"Captain America to Receive Medal for Valour" was plastered across every street corner in London. Everybody was talking about America's new golden boy. The soldier who single handily gave the allies a new burst of hope in these trying times. On the busy pedestrian streets of the city, civilians chattered back and forth about the news. But underground in an undisclosed part of London, the SSR was hard at work.

Agents walked purposefully back and forth. From transmitter, to map, from colonel, to sergeant, the Allies were prepping for their next move against the enemy.

"They had one here in Poland, and the Baltic." Steve was marking Hydra bases on a map, "and the sixth one was, about, here. 30, 40 miles west of the marginal line." Seeing Peggy's incredulous look he clarified, "I just got a quick look."

"Well," she scoffed, "nobody's perfect."

Walking over to the larger map where the Colonel stood, Steve continued, "These are the weapons factories we know about. Sergeant Barnes said that Hydra shipped all the parts to another facility, that isn't on this map."

Phillips nodded his approval, "Agent Carter, coordinate with MI6." Then to the room at large he spoke, "I want every allied eyeball looking for that main Hydra base."

"What about us?" Peggy questioned.

"We," the Colonel paused, taking a folder handed to him by a blonde female operative, "are going to set a fire under Johann Schmidt's ass. What do you say, Rogers? It's your map, think you can wipe Hydra off of it?"

"Yes, Sir." Steve nodded confidently, "But, I'll need a team."

"We're already putting together the best men." Phillips nodded absentmindedly.

"With all due respect, Sir." Steve raised an eyebrow, "So am I."

-permafrost-

Meanwhile in a different part of the SSR base…

The lab that Lucy and Howard shared in London was far better than any other makeshift tent they had. There were more instruments, more tables, and more assistants to help them along the way. A few of them didn't take too kindly to having a woman as their superior, but witnessing the development of the weapons she cooked up, shut them down real fast. Now they practically worshiped her every command. It had gotten a little ridiculous actually. Lucy would ask for something and no matter how trivial, a second later she would have it. Their respect wasn't unfounded though; the technology Lucy and Howard were testing went years beyond what they had in England. And with the addition of the Hydra weapons, perhaps the Allies could finally catch up.

Currently, Bucky was visiting Lucy while she and Howard were inspecting the Hydra weapons. "So," he inquired, poking at a few instruments laying on a table, "Are you and Steve rationed yet?"

Howard guffawed as he prepared the equipment, "The only way that those two would be going steady, is if a miracle happened and they both suddenly lost their shyness."

Lucy blushed beet red and hissed at Howard, "You told my brother?"

"He didn't tell me anything." Bucky defended as Howard held his hands up in surrender. "I've known for a while now."

Mortified Lucy closed her eyes, "Why didn't you say anything?"

He shrugged walking over to her, "It wasn't my business. He cares for you too you know, Steve, he really does. Besides, if any man was going to be keen on my sister, I'd rather he be my best friend."

Lucy's jaw dropped open, "Don't be silly." She scolded him, "Steve has plenty of options now, and I don't think he'd want to settle on me."

"But that's the point, Cici." Bucky nudged her, "He's always loved you. Tried to hide it that little punk, but I knew. Besides he would probably think you are settling for him."

"But he's Captain America…" Lucy started.

"He wasn't always was he?" Bucky pointed out, "I used to wonder why he wouldn't let me set him up on dates. He's been waiting for you."

Lucy shook her head still not believing her brother.

"That reminds me," Bucky continued, "Steve sent me here. We're all meeting at the bar tonight, he wants you to come. You're going to want to wear something nice." Bucky smiled patting her head. "Oh, and maybe bring that Agent friend of yours, she's quite the looker."

"Don't be so hotsy totsy James." She scolded him. "I'll see you then."

"Yeah, yeah." Bucky grinned, then seriously he added, "Think over what I said, I don't want to make setting up my sister a common occurrence. I'll see you later, Cici. Bye, Stark." He threw over his shoulder.

Lucy turned to Howard, her hand on her hips, "You two are in cahoots aren't you."

Howard smirked, "While I do get a little kick out of seeing you and Rogers blush and stammer around each other, something had to be done. But it wasn't my idea."

Lucy's brow furrowed for a bit, then she spit out, "Peggy. It was Peggy wasn't it."

Stark hummed, "That reminds me, Agent Carter has a gift from me to you for later. Well, I bought it but she picked it out. You're wearing it tonight." He finished firmly.

Throwing her hands up in frustration, Lucy sighed, "Let's just get back to work."

Grinning Stark turned back to the machine. Inside were two claws that he controlled to investigate the mysterious blue substance. "The initial signature is unusual." Howard began, "Alpha beta remain neutral." Lucy leaned in to look at the light source with him, "But I doubt Rogers picked up on that." Howard added under his breath.

Lucy tsked, "Don't be mean, Howard." Then still looking at the tiny glow she observed, "It seems harmless enough."

"Hard to see what all the fuss is about." Howard agreed.

Then as he went in to adjust the object with the second claw, there was a bright flash. The interior of the machine exploded. The blast launched Howard across the room and into the far wall. Lucy dove off her chair trying to escape the shattering glass and the smell of smoke permeated the lab.

"Write that down." Howard ordered as a few assistants rushed over to their superiors.