"Senator Brant," Colonel Phillips dictated to the transcriptionist, "I regret to report, that Captain Steven G. Rogers went missing behind enemy lines, on the third area. Reconnaissance has proven unfruitful; as a result, I must declare Captain Rogers, killed in action. Period."
It had been over 24 hours since Steve left. Howard, Lucy, and Peggy were beginning to lose hope of their return. After catching up on their sleep, Howard and Lucy had taken to making surveillance flights every couple of hours. They searched in vain, flying as close as they dared to the smoke covered castle. The misty mountains and gigantic trees did nothing to aid in their search. Fewer and fewer words were spoken between the trio. Howard had taken to dismantling and reassembling various creations, trying to better them. Peggy went about her standard duties with a stiffer upper lip than usual. Lucy was either obsessively calibrating the signal device that responded to the transponder she had given Steve; or, brushing up on her German so she could decipher Erskine's notes.
"Howard and Lucy are back," Peggy called from behind the Colonel, causing him to turn around, "from the last surveillance flight." She finished, swallowing thickly, "No sign of activity."
"Go get a cup of coffee, corporal." Phillips dismissed the transcriptionist.
"Yes, Sir." He nodded exiting the tent.
Sighing the Colonel growled to Peggy, "We can't touch Stark, he's rich. And he's the army's number one weapons contractor. We can't touch Miss Barnes. She's the only expert we have left who has any hope of redeveloping the serum. And we all know if the SSR got rid of her, Stark would just bring her back the next day under his company. You," he stared at the agent, "are neither one."
"With respect, sir." Peggy defended herself, standing up to her full height, "I don't regret my actions. And I don't think Captain Rogers did, either."
Speaking over her, Phillips scoffed, "What makes you think I give a damn about your opinions. I took a chance with you, Agent Carter." He shook his head pacing the length of the room, "and now America's golden boy, and a lot of other good men are dead." He finished leaning tiredly on the desk.
"I had and still do have faith." She countered.
"Well," the Colonel snapped, "I hope that's a big comfort to you, when they shut this division down."
From all sides of the camp, soldiers were seen running over to look at the road.
"There they are!"
"I can't believe it."
The entire gathering of men was expressing the same attitude of disbelief. The activity caught the attention of the Colonel, "What the hell's going on out there?" and the two moved to follow the crowd.
Coming up the lane was a wondrous sight to behold. Cresting the hill and parting the ever-lingering mist came the lost men of the 107th along with other captured soldiers. They were led by Captain America himself, and beside him strolled a proud Bucky. They entered the camp fatigued but satisfied by their victory. Along with them they brought the salvaged Hydra weapons, a few cars, and a tank. Clapping and cheering came from the men as they saw their brothers in arms, safe and sound.
-permafrost-
"Hey, doll." Howard roused Lucy from her spot, slumped across a desk in their workshop. "Come on. Get up."
"Why? Wha-What time is it?" she stretched, her neck aching from the unnatural position she fell asleep in.
"Come on!" Howard replied urgently, pulling her to her feet and dragging her out of the tent. "You have got to see this."
-permafrost-
Steve marched up to Peggy and Colonel Phillips. "Some of these men need medical attention." He remarked to anyone who would listen.
"Medic!" someone shouted, "We need a medic over here."
"I would like to surrender myself for disciplinary action." Steve stared unflinchingly at his superior.
"That won't be necessary." Phillips stated, giving Steve a small grin of approval.
Steve nodded in relief, "Yes, Sir."
"Faith, huh?" the Colonel muttered to Peggy as he passed her. She shrugged in agreement.
Approaching Steve, Peggy scolded him, "You're late."
Pulling out the destroyed device Steve countered, "I couldn't call my ride."
"Hey!" came Bucky's voice from behind them, "Lets hear it for, Captain America!"
The men exploded into cheers and laughter, clapping each other on the back for a job well done. Pushing through the victorious mass of bodies, Howard towed Lucy along behind him.
"Is it them?" Lucy asked not recognizing any faces. "Are they back?"
Howard didn't respond and continued to struggle through the throng. When they reached the middle, he stopped so abruptly she almost ran into him. Instead, side stepping his still form she searched the sparser area.
"James?" she exhaled, looking at the tall dark from in front of her.
Spinning around, Bucky's face split into a wide grin as he ran to his sister, "Cici!"
"You're alive." She cried into his shoulder as he picked her up and spun her around. "I thought you were dead." She reprimanded when he set her back down. "Don't you dare worry me like that again." She finished pointing a stern finger at his still beaming face.
Laughing boisterously, Bucky conceded, "Sure thing, kiddo."
"I mean it James Barnes." Lucy threatened, "If you do that again, you can be sure as hell that I'll come after you. I'll save you just to have the pleasure of killing you myself."
"Missed you too." Bucky replied hugging her again.
Sighing Lucy hugged him back, "Love you, James."
"Love you too, Lucille." Releasing her, Bucky continued, "Hey, wait explain to me about this serum… thing? Steve didn't go into detail. Also, why are you this close to an active warzone?"
"Steve?" This startled Lucy, "Wait, where's Steve?"
"Over here, Lu." Answered a voice from behind her.
A few paces away, Steve stood beside Peggy. Both were watching the siblings unite with soft smiles on their faces. Striding over to them, Lucy swiftly pulled Steve down to her height in a tight embrace. She leaned her face into his chest, breathing in his scent. His clothes smelled of leather, soot, and an indescribable fragrance that reminded her of home. Happiness bubbled up inside her chest like a pot of water boiling over the sides. A tear traveled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away before anyone could see. Finally able to hold his sturdy form between her arms wiped away every doubt she had in her mind. "Thank you." She whispered, "For bringing him home to me." as they released each other she continued, "Welcome home, soldier."
"It's good to be back, ma'am." Steve grinned, studying her face. He wanted to reach out and eradicate the slight trail left behind by her tear, but he stopped himself. He had to remember his boundaries, especially with Bucky standing right there. Back at the Hydra camp, there was a moment where he thought he'd never see her beautiful face again. So he reveled in this moment, ecstatic just being able to look at her once more.
"Why didn't you call?" she demanded.
He held up the broken device that was still in his hand and gave it to her.
"Oh come on." Came Howard's anxious voice. Seizing the ruined transponder and stroked it fondly, "Now what did the bad man do to you."
"Nice to see you too, Stark." Steve greeted the scientist.
"Yeah, yeah." Waved Howard. He moved to inspect the Hydra guns a few of the men were holding. "Now, what presents did you bring me.