MEMORIES ~ A BUCKY BARNES STORY

Chapter 22: Into the Depths

The moon cast a dim light over the Barton estate, a quiet calm that contrasted sharply with the tension inside. In the darkened living room, the Avengers gathered, leaning over a sprawling map lit by Tony's portable holo-projector. On the map, red markers dotted strategic Hydra facilities, highlighting the spread of a new threat they could no longer ignore.

Tony tapped the screen, zooming into a satellite image of a fortress-like Hydra facility in Romania. "This is their main research site for Project Ascension. From what Melissa's intel shows, they're refining alien energy—dangerous stuff, enough to power weapons capable of... well, doing things we don't want to see."

Melissa watched as the others studied the map with grim determination. Her mind flashed back to her recent infiltration of a Hydra base where she'd first uncovered details of Project Ascension. The memories were vivid: cold metal hallways, tense silence broken only by the hum of machinery, and Hydra scientists hunched over alien tech far more powerful than she'd ever imagined.

Steve's voice broke through her thoughts. "If they activate that weapon, millions of lives are at risk. We have to shut this down."

Jessica nodded, her expression resolute. "Then let's go in, take down their defenses, and end this."

Tony raised a hand, his tone serious. "Not so fast. This isn't a straightforward mission. Hydra's fortified this place like Fort Knox, and they've added automated turrets and force fields powered by the alien tech. We'll need a surgical strike—quiet, in and out."

Clint glanced at Natasha, a small smirk on his face. "Sounds like your kind of party, Nat."

Natasha smirked back. "Wouldn't miss it."

Tony divided the group into teams: Natasha, Clint, and Jessica would handle the guards and outside defenses. Steve and Wanda would create a distraction near the eastern perimeter, while Tony, Bucky, and Melissa would infiltrate the core lab where the alien energy source was located.

"Gear up, everyone," Tony instructed, his voice heavy with urgency. "We leave at dawn."

The Mission Begins

The quinjet sliced through the early morning sky, carrying the team through the last stretch of quiet before the storm. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Clint and Jessica whispered strategies, Natasha double-checked her gear, and Steve gave last-minute instructions to each group.

Melissa sat in silence, checking her bow and the assortment of tools strapped to her suit. She could feel the weight of the mission bearing down on her, a combination of nerves and resolve. They'd faced Hydra before, but this mission felt different, as though every step would be the difference between success and catastrophic failure.

Bucky, seated beside her, noticed her furrowed brow. "Hey," he said softly. "We've been through worse. You're ready for this."

She looked up at him, grateful for his steady presence. "I know. It's just... I keep thinking about what happens if we're too late."

"Then we make sure we're not," Bucky replied, his hand resting briefly on hers. "We're going in with a solid plan and a strong team. Trust that."

Melissa smiled, comforted by his words. "I'll do my best."

Tony's voice came through the intercom. "Team, get ready. Approaching the drop zone."

One by one, the Avengers moved to the hatch, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they prepared for the descent. Melissa took a deep breath, mentally steeling herself for the task ahead. With one last glance at Bucky, she stepped out, descending silently toward the Hydra base below.