CHAPTER 16

We spent the next six hours reviewing the documents. Half of the largest stack had both a blue and green dot on them. These were placed into the 'irrelevant' jacket in the folder. I started reviewing the results from my current search. As Tank finished reviewing Ranger's documents and Ranger reviewed Tank's, I pulled them towards me to cross referencing the new search data with the hi-lighted text. Immediately, I discovered all yellow and orange hi-lighted texts or X markings lined up to the newly discovered data. The ones hi-lighted in blue or green were cross referenced and immediately discarded.

These men were talented. I waited for them to finish their document perusal before sharing my results. "All of us are on the same page," I started. "I feel confident we know where to implement our surveillance. We currently do not have the manpower available for surveillance shifts. Would you be able to provide us with ten to fifteen men, Ranger?" If I hadn't been looking at him, I would have missed his nod. After quickly preparing and printing a report with my findings and recommendations, I called Robert back into the room. Robert read through my documents, his smile getting larger with each page read. "We need to meet with the Avengers," he stated once he finished reading.

Robert sent messages to the Avengers and his security team. We met in the large conference room to review the plans. Steve slid into the empty chair on my right. Ranger was already seated on my left, his men interspersed among the Avengers. Robert stood at the head of the conference table to speak. "Thank you for attending this meeting. Everything we discuss must stay within this group. Over the last few months, JARVIS detected chatter regarding a possible Hydra cell forming in New York. He compiled all chatter once Brice Shultz's name was mentioned. I have been sorting through data over the last month, attempting to locate him. To date, I have been unsuccessful. Mara had more success locating probable locations. I'll turn the meeting over to her."

I asked Hector to project the maps and buildings onto the large screen. "Ranger, I'm sure this goes without saying, but any men you recruit for the surveillance shifts are on a 'need to know' basis. You can tell them who to follow and the buildings to watch, but no more information."

"Babe." I took this to mean, 'did you really have to state the obvious?'

"Brice Shultz has been kidnapping ex-cons for experimentation. He's been seen in these five abandoned buildings throughout New York State. Shultz never spends more than one day in any of these buildings. When these buildings were searched, no evidence of a lab or experiment paraphernalia was detected. I suspect these buildings are used for short term containment until the ex-cons are transferred to the lab. Tank and Ranger identified two possible locations for the Hydra lab. They also helped me narrow down a list of possible assistants."

I pointed at the screen while Hector showed the two buildings and blue prints. "This building is located on Staten Island. These rooms..." I outlined two rooms using my laser pointer. "Are potential labs. The larger room can fit ten metal tables, this smaller room can only fit two. Using Bucky's experience with Hydra, the smaller room is used for injecting Super Serum into the patients, the larger is like a recovery room. Other rooms within the building are used for training and testing the serum effects."

Pointing at another area on the map, I said, "The second building is located in upstate New York and has the identical set up as the first. I suspect both buildings are heavily guarded. Before we storm these two buildings, I want to discover all the important players. Someone is pulling Brice Shultz's strings. Our primary goal is to find the puppet master and shut him down. The intelligence gathering is to be completed in three phases. In phase one, I recommend six to ten teams of three for round the clock surveillance on each of the five buildings. Use your connections to find names to all tertiary players. Do not attempt to follow Shultz if he appears at any of these buildings. I do not want him to discover us and move shop. Phase two, we investigate, monitor and track tertiary players using the same teams established in phase one. Our goal is to determine which tertiary player is Shultz's right hand man. Once we've completed our goal, we move to phase three. We follow the right hand man. I have a strong feeling they will lead us to the puppet master. At least three teams will follow the right hand man, another three Shultz. The remaining teams continue surveillance on the tertiary players. Once the puppet master, the right hand man and Shultz are neutralized, we will take out the remaining players. Any questions?"

I could see pride on my dad's, Steve's and Ranger's faces. Hal asked the first question. "Bomber, why were you selected to lead the investigation."

Attempting to reign in my laughter I said, "I've been providing intel to the Avengers for the past year. Using my intel on their missions, they quickly and effectively neutralized threats without civilian injuries. They trust my judgement."

Ranger added, "I have fifteen men, not including my team here, available to assist."

"Thank you Ranger. If you give Robert their names, he'll start running the security checks and print security passes to the tower."

Tank asked, "Where will we be living?"

I looked at Steve and silently asked, 'Can I have Ranger, Lester and Tank stay in your guest rooms while Bobby, Hector, Hal and Cal stay in mine?' He nodded, answering the question only he could hear. "Steve's floor has three guest rooms for Ranger, Lester and Tank to use. My floor has four bedrooms to use. Hector can use my bedroom, Bobby, Cal and Hal can use the spare bedrooms."

Cal asked, "Why do you still have your own floor when you're married?"

Smiling, I said, "Tony is having a two floor unit renovated for me and Steve. Until the renovations are complete, we have separate floors. My floor is directly below this one. Obviously, I will be sharing my husband's bed, which is why I gave Hector my old bedroom. The two sofas in my suite have pull out double beds, as do the ones in Steve's suite. Additional floors with similar set up will be provided for your remaining staff. If any of your men do not wish to sleep on pull out beds, I can request additional floors to be provided. I have already granted full access for all your men to access my floor and suite." I felt Steve say he already granted full access to his as well. "Steve has already granted full access to his suite too. We will show you the accommodations once we wrap this meeting." I looked around the room before asking, "Any more questions regarding the mission?"

Everyone looked around at each other before saying, "No."

"Alright, meeting dismissed."

We filed from the conference room and into the elevator. The elevator stopped on my floor so I could show the men where they'll be sleeping. "Hector, this is your room for the next few months." I pulled him into my old bedroom to show him around. He really liked the idea of having his own bathroom. I kissed his teardrop tattoo and jokingly said, "Other than Steve, you're the only man I would allow to sleep in my bed." He laughed as he pulled me into a hug.

Hal, Cal and Bobby sorted their rooms. "I'm sorry these bedrooms are a bit small."

Bobby waved me off saying, "We've stayed in smaller. There's plenty of room for sleeping."

"Your passes need to be on your person at all times or you won't be able to access the gym, cafeteria, common room, my floor or Steve's floor." I grabbed Steve's hand and added, "Our bedroom is the only room unaccessible to all of you. If you need to speak to me or Steve, knock, text or call." The men followed me to Steve's floor. Ranger, Tank and Lester quickly selected their rooms. "Does anyone want to watch a movie?" I asked, needing time to unwind from the day.

Predictably, the men selected Rambo. We grabbed snacks and beer from the kitchen and settled down to watch the movie. Each sofa had four men sitting on them. Steve, Ranger, Lester and Tank were sitting on one sofa, the other men on the second one. Before I could sit in the chair, Steve pulled me onto his lap. I slipped out of my shoes and made to curl my legs under me. Ranger grabbed my legs, stretching them across his lap. My feet rested on Tank's thigh. I stretched my feet to work out the aches. Tank grabbed my foot to massage it, his touch surprisingly gentle. He smiled as I moaned in appreciation. Steve attempted to suppress his laughter.

He whispered in my ear, "Sweetheart, I'm not sure I should be angry or glad. The three men are massaging your feet and legs. Should I be angry their hands are on you? Or should I be glad your reaction is exciting me?"

I could feel his growing erection against my hip. "Glad honey. You should be glad. Do you think they'll notice if we escape to our room?" He never answered.

Steve quickly stood, wrapped my legs around his waist and ran to his room. Ranger and his team laughed as we entered our room. I was concerned they would hear us. "Sweetheart, the room is sound proof. They won't be able to hear us." I had to trust him.

"JARVIS initiate privacy mode," I shouted as Steve stripped me. We never heard the response. He had me pressed against the wall as he entered me. Our breaths were ragged, our heartbeats racing, sweat pouring down our bodies as we quietly orgasmed.

"Mara, every time with you gets better," he whispered in my ear. Steve carried me to our bed where he kissed and touched every part of my body. As he kissed and nibbled, he told me how much he loves me. When he entered me again, I felt complete. This is exactly where I belong, in the arms of my amazing husband. I'm finally home.

We woke each other every few hours to make love. "I can't get enough of you Steve. Every time we make love, I want more."

He smiled. "I feel the same way Mara. Every day I love you more. With you as my wife, I feel complete."

We checked the time and decided to shower before going to the gym. I had an excess of energy to expel. Hopefully Bucky was up to the challenge. I dressed in spandex shorts and a sports bra.

"JARVIS, deactivate privacy mode," I stated once Steve was dressed. Ranger, Lester and Tank were sitting on the couch dressed in their workout clothes, waiting for us to exit our room.

Ranger smiled. "You look well rested," he sarcastically said.

I glared at him and thought, 'You're just jealous because I didn't choose you.'

He replied, "I am."

'Did I just say that out loud?' I questioned.

"No. I heard it in my head," Ranger answered. Confusion was visible on his usually blank face.

I looked at Steve, hoping for confirmation. "Mara, you haven't said a word. You must have asked him in your special way," he logically stated.

"What is her special way?" Tank asked.

"Tank, do I have your permission to show you?" I asked. He nodded. I concentrated on Tank and thought, 'I have the ability to project my thoughts into a person's mind. Typically, I need to have a connection with that person. You can only hear me if we share that special connection. Please say 'I heard you loud and clear' if you can hear me.'

"I heard you loud and clear," he replied. "Ranger, it appears our friend Samara can project her thoughts into our mind." He smiled before adding, "You have surpassed our ESP skills."

"Tank! Mats! Now!" I sternly said. I slipped my feet into my running shoes and thought, 'I'm going to enjoy kicking your ass.'

"Lead the way," he waved his arm towards the door. "It would be a pleasure to have you kick my ass," he laughed, proving he heard my thoughts.

"Remember your ID badges," I shouted as I exited Steve's suite.

"HUA!" Lester, Tank and Ranger answered.

Steve whispered, "Heard, understood, acknowledged."

'Thanks. I always wondered what that meant,' I silently answered.

We entered the gym where the other Rangemen were waiting. After a quick run on the treadmill, I stretched before walking towards the mats.

Tank quickly joined me on the mats. Ranger and Lester patiently waited for their turn. I pinned Tank within 15 minutes. He only lasted that long because I wanted to fight without using my powers. "Why did it take so long to pin me?" he asked.

"I didn't use any additional powers. It's good to test my natural strength," I simply said. "I still managed to kick your ass."

"You did a mighty fine job kicking my ass girl." He moved to the free weights to give Ranger and Lester a chance to spar.

After training, we returned to the assigned suites to shower before meeting for lunch. I scheduled a meeting with the team to organize our surveillance groups.

When we arrived in the cafeteria, an additional 15 Rangemen were waiting. Ram, Woody, Junior, Zip, Zero, Binkie and Manny arrived from the Trenton office. I didn't recognize anyone from the Atlanta, Boston or Miami offices.

Manny threw his arm around my shoulder, "Wifey, I missed you. Where have you been hiding?"

"I've miss you too Manny. I would like to introduce you to my husband Steve." I motioned for him to join me. "Manny, Ram, Woody, Junior, Zip, Binkie and Zero, I would like to introduce you to my husband Steve Rogers." Steve paid attention as I pointed out each man.

"Mara has told me so much about each of you. It's a pleasure meeting each of you." He shook hands with each man.

"Who's Mara," Binkie asked.

"I'm Mara. It's short for Samara. You knew me as Stephanie Michelle Plum, but my real birth name is Samara Odindottir. I'm now Samara Rogers. Thor Odinson is my biological brother. He should be arriving soon."

"Wifey, you've been holding out on me," Manny joked.

We ate lunch as we caught up with each other. I briefly explained my reason for leaving Trenton, purposely leaving out Hector's involvement. Manny wisely remained silent. After all, he played a small role in my disappearance.

"Who are these men surrounding my sister?" Thor asked.

Junior looked at me and asked, "Thor is really your brother? I thought you were joking."

I gave Thor a hug, "Yes Junior, he's really my brother. Hi brother. Have you returned to help us?"

"Yes sister. My place is by your side." I quickly introduced him to the new arrivals.

'We have a meeting at 1400. You should eat while there's still food left," I joked.

Steve and I excused ourselves to prepare for the strategy session.