Steve stalked towards the back door of the seemingly-old factory building. Going by outward appearance, the building gave the impression that it wasn't any different from the other common structures in the area: relatively short - only a couple stories, sturdy cemented brick walls slightly cracked with age, and a few quite small square windows scattered across the sides. It was much wider than tall, and from what Steve could guess, there were probably many more floors harrowed underground if this HYDRA base was as well established as he thought. Fortunately for his mission, the building was surrounded by a thick, overgrown forest, and the nearest neighboring research plant was at least a few miles off. The location gave him the assurance, that if worst came to worst, only those in the immediate vicinity would get blown up. But Steve wasn't planning on setting off a bomb, not if he could help it. Though he had told them to stay a ways off, he knew Sharon and Sam were probably closer behind him than he'd like.
It was too easy, he thought, remembering his unhindered landing before he ripped off his parachute and made his way to the base. He paused to ready himself before barging in. Those two are planning something, and if they get themselves killed in the process….God, just please don't let them do anything too impulsive or stupid, he prayed with a brief and urgent glance to the sky.
His opposite self answered with an internal smirk. What, like you? Maybe if you start setting a good example they'll actually listen to you, Rogers.
Oh, for pete's sake! came the reply, It's not as if I don't have good reasons.
And coming after you isn't a good reason?
Not good enough.
Steve shut off the internal bickering and focused on his task. He took a quick glance around before snapping the lock and pushing open the door. There was a chance it would be the last time he ever saw the sun. The man slipped in and shut the door quietly behind him, his eyes darting around to detect any possible threats. The hallway was dead silent. Convenient. Too convenient.
What, you're planning something too, Zemo? thought the soldier with an irritated smile. He began walking down the empty halls, his footfalls echoing softly as he went. He slowed as he neared the corner and heard voices, seeing in the window of a door the reflection of three armed guards.
Really? You're overrated, Baron. You could've at least made it fun. Steve threw a smoke bomb around the corner and lowered a mask over his face. Amidst the coughing he heard someone let out a string of curses.
"Hey, language!" He knocked out the first with his gun handle and kicked the second in the gut, causing him to bash his head against the brick and fall unconscious. The third he disarmed and shoved against the wall.
The guard sneered. "A smoke bomb, ay? It's really not your style, Rogers."
"Well, maybe it's news to you, but I'm more than just a shield."
What's happening on that end? The feedback is going berserk, questioned a higher-up over the agent's earpiece.
Steve held his pistol to the man's head and said in low voice, "I think my battery's low, and our connections haven't been too clear all day. I'll turn it off for now and check in with you next shift." The guard stared at him hesitantly, and the soldier cocked the gun. His reply was promptly repeated.
Alright, well, if you run into anything before then, report back immediately.
"Yes, sir."
Steve pulled the com out of his prisoner's ear and ripped the cord off the man's jacket, throwing the earpiece to the floor and crushing it under the heel of his boot.
"Y'know, you'd seem like a decent guy if you weren't working for a cult of socialist miscreants," said Steve with a grim smile.
"I'd say thanks if the compliment was coming from someone other than a half-brained mascot."
"Well, at least I got some pretty swell cheerleading skills," Cap replied with a smirk, delivering a punch perhaps a little harder than he needed to. He's gonna have one heck of a headache when he wakes up.