Hello all, it turns out I didn't have COVID. I, ah, had an ectopic pregnancy and was bleeding out. I'm… I'm as okay as I can be considering the fact. Sad I couldn't meet my baby. I will be writing more as writing is how I've coped with other issues, but I'm in mourning so I don't know I'll be updating twice. Thank you all for reading and please enjoy. For those who have lost their babies, I'm so sorry. I understand your pain. I won't be updating Thursday. I need to give myself time to myself for a bit. Next week will be the usual installment of the week.
The dawn light shone through the trees as the Howling Commandos and the liberated prisoners traveled through the dense forest. The air was crisp, the cold December breeze biting at bare skin, leaving cheeks red and lips chapped. Despite the harsh winter weather the group's spirit's were high, with each crunching step through the snow a step away from the HYDRA base and a step towards freedom.
Steve walked at the helm, shield slung across his back. Behind him and flanked on either side, Bucky and Lorelei kept a close watch on the rear to ensure no HYDRA patrols were out there. The rest of the team spread out, keeping the group organized and moving.
"We're almost there," Steve called in a reassuring tone, gaze turning back at the tired faces of the prisoners.
Jim, carrying the portable radio set, moved up beside Steve. "Captain, we're approaching the safe zone. We should contact the SSR and let them know we're ready for pickup."
"Good idea, Jim. Let's set up here." Steve said, nodding in agreement, his breath coming out in white puffs.
They reached a small clearing, shielded by trees. Steve signaled for everyone to stop and rest. The prisoners sat in exhaustion.
"All right team, stay alert," Steve ordered. "Jim, get that radio up and running. We need to let the SSR know our position."
Jim set up the radio, tuning it to the designated frequency. "This is Morita, calling SSR base. Do you copy? Over." He said, waiting for a response.
The radio hissed and crackled, and for a length the Commandos feared their attempts to reach base had failed. The tension broke as a voice came through. "This is SSR base. We copy, Morita. What's your status? Over."
Breaths that had been unknowingly held were released, and Jim broke into a relieved smile.
"We successfully completed the mission. We have rescued prisoners and are currently at the extraction point. We need immediate pickup. Over." Jim released the button.
"Roger that, Morita. Extraction team is on its way. ETA thirty minutes. Hold tight. Over and out."
Steve turned to the group of weary men, women, and children, his voice reassuring. "Everyone, we've got thirty minutes until extraction. Stay close and keep quiet. We'll be out of here soon."
Jim kept the radio close, periodically checking in with the base.
"Twenty minutes out," he reported to Steve. "They're making good time."
"Good," Steve replied, gaze roaming the scene. "We'll be ready."
The sound of approaching engines broke the tense silence as a convoy of SSR trucks emerged from the forest in the distance. The team waved them down, leading them to their location.
The trucks came to a halt and Allied members jumped out, helping the prisoners into the vehicles. Medical personnel quickly began tending to the injured, providing water and blankets.
Steve approached the man leading the extraction, a stern-looking man with a no-nonsense air.
Steve approached the lead agent, a stern-looking man in a sharp uniform. "Captain Rogers, reporting in. These are the prisoners we liberated from the HYDRA base."
The agent nodded, shaking Steve's hand.
"Good work, Captain. We'll take it from here. Get your team on board, and we'll get you all back to base." The agent said, turning to shout orders to his team.
Steve turned to the Commandos, who awaited their orders. "Commandos, let's move out!"
The group spring into actions, securing their gear before assisting the prisoners, who expressed their gratitude as they were helped.
Only when everyone else was ready, did the Commandos climb into the trucks and settle in for the drive back.
The convoy made its way through the countryside, the tension gradually easing as they approached the safety of the Allied territory and the SSR base. Upon arrival, they were greeted with cheers and applause from waiting personnel.
Lorelei was surprised to see press among the soldiers, taking pictures as they came to a stop. A little self-conscious, Lorelei tucked a lock behind her ear before brightening, spotting Peggy in the crowd. She stood, ignoring the startled exclamation from the Commando's around her and waved at Peggy as the truck was driving. Bucky chuckled, eyeing a worried Steve as he watched Lorelei like a hawk, satisfied to see Steve get a taste of his own medicine.
Spiking Steve's blood pressure, Lorelei was off the truck before it even stopped, helping the freed civilians out of their prospective vehicles towards awaiting medics. She held back in her strength, allowing Steve and Bucky to assist her with unloading.
"Are you glad to be back before Christmas?" Peggy asked, having whisked Lorelei away from the curious press to get changed before debriefing.
Lorelei halted midstep, having almost completely forgotten about the holiday. The crew has pushed their disappointment aside, Hiltler nor Schmidt would wait for a silly little holiday, nor did the Commandos.
Lorelei continued walking, formulating a plan for Christmas.
"Actually, I am glad I'm back. Peggy, would you mind coming Christmas shopping with me?"
"I would love to, Lorelei." Peggy said, eyes shining with amusement, "oh, also, Howard is also planning a Christmas party for the SSR, and that includes the Commandos as well."
Lorelei shared an amused look with Peggy. It was exactly like Howard to throw a grand party for Christmas. They linked their arms together as they walked down the hallway and laughed.
I love Peggy and Lori's interactions.