𝗀 𝗁 𝗈 𝗌 𝗍 | | 𝗌 𝗍 𝖾 𝗏 𝖾 𝗋 𝗈 𝗀 𝖾 𝗋 𝗌

𝗍 𝗐 𝖾 𝗅 𝗏 𝖾

⍟ 𝟣𝟫𝟦𝟥, 𝖺𝗎𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗂𝖺 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗂𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗒 ⍟

"HYDRA!" DUM-DUM DUGAN SHOUTED SUDDENLY, alerting the large group of soldiers of the three Hydra agents that had burst through the treeline on the border of Austria and Italy.

Before anyone could get their guns ready, Marta had already shot and killed the three men, kneeling down beside their bodies to take their weapons and any other valuables they held. She handed the guns to Bucky, Dum-Dum and Falsworth and stood. "Sorry, Steve." she teased, winking at the man.

"I guess I'll let it slide." Steve returned with a smile, moving the large group of soldiers forward again, crossing over into Italy. They had been walking for over a day, and still had quite a bit of ground to cover before they reached Azzano.

Bucky nudged his younger sister, finding her with a hand on her dog tags. "Did I miss something between you and Steve?" He asked, holding a rifle tightly in his grip as he looked between Marta and Steve.

Marta chuckled to herself, finding herself without an answer for her brother. "How was the Hydra facility? Did you meet anyone?" She changed the subject, and Bucky smiled, rolling his eyes.

"Alright, I see how it is. You don't like your big brother anymore. You think you're too cool for me now." Bucky joked, Marta rolling her eyes and gently shoving Bucky so as not to hurt him.

Steve directed the way through Italy, light conversation happening among the tired, dirty and injured soldiers. Marta's hair had mostly fallen from its braid, and it was dirty and messy. She held her gun in her hand, walking slightly ahead of Steve and Bucky, recognizing that they were nearing the camp.

Inside the camp, Colonel Phillips spoke to a man typing a letter to the Senator. "Senator Brandt, I regret to inform that Captain Steven G. Rogers and Second Lieutenant Marta A. Barnes went missing behind enemy lines on the third. Aerial reconnaissance performed by Senior Airman Thomas L. Haskett has proven unfruitful. As a result, I must declare Captain Rogers and Lieutenant Barnes killed in action. Period." The Colonel spoke, Peggy and Thomas entering the tent.

Phillips turned at the sounds of Peggy and Thomas walking further into his tent. "Haskett just completed his last survelliance flight." Peggy placed the papers on a table.

"No sign of activity. Knowing Marta, she's probably hidden herself and whoever she rescued well, if they made it out." Thomas said solemnly. He knew there was no way for Marta to actually be dead.

Phillips sighed. "Go get me a cup of coffee, Corporal," He commanded. The Corporal left the tent, leaving Peggy, Phillips and Thomas. "I can't touch Stark. He's rich and he's the Army's number one weapons contractor. You two are neither one." He turned to the Agent and Senior Airman.

"With respect, sir, we don't regret our actions. And I don't think Captain Rogers and Lieutenant Barnes did, either." Peggy spoke, glancing at Thomas.

"Marta went after her brother. She risked everything for him. It was their choice, sir." Thomas said, cowering under the gaze of Phillips.

"What makes either of you think I give a damn about your opinions?" He walked over to Peggy. "I took a chance with you, Agent Carter. And now, America's golden boy and a lot of other good men are dead," Phillips turned to Thomas. "Now I have to write to the Aeronautical Division and inform them that their Lieutenant is dead, all because you had a crush."

Thomas stepped forward. "It wasn't that at all." he spoke firmly. Marta was his friend, and his boss, and that was all they would ever be. Besides, he had a girlfriend.