Bree:

Alyssa:

Amara:

Hospital

Steve had come to the hospital.

Bree was dressing Steve's wound from the fight. "Had enough excitement for one day?"

Steve looked up at Bree, concerned. "Have you? This the type of nursing and medical care you were so eager to do?"

"Helping with more than just body assessments, yes," Bree answered. "I'm sorry about the doctor."

"Yeah," Steve agreed sadly. "Me too." He took out the last vial of serum that Clemson had taken. "I got this before he could take it back to... Who knows?"

"Steve, you know that after what just happened, none of those men in there are willing to go through that procedure again and risk what happens," Bree told him. "Especially not for a nurse like me."

"You're so much more than a nurse, and they know that this could cure your heart condition, and make you stronger," Steve pointed out.

"Into a weapon for them to use against whatever they want?" Bree asked. "Is that really something that you want?"

"No," Steve answered. "I just want to stop the guy that did this today. And end the war. If that means going along with whatever they say right now, then I'll do it."

Bree nodded slightly in understanding and agreement, giving him a small, teasing smile. "Not high aspirations at all."

Steve gave a small smile in return.

Peggy and Amara entered.

"That appears to be something you both share," Amara pointed out.

"Idealistic dreams of world peace?" Bree asked. "You have no idea. Our parents wanted that. They couldn't get it. And we won't be able to. But a girl can dream."

"That she can," Amara concurred.

Peggy sighed. "But you're right. As much as some of us would like to help you with the procedure, as per your choice, right now, it's been unauthorized after today's events, and Dr. Erskine's murder."

Bree nodded in understanding, looking down, sad that she couldn't save Erskine.

Steve placed a hand on Bree's arm. "Hey. You did all you could. No one could've saved him." Bree sighed, nodding, looking up. Steve sighed. "He deserved more than this."

"Everyone deserves more than this," Bree told them.

They nodded.

When it was okay for Alyssa to come in after all the excitement, and everything had been taken care of, Amara let Alyssa into the room.

Alyssa ran into the room, her eyes wide with concern. "Uncle Steve! Aunt Bree! Are you okay?"

Steve smiled warmly at his niece, opening his arms to her. "I'm just fine, kiddo. Come here."

Alyssa ran to Steve, letting him scoop her up onto his lap. She looked him over critically, her small hands patting his arms and chest as if checking for injuries. "You're not hurt?"

"Nah, I'm tougher than that now," Steve assured her, giving her a gentle squeeze. "Your Aunt Bree patched me right up."

Alyssa turned to Bree, her eyes shining with admiration. "You're the best nurse ever, Aunt Bree!"

Bree couldn't help but smile at Alyssa's enthusiasm. "Thank you, Alyssa."

Alyssa looked up at Steve, still marveling at his transformation. "You're so big now, Uncle Steve. And you ran so fast!" Her eyes darted to Bree. "Aunt Bree, are you going to get big and strong too?"

Bree exchanged a glance with Steve before kneeling down next to Alyssa. "Not right now, sweetie. There's been... a change of plans."

Alyssa's face fell. "But what about your heart? I thought the magic medicine was going to make you better too."

Bree's heart ached at the disappointment and concern in Alyssa's eyes. She gently took Alyssa's small hands in hers. "I know, sweetie. Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Right now, it's not safe for me to take the medicine like Uncle Steve did. But that doesn't mean I won't get better someday."

Alyssa's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why isn't it safe? It made Uncle Steve better. Did the bad men take all the magic medicine?"

Steve leaned in, his voice soft. "No, Alyssa. We still have some of the medicine. But after what happened today, the people in charge decided it's too dangerous to use right now. Even good things can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands. We have to be careful."

Alyssa nodded slowly, trying to understand. "Like how we're not supposed to take candy from strangers?"

Bree smiled softly. "That's right, honey. Kind of like that."

Alyssa looked between Steve and Bree, her eyes wide with worry. "But what if something happens to Aunt Bree's heart? I don't want her to get sick again, Uncle Steve."

Bree felt her heart clench at the words, speechless, as neither she nor Steve knew what to say to reassure Alyssa.

Seeing their need for assistance, Amara stepped forward, her usual stern demeanor softening as she addressed Alyssa. "Your Aunt Bree is very strong, Alyssa. Even without the special medicine. And she has all of us to look out for her, just like she looks out for everyone else."

Bree looked at Amara in surprise but gratitude.

Alyssa looked up at Amara, her eyes wide and trusting. "Really?"

Amara nodded, a small smile on her face. "Really. Your aunt is one of the bravest, most caring people I've ever met. And do you know what? Sometimes that kind of strength is even more powerful than big muscles."

Alyssa seemed to consider this, looking back at Bree with a mix of worry and admiration. "Like how Aunt Bree always makes me feel better when I'm scared or sick?"

"Exactly like that," Amara answered.

Bree felt a lump in her throat, touched by Amara's words.

Bree knelt down to Alyssa's level, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Alyssa, sweetie, I promise you that I'm going to do everything I can to stay healthy and strong for you. And even if I can't take the special medicine right now, there are lots of other ways I can take care of myself."

Alyssa nodded solemnly. "Like eating your vegetables and getting enough sleep?"

Bree chuckled softly. "That's right. And I have the best little helper to remind me, don't I?"

Alyssa beamed, puffing out her chest proudly. "I'll make sure you eat all your broccoli, Aunt Bree!"

The adults in the room couldn't help but laugh at Alyssa's earnest declaration.

Bree chuckled softly. "Yes, just like that. And you know what? Having you and Uncle Steve and all our friends here to support me makes me feel stronger every day."

Steve placed a hand on Alyssa's shoulder. "That's right, kiddo. We're all going to take care of each other, no matter what."

Alyssa smiled, holding both Steve and Bree by the hands. "Okay."

"Okay," Bree repeated softly.

Amara and Peggy watched the three of them with a bittersweet smile, exchanging a look.

✯

Lab

Phillips led Senator Brandt toward where Howard was sitting at a desk, overlooking the device that Clemons had left behind.

"Colonel Phillips, my committee is demanding answers," Brandt told him.

"Great," Phillips replied. "Why don't we start with how a German spy got a ride to my secret installation in your car?" Brandt frowned. Phillips turned to Howard. "What've we got?"

"Well, speaking modestly, I'd say I'm the best mechanical engineer in the country," Howard told them, opening a hatch to the 'cigarette pack' device, showing them impressive circuitry and blinking inside. "And I've got no idea what any of this is or how it works. We're nowhere near capable of this technology."

"Then who is?" Brandt asked.

"Hydra," Phillips answered. Brandt looked at him blankly. "I'm sure you've read our briefings."

"I'm on a number of committees, Colonel," Brandt told him.

Peggy and Amara walked closer, leading Steve and Bree with them. 

Hydra is a Nazi-deep science division," Peggy explained. "It's led by Johann Schmidt. But he has much bigger ambitions."

"Hydra's practically a cult," Amara continued. "They worship Schmidt. They think he's invincible."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Brandt asked.

"I spoke to the President this morning," Phillips stated. "As of today, the SSR's being re-tasked."

Steve and Bree explained a look.

"Colonel?" Peggy asked.

Phillips looked at Peggy and Amara. "We're taking the fight to Hydra. Pack your bags, Agents. You too, Stark. The four of us fly to London tonight."

"Sir?" Steve asked. "If you're going after Schmidt, I want in."

"You're an experiment," Phillips told him. "We're sending you to Alamogordo. And your sister there if you're not careful." Amara and Peggy exchanged a look, this being the reason why Peggy was so concerned about Amara exposing her powers and not wanting anything to risk that fate for her. "I already restricted authorization on a second procedure after what just happened."

Bree sighed deeply.

"We're not lab rats," Steve told him. "The serum worked. It cured me, and it could cure my sister. And we could help you."

"Only if you let us," Bree agreed.

Phillips scoffed. "I asked for an army. All I got is you two. And you are not enough."

Bree lowered her head.

Steve looked sunk.

Brandt looked at the Rogers siblings curiously, waving his aide over.  "With all due respect, Colonel, I think he may be missing the point. You've seen Steve here in action. More importantly, the country's seen it. And I saw what Bree did today. Could only imagine what she could do after a procedure, but you're right. None for a while after what happened."

Brandt's aide handed over a copy of the New York Examiner; the front page was an article about Steve taking on the Hydra agent, with a picture of Steve holding up the car door.

"The enlistment lines have been around the block since your picture hit the newsstands," Brandt explained. "You don't take a soldier, a symbol like that, and hide him in a lab. You don't take a fine, determined woman like you and keep you from becoming great and doing good. You two want to serve your country? On the most important battlefield of the war? Something the both of you can do, actually."

Bree looked at him in surprise.

"Sir, that's all I want," Steve told him.

"Count me in," Bree agreed.

"Then congratulations, Miss Rogers," Brandt told her. "You just got hired and your brother promoted."

✯

Bree:

Next Day

Backstage

Steve and Bree were meeting with a stage manager.

Bree was sitting at a table, drawing a sketch.

Steve sighed. "I don't know if I can do this."

"Nothing to it," the stage manager told them. "Sell a few bonds, bonds buy's bullets. Bullets kill Nazi's, bing, bang, boom. You're American heroes."

"It's just not how I pictured getting there," Steve admitted.

"The senator's got a lot of pull up on the hill," the stage manager remarked. "You play ball, with us, you'll be leading your own platoon in no time." He looked at Bree. "How we coming along?"

Bree showed him the sketch, pointing at the paper. "This one for Steve. This for the girls."

The stage manager smiled. "I like Steve's. I love yours, too. But let's change it up a bit." He showed her his own sketch. "Huh?"

Bree frowned.

While Bree's sketch for the girls was less revealing, the ones that the stage manager gave her was more revealing. She clearly didn't like it, but she sighed, knowing it wasn't much of a choice.

"Have you gotten the song written?" the stage manager asked. "They tell me you're also a songwriter."

"Sometimes," Bree agreed. "And yes, I do. You said to make it child-friendly, which I'm glad to do given my goddaughter. You said that she could travel with us to the shows across the country?"

"Across the world," the stage manager answered. Bree and Steve exchanged a look of relief, knowing they didn't have to leave Alyssa behind with a sitter. "And while you two are on stage, your little Alyssa will be front row, each and every time."

Bree smiled slightly. That was the only reason why she was even considering being a stage girl compared to a nurse. Not just doing this to show her brother support, but to give Alyssa a chance to see the world and entertain her as well as any other children they saw in their travels.

✯

Bree:

Alyssa:

Now they were ready to put on a show.

Girls were wearing what the stage manager had picked out. Including Bree.

Steve was wearing a costume involving red, white and blue tights and shirt, and a blue mask that pulled over his head, with a white A. And a toy shield.

Bree and the girls were dancing and singing. "Who's strong and brave / Here to save the American way?"

Steve read from a note taped to the back of the shield. "Not all of us can storm a beach. Or drive a tank. But there's still a way all of us can fight."

Bree and the girls danced and sang in the background. "Who loves to fight like the man for what's right by day?"

Steve read from the note. "Series E Defense bonds. Each one you buy is a bullet in the barrel of your best guy's gun."

Steve walked away.

Bree and the girls danced and sang. "Who will campaign door to door for America? / Who carries the flag shore to shore for America? / From Hoboken to Spokane." Steve was taking pictures with kids. "The Star-Spangled Man, with the plan."

In the front row, Alyssa couldn't help but grin, while Bree and Steve found solace in embarrassing themselves like this knowing they were giving Alyssa a time she would remember for the rest of her life, smiling at her all the while. Alyssa grinned, laughed, cheered and clapped with all of the other children in the crowd.

✯

Filming

Steve and men dressed like military soldiers were walking in place with a woodsy screen behind them that seemed to be moving for the camera.

"Cut," the director told them. "All right, don't look at the camera."

✯

Alyssa:

Stage

Bree and the girls were marching along a stage, around Steve for the camera, singing. "We can't ignore / There's a threat and the warning is big."

"Each one you buy is a bullet in the barrel of your best guy's gun," Steve told them.

Bree and the girls stopped in a line behind Steve. "Who'll hang the noose on the goose that we loosed from Berlin?" They raised their hands in the air, kicking lightly into the air for the dance. "Who will redeem heed the call for America?" They started to march in a cross formation, crossing paths. "Who buys it all, gives his all for America?" They stopped in a line. "Who stands to prove that task?" Steve walked along the line of girls. They saluted him. "The Star-Spangled Man, with the plan."

The crowd, mostly children once again, applauded.

A man was walking behind the line of girls.

Steve read from the note. "We all know it's about trying to win the war. We can't do that without bullets and bandages. Tanks and casts. And that's where you come in. Every bond you buy will help protect someone you love."

Alyssa, as part of the show, pretended to notice the man approaching Steve, acting theatrically. "Look out! He's there behind you!"

Steve turned around, pretending to punch the man in the face.

The man fell to the floor.

The kids gasped.

Alyssa grinned.

Steve turned to the crowd. "The Germans will think twice about trying to get the drop on us."

The crowd applauded.

Bree and the girls started to march and sing again. "Stalwart, and steady and true / See how this guy can shoot / We can tell that there's no substitute / Forceful and ready to defend the red, white and blue."

✯

The show had to be reacted for several different cities and states.

The children in the United States of America were all getting magazines about Steve and little doll figures of Bree and other girls from the show.

The times that Alyssa got to be in the shows as "Star Kid", which was rare, there were small figurines of Alyssa also sold as a set with Bree and Steve.

There were children movies and commercials about the show and storylines.

Bree and the girls: (voice over) "Who'll give the Axis the sack and is smart as a fox? / Far as an eagle we'll soar / Who's making Adolph afraid to step out of his bunk? / He knows what we're fighting for."

✯

There were many other shows.

Bree and the girls were standing in a line, dancing and kicking. "Who waked the giant that napped in America? / We know it's no one but, Captain America."

✯

A blonde woman went to meet Steve for an autograph. "Hi."

✯

Alyssa:

For a show, Steve had lifted a motorcycle, with Bree and Alyssa sitting on the seat, over his head with ease, like both Bree, Alyssa and the motorcycle weighed nothing at all. Bree had her arms around Alyssa as they were both singing along with the other girls down below. "Who'll finish what they began? / Who'll kick the krauts to Japan?"

Bree and Alyssa finished the sing alone, singing together in dramatic TV fashion. "The Star-Spangled Man / With the..." Bree finished off with a high and very long note. "Plaaaaaaaaaan!"

Alyssa threw her arms up, ginning.

There was fireworks, confetti and applause.

✯

Alec:

Azzone

Night - Front Line

During their time in the war, with the 107th battalion, Bucky and Alec were sitting at a campfire with tents at nightfall. They heard gunfire and explosions in the distance while they and their soldier unit was taking a moment in cover.

Alec was going through his bag.

"What have you got there?" Bucky questioned.

Alec sighed, sorting through his goodies for their group. "British tea for the Germans, German beer for the British." He held up a book. "And Edgar Rice Burroughs novels for both."

Bucky chuckled. "Well, may we get what we want."

Alec raised his beer in return. "May we get what we need."

Bucky toasted his beer. "And may we get what we deserve."

They clinked their beers, drinking. Bucky took out a small box, fingering the velvet as he looked at it thoughtfully.

Alec noticed the engagement ring box in his hand, breaking a small smile. "Bree. You finally going to ask her?"

"When we make it back," Bucky answered. "I was going to ask her the night before we left, but I... I didn't think I could do that to her. Give her something to hope for only to rip it away. In case we don't make it back."

Alec nodded solemnly in understanding. "Yeah. But she asked you about your future before you left. So she clearly gave you the hint to ask her."

Bucky couldn't help his small grin. "Yeah, she did." He smiled wistflly, turning the ring box over in his hands. "Yeah, she's not exactly subtle when she wants something. But that's one of the things I love about her. She always goes after what she wants, no hesitation."

Alec nodded, a fond smile on his face. "That's our Bree, all right. Stubborn as hell and twice as determined."

"God, I miss her," Bucky sighed. "And Steve. And little Alyssa. I hope they're doing okay back home."

Alec's expression grew somber. "I think about Alyssa every day. I hate that I'm missing so much of her growing up."

Bucky placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Hey, we're going to make it back. And when we do, we'll make up for lost time."

Alec nodded, trying to muster a smile. "You're right. We've got to believe that." He took another swig of his beer. "So, tell me more about this proposal plan of yours. You got it all figured out?"

Bucky chuckled, a bit of color rising to his cheeks. "Well, I've been thinking about it a lot. I want it to be perfect, you know? She deserves that."

"Of course she does," Alec agreed. "So what's the plan?"

"I was thinking of taking her to Coney Island," Bucky said, his eyes lighting up as he described it. "We've got so many good memories there. I'd take her on the Cyclone. You know how much she loves that ride. And then we'd walk along the beach at sunset. I'd get down on one knee right there in the sand."

Alec mustered a smile. "Sounds perfect. When we do get back, you better not chicken out on proposing to Bree again."

Bucky chuckled, tucking the ring box safely back into his pocket. "Trust me, I won't. The moment I see her, I'm going to sweep her off her feet and ask her to marry me."

"Good," Alec said, taking another swig of his beer. "Because if you don't, I might have to do it myself just to put us all out of our misery."

Bucky laughed, shoving his friend playfully. "Watch it, pal. That's my girl you're talking about."

Their laughter was cut short by the sound of distant explosions. Both men sobered quickly, their expressions growing serious.

"Sounds like it's getting closer," Alec remarked.

Bucky nodded grimly. "Yeah, we should probably get some rest while we can. Something tells me we're in for a long night."

As if on cue, a deafening explosion rocked the ground beneath them. The two men leapt to their feet, grabbing their rifles.

"That was way too close," Alec shouted over the ringing in his ears.

Suddenly, the night sky lit up with an eerie blue glow. Strange aircraft, unlike anything they'd ever seen before, appeared on the horizon. They moved with impossible speed and agility, raining down destruction on the Allied forces below.

"What the hell are those things?" Bucky yelled, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Before Alec could respond, a piercing whistle filled the air.

"Incoming!" someone screamed.

All around them, chaos erupted. Soldiers scrambled for cover as energy beams rained down from the aircraft, vaporizing everything they touched. The acrid smell of ozone filled the air, mixed with the screams of wounded soldiers and the thunderous explosions. Bucky and Alec dove for cover behind a large boulder, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"This isn't like anything we've trained for!" Alec shouted over the din of battle.

Bucky nodded grimly, his eyes scanning the sky for the source of the attack. "Those planes... they're not German. What the hell are we dealing with here?"

Another blast rocked the ground near them, showering them with dirt and debris. In the chaos, Bucky could hear their commanding officer shouting orders, trying to rally the troops.

"We need to regroup!" Bucky yelled to Alec. "Come on!"

They made a mad dash across the battlefield, ducking and weaving to avoid the deadly beams of energy.

Around them, chaos reigned. The strange blue energy weapons were cutting through their defenses like they were made of paper. Tanks exploded in brilliant fireballs, and entire squads of men were vaporized in an instant.

"We need to fall back!" someone yelled. "We can't hold this position!"

Bucky and Alec exchanged a grim look, both knowing what they had to do. Despite the chaos and danger all around them, they couldn't abandon their fellow soldiers.

"We can't leave them behind!" Bucky shouted over the din of battle. "We need to help as many as we can!"

Alec nodded in agreement, his jaw set with determination. "You're right. Let's go!"

They split up, each darting from cover to cover, calling out to their comrades and helping the wounded to safety. The strange blue energy weapons continued to rain down destruction, but Bucky and Alec pressed on, driven by their loyalty and courage.

Bucky had just helped a young private to his feet when he heard Alec's voice cut through the noise. "Bucky! Watch out!"

Bucky turned to see one of the strange aircraft bearing down on him.

Bucky dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the searing blue beam that scorched the earth where he had been standing. He rolled to his feet, his heart pounding as he searched for Alec in the chaos.

"Alec!" Bucky shouted, coughing through the smoke and dust. "Alec, where are you?"

A hand grabbed his shoulder, and Bucky whirled around, ready to fight. But it was Alec, his face streaked with dirt and blood.

"We've got to move!" Alec yelled, pulling Bucky towards a cluster of trees. "They're picking us off like fish in a barrel out here!"

As they ran, dodging energy blasts and leaping over debris, Bucky couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a German attack. The technology was too advanced, too alien. It was as if they had stumbled into some kind of science fiction nightmare.

They reached the treeline, joining a group of other soldiers who had taken cover there. Among them was a commanding officer, Captain Williams, his face grim as he surveyed the carnage.

"Barnes, Anders," Williams acknowledged them. "Glad to see you made it."

"Sir," Bucky panted. "What the hell is going on? Those aren't German weapons."

Captain Williams shook his head. "No, they're not. We've got reports coming in from all over. This is some kind of coordinated attack, but it's not like anything we've ever seen before."

A nearby explosion shook the ground, showering them with dirt and leaves. Through the smoke, they saw a massive tank-like vehicle emerging from the treeline. It was unlike any tank they'd ever seen; sleek, dark, and adorned with a strange octopus-like symbol.

"What in God's name is that?" Alec whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Before anyone could answer, the tank's main cannon swiveled towards them. Instead of a typical muzzle, it had a glowing blue core that pulsed with energy.

"Get down!" Captain Williams shouted.

They barely had time to hit the ground before a massive beam of blue energy tore through the air above them, vaporizing trees and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

A nearby explosion shook the ground, showering them with dirt and leaves. The eerie blue glow of the enemy weapons cast an otherworldly light through the trees, creating twisted shadows that danced around them.

"Sir, what are our orders?" Alec asked, his voice steady despite the fear evident in his eyes.

Before Captain Williams could respond, a new sound cut through the chaos of battle. It was a low, pulsating hum that seemed to vibrate through their very bones. The soldiers looked up to see a massive aircraft, far larger than the others, descending from the clouds above.

"Dear God," someone whispered.

The ship was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was sleek and black, with no visible propellers or engines.

Strange symbols glowed along its hull, pulsing with an eerie blue light. As it hovered overhead, a hatch opened in its underside.

As the massive ship loomed above them, a beam of intense blue light shot down from the open hatch. It swept across the battlefield, engulfing soldiers in its eerie glow. To their horror, Bucky and Alec watched as their fellow troops began to disappear, seemingly disintegrating into thin air.

"Fall back!" Captain Williams shouted, his voice cracking with panic. "Everyone, fall back now!"

The remaining soldiers scrambled to retreat, but the beam was moving too fast. Bucky grabbed Alec's arm, pulling him towards a deep ravine nearby.

"Come on!" Bucky yelled. "We've got to get out of its range!"

They sprinted through the underbrush, branches whipping at their faces as they ran. The humming of the ship grew louder, and Bucky could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

As they ran, Bucky could hear the screams of his fellow soldiers being cut short as the beam swept closer. His lungs burned and his legs ached, but he pushed on. Alec ran side by side with Bucky.

Bucky's mind raced. He thought of Bree, of the ring in his pocket, of the future he had dreamed of. He couldn't let it end like this, not when he had so much to live for.

Alec was desperately thinking of his daughter. He couldn't leave Alyssa. Not when he had swore to make it back. They had never thought they would be facing Hydra with weapons beyond their training and comprehension, but it didn't matter. They were both devastated with the thought that some higher power was deeming it their fate to be separated from the family they loved.

"We're not going to make it!" Alec shouted, his voice filled with despair.

"Don't you dare give up!" Bucky yelled back, tightening his grip on Alec's arm. "We promised we'd make it back, remember? For Bree and Alyssa!"

Just as they reached the edge of the ravine, Bucky felt a strange tingling sensation envelop his body. He turned to look at Alec, only to see his friend's eyes widening in horror.

"Bucky!" Alec screamed, reaching out.

But it was too late. The blue light engulfed them both.

Bucky and Alec felt their bodies dissolve, the world around them fading into a blur of blue light. For a moment, there was nothing but silence and a strange weightlessness. Then, suddenly, they rematerialized, stumbling as their feet hit solid ground.

Gasping for breath, they looked around, disoriented. They were no longer in the forest. Instead, they found themselves in a vast, dimly lit chamber filled with strange machinery and glowing blue energy sources. The air hummed with an otherworldly energy that made their skin crawl.

"Where... where are we?" Alec whispered, his voice trembling.

Before Bucky could respond, a cold, accented voice cut through the air. "Welcome, gentlemen. To the future of warfare."

They turned to see a tall, imposing man stepping out of the shadows. Johann Schmidt. His eyes were glowing with an unnatural intensity. He was flanked by soldiers in black uniforms, each bearing the same octopus symbol they had seen on the tanks.

Bucky and Alec instinctively moved closer together, their military training kicking in as they assessed their surroundings and the potential threats.

"Who are you?" Bucky demanded, his voice steadier than he felt. "What is this place?"

Schmidt chuckled, the sound sending chills down their spines. "I am Johann Schmidt, leader of Hydra. And this, my dear American friends, is the future."

Before Bucky and Alec could even think of fighting back, they were tasered by Hydra guards, rendering them unconscious as they both fell to the ground.

✯

Alyssa:

Amara:

Italy, Five Miles From the Front

Stage

The show was now in Italy, in November 1943, five miles from the front.

Steve was alone on the stage before a crowd of adults, mostly men. "How many of you are ready to help me sock ol' Adolph on the jaw?" No one answered. "Okay. I need a volunteer."

A man called from the crowd. "I already volunteered. How do you think I got here?"

Another man called. "Bring back the girls."

The men cheered.

Steve chuckled nervously. "I think they only know the one song. But, um... Let me... I'll see what I can do."

Another man called. "You do that, sweetheart."

Another man called. "Nice boots, Tinkerbell."

"Come on, guys," Steve told them. "We're all on the same team here."

A man stood. "Hey, Captain. Sign this."

The man turned away from Steve, pulling down his pants.

The men cheered, throwing food toward Steve.

Steve used his toy shield to defend himself from the oncoming food, walking offstage.

The girls walked onstage.

The men cheered.

Bree sat on the stage. "Would you boys like to hear another song?" The men cheered. Bree chuckled. "Well, this one I call Come Back Home."

Bree started to sing a haunting, beautiful melody while the star girls swayed in the background. "We're drowning in our eyes / Don't know what we'll find / I'm not sure, should we fly or fight this? / We're terrified / Pretending now that we don't care / But tension cuts, cuts the air / We're more than scared / I'm drowning in your eyes / I'm terrified." The men sombered, but they were touched by the message of the song and how it related to all they had gone through. "I don't know what's happening to me / Can you hear my pulse beat underneath? / Words are getting hard for me to speak / That's new for me / Letting my fears show 'til I can face 'em / Letting my tears go 'til I can taste them / What do I know where you and I go? /  I hope you come back home." Steve and Alyssa listened to the song from backstage, tears in their eyes at the thought of Bucy and Alec, along with Bree's tears glistening in her own. "It's hard to sleep at night when / It's do or die / While our world spins 'round and 'round and / We're paralyzed / Letting my fears show 'til I can face 'em / Letting my tears go 'til I can taste them / What do I know where you and I go? / I hope you come back home / Oh, come back home."

Once the song finished, all of the star girls and the army men clapped and cheered, some of them crying but all thankful.

Bree gave a small, sad smile, sympathetic for all these men had gone through, returning backstage with Steve and Alyssa.

Alyssa had tears starting to fall.

Bree knelt before her five-year-old goddaughter. "Oh, Alyssa. I'm sorry. I wouldn't have sung the song if I knew you were going to cry."

Alyssa shook her head, reassuring. "It's okay, Aunt Bree. I loved the song."

Bree smiled slightly. "You loved it?"

Alyssa nodded. "I just miss Daddy and Uncle Bucky."

Bree looked at Alyssa sadly as she shared a look with Steve. "We all do, Aly." She pulled Alyssa into a tight hug, stroking her hair gently. "I know, sweetheart. We all miss them so much."

Steve knelt down beside them, placing a comforting hand on Alyssa's back. "Your dad and Uncle Bucky are the bravest men I know. They're out there fighting to keep us all safe."

Alyssa sniffled, wiping her eyes. "Do you think they heard your song, Aunt Bree? Maybe it'll help them come home faster."

Bree's heart clenched at the innocent hope in Alyssa's voice. She shared a pained look with Steve before forcing a smile. "I hope so, Aly. I really do." She wiped a tear from Alyssa's cheek. "We love you."

"I love you too," Alyssa whispered.

Steve kissed Alyssa on the head.

As Bree stood, she picked Alyssa up in her arms, holding her gently as Alyssa clung to her. Steve rose to his feet next to them.

Bree looked at Steve with a slight smile, hoping the shift in subject could lift their spirits. "They didn't warm up to you, huh?"

"In my defense, the crowds I'm used to are 12," Steve replied, glancing at Alyssa. "Or younger."

Alyssa grinned. "Younger, Uncle Steve."

Steve smiled, nodding. "Younger, that's right."

Bree chuckled.

As Bree and Steve walked toward a bench to sit down, Bree set Alyssa down on her lap.

Alyssa relaxed in Bree's hold, nearly falling asleep with her head on her shoulder.

Steve pulled off his hood.

Bre took off her hat.

Alyssa looked up at them curiously. "Do you guys like your job?"

"Not so much," Bree answered.

"I thought you liked singing," Alyssa said, confused. "And writing songs."

"I do," Bree answered. "But not like this. I'm not a show girl. I'm a nurse."

"And could be more," Alyssa pointed out with an enthusiastic grin.

Bree smiled. "Yeah, maybe more."

Steve gave Bree a teasing look. "I don't know, Bucky would like to see you wearing that."

"Bucky does not need to know about this," Bree replied.

"Yeah, I don't think I'll tell Alec or Bucky about this either," Steve agreed.

Alyssa giggled. "Why not?"

"It's embarrassing when someone you know sees you like this," Bree answered.

"It's embarrassing, period," Steve agreed. "And you know how your dad and Buck are, Alyssa."

Alyssa grinned. "They'd tease you."

Bree smiled. "All day every day. But I hope you're having fun."

Alyssa yawned, nodding. "I am."

"Good," Steve said softly. "That's the only thing that makes it worth it to us. Making sure that you have fun and get to travel."

"And we don't have to be apart from you ever," Bree agreed.

Alyssa beamed up at them. She started to touch the stars on Bree's dress, frowning in thought. "These remind me of the star we made Uncle Bucky."

Bree smiled softly as she kissed Alyssa's cheek. "That was what I was going for."

Alyssa looked up at her. "What he says all the time... that you'll be a star. What is the other things he says with it? When he says mistress..."

Steve looked at Bree curiously. "You know, I never asked that, either."

Bree chuckled. "Mistress Ann Page is my favorite Shakespeare character. She disapproved of the suitors that her parents lined up for her, so she ran away to be with the one she was in love with. She was smart and kind and strong and brave. He said that he could see her in me. And knowing my other hobby, he coined his own phrase."

Steve and Alyssa both said the quote. "'You'll be a star yet'."

Bree smiled nostalgically, looking down. "Yeah. It was his way of telling me that I would be okay. Ever since I caught the fevers."

Steve nodded in understanding, sadly. "About your heart."

"Yeah," Bree agreed sadly.

Alyssa frowned as she twisted her tiny hands in Bree's grasp. "If they let you take the magic medicine like Uncle Steve... would you want to?"

Bree looked at Alyssa and Steve as they both looked at her curiously, though she didn't have time to answer before their conversation was interrupted.

Amara and Peggy joined the trio.

Peggy waved slightly. "Hello, Steve. Hi, Bree. Alyssa."

"Hey," Steve said, the same time Bree replied, "Hi."

Alyssa lit up upon seeing them. "Amara! Peggy!"

Amara and Peggy couldn't help the smile that formed on their faces after seeing Alyssa so excited to see them again.

"Hello, Alyssa," Amara replied.

Alyssa gleamed excitedly. "Did you hear Aunt Bree's song?"

"We did," Amara answered, giving Bree an impressed look. "It was very good. We were both quite moved by your melody." Bree smiled softly. Amara shook her head, slightly teasing. "A nurse and a songwriter, singer and dancer. Who knew that you were so multifaceted?"

Bree chuckled softly. "Well, I'm full of surprises." Her smile faded slightly as she looked at Amara more seriously. "How are you? How's... everything going?"

Peggy's expression grew more somber. "Things are... difficult. The men out there, they're tired. Losing hope." She glanced at Steve. "They could use a real hero."

Steve sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're preaching to the choir. I feel like a dancing monkey out there. This isn't what I signed up for."

"I know," Amara said sympathetically. "But you're both making a difference. The bond sales, the morale boost... it matters."

"Maybe," Steve conceded. "But I feel like I could be doing so much more."

Bree nodded in agreement. "We both could."

"What are you two doing here?" Alyssa asked curiously.

"Officially we're not here at all," Peggy said. "I understand you're America's new hope."

"Bond sales take a ten percent bump on every state we visit," Steve told them. "That's Senator Brandt's idea. At least he's got us doing this. Phillips would have had me stuck in a lab. Bree too if she took the serum."

Amara and Peggy shared a knowing look.

Amara sighed, raising her eyebrows, tilting her head. "And these are your only two optons? Lab rats or dancing monkeys?"

Alyssa couldn't help a small smile. "Dancing monkeys."

The adults gave Alyssa a fond smile.

Amara knew how Steve and Bree felt more than she could ever admit, but unlike them, she had the option to hide her identity and ensure she didn't get sent to a lab just like they feared could happen to the Rogers.

Peggy glanced at Amara knowingly.

Steve looked down. "You know, for the longest time I dreamed about... coming over seas and... being on the front lines. Serving my country. Finally got everything I wanted. And I'm wearing tights."

A medevac brought in several injured soldiers.

Bree frowned. "Look like they've been through hell."

'"These men more than most," Peggy agreed. "Schmidt sent out a force to an Azzone. Two hundred men when up against him. Less than 50 returned. Your audience contained what was left of the 107th." Steve, Bree and Alyssa all looked up in recognition and horror when they heard that number. "The rest were killed or captured."

Bree looked at Peggy and Amara worriedly. "The 107th?"

Sensing their worry and horror, Amara looked at them in confusion and concern. "What?"

Steve jumped to his feet. "The 107th? Are you sure?"

Peggy nodded, her brow furrowed in concern. "Yes. Why?"

Bree stood up as well, holding Alyssa close. "That's Bucky and Alec's unit."

Steve turned to Bree and Alyssa, his eyes wide with worry. "Come on."

They rushed off, leaving Peggy and Amara looking confused and concerned.