Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 22: Extraction

He had convinced her to at least go with him to the extraction point, to see if she would be allowed to join him going back to the Allies. She had been making preparations with her Resistance unit, seeing her patients one last time, and closing up the house.

On the big day, Steve grabbed his shield, Mila grabbed her medical bag and they hopped into a car with Commander Lupin. They drove for an hour until they got to a makeshift base. This was the place the 107th had been evacuated to when they were attacked. As they got out of the car, Lupin was greeted by other French soldiers. They were led to a hangar where a small plane was being prepared. Someone turned the engines on, and the noise was like nothing Mila had ever heard. She had never flown before and the thought terrified her.

As she tried to hold herself together, Mila heard a door open on the plane. She looked up and saw the Howard Stark hopping out. She froze and looked around for Steve. She saw him walk right up to Stark and shaking hands. He then motioned towards Mila and the two men walked towards her. She was suddenly extremely self-conscious.

"Howard, this is Dr. Mila Abrams, she worked with Erskine!" Steve shouted over the engines.

"Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Abrams!" Stark reached out and took her hand to kiss it. "Rogers tells me you're something else! Wanna go to England and talk shop?"

"It is truly an honor, Sir! Are you sure I can go with you? Don't you need clearance to put me on that plane?" She was starstruck but didn't want anyone to get in trouble.

"Clearance? It's my plane! Hop in, Doc!" Stark laughed.

As they took their seats, Mila's stomach was in knots. She was excited and nervous, never mind she was sitting in Howard Stark's private plane...

Steve noticed her fidgeting and took her hand. "It's okay, Mila. It's a short flight."

Stark noticed the interaction and teased Steve. "Someone enjoyed France, huh?"

Steve blushed and pulled his hand away from Mila. "Don't worry, pal! I won't tell Peggy! I know better than to cross a dame who can shoot like her!" Stark laughed from the cockpit. "Hey, Doc, if you get nervous, there's a full bar at the back of the plane, help yourself!"

The plane started moving, taxiing into a field, before takeoff.

"Next stop England!" Stark boomed as they took off.