Everything was happening so fast in and around Steve. While there was a respite in the HYDRA attacks for the moment the downtime and trying to figure things out while everything was still fresh was a bit confusing to him. In World War II it was simple they knew where the enemy was, who they were, and what methods they preferred for attacking. Now, things were a bit more complex with technology, shades of gray amongst leaders, and countries that were once enemies were now allies. Steve took in what Fandral had said and walked away with a nod saying,
"That'll do fine. Welcome to the team." He closed his eyes and longed for some sort of sage advice. Something to give him a handle on his next move. He got a message from Logan which he said, "Cap, we wrangled X-23. Think she's okay for now. What's the next move?"
Cap replied, "Keep her out of trouble for now. I'll get back to you." With that he walked back to the alley where Sue had been dealing with her target.
Steve for all his strength and meta-human abilities wasn't too sure of his next move. Everyone had this bigger than life perception of Captain America. Rallied the troops in World War II, took on the Nazis in many cases single handedly, and was a living legend even back in those days. In reality Steve always believed that he was just a guy from Brooklyn who wanted to do what was right and put the needs of others before his own. He leaned against the wall and looked up into the night sky. Steve pulled back his mask and let it rest on his back as he closed his eyes. Just then he heard a couple of footsteps echoing in the alley. He asked,
"How long have you been following me Sue?"
She replied, "
Just long enough. I know a troubled soul when I see it Steve. I know it because the body language is just like mine used to be just after a mission with my former team." She turned visible and stood next to Steve and said,
"A penny for your thoughts."
Steve still looking up said,
"I'm not sure all my thoughts add up to that right now Sue."
Sue with a smirk said,
"Try me. Let me be the judge of that."
Steve looked over to her and said, "
HYDRA has evolved over the years I was out. They had time to prepare and they've made use of the technology of today, and they have a file on me so they know my tactics. Right now, I am a soldier who is going into war with a pocket knife and the other side has a tank division."
Sue nodded and replied,
"I don't know that much about combat or being a soldier, but one thing I do know about is people and different personalities. Steve, you have a team where everyone is bringing something to the battle that no one else can. I studied you in World History back in High School, and something that always amazed me was how you could work with the Howling Commandoes time after time no matter the mission, but I'll bet it took time to get to that point."
Steve looked to the ground for a moment and Sue said, "
You have an amazing team here and they are ready to work with you if you are willing to give it the time needed."
Steve replied and shook his head,
"I'm not sure we have that kind of time Sue. Right now, I feel like I am not what I should be to be effective in terms of being a leader."
Sue said, "
Steve the weapons and the faces have changed over the years, but in the end HYDRA's end game is still the same as it was in World War II, and in that sense, you are the best man for this team. We can ride all the files and watch all the videos but you have actual experience against them. That in my book makes you more qualified to lead than anyone else alive. Besides you being involved will be enough to give HYDRA a reason to pause and re-evaluate. I'm willing to be that they didn't count on you being here."
Steve took in what Sue had said, and though it wasn't a cure all for his questioning it did provide a salve that give him a bit more piece of mind. He looked at Sue and said,
"Thanks Sue. You bring stealth and forensics to this team, but also wisdom. I got a feeling you might be the XO on this team."
Sue smiled and started to say something but then Steve saw something and said,
"Aww Hell." Sue looked over and asked, "
What's wrong?"
Steve replied, "
The media is here. That's one thing we never had to worry about in World War II." Steve gathered his thoughts for a moment and said to Sue,
"Go invisible." Sue replied,
"This is because my blue jeans are wet isn't it." Steve looked back at her for a moment and she said,
"I'm also a real smart ass."
Sue turned invisible and Steve put his mask back on. He activated his comm-link and said, "
Attention Team gather whatever evidence you can right now and get back to our base. I repeat gather everything you can and get out of here. Above all, do not I repeat do not let the media see you all. Avoid the media I'll deal with them. See you back at the base Rogers out."
He punched the comm-link one more time and said to Wanda, "The
people who were here at the dock tonight tell them telepathically where our base is, how to get there, and give them the code 1776. That is the default code to enter the base. I'll get them set up later. Good job tonight by the way you 're gonna be just fine Rogers out."
Sue asked,
"What's up Cap?"
Cap replied, "
Simple, Hydra is going to be seeing this. As of now they don't know who everyone is on our team. That is my surprise for them and I'm going to use that for as long as I can. They know me and I'm willing to let them have that but this team is not something I'm willing to give them. My Harley is parked on the other side of Warehouse 12. Hop on the back I'll be there in a few minutes."
Cap heard Sue walk away and he emerged from the alley. He then contacted Fury and said,
"Nick, I need SHIELD to do something for me. By now what happened tonight is on several websites or on cell phones. I need the footage and pictures erased."
Fury replied, "No problem, and while I'm at it why don't I just call Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith to mind erase everyone."
Steve said,
"Nick I know you all can do it, so do it. This is for the sake of the OP."
Fury let out an exhale and replied, "We'll have it done within the hour."
Steve asked,
"Thanks, by the way who are Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith? Do you think you could get them for the team?
Fury let out another exhale and replied, "Forget it Steve it's another thing for you to learn about. Fury out."
Cap approached the gathering media and tried to answer their questions. After five minutes, he excused himself and made his way to his Harley. He sat on the bike and asked,
"Are you here?" Sue put her arms around his waist and said, "
You tell me."
Cap shook his head and said, "
You are going to be interesting to deal with."
Sue replied, "
You have no idea."
Cap chuckled and drove off to the base.
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