Chapter 13. Truth
Content warning: A specific slur (taken in the context of that time) is made against Bucky and Steve; part of the misinformation rumours being spread about Bucky. Near the end of the story the tragic death of an associate is revealed.
After what both squads witnessed on the mission to Auschwitz, Christmas was mostly subdued and quiet. They were glad they were able to help the children they rescued, although most of them were severely traumatized from the short time they had suffered at that horrible place. The adults, comprised primarily of very pregnant women, were also thankful for the rescue, knowing that their children would be born in a free country. Both the Jewish and Romani communities in England stepped up to absorb the rescued individuals into their homes, assuring the government and military that they would be treated with the greatest of care.
Those who went on the mission passed the hat around, contributing some of their pay towards the costs of taking care of the refugees. Prayers of thanks were said for the men and two women on the mission in many synagogues. The Romani, who often adopted the dominant religion of the country they lived in, did the same in churches across the United Kingdom, spread across several denominations.
The newspapers published articles about the mission, complete with photographs provided by Eva Waslewski, who brought a camera to document the atrocities. It caused a furor in the countries who had allied with England, asking how long this had been going on in Nazi-held territory, and what were the military authorities going to do about the situation. Although General Phillips received a mild reprimand for approving the mission without notifying Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) commander in chief, General Eisenhower, he was just as quickly forgiven. Apparently, it had been suspected the atrocities were happening for over a year but there hadn't been enough military support to draw up a plan to liberate the concentration camps or to handle the thousands of affected prisoners in them. Now there was, and as the allies advanced in Europe the camps became a priority.
About a month after the mission, the trickle of prisoners who had successfully escaped Auschwitz and connected with the various Resistance factions in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and Holland, became a steady stream as they made their way to freedom. It kept the story alive for several more months and a significant number of the escapees in those countries to join the various Resistance groups in actively fighting the Nazis and HYDRA.
Although Christmas in England was relatively tranquil, the teams were still busy as new missions were planned, separate ones. They trained separately, but still socialized together, often at the local pub. Now that she had been on a mission, Dr. Waslewski was invited to come and after several instances of begging off, allowed Peggy to convince her to attend. When the two women entered the local pub there was a moment when Steve Rogers nudged Steven Grant then looked towards the entrance. Peggy smiled at Steve and walked towards him while Steven stood up and approached Eva.
"You came," he said, then looked, appreciating the green dress she wore. "You look nice without your lab coat." He blushed. "I mean, you look good in your lab coat but it's nice to see you out of it." She grinned at him as he stammered. "I'm not saying you look beautiful very well, am I?"
"Thank you, I think you're being very kind," she said, then she looked around. "So, this is the place where everyone comes to let their hair down? It's very quaint. I like it."
"What would you like to drink?" he asked.
"I'm partial to red wine, although I do enjoy a whiskey," she said. "Either is fine."
She went on towards where Peggy was sitting beside Steve, taking the chair that Sergeant Howlett gave her while he went to get another. Steven stood at the bar getting the two whiskeys, joined by Steve getting the same for himself and Peggy. Placing one in front of Eva the agent sat next to her, then raised his glass.
"To your good health," he said to everyone.
"Na zdrowie!" said Eva, smiling. "Polish version of Cheers." She sipped the whiskey then looked at the others. "I received a letter from one of the pregnant Romani women we rescued. She had her child; a son and she named him Steven. So far, he seems to be healthy. She wanted you to know."
Both Stevens smiled. The boy was born free and that was worth a lot. The piano player started playing some sing along music and it was hard not to enjoy the camaraderie as many joined in. It felt very jovial to the doctor but as she looked around, she realized that not everyone was there.
"Where is Sergeant Barnes?" she asked Steve Rogers. "I thought you and he were good friends."
"We are but he had a date," answered Steve. "One of the cooks. He's ... popular with the ladies."
"I already gathered that," she smiled. "Whenever he comes in to be assessed he makes overtures to Lt. Hay, unsuccessful ones. Was he like that before the serum?"
Both men answered in unison. "You have no idea."
They laughed at their synchronous response, then each took another sip of the whiskey.
"Before his voice even changed girls liked him," said Rogers. "Then he grew taller, stronger, and more handsome. He was also smart and just seemed to know how to talk to anyone."
"I think he was born flirting," said Grant. "His first word was likely Darlin', or Sweetheart."
They both chuckled, remembering how popular Bucky had been in Brooklyn. A sad look passed quickly over Grant's features, so fleeting that only Eva noticed it but she said nothing, not wanting to dampen the festive atmosphere. It wasn't until later when they were walking back to the base together and she took Grant's arm that she brought it up. He stiffened slightly then looked ahead to where Steve and Peggy were walking, hesitant to say anything when he knew the young captain could hear him. Slowing their pace down a bit they fell further behind until Grant couldn't hear the young couple's conversation.
"HYDRA tried to scrape away everything good about Bucky," he said. "His good nature, his decency, his easy ways with people, his need to protect those who were important to him, were all just obstacles to be destroyed. They wanted him to be a killer, to kill on command, without emotion or mercy. He was almost completely broken by it, and I had to leave him behind before I could be sure he was going to be okay. I regret that it had to be that way, but we were dealing with things that superseded my wishes. Still feel like I abandoned him."
Even in the dark she could sense the guilt he still felt. There was something familiar about it that brought her own share of guilt up into her throat, making her feel a little queasy. Quickly, she breathed out and focused back on Grant.
"Will you ever be able to learn if he regained what he lost?" she asked.
"It's not something I'm allowed to know, I'm guessing," he said carefully. "It was hinted that with this Bucky, I succeed, although the fact he still received the initial serum treatment concerns me. Anything could go wrong on the missions as this time does have its differences. You, for example. You weren't here in England during my original time here." He could sense her slight smile at his words. "I do worry about the Bucky I left behind as I couldn't change his past. This is a new timeline and he's still in his, still has to manage on his own and learn to be part of that time. I do hope with all my heart that he's happy and finds peace. After all that he suffered he deserves that."
She squeezed his arm with her hand, receiving a grim smile in return. His admission of uncertainty involving the future Bucky Barnes that he left behind made her think of her sister, Anya. She hoped her sister was alive and unharmed. Even though Anya had been taken from the German camp where Eva was based, no word had been received from her in the months after.
The base gate loomed up in the dark and they all checked in, continuing their walk towards the women's quarters. Outside the door Steve and Peggy kissed affectionately, then she went inside immediately. Nodding his head at Grant and Eva, the current Captain America gave them some privacy and waited a respectful distance away.
"I'm glad I came out tonight," said the doctor. "It was pleasant to be with you and your men. They're good men, all of them and they care about you, both groups care about both of you Stevens."
He smiled, slightly embarrassed. "They were ..." He corrected himself. "They are the best men for this job." He swallowed then, as if he wanted to say something else but instead, he looked at her directly in the eyes. "We're going to find your sister. I promise that no matter how long it takes, how many bases we raid, that I'll find her."
"I know."
She kissed him gently on the cheek, close to his lips then looked up at him, only the light of the moon illuminating their faces. Without really knowing why, just knowing that he wanted to, Steven leaned closer and kissed her on the lips, his hands gently holding her arms. Then he pulled away and smiled.
"Good night, Eva."
"Good night, Steven."
Inside the door of the women's quarters Peggy was still waiting. The two women walked in silence towards their rooms then the young Englishwoman stood outside her door as Eva kept going towards hers. The doctor turned back and looked at Peggy, who stood in the light now streaming from her room. She tried to say something to the younger woman, but the words weren't coming out. The English agent smiled kindly at her.
"They're both so alike," she said. "I liked Steve before he had the serum. He was kind, smart, and very brave, braver than anyone gave him credit for. Steven is the same man but tempered by his years in the future. There is a weariness about him, a sadness that I suspect comes from his guilt about not saving that Bucky, then from having to leave him behind. Tonight was one of the first times I saw him enjoying himself, and I think it was because you were there. If you let him into your heart, he would be devoted to you."
Eva listened then smiled a sad smile of her own. "Good night, Agent Carter."
Inside her room, the doctor leaned against the door, then touched her lips where the older man had kissed her. Steven Grant's affections definitely could be something that could fill some of the emptiness inside her, but would he still feel the same if he knew the complete truth? She closed her eyes, trying to force down the despair she felt but it bubbled up like acid and instead she cried into her pillow for a long time before falling asleep in her clothes.
~~~~~~~~~~
As the months progressed both squads undertook more missions separately. The Phantom Patrol went deep into enemy territory many times, locating several small labs and factories that were being run by HYDRA. Before destroying the facilities, the people manning them were questioned, given the chance to declare their opposition to HYDRA or their loyalty to it. It was a strange thing to behold when they chose the latter, as true believers were proud of their association and would stand rigidly at attention, making the HYDRA salute as they hailed its superiority. They were turned over to the local Resistance for trial and sentencing, their names recorded so that their duplicity would become a matter of public scrutiny. Each facility's records were searched for information on other facilities, other loyal followers, and the atrocities that were being committed on that organization's behalf.
Lt. Sousa's work with the unit was invaluable as he seemed to have a sixth sense of how to get the patrol into ever increasingly dangerous territory. With the combined talents of the entire squad, they came back with a lot of intelligence, including the names of compromised individuals that were still part of the military, or allied governments. It was eye-opening but also disheartening to know the number of HYDRA sympathizers that were in positions of authority.
After several months of finding the proof and acting on it, the leads began to dry up. Some military analysts thought it was an indication that they were beating back the enemy. In meetings between Grant, Sousa, General Phillips, and Steve Rogers a different reason was becoming increasingly obvious to them. For those who were actually undertaking the missions it was more a reminder that only the tip of the iceberg was visible now. In their opinion HYDRA was even more dangerous as more of their activities retreated to the shadows. Those shadows were well hidden, meaning their missions became even more dangerous, as they often went in almost blind.
After each mission by each squad the injured men would report to the medical centre for treatment. Although Dr. Erskine, Dr. Waslewski, and Major Lambert continued to work on the new serum, they were always available to provide medical care to the returning soldiers. Both Captain Rogers and Special Agent Grant would accompany their men who needed medical treatment. Each time Grant arrived he took it upon himself to tell Eva there was still no sign of her sister Anya; telling the doctor that it seemed she had disappeared completely into the machinery of the fascist organization. Each time, Eva would thank him for telling her in person then return to the task at hand as she treated the wounds suffered by his men.
The missions of the Howling Commandos were more public in their execution, as they now had their own film crew, following them to document their activities against the enemy. It wasn't the first film unit to follow a specific branch of the Armed Forces as the Army Air Force had their own unit since 1942, using them for training films and propaganda. For the SSR, the film unit was also used to combat HYDRA and Nazi propaganda about the squad, specifically the rumours that Sergeant Barnes was a spy. Even though the lies about him still swirled mostly around military circles there was word of rumours being heard in the New York area. In all of the films that were shown as part of newsreels in theatres back home, his bravery and commitment to the fight was extolled as being equal to that of Captain America.
The footage always showed Bucky at his best; a handsome, perfect physical specimen of American manhood, consummate soldier, and desired object of female attention. He found it amusing at first, then began to chafe at the constant filming of his activities while the rumours and lies continued. During one short duration near the end of May 1944, Bucky was sparring at a makeshift boxing ring set up for an increasing number of soldiers to work off their frustrations waiting for the next campaign as they were confined to base for security purposes. He and Sergeant Howlett were going at it, both of them quite well matched. They had drawn a small audience of soldiers watching the two muscular men trade blows. After they finished, they both hit the showers. Standing in front of the mirror after his shower, Bucky, wrapped only in a towel, began to shave. Howlett, already dressed, stopped beside him before leaving the building.
"How often do you actually have to shave?" he asked.
"Every day, twice a day, if I have a date later," replied Bucky. "The ladies like it better if I do. The Doc says it's the serum. Have to cut my hair every month as well. You don't ...?"
The Canadian paratrooper shook his head. "I usually wear a beard during peacetime. Since I work mostly as a lumberjack or miner, I can go longer without shaving or cutting my hair." He looked at his watch. "Briefing in 30 minutes. You'll be there?"
"Yeah, I'll be there right away," replied Bucky, pulling the razor down on one cheek.
He quickly finished shaving then returned to where his clothes were and began to put them on. Outside he could hear the conversations of other soldiers as they passed by the open window that lined the top of the room. He froze when he heard his name mentioned.
"I don't know why Barnes is allowed to walk freely around here," said one man, whose voice he didn't recognize. "You'd think they would take all the rumours seriously about him. Especially when the invasion is just around the corner."
"Yeah, well, his nose is so far up Cap's ass I'm surprised they haven't been busted for something else," said another voice, one he did recognize; a corporal named Hoffman. "I heard that HYDRA made him that way just to turn Cap into a fairy."
Both men grunted out some crude names as they laughed then railed about Barnes and Rogers getting the silk glove treatment from their superiors. A feeling of intense rage began building in Bucky's body, filling him with a white-hot burning. Quickly, he headed outside, turning the corner to confront the two men but they had moved on. In a fury, he returned to the barracks, angrily stowing his shaving kit in his upright locker and sitting on his bunk.
"Hey Sarge, Cap said he needs to see you before the briefing," said Dugan, entering the space. He stopped, noticing the angry look on Barnes face. "Bucky, is everything okay?"
Looking up at the big man Bucky almost snapped but he drew in a deep breath and shook his head. Standing up, he headed out the door to find Steve. He went to the briefing room, his mind rankled at what the two men had said, wondering how the rumours just didn't seem to die but were now including Steve. The command group along with Howlett were already there, except for the General, and they all looked over as Bucky entered. Right away, Steve could tell something was wrong.
"Buck, what's happened?" he asked, pulling him aside. "You look angry."
"Nothin'," replied Bucky tersely. "Dum Dum said you wanted to see me."
"Yeah," answered Steve, still concerned about Bucky. "I'm giving you a heads up that something big is about to happen. You probably know what I'm talking about. We're suspending our usual missions for a couple of weeks while we offer our services to what's coming."
Bucky looked at his friend, expectantly. Could it be the invasion that had been rumoured for the past month? He raised his eyebrows to which Steve nodded.
"Okay," answered the young sergeant. "Are we letting the boys know?"
"Waiting on the General for that," said Steve, looking back at the others before refocusing on Bucky. "I'm going to ask once more ... what's wrong?"
Bucky blushed then looked away. "Heard two guys talking outside the shower room," he replied. "Bitching about me being able to walk around freely. Hoffman said there's a rumour HYDRA changed me so that I could turn you into a ..." He stopped, unable to say it. His eyes burned with anger. "It's bad enough that the rumours about me are still making the rounds but now they're dragging you in."
Steve's face fell a little. "I already heard but hadn't said anything to you," he admitted. "I didn't want to upset you." He placed his hand firmly on Bucky's shoulder. "We know it's just the enemy trying to hurt our morale. Even the brass knows it. Your conduct is not being questioned. Hoffman should be more worried about his own behaviour." Bucky looked up at Steve, wondering if there was more explanation. The young captain set his jaw firmly. "Let's just say that he might be guilty of very loose lips in several areas and is on the verge of being questioned by Army Intelligence as he seems to know more than his rank should allow him."
The arrival of their squads interrupted the two men and they stood at the front of the room as the others filed in. When General Phillips appeared in the doorway followed by Agent Carter, Lt. Sousa saw him first and called them all to attention. They stood, waiting for the General to acknowledge them. He did so immediately.
"Sit down, smoke if you have them," he said. "Gentlemen, we've been here at the base for the past few days, cooling our heels while the military leadership decided whether it was business as usual for us or if we would be seconded to the invasion. You've probably noticed the level of frustration with the regular army stationed at this base. They've been waiting for weeks to get to work. Well, their time is almost here. Today is May 31. On June 4, your two squads will parachute into various parts of western France during a night drop, and you will meet up with the resistance in the areas being considered for the invasion. Where that is will not be shared until you're already in the air. Your job will be sabotage, blowing up fuel dumps or rail lines, anything that could support bringing more German reinforcements into the areas. Some of your efforts will be diversionary, making the Germans think that's where the invading force is headed. We want their forces scattered when the actual invasion begins."
With that announcement he left the rest of the briefing to the Captain and the Special Agent as they divided their men up into smaller groups of three. Dernier and Rumlow were detailed to make sure everyone knew how to set up demolition charges. The resistance would provide the explosives from an equipment drop that was expected several hours after they parachuted in and rendezvoused with their contacts. As their combined force was 17 men, they needed one more person to make up the final trio. Agent Carter was announced as that person. It was one of the proudest moments of her life that not a single man said she shouldn't be on the mission. After seeing her in action at Auschwitz they all knew she was up to the task.
Over the next two weeks the three men units, six in total, underwent several days of training then parachuted into western France on June 4th, joining forces with the French Resistance. Together, they helped to delay or stop German reinforcements from approaching the coast after D-Day began on June 6.
On the 13th of June the scattered units of the two squads reunited outside the French town of Carentan, arriving at the ending stages of the German counterattack that the American forces repelled to take permanent control of the town. Although they had no casualties there were injuries and they were transported to the coast where thousands of soldiers were landing to support the invading force. Boarding one of those troopships they were returned back to England. It had been their longest mission, aimed more at the German armed forces than at HYDRA.
When they returned to their base it was to something different than what they had left as it seemed security had been increased to a level never seen before. Each of them was directed to wait for questioning, herded into a room with two MPs waiting at the door. When Special Agent Grant, as the highest-ranking officer, was asked to be questioned first, he looked at the man sitting at the table in the interrogation room, not recognizing him.
"Special Agent Steven Grant?" said the man, opening a folder in front of him. "Have a seat."
"You are?" replied Grant.
"Colonel John Kirk, Army CIC," he replied. "Tell me, when and where were you were born?"
"July 4, 1904," answered Grant, quickly. "Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Why are my men being held for questioning?"
"They aren't your men," answered Kirk, reading from his file folder. "They are the men of the United States Army, except for Jacques Dernier, a member of the French Resistance, and Sergeant James Howlett of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Tell me, how did you get these men transferred to your secret little army?"
"Excuse me?" asked Grant, incredulously. "We put all transfer requests through the proper channels. All the orders went through General Phillips, and we were given permission to form two special squads by General Eisenhower himself. Colonel, why are you questioning the men of the Howling Commandos and the Phantom Patrol? Where is General Phillips?"
"The General is at SHAEF headquarters, undergoing his own questioning," said Kirk. "You also have a British agent, a woman, Agent Peggy Carter of the SSR, formerly of British Intelligence." He fixed his gaze on Grant. "Nice looking woman. There is also a German doctor, Dr. Abraham Erskine, who was thought to have been killed in Brooklyn, and a Polish doctor, Dr. Eva Waslewski, who was apparently on the staff of a German prisoner of war camp suspected of performing medical experiments on American soldiers until she showed up recently at this base with four men in capsules. Another doctor, a Major Lambert and a nurse, Lieutenant Hay have already been questioned and we are satisfied they are what they appear to be."
"We rescued the soldiers enclosed in those capsules," stated Grant. "We had intelligence that Dr. Waslewski was a Resistance plant at the camp, and it was her reports that alerted us to its existence. Those men in the capsules are all Americans and we also rescued a significant number of airmen from the same camp. Dr. Erskine is the lead scientist behind a classified SSR project that I'm not at liberty to talk about."
Kirk took another sheet of paper out of the folder. "Project Rebirth, I've been read in," he said, dismissively. "How is it that many of the men of the two squads were men who were PoWs of either the Germans or HYDRA, that were miraculously rescued from places deep in enemy territory? One of them, Sergeant James Barnes, was apparently experimented on himself, and has been the subject of some pretty convincing rumours about his loyalties. Two of your men were removed from a military prison, using what may have been a forged authorization."
"It wasn't forged," glared Grant. "We needed their skills, and I was ..."
Kirk waved off Grant's explanation. "The only legitimate soldiers in either of your squads with no questions attached about any contact with the enemy is Lt. Daniel Sousa, seconded from the 28th Infantry Regiment, and your Corporal, David Rose and even he isn't what he seems. We have no record of his birth, or his American citizenship ... nothing until he volunteers a week after Pearl Harbor." He leaned forwards towards Grant. "Why is that?"
Grant's initial response was to glare at the Colonel. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like the insinuations that what they had been doing wasn't above board. The fact that Kirk used his rank also bothered him. When Howard Stark arranged for him to join the Army Counter Intelligence Corps it had been made very clear to him that the agents kept their ranks on the down low so that they had greater latitude in operating. Although the General in charge of Army CIC didn't know everything about Grant, he had learned enough to accept that his knowledge of HYDRA was superior to any other officer in that division. This Kirk individual seemed to be trying to get Grant to admit to operating illegally, or worse yet, to being disloyal.
"You don't have the clearance," said Grant, finally. "For all I know you are with the enemy and I'm not talking about the Nazis. We've just come back from almost two weeks in France, sabotaging fuel dumps, railway lines, and German vehicles to prevent reinforcements from reaching the coast during the invasion. We hid in barns or attics during the day, eating when we were fortunate enough to find enough food to keep our stomachs from growling, and at night we did our job, without question, or hesitation. If you have accusations to make, I suggest you make them now, then arrest me and my men, all of my men. That includes the two women you referred to because they are just as capable as any man I've ever served with." He stood up to leave, watched carefully by Kirk. "Just so you know, I'll be checking up on you, Colonel. We uncovered the names of sympathizers high up in command positions. We've been getting close to identifying others who are compromised. If you're connected to any of them, your own investigations will be considered suspect and at some point, our situations could be reversed."
Not waiting for an answer Grant left. He stopped where the others were waiting and gazed thoughtfully at all of them. Steve Rogers stood up.
"What's our move?" he asked.
"Return to our quarters and business as usual," said Grant. "They're fishing for information. I'm guessing we're getting too close for some people high up in the chain of command and they're trying to scare us into backing down. We present a united front, tell them nothing, no matter what they threaten." He returned to the doorway then looked at the MPs, recognizing one of them and addressing him directly. "Corporal Best, we're going to our quarters. If the order is given to arrest us, I expect you to do your duty. None of us will think any less of you. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," replied the MP. He leaned closer. "The General gave me a message before he went to SHAEF headquarters. Veritas vincit. Told me to tell you." He looked at the other MP quickly before returning his attention to Grant. "What does it mean?"
"The truth prevails," said Grant, smiling. "It will be alright, Corporal. Carry on."
Leading the others out they all fully expected a shout for them to stop but nothing came, and they went to their barracks, while Grant and Steve walked with Peggy to the lab. Major Lambert, Lt. Hay, Dr. Erskine and Dr. Waslewski were all in there, quickly standing up as the three of them entered.
"When did Colonel Kirk arrive here?" asked Grant.
"Two days ago," said Lambert. "He asked to see Corporal Hoffman first then after talking to him showed up here at the lab, asking all sorts of questions. Even looked at the empty capsules. Demanded to know why it was reported that Dr. Erskine had been declared killed in Brooklyn."
"We told him it was Top Secret, and that he didn't have clearance," added Erskine. "He brought up Project Rebirth and asked if we were continuing the work here. We refused to answer."
"I went to get General Phillips only to be told he had been called to SHAEF headquarters," said Lt. Hay. "It's like they set it all up for a time when you were all away, the General sent to HQ and then Kirk brought in some of his own MPs to supplement ours. What do they want?"
"Information," replied Grant. "I told him if he has evidence of wrongdoing to arrest us, all of us. I don't think it will come to that. I've got a phone call to make to ask about him. We've done almost everything above board. The only thing he's got us on is keeping the fact that Dr. Erskine is still alive, not dead as was previously reported."
"I'm just worried that if he's HYDRA he knows that Project Rebirth has continued," said Peggy. "Hoffman is the one that's been flapping his lips to anyone who'll listen, right?"
"Yeah," answered Grant. "Let me make that call."
He went to General Phillip's office, checking in with Private Lorraine, still the General's secretary. Looking at him with some alarm, she put her finger up to her lips when he began to ask about what was going on then wrote something down on a slip of paper, showing it to him. Nodding at her message he touched her arms and gently squeezed them. She tore up the note into little bits then returned to her desk as he left, her business-like demeanour changing to the one of a stereotypical blonde that she often showed. Heading out of the General's office he walked over to the radio room, noticing two MPs guarding the door.
"Sorry, sir, but no one is allowed into the radio room until Colonel Kirk gives permission," said the one MP who was a stranger to Grant.
"I understand," said the super soldier, "but I think there's something you don't know about me." He leaned very close to the MP's ear and whispered. "Hail HYDRA."
The man looked at him, then a small grin appeared on his face.
"Yes sir, go on in," he answered.
Nodding at the man, Grant stepped just behind him then grabbed him, knocked his helmet off and rammed his head into the door jamb. The man crumpled, unconscious. The other MP looked at Grant with alarm, automatically reaching for his sidearm.
"Help me get him inside and cuff him," said Grant. "He's HYDRA."
"Sir?"
"Damn it, Martino," hissed Grant as he picked the unconscious man up and deposited him inside one of the offices. "This Colonel and these extra MPs are HYDRA agents. We need to contain them before they do real damage to us. Find the MPs that are normally on this base and alert them, quietly. They aren't to do anything until I give the signal. Don't say anything to Corporal Hoffman. I suspect he's with them."
Martino gave him the cuffs and they restrained the man. Checking inside the radio room Grant was relieved to see it was their people inside and he alerted them to the infiltration. They barricaded themselves inside, sending a coded message for more help, and he slipped out the door, running towards the lab. Before he got there, he saw Kirk entering the lab with one of his MPs, while the base MP was still on guard outside. Approaching him quietly he put his finger up to his lips.
"Sherman, isn't it?" He lowered his voice. "What were your orders?"
"The Colonel said I was to keep everyone out and ignore any sounds coming the lab," said the obviously agitated MP. "What kind of order is that sir? What's going on?"
"Infiltration by HYDRA," stated Grant. "Go to the barracks and make up some story as to why you have to get inside but don't trust any of the new MPs. I'm pretty sure they're HYDRA as well. Tell the others on the teams what I told you. We're going to neutralize all of them. You go to the radio hut and keep guard there. Don't let anyone you don't personally know go inside. Corporal Hoffman might be with them. We left one of their MPs in cuffs there while Martino alerts the rest of our MPs. Keep your wits about you. You can do this."
Patting the young MP on his shoulder he smiled reassuringly at him and took his place, looking through the window. As he contemplated what he could do to keep the lab occupants safe while he dealt with Kirk and his MP he was soon joined by Rogers and Barnes who handed him a handgun.
"That was fast," said Grant. "I only just sent Sherman to get you."
"Martino showed some initiative," said Rogers. "He alerted us first and we took care of Kirk's MP then sent Martino and the others to get our MPs. The others are going to engage the other fakes. How did you figure it out?"
"Private Lorraine," smiled Grant. "Wrote me a note saying she noticed an octopus tattoo on the wrist of one of the MPs when she tried flirting with him. Recognized it as the HYDRA insignia. She's a lot smarter than she lets on."
The other two nodded in agreement then turned their attention back to the lab. So far Kirk and his MP were just standing there but the officer's instruction to ignore any sounds worried Grant.
"I don't think they realize what or who I am," he said to the other two. "Kirk asked my date of birth and birthplace. I gave him a different year to match my current age. I'm going to go in there. I'll try to protect the others from harm while you two come in from this door. You're both capable of moving faster than the eye can detect and should be able to easily handle the two of them. Ready?"
Grant entered the lab, leaving the other two in the hallway. As soon as he did Kirk and his MP pulled out their guns, pointing them at him.
"What's going on?" asked Grant, trying to appear harmless.
"Come in, Special Agent Grant," said Kirk. "Don't make any sudden moves or you'll find yourself on the receiving end of a bullet. The MP wasn't supposed to let anyone in."
He approached carefully, putting himself in front of the others. "Yeah, well, he knows me, and he was concerned about your instructions to ignore any sounds coming from here. What are your intentions ... Colonel?"
Kirk grinned, in a way that almost sickened Grant. "We are men of action, Special Agent. I recognize that so let's not mince any words, hmm? I need Dr. Erskine and Dr. Waslewski, plus all of their research and any serum they have managed to create. Then you will provide a truck for us to leave the base, along with Captain America, Sergeant Barnes and Corporal Bradley. Failure to do so will result in my MPs killing everyone."
"That's a lot to ask for," replied Grant. "You know that I can't let that happen." He looked towards the door where Bucky and Steve quietly stepped inside, giving Grant a nod. Kirk didn't appear to hear their entry. "We've already neutralized your MPs. All that is left are you two. You know that we will use deadly force to stop you."
"Doesn't matter," smiled Kirk. "Cut off the head ..."
Grant waved his hand in dismissal. "I don't want to hear it," he stated. "It's a stupid saying, and you HYDRA guys always say it just before you get your asses kicked."
"Stupid Americans," muttered Kirk, then he looked at the MP. "Execute the hostages."
"Hail HYDRA," declared the man before turning just as Bucky punched him.
Rogers grabbed Kirk, pushing him to his knees, while removing his gun from his hand. Before any of them could react Kirk smiled again and pushed a false tooth out of place, before biting down on it. As the poison bubbled out of his mouth, he glared at them, then spasmed and fell sideways onto the floor of the lab, dead. Grant looked at the others.
"You're all okay?" he asked. "I think he intended to use torture to get your cooperation."
Howlett entered the lab, his cigar firmly in place. He smirked at the dead body then gave his report.
"The fake MPs are all in custody now. Hoffman was with them. He took the easy way out, but a couple of the guys he spoke with say he's been here a while, feeding the rumour mill. We did find one casualty." He looked at Bucky sympathetically. "One of the cooks, a Private Vera Boswick of the ATS. She tried to stop one of the fake MPs from putting something in one of the coffee urns, likely poison. He snapped her neck then ordered the others into a cooler at gunpoint. The kitchen will have to be decontaminated."
"Do you know if they communicated with anyone off the base?" asked Grant.
"No, I figured once you started interrogating the fake MPs you could get answers. We made sure any fake tooth they had came out. They're all in the stockade, except for this one."
"Take him," said Rogers. He turned to his friend. "Bucky, I'm sorry. I know you enjoyed her company."
Bucky grimaced but didn't say anything. He helped Howlett pick up the now groggy MP and dragged him out of the lab. Promising to send someone to pick up the dead HYDRA agent, Grant left with Rogers to the sight of the base being swarmed with soldiers as help had finally arrived, along with the General. A lockdown was ordered although a mobile canteen was allowed to enter to replace the poisoned kitchen facilities. Until they unravelled exactly who was who and what happened, no one was going anywhere. At least now, it was obvious to the military leadership that HYDRA would go to any lengths to interfere with the missions of their two special squads.