บท 23: Return
After Schmidt's departure, the HYDRA forces in the area were no match for the guerrillas. They swiftly stormed the gate, gathering weapons and uniting.
"Let's go, head home!" Steve called out to the group of soldiers.
The soldiers erupted in cheers, thanking Steve for their rescue. A contingent of over 400 people marched toward the U.S. military base in a resolute manner.
Though they were relatively few in number, their advanced technology outstripped the current era by hundreds of years. They had boldly cut through the battlefield, heading for the U.S. military base in Europe.
Colonel Philip sat in front of a typewriter, his fingers hovering over the keys in hesitation and uncertainty. He took a deep breath and resumed typing. "Congressman Brandt, I regret to inform you that Captain Steve Rogers has been killed."
Seeing Peggy Carter standing in the doorway, he stopped typing.
Peggy appeared weary and mournful, clutching an aerial photograph of the bombed HYDRA military base in her hand.
"There's no sign of activity," she reported.
Philip shot her a cold, disapproving glare. She had gone against her superior's orders to assist Steve in what seemed like an impossible task. While Philip had never been particularly fond of Steve, he didn't believe the young man should have been thrust into such a challenging mission. He wasn't ready, despite the title of "Captain" preceding his name.
"I can't move Stark," Philip finally spoke after a tense silence.
"He's an arms dealer. He's wealthy. You're neither," Peggy responded, nodding. She had anticipated Philip's response.
To be honest, she didn't care. Not at all. Now that Steve was gone.
"You'll receive my resignation letter tomorrow morning," Peggy announced. Then, she hesitated, as if uncertain whether to continue, and added, "I don't mean to disrespect you, sir, but I don't regret my choice. I believe Captain Rogers wouldn't have regretted it either."
"I took a gamble on you," Philip said, unmoved by Peggy's words.
"Now the golden boy of the United States and many others are dead—all because you fell in love with him."
Peggy was about to offer a retort when a commotion erupted outside. Soldiers rushed past the tent, shouting excitedly. Peggy and Philip walked to the window to see what was happening.
The camp's gate had swung open, and beyond it was Captain America, battered but resolute, bearing scars.
Steve and Bucky were making their way toward the camp, trailed by the comrades they had rescued, followed by a diverse caravan carrying the wounded and ill.
Despite their initial embarrassment, the returning American prisoners of war were filled with high spirits. They had every reason to be proud, having not only been rescued but also having engaged in a heroic battle, captured advanced enemy weapons, and destroyed HYDRA's weapon factory.
As they approached the barracks, their fellow American soldiers spontaneously made way for them, allowing the victorious returnees to enter the camp.
Inside the camp, Steve pushed his way through the enthusiastic crowd until he reached Phillips and Carter.
"Colonel," Steve addressed Philip with a military salute, "some of the soldiers need medical attention."
Phillips nodded, and Steve continued, "I am prepared to accept any punishment."
Phillips regarded Steve, then glanced at the soldiers stumbling into the camp, and back at Steve. Despite the scars, Steve's eyes held a certain wariness. The attack on the HYDRA factory had changed him, transforming him into a different man, no longer the same Steve.
"It won't be necessary," Phillips finally stated.
"Sir, I..."
"How many orders are you going to disobey, Captain?" Phillips bellowed, then walked away, leaving Steve in contemplation. Phillips had addressed him as "Captain," a sign that perhaps he had accepted Steve's new role.
"Congratulations, Steve. Let me tell you, gold is always gold; it shines everytime," Alex congratulated with a smile.
Surrounded by fellow soldiers, they patted Steve on the back and congratulated him. As they began to chant Captain Steve's name, the crowd pushed aside the area where Carter stood.
With Alex standing next to Steve, no one could push him away.
Steve couldn't help but smile. Since he first donned the Captain America uniform, this was the first time he truly felt like a hero. It was an incredible feeling.
"Ah, there you are, kid! Finally, I've found you. Today, you're coming back to the United States with me! It's time you learned to listen to me," Howard exclaimed, grabbing Alex and scolding him.
Howard had been filled with guilt after Alex's sudden appearance on the battlefield. He regretted agreeing to the kid's request and was haunted by the thought that if Alex had perished in combat, he would have carried the guilt for the rest of his life.
Alex sensed Howard's concern and felt a warm fondness for the man. As for the ear-pulling, he could reluctantly forgive him.
Even though Alex was to be sent back to the United States, the journey would take a full day by plane. After all, he was a billionaire; he couldn't be expected to endure discomfort.
(End of this chapter)
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