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Chapter 36

The Shadow of Death

Union Jack speeded down the deserted city street, keeping an eye on the distant taillights of Cap's motorcycle, while scanning for a place to ditch his bike—or rather, Hawkeye's bike. He'd apologize to the archer when he had the chance. Spotting a vacant lot, he cut the engine, and steered the bike in. He jumped off, hitting the ground running. With a tap on the control panel mounted on his belt, the red-and-white stripes of his chest piece dimmed to shades of gray, and the reflective portions of his armor muted. His suit was no clumsy collection of body armor; it had been painstakingly designed by MI-6 to not only be strong, but also lightweight, flexible, and utterly silent. As the bike fell to the soft turf, Jack was already gone.

He ran forward, scanning for Hydra lookouts. His one advantage was that they were expecting a superhero, a bold figure blazing through the night, not a combat soldier, trained in commando tactics. In Afghanistan, Joey Chapman was a legend for his ability to scout enemy outposts, unseen. Calling on all his experience and training, he pressed on, moving like a shadow in the darkness. No mission he had ever embarked on held stakes as high as this one…or as personal.

Jack was close now. He heard Cap's engine slow, then shut off. Spying the outskirts of a small city park, he slowed his pace, continuing to search for lookouts. He was about to switch his goggles to infrared, when he remembered Hydra's new trick: the refractor suit. Along with invisibility, refractor technology blocked heat signatures and radar. Recalling Cap's lesson after the debacle in Scotland, Jack looked for the telltale faint bluish glow. He spotted it, nearly imperceptible, on top of the water tower standing on the outskirts of the park. A second lookout was posted on ground level, lying behind a stand of bushes across the street. Two-man cover, standard Hydra procedure.

Crawling through a thicket of tall grass, Jack spotted Cap in the center of the small park, surrounded by six Hydra troopers, their weapons trained on him. Jack had to suppress his impulse to jump to Cap's aide, Emily and Lady Falsworth would pay with their lives if he did. The Hydra agents shackled Cap's arms behind his back and marched him aboard a waiting transport ship. Jack activated the directional mic built into his helmet, trying to pick up any conversation, but the ships engines fired, making a deafening roar. He disengaged the mic, and watched helplessly as the ship lifted off, using a vertical jet system identical to a Quinjet. There was a flash of light, and the Hydra ship vanished, leaving a shimmering blue haze. A second later, even the haze was gone. Hydra had adapted refractor tech to cloak their ships. Jack silently cursed; he wasn't even sure of the direction they'd headed. Cap was now a prisoner of Hydra…along with Emily. The woman he loved was in the clutches of those murderous bastards.

As the roar of the jet faded, Jack turned his attention to the lookouts, just now visible, having switched off their suits. They headed to an SUV parked near the entrance, their attitude swaggering and cocksure, confident their part in the mission was finished. They were about to learn otherwise. Tightening his grip around the haft of his dagger, Union Jack slipped forward, unseen; there were more ways than one to be invisible—there was stealth, and skill. Hydra had planed for a superhero. They were about to get a soldier, one who learned his trade on the battlefield.

Avengers Mansion

Janet Van Dyne's eyes grew large as she looked about the room. Wow. That is a lot of superheroes.

Even with all her years in the business, she hadn't seen anything to top this. Maybe the Thanos mission could match these numbers, but it would be close. She had done a quick check earlier, counting ninety-two heroes here tonight—with more on the way. Hydra was about to get more than they bargained for. The men and women gathered here possessed enough power to level a mountain. Jan planed to aim that power square at the Red Skull's ugly face. She checked her Wasp's sting, finding them fully charged. She smiled, clenching her fist grimly. Game on, Herr Schmidt.

Jan looked to her left, spying Carol Danvers, the Avenger known as Captain Marvel, heading her way.

"Okay, boss, we're ready to roll. When does this party get started?"

"Just waiting on Cap," Jan answered. "Have you seen him?"

"No, but I overheard some newbie talking with Vision, said he was going to check on him. British guy, I think."

"Gorgeous eyes?"

"And a killer butt," Carol added, smiling.

"That would be Union Jack. He's a friend of Cap's."

"Cap certainly has some hunky friends. So, is he single?"

Jan laughed. "First we save the world, and then I'll see about hooking you up."

"Don't wait too long," the stunning blonde said. "Jennifer was checking him out. You know what a man-eater she is."

Jan spotted Jarvis entering the room. Excusing herself, she headed across the crowded floor. Jarvis was carrying a large box in his outstretched arms, coming in behind a line of servers bearing trays of food and drink. The assembled heroes made short work of the food, devouring it in seconds. Jan called Jarvis's name, but he didn't seem to hear. She walked up and put her hand on his shoulder. Jarvis was startled, nearly dropping the box.

"Let me give you a hand," she's said, reaching out. Jarvis jerked away.

"No...I have it," he said, clutching the box tightly to his chest, a light sheen of perspiration coating his face. Jan eyed him closely.

"Jarvis, are you alright? Why don't you sit down and take a rest."

"I will, ma'am," he replied, a distant look in his eyes. "As soon as I have...completed my duties."

"Okay," Jan said, puzzled at his strange mood. "Has Hank has checked in?"

"I'm afraid not. We also haven't heard from Thor, Hawkeye, Falcon, or Colonel Jameson."

Jan put her hand to her chin. "It's always hit-or-miss with Thor—he could be at the other end of the universe right now, but I can't imagine what's keeping the others. Let me know when they check in, okay?"

Jarvis appeared not to have heard her. He was staring off, vacantly.

"Jarvis...are you sure you're alright?"

He blinked, coming back to focus. "Yes. If you'll excuse me, ma'am."

With a slight bow, Jarvis headed off, clutching the box. Jan watched him with concern. In the fifteen years she'd known Edwin Jarvis, she never knew him to be anything but cool, calm, and utterly prepared. Something was wrong. The thought came to her that he was hardly a young man. Were the Avengers about to lose both Cap and Jarvis? A shudder ran down her spine.

Knock it off, Van Dyne. We haven't lost anyone yet. People are counting on you, so get it together.

Jan opened her com-link, checking the latest information from SHIELD. She briefly scanned the data, then shut off the link. She pulled up a chair, and stepped onto it, bringing herself nearly to eye-level with the others. Superheroes were so tall! She cleared her throat, and the crowd quieted, gathering around her. Janet Van Dyne, the charming and airy socialite, was gone; she was the Wasp now, founding member of the Avengers, and she was all business.

"Okay people, let's get started. Hydra has made their first move…now it's our turn."

As the briefing began, Jarvis stood quietly in the back of the room. One of the members of his kitchen staff leaned close, whispering.

"Sir, should I bring more beverages?"

Jarvis did not answer. His full attention was riveted on the box now sitting beneath the serving table, discreetly out of sight. He had not looked inside that box; he did not need to. It contained a compact, but powerful explosive device, large enough to destroy a city block. The cell phone in his pocket began to vibrate. He reached for it, his hand trembling. Reading the message, he turned to the man at his side.

"That won't be necessary, Gregory." His voice shuddered very slightly, as the last part of Edwin Jarvis died within him. His thumb hovered over the 'send' button. "It is almost over now."

Cap stared at the leader of the Hydra strike team standing before him, a gloating smile spread over his face. Cap was seated, his arms bound behind him. His legs were also restrained, cuffed to the chair legs. The Squad leader stepped forward, eyeing him coolly.

"You've followed your orders well, Captain. I must admit, I'm a little disappointed. I was looking forward to taking you by force."

Cap returned the man's arrogance with a look of iron. The squad leader turned to his subordinate.

"Why is that shield still on his back?"

"I apologize, commander, but he…he would not surrender it."

"Get it, you coward."

Hesitantly, the Hydra trooper slung his energy rifle over his shoulder, and inched forward. Cap looked him square in the eye.

"Touch that shield and I'll break you in two."

The trooper turned to his commander, uncertainty showing in his eyes. The squad leader struck him across the face, knocking him to the floor.

"We are Hydra! We do not ask permission, we take! Now get that shield!"

"Come get it yourself," Cap said. "Just remember what I said."

The squad leader glared at Cap. He stepped closer, but less boldly than before. "Those are titanium shackles, Avenger. Even you can't break them. I'll have that shield."

Cap's eyes bored into the man like fire. "Get use to the idea of spending your life in a wheelchair."

The squad leader's cool arrogance deserted him. He felt his men watching as he inched closer to the Avenger, who stared unblinkingly. The squad leader drew his sidearm, dialing it to its highest setting, and leveled it at Cap's face. Cap's iron glare held, and the stalemate went on…until a voice from the cockpit called out.

"Put that gun away, you fool."

A woman stepped through the cabin door, a woman Cap knew well. Viper. She walked up to the squad leader, eyeing him with palpable disdain. The man's face was bright with fear.

"Forgive me, Madam Viper. I…I was merely trying to secure the prisoner."

"Perhaps I should let you attempt it. It would be amusing to watch him crush you. Take your seat, commander, and do not speak again unless I ask you to. That goes for all of you," she said, cast a searing gaze over the other Hydra troopers, who still stood surrounding Cap, their weapons held at the ready. The men sat. Viper turned to Cap, a smile on her emerald lips.

"Forgive my soldiers, Captain. They are loyal, but their manners, I'm afraid, are deplorable."

"They're mercenaries, and thugs. They don't deserve to be called soldiers."

Viper shrugged. "One man's meat is another man's poison."

"And you know all about poison, don't you?"

Viper ignored the barb as she knelt, running her hand down Cap's thigh. "Hmm…such strength, such power," she said. Her hand passed down his calf, stopping as she reached the restraints. She looked up at him, smiling. "Would these chains hold you long?"

"No."

"I thought not. But then, we have other ways of ensuring your cooperation, do we not?"

"Harm one hair on their heads, and I'll kill you."

Viper licked her lips, her breast heaving. "Such violence! I like this side of you, Captain. It thrills me...but must we be enemies? Surely there are ways I might entice you?"

She stood, straddling his legs, her body swaying hypnotically, a dance of dark seduction. She lowered herself onto his lap, winding her arms around his broad shoulders, cradling his face as she sunk into him, rotating her hips.

"Your body is like a dynamo, it radiates power. Making love to you would be like riding a tiger. I should like to know how that feels. Would you like to know how I feel? Oh," she said, her lips parting in a sensuous smile. "I can feel your approval."

Gritting his teeth, Cap shook his head, clearing his mind. "Your potion may affect my body, but not my mind. You're as appealing as a dose of the plague, Viper. Get off me, and I mean right now, or I'll break your jaw."

Cap snapped his head forward, just a fraction, to demonstrate he was not without means of retaliation. Viper laughed, and got up.

"The self-righteous are so easily provoked. But breaking my Jaw? Killing me? What would the American public say if they heard their pristine hero speak so? Fortunately, that that will not happen. You will soon be dead, and your people will serve the banner of the Skull."

Cap smiled. "Schmidt's been pushing that fantasy since before you were born. We stopped him before, we'll stop him now."

"Who will, Captain? Your precious comrades? You have a surprise coming."

Viper smiled, and walked up to the cockpit. Cap sat, willing the witch's potion out of his senses. He felt the ship turning, its engines throttling back. As the ship began to hover in place, Viper came back to the hold. She turned to her men under.

"Stand at the ready, have your weapons set for stun." She turned to Cap smiling.

"Our Supreme Commander has arranged a little show for you, something I'm certain will interest you."

She reached over Cap's shoulder, opening the shutter barring the window. She pointed off to the dark horizon.

"Do you see it, Captain? I myself can see nothing at this distance…but I am told your eyesight is extraordinarily keen."

Grudgingly, he looked out into the darkness. On the horizon, just visible, he saw the outlines of the New York coastline. His eye quickly found the location of the mansion.

"Tonight, the Red Skull marks his reign with the blood of heroes."

A light flashed on the horizon. Cap's eyes widened in horror as a huge fireball erupted where Avengers Mansion once stood. Beside him, Viper laughed. "There will be no cavalry riding to your rescue."

"No!"

Cap heaved his arms, his muscles swelling in straining cords. Viper stepped back as a Hydra trooper fired a stun blast at Cap. Another fired. Cap pulled harder, his face a mask of rage as still more troopers fired at him. With a sound of rending metal, the cuffs exploded. He grabbed the nearest trooper by the arm, shattering it as he flung the man to the floor. Two more troopers took his place, opening fire. Cap stood, ripping the shield from his back, as the energy beams struck him with enough force to fell a dozen men. The image of the mansion in flames spurring him on, he sliced down with his shield, cutting through the shackles at his feet. The squad leader charged forward, clubbing Cap over the head with his gun. Cap backhanded the man, sending him crashing into the far wall, which buckled with the impact. As the ship quavered, all of the troopers opened fire. Cap dropped to his knees, crawling forward as the stun blasts hammered him mercilessly. With a final effort, he reached out, pulling Viper to the floor. She laughed wildly, even as his hands closed about her throat…and then Captain America fell, unconscious.

Viper laid on the floor, next to him, an orgasmic thrill of terror and death flooding her body. She rubbed her throat and rose to her feet as a trooper approached.

"Three of the men are injured, Madam Viper. I think the commander is dead."

"Then I place you in command. Take the Captain to the cargo hold. There are two-inch chains there, laced with vibranium. Secure him, and be quick about it. He won't be out for long."

As the men jumped to their task, Viper walked to the cockpit. The jet was once again flying forward, at full supersonic speed. She sat, opening a communication channel.

"Hydra Base Alpha-one, this is flight V1. Make sure all is in readiness to welcome our special guest."