Humans have always been storytellers. From the day they were able to write, humans have recoded stories and shared grand tales of creatures larger than life. Myths and legends explaining how the world was created, how humans came into existence or w...
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The HYDRA base was much larger than Steve expected it to be.
He's been thinking of a camp made of canvas tents and temporary structures, just like his was. A small collective in the middle of the forest, perhaps even a brick building that was a couple of stories tall at most— something quick to build and easy to disassemble for fast camp re-location.
However, after catching a glimpse of the multiple smokestacks rising above the trees and stretching into the dark clouds above upon his approach, Steve knew he couldn't have been more incorrect in his assumption.
The compound was truly monstrous. It cleared the forest canopy by at least 5 stories— a hulking concrete factory claiming the center of a huge clearing with a ring of smaller buildings and tents on the perimeter. Scattering the clearing were rows and rows of HYDRA soldiers, weapons and military vehicles illuminated by giant patrol lights from the side of the main structure. Even under the cover of nightfall, the amount of light being emitted from the compound was enough to light up the darkened sky like a spotlight among the towering mountains. A tall concrete wall surrounded the entire base with multiple heavily guarded gates leading inside.
Steve couldn't help but feel slightly nervous as the vehicle he had discreetly hitched a ride on approached the front gates. Perhaps he had overestimated his new-found skills when he'd decided to disobey orders and infiltrate the base.
Despite the appearance of the HYDRA base, however, Steve found out that getting past the guards and inside the fence was easier than anticipated. After being able to clear out the rear compartment of a transport truck, Steve rode straight through the front gate and into the loading docks at the factory, all while remaining completely unseen. As the truck parked, Steve stuck his head out of the rear tarps cautiously, seeing the hundreds of guards swarming the compound grounds armed with large weapons that glowed a bright blue.
All those soldiers walking around, and yet not a single one had caught sight of him? Just how poorly trained are these soldiers? He thought to himself.
Steve quickly and silently exited the back of the truck, sticking close to the wall as he maneuvered away from the loading docks and into the main factory.
Once inside, the stench hit him like a freight train, nearly taking him off his feat. The stagnant smell of sweat and gunpower filled the space. Steve's nose burned, only encouraging him to move quickly through the factory and down into the transportation tunnels.
