Author's Note: Well then, I'm back! It's been a month yet a lot of things happened. This month, I've watched "The Amazing Spider-Man" and it was a good reboot nonetheless. Then there goes "The Dark Knight Rises" which is a full blast! Not as good as "The Dark Knight" yet Christopher Nolan did it right. It was an epic conclusion. For me, it's more like a tie with "The Avengers" as the superhero movie of the year. Oh, and Marvel has delivered the goods to all with its upcoming "Phase 2" of their cinematic universe. Aside from Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World, the have great upcoming comic book films like "Ant-Man" (which will be written and directed by Edgar Wright), "Guardians of the Galaxy", and here's my favorite as a Cap fan: the sequel to "The First Avenger" is titled "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". When I heard the news, I'm speechless.

In other news, there are changes to be made: I've said a month ago that Cap's backstory will have 2 parts but I've decided to make it a 3-part because I've never expected this that it will be so long. Don't worry, I'm still working for Part 3 so I'll do my best.

And now, here's chapter 11!

Black Rock Shooter belongs to Huke

Captain America belongs to Marvel Entertainment

Back at the dining room on the safehouse, the three have enjoyed their dinner. Sharon wasn't just a SHIELD agent but also a great cook and much to BRS' surprise; she loved Sharon's tempura. Not only was it crispy but also very flavorful. And the beverage is another flavorful drink: red tea. And best of all, it was ice-cold. For BRS, it's more like a beverage but it's also a health drink and she loves it so much.

"Ahh! Thanks for the red tea, Ms. Carter! I need this in my system." BRS exclaimed as she feels the refreshment of the said drink.

"For me, red tea was delicious. I prefer this than softdrinks most of the time." Sharon said.

"Well again, thanks for this." BRS thanked Sharon.

"No prob." Sharon told the girl.

"Well, it's better that we go on as we eat our dinner. Since we are eating until we finished, let's continue on where we left." Steve said.

"Uh, Steve, Rock, maybe I should make another pitchel of red tea for the rest of us." Sharon told the two.

"Thanks, Sharon. This is gonna be a long talk." Steve noted.

"Hey, you said that you will tell me on how you become Captain America, right?" BRS reminded the superhero while eating one tempura.

"Hehe, well I guess I have no choice after all. But before that, I wanna ask you: if we are in a war right now, will you gonna fight or you gonna stay and lock you up as an experiment until the said war have ended?" Steve asked the twintailed Otherworlder as take a bite of his own tempura. On the contrary, they have finished eating their food. As clean up and placed their plates on the table since they were eating on the couch, Rock take the answer.

"Of course, in my case, you're gonna stand up and fight! That is much better than to sit here and do nothing." Rock commented since she was born a warrior and Otherworlders were known for their fighting prowess.

"You're right." Steve commended her on her answer. "Honestly speaking, that was my second option. But I choose the first."

"And what's the first option?" BRS inquired.

"To be on the battlefield."

In the aftermath of the Heinz Kruger chase, Steve was in a SSR clinic while he was with a nurse, finishing her check-up along with a medical doctor. In front of him was Peggy, who is holding some dossiers full of confidential files, most of them are information about HYDRA. Despite of the series of events, Steve laments on Erskine's death. As he stood up, Peggy began to speak.

"Any hope of hope of reproducing the program is locked in your genetic code." Peggy explained. "But without Dr. Erskine, it would take years."

"He deserved more than this." Steve said, lamenting.

"If it could work only once, he'd be proud it was you." Peggy commented.

Meanwhile, Senator Brandt and Col. Philips discussed about the events that happened moments ago. Even the senator himself can't believe that the facility can be infiltrated in these times of global conflict. Since military officials know how to deal with war and how to win it than politicians, he needs answers from Col. Philips himself. Beside them is the unknown vessel which Howard Stark and his engineers are trying to analyze.

"Colonel Philips, my committee is demanding answers." The senator demanded.

Col. Philips wittedly replied, "Great. Why don't we start with how a German spy got a ride to my secret installation in your car?" Then he turned to Howard as he also looked on the said vessel. "What have we got here?"

"Speaking modestly, I'm the best mechanical engineer in this country. But I don't know what's inside this thing or how it works. We're not even close to this technology." Stark commented as he continued to analyze the said vehicle.

"Then who is?" the senator inquired.

"HYDRA." Col. Philips answered. "I'm sure you've been reading our briefings."

Seeing the information as new for Senator Brandt, he said, "I'm on a number of committees, Colonel."

"HYDRA is a Nazi deep science division, led by Johann Schmidt. But he has much bigger ambitions." Agent Carter informed the senator as she and Steve both entered the scene.

Then Col. Philips added, "HYDRA is practically a cult. They worship Schmidt 'cause they think he's invincible."

Now the senator heard about the information about HYDRA and how they can be a threat in the coming months. Then he inquired, "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Colonel Philips answered. "I spoke to the President this morning and he agreed on my suggestion and put it in effect: As of today the SSR has been retasked."

Upon hearing this, Peggy asked as if this is a new order. "Colonel?"

Colonel Philips turned to Peggy. "We are taking the fight to HYDRA. Pack your bags, Agent Carter." And then he turned to Howard. "You too, Stark. We're flying to London tonight."

Seeing this as an opportunity to join the fight, Steve stepped in and approached the colonel. "Sir, if you're going after Schmidt, I want in."

"You'll stay here, Rogers. You're an experiment and you're going to Alamogordo." Philips noted.

"The serum worked." Steve insisted, since he believes that can take on HYDRA with his new Super-Soldier body.

"I asked for an army and all I got was you." The colonel said with apathy in his eyes. "You… are not enough." And then he left. Upon hearing this, Steve never expected that the colonel would say that. But he has no choice but to follow.

Senator Brandt heard this as he seems that the colonel is unfair on this. And he approached to Steve. "With all due respect to the Colonel, I think he may be missing the point. I've seen you in action, Steve. More importantly, the country has seen it.

"Paper." The senator ordered his assistant to hand him a newspaper with Steve being on the headline. It says 'NAZIS IN NEW YORK: Mystery Man Saves Child'. Then Brandt continued, "The enlistment lines have been around the block since your picture hit the newsstands. You don't take a soldier, a symbol like that, and hide him in a lab." Then he put his hand on Steve's shoulder just like a father; then he makes a proposal saying, "Son, do you want to serve your country on the most important battlefield of the war?"

Then Steve answered by shaking hands with Senator Brandt. "Sir, that's all I want."

"Then congratulations, you just got promoted."

"And… what kind of promotion is that?" BRS finally inquired.

Before Steve will give an answer, Sharon interrupts the conversation as she brought another pitchel of red tea for them to share. "Hey, here some drinks, folks."

"Thanks, Sharon." Steve thanked her as she prepares three glasses for all of them. "Whew! I need to cool off myself for a bit."

And then he gave a glass of red tea to Rock and replied with a smile. "Here you go, kid. Your favorite."

"Thanks, Ms. Carter." BRS kindly thanked the blonde S.H.I.E.L.D. agent as she took the glass and drink it. Then Sharon decided to join in. "Rock-chan, do you wanna know what happened after the senator 'promoted' Steve?"

"Uh, yeah?" the petite girl answered.

"But Sharon, are you sure about this?" Steve inquired since he knows a lot because he is a 'Man Out of Time'. But he thought that it was a good idea that Sharon should also join in because she is Peggy's niece and she is always with Steve all this time.

"Trust me, Steve. World War II is also a history lesson and I also have my Aunt Peggy, so it's ok." Sharon assured.

"Very well, then." Steve nodded in approval.

Then Sharon turned to BRS. "Maybe I should also join in and give you a brief history lesson for you, little princess."

"Well, that's fine for me, Ms. Carter." BRS said.

Then she began her history talk. "We all know that fighting in a war is composed of soldiers, tanks and aircraft. Do you know the saying 'Wars are fought with weapons, but they are won by men?'"

"I've never heard of that quote before." BRS said. "But what are you trying to say is… if you have the weapons yet you don't know how to fight, then you're not gonna win no matter what you do."

"Smart kid." Sharon smiled, commending BRS due to the Otherworlder's knowledge of battle. "But war is different. Groups, nations, everyone is involved. Country against country. Nation against nation. Two sides. World War II is far greater than any war the world has ever seen." As Sharon continued, she pointed out something. "Steve is part of that war, but not on the frontlines… at first."

"What do you mean?" BRS asked Sharon.

Then the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent answered. "In every war, there is a 'home front'. The military arm of each nation gets their support from the government and from the people. They sent supplies like weapons, food, and even morale. And speaking of morale, they use propaganda in order to make the people support for the war effort. So the people are buying war bonds."

"War bonds? Is that necessary?" BRS asked about the term since it was new to her.

"War bonds are debt securities issued by a government for the purpose of financing military operations during times of war. War bonds generate capital for the government and make civilians feel involved in their national militaries. In other words, war bonds are more like financial support; it really helps the war effort of one's country."

"But wait." BRS stopped on Sharon's lecture, like a student who raised her hand in class. "What does it have to do with Steve?"

"Well, he's also part of a propaganda ploy made by Senator Brandt. He became a propaganda tool and at the same time, an American hero. Known as… 'Captain America'."

"So what did he do about it?" BRS asked.

"It's more like a stage show." Sharon explained. "The purpose of those 'Captain America' stage shows is to tell the people on giving support for the war effort. And speaking of Cap right here, he wears the old version of the Stars-and-Stripes suit along with a shield. And when the time he walks and performs in the stage, well, he goes off likes this…" The blonde takes a deep breath. "'Series E Defense Bonds. Each bond you buy is a bullet in the barrel of your best guy's gun!'"

BRS went dumbfounded upon hearing it. "W-wait, did he actually say that?"

Seeing Rock's reaction, Steve couldn't help but to chuckle a bit. "Well, those were good times back then."

Something clicked on Sharon's mind as she reaches on her pocket. "Oh yeah, here is some reference that will help you out."

Comes out of Sharon's pocket and it was a single card: it was a collectible card. When she threw it on the table, BRS picked it up and it engraves a picture of Steve as Captain America. She was surprised a bit because this was his first suit but it was for a show and not for a soldier.

Now it was Steve's turn to explain. "Not only just stage shows, but also films, pictorials and meeting with other people. It's an easy job for me. Like Senator Brandt said, doing this propaganda thing is like I was in a battlefield. Well, at first, I was ok about it but it all changed when I finally went to the frontlines, in Italy…"

1943 - Northern Italy, Five Miles from the Front

"How many of you are ready to help me sock old Adolf in the jaw?" Steve, in his Captain America suit, spoke on the microphone.

He finally entered to the frontlines, located in Italy, on the southernmost part of Europe. He knows that he can cope to any audience but this time, it was soldiers and not civilians. He was there for the support for the troops but either way, he needs to do his job. But unfortunately, most of them have blank faces, making Steve getting nervous a bit…

Shrugging off his nervousness, he continued on. "Okay… uh, I need a volunteer!"

"We already volunteered! How do you think I got here?" one soldier raised his voice. And most of the troops laughed.

"Bring back the girls!" said another. And everyone cheered because they're more interested for the USO girls rather than the performance of the so-called 'Star-Spangled Man with a Plan'.

"Well, um… I'm thinking for one song but I… I'll see what I can do." Steve pleaded.

"You do it, sweetheart." Said one.

Incidentally, Gilmore Hodge was also part of the audience as he called on to Steve. "Nice boots, tinker bell!"

Again, the soldiers mocked in laughter.

"Come on guys, we're all the same team."

They continued to make fun of Steve, until one soldier threw a tomato on him yet blocked it with his triangular steel shield. And the others followed suit along with applause from the audience. But it wasn't applause of admiration. It was humiliation and disgust. He had no choice but to left the stage then the USO girls appeared in front of them; if Cap received jeers from the troops, then this one is the opposite.

Then Steve continued on. "I've never expected to be like this. I mean, I've never expected that someone, like an American hero, a 'Captain America', can be treated as a joke. More like a circus act. But, I realized something."

"And what is that?" the petite girl asked.

"Well, it was raining outside. And when I spent time drawing pictures and illustrations, Peggy came to me. And the two of us had a talk with each other, especially on what I'm doing…"

"Hello, Steve."

Steve turned and he saw Peggy, coming to him as she holds her coat.

"Hi." Steve greeted back.

"Hi." Peggy also greeted him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Officially, I'm not here at all." Peggy answered as she sat on a storage chest. "That was quiet a performance."

"Yeah, uh, I should improvise a little bit." He remarked after he heard Peggy's commendation. "Crowds amused like a little bit more of… 12".

"I understand that you are America's new hope." Peggy remarked.

"Bond sales increase in 10% in every state I visit." Steve commented.

"That's from Senator Brandt, I hear." Peggy also remarked on Steve's situation.

"Since he got me doing this, Philips will have me and stuck in a lab."

"At least you have only two options: a lab rat or a dancing monkey." Peggy noted, upon seeing one of Steve's illustrations. It was a monkey who dressed with a stars and stripes outfit, like someone in a circus. "You were meant for more than this, you know?"

Peggy's words struck him. He realized that he wasn't supposed to be like this. He should be a soldier, not an experiment or a dancing monkey. He sighed mentally on his situation.

"What?" Peggy asked as Steve looked at her.

He sighed as he tried to tell her. "You know, in the longest time, that I dreamed about… coming overseas and be on the frontlines, serving my country. I got everything I wanted… and I'm wearing tights."

Then suddenly, Steve and Peggy heard a blow horn from an incoming vehicle; it was a medic jeep, carrying a wounded soldier. Steve saw this and said, "It looks like they've been through hell."

"But these men had the most." Peggy noted. "Schmidt sent out a force from his army. 200 men went up against him, less than 15 returned. Your audience contain what was left in the 107th, the rest were killed or captured."

The name of the infantry division had hit Steve. He realized that this is where his best friend Bucky belonged to. So he exclaimed, "The 107th?"

"What?" Peggy inquired but she saw worry on Steve's eyes.

"Come on!" the two hurriedly went into the HQ where Colonel Philips and his staff were stationed. Steve needs to know what happened to Bucky, either if he was captured or killed. If he's lucky, this will be his first time to be in action but this time, it was with purpose.

"Colonel Philips!" Steve called out as he approached the colonel.

"Well, it's the 'Star-Spangled Man with a Plan'. What is your plan today?" Colonel Philips inquired.

"I need the casualty list from Azzano." The tall guy demanded.

"You don't give me orders, son." Philips tried to shot back since he was an officer.

"I just need one name: Sgt. James Barnes from the 107th." Steve insisted.

Upon knowing this, Colonel Philips turned to Peggy. He told her, "You and I are gonna have a conversation later that you won't enjoy."

Then Steve still demanded. "Please just tell if he's alive or captured. B-A-R-"

"I can spell." The colonel said. Then he stood up and checks on a number of papers, full of letters. They were condolence letters and they will be sent to their families if some soldiers were killed or missing in action. "I've signed these condolence letters today that I would care to count." Then he continued. "But… the name wasn't familiar. I'm sorry."

Hearing this, Steve was disappointed a bit but he is still adamant. "What about the others? Are you planning a rescue mission?"

"Yes, called 'winning the war'." The colonel said, seemingly that he cared more for winning and leaving a man behind is okay for him.

"But if you know where they are, why not at least-"

"They're 30 miles behind enemy lines." Colonel Philips told him the location as he explained. "Those have some of most heavily fortified territory in Europe; we'd lose more men than we'd save. But I don't expect you to understand that because you're a chorus girl."

Steve is still defiant. "I think I understand just fine, sir."

"Well then, understand it somewhere else." As he walked away to continue doing his work, he added. "If I read the posters correctly, you got someplace to be in 30 minutes."

Steve didn't want to hear what the colonel said as he continued to look on the map, marking the location of the enemy base where most of the 107th were captured, including his best friend.

Then he spoke in irony. "Yes, sir, I do." And after this, he left and went on his way. Peggy is just standing yet she totally understood Steve's resolve.

But the Colonel responded, w/o knowing that the tall guy left. "If you have something to say, now it's the perfect time to keep it to yourself."

"I'm still in my disbelief, back then. I have no second thoughts on going on there and do a rescue mission. I don't care if I will be punished or anything. But what I care is… doing the right thing." Steve explained.

Steve was in the dressing room, preparing anything that he need. Then Peggy came into the scene and as she saw it, he prepares to leave.

"What are you planning to do, walking toward here?" she inquired.

"If that is what it takes." Steve answered.

But she tried to calm him down for a moment as she said, "You heard the colonel. Your friend is either missing or maybe dead."

"You don't know that."

But she insisted. "Even so, he devised a strategy so he can-"

"By the time he is done that, it will be too late!" Steve replied with defiance.

"Steve!"

As Steve left, Peggy followed him suit as they went to the jeep, him putting his bag and his shield at the back. He looked on to Peggy. "You told me that I thought I was meant more than this. Did you mean that?"

Peggy now realized his resolve. He remembered the exact words that she said to him. For Steve, it is a matter a time that he can do what is right because he wanted to show to everyone that he is more than a showman, but a soldier.

So Peggy answered, "Every word."

"Then you can let me go." As Steve went into the driver's seat to start the engines of the jeep, Peggy still approached him. She also wanted to join in.

"I can do more than that." And the jeep went off.

"You really cared for your best friend a lot." BRS noted.

"Not just Bucky. But everyone else." Steve said. "There are times that we can disobey orders if we think that they are not right or anything. But all that matters is this: there's no greater honor than doing what's right. Actually, I believe in the saying 'A good soldier never leaves a man behind.'"

"Now, can you continue what happens next? I can't wait to know that… is it impossible for one man would do rescue mission, even the odds and chances are slim?" BRS asked that question. She admired the man for such virtue as a soldier yet she's still curious.

Steve grinned. "Smart, yet still curious kid. Now here's your answer…"

It was nighttime. And a plane flew above the night sky. Steve and Peggy are all aboard in Howard Stark's personal plane. They're entering the border. All they need to do is to drop Steve safely. This will be a difficult mission so no matter what it takes, he's ready.

Peggy began with a short briefing. "The HYDRA camp is located near these 2 mountain ranges. It was a factory of some kind."

Howard, while on the cockpit, called out, "Maybe we should able to drop you right on the doorstep."

"Just get me as close as you can." Steve told him back. Then he turned to Peggy. "You two will gonna be in a lot of trouble if you land."

"And you weren't?" Peggy questioned him.

"Well, if anybody will go after me then I'll shoot 'em." Steve replied.

"They will undoubtedly shoot you back." She noted.

"This will come in handy if you ask me." Steve noted, talking about his steel shield.

Then Howard butted in as he called out to Peggy. "Agent Carter, if we weren't too much in a hurry, I thought we could stop off and have a late night fun do?"

Peggy is at loss for words… a bit. When Steve heard that, he was curious. Not only Howard Stark is an inventor and a genius but the ladies love him. In short, he's a playboy billionaire.

Peggy tried to ignore it and move to another topic. "Stark is the best civilian pilot I've ever seen. He is mad enough to go through this kind of airspace. We're lucky to have him."

But yet, Steve wanted to ask something since Howard's words were still on his mind. "Did you two have…?"

"What?" Peggy raised her eyebrows.

"Hang out?" that's the only thing that he asked.

Peggy still shrugged it off and she gives Steve some sort of device. "This is a transponder. Activate it when you're ready, and the signal will lead us straight to you."

Steve took the transponder as it seems this will help him in his rescue mission. As he took it, he called out on Howard as he asked, "Are you sure this thing works?"

"I've tested that many times, pal." Howard assured.

Suddenly, there are explosions rocked everywhere. They under enemy fire from flak cannons. But they brave on it no matter what the risks are. All that is important is to bring Steve to safety. In other words, to land him safely.

But when Steve noticed the danger, he went up and goes to the doorway along with his shield. He decided to drop off.

"Get back here, we'll take you all the way from here!" Peggy said loudly.

As Steve opened the door and prepared himself to drop off, he turned to Peggy. "As soon as I leave, turn this thing around and get the hell out of here!"

"You can't give me orders!" Peggy retorted when he heard Steve's words of giving orders to a soldier.

"The hell I can't? I'm a 'Captain!'" Steve answered back. And he has a point. After all, he was Captain America. And then, he dropped off. Peggy's eyes are full of worry but she had no choice but to trust him. Afterwards, the plane strides off away from the area.

"And that is the start of my first rescue mission." Steve said. "And a lot happened."

"How did you enter in? Any disguise or something?" BRS asked.

"Nah, I didn't do that. Well, I just wear my shield all around." Steve answered. Rock was a bit dumbfounded on his answer. What she thought is either how did he save those prisoners w/o being captured or wounded.

Sharon stepped in and approached Rock to snap her out. "He's not kidding. He went all the way in. You can say that it's a 'no sweat' thing, but the serum really helped him a lot."

Then Steve added. "What Sharon said is true. I managed to knock out those guys easily; in other words, it makes the job easier. But saving those men and even my best friend is not an easy task for me…"

As he went into the room where the prisoners were located, he knocked one HYDRA guard unconscious. One group of prisoners stood up as they saw the knocked down guard. And then they saw a man who was unfamiliar to them, but whatever it is, they should thank him.

One prisoner, who is an African-American, who was named as Gabe Jones, asked the mysterious man. "Who are you supposed to be?"

Then Steve answered. "I'm… Captain America."

Another prisoner, who is a British national, inquired. "I beg your pardon?"

Then the bars were opened as he unlocked all of them, setting the prisoners free. One of them is Timothy 'Dum Dum' Dugan, who worked as a circus guy before he went into the US Army. Well, he also wears a moustache and his signature bowl hat, which makes him cool. For him at least.

"What? Are we taking everybody?" he inquired.

And then one soldier approached him, a Japanese-American, who goes by the name of Jim Morita. And he showed him his military necklace. "I'm from Fresno, Ace."

Steve is still checking everybody and at the same time, he continues his search for Bucky. "Is there anybody else? I'm looking for a Sergeant James Barnes."

The same British guy, who is known as James Montgomery Falsworth, came to him and informed Steve. "There's an isolation ward in the factory, but no one's ever come back from it."

Hearing this as helpful intel, Steve called out on everyone. "All right. The tree line is northwest, 80 yards past the gate. Get out fast and give 'em hell. I'll meet you guys in the clearing with anybody else I find."

As he walks away, Gabe suddenly stopped him a bit. "Wait." Then he turned.

"You know what you're doing?"

Then Steve replied. "Yeah. I knocked down Adolf Hitler over 200 times." But it was in a stage show, to be honest.

Most of them didn't even know But Dugan made a discreet 'Whoa' reaction. This guy helped them so who cares.

And moments later, a massive prison break occurs. They outnumber most of HYDRA soldiers; kill after kill, explosion after explosion. Even most of the HYDRA soldiers have their own arsenal of advanced weaponry; they were greatly outmatched against the captured soldiers. And worse, they were also outmatched by Steve Rogers inside.

"When I continued to beat those guys, I heard a loud alarm sound all over the compound." Steve continued." It's more like a self-destruct sequence, so I hurried on. But before I entered one room, I encountered someone who is escaping: an old man in short stature who wears a hat. And he carries a briefcase."

"And who is that guy?" BRS asked in curiosity.

"Arnim Zola." Sharon said. "He is also a genius. As scientist and a engineer. Schmidt recruited him and made him his right-hand man. Apparently, he designed most of HYDRA's weaponry during that time."

"Did you catch him?" BRS again asked.

"Well, not yet. But I'll tell you more later on since I don't want to spoil you." Steve told him. "Be patient."

"Well, alright." BRS understood this as she continues to listen.

"So where are we now?" he tried to recall. "Oh, I didn't catch Zola… for now." Then he continued. "As I entered into the room, it seems it's more like a medical room for me. Then I heard a voice… someone is mumbling. As I got closer to the voice, I saw a man, lying down and strapped. He is citing names of people, mostly soldiers. And that man… was Bucky."

BRS was surprised. "That guy was Bucky?"

"Yeah, he's like groggy or something. In other words, something bad has happened to him…"

"Bucky!" Steve gasped on what he saw, on what they did to him. "Oh my God, what have they done to you?"

Without second thoughts, Steve just pulled out all the straps that bind his best friends and he managed to wake him up. "Bucky. Bucky, wake up!"

Then Bucky slowly opened his eyes, trying to see his surroundings, until he saw Steve.

"Bucky, it's me. Steve." He called him.

"Steve?" Bucky recalled. All he knows that Steve was a skinny guy. But with all of this, in addition of being captured, he couldn't believe if this guy is his best friend or not

Then Steve got him up. "I thought you're dead."

Still bewildered, Bucky formed words on his lips. "I thought you're smaller."

Then the two heard an explosion. But Steve also looked to a map, revealing most of information that will be helpful in the coming days. But they must get out alive and safe. They must hurry. Afterwards, he carried Bucky.

As they head out of the room, Bucky inquired. "What happened to you?"

"I joined the Army." Steve replied.

"Both of us hurried. Good thing Bucky can still move, telling me that he's ok. Explosions rocked everywhere, tearing the whole factory apart. As we make our way of escape, we met someone who is also making an escape along with Zola. He's holding a canister. But he greeted us, especially me. I finally met him, at last."

"And who is that?" the petite girl asked again in intrigue.

He formed a frown. "He's none other than my archenemy. Johann Schmidt. The Red Skull."

"Captain America! How exciting!" He placed the canister and gave it to Zola to keep it as the HYDRA madman introduced himself. "I am a great fan of your films!"

He continued his remark as he approached Steve. "So, Dr. Erskine managed it after all. Not exactly an improvement, but still, impressive."

Steve knew that he was talking about Erskine and his outstanding work, the Super-Soldier serum. The one that even costs his death at the hands of this maniac. In disgust and rage, Steve punched Schmidt in the face.

"You've got no idea." He said vehemently.

Schmidt held up himself. "Haven't I?" Then he landed a punch that made a dent into Steve's shield. Seeing this, Steve immediately draws his gun yet he was punched into the ground. As Schmidt approaches, Steve kicks him across the retractable bridge and Dr. Zola intervenes and retracts the bridge. As the two have separated, Schmidt got up and called out. "No matter what lies Erskine told you. You see, I was his greatest success!"

Then without hesitation, he wanted to show his true face. With no avail, he peels away his supposed mask. He finally showed his true face: a face which is the face of terror, madness, and insanity. He lived up with his name: the Red Skull.

Steve and Bucky were in shock on what they saw. For Steve, he understood why Erskine never wanted to give the serum to Schmidt. Erskine's words still ring through his head: 'Good becomes great. Bad becomes worse.' And since Schmidt was a lunatic, the effects of Erskine's formula are there but they were incomplete at first; this has drove the German scientist mad.

Bucky was a bit awestruck on this as he commented. "You don't have one of those, do you?"

Then the Red Skull set his eyes on Steve as he told him. "You're deluded, Captain." As he continued, he threw off his mask into the fire. "You pretend to be a simple soldier, but in reality, you are just afraid to admit that we have left humanity behind. Unlike you, I embrace it proudly. Without fear!" After this, he left along with Zola.

"Then how come you're running?" Steve sarcastically remarked. As the Red Skull makes his escape, explosions still rocked the whole facility, leaving both Steve and Bucky stranded. Despite the odds, the two have made their escape.

"Well, we all have made it safe and sound. All of us have returned to our base. And to be honest, we were met with cheers and applause from the other soldiers; more like a grand welcome. They ridiculed me at first. But things are different. Everything can change if you have the will to do something to make a difference." He sighed in relief and looked up. "Peggy was right. I was meant more than this."

Then Steve approached Col. Philips and saluted him. The colonel observed what's happening. He doubted Steve Rogers at first but after this successful rescue mission, he is at loss for words, a bit. Only one man can do this? It is impossible in his point of view, but this man, who has the Super-Soldier serum, proved him wrong after all.

"Some of these men need medical attention." Steve reported. "I'm ready to surrender myself for disciplinary action."

Colonel Philips made a decision since he was impressed of Steve's heroics. "That won't be necessary."

Hearing the colonel's response, Steve was relieved. "Yes, sir."

Then the colonel turned to Peggy with a slight smirk. "Faith, huh?" And he walked away. Peggy was also relieved on what the colonel said since the two of them have a heated debate for her actions concerning Steve. As she walked towards Steve, she said playfully, "You're late."

Steve showed his broken device to here and answered. "Can't call my ride?"

But Bucky called out on everyone. "Hey! Let's hear it from Captain America!"

Still, the massive cheers and applause surround the whole camp. That is all because of one good man who is willing to give his life in the service of his country. More importantly, to the people close to him.

Sharon added. "And that is where Steve's journey began. Being a hero. And a full-fledged soldier."

"Wow, that's really amazing!" BRS exclaimed but bit fangirl-ish. "I can't believe you've all do that by yourself."

Then the Super Soldier chuckled. "Not just me, but everyone else. I can't even do that without them." He added. "But I wanted to tell you this: once you have that power, don't ever think that you can do it all yourself. Because true strength comes from within. And because of those around you."

Rock nodded in agreement to Steve's statement. Shrugging it off, she wanted to continue Cap's backstory. "So… what happened after then? You got promoted? For real?"

He gave the Otherworlder a clear answer. "For real, indeed." Then he added, "I became a full-fledged member of the SSR. In other words, an operative and a real soldier, with the rank of captain. I even got a Medal of Valor oddly from Senator Brandt."

The term is new for Rock. She learned a lot how to live a normal life and also familiar with recognition and awards in the real world yet the "Medal of Valor" thing is something that she needs to know. "What's the 'Medal of Valor'?

Sharon gave her a brief explanation. "A 'Medal of Valor' is a type of medal given to honor military or public safety personnel who have served with gallantry. Well, an example is a police officer. Since he showed some bravery in a hostage crisis, he was rewarded by his superiors. But in Steve's case, well, that's all because of his Captain America thingy."

Steve sighed. "Well, I don't care about that, but it will make sense if I'm in action, not a showman." Then he continued on. "Now going back: we are in London since it is the SSR's base of operations, which is located underground…"

The SSR's base can be a busy place. Intelligence gathering, logistics, you name it. Of all the U.S. military organizations during WWII, the SSR is in the league with the OSS and other special organizations. Steve is along with Peggy, sharing all information from his last mission, yet unofficial. And best of all, he wears a military officer's uniform.

"This one is located in Poland, then in the Baltic, and the sixth one was … here, 30-40 miles west in the Maginot Line. I just got a quick look." Steve reveals his series of intel.

"At least, perfect." Peggy commented while forming a smile on his lips. The serum not only makes him stronger and faster, but it heightened his senses. At least it helps. Then the two went to the second table where it places a map as they joined with Col. Philips. Steve continued. "These are the weapon factories that we know about. Sgt. Barnes said that HYDRA shipped all the parts to another facility located on this map."

Then the colonel gives his orders to Peggy. "Agent Carter, coordinate with MI6. I want every Allied eyeball looking for that main HYDRA base."

"What about us?" She inquired.

"We will gonna set a fire on Johann Schmidt's ass." Philips told her. And then he sets his eyes on Steve after he gets a paper from one of the assistants. "What do you say, Rogers? With that map, you can take those HYDRA war factories down?"

"Yes sir. I'll need a team." Steve answered.

"We are already putting together the best men." Col. Philips informed.

Steve said in response. "With all due respect, sir. So am I."

Before he continued on, Steve looked at his watch. "Well, it was 7:30pm. In other words, we still have time. Everything is fast-paced, isn't it?"

"Well, I heard everything loud and clear." BRS recounted. "Is that it?"

"Not yet." Steve told him. "Hmm, let's try something new: how about we go outside?"

"Again!" BRS irritably noted.

"I mean in the rooftop, up there." He pointed. "Because as I continue, there's something you need to see."

When Rock heard this, she noted that there is something behind his words. As she thought 'Did he have a secret or something? Or maybe that something that I'm familiar with? I'm gonna find out.' "Really? Ok, let's go."

"Be patient, kid. Maybe you go first. I'll catch up."

"Uh, is that ok with you?" BRS curiously inquired.

"Yeah, I'm gonna be fine. I just want to talk with Sharon. Just a personal matter." He informed the girl.

"Alright, I'm gonna wait." Then she started to go to the rooftop upstairs. 'Maybe it's a relationship or anything. Uh, who cares? Maybe something related in Mr. Rogers' backstory.' She shrugged in thought.

As the twintailed disappeared from his sight, Steve came to Sharon. "Sharon, you need to bring the shield."

"But why?" Sharon asked as she wanted to know if it's necessary.

Steve smirked. "Just a little warmup. And BTW, bring in our portable database. I need to show her something."

Sharon has no idea if this will be a good or bad idea. "Hmm, the database can be considered as top-secret, but it can be for historical purposes, I guess."

"Trust me on this." Steve said.

"You really sound like a war veteran. But the difference is that you're not an old man." Sharon playfully said.

"I was?" Steve chuckled and he sighed. "Yeah, right. But I'm different than any war veteran. I'm a Man Out of Time. And I'm still fighting."

Then Sharon gave him a hug. "I know. It's really hard for you. Yet you're also strong."

Steve felt comfort in Sharon's embrace. "Sharon, thanks." And the two went into to room to make some preparations.

This ends chapter 11. And I almost forgot: June 22 is a memorable day for me as a LBJ fan. That's because LeBron James got his first NBA title and of course, the Miami Heat are the 2012 NBA Champions! I'm planning to include more basketball stuff in later chapters just for fun. :P But I'm currently working for chapter 12, which is the conclusion of Cap's backstory and well as I'll put other material.

Read and review. And I'll see you guys later.