Chapter 31. Rise Above
As Bucky and Julia waited at Lake Tahoe Airport early the next morning for the arrival of the quinjet they sat in the truck, holding hands, thinking over the last 24 hours. Throughout the day Bucky received updates on what was happening and finished preparing his go bag. The previous evening was spent playing and reading to the kids, with extra kisses given to them by Bucky when they were tucked in. Then they retired to the privacy of their bedroom, where they made love gently and unhurriedly because Bucky wanted more than anything to remember every part of Julia's body that he cherished. Like the first time after they made love, Bucky spooned behind her, enclosing her in the warm cocoon of his arms and body as they slept.
Jasper woke him up with soft trills and a paw on his cheek, which was rewarded with a scratch under his chin. Walking down the stairs he could hear the kids already eating and talking as Julia made his breakfast. In his bare feet, wearing blue jeans and with his shirt in his hand Bucky leaned over and pulled Julia into his arms, wanting her body pressed against his as he kissed her lovingly. Both kids got a good morning kiss and he poured himself a cup of coffee. He offered one to Julia and she took it, sipping from the cup first before putting it on her spot at the table. Moments later both of their plates were in front of them and they began eating. Bucky watched his family and felt a swell of emotion in his heart. Julia must have sensed it because she looked at him, her own eyes glistening.
"Thank you," he said softly. "Thank you for normal. Thank you for my children. Thank you for loving me."
Her lips trembled and she breathed quickly a few times. "You're welcome," she said, then she smiled and ate another bite of food to keep from crying.
Janey came over with her youngest to watch the kids while Bucky and Julia went to the airport. She hugged him and wished him good luck before they left. Now as the couple waited at the airport there were no words but much was still spoken by the touch of his fingers on her hand and the grounding exercise they were both doing in their minds. When the quinjet became visible they both got out of the truck and Bucky took his go bag out of the back seat. Coming around to Julia's side he put his arm around her.
"I love you more than anything," he said in the early morning light of the mild winter day, his eyes directed to the approaching quinjet.
"You are my world," she replied, looking up at him. "Please come back to me."
"Always," he whispered as his hand squeezed her shoulder gently.
The quinjet landed directly in front of them and they could see Yelena in the pilot's seat with Clint in the co-pilot's seat. Thor and Sam stood behind them and both raised their hands in greeting. Walking to the back where the ramp came down Clint came first, extending his hand to Bucky, then giving Julia a kiss on the cheek. A woman with long dark hair followed him at a distance.
"You're already rated on it?" asked Bucky. "How does a retired Avenger manage that?"
Clint grinned. "Sometimes it's who you know," he said. "Not much different from the last model. Consider this mission your training. This is Olivia Walker. Bucky Barnes and his wife, Julia."
She looked up at him and he noticed right away the pained expression and fatigue around her eyes. He offered her his hand and when she took it he put his other hand on top.
"We'll find John and then we'll find your son," he said sincerely. "I promise."
"Thank you," she said, in a voice barely more than a whisper. "Make them pay for taking Lemar."
Bucky stiffened slightly. Of course Walker would name his first son after his dead partner. Clint guided her to the truck then put their bags in the back. He came back to Bucky and Julia shaking his head.
"This is a bad business, Bucky," he said. "Walker has just gone wild. There's something else you need to know. The Contessa never told him she was behind the attempt to take Rebecca and Julia. She's admitted she didn't want to upset him. If he finds out he could come after her, not that she wouldn't deserve it. But there could be a lot more collateral damage if he does."
"Noted," replied Bucky tersely. "Take care of my family while you're here. The good scotch is in the cupboard above the fridge."
Clint grinned and Bucky tapped him on the shoulder before he went on to the truck. Sam, Thor and Yelena came down the ramp in the meantime and Bucky looked at them with a sense of déjà vu.
"Feel familiar?" asked Sam. "We're picking up Shaun and Scott this time. With Hope pregnant she's grounded for a while."
"Do we know where Walker is?" asked Bucky.
"Last location was somewhere in Mexico," replied Sam. "We're still waiting on our official permission to enter the country to get him but sources high up said containing him is a priority and they won't object if we get to him before the permission reaches us." He looked at Julia with understanding in his eyes. "Sorry to take him away so soon after your anniversary. Happy 5th anniversary, by the way."
"It's okay," she replied. "A little boy needs his expertise. Just make sure you take out that HYDRA cell so they can't do this again. Yelena, we left the kids at home but when you bring Bucky back they'll both be here waiting to see their Dad and their Aunty Yelena." Yelena nodded and smiled. Julia turned to Thor. "Amanda moved to Los Angeles to be with her boyfriend. Only Elinor is here."
He smiled knowingly. "She's coming to New Asgard in the spring," he said. "Said she always wanted to see Norway. Apparently she has Norwegian heritage, according to one of those DNA companies that traces your lineage. I wonder what they would say about mine."
Julia hugged all three of the other Avengers and they returned to the quinjet. Then she looked up at Bucky and both of them said nothing for a long moment. She closed her eyes and hugged him around his waist, flattening her head against his chest. He stroked her hair and back then gently pulled her off of him and kissed her. Slowly she backed away as he walked backwards up the ramp looking at her for as long as he could. When she couldn't see him anymore she walked back to the truck and waited for the quinjet to lift off, seeing him already strapped into the co-pilot's seat. His face was determined and she told herself once more that this duty was part of him. As she got into the driver's seat and adjusted it to fit her shorter height she made eye contact with Clint through the rear view window.
"He knows what he's doing," he said calmly. "There's no one who knows HYDRA like he does."
"I know," replied Julia. "It just brings up a lot of conflicting emotions."
"He's gone after these people before?" asked Olivia Walker, turning to Julia.
"Yeah, after they tried to take me and our daughter," replied Julia. "He was gone for seven weeks, rounding up HYDRA sympathizers in the military. You do know his story, right?"
Olivia shrugged. "Sort of, although John always said he thought it was exaggerated."
"Of course he would think that," replied Julia, then she looked at Clint in the rear view mirror. "What do you say, should we enlighten Mrs. Walker while she's staying here?"
"Yeah, let's do that," he replied. "Lady, you need to know the truth about a lot of things, including your husband's employer."
Julia started up the truck and drove back to the house. While Bucky and the other Avengers were dealing with their mission she and Clint would have their own mission, making sure Olivia Walker knew exactly what La Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine was capable of, and what Olivia should be doing to make sure her children didn't become killers.
As the quinjet lifted into the air Yelena began explaining the updates on this model over the previous ones they flew. The upgrades in stealth technology were the biggest difference as they now could fire offensive weapons while camouflaged. The camouflage was also more attuned to atmospheric conditions allowing them to match the colour and weather in the sky more effectively.
"Is the handling any different?" he asked.
She looked sideways at him and grinned. "Considerably more responsive," she said. "Just a touch is needed to go into a barrel roll, or a vertical climb. We also have artificial gravity inside the aircraft that will keep people in their places without being strapped in. Even upside down."
To prove her point she suddenly flipped the aircraft upside down and Bucky watched as both Sam and Thor stayed exactly where they had been standing. Even Thor's hair stayed around his shoulders, not changing position.
"Impressive," he said, as Yelena righted the aircraft. "When do I get a chance at the controls?"
"When I decide," she smiled. "We'll take a little detour out to the ocean after we pick up Scott and Shaun. You'll get your type rating lesson then. We'll have the others belted in while you do it, in case you accidentally toggle off the gravity. When the Wakandan flight trainer came with this quinjet I hit the switch without realizing it and it spilled his coffee all over him. I was lucky to get rated."
"No simulator training?" he asked.
She shook her head. "The aircraft has a training mode that will allow you great latitude as you get used to the response," she stated. "There is a built-in hard deck while in training mode, and it will also take control away from you if you push it to its extreme limits, putting it into automatic pilot. Only the trainer can re-assume control by inputting a numerical code in the keypad. I'm your trainer and only I know the code." She looked at his face. "Don't worry, Yakov. For a pilot of your calibre it will be a piece of candy."
Bucky smiled. "Cake, the expression is piece of cake, but thank you for the vote of confidence младшая сестра."
She nodded. She was one of the few he didn't mind calling him by his given name, even if it was the Russian version of it. It also made her feel good that he looked on her as his little sister. His accent was perfect and he understood what her life was like when she was in the Red Room. She pressed a hand to her ear as she was contacted by air traffic control at Moffat Federal Airfield.
"Roger, Moffat," she said. "Avengers Quebec November Mike 1, on approach for vertical landing." She was given her instructions and verified them then turned to Sam. "Let Scott and Shaun know we're on final approach. They're directing us to the helipad near Hangar 129."
Sam called on his cell phone and verified they would be there shortly. As Yelena approached the helipad they saw a growing crowd of people congregating, wanting to see the newest quinjet as it landed. Even the older model quinjet's were of interest to anyone who worked in aviation but new models always brought out a bigger crowd. She was sure lots of pictures would be taken of this new one. Too bad the stealth technology also made it impossible for picture takers to get anything detailed in their photos. Gently she put it down and lowered the ramp. They all came down to the tarmac, knowing it was important for the Avengers to be publicly visible. As they walked out they could hear their names mentioned several times as people identified them.
"You going to let us inside?" asked one guy in a flight suit.
"Classified," replied Bucky. "We're just picking up a couple of Avengers and then we'll be on our way."
"Hey Cap, time for a selfie?" asked another and Sam walked forward, willing to oblige.
"Hey Sarge," said one voice and Bucky turned his head making eye contact with a familiar face.
"Peyton, how you doing?" he asked, smiling.
The young corporal stepped out to approach Bucky shaking hands when they were close.
"Haven't seen you for a while," said Bucky.
"I'm on a course," he said. "Should be back in a month. At least I got to go home for Christmas." He lowered his voice and leaned towards Bucky. "I'll probably get in trouble for this but something came up on our satellite scans. The fact you're here picking up two more Avengers indicates it might be something you would be interested in. If you're looking for a certain individual he's been spotted near a small town in Chihuahua, Mexico, called Babicora. Something's being built out there as well."
"Can you tell me anything more?" he asked lowering his voice almost to a whisper.
"It looks like a training facility," said Peyton. "There's a barracks, a running track, outdoor gun range, several large buildings, some more buildings under construction, and a taller building with only one door in or out. It's all enclosed in barb wire but it doesn't show up on any official list of buildings in the area. Oh, and they're building an airstrip."
Bucky patted Peyton on the shoulder. "Thanks, we'll look into it," he said. "If you catch any flak for telling me let me know. The Avengers are always looking for good people for their support teams."
"What and leave Reno?" laughed Peyton.
Bucky smiled and stepped back. Noticing that Shaun and Scott were approaching he waved goodbye at Peyton and went to Sam, leaning close to him.
"I have some intel," he said, in a low voice. "We have access to satellites on this bird?"
"Yep," replied Sam. "Full access. Where?"
"Where you thought he was," said Bucky. "I'll wait until we're inside to tell you the rest."
They began making their way up the ramp when the other two reached them. Yelena was already powering up and as soon as everyone was on board she raised the ramp and signalled air traffic control that she was ready for liftoff. They told her to hold for a moment as a jet landed then gave her the okay. Gracefully she lifted the aircraft up into the air turning it 180 degrees then angling it to follow the path of the runway before arching over San Francisco Bay. She received clearance to fly over the southern portion of San Francisco on her route towards the Pacific Ocean for Bucky's training. Bucky relayed what Peyton told him and Sam brought up the area on the satellite feeds. As he entered the name of the small town then looked into the surrounding area they finally saw it. Yelena put the quinjet on automatic pilot and came back to see the images on the display.
"That looks like the HYDRA facility we destroyed in South America," she said out loud. "It's bigger than the other one and they seem to be adding on. At least it's a similar layout. That taller building should be the serum manufacturing plant."
Bucky gave out a loud breath. The others with the exception of Scott had been on that mission.
"Have we received permission to go into Mexican airspace yet?" asked Bucky, to Yelena's definitive shake of her head.
"Sam, I think we need the task force on this," he said. "You know how much trouble that place gave us. Mind you if Walker is there that's one more super soldier we didn't have before."
"You have me too, but I'll have to be read in on the particulars of that mission," said Scott. "If his kid is there that's our primary objective after containing Walker, isn't it?"
"I don't want to contain Walker on this one," stated Bucky. "If that is what we think it is it's an Omega Protocol for sure."
The others who had been on that mission nodded in agreement. "How the hell did they get super soldier blood for their serum sample?" asked Sam. "You don't think Walker gave them blood not realizing where it would go? Could explain his rage."
"No, the rage is definitely for taking his son but what if they've been taking the son's blood?" mused Bucky. "We haven't allowed any one to take our kid's blood. The Wakandans wanted to but the kids wouldn't allow it and we gave them their autonomy on it. Even the samples they did get, like saliva and hair, were destroyed as soon as they got their information from them."
There was a long moment where no one said anything then Bucky looked at Yelena. "I need to get rated on this aircraft right away," he said firmly. "Sam, you contact Rhodes, get Scott read in on that mission, and request the task force. See if they can get a sorcerer to open a portal into this space to transport them and some explosive charges. Show Rhodes the satellite photos. We need permission for an Omega Protocol." He turned towards the cockpit then stopped. "Sam? Can you find out if Walker is carrying a communication device of any kind? I need to talk to him before we go in there."
Sam nodded. Yelena ordered everyone to buckle up and she began Bucky's training on the new quinjet. Like she predicted he got the hang of it pretty quickly and was able to perform all sorts of aerial maneuvers. Not once did the aircraft seize control from him as he never went below the hard deck or push it to its limits. After 40 minutes of training the young Black Widow looked at him.
"It is my recommendation that you consider yourself rated on this aircraft," she said. "I will enter it into the computer that you have passed with flying colours."
"Thank you," replied Bucky. "Вы хороший учитель."
She blushed despite herself. Receiving the compliment of being a good teacher from Yakov made her feel good. He was a good teacher himself, always sharing his expertise from 70 years of being the Soldier. Some individuals still were intimidated by him but seeing him with his wife and children revealed him to be a man of great feeling and compassion. She was glad to call him друг, friend.
While Bucky was training on the quinjet Sam received permission for the Omega Protocol. They had permission to enter Mexican airspace from the President of the country himself. The discovery of a possible HYDRA lab in the middle of the country meant that bribes were likely paid and received by local officials. It would be need to know for rest of the Mexican government as they didn't want to tip anyone off that the Avengers were coming.
"The task force?" asked Bucky.
"Major Piper has rounded them up and they're bringing their stockpile," said Sam, with a smile. Before Bucky could ask about Walker a piece of paper was waved in the air. "Walker's cell phone number."
Bucky took it and texted Walker.
Help is coming. You don't have to do this on your own. Talk to me.
There was no response for several minutes so Bucky texted again.
We know where you are. Our original orders were to contain you but we need you to help us destroy this facility. Is your son there?
Bucky's phone rang and Walker's voice was heard throughout the aircraft as he put it on speaker.
"You even attempt to destroy this place without getting my son out ... so help me God, I'll kill the lot of you," said Walker in an anguished voice that Bucky empathized with.
"We wouldn't think of it John," he replied calmly. "I'm a father, I get it. I've been there. There are six of us Avengers and a military task force coming with the means to destroy that place AFTER we rescue your son. We've taken down one of these places before. You need us to do it right. I'm asking you to hold tight until we get there then we'll do this together."
"You'd like that, to be the man, wouldn't you?" sneered Walker. He gave out an angry breath.
"John, I know we don't like each other but this isn't about us," stated Bucky calmly, refusing to let Walker bait him. "It's about getting Lemar to safety. Your son, who you love. He's an innocent and I'm here with the others offering to help you get him away from those people. They likely have a full complement of armed guards there. On your own you can take a lot of them but you'll end up full of bullet holes, unable to complete the mission. This mission has to be successful. Your son's life depends on it. Let us help."
As Bucky kept him on the phone Sam had been using the aircraft's resources to triangulate Walker's exact position. Finally he turned to Bucky and gave him a thumbs up. They had his location.
"John? We have your location. I'm telling you this so that you know we're not hiding anything. I want your help to destroy this place and I want your son to see you first so that you're his hero, like all fathers should be. What do you say, John?"
There was a long pause. "Alright. I'm still going to kill as many of them as I can."
"That's your choice," replied Bucky. "I won't kill. I'll disable but it doesn't mean I'm not committed to getting your son to safety. We're on our way."
He hung up and looked at Sam. "He sounds like he's on the edge and ready to jump off with both feet," said his friend. "Are you sure you want him to be part of this?"
"Yes," replied Bucky. "He needs this, more than anything. So, everyone, Walker is the one who rescues his son."
A small sparkling circle appeared and they moved away from where it was so that it could get larger. When it was at its full capacity Major Piper stepped into the aircraft followed by the five members of his task force, each of them carrying full weapons and a satchel each with explosive devices. Bucky stepped forward once they were all in and the circle disappeared.
"A Major now?" he asked. "You want a salute?"
Piper laughed. "That was your doing, Sarge," he said, then he nodded at the others. "Another HYDRA facility, huh? Same as the last one?"
"Not quite," said Bucky pulling him over to the screens as Sam pulled up the satellite images. "We have a child being held hostage inside. A super soldier child, son of John Walker. We have to rescue him first before we destroy the facility."
"Once we land I'll send Red Wing over to do more surveillance and pinpoint where the child is," said Sam. "Buck suspects they've been using the child's blood to make the serum."
"You don't think the kid has been the source all along, do you?" asked Piper. "Who would let their child be the source?"
"Walker might not be aware of it," said Bucky. "If they took the blood as part of routine checkups he might not have realized they were using it to make serum. I won't know for sure until we rendezvous with him." Piper gave him a look, obviously read into the Walker situation. "I know but I wasn't much different when I found out it was HYDRA that tried to take my wife and daughter. As a father, I get his rage. We can use it to destroy that place."
Looking around at the rest of the task force Bucky made sure they were all on the same page. They would put the facility under surveillance to locate the boy, get him out to safety, then do what they did so well before; take HYDRA apart in spectacular fashion. Taking his place in the co-pilot's seat next to Yelena he began thinking of the details, hoping that this mission would go well.