Next Day

Bree:

Alec:

Alyssa:

Amara:

Allies Base

The plane returned to the Allies base where they had left it.

The rescued soldiers that didn't get on the plane walked the rest of the way back.

Everyone was watching them in relief, shocked they were still alive, and even more shocked that they had been saved.

Phillips was one of them.

The plane landed some distance away.

Steve, Amara, Peggy and Alec got out of the plane.

Amara walked toward Phillips. "Some of these men need medical attention. Bree was able to sustain many of their wounds on the battlefield, sir. But now she's one of the people needing medical attention."

Steve saluted. "I'd like to surrender myself for disciplinary action."

"That won't be necessary," Phillips told him.

"Yes, sir," Steve concurred.

Bucky was still in the plane with Bree.

Bree was smiling painfully, burned, but not nearly as much as she should have been.

Bucky took her hand in his, kissing her lightly on the head.

Peggy walked toward Steve. "Your sister saved both your lives with that shield."

"Yeah, and she could still be dying," Steve told her. He looked at Phillips. "Sir, she went out with us to that battlefield in hopes of saving all these men, and she saved a lot of them on that field." Phillips overlooked the injured soldiers that Bree had helped, who all nodded in agreement. "And you know the risk she was taking. Schmidt took her and almost killed her. And she saved our lives from an explosion."

"Bree was quite the soldier herself," Peggy pointed out. "It's only fair to give her the rights to become one and save her life in return."

"I know what you're getting at," Phillips told them, looking toward where Bree was with Bucky, looking at the state she was in, sighing, nodding. "I'm authorizing that procedure."

Steve and Alec exchanged a look of relief, looking back at Bucky and Bree.

Bucky looked at Bree in is arms. Bree was watching them.

Peggy and Amara smiled slightly in relief.

Howard walked closer.

Amara pointed to Bree. "Howard, get that girl to your lab immediately."

Howard nodded in agreement. "Yes, ma'am."

Peggy had a slight relieved smile. "And you're sure that you can do this without Dr. Erskine? I know the first time with Steve, all he did was give orders, but..."

"Yes, as his right-hand man, I can do it," Howard answered, nodding to Steve. "Don't worry. We're gonna save her."

Steve nodded thankfully in relief. "Thank you."

"One of these days you're going to have to tell me how you got Howard Stark of all people to babysit my daughter while the rest of you went on a rescue mission to save us," Alec remarked, causing the others to smile slightly. "Right now, all I want to see is Alyssa."

Howard nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir. She's in my tent."

Alyssa had heard the commotion and ran out of the tent to see what was going on, stunned to see the amount of soldiers outside. It didn't take her long to see Alec, Steve, Peggy and Amara in the middle of the crowd next to Howard and Phillips.

Alyssa's eyes widened as she spotted her father among the crowd, crying out, her voice filed with relief and joy. "Daddy!"

Alec turned at the sound of his daughter's voice, his face lighting up despite his exhaustion. "Alyssa!"

"Well, she was in my tent," Howard corrected with a quip.

The little girl ran as fast as her legs could carry her, weaving through the crowd of soldiers. Alec knelt down, opening his arms just in time to catch Alyssa as she launched herself at him. He wrapped her in a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground and holding her close.

"Oh, my brave girl," Alec murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he buried his face in her hair. "I missed you so much."

Alyssa clung to her father, tears streaming down her face. "I missed you too, Daddy. I was so scared you wouldn't come back."

Alec held Alyssa tightly, stroking her hair as she cried into his shoulder. "Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."

Alyssa pulled back slightly to look at her father's face, her small hands cupping his cheeks. "Are you okay, Daddy? Did the bad men hurt you?"

Alec smiled weakly, trying to mask the pain and exhaustion he felt. "I'm alright, sweetheart. Just a little tired. But I'm here now, and that's what matters."

Alyssa nodded, sniffling as she wiped her tears. Her eyes darted around, searching. "Where's Uncle Bucky? And Aunt Bree?"

Alec's expression grew somber. He glanced over at the plane where Bucky was still with Bree. "They're... they're in the plane, honey. Aunt Bree got hurt helping to save us."

Alyssa's eyes widened in fear. "Is she gonna be okay?"

Steve watched the reunion with a bittersweet smile, his heart aching for his own sister who was still in critical condition. He turned to Howard. "We need to get Bree to your lab now."

Howard nodded, his expression serious. "Right. Let's move."

As Howard rushed off to prepare his lab, Steve approached Bucky, who was still cradling Bree in his arms. "Buck, we need to get her to Howard's lab. They're going to give her the serum."

Bucky's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "The serum? Are you sure that's safe?"

"It's our only option," Steve replied grimly.

Alec had Alyssa in his arms as he walked them closer, and Alyssa clung to her father while they both looked at Bree in horror and worry.

Bucky swallowed. "You sure about this, Bree?"

Bree nodded tiredly, barely conscious. "I am."

"You're gonna be okay," Alec told her. He turned to the crowd, calling out. "Hey! Let's hear it for Captain America, Bree Rogers and Amara Carter!"

Everyone cheered.

The cheers echoed across the base, a mixture of relief, gratitude, and hope. But for Steve, Bucky, Alec and Alyssa, the ones closest to Bree, the celebration was bittersweet. They knew the battle wasn't over yet.

Howard returned, his face set with determination. "The lab's ready. We need to move now."

Bucky nodded, carefully lifting Bree from the plane. She whimpered in pain, her burned skin protesting even the gentlest touch. Steve moved to help, supporting her legs as they carried her towards Howard's lab.

Alyssa watched with wide, fearful eyes, whispering to Alec. "Is Aunt Bree going to die?"

Alec hugged her tighter. "No, sweetheart. Mr. Stark and the others are going to help her. She's going to be okay."

✯

Medal Ceremony

Senator Brandt was giving an award. "I am honored to give this Medal of Valor to my personal friend, Captain America! Captain America! Captain, that's your cue."

A man stepped out from behind the curtain, whispering to Brandt, explaining that Steve couldn't make it because he was there for Bree during her procedure.

An older man in uniform (Stan Lee) whispered to the guy next to him. "I thought he'd be taller."

✯

Bree:

Alec:

Alyssa:

Amara:

Howard's Lab

Howard and his team, the same team that worked with Erskine on the first procedure with Steve, had everything ready, ready to use the last serum that was meant for Bree to now save her life.

Howard began barking orders to his team. "Prepare the vita-ray chamber! We need to start immediately."

Bucky gently laid Bree on the table, his eyes never leaving her face. "You're gonna be okay, doll. I promise."

Howard strapped Bree to the table that would soon turn into the chamber.

Steve, Bucky and Alec stood with Bree, while Alyssa was in Alec's arms, all concerned.

"Are you ready?" Alec asked.

Bree nodded, swallowing. Even if she was still worried about what could happen, she had come to accept what they had to do to save her life, having seen the good that Steve could do with it. She looked over Steve, Bucky, Alec and Alyssa, having everything she needed right there. "Yeah. I am now."

Steve, Bucky and Alec gave her a small smile.

Alyssa looked Bree over, tears in her eyes.

"It hurts, but you'll survive it, just like you always do," Steve told her.

"We'll be right here," Bucky assured.

Bree nodded steadily in relief.

"We're as ready as we'll ever be," Howard told them.

Steve, Bucky and Alec nodded.

Alec touched Bree's shoulder, the one that wasn't burned, comfortingly. "You've got this, Bree."

Bree gave him a small smile.

Alec backed away with Alyssa in his arms. Alyssa was too scared to even speak, worrying that Bree might not make it.

Steve, reassured that Bree was soon going to be cured and healed, but still worried, leaned in to kiss her head, causing both siblings to smile. Steve backed away toward Alec and Alyssa.

Bucky took Bree's hand, thumb trailing over her unburned skin as he looked Bree in the eyes, gaze filled with love and concern, but hope. "It'll be better, right? You will be."

"Yeah," Bree answered.

Bucky nodded, closing his eyes, brushing a piece of Bree's hair back as he leaned her head forward against hers, both closing their eyes, just taking a moment of silence and comfort and reassurance, after they both had almost lost each other. He kissed Bree's head, whispering to lift both their spirits. "Mistress will be a star yet."

Bree and Bucky smiled slightly, chuckling. Bucky raised Bree's hand, still in his, to his lips to place a kiss as their eyes remained on each other's. Bucky backed away, letting Bree's hand slip out of his, both only letting go when he was out of reach, lowering their hands.

Bucky turned toward Steve, Alec and Alyssa, who looked at him knowingly.

Steve and Alec nodded, patting Bucky's shoulders.

Alyssa reached for him. "Uncle Bucky..."

Bucky took Alyssa in his arms, holding her gently but firmly. Both of them seemed to need the anchor this provided while waiting for news on Bree. "Hey, Alyssa."

The four of them moved away toward the table nearby to give the team space to do what they had to do.

Peggy and Amara stood next to Steve, Bucky, Alyssa and Alec, knowing they were worried.

"She'll be fine," Amara assured. "They can do this. And so can see. From what I saw out there, she's a warrior at heart. She'll be more than okay."

Peggy nodded. "After this, she'll be healed. Cured of everything. You won't have to worry about her anymore."

"I'll always worry about her," Bucky replied.

Steve nodded in agreement. "So will I."

"But at least this takes one major thing off of worrying for," Alec pointed out.

Steve and Bucky nodded.

Alyssa swallowed nervously as she watched Bree. "Come on, Aunt Bree."

Since it was only them there from the base, this wasn't a big show and tell like it was for Steve's procedure.

Howard and his assistants were readying the machinery.

Howard had put the big vial of serum into smaller ones like the vials that Steve had been injected with during his procedure, so that he and his assistants could put the smaller vials into the injectors as the engineers checked their monitors. An EKG beeped.

One assistant opened a case, revealing a gleaming aluminum syringe, tapping the needle, pulling back the plunger, injecting Bree in the arm.

Bree winced slightly in pain.

Howard walked toward the control table. "Serum infusion beginning in five, four, three, two, one."

Howard flipped a switch at the control table, deploying the injection pads on Bree. They bristled with hundreds of tiny needletips, closing over Bree, pressing her to the table. All the small vials of blue serum were injected into Bree.

Bree closed her eyes in pain, groaning, opening her eyes.

Howard hit a button on the control table. The lab table Bree was strapped to slowly tilted upright, rising like a rocket ready to launch. The panel behind her unfolded, a hood lowering over Bree's head, sealing her inside the Vita Ray chamber. A window framed Bree's face.

Bree looked out toward Steve, Bucky, Alyssa and Alec who were all watching worriedly, nodding reassuringly, painfully.

The doctors put the Vita-Ray dispensers into either side of the chamber.

Howard turned two dials at the control table, putting on sunglasses, turning a wheel on the table, upping the level of the rays. "10%."

Light started to shine from within. The rest of the team put sunglasses on.

Peggy and Amara did as well, handing sunglasses to Steve, Bucky, Alyssa and Alec.

"Put these on," Peggy instructed.

Steve, Bucky, Alyssa and Alec put the sunglasses on.

Howard continued to turn the rays up, making it shine brighter over everyone. "20%. 30. That's 40%."

Bree felt the pain start, groaning uncomfortably. It was worse pain than Steve's as she was already burned severely from the explosion, even as the serum was already starting to heal her.

"Vital signs are starting to regulate," a doctor told them.

"Meaning it's healing her already?" Alec asked.

Amara nodded.

"Before the pain starts," Bucky remarked, looking at Steve. "You said it was bad."

"It is, but it's a small price to pay to save her life," Steve assured.

Howard continued to turn up the lights, looking up over his shoulder. "That's 50%. 60. 70."

Bree started to scream from pain, echoing through the lab, causing Alyssa to bury her face in Alec's shoulder while holding onto Bucky.

Bucky leaned forward nervously, anxiously in worry. On instinct, he wanted to stop anything that put Bree through pain, but of course this was the only way to save her, so he couldn't. The conflict was painful and confusing even now.

Steve and Alec both put a hand on Bucky's shoulders to calm him down and reassure him.

Steve stood rigid, his jaw clenched.

"Bree?" Bucky called.

Bree took several deep breaths to pull herself together, breathing heavily, shakily. "Keep going. We're almost there. I can do this."

Bucky swallowed dryly, looking at Steve and Alec. All three of them were worried, conflicted, but knowing they had to, nodding.

Alyssa's eyes didn't leave the chamber, tears streaming down her face.

Peggy and Amara nodded to Howard.

Howard turned up the light. "80. 90. That's 100%."

The light was blazing brightly.

The control table started to spark before the light faded into nothing. All of the other light and machines seemed to power down momentarily.

Even the EKB stopped beeping, causing everyone to hold their breath anxiously in anticipation, not knowing if that was because of the power the procedure took, or because of something much worse.

Howard slowly lowered his sunglasses, watching curiously, cautiously in intrigue.

Steve, Bucky, Alyssa and Alec stood, holding their breath.

"Bree?" Alec called.

The EKB started to beep again, causing everyone to sigh in relief.

Howard hit the button to open the chamber.

The hood and panels retracted from the chamber, releasing a blast of steam. When it cleared, Bree was revealed inside.

Bree's newly muscular and taller body glistened with sweat from the steam. Her hair was wild and windswept, and her skin seemed to glow in the dim light of the chamber. Not a single mark or scar was visible, a testament to her resilience and determination along with the healing factor of the serum.

Howard and his team, and Peggy and Amara were stunned to see that even to a woman, the serum did this to their body, while everyone was stunned that it had completely did its job and healed any injury and sickness above and beyond of what they expected.

Alec was stunned. "Son of a gun."

Steve smiled in relief, walking closer instantly.

Bucky and Alec had a slower reaction as they were processing in shock, but instantly walked closer afterward.

Alyssa jumped down from Bucky's arms as they all took off their sunglasses, running after the boys toward Bree.

"Bree?" Bucky asked. "Bree."

Steve and Alec took the straps off of Bree while Bucky stood in front of her, ready to catch her when she stumbled forward from disorientation, steadying her.

"Hey, you're okay," Steve whispered.

Steve, Bucky and Alec helped Bree toward a table in front of Alyssa, making sure that she was okay.

"Jesus," Alec said. "I know you guys told us what would happen because it happened to Steve, but seeing it happen is way different."

Bree managed a small chuckle. "Seeing is believing."

Bucky couldn't help a small smile to that. "Yeah. How do you feel?"

"Better," Bree answered. "I feel... alive."

The four of them smiled.

Alyssa grinned.

Bree took a deep breath, her eyes widening as she realized she could breathe without pain or difficulty for the first time in her life. She looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers, marveling at the strength she now possessed. Her newly enhanced senses took in everything around her. The scents of the lab, the sound of everyone's heartbeats, even the slight vibrations in the air. It was all so vivid and intense.

"It's... incredible," Bree whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Steve squeezed her shoulder gently. "Welcome to the club, sis. It takes some getting used to."

Bucky couldn't take his eyes off Bree, a mixture of relief and amazement on his face. "You scared me half to death, doll."

Bree gave him a soft smile. "Sorry about that. I'll try not to make a habit of it." She reached up to cup Bucky's cheek. "I'm okay now. Better than okay."

Alyssa tugged on Bree's hand, her eyes wide with wonder. "Aunt Bree, you're so tall now! And strong!"

Bree laughed, kneeling down to Alyssa's level. "I guess I am, sweetheart. But I'm still me, just a little... upgraded."

Alyssa giggled and threw her arms around Bree's neck. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

Bree hugged her goddaughter tightly, marveling at how different it felt with her new strength. She was careful not to squeeze too hard, still getting used to her enhanced abilities.

Bree grinned and easily lifted Alyssa up, spinning her around as if she weighed nothing. Alyssa squealed in delight, her earlier tears forgotten, causing the boys to smile.

"Careful there," Alec chuckled. "You might not know your own strength yet."

Bree set Alyssa down gently. "Don't worry, I'll be careful." She flexed her arms experimentally, marveling at the defined muscles. "This is going to take some getting used to."

Peggy and Amara, pleased with the mission success, walked out of the lab to update Phillips.

Bree instantly wrapped her arms around Steve, Bucky and Alec as she and Alyssa held onto the boys. The boys were not surprised, but returned the embrace contently, all smiling slightly, relieved that it all worked out, for now.

✯

Hallway

A group soldiers were with Peggy, Amara and Phillips. They were looking at a map putting down the places from Schmidt's camp.

Phillips glanced at Amara. "You ever going to tell me exactly how the hell you were able to take on all those men at the base?"

Amara shrugged slightly. "Just know that I can help you and your people in the upcoming fight. You're not going to throw Steve and Bree into a lab to have them tested, and you're not going to ask questions about me or do the same to me after we helped you and saved all those men, yes?"

Phillips exchanged a look with Peggy, who shrugged slightly.

Phillips sighed heavily. "All right, fine, but Senator Brandt coined the name 'Lady Liberty' for you if you're going to go out on the battlefield again with the Rogers."

Amara frowned. "I'm not American."

"He knows," Phillips replied. "He doesn't care. He needs an Americanized superhero like the likes of those blondes, so you, another blondie, are going to join that rank."

Amara rolled her eyes, exchanging a look with Peggy, who gave her an amused but sympathetic look. "Fine. Not that it matters anyway."

Phillips nodded, pleased. "Now, you sure about this girl?"

"She has just as much soldier in here as the rest of us do, Colonel," Peggy stated. "Besides Dr. Zola and Schmidt took her by the map they have laying out their plans to hit their mark. She saw it while no one else did, and she can identify these locations."

Phillips looked behind them. "I hope you're right."

Peggy and Amara turned to follow his gaze.

Steve, Bree, Bucky and Alec walked out of the lab with Alyssa.

"How do you feel, Bree?" Amara inquired.

"Never better," Bree answered.

"What about these marks?" Phillips asked. "What can you tell us about them?"

Bree looked at the map, pointing at the locations in each one she said. "There was one in New York City. The second one was here in Poland. Third was Baltic. Fourth was Berlin. And the fifth one was... About... here. 30, 40 miles west of the marginal line. I just got a quick look."

Alyssa looked at Bree curiously.

"Well, nobody's perfect," Steve told her.

"Though she pulls it off very well," Bucky told them.

Bree smiled a small smile.

Amara was slightly amused.

Alec lifted Alyssa in his arms. "These are the weapon factories we about. Hydra shipped all the parts to another facility, that isn't on this map."

"Agents Carter, coordinate with MI6," Phillips told them. "I want every allied eyeball looking for that main Hydra base."

"What about us?" Peggy asked.

Amara was fully aware of the irony in the words she said as she looked at the Rogers. "We are going to set a fire under Johann Schmidt's ass."

Since that was quite literally what happened to Steve and Bree, the others looked at them.

Steve shook his head.

"Karma's a-knocking," Alec remarked.

"He has it coming," Bucky agreed.

Alyssa grinned. "You're gonna pay him back for what he did to Daddy, Uncle Bucky and Aunt Bree?"

Bree smirked slightly.

Alec kissed Alyssa's head. "That's right, Aly."

Phillips looked at her. "What do say, Rogers? It's your map. You think you can help Amara and my boys wipe Hydra off of it?"

"Yes, sir," Bree answered. "We'll need a team."

"We're already putting together our best men," Phillips told them.

"With all due respect, sir," Steve said. "So am I."

✯

Bree:

Alec:

Amara:

Bar

Steve sat at a table with Dungan, Jones, Falsworth, Sawyer, Dernier and Morita.

Alec stood nearby, weighing a dart in his hand, casually tossing a bullseye.

"So, let's get this straight," Jones told him. "We barely got out of there alive, and you want us to go back?"

"Pretty much," Alec answered.

"Sounds rather fun, actually," Falsworth told them. He burped. "I'm in."

Morita belched. "I'm in."

Dernier was speaking French. "Je combattrai jusqu'a ce que le dernier de ces batards soit mort, echaine ou bien qu'il pleure comme un nouveau-ne! [I will fight until the last of these bastards is dead, chained, or that he cries like a newborn!"

Sawyer spoke French in return. "J'espere touts les trois. [I hope all three.]"

They both burst into laughter, shaking hands, but when they looked up at the others, they saw that the others did not understand a word of what they said.

Sawyer nodded. "We're in."

Dungan finished his beer, mustache covered in foam. "Hell, I'll always fight. But you gotta do one thing for me."

"What's that?" Steve asked.

"Open a tab," Dungan answered.

The men all laughed, handing their drinks to Steve and Alec, who both grinned and walked away to the bar to get more drinks for the men.

Alec smirked. "Another round?"

✯

Elsewhere in the bar

Bree and Bucky were standing nearby the door.

Of course, all the soldiers in the bar were in uniform, but Bree wore a pretty dress, not caring about how she might have looked with her muscles out on display as she looked around.

Bucky looked only at Bree.

Bree finally noticed, smiling a small smile. "What?"

"Never thought that my girl would be this far in my line of work," Bucky answered. "Oh, and stronger than me. That's a big one."

Bree laughed softly. "I wasn't sure about the last one for a while. I was actually relieved for a while that the procedure was banned after what happened to Dr. Erskine, because I wasn't sure if I wanted this. I know that I didn't deserve to be cured anymore than anyone else in the world who has the same ails as I did. And I didn't deserve to become strong anymore than anyone else either. And I was worried about the unknown. But after what happened with Hydra, the explosion, my heart..."

Bucky turned to Bree, his voice filled with relief and gratitude. "Hey." Bree looked at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "You were dying. You were on the brink of death. And now you're here, alive and well. That's all that matters." Bucky pulled Bree close, his arms wrapped tightly around her. "And I have no doubt that you will find a way to help others like you, no matter how long it takes."

Bree nodded, understanding the weight of the task she had taken o. "It might take my whole life, because I am no Dr. Erskine."

"No, but you are Bree Rogers," Bucky reminded her with a smile, arms wrapping around her in a protective embrace. "And I would follow you through the gates of hell to finish what we started."

They gazed into each other's eyes, their love for one another evident in every glance they shared. They leaned in for a sweet and slow kiss before pulling away and starting to dance.

"I actually helped Steve pick out his name," Bree chuckled as they swayed to the music. "Now I just have to choose mine."

Bucky grinned mischievously. "Easy. I can help you with that, because, mistress, you'll be a star yet."

Bree beamed at hearing him say his saying to her once again. "I knew you were going to say that."

"I know you did," Bucky replied with a wink. "So, what do you say, Star Mistress?" Bree smiled, laughing, resting her head against his shoulder, feeling content and loved in his arms. Bucky smirked slightly, teasingly. "Is your fighting outfit gonna be the one you wore for Star Girls?"

Bree hid her face against his chest, smiling cutely in embarrassment. "No!"

Bucky smiled at her reaction. "No?" Bree shook her head. "I can already hear the disappointment of all the men in the world who will need saving."

Bree lifted her head to meet Bucky's gaze, her eyes sparkling with love and amusement. "Good thing I'm only aiming to please one."

They shared a knowing smile before continuing to dance, their love and bond growing stronger with each passing moment, lost in each other's embrace.

✯

Elsewhere

Alec and Steve were sitting at the bar.

Bucky and Bree walked closer to join them.

"Did you get them?" Bree asked.

"Yeah," Alec answered. "They all said yes."

Bucky smirked. "See? I told you. They're all idiots."

Bree smiled.

Steve looked at Bucky and Alec. "What about you? You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?"

"Hell, no," Bucky answered. "That little guy from Brooklyn that was too dumb to not to run away from a fight."

Alec nodded in agreement. "The one that wanted to save an orphan like me from people two times the size of us. I'm following him."

Bree smiled warmly at her brother and friends. "Well, I guess that makes three of us then."

Steve looked at his sister with a mixture of pride and concern. "You sure about this, Bree? It's going to be dangerous out there."

"I'm sure," Bree replied confidently. "I've got the serum now, just like you. And more importantly, I've got my family with me." She glanced at Bucky, her eyes softening. "Besides, someone's got to keep an eye on you boys."

Bucky chuckled, wrapping an arm around Bree's waist. "She's got a point, Steve. Face it, you need us."

Alec raised his glass in a toast. "To the team, then. May we kick Hydra's ass from here to kingdom come."

They all clinked their glasses together in a toast, the camaraderie between them palpable.

Bucky glanced at Steve, teasing. "But you're keeping your outfit, right?"

Bree playfully batted Bucky on the chest after what he said about her own. Bucky grinned.

Alec smirked. "That's right. Captain America and the Star Girls. And Alyssa as the Star Kid. You should know we're never letting you guys live that down."

"Never," Bucky agreed.

Bree smiled fondly with an affectionate roll of her eyes.

Steve gave them a look, though he couldn't help but smile. "You know what? It's kinda growing on me."

As they drank, the noise in the bar suddenly died down. The four of them turned to see what had caused the sudden hush.

Peggy had just walked into the bar, looking stunning in a form-fitting red dress. All eyes were on her as she made her way through the crowd. Steve's jaw dropped slightly at the sight of her.

Bree nudged her brother with a knowing smile. "Close your mouth, Steve. You'll catch flies."

Bucky and Alec smirked.

Steve quickly composed himself as Peggy approached their group.

"Captain," Peggy greeted Steve with a nod.

Steve nodded to Peggy. "Agent Carter."

Alec nodded. "Ma'am."

Peggy looked at Steve and Bree. "Howard has some equipment for you to try. Tomorrow morning."

"Sounds good," Bree told her.

Alec and Bucky noticed the way that Steve and Peggy stared at each other, sharing a knowing smirk with Bree.

"I see your top squad is prepping for duty," Peggy remarked.

"You don't like music?" Alec asked.

Peggy's eyes never left Steve. "I do, actually. I might even, when this is all over go dancing."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Alec asked.

"The right partner," Peggy answered. "0800, Rogers."

Bree nodded.

"Yes, ma'am," Steve told her. "We'll be there."

Peggy walked away, leaving.

Alec looked at Steve. "I'm invisible. I'm turning into you. It's like a horrible dream."

Steve smiled, patting Alec on the shoulder. "Don't take it so hard. She's got a sister."

Bucky chuckled, shaking his head at Steve's comment. "A sister, huh? Maybe we should set Alec up on a double date."

Alec rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Very funny. I think I'll stick to being a single dad for now, thanks."

Bree smiled, leaning into Bucky's side. "Well, I for one am glad things worked out the way they did." She looked up at Bucky with adoration. "I've got everything I need right here."

Bucky pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Couldn't agree more, doll."

Steve watched his sister and best friend with a mixture of happiness and a twinge of longing. He was overjoyed to see them so content, but he couldn't help but wonder if he'd ever find that kind of connection for himself.

Elsewhere in the bar, Dungan was speaking with Amara. "All I want is a picture of your pretty face."

"You won't need a picture, because I'm going with you," Amara replied.

"You're serious?" Dungan questioned.

"Deadly," Amara answered.

Dungan chuckled. "Well, after what I saw on the battlefield, I'm not quite surprised."

As a bar fight nearly started in the bar, Amara stood, taking a weapon from one of the men's hands while gripping his wrist. She turned around, throwing the two men apart, making them land separately at their tables. "Don't you boys start. We have enough fighting to go around starting tomorrow."

Dungan raised his eyebrows. "I'm both frightened and aroused."

Amara walked through the bar toward where Steve, Bree, Bucky and Alec were standing, having watched what Amara just did.

Other men in the bar was making remarks about Bree and Amara, calling them 'good-looking ladies', 'beauties', 'dolls', etc.

Amara rolled her eyes. "Gentlemen, eyes to yourselves. Thank you very much." She reached Steve, Bree, Bucky and Alec, who all looked amused. "Well, that was an interesting way to start the evening."

Bree chuckled. "Nice moves. Remind me never to get on your bad side."

"Noted," Amara replied with a smirk. She glanced around at the men in the bar who were still eyeing them. "I see the serum has made you quite popular, Bree."

Bree rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, please. They're looking at you just as much."

Bucky tightened his arm around Bree's waist. "Well, they can look all they want, but that's as far as it goes."

Bree was a bit self-conscious with everyone staring. "But it's... different."

Bucky kissed her head. "Hey, you're beautiful. Always have been."

Steve nodded in agreement. "He's right, sis. Don't let it get to you."

Alec raised an eyebrow at Amara. "So, 'Lady Liberty', huh? That's what they're calling you now?"

Amara rolled her eyes. "Apparently so. Senator Brandt's idea, not mine. He seems to think America needs another blonde superhero to rally behind."

Bree chuckled. "Well, at least you're in good company. Though I'm still working on my superhero name."

"Star Mistress," Bucky suggested with a grin, earning him a playful swat from Bree.

Steve shook his head, amused. "I think we should focus on the mission ahead rather than superhero names. Speaking of which, Amara, are you really planning on joining us in the field?"

Amara nodded firmly. "Absolutely. You'll need all the help you can get against Hydra. And after what I've seen, I'm not about to sit on the sidelines."

"At least we'll be a matching set," Bree pointed out. "Captain America, Star Mistress and Lady Liberty."

"And Sergeants Barnes and Anders," Bucky added. "We might not have fancy names, but we're still apart of this team."

Bree smiled. "Of course."

Alec raised his glass. "Well then, welcome to the team. May we give Hydra hell."

They all clinked glasses, a sense of camaraderie and determination settling over the group.

Amara took a sip of her drink, her eyes scanning the group thoughtfully. She set her glass down with a soft clink, her expression turning serious, her voice low enough that only their small circle could hear. "I have a proposition for you all." The others leaned in, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanor. "I want to train you. All of you. Starting tomorrow morning, after we meet with Howard."

Steve's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Train us? But we've all had military training, and Bree and I have the serum now."

Amara nodded, a slight smile playing at her lips. "Yes, but what I'm offering is... different. It's beyond what any military in the world can teach you."

Bucky raised an eyebrow. "Training? From you? No offense, but what exactly can you teach us that we don't already know?"

Amara's lips curled into a knowing smile. "More than you might think, Sergeant Barnes."

Bree had been quiet, her brow furrowed in thought. Finally, she spoke up, her voice low and hesitant. "Amara... what exactly are you? I saw you on the battlefield. The way you moved, the strength you displayed... it wasn't human."

A hush fell over their small group, the ambient noise of the bar fading into the background as they all focused intently on Amara. The blonde woman's eyes darted around, ensuring no one else was within earshot before she leaned in even closer.

She knew if she could trust anyone with her secret, it was these four.

"I suppose there's no point in hiding it any longer," Amara said, her voice low and measured. "I'm... not from around here. And by 'here', I don't just mean England or even Earth. You're right. I'm not human. I'm... an alien. From a planet called Vialara." The others' eyes widened in shock, but Amara continued before they could interrupt. "I have abilities far beyond those of humans. Super strength, speed, enhanced senses."

Amara's revelation stunned the group into silence. Steve, Bree, Bucky and Alec exchanged bewildered glances, trying to process this bombshell information.

Bucky was the first to find his voice. "An... alien? Like, from outer space?"

Amara nodded solemnly. "Yes. My people..." She looked down sadly. "Before they died, we were what you would call medieval in terms of civilization."

Bree's face fell. "Before they died?"

"Yes," Amara answered sadly. "My home was wiped out by a maniac who was after what I think may be what powered the Hydra weapons. My people knew it as a power source called the Tesseract. It's what brought me to earth after the extinction of my people."

"So Peggy..." Steve trailed off.

"Is my sister in all the ways that matter," Amara answered. "Her family found me when I first arrived, and helped me adjust to earth. Gave me a safe place to live and have a family again."

The four listened intently in sympathy.

"But why help us?" Steve asked.

Amara's expression softened. "Because I believe in what you're fighting for. The freedom and safety of this world. Hydra threatens not just Earth, but potentially the entire galaxy if they're left unchecked."

Bree leaned forward, her eyes alight with curiosity. "So when you say you want to train us..."

"I meant to teach you skills and fighting techniques that no human has ever learned," Amara finished. "Techniques that could give us a significant advantage against Hydra."

The group fell silent, processing Amara's revelation. The bar's ambient noise seemed to fade away as they grappled with this new reality.

Steve was the first to speak, his voice low and thoughtful. "This... this changes everything. If what you're saying is true, and Hydra has access to technology from beyond our world..."

"Then we're going to need every advantage we can get," Bucky finished, his expression grim.

Alec ran a hand through his hair, still looking stunned. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I'm in. If you can teach us even a fraction of what you know, it could make all the difference."

Bree nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with determination. "Me too. We have to do whatever it takes to stop Schmidt and Hydra."

They all turned to Steve, waiting for his decision.

Steve looked thoughtful. "This is... a lot to take in. But I trust you, Amara. If you think this training can help us defeat Schmidt and Hydra, then I'm in."

Amara nodded, a look of relief crossing her face. "Thank you for trusting me with this. I promise, what I have to teach you will be invaluable in the fight ahead."

Bucky leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. "An alien. I can't believe it. Though I guess after everything we've seen with Hydra, it shouldn't be that surprising."

"It certainly explains a lot," Alec added. "Like how you were able to take on all those Hydra soldiers single-handedly."

Bree's eyes lit up with excitement. "This is incredible. Think of all we could learn, not just about fighting, but about your world, your culture."

Amara smiled at Bree's enthusiasm. "There will be time for that, I promise. But for now, we need to focus on the task at hand."

Steve nodded in agreement. "Okay. We begin tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," Amara agreed. "Everything changes."

The five of them shared an intense look, all sighing heavily, unsure if they were ready for whatever came their way.