Steve Rogers went back to the past to reconnect with his true love, Peggy Carter. That's what everyone in 2023 thought. The truth is he went back to right a wrong, several of them in fact. He went back to save his friend, James Buchanan "Bucky" B...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
January 3, 1946
It had been 10 days since the attack on the HYDRA base in the Balkans. By some miracle, Morita was still alive when they landed in Rome. He was rushed directly to the military hospital where he was operated on then transferred to England for transport home on one of the last scheduled troop ships to return to the United States. Private Parry, the soldier who had been in the chair at the base had slowly come out of the fugue effects of it and had left with his two prison mates. They were also bound for England, but they underwent a full medical examination first then a secret debriefing of their treatment since they were captured months before. The British prisoners stayed in England, while the Americans returned to the United States. After a short respite, they were assigned to the SSR to begin training as agents. Even though HYDRA had been routed from Europe, it was known there were still bases in Russia, South America and possibly Japan. The existing members of the Phantom Patrol and Howling Commandos, minus a few people, were also on that ship, taking the journey across the North Atlantic. It wasn't the best way to travel considering the time of year, but it's what they had.
At the starboard railing of the Queen Mary, making her final journey as a troop ship, two men, friends since childhood, leaned forward, eagerly looking for familiar landmarks. Even though it was only 38° F, there wasn't a free space anywhere on the outer decks as the former cruise ship, carrying over 11,000 returning troops, pulled into the entrance to New York Harbor. It seemed like every GI onboard was on the main deck, craning their necks for a view of the Statue of Liberty. But Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers were on the side of the ship that faced Brooklyn, pointing out the South Brooklyn docks first, then Red Hook next. As the ship passed that landmark and eventually glided under the Brooklyn Bridge both men seemed to relax as if they finally accepted that they were truly home. Bucky felt a firm hand on his shoulder and turned to see Steve squeezing it.
"We made it," he said. "Even with the trouble we both had we're home for good, well, mostly."
"I didn't tell Gladdie or my parents I was on the ship," said Bucky. "I feel like a heel now. Should have given them a warning."
"That's okay, I did it for you," grinned Steve. "Figured with all the Staff Sergeant's duties and medal presentations you had to attend to, it might have slipped your mind."
"Thanks," blushed Bucky. "It's not just that. I'm nervous. Gladdie and I barely had any time together before I went back. I'm scared she won't feel the same about me now that we've been apart since April."
Steve gripped Bucky's shoulder again but in support.
"She does. Peggy said Gladdie misses you terribly."
"Can't believe I'm going to be a dad." A deep breath escaped from Bucky's mouth. "You'll be one soon enough as well."
"I definitely don't believe it," grinned Steve. "Never thought I would live long enough to get married let alone have a family. If it's a girl we're naming her Sarah, after Ma. Joe, if it's a boy."
