sees Biology, Phytochemistry… Keeping his gifts from overwhelming him…" He stressed his words to the Americans, "This requires discipline and stability. Since Leviathan took his family, stability does not come easy." He pointed to himself, "I provide the discipline he needs. I Doctor Ivchenko provide that discipline."
Peggy asked curiously, "This weapon Leviathan wants you to build, what is it?"
Nikola finally spoke, "Oh…It's beautiful." He walked toward the table on the side of the cell and grabbed the folded blue prints and brought it to the iron bars, "It's a photonic amplifier." He held the folded blueprints against the bars, "Okay, you understand light is both particles and waves?" Peggy nodded. Nikola was essentially only talking to Peggy, "Mr. Stark has found a way of altering the behavior of the waves."
"Stark…" Said Steve and Thompson at the same time.
Nikola nodded and showed the Stark logo on the blue prints to Steve and Thompson, "Yes. Stark. Here see?" He pointed to the logo.
Peggy asked, "Is Stark here?"
Nikola was getting worked up, "No! Of course not! They stole the schemata! If he was here Leviathan would have no need for me!" He pointed to himself as he yelled, "If he was here, I would be in Kiev with my wife!"
Ivchenko rubbed Nikola's back and spoke in Russian to him gently. He then turned to the Americans, "You thought you would find Howard Stark here? That's why you came?" He shook his head, "I have heard no mention of Stark himself from our captors. Only the work…"
Suddenly there was an explosion followed by automatic weapons fire. Gabe called out from the far end of the hallway, "Incoming!"
Nikola grasped the bars, "Please! Please!"
Steve nodded, "Step back." Nikola and Ivchenko took a step back as Steve shot the lock with his pistol.
Gabe and Jacques ran down the hall way toward them, stopping to turn around and shoot at the approaching Soviet soldiers. Thompson opened the door, "Go now!"
Steve ran toward Gabe and Jacques, "Peggy lead the way out of here! Jacques, Gabe, and I will cover your retreat!"
"Got it!" Peggy turned and ran around the corner with Ivchenko and Nikola with Thompson, Sawyer, Li, and Falsworth hot on her heals.
Steve took a step in front of his men, making sure the shield was the bigger target so the Soviets will focus on him rather than Jacques and Gabe. Steve fired his pistol as more Soviets came down the hallway. Gabe sent a massive concentration of rounds down the hallway with his M1919a6 machine gun as he took cover behind Steve. Soviet bodies started to build up as more soldiers came through. Steve yelled, "They keep on coming! Jacques, Gabe pull out!"
"Got it!" Yelled Gabe as he turned around with Jacques and ran down the hallway.
A soviet soldier threw a grenade from the far end of the hallway at Steve. Steve quickly reacted by hitting the sailing grenade with his shield, sending it back to the Soviets. He crouched down and hid behind the shield. The grenade exploded killing more Soviet soldiers as Steve remained safe behind his shield. Steve got up and saw that there weren't anymore soldiers coming through, he has some time to move now.
Peggy led the way through another subterranean hallway then up the stairs to the dim and dark boiler room. Once the team emerged from the staircase they were met by a hail of Soviet bullets as the Soviets cut them off from the other end of the boiler room. The team dispersed and took cover behind pipes and boilers to lay down fire on the approaching Soviet soldiers. Thompson ran across the open path way to another boiler across from Peggy. He began to lay down blind fire at Soviet Soldiers that seemed to be everywhere. Nikola and Ivchenko hid behind the same boiler as Peggy as she did her best to defend the position.
Peggy yelled, "Doctor! If you have a way to get out of here now is the time to share it!" She yelled as she reloaded her weapon.
Li yelled, "Yeah! Use your big brain of…" A bullet went straight through his shoulder from behind causing him to fall forward.
"LI!" Peggy yelled as she saw him slowly get up and drag himself back into cover. Thompson stopped shooting and resulted to hug his weapon and bite his lip as he froze in the heat of the fire fight.
Sawyer stepped away from Peggy and stood up and shot in the direction from the shot. He suddenly spotted a little girl with a gun in the dim light. Before he could shoot her, she shot him in the leg. He dropped his weapon and fell back as he screamed in pain. Peggy reacted quickly and grabbed Sawyer by the collar and dragged him back to her. Falsworth lowered his weapon and began to take out his med kit as he spotted Gabe and Jacques appear from the stairs followed by Steve.
Jacques and Gabe set up their spots and started to fire. Steve took a knee next to Peggy, "More Soviets behind us."
Peggy looked at Jim who was next to Thompson, "Jim! Get Dugan and ask him where is our exit!"
Steve rolled forward and took a knee behind his shield in the open. The Soviets started to point their attention at him and started to shoot at him. Steve was able to shoot his pistol at the enemy when there was a break in gun fire.
Jim was on the radio with Dugan, "Dugan! We're in the boiler room! Where's our exit." Steve started to crouch walk forward.
Gabe yelled out, "I'm out!" He lowered his weapon and took cover.
Peggy looked at Li who was stopping the bleeding in his shoulder wound, "Li! Need your weapon!" Li nodded then slid his weapon past Steve toward Thompson. Peggy saw Thompson sweating and looking pale as the look of fear became more apparent to her. She yelled, "Thompson slide that weapon over here!" She looked at the fire fight ensuing and at Steve who was slowly moving forward. She yelled again, "Thompson!" There was no response from him. She shook her head then called to Gabe, "Gabe!" She tossed her weapon toward him.
Gabe was able to catch it then he began to open fire once again, "Thanks!"
Nikola stood up when he recognized a shadowy figure in the opposite end of the boiler room walking calmly toward them. As Nikola stood up the shadow figure drew his pistol and shot him in the head. Nikola fell over onto the ground as blood oozed out of his head. Ivchenko yelled, "Nikola!"
Jim looked from his cover and saw a man in all black, wearing a flak jacket, and has a silver left arm. He said plainly, "Who is that?" Suddenly the gun fire ceased as the man walked forward toward Steve. Steve stood up and tensed as he approached.
Peggy got on her own small radio, "Dugan we got an opening. If you're not here soon I'll be very cross with you."
The man with the silver arm stepped into the dim light, both Steve and him were about twenty feet from each other. The man had relatively long dark hair and had his lower half of his face covered by a black mask. Steve noticed the silver arm looked metallic in nature and had a large red star on the shoulder. For a tense second nothing happened…until the man quickly pointed his pistol at Steve. Steve reacted quick and threw his shield at him, but unlike most people…this man was faster AND stronger than most. The silver armed man caught the shield with the silver arm and looked at Steve coldly.
The silver armed man threw the shield back at Steve with equal force. Steve didn't hesitate and caught it with both hands but with a hint of pain. Steve quickly took hold of his shield again and charged the man and closed the distance. As Steve charged the Soviets opened fire on the team again, but it seemed they were ignoring Steve. Unable to help, the team did their best to kill off the Soviet soldiers. The team couldn't get a shot off at the silver armed man without risking getting killed themselves. It was impossible to shoot the silver armed man in the first place because there would be one second where he's exposed then the next second he would be using Steve as a shield, the man was too fluid for them.
As Steve closed the distance, the silver armed man got a shot off at the shield but realized it was ineffective. He took a quick step aside causing Steve to over shoot. This is going to be a close hand to hand fight. Steve quickly turned around and was able to block the heavy punch of the silver arm. There was a loud bang as the two metals collided with each other. With quick succession they both lost their side arms as they continued to fight.
Peggy watched helplessly as she watched her Steve struggle in a fight against a person who doesn't seem to be human. He finally met someone who could counter him. No one was able to except Schmidt. Suddenly the wall next to her exploded, she ducked as debris flew by her. Dugan stepped in through the big hole in the wall with his trench gun, "Wahoo!" He hollered.
Pinkerton groaned as he stepped, "Look at this mess! We were only gone for five minutes!"
Peggy rolled her eyes, "Stop 'Wahooing' and help!" She looked across to the other team members, "Everyone out!"
The others poured into the boiler and started to lay down cover. Jim went around and grabbed Li and quickly dragged him out of the room. Falsworth and Jacques quickly took Sawyer together and got out. Gabe took Ivchenko out as Ramirez came in to help. Peggy looked at Thompson, "Thompson that means everybody!" She looked at Steve who was engaged in a deep hand to hand fight with the silver armed man.
Dugan fired off his trench gun, "who is the silver menace?" He asked as he noticed the fight.
Peggy ran across to Thompson and grabbed his collar, "Come snap out of it mate. Come on get your arse into gear!" She shook him, "Come on! My fiancé is in trouble!"
Dugan pointed his trench gun at the silver armed man and hoped the trench gun won't hit Steve. The man saw Dugan and quickly tried to get Steve in a choke hold, but Steve countered it and hit punched him across the face then hit him again square in the face with his shield. Dugan ducked in cover as Soviet rounds snapped where he once stood, "Damn it." Was all he could say.
Thompson nodded, "I'm up…I'm up." He quickly composed himself then got up and ran out of the room as Dugan and Peggy covered him.
Steve and the man continued their fight with neither one seeming to get an edge over the other. Dugan yelled at Peggy, "Go Peggy! Go!"
Peggy looked at him, "You go!"
"What would cap say if I left his best girl behind!" Dugan yelled as he shot his weapon at the Soviets.
"He'd say do 'What Peggy says'!" She yelled. They both got out of their cover and shot at the exposed Soviets.
Dugan charged out of the room. Peggy dropped four more Soviet soldiers then took cover. She and Steve were the last ones…she was not going to leave him behind. She yelled, "Steve we need to go!"
Steve was battered, bruised, and bleeding. He was able to kick the silver armed man with enough force to give him space. Suddenly the bullets stopped flying. He ran to Peggy and stopped next to her as he saw the man walking back toward him. He looked at her, "Go…" He said plainly.
"What? Darling no…" She shook her head.
"He's coming for us." Steve gripped his shield.
"Steve…"
"Peggy…GO. NOW." He said sternly. He softened, "Trust me." He started to run toward the silver armed man. At the same exact time.
Peggy yelled, "Steve!" She didn't know what to do. He said to trust him, so she turned and ran out of the room.
Time seemed to slow down as the two opposing warriors approached. The silver armed man whirled his silver metallic arm as Steve charged ahead with his shield in front of him.
Outside, Peggy ran out of the room to the US Army truck that was waiting. As she ran soviet troops poured out and shot at the truck and at her. The commandos returned fire from the truck and provided cover. Dugan yelled, "Come on Peggy run! Don't look back" Gabe fired his freshly reloaded machine gun, killing the most Soviets behind Peggy.
Peggy jumped into the truck as more Soviets fell behind her. She turned around just as the room she was in exploded. She watched as part of the building collapsed onto the boiler room, spraying dust and debris into the air. She leaned out of the truck, "Steve!" She screamed. The commandos and the agents watched helplessly as the dust settled. Peggy was in so much shock as she stared at the destroyed section of the building. She clenched her heart as tears started to slowly fall. She couldn't believe after all this… this would happen again.
She closed her eyes as Dugan was about to signal Jim to drive when they suddenly saw movement from the collapsed section of the building. Peggy stopped and looked and saw a large piece of debris slowly moving upwards. It could only be one of two people. Either it was Steve or the man with the silver arm. Everyone's jaw dropped as they saw Steve pushing a large block of debris off of him with one hand while the other held his shield. Peggy smiled and yelled, "Steve!" She yelled excitedly.
Steve threw the large piece of debris off of him then got up on his feet and slowly ran to the truck. Everyone including Ivchenko helped him onto the truck. Dugan yelled, "Drive!" The truck drove away from the facility quickly, not wanting to stick around for any Soviet reinforcements.
In the truck Steve let out a sigh of relief as he removed his helmet. He dropped it next to his shield that was resting against his leg. His face was bruised and cut from the fight and resulting explosion. His body was also equally beaten and cut from the fight. He rested his head back against the truck canvas as Peggy sat next to him and took his hand. Ivchenko smiled at Steve from the other end of the truck, "Not bad…for a cowboy."
Steve chuckled. Peggy gripped his hand as she nestled against him, "I thought you were dead…again." She said a little shaken with a stray tear coming down her cheek.
"I told you to trust me." He wrapped an arm around her and used his other hand to guide her chin up so she can look at him, "I died once already. I didn't want to do it again." Peggy smiled and couldn't help herself, she kissed him briefly then nestled close to him again.
Dugan looked at Falsworth who was taking a picture with his camera, "Aw. So tender." Falsworth smiled as he took another one.
Peggy smiled, "I hate you all." She wiped her face to get rid of stray tears.
Gabe asked the lingering question, "Cap, who was that? The man with the silver arm."
Steve tensed, "I don't know. He was fast and had a metal arm. That's all I know."
Falsworth lowered his camera, "You think you got him?"
Steve shook his head, "No. I know I didn't get him."
"You dropped part of a building on him." Dugan said astonished.
"Yeah, and I survived. But those explosives were his. He planted them and that means he had an exit strategy for every eventuality with me." Steve shook his head, "I forced him to trigger them and I used it to my advantage, but I don't think he's gone."
Peggy asked, "Who is he?"
Ivchenko spoke plainly causing everyone to look at him, "He is known as the Winter Soldier. He is a soldier and assassin, the Soviet counter to the United States' Captain America. Though the winter soldier is young, he has been trained in both armed and unarmed hand to hand combat. He is also an extremely skilled marksman who can speak both Russian and English."
Dugan asked, "How do you know all this?"
"I was forced to work for Leviathan remember?" He sighed, "That man is cold and heartless. He has one arm and his missing one is replaced by a prototype bionic arm. That is all I know."
Dugan sighed, "Thanks for brightening the mood…"
Steve looked up, "Don't tell me Jim is driving…"
After hours of driving they made it to a small airfield in Poland where two C-47 sky trains waited for them. One was bound back to the Army in Northern West Germany while the other was bound for Southern West Germany. The team dismounted their vehicles and proceeded to say their goodbyes. Steve shook the hands of Thompson, Li, and Ramirez. Ramirez smiled, "thank you sir it was an honor" Steve nodded. Thompson didn't say a word and just smiled as he walked to the plane.
Li smiled, "It's been a pleasure sir." His arm was in sling and there was a large white bandage covering his wound.
Steve nodded, "Agent Li. Make sure Thompson is doing okay. A Soviet soldier whacked him and Jim from behind." Steve didn't like to lie, but this time he made an exception. He didn't want Thompson to be discredited in the SSR for being a coward. Besides Li was the only agent other than Peggy to be in the fire fight, so it wasn't much of a lie. As they always say, a white lie is good for the soul.
Li nodded, "Will do Cap." He walked off with Ramirez to the plane.
Dugan and the rest of the commandos were saying bye to Peggy, "Sure you want to get on that plane? Commandos are always looking for another good fighter. We just need to make up a good nickname for you."
Peggy chuckled, "Tempting, but I put my days on the front lines behind me." She smiled, "Someone needs to mind the wheel back in the states AND someone needs to convince the SSR of Howard's innocence, wanker or not." She smiled a wide smile again, "I'll miss you!" She said in a cheery tone as she hugged him.
Dugan hugged her back with a wide smile, "I'll miss you too Peggy." They released then Dugan struck gold, "Wait a second." He wagged his index finger, "Miss America!" He looked to the commandos, "Huh? Fellas how's that?"
Peggy shook her head, "Never speak again."
"Okay." Dugan's smile faded.
Falsworth looked at the surrounding team and asked the obvious question, "Why not just Mrs. Rogers?"
Gabe nodded and shrugged, "Yeah, it's got a sound to it and it will be official soon."
Peggy put her hands on her hips, "I love it. It's got a ring to it." She turned and saw Steve smiling and shaking his head.
Sawyer actually smiled, "Lets give her a farewell fellas!" The commandos surrounded her in a huddle and cheered three times. After that was done with Peggy waved at all of them then took Steve's hand as he walked her to the plane.
Dugan smiled at them as Falsworth again was taking another picture. Dugan smiled at Ivchenko, "What about you doc? Need a ride home?"
Ivchenko shook his head, "Uh. I do not know where is home anymore."
"You can always go to New York. Ms. Carter can always use your help to stopping Leviathan."
Ivchenko nodded, "I'll do anything I can."
"We'll keep Europe in peace." Dugan smiled and handed him the half empty bottle of bourbon.
Ivchenko gladly took the bottle and looked at it curiously, "Don't have any vodka?" The commandos all looked at each other with funny grins. Ivchenko smiled and shrugged, "Desperate times I suppose." He took a swig of the drink then coughed, "This is terrible." Everyone laughed. He smiled, "May I have the rest?"
Before Dugan could say anything, Sawyer nodded, "It's all yours."
Ivchenko smiled and ran toward the plane where all the SSR agents are boarding.
By the plane, Peggy and Steve were saying their good byes. Peggy smiled at Steve, "Don't scare me like that again darling."
Steve smiled, "I'm sorry… I know you can defend yourself, but…"
"I know Steve." She smiled and kissed him on the lips. She broke the kiss and ran a hand across his hair, "I really do want to be called Mrs. Margaret Carter Rogers some day. So don't do anything unnecessarily stupid." She chuckled.
"I love you Peggy." Steve said. They kissed happily for a moment before they went their separate ways.
In the plane she stopped and watched her lover and her team mates and friends start to walk to their plane. Steve still had a little bit more time before he can go back home.
On the plane ride back to Germany, everyone but Thompson and Peggy were asleep. Thompson finally lifted the burden that held him down for so long since the war. He told Peggy the truth behind his Navy Cross that he killed surrendering Japanese on accident. He didn't realize it until it was too late. Thompson began to tear as he lifted his burden, "Everybody thinks that I'm this guy that I never was…and every day it gets harder and harder to live with." He looked out of the window of the plane. He groaned, "I've been trying to tell that story…since I came home from war."
Peggy said gently, "You just did." She may not fully understand the pain, but she was at least going to be the shoulder for him.
Thompson looked at her in a new light. He asked, "Thanks Carter."
She put a hand on his lap, "You're welcome." She gave a friendly smile.
He had to ask, "Why do you keep coming back?"
"What?"
"You keep coming back to the SSR even when we stoned walled you. Over. And over again." He shrugged, "Why?"
Peggy smiled, "Because this is my job too. And if I quit when it gets hard then I will never become better." They both smiled.
"I know you might never forgive me for what I have said or done to you…" Thompson hesitated.
Peggy smiled, "I forgive you." Thompson couldn't hold back another friendly smile to her.
SSR New York City Branch "Bell Co. Office"
It was night time when Thompson and Peggy returned to the SSR. They got changed back to their usual attire from before they left. Thompson in his grey suit and tie, Peggy in a woman's dark blue business suit. Both Thompson and Peggy stood in Chief Dooley's office as they received the debrief. Dooley faced his cork board that had all their leads on it, "No Stark. No Leviathan."
Thompson shook his head, "No Sir." Peggy stood silently as she fiddled with her engagement ring. Thompson nodded at Peggy, "But Agent Carter was able to acquire intel about Leviathan from Doctor Ivchenko. About the enemy's possible end game."
Peggy stopped fiddling with her ring, "WE were able to retrieve him from a Leviathan prison. He's very eager to cooperate with the SSR in any way he can."
Dooley turned to them, "But he doesn't think Stark is connected to Leviathan."
"No. And I don't either." Peggy said confidently.
Dooley nodded, "Noted."
Thompson chimed in, "He may not have all the information sir. He was working off Stark blueprints. Smart money says Leviathan got them off Stark himself."
Dooley sat down on his chair, "Send the doctor in on your way out."
Thompson chimed in one last time, "When we were out there, Captain Rogers came face to face and engaged the Winter Soldier. Do you know about him Chief?"
Dooley bit his thumb nail, "Hm. This is troubling. I have heard of him…" He nodded, "I'll get you two a file on him." As Peggy and Thompson left, Dooley looked up at Peggy, "Good work Agent Carter." He said honestly.
Peggy was taken back for a moment. She stood in the door way and smiled, "Thanks. Sir." She left then sent the doctor in.
Peggy grabbed her purse and saw Sousa sitting on his desk chair. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. She asked curiously, "Daniel, why do you look like you were the one who hasn't slept in days?" She asked humorously.
Sousa smiled and looked at her, "Just staying up late worrying about you guys." He gave her a friendly smile, "You did good."
Peggy smiled, "Thanks Daniel."
"How is our Captain America doing?" He asked courteously.
Peggy smiled, "He's doing good. I can't wait for him to come home though." Sousa smiled to himself.
Thompson put his grey fedora on at an angle then grabbed his overcoat and draped it over his arm, "Coming Sousa? Buy me a drink for every Red I killed."
Sousa leaned back, "Nah, not tonight the pillow is calling."
Thompson started to walk to the elevator, "Come on Carter!" He stopped then turned and smiled at her, "I owe you a bourbon." He turned then walked to the elevator.
Peggy smiled a happy smile, "I'll be right there."
Another long chapter.
I did have Bucky listed as a character so I decided to alter the universe a little by adding The Winter Solider. He isn't quite the dark, cold, and perfect killer yet since he's relatively knew to the Soviets. It's a comic book universe, things don't necessarily have to be scientifically sound. LOL
In the Military Blouse is the term for your combat uniform top and trousers are the combat uniform bottoms.
Hope you enjoyed.
