[Once in the water - Song – Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra – "P Walk"]

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Already dreading what Howard had in store for her, Peggy's chin stubbornly jutted out. She could handle whatever challenge he threw her way. Defiantly nodding, she went behind the dressing screen to change. Her booming outraged voice made all the men wince, "Howard, you can't be serious!"

A smirking Howard replied innocently, "What, Peg? Bikinis work best with the new aqualung gear." His mischievous smile instantly vanished when he realized that maybe he had pushed her too far.

"I hardly think they are practical for anything short of arrest! What happened to my old suit?" Irritated, she still obstinately changed into the swimwear provided. If Howard thought he could embarrass her, he was sadly mistaken.

Howard began to wax poetic, "Outdated… You need to embrace the future, pal. And trust me, it'll fit better than … wow!"

Peggy had emerged from behind the dressing screen. She looked amazing in the two-piece cobalt blue bikini. Though not shy about her assets, she did not enjoy flaunting them either.

The female agent stood tall, daring anyone to say anything, but all the men were tongue-tied. With an exasperated sigh, she indicated their stunned expressions with a flick of her hand. Annoyed, she spat, "See, impractical!"

"Here," Howard quickly averted his gaze as he handed her the form-fitting rubber suit. As she put it on over the bikini, he explained, "I call this the elastic suit. It will keep you warm and protected while in the water. Some physicist in California came up with the design, so I tweaked it."

Peggy stopped shoving a foot through one of the rubber legs and stated worriedly, "What did you do to it, Howard?"

Proudly he explained, "Installed a few safety features. First, the interior lining has a lightweight metal mesh that shields you against sharp, pointy things. Perfect for if you run into any sharks. Now, if their bite does puncture it, compressed air pouches around the torso will instantly inflate. Your suit becomes a protective bubble that they can't pop."

She frowned and then shrugged. It didn't sound too problematic. But then, Howard's inventions tended to backfire on the user unexpectedly, especially if it was still in the early developmental stage. She recalled the booby-trapped briefcase he developed that had prematurely exploded. His lab assistant Gimble was still limping.

Finally getting her arms through the rubber sleeves, Peggy asked, "So, what is your clever plan to get us there unnoticed." She tugged up the rest of the rubber suit and tucked her hair back before pulling the flexible hood over the top of her head. Her body was now covered. Only her face, hands, and feet remained unprotected.

Howard grinned and crossed the room. Flicking a switch on the wall, the newly cleared spot in the center of the cabin began to vibrate. Then a trap door slowly slid open. In moments the beautiful blue sea water was revealed.

Boastful, Howard tucked his hands in his pockets and declared, "They'll never know you were even gone."

Peggy smiled, impressed. She then watched as Jarvis went behind the screen to change. No one else followed him. Understanding the implications, she was grateful that he would be going with her. Though there was always the possibility of danger, they had been through some rather tough scrapes together and had survived.

Relieved that Howard was staying put, she still teased, "So, you are not joining us, Howard?"

All serious, the inventor explained, "Sorry Peg, water and I do not mix. Instead, I'll monitor the images sent back from the enhanced scanner while you are down there. It took some tinkering, but I combined some parts of that specialized flashlight with other odds and ends I had around. Now whatever you point it at, we'll be able to see it on the transceiver over there."

Jerking a thumb, he indicated the corner where a large transistor screen was surrounded by electronic equipment. "Also, I can manipulate the images using all sorts of different spectrums of light. This way, nothing will get by us."

Peggy grinned and then turned to Spencer, who had yet again found something to eat. Already knowing the tall man's answer, she asked anyway, "Professor?"

He shook his head vehemently. "Afraid I never learned how to use one of those underwater breathing apparatuses."

Nodding in understanding, Peggy herself had used an air tank only a few times near the end of the war when she and the Howlers were mopping up Hydra resistance. Then, it had been a new invention by the Frenchmen Émile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

Peggy turned her attention again to her friend, "Alright, what else have you got for me, Howard?"

The inventor walked over to a side table that had a few devices that looked like possible weapons. Peggy eyed them with trepidation.

Howard explained with a grin, "I know how much you love your guns, Peg. Unfortunately, they don't work underwater too well."

She gave him a caustic look.

Smirking, Howard handed her a weapon that looked like a modified German luger. Attached to its base was a small rubber hose that was connected to an oblong canister. "It shoots compressed air," he explained. "Try it on that coffee cup."

Game, she fired it. There was a pop and the ceramic cup shattered. Howard added, "And that is on one of its lower settings."

Peggy held the grip tighter and looked down the pistol's barrel. She did like the heft of it, "But won't the water slow it down?"

"True, but it will still pack a punch. Trust me, Peg."

"Maybe I should take that speargun instead." She nodded to the reliable weapon on the table.

"Come on, pal, give it a try," Howard practically whined.

She stared at him, "Don't tell me I am the first to test this for you?"

Howard replied defensively, "No… well, out in the ocean, yes. But it should work just as fine in saltwater as it had in the pool."

Peggy fought not to roll her eyes. She was already developing a headache as it was. After buckling the holstered weapon around her hips and then clipping the canister to the belt, she asked, "What else do you have for me?"

He pointed to a large, heavy cylindrical object with handles on either side. "That's an underwater jetpack. Similar to a plane's engine, but in this case, instead of air, it intakes the water and pushes it out at the other end to propel you forward."

"Nice." She was impressed with its sleek lines.

"And here is the scanner." He handed her the bulky imaging device, and she grimaced when it strained her muscles. As she rested it near the opening on the floor, Howard assured her, "It'll be lighter once you are in the water. Flash it over the blocks, and I can tell you if there is something of interest. Whatever we can't see with the naked eye due to centuries of saltwater erosion will be revealed with this baby. Though cumbersome, it'll work like a charm."

Handing her some flippers, Peggy put them on. Nodding her head, she asked, "Alright, I guess we are ready. Where is the breathing apparatus?" She glanced about the workroom.

As he handed her a more compact version of a typical aqualung tank, Howard boasted, "My special design, of course." He registered her apprehensive expression and quickly added, "Sorry, you know how I like to tinker. Though it is smaller in size, it still has that refreshing O2. This was tricky to create, but I enclosed smaller compressed air capsules within it that will expand when needed."

"And you have tested this yourself?" She was especially leery. Breathing was very important to her.

"No, I have," Jarvis stated as he exited from behind the dressing screen. He also wore an elastic suit that matched hers. With the flippers on, he waddled over to them like a duck.

Spying Jarvis in his rubber attire, Peggy had to ask cheekily, "I am amazed that one must know how to dive to work for Howard Stark."

Taking her witticism in his usual aplomb manner, Jarvis quipped, "You'd be surprised how many objects end up at the bottom of Mr. Stark's pools. Some are rather cumbersome even."

She smirked, "You certainly are a man of many talents, Mr. Jarvis."

Howard passed them each a clear mask that would cover their entire face.

Frowning, Peggy asked, "Shouldn't we be using goggles instead?"

Howard grinned, "No need with this gear. I find that it gives the wearer a full view of their surroundings. Plus, there are other benefits."

Once more, Peggy was hesitant, so Howard explained quickly, "See, the air hose attaches at the bottom of the mask. So if the tank needs to be switched out, the intake valve automatically seals so no water can get in until it is replaced."

He then pointed at the two-way microphone that was tucked near the ear and mouth. Smug, he bragged, "The best part is, we can now communicate with one another."

Well, being able to converse was certainly a plus, Peggy thought wryly. Unfortunately, they could only use hand gestures when she had been diving with the Howlers. This was especially problematic if their backs were to you.

After putting the mask on, Peggy spoke into the mic, "Can you hear me?"

Jarvis and Howard answered simultaneously, "Loud and clear."

Howard then helped them shrug on the specialized air tanks. While they got used to the odd contraption's weight resting on their backs, the inventor attached the air tank's nozzle to the front of the masks. He made sure that they saw how it was done, "See, even a child can change it out."

Peggy retorted, "Glad to see you are living to your fullest potential, Howard."

Snorting, he then asked as his critical gaze double-checked their gear, "All set?"

Both gave him a thumbs-up gesture. Before they entered the water, Peggy grabbed the nearby speargun, "Never hurts to be extra prepared."

Howard sighed in exasperation but did not argue with her.

"Alright, off we go." Turning her back to the water, Peggy held her mask and then crumpled in backward.

Being much more cautious, Jarvis sat on the edge of the trap door and slid in.

As they bobbed in the water, Howard handed them the bulky scanner and the jetpack. He also gave them a small backpack that Jarvis slung over one shoulder. The inventor explained, "It has a few odds and ends that you might need later."

Finally ready, the two divers sunk below the water. Fully submerged, Peggy tested the radio again, "Are you getting me, Howard?"

His voice sounded crackly in her ear, but she could understand him, "Gotcha, Peg. Here Professor, put this on so you can hear them, too." There was a rustling sound, and then they heard Spencer's heavy breathing. Peggy grimaced. He sounded like a winded horse. She really hoped that would not get too distracting.

Then nodding to Jarvis, they began to swim out from the bottom of the boat and toward the bay. Though the sea was choppy, their flippers easily propelled them along the seafloor.

Once they entered the Eastern Harbor, the churning waters soon became tranquil and crystal clear. Peggy reflected that she couldn't have picked a nicer environment to die in if things went south.

"Alright, let's go." Using the long seawall of stone blocks as their guide, they followed them to where the Citadel was located.

Some distance away, two figures in snorkel gear were watching them. They stayed close to the watery surface so as not to be detected. These were the same blonde-haired couple that had been at the Smithsonian. And recently, it was the attractive woman who Howard had made a beeline for back at the Citadel.

The handsome man nodded, and he and the beautiful woman raised their heads clear of the water. They both spoke in Russian, and he stated proudly, "Seems they took your clue to heart, Zdenka."

Smug, she replied, "Yes, Howard Stark might be an egomaniac sexist Capitalist, but he can readily focus when needed."

The man shook his head, "Too bad we don't have half their toys."

Zdenka smiled sardonically and replied, "All the more reason to let them do all our work for us, comrade. Besides, we have made do with less. Come along, Dmitri. We cannot let them get out of our sight."

And they quickly swam after the unaware Peggy and Jarvis.

Once Peggy was sure they were far enough away from the paparazzi's prying eyes, she indicated for them to surface.

Bobbing on the calm waters, she did a slow spin to take in her surroundings. Behind them was where the Lighthouse once stood. Continuing her turn, she saw the large expanse of water and then the Eastern Harbor beaches further in the distance. There was a lot to explore.

After signaling to the equally overwhelmed Jarvis, they ducked back under the jeweled sparklingly water. It was a fantastic tranquil blue-green and was clear enough to see the bottom.

As Peggy looked ahead, she saw some bits of stone. Following the spreading trail, she realized this was the beginning of the toppled structure's remains.

Then she registered how far the debris field went. By her quick calculations, this was going to take hours to examine everything. Well, at least the view was breathtaking, she reasoned.

Jarvis groused, "There certainly is a lot of ground to cover."

Howard's voice fizzed in her ear, "Since the Lighthouse was as tall as Lady Liberty, the debris field should go on for quite a bit, possibly 4-5 acres worth. Turn on the scanner so we can see. Maybe I can help narrow down your search."

"Of course, sir," Jarvis replied and did so without further prompting.

Once Jarvis had flicked the bulky device on, Peggy heard an excited Howard state, "Wow, the image is amazing."

Spencer's voice held more enthusiasm than usual when he concurred, "This is a wonderful find. You can easily make out the beginning of where the Lighthouse had fallen."

Heartened, Peggy asked hopeful, "See any clues, Howard?"

"No, sorry, Peg. As you press on, I should get a better sense of where the intact tower is."

Practical as always, she nodded, "Right, onwards then."

She nudged Jarvis, and they swam towards the Eastern Harbor's beach. The small sprinkling of wreckage below them soon became abundant and expanded outwards the further they went. Along the way, pieces of debris began to get bigger.

"There certainly are quite a few larger chunks here," Peggy mused aloud as they glided over a lone stone block the size of a car.

Frankly, under the water, the area's surreal quality almost made her believe she was in a fairy tale. She then noticed what had undoubtedly once been the head of a marble statue. The wear from the saltwater had rubbed its features off, making it appear almost alien. Peggy mumbled, "And other things."

They then came upon multiple long flat stones that collapsed on each other. Swimming down, they saw two more levels of these slabs piled onto one another. But with how they were stacked, they could not find an opening.

Spencer explained, "These flatter pieces must be part of the 600-foot long ramp that was used to access the entrance to the Lighthouse. Supposedly, oxen carts transported goods into the building that way."

Soon they passed massive broken stone blocks that dwarfed her and Jarvis. But there was still nothing large enough intact to be the entrance of what they were looking for. The force from the massive tower crashing onto the seafloor had seen to that.

Peggy voiced her frustrations, "Granted, we've found the Lighthouse, but I am afraid there is nothing larger than twenty feet long and eight feet wide."

Howard had been watching the scans intently and angrily agreed, "Yes, and so far, the contour of the seafloor does not indicate a massive object under the surface. I'll let you know if that changes."

Continuing, they swam over fallen columns, capitals, and more statues. They marveled at the multitude of fractured pillars and pieces of sculptures that were strewn among the enormous stone blocks.

After traveling by a barnacle-encrusted concrete slab, they came across a broken effigy of a God. Brushing away some sand along the base, it appeared that some Egyptian hieroglyphs had been carved into it.

Surprised at their finding, Peggy murmured, "Jarvis, this could be something of potential."

As Jarvis waved the scanner over it, he quickly stated, "Do you think this is our direct link to the Pyramids?"

Peggy asked, "Professor Spencer, any idea what this says?"

She could hear the strain in his voice as he tried to read the writing, "I can't quite make it out."

Howard chimed in, "We'll use the scanner's high-res capabilities. It should help accentuate whatever was once etched on it."

After a few moments of tinkering, he instructed, "Go ahead and rescan it, Jarvis, slower this time."

Once Jarvis finished, Peggy inquired again, "Well, Professor?"

Due to his excitement, the man's Boston accent was more pronounced, "It says something about the God Sobek. Among the Egyptians, he was the God of pharaonic power, fertility, and military prowess and would protect all from the Nile's dangers. He also healed Osiris and was often depicted as a crocodile."

They then heard the Professor sigh, "Sorry, but upon further reading, this statue is from the Greek King who commissioned the Lighthouse, Ptolemy I. This was probably one of many decorative statues that adorned the exterior. It is not our link to the other Wonders."

Peggy could hear the change in his tone as Spencer took on the role of lecturer, "In 332BC, the Greeks conquered the Egyptians. To be more accepted by those they subjugated, the Greek rulers incorporated many Egyptian beliefs among their own. Unfortunately, you will find other false leads strewn about the area. Possibly even artifacts from Cleopatra's Palace that Alexander the Great had built for her."

With no other choice, they swam on. But soon, they were discovering more surprising finds. Peggy was nearly taken aback when she spied an impressive 70-ton stone block that lay next to an undamaged ornate vase. Miraculously the container had not been broken from the fall.

Suddenly, an excited Jarvis motioned Peggy over. As she neared him, she spied the bottom portion of a humongous Sphinx statue sans head.

The Professor cooed, "Now, this is interesting. I think this is an actual ancient Egyptian piece. By those marking and subject matter, I would say that this statue is of considerable religious significance to early Egyptians."

Both Peggy and Jarvis shared a look of promise.

Studying the image more, Spencer's voice became hopeful, "Yes, this fits the theory that some of the building material used for the construction of the Pharos Lighthouse had been from a previous older settlement located here."

Howard's voice sounded excited, "So then this could prove that the Lighthouse was intentionally built on sacred land?"

Triumphant, Spencer declared, "Exactly! This is our link to the Giza Pyramids and the other Wonders. Congratulations, Mr. Stark. I think you might be on to something."

Nodding excitedly, Peggy and Jarvis went to continue but then stopped. They had reached the edge of the debris field. Being so close to the coast, moored boats bobbed up and down right over their heads.

Sighing loudly, Peggy stated, "Sorry, gentlemen, it appears that we have reached the trail's end." She added dejectedly, "Wherever the second and third tiered sections of the Lighthouse are located, they are either buried very deep or are not here at all."

Howard insisted, "But the majority of the Lighthouse couldn't all be buried. Even after all this time, the scanner would have detected any irregularities along the surface of the seafloor." He suggested hopefully, "Perhaps the locals removed those blocks so their boats wouldn't bump against them."

Jarvis agreed, "Yes, or they carted them away to use as more building material. I recall that something similar had happened to the Colosseum in Rome."

Studying the petering debris field, Peggy pursed her lips, "I would have agreed with you both except that none of the fragments look disturbed." Having helped Howard search for Steve Rogers countless times, she had seen enough wreckage over the years to recognize if a pattern had been tampered with.

Studying the image, Howard grumbled, "She's right."

Spencer piped in, "Also, if the residents had taken it away to construct other buildings, something would have been mentioned in the historical record as it had been for Qaitbay Citadel. The other two tiers should be there."

Peggy had a sudden epiphany. "Wait. Why do we assume that all of it just toppled over into the Eastern Harbor? There were three major earthquakes, right? So instead of all the sections being knocked into this bay, the top two tiers could have fallen north and into the Mediterranean Sea. Then whatever lower section was left collapsed from the final quake, and that was what we had just swum over."

There was silence, and she wondered if there was something wrong with communications. Then Howard replied enthusiastically, "That has to be it! Great thinking, Peg. Now let's head over to the Mediterranean side. Oh, and to save time, use the jetpack!"

Howard's voice was tinged with excitement. He was obviously curious to see how well his invention worked.

Peggy and Jarvis shared a look of trepidation. Then after a shrug to one another, each grabbed a rung on the cylindrical device.

"Alright," she said determinedly to no one and flicked the switch to power it up. Surprisingly, everything functioned perfectly. The propulsion unit came to life, and they were instantly moving forward at a brisk pace. "It's operating great, Howard. We should reach the other side of the bay shortly."

She heard Howard's pleased voice state, "Great, and we're already moving closer to the Citadel on its northern side."

"Sounds good," she added cheekily, "beat you there."

Finally, exiting the Eastern Harbor, Peggy and Jarvis were thrust into the open sea. Instantly they ran into trouble.

Even so far underwater, the ocean proved very violent, especially since they were going against a rough current.

Peggy certainly understood why the city of Alexandria would need a lighthouse. Overhead, she saw the waves crashing against the breakwater wall. Looking below, the subterranean seafloor was very dangerous. The area was littered with jagged rocks, whose sharp protuberances could easily gash any ship's hull.

As they went further, the visibility got exceedingly worse. The sea was churned up from the turbulent waters that whipped around them. Peggy and Jarvis hung on as the jetpack continued to struggle against the surge. She did not relish what Howard and the Professor must be going through topside.

She checked in, "Howard, how are you and Professor Spencer doing?"

Howard's voice sounded strained, "I'm fine, but the choppy seas seemed to have affected the Professor. I am beginning to think he has never ventured far from the classroom. I better have us motor further away. It'll save his lunch and stop us from dashing against those rocks." Suddenly he shrieked, "No, Professor, use the trashcan—"

Peggy and Jarvis shared a grimace, and then she goosed the underwater jetpack aiming for deeper, thus hopefully calmer waters.

True to form, not all of Howard's inventions went as planned. Honestly, Peggy was surprised that they had been able to use the propulsion device for this long without any issues.

One moment it was all fine and dandy, and then smoke started billowing from its fuselage. Peggy was aghast to see that even surrounded by water, flames licked out from its straining motor.

Before she could turn it off, the jetpack suddenly went haywire. As if the device wanted to commit suicide, it suddenly propelled them toward the seafloor!

Peggy barely managed to shut the contraption off before it slammed them into the jagged rocks. The jetpack must not have been used to continuously fighting against such strong currents, she supposed wearily.

Exasperated, Peggy scolded, "Howard, your jetpack nearly crashed us."

"That would have been terrible," the inventor admitted grievously.

Peggy warmed at the thought that he actually cared for them until he added, "With the amount of jet fuel in it, it would have certainly blown up any potential clues."

Jarvis groaned, "And us with it."

Peggy seethed, "This uses jet fuel?!"

"Experimental jet fuel, Peg," Howard clarified.

She waved her hand, "Oh, like that sounds safer!"

The inventor sounded just as irate as she did, "Hence why I called it a jetpack, pal."

Peggy shook her head and realized he could not see it. She growled, "I thought that it was an euphuism for how fast it went."

The resounding chuckle from the infuriating man nearly had her sending the jetpack into the hull of his yacht. As if knowing her intentions, he reminded her, "And don't leave it behind. It is a one-of-a-kind prototype."

Pursing her lips, she still did as requested. But for now, they both used their flippers to get around instead.

Still snorkeling in the Eastern Harbor, the Russians realized they had lost Peggy and Jarvis. Frustrated, they began to circle over the area, hoping to spot the divers somehow. The man then noticed that Howard's yacht was heading towards the Mediterranean Sea. Grimily, he nudged his partner's shoulder, indicating that their quarry was getting away.

Instead of following them out into the rougher seas, they swam back to their dilapidated boat and stayed put where it was safer. However, from their position in the bay, they could still easily keep a watchful eye on the opulent vessel's location.

Following the angling seafloor down, Peggy and Jarvis had gone far enough below that the water was changing in color from peaceful blue into foreboding cobalt. It had also gotten much cooler. And just as the SSR Agent had hoped, the deeper they went, the less turbulence there was.

Now in calmer waters, they could make out a massive groove gouged into the earth. Grinning hopeful, they swam over this enormous downhill path.

They were halfway along when they spotted the familiar stone blocks strewn on either side of the large gash. It looked like debris had shed off as a huge structure plowed through.

Looking ahead, they saw that about in a quarter of a mile, all the signs of the Lighthouse wreckage abruptly stopped. Frowning, they pressed on, only to stop when the ground suddenly dropped into an unfathomable abyss.

Gazing over the edge, they stared down into the dark void. Peggy could make out bits of polished stone and rock that littered the cliff along the way.

Alas, any further visibility ceased, for it was too deep to see anything but darkness. Jarvis aimed the scanner into the unknown, and Peggy asked, "Anything, Howard?"

Howard sighed and then grumbled, "Nothing that we can see. You'll have to go down there."

Checking her oxygen gauge, Peggy was relieved that they had used only a third of the tank. She once more silently praised Howard's ingenuity. "Alright, hopefully, those two sections are still intact after such a fall."

"Peg, there should be some wrist lights in the bag," Howard suggested, and Peggy pulled them out.

Flicking on their wrist lights, Peggy and Jarvis leaped over the side and descended into the darkening blue. Once they reached the seafloor, there did not seem to be anything but fish and a few chunks of stone.

Then in the distance, their light caught something that sparkled when their bright beams bounced off of it. Jarvis quickly swam over towards it.

Joining him, Peggy saw that he was floating next to a huge golden statue half-buried in the silt. The effigy was immense, at least twenty feet tall. It pointed ahead, and Peggy took it as a good sign.

The Professors excited voice actually quivered, "That is the statue of Poseidon. Supposedly it was on top of the Lighthouses dome."

Spying something further away, Jarvis said eagerly, "Miss Carter, over there."

After arriving at his side, they swam onwards and suddenly found themselves over a huge pile of worn, smooth stone.

Their shining lights showed that under them was the enormous octagonal middle tier. Gauging its size, Peggy figured it had to be at least fifty feet wide. Grinning, she said, "Gentlemen, success. We've found the center section."

As Jarvis slowly scanned the area, Howard released an excited "Whoop!" that left their ears ringing.

Peggy added, "And it looks mostly to be in one piece, albeit very damaged." She imagined her enthusiastic voice brought a smile to the two men's faces.

Looking ahead, the middle tier seemed to go on for well over seven stories. Its broken form followed the ocean floor's contours, making the damaged structure appear crooked.

The length was so long that the murkiness of the ocean depths nearly obscured the end. Still, Peggy could determine that the third section they wanted was buried deep underground.

"No quick shortcut for us to enter the last tier, I'm afraid. It seems we will have to find an opening somewhere else," she mumbled. Not surprised by their luck, she and Jarvis began to look around for a possible entrance.

Eyeing the massive clutter of collapsed stone at the rear of the structure, Peggy realized they could not get in that way either.

Jarvis pivoted the scanner around to show what was left of the base. Frowning, Peggy asked, "Now, how do we get in?"

"Maybe there is a way in from one of the sides," Jarvis suggested.

Nodding to him, they went to the edge and began to float downwards.

Sinking, they finally touched the seafloor. From where they stood, they easily saw that the ground had partially swallowed up the lower portion of the middle tier. Yet, even half-buried, the enormous structure loomed over them.

Cautiously, they began to swim beside the massive section, looking for an entrance and any potential danger. Though the octagonal tier was broken in numerous places and jumbled in others, they still could not find a big enough way in.

Having traveled at least thirty feet, they finally located a small opening under the collapsed stone. Unfortunately, by the look of it, the entrance was too tight of a squeeze for them and all of Howard's "toys." Still, they had to try.

As Jarvis aimed the scanner at it, Peggy asked, hopeful, "Well, Howard?"

The millionaire investor stated, "Yeah, this could be the way in. Use the compression gun to move aside the sand and smaller debris, Peg. Oh, and I would set it to 6 and not 10, just in case."

Peggy did as instructed and fired at the sand in front of the small hole. The pressure from the gun kicked her arm back quite a bit, and she was thankful she did not have it on at full force.

Firing it twice more, the blasts of compressed air cleared enough sand away that they would be able to fit, but just barely. They would have to leave the bulkier jetpack behind. Which was just as well, Peggy thought, relieved.

Before they entered, Howard instructed, "In the backpack is a communication amplifier that will enhance your signal. Place it at the threshold of the entrance. Otherwise, there would be too much interference to hear you as well as read the scanner's transmissions."

As Peggy rummaged through the pack, she came across a device with an unfurled antenna attached.

Removing it, she fanned the curved antenna and turned the contraption on. A low hum came through her earpiece, signifying that it was working. After placing it near the opening, she asked, "How is that, Howard?"

Howard's reply came in crystal clear, "Sounds good, pal. Now be careful, you two."

When Peggy had checked the bag's contents, she had also seen that there were some rubber-soled booties inside.

"Here, put these on," she handed a larger pair to Jarvis, "These should help us make faster progress in what surely will be tight quarters."

As they put them on, she shared a smirk with Jarvis, "Glad your boss always thinks ahead."

Ready, she nodded to her friend and said, "Right, shall we, Mr. Jarvis."

In return, he bobbed his head and then indicated for her to go first, "After you, Miss Carter."

She replied, "I would not have it any other way."

Holding the compression weapon at the ready, Peggy ducked down and looked into the murky opening. Thankfully, nothing suddenly darted out. But, before she squeezed through, she nudged the speargun closer to her back so it wouldn't inadvertently fire if it was smacked against the stone.

After taking a deep breath, she entered. Pulling herself along, she dragged her way into darkness.

Finally, she got to the other side and swam forward. She quickly scanned the area, and when no nasty beasties charged her, she signaled for her friend to enter.

In moments, Jarvis followed her inside.