Chapter 34. Justification
With all the information that the shrunk down Red Wing unit was sending they were sure they could proceed once they received the bullet proof gear. When it came to the seventh hour of the eight-hour deadline the consensus was they would have to go in without them. But less than 30 minutes before the deadline Shuri sent a message on Bucky's bracelet that the suits would be there momentarily. A shimmering circle began forming and within seconds had enlarged to a full-sized circle. Several Queen's Guard soldiers entered carrying the various suits, one for everyone, including those people on the task force. Shuri followed her soldiers in and looked at the Avengers team.
"You may use these to go after any of the HYDRA labs that are being found over the world," she said. "We will provide more to the Avengers headquarters for the team members there preparing their own missions. We just ask that you return them to us when you have destroyed the last base. It is not that we don't trust you but there is proprietary technology in those pieces and we do not want that to fall into the wrong hands." She turned to look at all of them then she focussed on John Walker. "We understand this mission began with the abduction of your son to use his blood but it is evident to us that your own blood made previous stockpiles of serum. Can you explain this?"
"I was lied to by my employer," he said decisively. "She claimed my blood would be used for another purpose. I was disgusted when I found out it was likely used to make serum. I know you don't trust me for taking it myself. I understand that now and I promise to try and live a more responsible life with the abilities I have. If you could help me understand what my son and daughter to be are capable of, I would be in your debt, Your Majesty."
He dipped his head to Shuri in respect and she regarded him coolly for several moments. "Very well, John Walker," she finally said. "Continue to work with this team in destroying the serum factories and I will consider your request. Good luck, gentlemen and lady."
She followed her Queen's Guard soldiers out the portal and it closed leaving the others to begin putting the bullet proof gear on. Although all the components looked the same size as soon as they put the pieces on the size adjusted fitting everyone according to their own body measurements.
"Nanotechnology," stated Sam, watching as the others changed. "That's why they didn't need body measurements."
Once they had their new uniforms on the group went outside and tested out the feel of them as they moved. They went over the plan once more. The task force, Yelena and Shaun would attack the barracks and guard facilities, taking out the opposition there, and releasing the people who were being held. Scott would enlarge, take out a wall of the manufacturing facility, allowing Sam to fly in and the other three to run in, attack the gunmen and disable them. They would free the enslaved workers and get them out of there. The task force would then lay charges everywhere and they would blow the facility up.
"Let's go do this," said Sam, as he rose in the air.
He deployed both Red Wings and kept up a running commentary from the air of what they were seeing as the group approached the fencing surrounding the facility. Thor sliced through the fence with Stormbreaker and they all ran through the opening to their designated targets. After confirming everyone was in position Sam gave the order to proceed and Scott hit the wall of the manufacturing facility. Running in with their guns drawn Bucky and John began firing at the guards while Thor rushed towards those at the back, amping up his speed so that he was almost invisible as he approached the individuals. Within a couple of minutes, they had disabled all the guards. While Sam watched them the others released the captives and told them where to go. Together, Scott, Thor, John and Bucky destroyed every canister of serum. Bucky turned in time to see one of the guards reaching for a hidden handgun and aiming it at Scott. Running towards the criminal Bucky took the bullet to the chest then smiled as the bulletproof clothing dissipated the energy of the bullet and dropped harmlessly towards the floor. Picking the man up by his artificial hand he lifted him straight off the floor and tossed him towards the wall where he fell senseless. Then he turned to the others who were coming around.
"Give up your weapons now and I'll let you live," he said in Spanish.
To emphasize his point he picked up one of the machine guns and broke it apart with his hands. Quickly the others took out their weapons throwing them aside. Taking zip ties out of a pocket on his belt Bucky zip tied their hands together and pushed them ahead of himself to the outside.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" asked John. "They are killers."
"I don't kill," said Bucky. "But they will face justice."
He nodded to the outside where several of the captives were gathered with weapons they picked up. They came forward, grabbed the guards, and not gently either.
"They're yours," he said to the former captives. "Just make sure you get away from here as soon as you can. We're destroying everything."
"You said we would live!" yelled one of them.
"You're alive right now," replied Bucky. "It's up to you to convince these ones that you deserve to stay that way."
Prodding them forward with the guns the former slaves took the others into the darkness of the night, away from the facility. Still hearing the sounds of fighting in the rest of the compound the others ran to assist and were able to disable the other guards. The captives from the cell took custody of them and like their fellow slaves took them away into the night. Everyone took charges and laid them everywhere. As they reported back on comms that the charges were laid Bucky gave the order to retreat to the fence.
"Omega in 30," he advised. "Omega in 30. After the count of five. 5–4–3–2–1."
He ran to the fence where the rest of the team was and waited with them. With a sense of satisfaction, they watched the entire place go up. From some distance away they could hear cheers and the sounds of guns firing. John looked at Bucky.
"Do you think they've just executed those criminals?" he asked.
"They could just be firing in the air to celebrate," said Bucky. "Either way, it's their country. They'll deal with the consequences." He looked at John directly. "I made the decision not to personally kill anymore. Even the ones we left behind in the buildings we destroyed were alive when I set off the explosives, giving them every opportunity to survive. In a perfect world I would have brought them to face a court of justice. But with the corruption that is evident wherever HYDRA operates they don't deserve much leeway and I'm pretty sure they don't expect it either. Those people who were their captives ... they needed to know they were responsible for what happened to their prisoners. If that meant they killed them then that's on them."
"I'm at the quinjet," said Sam, on comms. "There's another facility identified by satellite. Southern Mexico. Their president has asked for us to take it down, full Omega protocol."
They returned to the quinjet where Sam was talking to Rhodes, having reported the facility was destroyed. As everyone checked and stowed their weapons they removed the uniforms and put regular clothing on for the flight to the next location. Yelena took the aircraft up and entered the coordinates while Sam stood in the middle of all of them.
"There's a Mexican task force that has formed and they want in on the action. Apparently, they're tired of the cartels controlling everything. They are also taking custody of any cartel hoodlums, so they want live prisoners. Plans are underway to prosecute them publicly and fully."
Bucky looked at John; both of them gave a grim smile. As the aircraft approached the landing area where the Mexican task force waited for them both men inspected their weapons, making sure everything worked. After explaining to the Mexican task force what they did with the other facilities they developed a plan of attack with the intent of freeing any slaves, then taking the cartel members captive. Once they were under control the American task force would lay the charges. Only then would the facility be destroyed. This mission went to plan except for a cartel member who took a captive hostage, holding a pistol to a young woman's head. While Bucky, Sam, Walker and the leader of the Mexican task force discussed what to do, Thor and Scott decided to take matters in their own hands. Thor ran at top speed to the man, grabbing his gun from his hand, while an ant sized Scott aimed a punch at his throat, disabling him. The young woman took off straight into the arms of one of the task force members. With grins all around the Mexican task force took custody of the cartel members, calling in trucks to transport them to a holding facility. When the American task force finished laying all the explosives Bucky called the countdown and set the timer. It was a most satisfying end to watch the final Mexican serum factory blow up.
What was even better was an invitation extended to them to join the former captives in their town for a fiesta, with food, beer, and music. Needing the break they agreed and flew in the quinjet to a spot near the central plaza of the town. A hotel owner offered them the use of some rooms for them to shower and change, then sleep in after the party ended. Before any of them went to the party they all video called their significant others. Bucky looked lovingly at Julia over his phone as he made his call.
"I know it hasn't been long, but it feels like weeks since you gave us those breakfast sandwiches," he said. "How are Lemar and Olivia?"
"Good, he's a trooper," said Julia. "Rebecca has a bit of a crush on him. It turns out Olivia isn't much of a fan of John's employer. Says she hasn't really trusted her from the beginning."
"I'm not surprised," said Bucky. "John said she's asked him to do some shady things. Since we've been working on these missions, he's been good, very involved in the planning and the execution. We're staying here tonight as the local population want to hold a fiesta for us. If we don't get any more requests to take out other facilities, we'll head home as soon as we can."
"Good," stated Julia. "Have your leg wounds healed yet?"
Bucky smiled bashfully. "I thought you might have seen that. They're closed up and the scars are already starting to fade. I may have killed the man who shot me as I threw the shield at him. It was an instinctive response."
Julia shrugged. "He was trying to kill you, Bucky. I know you try hard not to kill anymore but sometimes it's not an option. You saved a lot of people at the other facilities. We saw that they were enslaved. It means the cartels had no regard for human life." He grimaced as it still bothered him. "Enjoy yourself tonight. You and the team have earned it. Then come home to me and we'll pick up where we left off."
"That we will," he stated. He kissed his fingers and placed it on the screen. "I love you. Give Rebecca and Billy a kiss for me. Tell them we'll go swimming when I get back."
"I will," she replied. "I love you too."
They ended the call and Bucky got up from the bed in the hotel room. Sam was just coming out of his room, tucking his phone into his pocket.
"Ready for some partying?" he asked as they walked towards the exit. "I could do with a few beers."
"At least you'll get a buzz from it," said Bucky. "Have you checked in with Rhodey?"
"Yup, we're done," confirmed Sam. "Where they've identified the facilities in other countries their special forces are using our playbook, complete with drones. These three facilities in Mexico were the most advanced in their construction and manufacturing. I'll take custody of all the suits and send them back to Wakanda through a portal. The only thing that isn't known is if any of the serum was used on anyone. So far there haven't been any reports of super soldiers but if there are then they'll call for another mission to round them up. There's a few more enhanced individuals, Yelena's father for example, who have been recruited to become part of a task force if it comes to that. They asked for you and John to lead them but it's your choice."
"Rhodey is in charge?" asked Bucky.
Sam shook his head. "Here's the part you and John might not like." He gave Bucky a special look then they both shook their heads in disbelief as his friend realized who he was talking about. "Yeah, the Contessa talked them into it. She wants to run it. Did you know she has ties to the CIA? Used to be married to Everett Ross ... you remember him. He's in Wakanda now, became a citizen there after she had him arrested. Okoye rescued him and took him back with her."
Walker came out of his room and turned towards them as they approached. He told them of the special task force under the command of the Contessa. By the looks on their faces he realized they already knew.
"I don't know how she does it," said Walker. "All the shady shit she's into and she gets herself named to head up a task force to go after super soldiers that may show up from these serum factories. Since I'm under personal contract to Val I don't really have a choice but being around you has made a difference for me. After these last few days working with your team, I feel like I did something good. I would work with any of you again. I know they want you and me to head up the team Bucky. Please consider it even though she put your family in jeopardy."
Neither Bucky nor Sam said anything in response, and they didn't speak of it that evening. They did have a good time at the fiesta, eating, drinking and dancing. Late the following morning Sam took custody of all the suits then texted Shuri and a portal opened in the hotel lobby. Okoye and Ayo came through making sure the number of suits returned was the same as the number given out then Okoye stood in front of Walker and sized him up. She handed him a kimoyo bead.
"John Walker, our Queen delegated me to give you this," she said. "When your daughter has been born you and your family are invited to visit Wakanda as her guests. Your request for further understanding of your children's capabilities and their genetic implications has been granted. We will contact you after the birth of your daughter using the bead. Until then, stay out of trouble."
He smiled slightly and bowed his head in respect. Okoye turned to Bucky.
"White Wolf, your leadership and that of your comrades has inspired security forces around the world to actively seek out HYDRA facilities that are aligned with criminal gangs. We are in your debt once again for your vigilance. The chief of your village has extended an invitation to formally admit your wife and children into his tribe. When the time is right we will welcome you and your family once again to Wakanda."
Bucky crossed his clenched fists across his chest and bowed his head slightly. With a similar gesture Okoye and Ayo took their leave taking the suits with them. After thanking the mayor and all those gathered near the quinjet for their hospitality the team and army task force boarded the quinjet. Bucky flew to San Francisco, dropping off Sean and Scott. Once again a crowd of people came out to see the aircraft land. He sought out Corporal Preston in the crowd, giving him a thumbs up. John Walker's appearance with the group generated some interest and he, like Sam, interacted with them. Bucky flew the leg to the Lake Tahoe airport where Julia was waiting with the kids, Clint, Olivia and young Lemar. It was joyous to those still on the aircraft to see Bucky's kids run out to the quinjet and jump on him as he came off the ramp, knocking him to the ground, kissing and hugging him. Lemar did much the same to his father. Olivia looked fondly at Julia before joining her husband.
"Thank you," she said gratefully. "I don't know if I could have handled it on my own. Good luck with baby number three."
"You're welcome," said Julia. "You have my phone number. Call me if you need to talk or vent."
The two women hugged then Olivia joined her husband, hugging him. He took her bag then looked meaningfully at Bucky. They just nodded at each other. Yelena came out of the quinjet holding her hands behind her back then brought them out to give Rebecca and Billy each a gift that she picked up in the Mexican town, receiving hugs from them. Approaching Julia, they hugged affectionately.
"Yuliya, Yakov says you are trying to make your third baby. I wish you good luck in that. You are good parents and deserve many children."
"Thank you," said Julia. "Once the snow is gone, we would love to have you visit us again. A certain individual has asked if you plan on returning soon. He enjoyed your company the last time you were here."
Yelena grinned. "I will, thank you."
She noticed everyone that got out to stretch their legs were returning into the aircraft and waved to Julia. Clint hugged her and shook Bucky's hand then entered the aircraft, taking the pilot's position. Sam and the others waved from the ramp and Bucky stood with her as he held their children in his arms. When the quinjet rose into the sky he turned to Julia.
"Let's go home."
They put the kids in their car seats then Bucky got behind the wheel of the truck. When they got home, they had dinner, played with the kids, bathed them, read them each a story then tucked them in. As Bucky turned off the lights and made sure everything was locked up Julia undressed and got into bed, putting her sexy playlist on play. His shirt was already off when he entered the bedroom then he peeled his jeans and boxer briefs off at the foot of the bed, leaving them on the floor. Getting under the covers with her Bucky caressed Julia's face then kissed her before gazing into her eyes.
"How is it you're even more beautiful than when I left," he said softly. "I'm such a lucky man."
Her response was to kiss him, pulling him on to her. Getting the message Bucky made up for their time apart by keeping Julia up for half the night, bringing both of them to orgasm after orgasm through several rounds of lovemaking. When Julia finally whispered for him to stop, he put his arm around his wife and drew her close to him. They laid in the dark; Bucky playing with Julia's hair in his fingertips, while she caressed his chest and ran her fingers over the lines of muscles in his abdomen. Then Julia looked up at Bucky in the dark and gave him some news that she had been saving for a special moment.
"I'm pregnant. Three weeks according to the pregnancy kit. The baby will be due in early September."
"Julia," whispered Bucky, tightening his hold on her. "That's wonderful. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she whispered back. "I love you Bucky."
"I love you, too."
Nothing more was said and when they fell asleep, they both dreamed of a son who looked like Julia.
Two weeks later Rhodey officially requested that Bucky go on the task force headed by the Contessa. He validated Julia's feelings about her husband working for the woman who had brokered the attempt to kidnap her and Rebecca, then emphasized it was a one-time deal as the request came from someone higher than him. During the mission, as they investigated a report of six super soldiers in Eastern Europe, Val, which Bucky called her openly to her face knowing she didn't like it, questioned him in the safe house about Wakanda and it's vibranium supply. He looked stonily at her and said his piece in very precise language.
"You are the last person I would ever provide intelligence to on Wakanda," he said. "I don't know what you've promised to the people who put you in charge of this task force but I won't be party to it. Understand this, you will never get past their defences and if you do they will capture you and imprison you. Your ex-husband has no doubt told them all about you, Val." She grimaced. "I'll tell them even more, especially the part where you gave up my home address to two kidnappers on a contract from HYDRA. I haven't forgotten. My promise to you about that still stands and is now extended to the safety of the Wakandan people. Stand down on Wakanda. That's my only warning to you."
"I would never threaten the sovereignty of that country," she began then stopped when she saw the look Bucky gave her. "Fine, you're not on that mission."
"Neither am I, Val," said John Walker, who heard the exchange between them with his super soldier hearing. "You don't like it, you can fire me, or tear up our contract. I won't forgive you for selling my blood to HYDRA." She looked at him in surprise. "Yeah, we figured out how they got the initial blood for their serum. Tell me, did you mention I had a son, and where he went to kindergarten? If you did do that I think I'll give you the same warning Bucky did. Involve my family again and I will find you. I'll have no qualms about killing you."
"Is that a threat?" she asked. "I could have you arrested."
"You could," replied Walker. "But I know a lot of your secrets and I would feel obligated to tell the authorities everything, Val ... EVERYTHING."
She glared at him. "I could have you both put in the Raft," she threatened. "They've developed special cells for super soldiers."
Bucky smirked. "Who do you think they consulted when they designed them?" he said looking directly at her. "There's always a way out of any prison and we would still come after you."
"They would have help from the outside," said a male Russian voice. They looked to see Alexei Shostakov, Yelena's foster father, also known as Red Guardian standing nearby. "I'm not as much a super soldier as these two anymore but I still have the hearing and the strength. Most of us on this task force are not happy about how we have been recruited. Barnes and Walker have both acted with the greatest of honour. My daughter has vouched for the integrity of Barnes, having worked with him after she realized what a лживая сука you are."
Bucky smirked when he heard that and leaned close to Walker. "Lying bitch."
Walker smirked as well. "There you go, Val," he said. "Tell your friends in the State Department or the CIA or wherever that any mission against Wakanda is a no go. Now, why don't you ... Alexei, what's Russian for fuck off?"
The big man said it then grinned. "We understand the term fuck off quite well. It's kind of universal."
The Contessa became red in the face and stood up to tell them off then noticed the rest of the task force were in the room, standing aggressively while staring at her. Gathering what dignity she had left she stormed out of the room, no doubt to inform her superiors that the task force had mutinied on any mission involving Wakanda.
"I think we may have put a wrench into her plans," said Walker. "She reports to Thaddeus Ross. At least that's what I've been able to gather. He's not your favourite person either."
"Nope," said Bucky. "When they came looking for me in Bucharest, he wanted me dead. Even when it came out that I wasn't involved in the Vienna bombing he kept the shoot to kill order active. He only let up on Bruce Banner when Tony Stark got him into the Avengers. Now Bruce is untouchable with all of his medical and scientific discoveries. It must eat Ross alive to not have a boogeyman to go after." He looked up at all the others. "Thanks for backing us up. I won't forget it."
"Neither will I," said Walker. "What is their term for us? Enhanced humans? We have to stick together and not do their dirty work for them. Agreed?"
The others all nodded or spoke their agreement and Bucky smiled to himself. Fifteen years before he was public enemy number one and now, he had been described as a man of integrity by many. It was a strange journey for a man born in Indiana but raised in Brooklyn, friend to a legend, husband, father, and someone who still believed in doing the right thing. Really all he ever wanted was his own small piece of happiness; a wife he loved, children he cherished, a job he liked, and a circle of friends he trusted. What more could any man ever want?
This may sound like the end but it's not. Two more chapters, dear readers... one long one to tell you about the Barnes family and one to wrap it all up.