"There's absolutely no way," Sharon objected, switching the jet to autopilot and turning to the two men, her eyes coldly insistent. "We're turning back."
"No, we're not. I'm going in no matter what," Steve insisted, slipping a pistol and some extra ammo into his belt.
"You sure they know it's us?" Sam asked, replacing his shades with goggles.
"There's no way they don't." Sharon projected a 3D map based on the helicarrier's thermal scanner into the middle of the cargo area. They had taken the smallest one, more of a jet really, and it didn't have the latest and greatest tech. But it would have to suffice. She pointed to tiny figures scurrying around whose heat signatures showed up red. "Why else would they be arming extra guards and setting up missiles?"
"Maybe HYDRA's expecting some other unwelcome guests," suggested Sam.
"As much as I'd like to think that positively, it's a very unlikely coincidence. What I want to know is how they figured us out…." The pilot trailed off and shook her head, casting a firm gaze on Steve. "As much as Bucky means to all of us, going in now would be crazy. With our cover blown, we have nothing going for us - we're as good as dead."
"That's why I didn't want to bring you two with me. I knew it from the beginning. I don't care what you say, I'm going in. Alone."
"Steve, it's a suicide mission! We're outnumbered 100-1!" She crossed her arms. "We're all turning back and coming up with a better plan. I can't…I can't let you die out there. Not without us."
"Sharon, there is no better plan! This is our only chance. If we delay, we could be too late."
"Steve, you'll be shot as soon as-"
"You two? Maybe. But me? No. I'm a tool. I'm still useful in their little scheme. Even if they didn't have Bucky, you really think they'd wipe out their archenemy in one blow? You overestimate their compassion. No, they want my death to be as slow and painful as possible. With Bucky under their control, that means taking me to him." Steve slung the parachute onto his shoulders and began fastening the buckles. "If he's still himself, they'll have me killed in front of him. If he's wiped, they'll make him do it. Or, at least, that's how they want it to happen. After I know where he is, I'll find a way out - for both of us."
"And if you can't?" interjected Sam.
"Then I'll die trying." Steve clasped the last buckle and walked to the door of the aircraft.
Sam turned to Sharon and said in a low voice, "I don't think we're stopping him this time. We better call in backup - we both know he has no expectation of coming outta there alive."
Sharon let out a frustrated sigh and held up her phone. "I'm way ahead of ya, pal."