I stood inside the tent with Colonel Phillips, whose stern expression mirrored the tension in the room, and a corporal stationed at a typewriter, diligently clacking out a report for Senator Brandt. The air was heavy with the weight of recent events. After the explosions at the Hydra facility, with Steve's daring escape alongside James and the other captured men, I made my return to the base—using magic, of course. Colonel Phillips had discovered what Peggy and Stark had done to aid Steve, and now, days later, no one knew for certain if they had survived.

Of course, I knew they had made it out alive. But I couldn't exactly explain how I knew without revealing more than I was willing to share.

I would have escorted them back myself if I didn't have an obligation to return to the base. My duty to the SSR required me to be back in position before anyone noticed my absence—a risk I simply couldn't afford to take.

"Senator Brandt," Colonel Phillips began his voice firm, "I regret to report that Captain Steven G. Rogers went missing behind enemy lines on the third. Aerial reconnaissance has proven unfruitful. As a result, I must declare Captain Rogers killed in action. Period." His words, while false, weighed heavily in the air. I shifted uneasily, the report was false, and they did make it out alive. 

Just then, Peggy's voice cut through my thoughts. "The last surveillance flight is back," she said, her tone heavier than usual. I quickly turned, already noticing the stern look on Colonel Phillips' face as he met her gaze. When I had returned to the SSR base, Peggy had confided in me about what she and Stark had done—that they had taken Steve to the facility. She placed the photographs on the table, a silent weight in the air as Phillips and I looked over the images. "No sign of activity," Peggy added, her voice laden with disappointment. It was clear there were no survivors.

"Corporal, go get yourself a cup of coffee," the Colonel ordered, and the young officer nodded before leaving. My stomach churned, knowing this was the moment Peggy would face the brunt of Phillips' frustration. The Colonel discarded the photographs and took a few steps toward the opening of the tent, looking out across the base. "I can't touch Stark. He's rich, and he's the Army's number one weapons contractor. You are neither one," Phillips said sharply, his eyes snapping back to Peggy with a piercing stare.

"With respect, Sir, I don't regret my actions. And I don't think Captain Rogers did either," Peggy replied, her voice steady as she defended her decision to take Steve to the Hydra base.

Phillips' response was sharp and biting. "What makes you think I give a damn about your opinions?" he snapped, the harshness in his tone making me want to retort as well, but I held my tongue. "I took a chance with you, Agent Carter. And now America's golden boy and a lot of other good men are dead," he added, stepping closer to her, his words like daggers. "Because you had a crush," he threw in, referring to Peggy's clear affection for Steve.

"It wasn't that," Peggy shot back, her voice firm but careful, as if she knew where this conversation could go. "I had faith," she declared, her words carrying the weight of her conviction. I couldn't help but smile at that—faith was a powerful thing, after all. It could move mountains.

Phillips, however, wasn't swayed. His tone remained cold and unyielding. "Well, I hope that a big comfort to you, when they shut this division down," he said, his words cutting through the air with chilling finality.

"She and Captain Rogers made a courageous decision, and honestly, it was their best shot," I defended Peggy's actions, recognizing the bravery in what they'd done. Peggy gave me a grateful smile, but the moment was cut short as the Colonel turned his gaze toward me, his eyes narrowing, ready to retort. However, before he could speak, the sounds of commotion from outside the tent caught his attention.

"What the hell is going on out there?" Colonel Phillips muttered, his expression filled with confusion. He passed Peggy and headed toward the tent door, leaving her and me exchanging a quick glance. I shot her a wink, silently assuring her that I had her back, and she knew it. We walked around opposite sides of the table and met at the end, then both stepped out of the tent.

Outside, chaos had erupted. Hundreds of men were marching through the camp, heading toward the entrance. As we made our way through the crowd, more and more soldiers gathered, and soon it felt like an entire army was flooding into the base. My heart skipped when I spotted Steve and James at the front. The sight of them both made my chest swell with relief.

Peggy, Phillips, and I approached Steve, who saluted the Colonel. He returned the gesture, while the men behind him carried Hydra guns, which I recognized from my time at the base.

"Some of these men need medical attention," Steve said, his voice directed at the Colonel. But the camp medic was already out in the field, tending to the injured. I stood behind Phillips, silently observing the exchange. 

"I'd like to surrender myself for disciplinary action," Steve added, his voice steady. He was ready to face the consequences of disobeying orders and leaving without permission.

"That won't be necessary," Phillips replied, his tone firm but understanding. In his eyes—and everyone else's—Steve had just saved countless lives by rescuing these men from Hydra. I watched as a subtle smile tugged at Steve's lips, clearly relieved that Phillips wasn't holding his actions against him.

"Yes, sir," Steve responded, clearly pleased. Phillips turned and began walking away, but as he did, my eyes landed on James. He was scanning the area, smiling as he reunited with his fellow soldiers, but then, as if sensing my gaze, he turned his head toward me. The moment our eyes met, his expression shifted, surprise flashing across his face. He hadn't expected to see me standing there.

"Mister Barnes," I began, stepping closer to James. His gaze remained locked on mine, the shock still evident on his face. Despite the tension, I maintained my composure, calm and collected. I couldn't help but notice how dirt-streaked he was, remnants of smoke from the factory and the long walk he'd endured. I also saw the dog tags hanging from a silver chain around his neck.

"I'm happy to see you alive," I said softly, coming to a stop just inches from him, my eyes meeting his sapphire blue ones.

"I'm happy to see you at all," he replied, his voice thick with disbelief, as though he had never expected to lay eyes on me again. "And frankly, I can't believe it," he added, his tone filled with surprise but also relief.

"It's lucky Captain America found you," I said with a smile, knowing it was nothing short of a miracle that Steve had gotten them out, along with all the other soldiers.

A realization seemed to dawn on James, and with a grin, he called out, "Hey!" His voice rang out across the camp, demanding attention. "Let's hear it for Captain America!"

At his words, the camp erupted into cheers and applause. I couldn't help but smile at the recognition. Steve had earned every bit of praise. It was well overdue, and this moment of acknowledgement would surely give him the confidence he deserved. He was the face of hope, the hero America needed to lead them into battle. A new era of heroes had begun, and Steve was at the forefront.

..............................

London was a beautiful city, there was no denying that. However, we were currently deep underground at an SSR base. Steve had been invaluable, mapping out the Hydra bases he had encountered, which gave us a crucial advantage in our fight—potentially tipping the scales of the war in our favour. We gathered around a large, circular war table at the centre of the room, with miniature figures representing Hydra's bases positioned according to Steve's intel.

"These are the weapons factories we know about," Steve began, as he, Peggy, and Colonel Phillips moved closer to the table. "Sergeant Barnes said that Hydra shipped all the parts to another facility that isn't on this map," Steve explained, his focus intense. Peggy stood to my left as we studied the map, trying to make sense of the puzzle.

"Agent Carter, Agent Reverdin, coordinate with MI6," the Colonel ordered, stepping away from us. Both Peggy and I hurried to follow. "I want every Allied eyeball looking for that main Hydra base," he continued the urgency in his voice clear. Finding that base could change the entire course of the war.

"What about us?" I asked, hoping to understand what role we were expected to play.

"We are going to set a fire under Johann Schmidt's ass," Phillips replied, grabbing a file from an approaching agent. He turned to Steve. "What do you say, Rogers? It's your map. You think you can wipe Hydra off it?"

Steve didn't hesitate, his voice steady and sure. "Yes, sir. I'll need a team," he responded, determined.

"We're already putting together the best men," Phillips said, but I could sense Steve had something else in mind—a team of his own, one he trusted deeply.

"With all due respect, sir, so am I," Steve said, his tone firm yet respectful. I knew it was coming, but he was right. A team was everything. You had to trust the people around you if you were going to succeed.

For me, though, I worked alone. 

At least... most of the time.

********