The Hydra lab was dimly lit when Doctor Zola walked in. Intimidating and advanced equipment was casually on display. Zola paused and a light flicked off. Then from the corner came a dignified voice, "Is there something in particular you need?"

Observing the artist at work Zola began as if he did not see anything, "I uh, understand you found him."

"See for yourself." the figure gestured toward a desk strewn with photographs.

Stepping forward cautiously, Zola studied the pictures. Depicted in the black and white images were snap shots of a man, specifically Doctor Erskine. Picking one up he regarded a young woman conversing with Erskine.

"You disapprove." alleged the voice.

Zola replied, "I just don't see why you need concern yourself. I can't imagine he'll succeed" Then noting the silence and backtracking slightly, "…again."

"The serum is the allies only defense against this power we now possess. If we take it away from them, then our victory is assured." Stated the man hidden in shadow.

Nodding Zola answered, "Shall I give the order?"

"It has been given." The cloaked figure stated full of authority.

"Good." Zola swallowed. Clearing his throat the scientist continued, "And what about the girl? His, ah, assistant?"

"She will be taken care of as well."

Zola nodded and then just as the scientist was about to exit the room, the figure called, "Doctor Zola." And the light flickered back on, "What do you think?"

Turning around to admire the painting Zola complimented, "A masterpiece."

-permafrost-

Sunlight peaked through the clouds. Slowly the morning fog dissipated leaving behind a clear cerulean sky. When the bird song finally permeated through the air, Lucy gave up trying to go back to sleep. She slept fitfully that night. Constantly reviewing equations in her mind before giving into exhaustion. Nonetheless, she still awoke before the morning call. And when that call finally came, she clenched her trembling hands and steeled herself to perform her morning routine. Taking deep breaths to calm herself she turned around to face Peggy who was also preparing herself for the day.

"Everything will be fine Lucy." Peggy told her with confidence. "You, Erskine, and Stark are the best the Allies have and we couldn't ask for anyone brighter." Seeing her friend was still a little nervous, Peggy stood tall and said sternly, "Listen. America needs you. The Allies need you." Then softly, "and Steve needs you, you can do this."

Lucy grateful to her friend, straightened her shoulders and felt her heart rate return to a normal pace. Lucy spared Peggy a tense grin, and the two left for breakfast.

- permafrost -

Lucy picked at her food while Peggy was getting herself some tea. Then the bench next to her squeaked as a weight sunk down next to her. "Howard." She greeted without looking.

"Now what's with the sad eyes, doll face?" Stark asked her, finishing off an apple.

She angled her head to stare pointedly at him, clearly not in the mood.

Putting his hands up in surrender, "Alright touché. But you need to eat darling, we're just about ready to head over to Brooklyn."

"Did you double check the…" she started to ask him.

He ticked off his fingers listing, "Done, done, and done. Double checked, triple checked, and went down yesterday to quadruple check the calibration of the instruments." He grinned clasping his hands behind his head as he leaned on the table.

Lucy let out a laugh warmed by his thoughtfulness, "Thanks Howard." Then after a second, "But are you sure the…"

Howard lost his casual pose and looked her straight in the eyes, "Lucille. Listen to me everything will go perfectly. Come on have I ever lied to you?"

She grinned mischievously, "Yes, you have, but I catch you every time."

Stark stood up, "Eh, tomato, tomahto. Come on." He held up a hand seeing she was finished. "Lets go check everything one last time. I know that'll make you feel better."

- permafrost -

The hidden lab was located in Brooklyn. As they rode through her hometown, various childhood memories brought a smile to her face. Everywhere she looked she could see ghosts of herself, James, and Steve. However now, the streets were emptier. Stores were boarded shut and young people were scarce. Most of the people she could see were women, children, and the elderly. If you looked closely, their faces were grim under a frail illusion of happiness.

In that moment, Lucy realized how long it had been since she truly was a part of society. The lab sometimes had a bubble effect. Ceaselessly developing the serum, designing technology with Howard, even if their purpose was to help the allies, sometimes made her forget they were actually at war.

Then it hit her, James, her brother was at war too. James was at the front, laying his life down for his country. And it made her angry. Angry that someone out there caused the people she cared about to be in danger. And it made her determined. No one else was going to die if she had the ability to help. Then there was Steve, her best friend. A man who was willing to trust a few chemicals and formulas if it meant helping his country.

And she felt ashamed of herself. Ashamed of feeling scared, of feeling small, of feeling helpless. Then the car arrived at the antique shop; and as the lab came into view from the balcony, she found herself. Seeing the multitude of assistants running around, preparing for Steve she kicked herself into action. This was her domain. And no one, not even the Nazis could take that from her.

Turning to Howard who was also taking a moment to view his work she grinned confidently, "Alright Stark, lets get to work."

Howard rubbed his hands together, "Now that's what I'm talking about. You there! That goes over here. And you that's upside-down." He called before running down the stairs and joining in on the frenzy.

Doctor Erskine came up behind her handing her a clipboard, "Now my dear, shall we begin?"