Preston sighed softly, "No. I had suspicions about Jacques Dernier as he had been in France most of his time since the Iceland expedition but turns out that he had been in the French resistance and had been an ally for the British. Took a bit to convince him to come back since the others relied on wanting to get paid money for their families or themselves, as Jacques didn't care about money, but rather needing support for the French Resistance to save people from being overtaken by the Nazi.".

Erskine replied, "Ah, couldn't be him as a tattletale would want money to be on the run, or at least get the buyer to give money for the source...", before paying attention as he greeted the upcoming boarding men, asking for their names and ranks, checking them off, with the last one, a husky voice echoing from the simple gas mask, sounding like his voice is scratchy, "Marcus Ramsay. Patrolman.".

"Mr. Ramsay, welcome aboard.", Preston chuckled, trying hard not to already spill the beans about the situation. "Have much trouble getting here?".

"Not really, and I'm pretty certain I wasn't followed.", Thaddeus responded. "I'll keep my voice down or fairly silent, make sure our 'guide' doesn't make a connection.".

Erskine's heart skipped a beat, whispering, "Tad...", and Thaddeus gave a chuckle, "Missed you, Abram. So, what room am I assigned to?".

Erskine took a deep breath, checking the list, "Deck B, room 34.", smiling with a wink as it's Erskine's room, through he's technically lying as he has a feeling about Steven and Peggy, deciding to give them Thaddeus's assigned room in a switcheroo, as Thaddeus's room is one of the double bunk rooms, giving the illusion to people that as the ship is filled up fast already by now, that the rule is bended slightly, but respectful enough for people to think that Peggy and Steven would sleep in their own beds in that room, while in privacy, it would be them in one bed, for the night.

Thaddeus gave a nod, and chucked his luggage over his shoulder, and went onwards into the ship, and to Erskine's relief, he saw Steven and Peggy coming up in slightly formal army clothes, having proved to the guards at the shipyard gates, and replied, "Ah, Steven, and Miss Carter. Welcome back. Here's Mr. Preston Whitmore, the benefactor of this very ship and the expedition. You're the last on my list.", with a smile, checking off the list.

"Good. Nice to meet you, Mr. Whitmore.", Steve nodded with a polite smile, and Preston laughed warmly, "Good to meet you. Doc here had stories about the underdog of the camp, and I can see why he respects you. Come, come, I'm sure you two are exhausted! I've been meaning to talk with the doc in private anyway, and the dear lady's room is across the hallway, right, doc?".

Erskine smiled, "Oh, yes, all checked on the list. Deck B, room 37. I hope you're alright with Steven rooming with you, Miss Carter. I'm afraid that the ship has been filled up so fast, through don't worry, it's a double bunkroom.", relieved that he can explain the switcheroo as an overlooking mistake, since his old age can be blamed for bad eyesight upon the list once in a while.

"It'll be fine.", Peggy smiled. "Certainly went all out with this ship...", she admitted as she looked at it.

"Wasn't easy... Navy certainly worked fast on finishing it up.", Preston said. "Hopefully, the folks that were diverted to help build her won't cost us the war in either ocean. Only bit of good news we got was that bomber raid on Toyko. Crazy plan that Doolittle fella had. Launch army bombers from a carrier just to drop a few hundred bombs on the capital. Probably was a wakeup call for the Japanese that we could hit them at home while we're still pretty safe...".

Steve replied, "A distraction enough for us to sail tomorrow, right?", and Preston nodded, "We're sailing off at first light, as if we sail tonight, our lights would be seen by other ships, and perhaps...U-boats.".

Erskine replied, "At least you two could get used to the sea motions as we're docked, like the rest of us, since we'd need it to board everything into the submersible.", and Steve exhaled, "How many people are coming?".

Preston replied, "250 including you, Miss Carter, and the doc. I have 75 people with me to drive the ship back to US soil after the submersible drops down into the sea the day after the sailing's done for tomorrow.", with a nod.

"Hopefully the Kriegsmarine will think we're not worth it at least and maybe go after a convoy.", Steve admitted as Erskine nodded, "We can only hope that maybe we'll get extremely lucky and miss any U-Boat patrols.".

Peggy replied, "I'm sure Milo knows where exactly to drop the submersible.", with a nod, and all the men nodded in agreement as they got downstairs through the ship, to Deck B, with Erskine smiling warmly as he replied, "I'm just a few doors down.", as they approached Room 37.

"Thank you, Dr. Erskine.", Steven smiled, "Good night.", as Peggy opened the door for the couple to walk in, putting their luggage respectively of each bunk bed that's on either wall, with Steve locking it, seeing a small powder bathroom.

Erskine glanced at Preston as they got to Erskine's room, and checking the coast, they walked into the room, locking the door, and Erskine saw Thaddeus's face as he removed the gas mask, wearing like a tattoo-scar skin face sleeve, distorting his face slightly, and with half his mustache cut back, and wearing different glasses, with his hair dyed dark gray, having fake scars across his face and neck, it was clear that nobody on the Iceland expedition would have a double take at him if his gas mask is off during meals or such.

Thaddeus smiled wryly as Erskine stepped forward, cradling his cheek, "Thaddeus...", and Thaddeus sighed in relief, "Abraham...It's okay...Apparently, Preston had high-quality make-up artists and inventors to make this skin disguise on the discretion of money and giving them connections to make their business shop, and I can peel it off when I need to...But my lips are still the same, I promise...", before leaning in to kiss him on the lips lovingly.

The two of them held like that for a moment before backing off. "Probably shouldn't do that often if we want to keep up appearances.", Erskine admitted as Thaddeus nodded, "I know... it'll be painful, but it'll cause less problems, that's for sure.".

Preston replied, "Well, you got this room to yourselves. I'm rooming with Milo at the end of the deck. So, there's no issue there. And honestly, you're more of a scientist doctor than a medical doctor like Dr. Sweet, so there shouldn't be much need by any of the soldiers except maybe Rourke, to see ya during the day tomorrow and the expedition.".

Erskine chuckled, "I did a switcheroo, Tad...Your room was supposed to pair up with one of the random soldiers, but I gave it to Steven and Miss Carter. Since the ship is filled up fast ever since yesterday and today, there should be little question why you are here in my single room, but luckily, every soldier got a mattress pad in their pack like you.", with a smirk.

Thaddeus laughed warmly, "You are a genius, Abram...", before exhaling and looking at Preston, "Any suspicions about the mole? And no, I don't mean by Mole.".

Preston sighed, "Packard and Cookie has been in America, feeding people and having a radio interceptor job, but nothing linking to Hydra or the Nazi. Pedro, Audrey's father had retired, and sent his daughter in place, and they had been in Texas or Mexico, and with speaking Spanish, I doubt Hydra was interested in them. For Mole, he had been working with the mines over in South America, and considering, ah, his unusual behavior, Hydra would probably have picked him for digging for mythical artifacts, but with the fact that he's...loud and defensive of Paris, France, his hometown, he would probably have refused strongly...".

"Sounds like him, alright. And Sweet?", Thaddeus asked quietly, and Preston exhaled, "He had been stitching up around the medical tents in the North African deserts as a volunteer and was with the Australians at Tobruk when it was under Rommel's siege. And for Jacques, he was fighting in the French resistance. He was deeply involved, determined to help his people. I had to convince him to come if I could offer a straight shot to aid the resistance with food and such.".

"So still no real idea who it might be.", Thaddeus sighed. "But it is certainly someone, there's no doubt about it.", Erskine shook his head. "That message from the German ambassador in Portugal proves that without a doubt that someone close to you informed Berlin.".

Thaddeus held an arm around him, "Well, don't worry, we will find out somehow, one way or another, while we're on the expedition, love of my heart.", and Erskine gave a small smile, "You're right.".

Preston chuckled warmly, "Indeed. Well, I'll see you tomorrow.", and Erskine nodded, handing him the list, "Here, give that to the captain, tell him that the third boarding ramp is all done.".

"Will do. Good night, my friends.", Preston smiled before unlocking the door and leaving the room, as Erskine then went to lock it again, looking back to see Thaddeus pulling out a mattress pad and a blanket on the floor, smiling at Erskine, "Just in case if anyone knocks in the middle of the night or in the morning before the intercom wake up call, but I'm all yours, Abram...Let me use the powder bathroom, peel this skin mask off and change into my nightshirt, okay?".

"Is it uncomfortable?", Erskine asked as Thaddeus shook his head, "Not really, but it does a feel a bit weird to have on and all, but it's easy to put back on. Plus, at least I don't have to worry about it much while the gas mask is on.".

Erskine nodded, "Fair point.", and so, they took turns to use the powder bathroom, and then they went to cuddle and sleep together on Erskine's bed, with Thaddeus smiling happily, "At least I got my guilty pleasure for the night...", kissing Erskine on the forehead as his lover rested his head on Thaddeus's chest.

"Indeed...I missed you, Thaddeus...", Erskine sighed contentedly as he missed this so long since the last time which was last month in March, after coordinating with Preston over the radio and all. Thaddeus rubbed his back, "Me too, Abraham...I love you...", with a gentle cuddle.

Erskine whispered, "I love you too..", kissing him on the lips passionately yet tenderly, and Thaddeus was happy to return the same, and so, with that, they went to sleep, feeling right again.

Meanwhile, Steve smiled, "Well, looks like the Lord heard your prayers...We are lucky that Erskine is on our side...", dressed in his nightshirt and trousers, seeing Peggy step out of their room's powder bathroom, wearing her nightgown.

"True... but I will admit, I do sort of wish we could've been able to have a bit more room.", Peggy told him as he nodded, "I agree but considering this whole sub and what's being carried with it... it's amazing this thing probably can actually float and move under the water. I'd take all that over comfort especially considering the mission.".

Peggy nodded, "That's actually a good point...At least this is technically bigger slightly than what I read about the submersible room space, since we won't board the sub until late morning, maybe early afternoon at least if the ship is going full speed from first light in the morning.", with a smile as she went to rest on the edge of Steve's bed.

Steve chuckled, "You certainly make sense, Peggy...", smiling warmly as Peggy scooted closer to him, blushing, "So, how do you want to do this?", and Peggy kissed him on the cheek, "You okay if you spoon me? This way, if anyone knocks, I can get out easily and return to my bed, pretending to sleep while you go see what's the fuss at the door and all.".

"I swear, you're so smart sometimes, it's almost scary.", Steve teased as she smirked, "I get that a lot from a bunch of guys.".

Steve chuckled warmly, "Were they guys you kicked down to a notch or two?", and Peggy giggled, "Maybe...", as she looked over her shoulder as she rested down on her side, gently grabbing Steve's arms to rest within her upper body, seeing him blush softly as she touched her back against his chest, her legs wrapping around his legs.

He exhaled deeply as he rested his forehead upon her temple, kissing her cheek, "I never thought I'd spoon you like this, except in my deepest dreams...And somehow you fit despite my...unfortunate height difference...", and Peggy whispered softly, "I hope I'll still fit in your arms when you are reborn to be taller and stronger...", with a warm smile.

"If it works...", Steve muttered as Peggy looked at him as he sighed. "Sorry, letting my doubt take over there... I mean, it almost sounds too good to be true, wouldn't you agree?".

Peggy replied, "Perhaps, but look at where we are going, and Milo has the proof of it, and you know Erskine. He isn't one to make easy doubts on anyone, especially you, and he believes in Milo as well. And with dedication and short time, Mr. Whitmore had the Navy work on this ship and the sub, and now we are on the ship, soon to be in a sub by tomorrow.".

Steve gave a small smile, "You sound so sure...", and Peggy replied, "We need hope, Steve, and if this is all we know, we best take the chance when we can...", smiling gently as she kissed him on the lips.

"Well, I can't argue with that, Peggy.", Steve smiled a bit stronger before replying, "Now, let's get to sleeping...", and Peggy gave a small nod as Steve tucked her a bit closer, burying his nose into her hair, as she sighed contentedly, closing her eyes, falling asleep to the sound of his breathing, happy after such a wonderful birthday with the man she loves, murmuring in her sleep, "I love you, Steve.".

Of course, when she said that, Steve was still half awake though on the verge of falling asleep himself when he heard that. His heart nearly skipped a beat upon hearing it.

Steve realized another reason why his mother approved of her, and he smiled lovingly at the beautiful view of her face, the woman he loves, and he ever so softly planted a kiss on her temple as he closed his eyes to sleep, promising silently to himself that he will have the courage to tell her out loud when she is awake...one day soon...

"Good night, Peggy...", Steve whispered as he pecked her on the cheek before finally, sleep would take him.

Come the next morning; it was a surprisingly cold morning for the Atlantic at this time of year as Erskine came up to the bridge of the ship that was towing the sub to the destination that Milo had already worked out. The young man was already on the bridge talking with Preston as the ship continued to sail.

"Any issues?", Erskine asked as Milo shook his head. "Nothing so far, Doctor. No sign of any U-Boat activity.", he said.

"I wouldn't count on it.", The ship's captain admitted. "Radar's already picking up a large number of surface targets just beyond the horizon.". Erskine raised an eyebrow. "The formation being picked up is clearly a convoy sailing out from the states... but that means if a U-Boat's been trailing them and waiting till they're further out into the Atlantic, we might end up picking up an unwelcomed follower or two if we're not careful.".

Erskine exhaled, "Are we getting close to the destination, my boy?", glancing at Milo, and he nodded, "Within the hour, Doctor. With everything boarding, probably another 30 minutes before the sub's ready to drop.".

Preston glanced at the ship's captain, "Would they be suspicious if we went a bit faster at full knots, Captain?", as he rested his hands on his cane, wondering if Thaddeus had boarded the sub, considering Erskine's sort of late arrival this morning.

"Are you certain that we could carry you much further?", the captain asked as Preston shook his head, "No, it's better we reach at least a good distance and then separate rather than reach the final destination together; especially if we were followed."

Erskine nodded, "Agreed. Best to announce to everyone that they take a quick lunch, and all who's boarding, they best do it within the hour, as much as possible to be smoothly for loading everything needed happening around them.".

The captain replied, "Do you want me to alert the ship of our...wayward guests?", and Erskine replied, "No, best to be calm, especially if we want to keep pulling the wool over the convoy and the U-Boat trailing after them.".

Preston nodded, "Indeed. If we seem frantically rushed, it will alert them on both sides.", and Milo exhaled, "Right, I better get on lunch then, especially if I need to be on my best to guide us.", with a nod, and Erskine replied, "I know where the ship gallery is, my boy. Let's go.", and so they left.