Welcome to the 21st Century, Captain.

Chapter 12 (Part 1)

Steve POV

We had all met the next morning at HQ, having heard from Director Fury that they had found a lead on Kytrae. I sat next to Elena at the conference table, holding her small hand tightly in mine as Director Fury made his way to us.

To be honest, I was scared. I'm tired of fighting. But, I'll do anything to save my country; to save my Elena.

"Now" he began, "You all know why you're here. Our team of specially trained agents have decoded Kytrae's plan." I listened more closely as I sat up straighter in my seat. Elena stiffened as well, holding my hand tightly as she paid attention.

"Kytrae plans to use a new chemical, Robidicum, to create an army. An army of indestructible soldiers. The chemical Robidicum was formulated in one of their secret labs along time ago in the 1950s by Polish scientist Dr. Izaak Basinksi. Now, their current leader, Vladimir Baskov, is using it for his army.

Bruce spoke up. "So they're basically trying to recreate the whole idea with Steve?" I looked at him as he mentioned my name. A frown crossed my face as Director slowly nodded his head.

This was bad news. That serum could be dangerous, especially if it's in the wrong hands. But why? Why was Russia planning on making an indestructible army? Who were they planning on waging a war with?

"Sir," began Elena quietly, breaking me out of my thoughts. I looked softly at her as she continued. "What is Kytrae planning on doing with their indestructible army?" What a coincidence. I guess we both had minds alike.

"War," Director Fury said grimly. "They plan on waging war with the Untied States in three months." We all had a look of shock and horror on our faces as we looked at the Director.

War was such an awful thing. The memories of my life kept me up most nights, haunting me with faces of my loved ones that had passed. It was a shame that war existed in the world. So much hate, so much blood. So much . . . loss.

"What reason is there for such drastic lengths?" spoke Thor with a perplexed look on his face.

"Power," answered Natasha quietly. Everyone looked towards her, confusion on their faces. Her arms were crossed over her chest as she looked down, a grim expression on her face. She had kept silent the entire meeting and that was the first time she spoke up.

"Power?" asked Tony as he pushed his sunglasses up his nose. "Over what?"

"They want to take over our country and use our citizens as laborers." she answered darkly. I knew that by looking at her facial expression, she had dealt with this kind of conflict before. And I'm sure it wasn't a pretty sight.

"You're shitting me, right?" asked Elena. Struggling to contain my laugh, let a small smile slip onto my face. That little lady sure did have a mouth on her.

"No," answered Director Fury, "She is not 'shitting' you. Agent Romanoff is completely right. We have three months to prepare for war. I need all of you to be ready . . . This world needs all of you to be ready." I let go of Elena's hand gently and crossed my arms over my chest.

I didn't like this. I didn't like it one bit.

"How come we don't try to stop them now before war even begins?" asked Clint. I looked up at him as he spoke up.

"We can't," I said as I leaned back in my chair. "That's what they're expecting. We're not ready to go to war yet. We need to prepare and train."

"Cap-sicle's right," answered Tony. "We're not ready yet." Wow. I think this one with make the history books. Tony actually agreed with me.

"So three months," said Bruce as he took off his glasses. "We can't do this alone. We're going to need some help." He was right. Kytrae has a whole army, and we are clearly outnumbered. We would need all the help we can get.

Thor suddenly broke out in a smile and stood up from his seat. He looked at each of us and then towards the Director.

"I think I can help with that."