𝗀 𝗁 𝗈 𝗌 𝗍 | | 𝗌 𝗍 𝖾 𝗏 𝖾 𝗋 𝗈 𝗀 𝖾 𝗋 𝗌

𝗍 𝗁 𝗋 𝖾 𝖾

⍟ 𝟣𝟫𝟦𝟣, 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗈𝗇, 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗃𝖾𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗒 ⍟

THE TRAIN RIDE FROM BROOKLYN to Wheaton was fast and smooth, allowing Marta and Thomas to have time to unpack and relax in their barracks before the first day of training, early the following morning. Marta was assigned a barrack to share with the only other female on base, Agent Margaret Carter, while Thomas resided with some of the male training staff.

Marta and Peggy got along quite well. They spent their first night just talking, mainly about the struggles they endured as women in their time. Marta was facinated about Peggy's British genes, and Peggy was impressed that Marta led two dozen young men on the daily.

When Peggy went to sleep, Marta stayed up, drafting one letter to Rebecca, one letter to Steve, and one to Bucky. Marta had no idea what was in store for her the next morning.

And as the sun rose, Marta and Peggy did too. They each put on their respectable green uniforms, Peggy's hair done to perfection, while Marta braided her blonde locks into a bun.

"Ready to go, then?" Peggy asked, finishing applying her lipstick. Marta nodded, adjusting the pants she was finally permitted to wear.

"Just about. I have to get Haskett. I'll meet you out there," Marta said while walking towards the barrack's exit. "Good luck."

Peggy chuckled. "Same to you." Marta saluted the brunette as she backed out of the tent, towards Thomas's. When she walked inside, Thomas was lacing up his boots, dressed and ready.

"Wow. You're up on time. Color me shocked." Marta teased Thomas, who rolled his eyes as he stood up straight.

"Gotta make a good impression on the first day, right?" He said, grabbing his pin and pinning it to his shirt.

Marta chuckled. "Looks like I have taught you something." Thomas smiled, and the two began walking out to the field where the soldiers were waiting with Peggy.

The duo arrived, standing next to Peggy. Marta scanned the line of recruits, eyes widening as she saw her best friend. Steve was there. As a soldier. Thomas thought it best not to ask Marta about Steve when he noticed him, seeing Marta's face turn stone cold and serious. That was Marta's reaction to things like this; never let them see you express emotions. She always placed walls up, that only Bucky and Steve knew how to break through.

"Gentleman, I am Agent Carter. I supervise all operations for this division," Peggy began after getting the recruits to stand at attention. "This is Second Lieutenant Barnes, and her Senior Airman, Thomas Haskett. They represent the Aeronautical Division." Marta left her cold gaze on her face as she looked at the recruits while Peggy introduced her and Thomas.

"What's with the accent, Queen Victoria? I thought I was signing up for the U.S. Army." A recruit said, making Peggy flick her gaze over to Marta for a second long enough for Marta to guess her thoughts and nod.

Peggy looked back at the soldier. "What's your name, soldier?" She asked.

"Gilmore Hodge, Your Majesty." Hodge replied. Thomas nudged Marta, as he was deeply confused, but Marta did not respond. Her eyes were glued on the scene to her right.