Why Won't You Stay

Ending the War

When the chopper was just above Russia's border, the men jumped. They would be 30 miles away from the fortress. A caravan would take them there. Steve was determined and fearless. He knew his efforts would help end the war, even if he did die.

The men parachuted and landed with ease. Everyone jumped in the trucks, tanks, and some walked behind. They marched into the gates of the unknown. Captain America and Dugan led them. After a few hours of traveling they were at the first checkpoint of three. Each day they would move to the next checkpoint.

"We still have daylight! Let's get to the second checkpoint!" Steve called. Some men groaned others just dealt with the orders. By midnight they were at the second checkpoint. There were two tanks and five trunks filled with men and more behind. They didn't have a big group but that was only one team out of four. Everyone went to sleep, even Steve.

Peggy didn't wake up yet.

*

The soldiers woke up at 4:00 in the morning. The caravans began to drive to the third checkpoint at 4:15. They should get to the last checkpoint at 7:00. There they will take a small break and continue to the fortress.

It was high security so they should see them coming from a mile away. Thy were scared to find out what kind of technology they would have but they risked it. They got to the third checkpoint and rested for fifteen minutes.

*

At the nursing station Peggy woke up but she felt dizzy and would go back to sleep soon. Here eyes felt sticky because they had been closed so long. She looked to her left and was shocked to see that Steve wasn't there. She figured he went to get some rest since she had been asleep for hours, she had estimated. The doctor came by and she asked how long she's been asleep.

"About 32 hours." Peggy's eyes opened wide. "You needed it Carter. Working all day and getting shot. You're lucky your body let you sleep this long."

"Has anyone come to visit?"

"Well Captain Rogers was here but was sent out on a mission." He walked away with a clipboard in his hands.

Peggy looked around and found the framed picture of skinny Steve on her nightstand along with a note. The message read:

"I promise I'll be back this time. Love you.

- Steve"

Short and sweet. Peggy looked at the framed photo for a moment. The doctor walked by again.

"Doctor, do you know anything about this mission they went on?"

"To end the war of course."

"That's all you know?"

"Yes. I could call in Colonel Phillips if you want more information."

"If you would." The doctor nodded and Phillips arrived in a few minutes.

"Agent Carter."

"What can you tell me about the mission?"

"What? No formal hello?" Peggy gave him a stern look. "Fine. We sent teams to a location in Russia. We think it's the last Nazi base and it has the highest security we've ever seen. We sent almost everybody out."

"When are they expected to be back?"

"We don't know. It could be tomorrow could be in weeks. Our closest estimate is sometime next week."

"Why wasn't there a briefing conference before?"

"I gave Captain Rogers confidential information then I passed it on."