The Unknown Soldier (N.R)

Chapter 9

While Bucky and I walk down the street, looking for Steve, we hear a thud down an alley. We look down the alley and see some guy hit Steve. We immediately rush into it to help.

Bucky: Hey!

I grab the guys arm and throw him backwards.

Jack: Pick on someone your own size.

He swings at me, but I dodge the punch. I quickly hit him straight in the face. He bends over to recover so I kick him in his ass and he runs away.

I walk back over to Bucky who is helping Steve get up off the ground.

Bucky: Sometimes I think youkke getting punched.

Steve: I had him on the ropes.

I look next to steve and see his rejected enlistment form on the ground. I grab the paper off the ground.

Jack: How many times is this?

I open up the form and look at the location.

Jack: Oh, you're from Paramus now?

Bucky: You know it's illegal to lie on the enlistment form.

Jack: And seriously, Jersey?

As Steve regains his vision back he looks at Buck and I in our dress uniforms.

Steve: You guys got your orders?

Bucky: The 107th. Sargent James Barnes and Sargent Jack Kelly.

Jack: We're getting shipped out for England first thing tomorrow.

Steve looks down and sighs.

Steve: I should be going.

Jack: Come on man.

I say as I wrap my arm around Steve's shoulder as we walk back out of the alley.

Bucky: It's our last night, gotta get you cleaned up.

Steve: Why? Where are we going?

I hand Steve the Stark Expo flyer.

Jack: The future.

-

As we enter the Stark Expo we start to talk about how Steve can't get into the military again.

Jack: I don't see what the problem is. You're about to be the last eligible man in New York.

Bucky: Did you know there's 3 and 1/2 million women here?

Steve: Well, I'd settle for just one.

Bucky: Good thing I took care of that.

He says as he waves over two girls.

Steve: What'd you tell her about me?

He says a bit nervous.

Jack: Only the good stuff.

I say trying to make him feel better as I pay his back.

-

We make our way through the crowd as the show is starting.

Stark walks out and everyone claps. I watch as Steve offers his date some popcorn and she rudely rejects it.

I lean down next to Steve so only he can hear me.

Jack: Don't worry about it, man.

I nod towards the show in front of us and go back to watching. I'm amazed when Stark is able to make a car float on its own.

I laugh when it stops working and falls to the ground. I turn to look at Steve to see his reaction, but when I look he's gone.

I shake Bucky's shoulder and point to where Steve used to be. His expression drops and we start to look around.

I sigh when I look over and see an enlistment poster on the wall. I grab Bucky and point over towards it.

-

We find Steve in the enlistment station not far from the show. We look inside and see Steve standing on the soldier reflection machine. We walk over to him and Bucky nudges his shoulder.

Bucky: Come on. You're kind of missing the point of a double date. We're taking the girls dancing.

Steve: You go ahead. I'll catch up with you.

He says while stepping off of the machine.

Jack: You're really gonna do this again?

Steve: Well, it's a fair. I'm gonna try my luck.

Jack: As who? Steve from Ohio?

Bucky: They'll catch you.

Jack: Or worse, they'll actually take you.

Steve: Look, I know you guys don't think I can do this.

Jack: This isn't a back alley Steve, it's war.

Steve: I know it's a war.

Bucky: Why are you so keen to fight? There are so many important jobs.

Steve: What do you want me to do? Collect scrap metal in my little red wagon?

Jack: Yes. Why not?

Steve: I'm not gonna sit in a factory, Jack. There are men laying down their lives. I got no right to do any less than them. That's what you two don't understand. This isn't about me.

Jack: Right, cause you got nothing to prove?

We stand there for a few moments no one saying anything. The silence is broken by one of the girls behind us.

Girl: Hey, sarge! Are we going dancing or what?

Bucky turns back to the girls.

Bucky: Yes we are.

As Bucky walks off I turn back to Steve.

Jack: Don't do anything stupid until I get back.

Steve: How can I? You're taking all of the stupid with you.

Jack: You're a punk.

I say as I give him a hug goodbye.

Steve: Jerk.

I let go.

Steve: Be careful.

I start to walk away but he says something else.

Steve: Don't win the war till I get there!

I turn back and salute him.