Remnants of Time

After- Credits

Being honest, Sam hadn't expected any results to turn up, especially not so soon after leaving Munich and that pile of rubble that had been a modern hospital back in the 50s. The team had rushed into the Quinjet and taken care of Scott, who had nearly bled out. Thanks to Natasha, a doctor had awaited them on board, ready to save their friend. The secret base was a blessing. Finally, they could all tend to their wounds and get some rest. Bucky had recovered, after hiding himself away in his room for weeks, after nights of screaming and mornings with a metal hand around Steve's neck.
Being even more honest, Sam hadn't expected Natasha to pull him out of bed in the middle of the night to get him aboard a plane to ... Bulgaria? Or something in that direction.
He wiped his eyes, still tired, pulling his Exosuit on before realizing he didn't even wear a shirt yet. At least his wounds had healed, especially that nasty bullet wound in his shoulder. This base was equipped with perfect medical supplies. Sam was very grateful for his healing process. Not being able to fly around anymore would've taken a big toll on him. It was the last thing he and Riley had done together.

Sam admired the Russian's determination to find someone who had caused her so much pain and put her into a position where living turned into running, just because the girl meant so much to Barnes. Of course, also because it was Hydra. No one should endure what cruelty Hydra managed to apply. And he totally understood Natasha had been more than disappointed their time in Munich had not resulted in Zola's death.
But Sam still had his money on these two, Barnes and Romanoff. Steve had lost his ten bucks the moment the bet was settled. That day felt like ages ago now. Back then, they'd still sat around in Wakanda, trying to kill time.
Multiple sources had confirmed Hydra activity in the destination region and Natasha wasn't taking any chances.
"Finding Barnes took us years because we were too cautious. Not this time", she'd proclaimed in the mission briefing on the jet.
So, they all went to Europe again. Sam really didn't want to know how much Nat owed all her spy friends by now or how that favor thing worked, he was just gonna be glad when everything was over.
Of course, however, he knew this mission was something special for Natasha in another sense. It was her shot at redemption, even if she didn't call it that. She had messed up when she tricked Steve and even though he treated her with kindness, she, as well as everyone else, was aware of the fact that she needed to make up for holding a knife to James Buchanan Barnes' throat. The earlier the better.

Steve already analyzed a blueprint of what looked like a warehouse. It didn't give the impression of a fortress, but with Hydra in there, it probably was the same level of dangerous.
Next to him sat Bucky, silently scribbling into his worn-out, yellow-edged journal, not looking up once. He's been doing that a lot since he and Wanda started their sessions, Sam thought, good for him.
The dim light above the seats created a gloomy atmosphere and proved how tired Sam really was. Since no one sought conversation, the former pararescue decided to rest some more.
They landed and parked the jet outside the city, off road and off sight. Despite the thunderstorm roaring and lashing against the windows, everyone ignored the dark warnings the sky sent and jumped out of the vehicle. Just in time to see the first red of the morning peek through from behind the mountaintops on the horizon.
Finding the warehouse was no problem in this city that couldn't stand a comparison to the size of New York or even Berlin. Luckily, there was no traffic at this time either.
That exact warehouse didn't really distinguish itself from its neighborhood - shattered windows, sooty walls and loosened, but thick chains hanging from the ceilings. The mechanic cranes, now without use, were characteristic for this former heavy industry region.

When the three of them - Sam had already left to fly control rounds - stepped onto the muddy ground, nothing moved, everything was quiet except for the cackling of the rain. It was a little too quiet for Natasha's taste, who had expected much more activity. Steve couldn't make out any signs that screamed ambush, so he contacted Sam.
"Any signs of enemy units?"
"My heat camera doesn't give me anything. Building's unarmed. There is one signature, but it's far from usual."
"What do you mean?"
"Body temperature very low, subject not on the move."
"Alright, we're going in."