Chapter 8
“The fifth one was here in Poland, right near the Baltic. And the sixth one was about here, 30, 40 miles west of the Maginot Line. I just got a quick look.” Steve said pointing to places on the map spread out before us. He looked up at Peggy and I apologetically when he was done.
“Well, nobody’s perfect.” Peggy commented.
“Hell of a lot more than I’d remember after a quick look.” I added. The three of us walked over to where Howard had laid out the map, the information Steve had provided was newly marked. Phillips joined us on our way.
“So... what did your unauthorized trip get us, Rogers?” He asked.
“These are the weapons factories we know about. Sergeant Barnes said that HYDRA shipped all the parts to another facility that isn’t on this map.” Steve reported.
“And if we know of one undisclosed facility, we can be fairly certain Colonel Phillips that there are more that weren’t present on this map but may be on others.” I added. It was a logical conclusion that anyone with an ounce of strategical sense would understand.
“Agent Carter, coordinate with MI6. I want every Allied eyeball looking for that main HYDRA base.” He told Peggy. The three of us continued to trail after Phillips as he walked away from the map.
“What about us?” Peggy and I asked at the same time.
“We are going to set a fire under Johann Schmidt’s ass. What do you say, Rogers? It’s your map. You think you can wipe HYDRA off it?” Phillips replied. Steve looked briefly at me and then the map before looking back to Phillips.
“Yes, sir. I’ll need a team.” Was the reply.
“We’re already putting together the best men.” Phillips said. I looked at Steve.
“With all due respect, Colonel Phillips. So are we.” I answered for the two of us.
“Emerson... you couldn’t possibly-“ Phillips began. I cut him off quickly.
“No, sir. I wouldn’t do well in constant head-on combat. I’ll be one of the main contact and information brokers.” I answered. Phillips gave me a hard look but relented quickly to my idea.
"So, let’s get this straight. We barely got out of there alive, and you want us to go back?” Dugan asked, clinking his mug to the table.
“Pretty much.” Steve nodded, looking at each of the men he had chosen.
“Sounds rather fun, actually.” Falsworth said.
“I’m in.” Jim added. Dernier began chattering in French and Gabe responded before saying, “We’re in.”
“Hell, I’ll always fight. But you gotta do one thing for me.” Dugan said.
“What’s that?”
“Open a tab.” The new Howlies laughed as Steve gathered their mugs and asked the bartender for another round.
“See? I told you. They’re all idiots.” Bucky commented.
“How bout you? You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?” Steve asked him jokingly.
“Hell, no. That little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb not to run away from a fight. I’m following him.” Bucky said.
I had watched how Steve interacted with his new teammates and then Bucky, before finally making my presence known. As I walked further into the room the raucous singing in the crowded room grew quiet. I saw as Steve and Bucky moved away from the bar to see what had silenced them. I can honestly say that I had never felt as special as I did standing a few feet from them.
“Captain. Sergeant. Might I join you?” I asked coming to stand before them. I could feel Bucky’s eyes rake up and down my body, Steve’s as well. They both nodded in stunned agreement and I took my place seated between them.
“Daiquiri please.” I told the bartender softly. I was going to need this drink if I hoped to tell them what I needed to. The boys both got themselves another round of drinks.
“So... how long you two been a couple?” Bucky asked hesitantly. I glanced back at Steve before answering, “About mid-August.”
Bucky nods before looking away. I felt Steve stiffen and shift behind me, before he leaned forward and whispered softly in my ear, “Is it him?”
I nodded slightly and Steve tapped out “- - -(O) -•-(K)” on my back. So, Steve was okay with Bucky joining our relationship... now I just had to figure out how to ask him. And I honestly had no fucking clue how. I turned back to the bar about to take another sip of my daiquiri, when I realized it was gone. I had finished my entire daiquiri in under ten minutes. Fuck. Another drink then.
“Excuse me?” The bartender looked over and gave me a nod signaling that he would be over after he had finished mixing the current drink. I debated with myself on what I wanted to order before settling on a Millionaire Cocktail. Or two... or three...