Brooklyn April 1943
Steve and Lucy woke up the following morning to the sound of clanking in the main room and the smell of coffee.
"Good Morning Wife," Steve said, pressing a kiss to Lucy's lips.
"Good Morning Husband," Lucy whispered as the kiss broke.
A loud knock at the door broke the spell that had settled over the small room the night before.
"If you all want breakfast, you should get moving," Bucky called through the door. As if cued, Steve's stomach growled. The pair dissolving into giggles. Steve let go of Lucy to allow her to leave the bed. He took the opportunity to admire her figure. He loved her soft curves. Lucy bent over to pick up her dressing gown from the floor enjoying the choking noises issuing from Steve. She dressed quickly then waited for Steve to find a clean shirt and pants to wear.
Lucy moved the chair aside and opened the door to the main living area. Dot was at the stove minding pans of bacon and eggs. Toast already sat on four plates ready for their protein filled counterparts.
"Good Morning," she called, eyes not leaving the food. Bucky looked a little worse for wear, the circles under his eyes a little more pronounced. A small patch of stubble along his jaw spoke to his attention as did the steaming cup in his head. Steve stepped around Lucy, disappearing into the bathroom.
"Coffee," Bucky offered as she drew close to the counter.
"Please," Lucy said. Bucky waked over to the small pot, pouring her a cup of the strong black brew.
"Did you enjoy your night," Bucky asked, smirking into his mug.
"Ladies don't kiss and tell," Lucy said, taking a long swig.
"Oh, you two are ladies? I must have missed that memo," Bucky jokes. Dot playfully swatted him with the spoon she'd been using to stir the eggs.
"We are the epitome of Virginia Ladies good man," she said, doing her best Scarlett O'Hara impression.
Steve emerged from the bathroom, wandering over to where the others stood. Lucy shared her cup of coffee with him.
"Thanks Sweetheart," Steve said, sipping the liquid. Normally he wasn't supposed to have coffee. The caffeine exacerbated his many heart conditions. Today, however, a few sips wouldn't hurt. He wanted to be alert enough to see Bucky off properly.
Dot dished out breakfast to her three friends and watched them tuck in. Steve and Lucy devoured their food. Their plates were empty and clean in a matter of minutes. Both normally ate slowly. Lucy often picked at her food. Steve could normally only manage a few bites due to his ulcers. Bucky gave Dot a look causing her to laugh.
Steve and Lucy stopped eating and looked over at Dot. "What's so funny," Lucy asked.
Bucky and Dot glanced at each other, breaking out into full belly laughs. Steve and Lucy rolled their eyes at their friends, returning to their breakfast.
A few hours later, the quartet and Bucky's family were standing next to the boat that would take Bucky off to war. They were surrounded by thousands of other families all seeing their menfolk off to a conflict the older members thought they'd never see.
"You packed extra undergarments," Mrs. Barnes asked Bucky.
"Yes Ma," Bucky said, a little whine in his voice. Each Barnes gave Bucky a hug. Even Bucky's usually stoic Father enveloped Bucky in a tight hug.
"I'm proud of you son," he said, tears welling in his eyes. As Mr Barnes stepped back, Rebecca pulled a small camera from her handbag.
"Would you take our picture," she asked, offering the camera to Dot.
"Of course," Dot said, taking the camera from the woman and the family lined up with the ship in the background.
"On three," Dot called, lining up a shot that contained all the members of the family. "One, two, three." The camera clicked and the family moved apart.
"Rebecca? Can you take one of us," Dot asked, handing the camera back to her.
"Sure," Rebecca said.
Dot pulled Steve and Lucy forward, arranging the photo with Steve and Bucky in the middle. The girls flanking them on the outside.
"You better smile punk," Bucky fake whispered to Steve. Steve chortled, a genuine smile on his face. Dot and Lucy giggled.
"Got it," Rebecca said, lowering the camera.
The four broke apart. Lucy stepped back to stand with Barnes' family while Steve and Dot said goodbye. Steve and Bucky shared a hug and a brief discussion. Dot kissed Bucky, giving him a large hug. Bucky picked her up and swung her around. He set her down carefully before looking over at Lucy.
"Come on Lucy! Don't let me leave without a full set of goodbyes," Bucky called. Lucy timidly walked over to be engulfed in a hug.
"Take care of him, please," Bucky whispered into her ear.
"I'll do what I can," Lucy said, pulling away, "just come back."
The boat horn sounded, and the crew called final boarding. Bucky gave everyone one final salute before turning to board the boat.
Monday morning, a similar scene unfolded at the train station, as Lucy and Dot saw Steve off. Dot said her farewells quickly and was loitering by a coffee cart in the station. Steve and Lucy stood in peaceable silence waiting for the train to arrive
"Do you," Lucy asked.
"Yes," Steve said.
"Are you?"
"Yes," Steve answered.
"Before you go Steve," Lucy said, turning to him, "I need to ask something of you." Concern overwhelmed her features as she looked at him.
"Anything," Steve said, straightening his tie. Lucy's palms began to sweat. The straightening was a nervous tick she'd noticed over their short time together.
"I need you to keep us a secret," Lucy said. Steve's jaw moved and his eye went wide, almost as if he was a goldfish.
"Are you that embarrassed by me," Steve asked when he collected himself.
"No, I love you, and you're probably one of the best things to ever happen to me," Lucy said frantically, "It's just. Part of my job is being single. If you get married, you're expected to resign to follow your husband. I haven't told anyone outside of Dot about it. Please Steve, I'm begging you." She was prepared to get on her knees and grovel before him if necessary.
Steve's face softened, "I'm sorry sweetheart, It's just…. Nevermind, my enlistment form said single. It shouldn't be too hard to explain a girlfriend to my superiors."
"Thank you," Lucy breathed. She pulled Steve in for one last kiss as the train arrived. She poured all her feelings into the kiss. Steve returned the emotion in kind.
"Steve, your train," Dot yelled. The pair sprang apart, a deep blush on both their cheeks.
"Come back to me Steven Grant Rogers," Lucy whispered.
"Always doll," he whispered.
"All Aboard," the conductor yelled. Steve headed for the train, leaving Lucy and Dot in New York.
In their office, Lucy and Dot were back working on the latest dispatch. They'd pulled the Die Walküre records for the shelf and had been listening to it on repeat. As they started the second listen, Lucy swore to herself.
"How did we miss that," she asked. Dot looked up from the score, startled.
"How did we miss what," Dot asked in reply.
"What is Wagner known for," Lucy asked. Dot looked confused, thinking over Lucy's statement.
"For the Ring cycle. Four operas that tell the Norse mythology," Dot answered, "With interconnected themes and motifs." The realization dawned on Dot as she said it.
"Exactly, so we're been looking in the wrong place," Lucy said, "It'll make the dispatches even more complicated to decipher." Dot nodded.
Lucy pulled the other three Opera scores from atop the piano, handing two to Dot. "I'll check Das Rhinegold and Die Walküre if you can check Siegfried and Götterdämmerung."
The pair began to leaf through the scores looking for the 16 notes they needed.
It took them the next 12 hours to find the right passage and decipher the message. Lucy wrote out the last few letters and looked over the message. Test für Ende Juni geplant. Eintritt erworben. Aufträge?
"What's it say," Dot asked, placing a cup of coffee down in front of Lucy.
"I don't read German, but I think it's something to do with the first dispatch we deciphered. They're talking about some sort of test," Lucy said, "Let's just hand it off to the translator and clean up."
Dot agreed, picking up the piece of paper containing the message and leaving the room. She walked down the hallway to the door labeled TRANSLATIONS. Dot dropped the slip of paper into the small mail slot and walked away.
In New Jersey, Steve was settling into the barrack with a dozen other guys. He carefully unpacked his small suitcase of belongings, including his treasured sketch book. The men around him were playing, fighting and making their beds. He did his best to tune them out.
"Hey shrimp, what are you doing here," one of them teased, "I didn't realize that we were letting nancies in now." Steve ground his teeth and did his best to ignore them.
"Good one Hodge," another of the men said, clapping the first on the back.
"Attention," a drill sergeant called from the entrance to their bunkhouse. All the men stopped what they were doing and came to attention at the ends of their bunks.
An older man, a Colonel from the insignia Steve could see, stood behind the sergeant with who appeared to be Dr. Erskine.
"I'd like to welcome you all to Camp Leigh. You all are going to be given a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourselves. You will be spending the next 10 weeks in the most grueling training the Armed Forces has to offer. If you survive, you'll be evaluated by myself and Dr. Erskine and we will make a decision that will change one of your lives," he said, motioning the civilian behind him, "Get some sleep. You start tomorrow at 0600."
"Sir, yes sir," the barracks called out in response. The Colonel left. Dr. Erskine stayed behind.
"If you all don't mind before lights out, I would like a few minutes with each of you," he said, moving his hat in his hands.
Dr. Erskine made his rounds talking with each man for a few minutes before moving on. When he got to Steve, his eyes lit up with amusement.
"Steven, I'm glad to see you made it," he said looking at the pile of books on Steve's trunk.
"Thank you for the chance," Steve said sincerely. Dr. Erskine examined the spines, stopping at the sketch book. He picked it up and examined it.
"You're an artist," Erskine asked, opening the book, flipping through the drawings.
"I drew comics before the war," Steve said honestly. Dr. Erskine stopped on a drawing of Lucy. He seemed puzzled by the drawing, staring at Lucy as Steve had captured her one afternoon.
"Who is this lovely creature," he asked.
"That's Lucy, my girlfriend," Steve said, a light blush dusting his cheeks. Dr. Erskine smiled, returning the sketchbook to its place at the end of Steve's bed.
"Good luck," Dr. Erskine said, moving on to the next man.
Steve breathed a sigh of relief and got ready for the day ahead.
May 10th, 1943
Dear Lucy,
I am so sorry it's taken me so long to write. Training has been exhausting. Most nights I fall asleep as soon as we're back at the barracks. I'm surviving though. A couple of the others have already been sent home. They aren't telling us anything about why we're here. I know they're trying to weed us out, but have no idea what criteria they're using.
It's been rough with the other men. They rib me all the time. Don't worry, I haven't gotten into any fights since training started. I'm not putting my chance in jeopardy. At least they're not very creative with their jabs. It's normally Nancy or Shrimp. I'd heard those my whole life. One of them snuck a look at my sketchbook. The doctor who's monitoring us mentioned how pretty you were in one of my drawings, and they wanted to see if the doctor was making things up. They assume you're not real, that I drew you out of my imagination. Well jokes on them.
I think about you every day. It's been hard sleeping alone again. At least summer is nearly here. If not I'd be worried about catching cold without your body heat. I hope you're thinking of me too, and missing me just as much.
I'll try to write again soon. Looking forward to your letter.
All my love,
Steve
Lucy was surprised when a letter from Steve appeared. She had assumed that he was too busy being a soldier to write. She vaguely remembered him saying that he'd be at Camp Leigh, but it hadn't registered until the letter was in her hands. She sat on the couch and devoured the letter. The paper even smelled a little like Steve. Once she'd finished, Lucy set about writing her reply.
May 12, 1943
Dear Steve,
Your letter was a welcome surprise today. Yes, I have been missing you something fierce. The apartment feels downright empty with you and Bucky to fill it up. Our bed is cold without you. I've been trying to keep myself distracted with hobbies. Knitting seems to be the only one I have patience for. Who knows maybe there will be a scarf in it for you.
It's good to hear that the training hasn't been too much for you. Keep working at it. If your physical training was anything even close to WAVE, it'll get easier. Though, I assume whatever you are doing is ten times harder than what I did. As fragile women, I doubt they would have subjected us to the full monty. Don't let the others get to you. There are jerks in every group.
Who's the doctor overseeing your group, if you're allowed to share. I didn't realize they'd have such heavy medical oversight. Maybe it's just to keep a close eye on whatever you're doing?
As for the sketch, I'm flattered the doctor thinks I'm pretty. Who cares what those other men think? What matters is that you're happy with the choice you made. Speaking of pictures, I've included a copy of the picture Rebecca took of us seeing Bucky off. If you have time, maybe you can do a drawing of it we can send to Bukcy? I hope you'll get a chance to write again before it's time for you to leave training.
All my love,
Lucy
When she was done, Lucy folded up the letter, and carefully addressed it to Steve. She had a hair brained idea about how she was going to send it, and she prayed it worked.
She had her chance a few days later, when she and Dot were called in on a set of urgent messages. When the pair arrived, Peggy was waiting for them.
"Good Morning you two," she said, " we need these messages as soon as possible. Do whatever you have to to get the job done."
"Understood ma'am," the pair said in unison. Peggy acknowledged them with a little head bob and headed for the door.
"Peggy," Lucy said, as the red head neared the door, "Can i ask you a favour?" Peggy turned around to look at Lucy.
"Depends on the favour," Peggy said.
Lucy extracted the envelope from her bag and handed it over to Peggy. "I was hoping you could deliver this to Camp Leigh. Its for one of the recruits there." Peggy examined the letter carefully.
"I'll see what I can do," she said, folding the letter in half and sliding it in her pocket.
Jun 1, 1943
Dear Lucy,
I'm not sure how you did it, but I got your letter. I'll try sending this one back the same way.
They've been keeping us incredibly busy the last few weeks. Between PT and the various classes, I can barely keep my eyes open. You were right, the physical side of things is getting easier. The classes, it depends on the day. The instructors mentioned that I seemed to have a natural affinity for the soldiering fundamentals, and ethics. The others had a field day with that. I think they called me a teacher's pet for the next week. For once, the names didn't bother me.
I've been drawing more during meal times, and the few evenings if I have the energy to. I tried to work on a sketch of our picture, but I can't seem to get yours or Bucky's expression quite right. I'll have to keep trying. Instead, I've been drawing stuff from my dreams, which are really all about you and well, the things we do in bed. The sketches don't do you justice at all.
About the doctor, his name is Dr. Erskine. He was the one who signed off on my enlistment form back at the Expo. He seems like a good man, and he was willing to take a chance on the little guy. So far he's only visited the barracks once, but I see him around the base nearly everyday. Dr. Erskine and some Colonel are evaluating us for something. They've been light on the details, its all probably just as classified as you are.
I miss you. Its only three more weeks of training, then I can hold you again.
All my Love,
Steve
Peggy appeared at the door to the Cryptography room, late in the afternoon. Lucy was bent over the central table, surrounded by piles of paper, Wagner quietly playing on the gramophone. Dot was nowhere to be seen. There had been a glut of new dispatches, nearly 30 messages in the span of two weeks. Lucy and Dot had taken to working in shifts; 12 hours work on the messages, 12 hours off to sleep and breathe. Colonel Phillips had reluctantly agreed to clear out one of the neighboring rooms to create a bunk of sorts for the two women so they didn't have to go all the way back to their apartment for sleep.
"Lt. Bryne," Peggy said sternly. Lucy jerked, startled by the sudden disturbance.
"At ease," Peggy said, pulling the envelope from her jacket pocket, "Your soldier sent a return message." Lucy snatched the paper from Peggy's hand.
"Thank you Peggy. I'm not sure how to repay you for this," Lucy said, shoving Steve's letter into her own jacket pocket.
"A favor, redeemable at any point in the future," Peggy said, "Now how's this batch of decryptions coming?" Lucy nodded, walking back to the table to run Peggy through the progress they'd made in the last few days.
Once Peggy had been brought up to speed, Dot arrived for her shift.
"Evening Peggy," Dot said, changing out the record for the Schumann Oratorio.
"Good evening Lt. Williams," Peggy said, "If you'll excuse me. I have an appointment." Peggy stepped out of the Cryptography Room and down the corridor to see Howard Stark's progress in the Procedure Room.
Lucy gave Dot a quick debriefing on where she was and how things were going before heading to the cafeteria.
She poured a cup of strong coffee and settled onto one of the tables to read Steve's letter.
As she read, Lucy's brow furrowed. She remembered seeing Dr. Erskine at the Expo's recruitment center, but thought it had been a coincidence. Peggy, Dr. Erskine and Colonel Philips were all spending a majority of their time at Camp Leigh, and whatever they were planning involved Steve. Lucy tried to recall the dispatches she and Dot had decoded that mentioned doctors and tests.
"Ah Ms. Bryne," a man said from behind her, "I was hoping to run into you again."
Lucy took a deep breath turning around to face Dr. Erskine.
"Dr. Erskine," she said smiling, "It is nice to see you again. I was also hoping to talk with you again." Dr. Erskine sat at the table across from her, placing a brown folder on the table between them.
"I was hoping to talk to you about Steven Rogers," Dr. Erskine said. Lucy stiffened in her seat.
"What about him," she asked.
"What exactly is your relationship to him," Dr. Erskine asked.
"We've been seeing each other for about seven month," Lucy said, "before that we were pen pals for.." She thought back to when she'd met Steve at the Dance Hall counting months in her head, "five months." Dr. Erskine's lips pursed. He adjusted his glasses, in what Lucy assumed was a nervous tick.
"Are you sure it is not a little more than dating," Dr. Erskine asked, "I've seen Steven's drawing." Lucy nodded tightly.
"We are just dating sir, and I don't really see how that is any of your business," she said.
"Out of curiosity, what does Steve have to do with the Soldatentests," Lucy asked, crossing her arms across her chest. Dr. Erskine straightened in his seat, looking her straight in the eyes.
"I'm not sure what you are talking about Ms. Bryne," he said flatly.
"Doctor, please don't play stupid with me. Dot and I have been decoding Hydra transmissions for months. Numerous transmissions have mentioned soldiers, tests, and the end of June. I may not speak or read German, but some words are easy to puzzle out.
Dr. Erskine sighed heavily looking around the cafeteria to ensure they were the only people in sight.
"Steven is a candidate in a SSR testing program, and I'm afraid that is all the detail I can provide. I do however find it concerning that Hydra knows of our plans," he said stiffly. "I had intended to ask what your opinions of Steven were. The testing requires a specific type of person and I have to be sure."
Lucy looked the old scientist over. "Steve is the most kind, gentle and amazing man I have ever met. He may be sickly, but it hasn't held him back from doing what's right and protecting those who need it."
Dr. Erskine pursed his lips, mulling over what Lucy had said. "Thank you very much Ms. Bryne. You've been a great help. I hope I do not have to tell you to keep the testing program to yourself."
He stood up, picking up the discarded folder. Lucy nodded looking up at the man. He began to leave the cafeteria.
"Dr. Erskine," Lucy said. He stopped, turning to look at her over his shoulder, "If anything happens to Steven. I will never forgive you." Dr. Erskine nodded continuing out the door, and out of sight.
Steve's unit was pulled from regular training 9 weeks into their program. The Sargent involved didn't tell the men anything, just to be ready on the field in full gear in 10 minutes.
"Recruits, attention," Agent Carter said. The men snapped to attention. "I'm Agent Carter. I supervise all operations for the Strategic Scientific Reserve." Another officer walked behind her with a box full of clipboards. Steve stared in disbelief. This was the woman who had been acting a messenger for Steve and Lucy the last few weeks. In mid-May, she'd stopped him in the mess hall to pass him a letter from Lucy. He'd been confused at first. How did the woman know Lucy, and why did she have a letter for him. They'd never really spoken to one another, but the woman was in the mess hall at the same time, three times a week. He'd pass her letters and she'd return with letters from Lucy. If nothing else, it ensured the letters weren't read by the base's mailroom.
"What's with the accent, Queen Victoria? Thought I was signing up for the U.S. Army," Hodge heckled. Steve was pulled from himself back to the situation unfolding in front of him.
"What's your name soldier," Agent Carter asked. She moved her head slightly, and the officer began to hand out the clipboards.
"Gilmore Hodge, your majesty," he answered.
"Step forward, Hodge," Agent Carter commanded. Hodge stepped out of line smirking.
"Put your right foot forward," Carter said. Steve looked down at his clipboard, it seemed to be some form of written test.
"Mm.. We gonna wrassle," Hodge asked, "Cause I got a few moves I know you'll like." Agent Carter punched Hodge square in the nose. Steve couldn't help smiling to see Hodge in the dirt. The man had made Steve's time in basic training a living hell. Every chance he got, Hodge questioned why Steve was there, and if he played for the other team. It had been Hodge in cahoots with one of the others in their barracks that had stolen his sketchbook to get a look at Lucy's picture, then refused to accept that a woman that beautiful would go for a shrimp like Steve.
Another jeep containing the Colonel who had welcomed Steve's group that first day and Dr. Erskine pulled up to their line.
"Agent Carter," the colonel called.
"Colonel Phillips," she replied.
"I see you're breaking in the candidates. That's good," Colonel Phillips replied. He glowered at Hodge, "get your ass up out of that dirt and stand in that line at attention 'til somebody tells you what to do"
"Yes Sir," Hodge said moving quickly back into line.
Colonel Phillips surveyed the group of recruits, "General Patton has said that wars are fought with weapons, but they are won by men. We are going to win this war because we have the best men." He faltered as he got a good look at Steve, "And because they're going to get better. Much better. The Strategic Scientific Reserve is an Allied effort made up of the best minds in the free world. Our goal is to create the best army in history. But every army starts with one man. At the end of this week, we will choose that man. He will be the first in a new breed of super-soldiers."
Dr. Erskine and Carter shared a look behind Colonel Phillip's back.
"Those of you who are not chosen will be sent back to the Army and placed in regular units based on your skills. First, we'd like you to complete the evaluation Lt Moore handed out. After that, Sergeant Duffy will begin the physical parts of the examinations. Any questions?" Colonel Phillips looked over the line one last time. "Good, dismissed." The men saluted Phillips, and broke apart to complete whatever the written exam was.
Agent Carter walked up to where Steve sat, under one of the few trees on base, "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself sooner. I didn't realize you were part of Dr. Erskine's group." Steve looked up from his clipboard.
"It's nice to meet you Agent Carter, Steve Rogers," he said, sticking his hand out to shake. Agent Carter smiled and took his hand to shake. "Can I ask how you know Lucy," Steve asked.
"I'm surprised she didn't tell you. She works for me as part of the SSR," Agent Carter said. Steve chuckled quietly, checking another box on the sheet.
"Lucy takes her work, and the secrecy it requires very seriously. All I know about her work is that she loves it," he said. Agent Carter sighed, "I would have said she's dedicated." She and Steve shared a small smile.
"Speaking of, I have a letter for you," Agent Carter said, pulling a white envelope from her jacket pocket.
"Thanks," Steve said, taking the letter and pocketing it in his pants. He handed her the clipboard with the complete evaluation and stood up to head back to the barracks.
"Steve," Agent Carter called as he walked. He stopped to turn and look at her, "Good luck." Steve gave her a small salute.
The next week of training was grueling. Sergeant Duffy put them through their paces, testing everything they'd learned in training camp. Steve was exhausted from all the physical exertion and felt perpetually on the edge of an asthma attack. He'd done his best, and that was all he could give.
On the final day, the unit was doing physical fitness testing while being observed by Dr. Erskine, Agent Carter and Colonel Phillips. They had started with pushups and had moved on to jumping jacks. Without warning, Colonel Phillips threw some at the group and yelled "Grenade!"
The rest of the unit scattered. Steve sprang onto the grenade without a second thought.
"Get away! Get Back," he screamed curling over the small metal explosive. Steve's thoughts turned to Lucy. He wished he could have seen her one last time and shouted to the world that they were husband and wife. The seconds seemed to stretch on forever. No explosion came.
"It was a dummy grenade," a nearby officer called, "All clear. Back in formation." Steve uncurled himself and looked to where Dr. Erskine stood with Colonel Phillips. The rest of the unit returned to their lines to continue with the physical testing.
"Is this a test," he asked. Dr. Erskine shot a look at Colonel Phillips, as if he'd made a point.
"He's still skinny," Colonel Phillips quipped nodding to Agent Carter.
"Alright girls," she called, "Colonel Phillips and Dr. Erskine have made their decision. They wanted me to thank all of you again for your participation in this project and wish you well with your future assignments." The group's excitement grew, most of the men looking at each other in an effort to pick out the lucky son of a bitch.
"Steven G. Rogers, if you'd stay behind. Dr. Erskine would like to talk to you. Everyone else, thank you again. Please return to the barracks and collect your belongings. One of the officers will be there with you unit assignments." Cries of angry and disappointment filled the air as the other men turned on Steve.
"What does this shrimp have that we don't," Hodge asked loudly. Anger evident on his features.
"That is classified Hodge, now be a good soldier and follow orders," Agent Carter said. Hodge's shoulders slumped as he walked back towards the barracks.
"Congratulations Steve," she said, "I'll be back tomorrow to pick up you up." Steve nodded. He'd done it. Whatever it was.
Dr. Erskine and another officer ushered Steve into the medical building. There a group of nurses swarmed Steve, taking measurements, blood, saliva, and whatever samples Dr. Erskine deemed necessary.
"Are you ok Steven," Erskine asked as he was poked and prodded. Steve nodded.
"Good, tomorrow morning, you will be undergoing an experimental procedure. We will be injecting a serum into your body that will affect your cells. The goal is to create a protective system of regeneration and healing," Erskine explained, "You'll have lunch after this, but once that is complete, I must ask you to fast."
"Understood Doc," Steve said. Dr. Erskine nodded, leaving the nurses to finish their tasks.
Steve tried to eat and drink as much as possible in lieu of the fast, but found that his desire to imbibe was gone. He managed to choke down a few mouthfuls of chili and rice along with several large glasses of water before returning the now empty barracks. Steve had been excused from any further activities for the rest of the day. He intended to savor the relaxation time while he could.
Authors Note: Apologies all for my long absence, between writers block and work, I've had little motivation or time for writing. Hopefully the longish chapter has made up for the absence. I'm going to try and start working on Chapter 10 with a goal of having it out by the end of the year, but I make no promises.
