For the 107th Time

by Crowley's Apprentice

When Fury gave him his first mission after he was pulled out of the ice, Steve thought that he was back in business. What he didn't expect was to find that the people who he was supposed to be rescuing had actually escaped on their own. Set right before Winter Soldier.

10. Mission Statement

"Director."

"Captain Rogers. Take a seat."

Steve walked into the spacious room. It appeared to be just a normal office, but Steve knew that the cabinets were for more than storage. And the desk? It was bulletproof.

Once Steve had sat down, Fury continued. "I have a mission for you."

"I'm retired."

"Actually, you're on an extended vacation. That just ended. And I have a mission for you."

"Yes, sir," Steve said reluctantly.

"There have been some recent power surges near Sokovia. One of my other agents already scanned the area, and she needs backup to go in. You're it."

"When do we leave?"

"Right now," came a woman's voice from behind him. Steve jumped. He hadn't noticed anyone when he came in. Turning around, he watched as a woman seemed to melt out of the shadows. "Here's your bag. It has everything you should need, and a few things you'll appreciate having."

"What are you doing here?" he asked, too stunned to ask any more intelligent questions. After all, he had been trying to avoid the general, even going so far as to block her from calling him. But her she was.

"I needed someone on the outside, and you seem to be good at that kind of thing," Hannah said coolly. "And, I seem to remember making some sort of agreement about a special regiment. I think it's a good idea, and I'm not about to let something stupid stop it."

"Something stupid! You almost died!"

"And you almost succeeded in avoiding me."

"I couldn't do it."

"Do what? Pick up the phone? Did it never occur to you that I might be worried about you, too?"

Steve was silent. Fury cleared his throat. "Maybe you should discuss this later."

"I disagree," Hannah said. "We need to be on the same page before we go anywhere. If we can't reach an agreement, I have other people I can call for backup."

"That might be best," Steve said, almost relieved. "I don't think I can handle this again. Or maybe I should go in your place."

"Not a chance."

"There's no way you're back in top physical condition after that injury. You shouldn't even be able to walk."

"Well, I'm walking, and I'm going. You can talk to Simmons on the flight. She'll explain."

"I-"

"am going," Hannah cut in. "Great! Here's your bag. Let's move!"