Disclaimer: All Marvel and PJO/HoO characters belong to respective owners.

Chapter 5

It had been two weeks since she saw the 107th drive off. One week since they had lost so miserably and retreated with their tails tuck in between their legs. It had been a dark day for everyone. Only fifty men out of two hundred had survived.

Twenty-five arrived today; the rest will get here tomorrow. All in desperate need of medical attention based on the reports she had gotten.

Along with a list of who was considered dead/capture. Along with that list, one James Buchanan Barnes. It has taken a moment to process when she saw the name in black ink. And in less than a minute, she was bolting to her secluded area in the forest. It was a small area where the trees did not completely cover the sun, a small creek ran water from the mountains. She found it one day on her morning walks and has come often to get away on tougher days.

Today was one of those days.

But she had a different intention today. Drachma in hand, she used the water from the creek and transformed it into a mist then

create a rainbow. Inhaling deeply to gather her courage, Andromeda threw a golden drachma and whispered the words.

"Oh Iris, goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering. Thomas, London."

It shimmered then an image of a young man appeared. Like most of the children of Zeus, he was handsome, with his warm brunette hair and incredible blue eyes. A strong, sharp jawline that made all the women, and some men, swoon. Naturally fit from years of training at Camp Half-Blood turned him to quite the catch. His accent was the cherry on top for many of the girls in the camp.

He had risen quickly up the military ranks just like her, perhaps even quicker, given that his grandfather was a duke. Set to be the next Duke of Richmond, Thomas always lived a life full of great expectations and responsibility. As the heir to his grandfather's title, and as a son of Zeus, which made any failure feel even more disappointing.

"Thomas," She called out, trying her hardest to keep the anger at bay.

He wasn't even surprised to hear her voice if anything, he been expecting it. She was never one to wait; always quit to tell him that he was wrong. They grew up together in camp, trained together, fought side by side. And when they lost, which was extremely rare, they made sure never to repeat mistakes. Andromeda was always unapologetically direct on where they went wrong. It was what made them great partners in camp but they weren't at camp anymore. This wasn't a game of capture the flag, this was war. And the stakes were much higher.

And based on the report he got this morning, Thomas knew that he fuck up.

"Andromeda," He responded cautiously and carefully. Slightly worried at facing her wrath.

"I told you this was a mistake," She voiced intensely. "I told you that we needed to know more before we sent anyone. But you refuse to listen to me. And look what happened, I lost over 75% of my 107th infantry!" Andromeda's voice increased as she got angrier. "All because you didn't listen to me!"

"I know, I know," Thomas tiredly muttered, rubbing his forehead. "I'm sorry."

"I don't want a half-ass apology; I just need to fix it your mistake."

Thomas already knew what she was thinking. He was certain that she had set her mind on what she was going to do. Even before she made the call. This was simply just a courtesy call.

"Andromeda, don't d-"

"I'm not asking for permission; I'm just letting you know."

"They are thirty miles behind the enemy line-" Thomas argued to discourage her.

But Andromeda wasn't going to let herself be persuaded again. Not from him or anyone else.

"Well, you should've thought about that before sending my men." And with a flick of her wrist, the rainbow dissolved.

She marched back into camp, a plan forming in her head. This plan wouldn't easy or fast. But she knew what she had to do. And no one was going to stop her.

Well, Howard might try.

But first, she needed a ride, not a car; that would be too obvious. A motorcycle too loud, and a plane was too obvious and loud. It was too far to go on foot in a single night. She needed something that would be quick and silent, unnoticeable in the night. A pegasi could work, but will one get here in time? Italy was a long way to fly from New York. It was still early in the day, if one left now it should arrive by night. But with nothing to lose, she let out a single whistled as loud as she could, hoping that one could hear her. Hoping that one would make it to Italy by at least nightfall. That's all she could ask for right now.

The rest of her walk was spent on what she would do. Who would she up against? Would Johann be there, or just his army. And even if she manages to pass by Johann's defenses, what would once inside. Break free all the prisoners was the obvious choice. But that posed another issue, who would she go as; Colonel Phillips or Andromeda? If the men saw her Colonel Phillips, that could result in disciplinary action of removing her from the position as Colonel.

Some of her siblings would be thrilled to take her place.

Going as Andromeda could be more possible, nobody knows who she is. There was no official record of her anywhere. She'd just have to be more careful and quieter, avoid being seen as much as possible. Many of the men could be written off as being delusional from starvation or pain. Since no one would actually believe that it was a young woman that infiltrated the enemy's base and freed them. No one would believe them. No mortal would believe them.

She may get in trouble with her siblings and cousins. But she always thought it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission. So, with her plan was set, Andromeda re-entered the base with fire in her eyes. If luck was on her side for once, a pegasus would arrive tonight. As everyone slept, she would sneak out. But she needed someone to cover for her if anything happened.

"Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you," Howard whispered harshly when he appeared next to her.

"What for?" She muttered, then ordered everyone to go away from her tent. She didn't need any prying ears when it came to a conversation between her and Howard.

"To give you the good news, of course!" He said gleefully the second they were alone. His wide grin was already giving her a headache.

She breathed out tiredly. "What news?"

"The great Captain America, the man with the plan! Is coming here!" Howard announced with a chuckle. "To perform he's highly exclaimed show to the brave souls fighting in this treacherous war!"

She gave him a tired smile. "You're very excited, aren't you?"

Howard grinned wickedly. "What gave it away?"

She snorted, despite trying not to. No matter how hard she tried to keep a straight face, Howard always managed to make her laugh. Or at least make the days more bearable. Had it not been for him, she would've lost all sense of herself. While she would never tell, he was the only thing keeping her sane.

"Are you going to ask to take a picture with him? Tell him you're his biggest fan?" She teased, a smile growing on her face.

"And ask him to autograph my collector items, of course," He said with a straight face.

She laughed a bit more at his ridiculousness. But after a moment, her laugher died out. She looked at him sheepishly and asked, "I need you to do a favor for me."

Howard's good mood disappeared when the smile slipped from her face.

"What is it?"

Andromeda inhaled sharply and thought about how to ask him. "I need you to make sure no one goes into my tent tonight. I'm going out."

It took Howard a moment to understand what she was saying and then it took another minute to figure out what to say. In the time that he's known her, she never went out. At least, not for personal reasons. It was only every for meetings, just like Abraham had said.

"Where are you going?"

Andromeda bit the inside of her mouth, debating whether she should tell him or not. She knew that he would try to stop her. Not that he would succeed still, it was annoying when someone tried to talk her out of something.

"If I tell you," she paused to think if she was doing the right thing. "Would you promise not to panic?"

She should not have said that since his frown only grew. Howard's shoulders tensed rigidly as he continued to stare at her. He had to deeply inhale to calm himself; stop him from saying something stupid.

He sighed with his eyes tightly shut, he muttered, "Okay."

"I'm going into Hydra," Andromeda said straightforward, not breaking eye contact with her friend.

A wide range of emotions flew across her friend's face, from confusion to worry to anger to even annoyance. It was quite the show seeing him like this and had a sudden urge for popcorn. He kept open his mouth to say something, yet not a single word came out. She almost wanted to laugh but forced herself not to.

Finally, after a solid five minutes of silence, he spoke through a tight jaw. "I know nothing I say will change your mind. So I'll just ask this: how are you planning on getting there? And what are you planning on doing if do get in?" She opened her mouth to answer but Howard fired more questions. "Who will they even see? What I see or what everyone else sees you as? I can see either scenario going very wrong."

"Lower your voice!" She hissed quietly when she heard people walking around. They stood in silence until the voices faded away, both breathing out in relief. She glared at Howard, who looked guilty. "I have it all under control and planned it out all. So, zip it and sit your ass down."

Howard obeyed begrudgingly, he hated when someone told him what do to. No one else dared to give him orders or boss him around. Andromeda was the exception. The only exception.

She spent the rest of her days signing condolence letters, her heart broke after every letter. Each name brought its own set of painful memories. Yet each name strengthened her determination of freeing them from Hydra. When it was time to sign the letter to James' mother, Andromeda nearly broke the pen of how hard she was pressing on the paper.

Hopefully, this letter will not need to be sent at all. That it would be burned by the tomorrow morning, saving his family the heartbreak. With a heavy heart, she moved on to the next letter and the cycle repeated itself with another name. Andromeda wished that this will be the last time she did this. But she knew that was asking too much.

It was two hours after the sun had set when she heard a voice inside her head.

Lady Andromeda, A deep soothing masculine voice called out. You called for me.

Andromeda could have cried from the relief she felt that second. Leaping from the chair, she went on the hunt for Howard. But not before grabbing two apples. He was going to lose it and she was eager to see that. Still aware of the eyes on her, she stopped herself from skipping and smiling.

"Howard," she whispered loudly, creeping into his tent. Loud snores erupted from his widely opened mouth, hair a complete mess, and his body twisted weird angle. How handsome, she grimaced in disgust at the sight. Who wouldn't love to see that first thing in the morning? "Howard! Wake up!" When he didn't move, she poked him. "Wake up, Howard!" She poked him harder. "Howard!"

He just went on to snored more loudly. She groaned out in annoyance, poked out her head to see if anyone was nearby. The coast was clear. Pulling water from within herself, Andromeda created a small ball of water on her palm. Hovering the ball of water, she pleaded that he wouldn't get too angry with her.

She released the water ball, splattering it all over his face. Howard awoke with a loud gasp, eyes flickering wildly, hands waving in the air like a madman. He spluttered from a moment, clearing shocked from waking up so abruptly. And again, he also wasn't expecting the huge gush of water to fall on him.

"What the hell! What is wro-" He yelled but was quickly muffled by a hand over his mouth.

"Shhh!" Andromeda hissed not too loudly. "Stop yelling! I need you to shut up and follow me."

He darkly glared at her but ultimately nodded. Biting his tongue to prevent himself from lashing out again. They moved quickly and quietly in the dark, Andromeda threw him a towel to his face just as they exited the tent. Howard's annoyance only grew when the towel hit him.

Running behind her, Howard roughly dried his face. Annoyance turned to confusion as they entered the forest, then confusion became curiosity. The forest felt more alive in the night, owls sounded off in various directions. Crickets and other small critters were heard all around.

"Where are we going?" He finally asked.

She grinned even though he couldn't see it. "My ride's here."

Howard floundered in his step. "Wait, do you mean-"

"Yup."

That was when curiosity became excitement.

Andromeda hurried her pace when they got closer to the small creek. The sound of water trickling over rocks became louder as they continued walking. Excitement was rolling of them in huge waves, at this point, both were laughing like children. It was an all too small moment of sheer bliss for them.

When they finally broke through the trees and into a small clearing and saw Andromeda's ride. It was a bit hard to see in the dark, especially since the clouds covered the moon, but it was a horse. A dark horse fervently drinking water. Howard held in a gasp when the horse shuffled, and the wings finally became visible. Large, feathered wings folded at its side, shinnying gently under small light from the moon.

"Holy shit," he breathed out in disbelief.

"I know," Andromeda responded breathlessly. "Hello, Phillip."

Phillip neighed softly and bobbed his head. Good evening, my lady."

"Thank you for coming," Andromeda stepped closer, giving him two apples that she brought. "It means the world to me that you came."

Of course, I'll always be there when you need me. He told her munching on an apple. She softly ran her hand through his hair and neck. She smiled as he went on to devour the second apple. There are some items inside the saddlebag.

At just seventeen years old, Lily was the youngest sibling. Her fiery little sister so desperate to join the war effort, but everyone agreed that she was too young. That she needed more training. The last time she spoke to her, she compared camp to prison, their brothers were prison guards, and Chiron was the ward. Always so dramatic.

The letter could wait. It was most likely another plead to Andromeda to let her out of camp. Andromeda turned to look at Howard, who was still locked in the same place.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot come say hi," Andromeda spoke loudly to get Howard's attention.

A stunned Howard Stark walked slowly to his friend, a demigod petting and feeding a pegasus. What has his life come to, he hardly recognized it. The strong pegasus stood proudly next to Andromeda, dark eyes held his in-lock gaze.

When he finally stood in front of Phillip, he paused to admire the beautiful creature in front of him. For once, Howard had nothing to say. His mind always went completely silent, so silent it almost terrified him. With a shaky inhale, he rose a trembling hand and slowly reach out. Stopping midway as to not spook the animal, then even more slowly than before, he finally laid a hand on the pegasus.

"He's beautiful, isn't he?" Andromeda whispered.

"He's incredible," Howard responded, still entrance that he was petting a pegasus.

Andromeda giggled lightly at Howard's expression, slightly displeased that he didn't faint. She let him have his moment with Phillip while she pulled the items from the saddlebag. The first thing she pulled out was a small, framed photo of her and her siblings in front of cabin 3. She stood, happily grinning, between a younger Lily and Terrance, another younger brother. Andromeda was nineteen at the time, and her older brother Henry was leaving camp for good.

As per tradition, they took a family photo, well two photos. One for the sibling that was leaving, the other to stay at camp. But Andromeda was grateful that Lily sent it to her. This was the last photo they took as a family since shortly after Henry left war erupted in Europe. The oldest siblings left to help their cousins against Hade's children. Lily, the twins: Richard and Robert (18), and Terrance (19) were the only ones left in camp.

She smiled sadly; fingers gently ran down the cool glass over the faces of her siblings. It has felt ages since she held them in her arms or spoken to them. Decades since she had a meal with them or trained with them. And she dreaded that nothing will be as it was before.

Howard moved around, hand never lifting from Phillip's body. His hair so soft, his heart pounding underneath Howard's palm. Howard couldn't help but gasp lightly when he touched the wings. Phillip shivered at the touch but remained remotely still. When finally came to stand next to Andromeda, his eyes travel to the object in her hands.

"Who are they?" He asked.

"My siblings," She told him with a weak smile, moving the picture so he could see it better.

"You miss them," He observed how the smile didn't reach her eyes.

Andromeda sighed heavily and nodded sadly. "It has been years since we were all together. Maybe one day, when this war is over."

Andromeda took one last look at the photograph before tucking it under her arm. She dug through the bag once more and pulled out an envelope. Along with a bunch of carrots.

"Here, you can feed him. I'm sure he's hungry from the trip." Andromeda handed him the carrots. Howard smiled excitedly and began to feed Phillip carrots, while Andromeda opened the envelope.

Andromeda,

You're probably going to do something stupid, aren't you? You must be if you need Phillip. But don't be too stupid, you're one only sister I actually like. So, don't die. Also, another prophecy has been spoken if you haven't heard. It sounds serious, even Chiron is nervous.

A half-blood of the eldest gods

Shall reach sixteen against all odds

And see the world in endless sleep

The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap

A single choice shall end his days

Olympus to preserve or raze

Everyone has been nervous since the Oracle said it. There's even been talk that the Big Three might make a pack not to have kids anymore. But I don't think that'll happen. Anyway, good luck and remember don't die. I love you!

Your favorite little sister,

Lily

P.S. Get me out of here! Richard and Robert are driving me up the wall!

Andromeda wanted to laugh at Lily's final commented but her mind was still on the prophecy. Over analyzing each line repeatedly, her breathing growing shallower after each read. A child of the eldest gods shall reach sixteen and she thanked the gods that Lily was seventeen. Maybe it will be a good thing for her father not to sire any more kids. This war was proof enough they were too dangerous, too powerful.

If she was correct, Zeus also didn't have any children under the age of sixteen. She was less sure of Hades since his children weren't always the most welcomed, much less right now. Maybe this prophecy will never be fulfilled, she knew that was impossible. This prophecy will come to flourishment eventually, whether anyone wanted it or not.

It was just the question of when and who.

Her hands trembled as she folded the letter and tucked it inside her jacket. The piece of paper felt like a large stone, weighing her down. She will deal with that another day. With the letter tucked away, she returned her attention to a giddy Howard feeding Phillip.

"He's really hungry, huh," Howard stated as Phillip showed no signs of stopping.

"Well, it is a long flight from New York. I'm sure he's exhausted," She said gently, stroking his neck. "You probably too tired to fly tonight, aren't you, my friend."

I'm sorry, my lady. I'm exhausted from my journey, but I will fly if you need me to. Phillip told me.

"No, I shouldn't push you too hard. We can go tomorrow. Rest tonight," She said.

At first, Howard didn't notice that she was having a conversation with Phillip. He had thought that she was talking to him like one would to their dog or cat.

"Are you talking to him?" Howard asked hesitantly.

Andromeda nodded. "Of course. Poseidon created horses and Pegasus is his son, so I communicate with them."

Howard looked more shocked if that was possible. "Wait, so he can understand me?"

"Yes, he can."

I like being called a good boy. And being told that I'm handsome.

Andromeda chortled loudly, alarming Howard. His eyes bounced between Phillip and Andromeda. Phillip was neighing loudly, which almost sounded like a laugh. A pegasus is really laughing at me. Howard thought in disbelief.

"What did he say?" He asked worryingly.

"That he's flattered you think he's handsome." She answered, trying her best not to smile or laugh. Howard's face flushed causing Phillip to laugh harder.

The next morning was welcomed with another day of clouds and rain. Just as it's been for the past couple of days. Except today wasn't like every other day. Steve was here today and he was getting attacked with tomatoes. She wanted to go off on them but knew that it could only make it worse.

So, she just stood off to the side, silently with her hands in a tight fist. When Steve was finally forced off the stage, Andromeda returned to her desk. Another pile of letters was placed on the desk, another day of heartbreaks. But hopefully, after tonight she could all of them.

It must have been thirty minutes later when Steve came marching in. Feet pounding on the floorboards as he moved towards her. His eyes steadily fixated on her caused Andromeda's heart to race. After all these months, he still affected her.

"Colonel Phillips," Steve called out.

"Well, if it the Star-Spangled Man With A Plan," She teased in hopes to calm herself. "What's your plan today?"

Based on his face, he didn't like her joke. He needs to loosen up.

"I need the casualty list from Azzano." He said, ignoring what she had just said.

What the in Hades? She screamed internally. Who did he think he was to demand a confidential file? And how did he even know about that? That's when she noticed Peggy standing slightly off to the side, clearly ashamed of spilling private information. Her blood boil, Peggy knew better than to go off telling classified information.

"You don't get to give me orders," She told him sharply, her mood turning sour.

"I just need one name, Sergeant James Barnes from the 107th." He stated which threw her off.

She lost her composure for a split second, luckily, they didn't notice. He knew Barnes, maybe a friend? She wasn't prepared to tell him just a day after she signed Barnes' letter. This wouldn't have happened had Peggy just kept quiet. Andromeda breathed in tremulously then faced Peggy.

"You and I are gonna have a conversation later that you won't enjoy." She spatted annoyed.

Steve jumped in impatiently, but also to save Peggy from Colonel Phillips' wrath. "Please them me if he's alive, sir. B-A-R…"

"I can spell." She snapped, feeling insulted. She was not an idiot. Andromeda had to take deep breathes before she could say anything. And even then, she had to stand up and turn around, she didn't want to look him in the eye as she delivered the news. "I have signed more of the condolence letters today than I would care to count. But yes, he was on the list. I'm sorry, he was a good man."

Steve whole crumbled around him, remembering all the memories of him and Bucky in a heartbeat. But as much as he wanted to mourn the loss of his friend, he focused on what needs to be done. Maybe helping others will distract from the pain.

"What about the others? Are you planning a rescue mission?"

Andromeda bit her tongue. She wanted to scream, yell at him to stay away. That she was already planning something to get the others out. To trust her in getting everyone else back. And so much more she wanted to say, but as Colonel Phillips, she could only say one thing.

"I can't."

"But if you know where they are, why not at least…"

Andromeda realized that this was the moment she worried since Erskine picked Steve. He would do anything to do what should be done, even if meant risking his life. Even if meant fighting an entire army by yourself. The irony was Andromeda didn't realize she was going to do the same thing. At least the way she saw it was that she had been training her whole life, Steve only trained for a week. And he was bad at it.

For gods sake, they didn't let him fire a gun after the recoil the first time. Steve was a dead man if he went in alone. But he didn't have to go in alone.

"They're 30 miles behind the lines though some of the most heavily fortified territory in Europe. We'd lose more men than we'd save," Andromeda said reluctantly, starring at the map. If he was going to do this, she was going make sure he at least knew what he was going to get himself into. "Now, I have somewhere I need to be. If I read the posters correctly, you someplace to be in 30 minutes."

"Yes, sir. I do." Was the last thing Steve said before he walked out.

Her mind was already two steps ahead as she joined the men around the table. Andromeda had to steady her breathing as Steve marched behind her when exiting. And when Peggy chased after him, she knew what Peggy had in mind. Without a second of hesitation, Andromeda marched to Howard's lab. She walked in like a storm, demanding everyone to leave them alone at once.

"Where's the fire?" He exclaimed witnessing everyone leaving.

"Steve going to Austria, to Hydra," Andromeda informed hurriedly. "If I'm correct, Peggy is coming here to here to ask for your help. Do what she asks."

Howard nodded. "And what about you?"

"I'll be right behind, with Phillip. Get him as close as you can. I'll help him from there, from the shadows," she turned and began to walk away. She needed to change into her armor and settle everything for her disappearance. "Try and act surprise when Peggy comes in."

Just before she went out into her tent, she informed those around not to disturb her for the rest of the night. Making sure her tent is as tightly closed, she pulled out the chest from under her bed that contained her armor. Beginning with the leg guards, she changed quickly, grateful to be wearing pants. Finishing with her hooded cloak, she snuck out from the back, careful not to be seen. Her sword attached right to her hip.

Once safely in the woods she dissolved the Mist around her and headed towards Phillip. She ran through the forest, her legs pushing her forward. Heart racing, blood circulating throughout her entire body. Adrenaline consumed her as she ran towards Phillip. She hasn't felt like this in years, she's been stuck behind a desk for too long.

Phillip was ready to go when she arrived, wings stretched out and warming up. Phillip broke out into a light jog once he made eye contact with her. She quickly caught up to him and easily jumped on. And together they race off in the evening sky. For a while it was just the two of them, the sun had set, and the stars took their place. Out here, away from the large cities, they looked so beautiful.

Finally, she heard the loud hum of an airplane coming up behind her. Sure enough when she looks back, there they were and they were late.

"Holy shit!" Howard yelled when he got close enough to Andromeda. Despite knowing that she was going to be up here, it still was a shock to see her flying with Phillip.

"What is it?" Peggy asked in a panic, getting up to see.

"What? Oh…Nothing, nothing's wrong," he shot out and signaled to Andromeda to hide. Howard turned to meet Peggy. "Nothing's wrong."

"Then why did you shout?" Carter asked sternly.

"I didn't shout? What are talking about?" Howard said, hoping to sidetrack her.

"You most certainly did shout." A singular eyebrow arched up. Peggy's face went hard, unmoving that it almost made Howard nervous. But he made sure to keep the act.

"I most certainly did not."

Peggy stared at him harshly. "Are you alright?"

"Perfectly fine. How are you tonight, Agent Carter? I didn't get a chance to ask you earlier." He gave her a wicked little grin. "Can I just say you do look lovely?"

Peggy didn't answer, instead, she just rolled her eyes and sat back down in front of Steve. Grabbing the map from where she left it, she resumed informing Steve.

"The Hydra camp is in Krausbger, tucked between these two mountain ranges." She pointed to the two ranges. "It's a factory of some kind."

"We should be able to drop you right on the doorstep," Howard said out loud. Andromeda came reappeared next to him and they nodded to each other. She looked out to the dark horizon, eyes, and ears peeled for any signs of danger. While everything looked calm, it could all change in the blink of an eye.

"Just get me as close as you can," Steve stated over the loud engine. "You two are gonna be in a lot of trouble when you land."

"And you won't?"

Steve knew that was a risk. If anything went wrong Colonel Phillips will have his head. But he was still willing to try. "Where I'm going, if anybody yells at me, I can just shoot them."

"They will undoubtedly shoot back," She retorted grimly.

Steve looked to the thin metal shield next to him and give it a light tap. "Well, let's hope it's good more something.

"Agent Carter? If we're not in too much of a hurry, I thought we could stop off in Lucerne for a late-night fondue."

Howard knew couldn't stay alone tonight, in a dark room while his friend was off fighting Hydra. He would crazy with worried. Better to spend time with good company and melt cheese always help. Yet when she didn't respond right away, he turned slightly in the seat. And what he found was an awkward silence between Peggy and Steve. Did he say something wrong?

Peggy dodged his suggestion. "Stark is the best civilian pilot I've ever seen. He's mad enough to brave this airspace. We're lucky to have him."

Howard was taken back by her words. What was with the compliment? Or was it a insult? Maybe both? He kept silent as Steve started to ramble.

"So, are you two…Do you…fondue?" Steve asked nervously.

Howard had to swallow his chuckle. What did this man think fondue was? He could only wonder what was going on inside his head.

Peggy ignored what Steve asked and instead held up the transponder. "This is your transponder. Activate it when you're ready and the signal will lead us straight to you."

Steve took the item, but he still had some doubts. "Are you sure this thing works?"

"It's been tested more than you, pal." Howard snide in return then the bullets hit. Howard immediately looked to Andromeda, but she was already busy dodging them. The night turned into a firework display, except this wasn't a show.

Howard steady the plane and strategically moved to lessen the hits. Realizing this was as far as they could take him, Steve rose from the seat. Peggy at once went behind him when she saw him going to the exit.

"Get back here! We're taking you all the way in!" She shouted tightly holding on to the seats.

Steve just lifted the latch to open the door. He couldn't afford to let them get shot down and killed. He didn't want their deaths on his shoulders. Steve looked down at the ground, quickly prepared to jump.

"As soon as I'm clear," he screamed as loud as he could over the gunfire. "You turn this thing around and get the hell out of here!"

"You can't give me orders!" Peggy yelled.

"The hell I can't! I'm a Captain!" Steve retorted loudly, with smirked, he pulled the goggles down and jumped.

Amid avoiding a barrage of bullets, Andromeda still managed to see Steve hurling down to the ground. This wasn't the plan, but when did things ever go according to plan. Never, in her case. Inhaling deeply, she directed Phillip to dive down.

Thank you for reading and let know what you think.