The sun broke across the horizon, trickling down the sides of buildings like a freshly cracked egg. Today the city had been given a respite from the rain. Clouds retreated to the edges of the heavens allowing the warmth to take away some of the moisture.
Down below the luminous metropolitan, deep beneath the feet of ordinary civilians, Lucy was about to meet Steve's elite team from the 107th. She had never properly been introduced to any of the soldiers; she only knew little details from what Steve had told her about them. Like how Dum Dum Dugan always had on a dusty black bowler hat, or how Jim Morita was Japanese-American and got touchy if you implied he wasn't from America, how Monty Falsworth always wore a crimson beret, and how Jacques Dernier was French. There were a million other details he had told her, but she couldn't remember them at this exact moment.
Howard and Lucy were currently setting up an impressive display of firearms for the unit to take on their first upcoming mission. From down the hall, Peggy's distinct footsteps notified the two scientists of the group's arrival. Agent Carter rounded the corner leading Steve and Bucky who were followed by the other eight men.
Stopping in front of the two inventors, Peggy made the introductions, "This is Howard Stark of Stark Industries and this is Lucy Barnes, lead weapons developer of the S.S.R. they work together to provide our forces with top of the line firearms."
Bucky stepped forward and slung his arm around Lucy, "Hey there Cici. How's it going?" he gave the top of her head a quick kiss.
"Barnes?" questioned Dum Dum from beside Steve. He had tipped his bowler hat in acknowledgement of the lady, but was now scratching his ginger mustache in confusion; "I didn't know you were married." he nodded at Bucky.
"No, no." Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "I'm his sister."
"In that case." Gabe Jones slid forward and took her hand, bending down to lightly brush his mouth across her knuckles, "Bonjour Madame." He greeted with a slight bow.
From behind, 'Frenchie' Jacques Dernier burst out laughing at his friend and started making fun of him, "(in French) You fool! Ha ha! Do you not know who she is?"
Jones looked around in puzzlement.
"You might not want to do that." Added Bucky grinning, then walking over to Steve; "You wouldn't want to anger the Captain before our first mission would you?" he clapped Steve's stiff form on the back.
Steve in turn gave a faint smile still looking at their joined hands.
"My apologies." Gabe quickly let go of her fingers, "I was unaware."
Jim Morita guffawed from the side of the group, "I didn't know the Captain had himself a girl."
"You better watch yourself, boys." Peggy interjected, "Lucy here, doesn't just design guns, she can fire them too. What do you say, Lu?" she walked over to the guns and picked up a few, "How about we show these 'experienced' soldiers how its done?"
Taking a pistol from her friend, Lucy replied, "With pleasure."
-permafrost-
After a rousing shoot off in the gun range where Peggy beat Lucy by just a hair, group retired back to the lab. Now it was time for Lucy and Howard to show of their toys.
"Here we've got a Colt M1917 Revolver." Howard pointed.
"I like this one." Dum Dum picked it up.
Moving on Lucy continued, "This one is a M3A1 also known as the 'Grease Gun'."
"Reminds me of my dad." Jim inspected the weapon, "He was a mechanic." He clarified, "Looks like a mechanic's grease gun."
"Right you are." Howard agreed, "I think a lot of you will like these ones." He moved down to the imposing submachine guns, "Browning M1919A4, Sten Mkll SMG, Webley Mk Vls. Top of the line arms."
Lucy spoke up, "Still, we've taken the liberty of adjusting the barrels for increased accuracy. We did the same for your standard issue M1928A1 Thompsons."
Jim, Gabe, and Frenchie all crowed about the artilleries, giggling like schoolgirls.
"Got anything a little more old school?" asked Dum Dum.
Howard looked at Lucy, both considering their options. "I know." Howard strolled over to the wall, "Here, Winchester 1897 shotgun. A personal favorite of mine, sure packs a punch."
"Now that's what I'm talking about." Dum Dum tested the weight in his hands.
"Got anything for me sis?" Bucky asked still looking at the submachine guns.
Lucy smirked, from under the table she pulled out one of her own creations, "This here is one of my snipers. It doesn't have a name, I haven't gotten around to that yet."
"She's a beauty." James replied with a smile, "Thanks Cici."
"Oh and we've made you these." Lucy brought over a box, "This is an assortment of specially made grenades. We've got fragmentation, illuminating, chemical, offensive, and nonlethal." Looking up at the men who were still of awe of the weapons she finished, "Is there be anything else you'll be needing?" she smiled politely at their bemused faces.
"Yeah." Junior Juniper, the youngest of the 107th shook his head still staring at the explosives, "Remind me to never get on your bad side."
-permafrost-
"Be careful." Lucy reminded him for the hundredth time as she adjusted the strap on his shoulder that holstered his shield.
Steve grinned, touched by her concern, "I'll be fine. I'm a super soldier now remember?" then looking around to make sure no one was paying them any attention, he leaned down for swift yet passionate kiss. "We'll be back before you know it." He continued brushing the strands of long coffee hair behind her ear. "You won't even notice us gone. You'll be too busy developing that formula."
Lucy smiled, "Write me. I want to make sure the guns are working ok."
"Are guns the only things you want to make sure are ok?" he smirked at her.
Pretending to consider the question she added, "And James. I need to make sure he's behaving himself."
"You don't want to know how I'm doing?" Steve acted hurt, "Do I mean so little to you?"
She finally let out a laugh, the weight in her stomached lightening. "I guess. I need to have up-to-date data on the working serum don't I?"
With one last hug and kiss on the top of her head Steve stepped away. "Don't worry." He reassured her, "I'm Captain America."
Lucy shook her head in amusement, "See ya later soldier, and bring back my guns in good shape or I'll be forced to come after you."
As she witnessed the 107th strike team pack up and ship out, she couldn't shake the curious feeling of being watched.
-permafrost-
Dear Lucy,
The machine guns are a big hit with the guys. The accuracy is incredible. I might make one request though; I may need a smaller vehicle than a truck around here…
Dear Steve,
I'm glad they like the weapons Howard will be pleased. Also funny you should mention that, a smallish box should be headed your way soon…
Dear Lucy,
A motorcycle? You shouldn't have…
Dear Steve,
Please, I know you've always wanted one…
Dear Lucy,
I don't think I've ever properly thanked you for the shield. It is very useful out here. And Frenchie would like to thank you for the bombs. I think he maybe having too much fun with them…
Dear Steve,
We watched one of your films today. Peggy kept nudging me, I see you actually use that compass I gave you…
Dear Lucy,
Of course I use it, and I think of you every time. Also Bucky would like to thank you for the sniper rifle, he's getting pretty good with it…
Dear Lucy,
Monty and I would like to thank you for the impressive amount of grenades. He's fashioned a belt so he can carry them around with him at all times…
Dear Lucy,
I hope you're still getting my letters…
Love, Steve
-permafrost-
"You are failing!" screamed the furious voice of Schmidt. "We are close to an offensive that will shake the planet, yet we are continually delayed because you cannot outwit a simpleton with a shield!"
Doctor Zola flinched, "This is hardly my area of expertise. I…I merely developed the weapons. I cannot fire them."
"Finish you mission, Doctor, before the American finishes his." Schmidt growled out. Then to a masked soldier he commanded, "Tell our operative it is high time we had that girl. She is getting too close to the formula. We don't need to give the Allies another weapon."