Art of War

III

The next day, Steve, Peggy and Michaela drove through Brooklyn as they made their way to the facility.

Steve glanced out the window at their surroundings and said, "I know this neighborhood. I got beat up in that alley. And that parking lot. And behind that diner."

"Did you have something against running away?" Peggy asked.

Michaela nodded. "Yes, he most certainly did. Annoyed-"

Steve cut her off with a look. "You start running they'll never let you stop. You stand up, push back. Can't say no forever, right?"

"I know a little of what that's like," Peggy replied. "To have every door shut in your face."

"I guess I just don't know why you'd wanna join the army if you're a beautiful dame. Or a beautiful... a woman. An agent, not a dame! You are beautiful, but..."

"You have no idea to talk to a woman, do you? Interestingly enough, you don't seem to have a problem talking to Miss Evans."

"Michaela's different. She's one of my best friends. Besides her, this is the longest conversation I've had with one. Women aren't exactly lining up to dance with a guy they might step on."

"You must have danced?"

"Well, asking a woman to dance always seems terrifying. And the past few years just didn't seem to matter that much. Figured I'd wait."

"For what?"

"The right partner," Steve and Michaela answered, the latter with a smirk.

They pulled up by an antiques shop and got out of the car.

"This way," Peggy instructed.

"What are we doing here?" Steve and Michaela asked.

"Follow me."

The three went inside.

"Wonderful weather this morning, isn't it?" the antique store owner questioned.

"Yes, but I always carry an umbrella," Peggy replied.

The antique store owner pushed a button, causing a door to open and they were motioned to proceed.

Peggy led Steve and Michaela into the hidden lab.

---

Dr. Erskine and his team were in a big circular room filled with machinery and a pod in the middle.

"Good morning," Dr. Erskine repeated, shaking Steve's hand and someone took a photograph. "Please, not now." The photographer walked away; Steve and Michaela looked at the pod. "Are you ready?" Steve nodded. "Good. Take off your shirt, your tie and your hat."

Steve did as instructed, noticing his friend's expression. "I'll be okay, Mick."

Michaela swallowed heavily. "Steve, you can't promise that. Bucky's already gone off to God-knows-where."

"Mick, trust me, okay?"

"Steve, I can't. But I'm not leaving, okay?"

"All right."

Steve climbed into the pod and laid down.

"Comfortable?" Dr. Erskine asked.

"It's a little big," Steve said. "You save me any of that Schnapps?"

"Not as much as I should have. Sorry. Next time. Mr. Stark, how are your levels?"

"Levels at 100%," Howard replied.