To reach the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, Turkey, undetected, Peggy planned to use the cover of darkness. Since there were still daylight hours left to kill before they could be on their way, they were currently moored in an alcove that Howard promised was too well hidden for any to find.

And once they were finally underway, Captain Jasper assured his passengers that they would arrive at their destination by morning, if not sooner.

With that taken care of, it just left one issue that Peggy was also concerned about. And that was the two Russians who had hitched their wagon to theirs. All four had gone through a baptism of fire that afternoon together, but their new allies were still holding information back.

Peggy planned to rectify that situation after tonight's meal. Once alcohol flowed, she doubted they would stay silent for long.

Other than that, she was delighted with how their latest escapade had worked out. Peggy took great pleasure imagining a frustrated Smith trying to find the rock she had tossed into the sea.

Finally, nightfall descended. As the yacht cruised at top speed towards their next clue, all five met for dinner in the dining room.

Surprisingly, their Russian guests had taken less than a day to stop disparaging all the luxuries and opulence onboard. Actually, they seemed to be reveling in it. Eating off fine bone china and drinking from crystal flutes, the proletariats no longer mocked their capitalistic host's indulgences.

Peggy caught Howard smirking more than once over this irony as they ate. Money tended to corrupt even the most strident ideologies.

Because it had been cooked to perfection, Zdenka could easily cut through the steak with her fork one-handed. Thankfully, though her sore arm was in a sling, it was not broken, just nastily bruised.

Everyone continued to eat in silence, content to enjoy the excellent food. Jarvis did not even bother with any filler conversation. Either he was too tired, or he did not care about appearances anymore.

Afterward, they all adjourned to the outdoor patio. No deck lights were used or needed. The illumination from the waning moon brightened the area just well enough to see. Above, the multitude of stars sparkled around the halo of the partial moon.

Peggy wistfully stared up at them. In Washington, you seldom see such a magnificent array of constellations.

Grinning happily, Howard offered Dmitri a Cuban cigar. The millionaire inventor quipped smugly, "That jerk Smith might have thought that he had stolen my best cigars, but he never found my private stash of Old Havana's."

Though the Russian man quickly shook his head no, Zdenka motioned that she would like one. Pleasantly surprised, Howard handed her a cigar. He watched, mesmerized, as she bit off the end and spat the small piece into the passing sea. Ever the gentlemen, Howard lit the cigar for her and then used the same match for his own.

Peggy saw how he stared transfixed at the Russian woman and sighed. She would never understand why Howard was always attracted to women with good self-esteem and a great right hook. She always chuckled at the irony of his womanizer's peculiarities.

Now with them all seated in a semi-circle, Peggy studied the members of the reflective group with a critical eye. While Howard worked on his second Scotch, the Russians were downing copious glasses of vodka. Seated nearby, Jarvis was sipping a small sherry while she was enjoying some well-aged whiskey.

Tired of the silence that seemed to smother all the goodwill from their earlier adventure, Peggy believed it was time for a change.

Placing her whiskey glass down hard enough on the side table drew everyone's attention to her. Then, resting her hands in her lap, Peggy began, "Obviously, after all we went through today, you can trust us now. So why don't you tell us what you have held back."

While the Russians exchanged glances, Peggy helped them along, "We'll start off easy. Who are you really?" Motioning to the Russian couple, she deduced, "Out of the two of you, Hydra was adamant only to grab you, Zdenka. You are obviously the brains, while Dmitri is the brawn."

After they had reached a silent agreement, Dmitri grinned sheepishly, "Our names are real. It is only our professions that were false. I am a Russian Agent, and she is Dr. Zdenka Ruzena, a specialist in antiquities and early history. We have been working together to track down artifacts of significance for over three years."

Zdenka nodded, and after she blew out a big puff of cigar smoke, she grinned toothily.

"Nice to make your formal acquaintance," Howard drawled. Peggy was surprised he hadn't leaped up and kissed the Russian woman's hand in a coy gesture of chivalrous introductions. Maybe he had finally learned how to read a room, she mused.

"And you are?" Dmitri countered.

"I am Peggy Carter, an agent for the SSR. My compatriots are not pretending to be otherwise."

Zdenka appraised Jarvis while nodding in Howard's direction, "So you really are his butler?"

An indignant Jarvis muttered, "I am Mr. Stark's personal manservant."

Howard growled protectively, "He is my right-hand man, while Peggy is my left. We are a team."

Before the discussion could deteriorate into another ego war, Peggy interjected, "Thank you, Howard. And I would say the same about you both as well." She then looked back to the Russians again, "So, now that we have all been properly introduced, shall we continue?"

Howard leaned back in his chair, leg crossed over the other, the epitome of calm. But by the loud drumming of his fingers, Peggy knew his curiosity was chomping at the bit. She did not have to wait long before he blurted, "So what is the treasure that we will find at the end of this journey?" Leave it to Howard to get to the crux of the matter.

Zdenka steadied herself as if she expected to hear the pummeling of rebuffs from what she was about to divulge. She stated sincerely, "It is believed that we will find a race of God-like people. Supposedly, their society is centuries ahead of us in every way, with knowledge so powerful that it could change the entire world."

When no incredulous remarks were made, Zdenka continued, "Some think that their technology is eons ahead of ours. And it has helped these people live for hundreds of years, free from any known diseases and curing anything that befalls them."

Jarvis' mind instantly went to his beloved Ana and all they had lost after Madame Masque shot her. "Do you think their machinery could heal any devastating wounds to internal organs?"

As his friends gave him supportive nods and sympathetic pats on the shoulders, Zdenka replied, "Perhaps. Some say that whoever completes this adventure will be given their heart's desire and that all their dreams will come true."

Peggy bit her lip when she automatically thought of Steve Rogers. No matter how much she believed she had moved on from her first true love, she could never truly forget him. Looking away, she stared out at the dark sea. The waves caused by the cruising yacht's wake were as tumultuous as her hopes and fears.

As Peggy and the others mulled this over, Howard laughed, breaking the spell. He shook his head and teased Zdenka, "From what you describe, it almost sounds as if you are talking about Shangri-La."

Defensive, Zdenka spat, "Possibly, we won't know until we get to the end of this quest."

Ignoring their tense exchange, Peggy admitted, "They have used a lot of advanced technologies to set up these tests. Such exceptional abilities would explain why those earthquakes seemed rather deliberate in the destruction of the Wonders and—"

Scoffing, Howard interrupted, "Come on, Peg, I told you no one could create earthquakes."

She countered, "And no one could move such a massive statue of a Greek God underground without disturbing a giant mountain either, yet it happened, Howard."

"She's right," Zdenka stated, then quickly clarified, "Not necessarily about the earthquakes being manmade, but that this group has systematically tried to destroy all evidence of their existence."

Rubbing her chin, Peggy murmured, "I wonder if whoever moved the clues once the Wonders had been destroyed were the same ones who had placed them there in the first place."

Zdenka nodded, "Maybe there were two or more competing factions involved centuries ago. But, again, we won't know until we discover more clues." Taking a chance, she added, "Also, I believe that they had turned their superior technology against us back in the past."

Peggy asked, "Why do you think that?"

"For many years, I have studied the archeological record in hopes of uncovering their identity."

Dmitri shook his head and cautioned, "Zdenka—"

She snapped to him in Russian, "They asked for my opinion." Ignoring her partner's warning, she continued in English, "Ever hear of the Sea People?"

Jarvis frowned, "They sound vaguely familiar."

"What like pirates?" Howard piped up in surprise.

After a quirked smile, Zdenka shook her head, "No. Over three thousand years ago, this mysterious group besieged the Bronze Age civilizations. Many of our advanced cultures were entirely decimated into oblivion. Most that did survive were forced to seek refuge in caves. Because of how devastating the Sea People's onslaught was, humanity's future was forever changed. Even ancient written language disappeared because of them."

Dmitri added, "Toward the end of their assault, they nearly conquered the Egyptians."

"Yes, but the Egyptians were one of the few civilizations that fought back successfully. Still, the Sea People's costly attack brought the eventual demise to the mighty New Kingdom in Egypt."

Perplexed, Peggy wondered, "But why would this group that nearly wiped us out willingly give us our heart's desires?"

After an exhale, Zdenka proposed, "Their attacks were very earlier in our civilization's history, far before these trials were ever set up. Now one theory states that these tests are to see if we are better than who our ancestors were and if we are now worthy of their vast knowledge." Shrugging, she admitted, "Honestly, I do not know for sure and won't until we complete all this."

Having gone through some interesting adventures over the past five years, Peggy and Howard remained quiet as they contemplated this information.

Dmitri stared at the SSR Agent, "You do not seem surprised that this mysterious group led to the near-collapse of our ancient civilizations?"

Peggy admitted, "Honestly, very little in this world surprises me anymore. Past or present." During the last war, she had seen the worst of humanity and the best.

After a sip of whiskey, she settled back into her chair, and her keen gaze fixed on the Russians again. "Any idea if someone has ever been successful in finishing this quest?"

Both Russians shrugged enigmatically, and Peggy could hear the loud snap as Howard's jaw suddenly clamped shut from annoyance.

Clearing her throat, Zdenka replied, "We would never know for sure."

Howard added, "Well, by all the skeletal remains at the Wonders, many had tried."

Jarvis muttered, "Hum, I don't recall seeing any skeletons at Zeus. Maybe we were the first to try there."

Grimacing, Peggy added, "And sadly the last."

Howard asked, "Do you know why they chose to use the Wonders to leave the clues instead of elsewhere?"

Grinning, Zdenka blew out another cloud of cigar smoke, "Perchance because they were such amazing feats of engineering, they believed it would call to like-minded people as a beacon. Regardless, that will be one of my questions when we finally meet these mysterious Sea People."

Once more, silence took over as all thought about what they had been told. With the added benefit of getting one's heart's desire and their wildest dreams granted thrown into the mix, yes that would undoubtedly be worth the risk.

Captain Jasper had kept his word, and by morning, they had arrived at Bodrum, Turkey. Not too far from the local harbor, they had found another concealed alcove that was just big enough to hide the large yacht from prying eyes.

Once they were ready, the five of them took Howard's speed boat to the shore nearest the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus ruins. Peggy had insisted it would be best to go ashore by foot in case a CIA operative was watching the docks.

Mooring as close as possible to the sandy shore, Peggy had refused to be carried onto the beach and had instead clomped in ankle-deep waves to reach dry land. She did her best to ignore her now damp pant cuffs.

After putting her shoes back on her wet feet, Peggy looked out at the wide bay in front of them and marveled at the clear ocean water. The sea was breathtaking, going from a pure turquoise blue to a deep cobalt hue the further you went toward the horizon. With her sunglasses protecting her eyes, she could make out the few sailboats peppering the skyline.

Grinning, Peggy would say one thing about this trip; she never realized that the Mediterranean region was so beautiful. The few times she had been in this sea during the war, she had always been rushing around as they went from location to location, dealing with whatever Hydra had thrown at them.

After an exhale, she turned east and saw the large fortress looming nearby. It was so tall that it nearly blocked out the low morning sun.

Looking to the north, the cleared field near the beach had all the cataloged debris from the toppled Mausoleum. It had been methodically placed in rows by archeologists. Alas, it was just the usual broken stones and fallen sections of columns.

Peggy sighed. Though the area was rather large, there was nothing big enough to hide a secret passageway, and there was certainly nothing that represented armaments. Still, they had best give it a go. They had been surprised before.

While they systematically walked the three-tiered levels of various-sized fragments, a stoic Jarvis stayed alongside Howard, carrying an umbrella for shade so his boss could see the scanner's monitor clearer. Due to all the water damage done to the smaller scanner from their inadvertent dive, they were now down to the original larger one.

Following Jarvis and Howard, Dmitri and Zdenka kept an eye out for any possible surface clues. Every now and then, the Russian woman would absently rub her sprained arm that was still in a sling.

Peggy trailed behind, mindful of the ground's pebbled path. The painful tiny stones continued to somehow end up in her shoes.

Passing the multitude of discarded pillars and cracked wall pieces, Zdenka took on the role of lecturer, "The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built between 353 and 350 BC for Mausolu, the governor of the area. He had married his sister Artemisia, and together they ruled Halicarnassus and the surrounding territory for 24 years."

Howard looked up from running the large portable scanner over a flat rock surface. "Brother and sister, you say?" Leave it to the millionaire playboy to pick out the most salacious part of the narrative.

Zdenka did not do a good job hiding her irritation at being interrupted. As she once more began, Peggy could hear the grate in her tone, almost as if it was a warning not to do so again. "At the time, it was not uncommon. Anyway, Mausolus started building his tomb while he was still alive. Going against tradition, he had it built above the soil instead of building their crypt underground."

Her arm swept the vast area, "The massive three-tiered structure was supposedly so amazing that generations afterward copied his example. Thus from the name Mausolus, the word mausoleum came to be. It is now synonymous to mean above-ground tomb."

Peggy snorted as she thought, you learn something every day.

Ignoring the noise, Zdenka continued, "According to the Roman explorer Pliny, the Mausoleum had a 411 ft. circumference and was over 140 feet in height. Then in the 13th century, an earthquake toppled the massive structure, which lay in ruins for many years."

Peggy crossed her arms, "So, another earthquake?"

Steely-eyed, Zdenka suggested, "Why don't we focus on that for another time, comrade."

Sighing, Peggy waved for the Russian to continue.

Nodding her gratitude, Zdenka stated, "The Mausoleum's structure was designed by the Greek architects Satyros and Pythius of Priene. The four sides of the Mausoleum were each decorated by a different artist. Interestingly enough, one of the sculptors was Scopas. He also did the artwork for another Wonder, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus."

Howard asked, "Anything else we should know?"

Zdenka shook her head, "I am afraid that like most of the Wonders, not much more is known about it."

Stopping at the remains of the burial chamber, they looked about the large unassuming pit.

Undeterred, Howard ran his portable scanner over the walls and floors, but nothing of importance showed up on the monitor. To Peggy, it seemed like all of this was another futile endeavor.

With the entire field of debris revealing no clues, all but Zdenka exhaled tiredly.

The Russian woman stood with hands on her hips, "I am not surprised that we didn't find anything other than rubble here. Still, we had to be sure."

All eyes focused on her, and she pointed to the massive castle located close by on the inlet. The sea nearly surrounded the structure. And boats of various sizes filled the large harbor next to it.

"That is the Castle of St. Peter," Zdenka began. "Centuries after the Mausoleum had fallen, the Knights of St John of Malta invaded the region and built that castle on top of the older one's remains. Word is that the promontory of the castle was where part of the Mausoleum had once stood." She nodded to the huge fortress, "They also incorporated many of the fallen stones from the toppled Mausoleum into its architecture."

Trying to find the positive, Jarvis supplied, "Knights of Malta? Weren't they also known as Knights Hospitaller?"

A grin slowly spread across Zdenka's face, "Why yes, they were."

He continued matter-of-factly, "Though they were crusade fighters like the Templar Knights, they would also treat those wounded after the battle. So in a way, you could say that they supported ancient arms."

Pleased, the Russian woman said, "You know your medieval history, Mr. Jarvis." Her gaze once more appraised him openly.

Almost sounding embarrassed, he explained, "Well, I do enjoy reading up on historical subjects from time to time." Then without another word, Jarvis took the lead, with Zdenka close on his heels.

Amused, Peggy grinned at Howard, who fumed back at her. He was jealous of the attention that his manservant was getting from the female Russian. Dmitri wasn't happy either and joined Howard in stomping after them.

Peggy shook her head at this silliness and followed the now self-conscious butler and the others.

Soon all were hurrying along the shoreline walkway that led to the castle. Getting closer, they could make out the details on the two oversized turrets that faced them.

Howard smirked and pointed, "Hey, those white circular blocks on that turret? Those look to be pieces of columns turned on its side."

Zdenka nodded approvingly to him, and he beamed like a child receiving high praise.

Hiding her grin, Zdenka indicated one of the lower windows, "Also, that larger block over that window was one of the original marble pieces. Even though it is now carved with a Maltese cross, originally, it was from the Mausoleum. Hopefully, none of those reused pieces are what we are looking for."

Yet, such complications could undoubtedly be part of this test, Peggy thought unsurprised.

Mercifully, the majority of the exterior stone blocks appeared to be made of nondescript rough-hewed green volcanic rock. Peggy believed they could overlook those and just focus on the few incorporated white and smooth marble columns, blocks, and reliefs that starkly stood out in contrast.

It did not take them long to reach the castle, and they entered. The interior had the usual medieval furnishings and fixtures that Peggy was getting used to seeing in these locations.

Once inside, Howard surreptitiously scanned the older stones that made up the walls. Though some of the marble blocks had been salvaged from the original Mausoleum, none proved to be what they needed. So, they wandered the many corridors and halls, hopeful for any clues.

Finally reaching the window where they had seen the Mausoleum stone above on the outside. The stone block was too large to scan by leaning out the window entirely. Instead, someone would have to be suspended above it to ensure that all of the stone was properly recorded.

So they decided to access it from the next level up.

Peggy was going to do it, but Howard was insistent. Enlisting the aid of Jarvis and Dmitri, they hung onto his feet while he dangled out the window.

The SSR Agent wondered why he was still trying to impress Zdenka. She seemed to be more interested in those with the knowledge of history than what the millionaire provided.

After scanning the marble block, Howard grunted loudly and was pulled back in. Panting and beat red in the face, he tried to smile encouragingly at the female Russian, but he wasn't convincing anyone. He looked like a puffing tomato. Worse still, the stone did not have any clues etched into it. Resolute, they continued onwards.

Toward the end of the search, their luck changed to positive when they came upon a long stone lintel over one of the interior doorways. It was of the older Mausoleum marble blocks, and multiple Maltese crosses were chiseled across it.

Howard scanned it and exclaimed, pleased, "I got something here."

Wryly, Jarvis supplied, "Well, a lintel is also a form of support."

Running the scanner over it, they were relieved that the Hospitallermotif had not obscured the clue.

The problem was, it had been cleaved in two, so only a portion was over the doorway. Unfortunately, the other half was nowhere to be found. After Howard had recorded the clue and the few odd hatch marks, he looked expectantly at the female Russian.

Zdenka sighed, "Yes, just as I thought. This partial clue points to our next Wonders location, the Temple of Artemis. Unfortunately, it cuts off where we should look for it there. Also, I cannot make out the entirety of the odd Cuneiform script without the other half. It could mean anything."

"Well, maybe the other half is located elsewhere in the castle?" Jarvis asked, hopeful. The disappointed looks he received were of "unlikely."

"We've almost finished going over the entire place. For all we know, it is now part of the foundation," Howard grumbled.

Peggy could not believe this was it. "Come now, so far, the ones who moved the clues have made sure they were still accessible after the Wonders had been destroyed. Well, maybe this clue was not on a stone block. Maybe instead, it is a pedestal under a statue or etched into another relic within the castle."

Zdenka pursed her lips in worry.

"What?" Peggy demanded, already guessing that it would not get any easier.

Wincing, Zdenka explained, "Any notable artifacts that were excavated are now at a British Museum."

They all groaned in frustration.

Shaking her head slowly, Peggy was insistent, "No, I cannot believe that. It must be either here or somewhere in the area."

Howard grumbled, "Though at times I admire your stubbornness, pal, ten to one it is now in Britain."

Peggy's sharp glare had Howard shrugging in defense. She was not going to allow such possibilities to derail them. Determined, she ordered, "Well, come along, let's keep looking."

They did, and still, they could not find the second half of the clue. Dejected, they finished up their tour. Stopping at the entrance to the small museum by the castle's exit, Peggy suggested, "It couldn't hurt to look in here."

With nothing left to lose, all five meandered within the quaint room.

They stopped at a massive painting of what the Mausoleum might have looked like back in the day.

Peggy studied the imposing structure and gazed at the three-tiered sections that ended with a pyramid-shaped roof. Leaning closer to the image, she noticed that the portrait showed off every level in marvelous detail.

Zdenka mentioned, "Two sides of the tomb were Grecian in style. The other two sides had a Persian or Egyptian influence on them." She then led the others away while Peggy stayed behind.

Squinting at the painting, she registered the large animal statues around the circumference of the stone-stepped roof. At the very top, two colossal statues of who she supposed were the brother and sister Mausolus, were standing in a chariot.

As with all these Wonders, Peggy imagined that the entire structure must have been quite the sight back in the day.

Noticing that the others had moved on, Peggy quickly joined them as they studied the Greeks vs. Amazons frieze replica on the adjacent wall. Next to it were other reliefs that depicted the Mausolus sibling's victory over their enemies.

Howard ran the scanner over the copies of the artifacts. "At least we'll have this recorded if we need it for later."

As Peggy studied everyone's disappointed faces, she quipped, "Well, I have no wish to head to England. Any suggestions?"

All four answered her at once, each with a quibble or an idea of what they should do next.

As their voices rose to be heard over the others, the museum Curator observed his only visitors with trepidation. Taking in their intrusive and angry scrutiny of the relics, he decided to see what they were up to. As he strode over to them, his features were a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Peggy was surprised that their odd party had taken so long to be approached. Especially with an exasperated Howard waving the large scanner about as if it was a weapon.

Overhearing them speaking English and with two of them sounding British, the Curator became combative. Arms akimbo, he demanded in Turkish, "Can I help you?"

Before the others could answer at once, Zdenka inquired in near-perfect Turkish, "Are there any original pieces of the Mausoleum in here?"

The Curator sounded upset when he spat back in Turkish, "No, those damn British explorers took anything of worth back to their shores long ago."

Zdenka nodded knowingly and stated calmly, "Yes, they do tend to steal other's history. The wonderful idiom of the sun never truly sets over the British Empire comes to mind."

She eyed Howard and Peggy.

Hearing the words "British" and the glare aimed her way, Peggy held up her hands defensively, "Don't look at me. I had nothing to do with whatever you two are implying."

Howard was more defensive, "And why am I included? I'm an American."

Snorting, Zdenka replied, "Because your rich tendencies are just as bad as those colonists were."

Howard sputtered but smartly did not reply. Possibly this was due to the Curator's icy stare, which now included the millionaire as well.

Though the Curator's crisp replies had made him sound contemptuous, Zdenka could be very charming. When she remarked, "But not to worry. We are only researchers who believe that the originals should be returned back here." His demeanor instantly changed, and he was at ease.

Delighted that he found a like-minded individual, he then became depressed. The Curator explained something in rapid Turkish.

Zdenka's party frowned when they heard the word, "Cospicua."

Recognizing the location's name, a surprised Peggy breathed, "Malta?"

As the Curator continued explaining the situation to Zdenka, memories rushed back to Peggy. When she first joined the SOE in 1941, she had learned that there was more evil in the world than just the Nazis.

From that point on, it became her goal to find out everything regarding this secret enemy that so few knew about, Hydra. During that time, a report regarding this deadly foe had crossed her desk.

An E-boat Italian Regia Marina battalion attacked the strategic island of Malta. With the combined efforts of the island fort's large guns and the British Navy, they made short work of them. Easily outnumbered, the majority of the Italian forces had sunk to the bottom of the sea.

Most had written it off as a foolish assault. That was until it became known that while the Regia had attacked the Southernmost harbor of the island, a small Hydra force had been spotted in the inland port town of Cospicua.

Obviously, this nautical siege by the Italians had been a diversion.

They never did figure out what Hydra was after. Now Peggy wondered if their enemy had been looking for this treasure far longer than first believed. Hydra and the Fuhrer had always been fascinated with the arcane during the war.

If only she had uncovered which main Hydra villain had led that small raid in that town. Maybe then she would know who they were currently up against.

While she recalled those dangerous times during the Second World War, Zdenka continued to listen to the Curator. As he spoke, the Russian woman's dour mood became one of hope.

The Curator finished his story, and Zdenka gave him their thanks.

Nodding pleased, the older gentleman left the small group to themselves.

The men were getting impatient as Zdenka digested all that she had been told.

Sounding matter-of-fact, Peggy stated, "So the clue could be at Malta."

"Yes," Zdenka shook her head in irritation at the abuse of such an amazing archeological treasure, "It seems that the majority of the Mausoleum blocks were used long ago by the Knights of Malta to build the docks. The Curator said they were primarily located at the Grand Harbor, Docking Area 1 in Cospicua."

Howard whistled and added, "Jesus, that's nearly 700 nautical miles away. It will take over a day or two to get there."

Zdenka nodded, "I imagine so. According to him, these marble blocks comprise the foundation of those docks." She sighed, "At least they were hidden from view and were safe underwater."

Howard's radio crackled to life, startling them. It was Captain Jasper, "Can you hear me, Mr. Stark?"

The millionaire inventor nearly fumbled with the large walkie-talkie as he pulled it from Jarvis's bag. After clearing his throat, Howard asked, "Yes, Captain?"

The Captain's worried voice rushed out, "Sir, it appears the CIA warship has just arrived in the harbor. A few of their men are taking a dinghy to your location's docks."

Sighing, Howard nodded. Then quickly realizing what he was doing, he spoke into the radio. He stated grimly, "Any other possible friends?"

The Captain's voice almost sounded relieved, "No, Sir, we have not seen the other interested party."

Howard perked up a bit at that news, "Alright, get the yacht fired up and ready. We'll be there as soon as possible."

No words needed to be spoken, and all five quickly left the museum. Exiting out into the bright sunlight, Peggy saw that the CIA's warship was moored in the bay. A speeding dinghy carried Agent Smith, and some other agents and was heading their way. Hodge was at the bow, grinning madly.

Before they could be spotted, Peggy and the others ducked back into the castle.

Jarvis asked, peeved, "How did they find us so fast?"

"There were not many Wonders left for them to keep an eye on, comrade," Dmitri reminded him.

"And I am sure that once they saw that we were not in Ephesus, they made a straight beeline here," Peggy sneered. At least her group had enough time to find out what they needed.

She added, "Knowing the sort of man Hodge is, it won't take him long to find out about Malta from that museum Curator." She hoped the Turkish man would not be stubborn about telling him the truth.

Seeing Peggy's concern, Zdenka registered the implications and then made a quick dash back into the small museum.

In moments, Zdenka rushed back to the group. "I tried to warn him, but he thinks he can handle them."

Peggy nodded grimly. Regardless of when the Curator divulged the information, her group would need an advantage if they were going to beat the faster warship to the small island of Malta.

With a plan forming, Peggy hurried outside. As the others followed, they used the shadows as cover and snuck back to where their speed boat was moored.

As they hastily strode onto the beach to reach their transport, they saw that the CIA's small dingy was nearing the docks in front of the castle.

Just before her group stepped foot into the water, Peggy stopped and ordered, "Alright, you four head back to the yacht."

Peggy's voice had that determined edge that always gave Howard pause. It usually meant she was up to something dangerous.

Howard eyed her warily, "What are you up to, pal?"

After a resolute exhale, Peggy explained, "I am afraid that Smith's warship can outrace your yacht, Howard. And with their torpedoes and heavy artillery guns, they could sink us at their whim. I am sure Smith wouldn't pass up the chance to take us out permanently."

Decision made, she began to take off her jacket and toe out of her shoes. She kept on her blouse that covered a black chemise underneath. She smartly smoothed out her pants, debating if she should remove them or not. Realizing the indecency of doing such a thing, she kept them on. Next time she will remember to wear her bathing suit under her clothes.

Dmitri eyed her suspiciously, "And you hope to accomplish what?"

She nodded at the warship, "I am going to make sure they cannot follow us to Malta."

"That's a suicide mission, Peg." Howard automatically took the apparel Peggy handed him. He then tossed the items over his shoulder to Jarvis, who expertly caught them mid-air. Due to the number of women disrobing in front of his boss, his habitual reflexes had been well-honed over the years.

Determinedly, she replied, "I can do it."

Dmitri watched Peggy as she removed her guns. As she handed them to Howard, Dmitri began to remove his shoes and jacket. Ignoring their frowns, he explained, "I'm coming with you."

Zdenka protested, "Dmitri, no."

Peggy shook her head, "Thank you, Dmitri, but if we're caught, they might let me live. You, they would hang from the tallest jib without a thought."

Zdenka nodded pleadingly in agreement, but Dmitri brushed his friend's concern aside.

He firmly told Peggy, "Your reasoning is as flimsy as your societal beliefs." The Russian saw the stubborn set of her jaw and insisted, "You are going to need my help. Surely you don't think you could succeed against so many by yourself?"

Peggy's grin was a feral warning, and Howard fought the urge to take a step back.

Instead of pouncing, Peggy said overly polite, "I prefer to work alone."

Dmitri was just as adamant, "There is no such thing to a communist. Remember, there is strength in numbers, comrade."

Zdenka knew her colleague well enough to let him do this, but still, she was uneasy. And she wasn't the only one concerned about a friend.

"Peg—" She heard the distress in Howard's tone and recognized his anxious look. He surreptitiously nodded to her and then looked to Dmitri.

Peggy sighed and knew that he had every right to be nervous. Agent Smith had already tried to kill her multiple times. Exhaling, she guessed that it would not hurt to have help.

"Alright." She noticed Howard and Jarvis visibly relaxing. She muttered to Dmitri, "Just stay out of my way."

As Dmitri grinned triumphantly, a flummoxed Howard methodically rummaged through his ubiquitous fanny pack, but came up empty-handed. "Sorry pal, I got nothing for you this time. If we can get back to the yacht, I can grab—"

They watched as Agent Smith and six other mercenaries with him hopped off the dinghy and raced into the castle. Unfortunately, they had run out of time.

Peggy smiled brightly, "Not to worry, Howard. I know how to throw a monkey and the wrench into their engines, so to speak."

Howard grinned at her use of the vernacular, "Just be careful, Peg."

"Of course. Now Howard, give us about 20 minutes to knock out the engines, and then come pick us up in your speedboat. I assure you that we are going to beat them to Malta."

Without further ado, she then waded into the sea. Once the water was high enough, she dove in and swam toward the military ship.

Howard grinned sheepishly to the Russians, "Well, she can be rather impulsive."

Dmitri snorted and replied, "Yes, I'm beginning to get that." He smiled disarmingly to Zdenka, and before she could question him about his sanity, he followed after Peggy.

With one last glance at their distancing forms, Howard looked at the apprehensive Zdenka, "Don't worry. Peggy might not have a backup plan of escape, but I do. Come on."

Then the three jumped into the speedboat and zoomed their way back to the secret cove that housed the yacht.

Thankfully the ocean's current wasn't against them, and Peggy and Dmitri arrived at the warship in record time. Once they had reached the peeling grey hulled transport, she figured Howard must have dropped the others off at his yacht.

After making sure that the coast was clear, Peggy and Dmitri used the discolored anchor's thick chain to climb aboard the dilapidated vessel undetected.

Crouching on the deck, Peggy grimaced at the grim and rust that adorned the transport. Wow, she had thought it looked terrible from a distance, but it was just pitiful up close. She almost felt bad for the men who had to live on this thing.

Hearing a racing engine, she quickly glanced back at the castle. She spied that the CIA's powerboat was now leaving the docks and was headed back. That had been surprisingly quick. Perhaps this meant that the stubborn museum curator had heeded Zdenka's warning and was still in one piece.

Hopefully, he had not divulged that Peggy and the others had just left and were still in the area.

Nodding to Dmitri, Peggy led them toward the open passageway to the boat's interior. She didn't know much about Navy vessels, except that the engine room was always in the ship's bowels at the rear. She had been on a few ships during her wartime years, but usually, she stayed on the top deck. Dmitri did not correct her path. Either he did not know, or she was right in her assumption.

Dmitri whispered, "Perhaps after the engines, we should try to disable the artillery guns and torpedo bays as well?"

Though Peggy thought that was a good idea, she did not know how long their luck would hold out. She hoped that he had not jinxed it because they suddenly happened upon a man coming down the stairs from the command center.

Before the goon could yell out a warning, they quickly knocked him out and hid his unconscious body in one of the side rooms.

After disposing of three more mercenaries, they heard Agent Smith's boat arrive with more reinforcements. In moments the ship-wide order to be underway to Malta came over the loudspeaker.

As the warship began to chug forward, the boat's alarm suddenly went off. It sounded just as tired as the old ship looked. However, Peggy knew that they had not been spotted, which meant that their handy work of knocking out the guards had not gone unnoticed.

Realizing the large number of men they would soon be up against, Peggy shared a concerned look with Dmitri. The chances of reaching the engine room in one piece had become slimmer.

Dmitri nodded to her confidently, "Comrade, I will keep them busy while you take care of the engines."

"Dmitri," she warned. But after flashing a cocky grin to her, he crept off to deal with the others.

Exhaling in anger, Peggy had no choice but to continue their planned attack. "Machismo at its finest," she grumbled. Fine, she reasoned, if he wanted to go to an early grave, then so be it. Still, guilt gnawed on her conscience.

Watching him disappear around the corner made her wonder if that were the last time she would ever see him alive again.

End Note: Yup, the Sea People were real and did all the destructive things I listed above.

Here's a good link about them:

news/bronze-age-collapse-causes