Back to Gatefold
Issue #18 by Steve Crosby
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“OUT OF MANY COMES DEATH”
His arrival was so sudden, the battle joined so fiercely, that Free Spirit scarcely had a moment to process the events. Joining with Agent 13, Falcon, Jack Flag and Jessica Jones, she’d come to this HYDRA Island trying to find the missing Captain America. Along the way she’d found a captive child who wasn’t what she’d been told and done battle with a new Serpent Squad. Free Spirit had managed to defeat Cobra and Eel, but Viper’s attack had threatened to overwhelm her. Not surprising, if what Captain America had said was true.
As Captain America and the man struggled a short distance away, Free Spirit got to her feet and recalled what she’d been told about Jack Monroe. A young student in the 1950’s, he’d fallen in with a deluded man calling himself Steve Rogers and took a flawed version of the Super Soldier Serum. Calling themselves Captain America and Bucky, the men had fought Communists real and imagined until the government placed them into suspended animation. Awoken years later by the real Captain America, the impostor had taken the name Grand Dictator and died in a fiery explosion. Jack, though, had gotten much needed help and, with Captain America’s blessing, had taken up the identity of Nomad.
The last Free Spirit had heard, Nomad had gone missing in Italy, helping Captain America against Flagsmasher and a HYDRA cell. Evidently he’d been taken captive and brainwashed. Every instinct told Free Spirit to help Captain America battle his former ally, but Free Spirit remembered what she’d found in this room before the Serpent Squad had attacked. As Super-Soldiers battled, she moved to get a child out of harm’s way.
“I know how scared you are,” Free Spirit called out softly. “Taken from your home, treated like…I can’t even imagine. They may even have played this game with you already, to show that you can’t trust anyone.”
During her search, Free Spirit kept an ear and an eye on Captain America’s struggle. She saw the twisted bed frame hurtling at her, and ducked to avoid it.
“This isn’t any place for a young boy,” Free Spirit went on. “And yeah, running off with a strange woman dressed in a cut-up American flag may not seem a lot better. All I have are words. Trust this, I will fight to get you home.”
Free Spirit saw the door she’d entered through. It was ajar, and for some reason she didn’t think it was from Captain America’s entrance. As Free Spirit rushed after the fleeing child, she wondered if he’d heard any of that speech.
In the hall, the two men Free Spirit had assaulted were still unconscious. She also caught a faint whiff on young fear. She ran down the hall as fast as she could. She gave up nothing at the corner, running on the wall for more than a few steps. So long as nobody else found him first, Free Spirit was confident of catching the child.
Less than a minute later Free Spirit saw him more than halfway up a long corridor. She also saw who was standing at the far end, a regal woman dressed all in green, flanked by HYDRA minions. More important, Free Spirit saw the gun in Madame HYDRA’s hand, and somehow she made herself run faster.
“Nnnnooooooo!” Everything was a blur except for the kid and the gun. Free Spirit heard the bang of a gunshot and he was still steps away. Could she really see the bullet, moving in slow motion? Was it her imagination? There was no time to even ponder that question. Free Spirit was simply focused on one thing. Within the instant her arms were around the kid and her turned with her. Impossibly she’d done it, her body between him and the bullets.
As the pain exploded and began to fade into shock, Free Spirit only had time to hope that help wasn’t too far away.
# # # # #
Sharon Carter, Agent 13 of SHIELD, was thrown roughly to the ground. The blindfold kept her unaware of her surroundings, but Sharon knew she hadn’t left the HYDRA base. She’d never even found the security control room, where Sharon had hoped to disable the base’s anti-aircraft defenses.
The blindfold was torn from Sharon’s face, and she saw she wasn’t alone in captivity. Bound and unconscious were Falcon, Jack Flag, and Jessica Jones. Being dragged into the mammoth chamber was Free Spirit, who appeared to be semi-conscious but in bad shape. Accompanying the HYDRA terrorists and her captive was the woman Agent 13 recognized as…
“Viper!” Agent 13 spat. “I’d heard you reestablished yourself as Madame HYDRA. It figures your first priority would be to stalk Captain America.”
“The primary target of tyranny should always be freedom and democracy’s most powerful champion,” said Madame HYDRA, fully embracing what she is. “The flaw in my first attempt was to merely kill Captain America. My revised goals have proven more difficult to achieve, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.”
Madame HYDRA snapped her fingers. Following her into the room were more HYDRA terrorists, including three costumed criminals. Agent 13 recognized the costumes of the Eel and first Viper, and the third she took to be a variation on the Cobra. A new Serpent Squad, she decided, unimpressed. But what followed them made Sharon gasp out loud.
Dragged into the room was Captain America, bruised and battered but alive. Also pulled into the room by two HYDRA thugs was a young boy. Perhaps Sharon was meant to assume this was Captain America’s supposed son, but that didn’t look right at all. Whatever the mother’s heritage, there wasn’t any of Steve Rogers in the boy’s features.
“Nicholas Fury enjoys playing his games, doesn’t he?” said Madame HYDRA as she drew a pistol. “This is the system you fight for, Captain America, where men use children in such a cheap ruse. How many have already suffered for it?”
“If you agree the boy has nothing to do with this, then let him go,” said Captain America. He appeared unconcerned about his own situation, and even less concerned that his shield was being passed to Madame HYDRA’s hands.
“Nicholas Fury is many things, but he doesn’t not put innocent people in harm’s way for the sake of a trap. My scientists and investigators will discern the boy’s origins eventually.” Madame HYDRA stared down at her reflection in the shield, her gaze one of rapturous delight. “And you would be wise to know he needn’t be alive for that.
Agent 13 frowned at the grammatical butchering. Even considering that English wasn’t Madame HYDRA’s native language, it was no excuse. She held her tongue though, as Madame HYDRA continued to monologue.
“That this shield hadn’t been recovered, that should have told me you survived. But in my youthful arrogance I’d failed to realize it’s importance to you. More than the Super-Soldier Serum, that wonder drug coursing through your veins, it is the shield that makes Captain America.”
Madame HYDRA approached Agent 13. “I wonder, would you still accept it as a part of yourself, coated with your lover’s blood?”
That elicited a response from Captain America. “No!” he cried would attempted to surge forward. But try as he might, even Captain America couldn’t overcome the shackles and men holding him. Desperately he worked at his gloves, and Madame HYDRA laughed.
“Do you expect me to be as foolish as the Taskmaster?” Madame HYDRA held up a small transmitter. “Moments after you left them, those two fools informed me of everything. It was a simple matter for your former ally to palm it during your fight, and furthermore I’ve learned it can do more than control your shield. A Helicarrier has been given the all-clear, and is now in-bound to our location.”
Agent 13 could not hold back the gasp, and Madame HYDRA turned to laugh in her face. “Yes, my artillery will bring the Helicarrier crashing into this base. Me and mine will be long gone, but you heroes of patriotism will all die in a fiery blaze. But your death will come first, Ms. Carter, a victim of Captain America’s own cleverness.”
Holding the shield out with one hand, Madame HYDRA activated the transmitter, intending to repulse the shield edge-first at Sharon Carter’s head. But to the surprise of everyone except Captain America, the shield ignited into flames. Screaming in pain, Madame HYDRA dropped the shield, and though her costume affording some protection, the flames had licked at her already scarred face.
The second time Captain America leaped forward, he broke the grip of his captors. Smashed against the scorching shield, the shackles were shattered, and Captain America stood free! With a vicious back-hand he sent Madame HYDRA hurtling, and planted himself before his friends and the hordes of HYDRA.
“I suspected you would be learn about my trick, and came up with something new. The repulsor was replaced with a thermite packet. Now shut down your defenses, unless you’d rather martyr yourself!"
With one hand over her screaming face, Madame HYDRA gave her response in a gesture to her Serpent Squad. They rushed at Captain America, Nomad-turned-Viper in the front. But they quickly learned that Captain America did not fight alone. For in the instant before Captain America had freed himself, Agent 13 had used the fiery shield to remove her own bonds. In that brief span of time she’d managed to free the now-conscious Jack Flag and Jessica Jones.
The two super-strong heroes rushed past Captain America, and together laid joint haymakers on Viper. The imperfect Super-Solder Serum given to Jack Monroe may have enabled him to handle on such blow, but not two. He fell back crashing against his two fellow criminals.
While his shield was alight and useless to hold, Captain America fought bare-handed against the hordes of HYDRA. It was not the shield, or even the Super-Soldier Serum, that made Steve Rogers an enduring symbol of liberty and justice. Long before World War II, before the treatment that strengthened his body, there was that indomitable will and unquenchable spirit. That was what the seemingly endless hordes of HYDRA battled that day, a man who had dared to stand against the Third Reich even his body was among the weakest on the planet. Against such a gallant, unconquerable soul, those who fought to destroy hope found themselves hopeless.
It was soon over. Together with Jessica Jones and Jack Flag, Captain America stood triumphant over a score of beaten HYDRA killers. Madame HYDRA and the Serpent Squad were gone, having fled during the melee. Sharon Carter was trying to comfort the kidnapped child, while Falcon was checking Free Spirit’s injuries.
“She’s lost a lot of blood. We need to get her treated fast.”
“We can use the supplies and equipment here to stabilize her until SHIELD arrives,” Captain America said. “But they’ll be sitting ducks if we can’t knock out HYDRA’s defenses, or draw their fire. Jessica, take the shield. Please do what you can. I’m going after HYDRA.”
Captain America took off running.
# # # # #
There had been very few times in her life when Jessica Jones hadn’t approached things with a jaded attitude. Captain America had been involved each time. There was just something about the man that convinced everyone around him to cut the bullshit and do the work.
Without hesitation, Jessica picked up the burning shield. The fire couldn’t damage her super-tough skin, but it still hurt. Worse, the strap was gone, so Jessica had to grip the edge. That’d make it harder to deflect anti-air fire.
Nevertheless, Jessica flew up without complaint, because Captain America had said please. Not one for being fancy, Jessica smashed through the ceiling, using the shield to lift any rubble up onto the next floor. This happened three time, and then Jessica burst through the reinforced roof to the sound of artillery fire. Jessica flew higher, imagining she could see the Helicarrier in the clouded sky.
Missiles, lasers, artillery shells. HYDRA’s defenses ran the gamut. Higher went Jessica, into the clouds themselves. She could see it now, the Helicarrier taking fire. Veering across the vessel’s underbelly, shield held out with both hands, Jessica stopped a missile from finding its target. The explosion sent Jessica momentarily hurtling out of control, but she soon righted herself. There was more fire coming from below, and she had to draw away all that she could.
Because Captain America had said please.
# # # # #
Bombs were bursting through the air when Captain America ran out of the HYDRA building. Madame HYDRA was just ahead of him, apparently running for the cliff’s edge. As though sensing the approach of her hated enemy, Madame HYDRA turned and fired a pistol.
Captain America jumped forward, sailing over the deadly bullet. He tackled Madame HYDRA, and together they fell over the cliff. Grappling against Captain America’s embrace, Madame HYDRA freed an arm and smashed the pistol against the side of his head. Stunned, Captain America released the nihilist, and briefly the fell apart. This wasn’t to last, as Madame HYDRA attempted to fire another shot before the waters below could reach them. To prevent this, Captain America grabbed the gun hand at the wrist and belted Madame HYDRA across the face.
It was at that moment they struck the ice waters, two unyielding foes locked in a deadly struggle. One the living symbol of freedom and democracy, the other a mistress of chaos and tyranny. One fought for the everything, the other for nothing. Beneath the water’s surface they struggled still, Madame HYDRA gripping Captain America by the throat and fighting to keep him under. If she was to die this night, so would he.
Impossibly, Madame HYDRA still gripped her gun, and Captain America still gripped her wrist. Twisting her arm, he found the trigger and fired. Immediately a red mist filled the water, its source not yet clear. A long second later, however, Madame HYDRA’s grip came loose and she would have drifted into the icy depths if not for Captain America’s hold on her.
His lungs ready to burst and all feeling lost in his limbs, Captain America broke the water’s surface. Also saved was Madame HYDRA, his mortal enemy, but Captain America would allow no life to end if he could help it. The terrorist deserved to be tried for her crimes, to face a sentence decided by the people.
Alas, this was not to be. Captain America’s ears heard the speedboat an instant before his eyes saw it. It was cutting across the water, with Captain America and Madame HYDRA directly in its path. Forced to release Madame HYDRA, Captain America shoved her in one direction and dived into the other. The speedboat completed the separation, missing them each by inches.
Captain America turned and, as he expected, the speedboat was HYDRA with a purpose. It had slowed enough to pull Madame HYDRA from the water, then sped off again. He then looked up and saw the SHIELD Helicarrier, damaged but functioning, hovering over the island as rockets burst around it with lessening frequency.
# # # # #
It didn’t take long for Captain America to find his allies. He found Free Spirit lying on a bed, bandages applied, with Falcon and Jack Flag standing over her. Jessica Jones was sitting nearby, being checked for burns. Lying at her feet was the shield, its paint scuffed. Agent 13 and the child were nowhere to be found.
“Sharon spirited him away first chance she had,” said Jack Flag. “She used the word classified a lot. Cap, I think we were sold a story about the kid.”
“Somebody was sold something,” Captain America agreed. “But I plan to get answers from Fury, one way or another.”
Falcon took a step forward. “Cap, that new Viper, is it really him?”
“I’m afraid so,” Captain America said. “HYDRA’s wrapped their limbs around Jack Monroe, and if it’s the last thing I do he’ll get untangled. Unfortunately it won’t be today. How’s Cathy?"
“It looks like HYDRA shot her a few more times for good measure,” Jack Flag said with an angry voice. “Now that the blood loss has been dealt with, they say she’ll recover fast.”
“Good. When she wakes up, tell her I want to talk.” Captain America started toward Jessica and reached for the shield. “Thank you, Jessica. And Sam, Jack, I thank you all. For everything. I’m sorry there were lies involved, but I promise I’ll get to the truth.”
Captain America then left, to go find Director Fury. He started with the man’s office and found Agent 13 leaving as he approached. She registered his presence and looked down, unwilling to meet his eyes. How much had she known? Captain America would have liked to belief none.
“Sharon.” He stopped her as she was about to walk past. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to handle it alone.
She paused, her eyes almost reaching his before shooting back down. Of course you would have, she wanted to scream. You’re Captain America. Instead she mumbled an apology and continued on her way. Captain America wanted to follow her, but went on into Director Fury’s office.
“If you want my head on a platter, there it is,” said Director Fury, indicating the silver platter on his drink cart. “Would you like a drink?”
“Give me what you’re having,” said Captain America. He crossed the room, careful not to get too close to Director Fury. The urge to punch him was being withheld, but there were limits.
“Brave man.” Director Fury poured two scotches, set one down at one corner of the desk and moved to an opposite corner. “In case you having figured it out, the kid isn’t yours.”
Captain America picked up the glass and emptied it. “Who is he?”
“Mine. I got around a lot over the years.” Director Fury sat down in his chair with a chuckle. “Or maybe he’s Sam’s, back when he called himself Snap and did all sorts of unsavory things. Or maybe he’s from the lineage of Isaiah Bradley. I assume you know who he is?”
“Since before I met his grandson Elijah. Are you telling me there’s more?”
“Great-grandsons actually. Remember, the War was a while ago. And there’s no telling how many there could be. A lot’s slipped past Uncle Sam’s radar. Someday I’ll tell you about this kid I met in ‘Nam named Josiah. This kid might be his, or a renowned scientist’s name of Brashear. There’s a lot of possibilities, and I don’t feel like killing them all in favor of one.”
“But you put the word out that he was mine?”
“For all you know there might still be one out there. And putting the word out is a bit strong. There are a dozen files in a dozen buildings that say a dozen things, and HYDRA happened to come across this one. It’s a shame, I’ll have liked to have seen Luke Cage in action.”
“You’re awful glib about putting a boy’s life in danger.”
Fury rose from his seat and slammed the empty glass against the table. “Genetics put his life in danger. This wasn’t bait on a hook, but I’m not naive and so of course I was ready for something to bite. If you don’t like it then I’m glad you’re not in this chair because somebody has to make these decisions.”
“What I don’t like is the implication that I would have fought any less,” said Captain America. “I deserved to know the truth, and if he has family alive then so do they. What’s going to happen to him now?”
“You deserve to be treated like any other soldier I put in the field,” said Director Fury. “Every action I make is with full awareness of the consequences. As for his family, they suffer and thrive the same as anyone else, at the whims of forces beyond their control. HYDRA played their hand and lost a major base, gave up intelligence on major assets that I’m hunting even as we speak. This is what I do Steve, and like I said you don’t have to like it.”
“No, and I doubt the majority of the world would either,” said Captain America. "But yes, I do recognize the need for you, and I am thankful that there’s someone to make decisions I don’t have to. But that doesn’t mean I have to work with you unless absolutely necessary."
Captain America went for the door. “Unless you find Nomad, lose my number Nick. For now, I’m outside your web of lies.”
# # # # #
It was a few days before Captain America received a call from Cathy Webster. By that time he’d gotten everything ready, and had considered leaving. Her message had been a welcome surprise, and he’d been more than happy to meet Free Spirit for drinks.
“I think I’ve been here before,” Steve Rogers said after exchanging pleasantries.
“You make it to Stonewall often?” asked Cathy. “Why am I not surprised.”
“This was back in the thirties, it was a restaurant at the time.” Steve glanced around, looking past the club goers and seeing the building. “And it might have been next door, now that I think of it."
“You’re unflappable, I swear,” said Cathy. “Captain America in a gay bar, and he doesn’t even blink. So what’s on your mind?”
“Thank you,” Steve Rogers said to the waiter as their drinks were set down. “I wanted to thank you in person for what you did, and invite you to come on a trip I’m taking.”
“If it’s to snatch that kid from SHIELD and raise him as our own, I’m in.”
“No, unfortunately it’s not a battle worth fight right now.” Steve sipped his drink and raised a hand as Cathy was about to interject. “And yes, that attitude is exactly why I need to do this. Every so often I go out on my own, travel the country and get a feel for America.”
“Smart, but why me? I get that Jack’s busy with his new position, but Sam must be available.”
“We’ve danced that dance before,” Steve said, fully aware of how that phrase could be construed given the setting. Cathy couldn’t help but laugh. “You know parts of this country I’ve never looked at before, Cathy. Places I’ve never thought to look. It would never occur to me to visit this bar and meet the people inside.”
“Maybe next I’ll take you street racing and help set you up on a social network,” said Cathy. “Okay, I’ll join you in your tour of America. When do we go?”
“Tomorrow, if can.” Steve Rogers stood up at the table and extended a hand to Cathy. “But tonight lets hit the dance floor.”
# # # # #
“Right off the bat, I’m calling bad idea,” said Free Spirit.
She and Captain America were in the garage of his building, standing next to the intended transportation. “What’s wrong with the van?” he asked.
“It kind of gives off a Sex Registration vibe,” she said. “This isn’t the sixties, where people traveled in their homes. I ship my luggage ahead and plan to sleep in hotels.”
“But the motorcycle is inside, in case we need to split up,” said Captain America. “This isn’t a vacation with a strict itinerary. We need to be flexible, and ready to live rough.”
“And you need to learn just how far a budget can go with the proper application of technology.” Free Spirit took out her smart phone. “I’ve already loaned out your van and your motorcycle to a service that got us on the lists in a dozen cities. Anywhere we go I can find a place and a ride for almost nothing, unless you only plan on visiting rural America?”
“No, though I’m glad to hear the old days of helping out in exchange for a meal and a bed are still alive.” Captain America grabbed his duffel bag and followed Cathy as she left the garage. “Are you okay with trains between cities?”
“I have the app account set up, we can just swipe and walk through. Also…” The taxi was waiting at the curb, in response to Free Spirit’s digital hail. “Much easier that waving arms. Where would you like to go first.”
“There’s something going on out west. I’d like to see what all the fuss is about.”
NEXT ISSUE: Some communities don’t like visitors. What happens when Captain America visits one and starts asking questions? Pretty much what you’d expect.
As Captain America and the man struggled a short distance away, Free Spirit got to her feet and recalled what she’d been told about Jack Monroe. A young student in the 1950’s, he’d fallen in with a deluded man calling himself Steve Rogers and took a flawed version of the Super Soldier Serum. Calling themselves Captain America and Bucky, the men had fought Communists real and imagined until the government placed them into suspended animation. Awoken years later by the real Captain America, the impostor had taken the name Grand Dictator and died in a fiery explosion. Jack, though, had gotten much needed help and, with Captain America’s blessing, had taken up the identity of Nomad.
The last Free Spirit had heard, Nomad had gone missing in Italy, helping Captain America against Flagsmasher and a HYDRA cell. Evidently he’d been taken captive and brainwashed. Every instinct told Free Spirit to help Captain America battle his former ally, but Free Spirit remembered what she’d found in this room before the Serpent Squad had attacked. As Super-Soldiers battled, she moved to get a child out of harm’s way.
“I know how scared you are,” Free Spirit called out softly. “Taken from your home, treated like…I can’t even imagine. They may even have played this game with you already, to show that you can’t trust anyone.”
During her search, Free Spirit kept an ear and an eye on Captain America’s struggle. She saw the twisted bed frame hurtling at her, and ducked to avoid it.
“This isn’t any place for a young boy,” Free Spirit went on. “And yeah, running off with a strange woman dressed in a cut-up American flag may not seem a lot better. All I have are words. Trust this, I will fight to get you home.”
Free Spirit saw the door she’d entered through. It was ajar, and for some reason she didn’t think it was from Captain America’s entrance. As Free Spirit rushed after the fleeing child, she wondered if he’d heard any of that speech.
In the hall, the two men Free Spirit had assaulted were still unconscious. She also caught a faint whiff on young fear. She ran down the hall as fast as she could. She gave up nothing at the corner, running on the wall for more than a few steps. So long as nobody else found him first, Free Spirit was confident of catching the child.
Less than a minute later Free Spirit saw him more than halfway up a long corridor. She also saw who was standing at the far end, a regal woman dressed all in green, flanked by HYDRA minions. More important, Free Spirit saw the gun in Madame HYDRA’s hand, and somehow she made herself run faster.
“Nnnnooooooo!” Everything was a blur except for the kid and the gun. Free Spirit heard the bang of a gunshot and he was still steps away. Could she really see the bullet, moving in slow motion? Was it her imagination? There was no time to even ponder that question. Free Spirit was simply focused on one thing. Within the instant her arms were around the kid and her turned with her. Impossibly she’d done it, her body between him and the bullets.
As the pain exploded and began to fade into shock, Free Spirit only had time to hope that help wasn’t too far away.
# # # # #
Sharon Carter, Agent 13 of SHIELD, was thrown roughly to the ground. The blindfold kept her unaware of her surroundings, but Sharon knew she hadn’t left the HYDRA base. She’d never even found the security control room, where Sharon had hoped to disable the base’s anti-aircraft defenses.
The blindfold was torn from Sharon’s face, and she saw she wasn’t alone in captivity. Bound and unconscious were Falcon, Jack Flag, and Jessica Jones. Being dragged into the mammoth chamber was Free Spirit, who appeared to be semi-conscious but in bad shape. Accompanying the HYDRA terrorists and her captive was the woman Agent 13 recognized as…
“Viper!” Agent 13 spat. “I’d heard you reestablished yourself as Madame HYDRA. It figures your first priority would be to stalk Captain America.”
“The primary target of tyranny should always be freedom and democracy’s most powerful champion,” said Madame HYDRA, fully embracing what she is. “The flaw in my first attempt was to merely kill Captain America. My revised goals have proven more difficult to achieve, but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.”
Madame HYDRA snapped her fingers. Following her into the room were more HYDRA terrorists, including three costumed criminals. Agent 13 recognized the costumes of the Eel and first Viper, and the third she took to be a variation on the Cobra. A new Serpent Squad, she decided, unimpressed. But what followed them made Sharon gasp out loud.
Dragged into the room was Captain America, bruised and battered but alive. Also pulled into the room by two HYDRA thugs was a young boy. Perhaps Sharon was meant to assume this was Captain America’s supposed son, but that didn’t look right at all. Whatever the mother’s heritage, there wasn’t any of Steve Rogers in the boy’s features.
“Nicholas Fury enjoys playing his games, doesn’t he?” said Madame HYDRA as she drew a pistol. “This is the system you fight for, Captain America, where men use children in such a cheap ruse. How many have already suffered for it?”
“If you agree the boy has nothing to do with this, then let him go,” said Captain America. He appeared unconcerned about his own situation, and even less concerned that his shield was being passed to Madame HYDRA’s hands.
“Nicholas Fury is many things, but he doesn’t not put innocent people in harm’s way for the sake of a trap. My scientists and investigators will discern the boy’s origins eventually.” Madame HYDRA stared down at her reflection in the shield, her gaze one of rapturous delight. “And you would be wise to know he needn’t be alive for that.
Agent 13 frowned at the grammatical butchering. Even considering that English wasn’t Madame HYDRA’s native language, it was no excuse. She held her tongue though, as Madame HYDRA continued to monologue.
“That this shield hadn’t been recovered, that should have told me you survived. But in my youthful arrogance I’d failed to realize it’s importance to you. More than the Super-Soldier Serum, that wonder drug coursing through your veins, it is the shield that makes Captain America.”
Madame HYDRA approached Agent 13. “I wonder, would you still accept it as a part of yourself, coated with your lover’s blood?”
That elicited a response from Captain America. “No!” he cried would attempted to surge forward. But try as he might, even Captain America couldn’t overcome the shackles and men holding him. Desperately he worked at his gloves, and Madame HYDRA laughed.
“Do you expect me to be as foolish as the Taskmaster?” Madame HYDRA held up a small transmitter. “Moments after you left them, those two fools informed me of everything. It was a simple matter for your former ally to palm it during your fight, and furthermore I’ve learned it can do more than control your shield. A Helicarrier has been given the all-clear, and is now in-bound to our location.”
Agent 13 could not hold back the gasp, and Madame HYDRA turned to laugh in her face. “Yes, my artillery will bring the Helicarrier crashing into this base. Me and mine will be long gone, but you heroes of patriotism will all die in a fiery blaze. But your death will come first, Ms. Carter, a victim of Captain America’s own cleverness.”
Holding the shield out with one hand, Madame HYDRA activated the transmitter, intending to repulse the shield edge-first at Sharon Carter’s head. But to the surprise of everyone except Captain America, the shield ignited into flames. Screaming in pain, Madame HYDRA dropped the shield, and though her costume affording some protection, the flames had licked at her already scarred face.
The second time Captain America leaped forward, he broke the grip of his captors. Smashed against the scorching shield, the shackles were shattered, and Captain America stood free! With a vicious back-hand he sent Madame HYDRA hurtling, and planted himself before his friends and the hordes of HYDRA.
“I suspected you would be learn about my trick, and came up with something new. The repulsor was replaced with a thermite packet. Now shut down your defenses, unless you’d rather martyr yourself!"
With one hand over her screaming face, Madame HYDRA gave her response in a gesture to her Serpent Squad. They rushed at Captain America, Nomad-turned-Viper in the front. But they quickly learned that Captain America did not fight alone. For in the instant before Captain America had freed himself, Agent 13 had used the fiery shield to remove her own bonds. In that brief span of time she’d managed to free the now-conscious Jack Flag and Jessica Jones.
The two super-strong heroes rushed past Captain America, and together laid joint haymakers on Viper. The imperfect Super-Solder Serum given to Jack Monroe may have enabled him to handle on such blow, but not two. He fell back crashing against his two fellow criminals.
While his shield was alight and useless to hold, Captain America fought bare-handed against the hordes of HYDRA. It was not the shield, or even the Super-Soldier Serum, that made Steve Rogers an enduring symbol of liberty and justice. Long before World War II, before the treatment that strengthened his body, there was that indomitable will and unquenchable spirit. That was what the seemingly endless hordes of HYDRA battled that day, a man who had dared to stand against the Third Reich even his body was among the weakest on the planet. Against such a gallant, unconquerable soul, those who fought to destroy hope found themselves hopeless.
It was soon over. Together with Jessica Jones and Jack Flag, Captain America stood triumphant over a score of beaten HYDRA killers. Madame HYDRA and the Serpent Squad were gone, having fled during the melee. Sharon Carter was trying to comfort the kidnapped child, while Falcon was checking Free Spirit’s injuries.
“She’s lost a lot of blood. We need to get her treated fast.”
“We can use the supplies and equipment here to stabilize her until SHIELD arrives,” Captain America said. “But they’ll be sitting ducks if we can’t knock out HYDRA’s defenses, or draw their fire. Jessica, take the shield. Please do what you can. I’m going after HYDRA.”
Captain America took off running.
# # # # #
There had been very few times in her life when Jessica Jones hadn’t approached things with a jaded attitude. Captain America had been involved each time. There was just something about the man that convinced everyone around him to cut the bullshit and do the work.
Without hesitation, Jessica picked up the burning shield. The fire couldn’t damage her super-tough skin, but it still hurt. Worse, the strap was gone, so Jessica had to grip the edge. That’d make it harder to deflect anti-air fire.
Nevertheless, Jessica flew up without complaint, because Captain America had said please. Not one for being fancy, Jessica smashed through the ceiling, using the shield to lift any rubble up onto the next floor. This happened three time, and then Jessica burst through the reinforced roof to the sound of artillery fire. Jessica flew higher, imagining she could see the Helicarrier in the clouded sky.
Missiles, lasers, artillery shells. HYDRA’s defenses ran the gamut. Higher went Jessica, into the clouds themselves. She could see it now, the Helicarrier taking fire. Veering across the vessel’s underbelly, shield held out with both hands, Jessica stopped a missile from finding its target. The explosion sent Jessica momentarily hurtling out of control, but she soon righted herself. There was more fire coming from below, and she had to draw away all that she could.
Because Captain America had said please.
# # # # #
Bombs were bursting through the air when Captain America ran out of the HYDRA building. Madame HYDRA was just ahead of him, apparently running for the cliff’s edge. As though sensing the approach of her hated enemy, Madame HYDRA turned and fired a pistol.
Captain America jumped forward, sailing over the deadly bullet. He tackled Madame HYDRA, and together they fell over the cliff. Grappling against Captain America’s embrace, Madame HYDRA freed an arm and smashed the pistol against the side of his head. Stunned, Captain America released the nihilist, and briefly the fell apart. This wasn’t to last, as Madame HYDRA attempted to fire another shot before the waters below could reach them. To prevent this, Captain America grabbed the gun hand at the wrist and belted Madame HYDRA across the face.
It was at that moment they struck the ice waters, two unyielding foes locked in a deadly struggle. One the living symbol of freedom and democracy, the other a mistress of chaos and tyranny. One fought for the everything, the other for nothing. Beneath the water’s surface they struggled still, Madame HYDRA gripping Captain America by the throat and fighting to keep him under. If she was to die this night, so would he.
Impossibly, Madame HYDRA still gripped her gun, and Captain America still gripped her wrist. Twisting her arm, he found the trigger and fired. Immediately a red mist filled the water, its source not yet clear. A long second later, however, Madame HYDRA’s grip came loose and she would have drifted into the icy depths if not for Captain America’s hold on her.
His lungs ready to burst and all feeling lost in his limbs, Captain America broke the water’s surface. Also saved was Madame HYDRA, his mortal enemy, but Captain America would allow no life to end if he could help it. The terrorist deserved to be tried for her crimes, to face a sentence decided by the people.
Alas, this was not to be. Captain America’s ears heard the speedboat an instant before his eyes saw it. It was cutting across the water, with Captain America and Madame HYDRA directly in its path. Forced to release Madame HYDRA, Captain America shoved her in one direction and dived into the other. The speedboat completed the separation, missing them each by inches.
Captain America turned and, as he expected, the speedboat was HYDRA with a purpose. It had slowed enough to pull Madame HYDRA from the water, then sped off again. He then looked up and saw the SHIELD Helicarrier, damaged but functioning, hovering over the island as rockets burst around it with lessening frequency.
# # # # #
It didn’t take long for Captain America to find his allies. He found Free Spirit lying on a bed, bandages applied, with Falcon and Jack Flag standing over her. Jessica Jones was sitting nearby, being checked for burns. Lying at her feet was the shield, its paint scuffed. Agent 13 and the child were nowhere to be found.
“Sharon spirited him away first chance she had,” said Jack Flag. “She used the word classified a lot. Cap, I think we were sold a story about the kid.”
“Somebody was sold something,” Captain America agreed. “But I plan to get answers from Fury, one way or another.”
Falcon took a step forward. “Cap, that new Viper, is it really him?”
“I’m afraid so,” Captain America said. “HYDRA’s wrapped their limbs around Jack Monroe, and if it’s the last thing I do he’ll get untangled. Unfortunately it won’t be today. How’s Cathy?"
“It looks like HYDRA shot her a few more times for good measure,” Jack Flag said with an angry voice. “Now that the blood loss has been dealt with, they say she’ll recover fast.”
“Good. When she wakes up, tell her I want to talk.” Captain America started toward Jessica and reached for the shield. “Thank you, Jessica. And Sam, Jack, I thank you all. For everything. I’m sorry there were lies involved, but I promise I’ll get to the truth.”
Captain America then left, to go find Director Fury. He started with the man’s office and found Agent 13 leaving as he approached. She registered his presence and looked down, unwilling to meet his eyes. How much had she known? Captain America would have liked to belief none.
“Sharon.” He stopped her as she was about to walk past. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to handle it alone.
She paused, her eyes almost reaching his before shooting back down. Of course you would have, she wanted to scream. You’re Captain America. Instead she mumbled an apology and continued on her way. Captain America wanted to follow her, but went on into Director Fury’s office.
“If you want my head on a platter, there it is,” said Director Fury, indicating the silver platter on his drink cart. “Would you like a drink?”
“Give me what you’re having,” said Captain America. He crossed the room, careful not to get too close to Director Fury. The urge to punch him was being withheld, but there were limits.
“Brave man.” Director Fury poured two scotches, set one down at one corner of the desk and moved to an opposite corner. “In case you having figured it out, the kid isn’t yours.”
Captain America picked up the glass and emptied it. “Who is he?”
“Mine. I got around a lot over the years.” Director Fury sat down in his chair with a chuckle. “Or maybe he’s Sam’s, back when he called himself Snap and did all sorts of unsavory things. Or maybe he’s from the lineage of Isaiah Bradley. I assume you know who he is?”
“Since before I met his grandson Elijah. Are you telling me there’s more?”
“Great-grandsons actually. Remember, the War was a while ago. And there’s no telling how many there could be. A lot’s slipped past Uncle Sam’s radar. Someday I’ll tell you about this kid I met in ‘Nam named Josiah. This kid might be his, or a renowned scientist’s name of Brashear. There’s a lot of possibilities, and I don’t feel like killing them all in favor of one.”
“But you put the word out that he was mine?”
“For all you know there might still be one out there. And putting the word out is a bit strong. There are a dozen files in a dozen buildings that say a dozen things, and HYDRA happened to come across this one. It’s a shame, I’ll have liked to have seen Luke Cage in action.”
“You’re awful glib about putting a boy’s life in danger.”
Fury rose from his seat and slammed the empty glass against the table. “Genetics put his life in danger. This wasn’t bait on a hook, but I’m not naive and so of course I was ready for something to bite. If you don’t like it then I’m glad you’re not in this chair because somebody has to make these decisions.”
“What I don’t like is the implication that I would have fought any less,” said Captain America. “I deserved to know the truth, and if he has family alive then so do they. What’s going to happen to him now?”
“You deserve to be treated like any other soldier I put in the field,” said Director Fury. “Every action I make is with full awareness of the consequences. As for his family, they suffer and thrive the same as anyone else, at the whims of forces beyond their control. HYDRA played their hand and lost a major base, gave up intelligence on major assets that I’m hunting even as we speak. This is what I do Steve, and like I said you don’t have to like it.”
“No, and I doubt the majority of the world would either,” said Captain America. "But yes, I do recognize the need for you, and I am thankful that there’s someone to make decisions I don’t have to. But that doesn’t mean I have to work with you unless absolutely necessary."
Captain America went for the door. “Unless you find Nomad, lose my number Nick. For now, I’m outside your web of lies.”
# # # # #
It was a few days before Captain America received a call from Cathy Webster. By that time he’d gotten everything ready, and had considered leaving. Her message had been a welcome surprise, and he’d been more than happy to meet Free Spirit for drinks.
“I think I’ve been here before,” Steve Rogers said after exchanging pleasantries.
“You make it to Stonewall often?” asked Cathy. “Why am I not surprised.”
“This was back in the thirties, it was a restaurant at the time.” Steve glanced around, looking past the club goers and seeing the building. “And it might have been next door, now that I think of it."
“You’re unflappable, I swear,” said Cathy. “Captain America in a gay bar, and he doesn’t even blink. So what’s on your mind?”
“Thank you,” Steve Rogers said to the waiter as their drinks were set down. “I wanted to thank you in person for what you did, and invite you to come on a trip I’m taking.”
“If it’s to snatch that kid from SHIELD and raise him as our own, I’m in.”
“No, unfortunately it’s not a battle worth fight right now.” Steve sipped his drink and raised a hand as Cathy was about to interject. “And yes, that attitude is exactly why I need to do this. Every so often I go out on my own, travel the country and get a feel for America.”
“Smart, but why me? I get that Jack’s busy with his new position, but Sam must be available.”
“We’ve danced that dance before,” Steve said, fully aware of how that phrase could be construed given the setting. Cathy couldn’t help but laugh. “You know parts of this country I’ve never looked at before, Cathy. Places I’ve never thought to look. It would never occur to me to visit this bar and meet the people inside.”
“Maybe next I’ll take you street racing and help set you up on a social network,” said Cathy. “Okay, I’ll join you in your tour of America. When do we go?”
“Tomorrow, if can.” Steve Rogers stood up at the table and extended a hand to Cathy. “But tonight lets hit the dance floor.”
# # # # #
“Right off the bat, I’m calling bad idea,” said Free Spirit.
She and Captain America were in the garage of his building, standing next to the intended transportation. “What’s wrong with the van?” he asked.
“It kind of gives off a Sex Registration vibe,” she said. “This isn’t the sixties, where people traveled in their homes. I ship my luggage ahead and plan to sleep in hotels.”
“But the motorcycle is inside, in case we need to split up,” said Captain America. “This isn’t a vacation with a strict itinerary. We need to be flexible, and ready to live rough.”
“And you need to learn just how far a budget can go with the proper application of technology.” Free Spirit took out her smart phone. “I’ve already loaned out your van and your motorcycle to a service that got us on the lists in a dozen cities. Anywhere we go I can find a place and a ride for almost nothing, unless you only plan on visiting rural America?”
“No, though I’m glad to hear the old days of helping out in exchange for a meal and a bed are still alive.” Captain America grabbed his duffel bag and followed Cathy as she left the garage. “Are you okay with trains between cities?”
“I have the app account set up, we can just swipe and walk through. Also…” The taxi was waiting at the curb, in response to Free Spirit’s digital hail. “Much easier that waving arms. Where would you like to go first.”
“There’s something going on out west. I’d like to see what all the fuss is about.”
NEXT ISSUE: Some communities don’t like visitors. What happens when Captain America visits one and starts asking questions? Pretty much what you’d expect.