Chapter 9: The Next Mission

Camp Lehigh – Briefing Room

The calm of the last few days didn't last.

Alex and Steve stood side by side in the dimly lit briefing room, along with Peggy, Colonel Phillips, and Howard Stark. The walls were lined with maps, mission reports, and photos of Hydra facilities spread across Europe. At the center of it all was a large map, pinned with red-marked locations.

Colonel Phillips, as always, got straight to the point.

"Hydra's been hitting our supply lines harder than ever," he said, pointing to a marked area in the Alps. "We've intercepted intel that they're moving weapons and prisoners through a fortified transport base here."

Steve's expression hardened. "Prisoners?"

"Yes," Peggy confirmed. "Hydra's been capturing Allied soldiers and using them as test subjects for their experiments. If we don't act now, we may lose them."

A heavy silence filled the room. Alex clenched his fists. This was the moment. The start of their real fight against Hydra.

"How many men do we have for this?" Steve asked.

Phillips smirked. "You're looking at them, Captain."

Steve frowned. "Just us?"

"Not just you," Howard cut in with a grin. "You'll have the Howling Commandos backing you up."

Right on cue, the doors swung open, and the Howling Commandos strode in.

Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, Jim Morita, and the rest of the best damn squad in the army. They carried themselves with the confidence of men who had been through hell and lived to tell the tale.

"So, this is our team, huh?" Alex said, nodding approvingly.

Dugan smirked. "Not much to look at, but we're damn good at what we do."

"Well, let's hope so," Alex replied.

Phillips cleared his throat, bringing their attention back. "Your mission is simple—infiltrate the base, rescue any prisoners, and destroy Hydra's operations there. Any questions?"

Alex exchanged glances with Steve, both thinking the same thing.

"When do we leave?"

Phillips smirked. "Tomorrow at dawn. Get some rest, boys. You're gonna need it."

---

Later that evening, Alex found himself standing outside, staring at the night sky. The stars were clear, and the air was crisp—the kind of quiet moment that rarely lasted during wartime.

"You should be getting some rest," Peggy's voice cut through the silence.

Alex turned to see her approaching, arms crossed.

He smiled slightly. "Could say the same to you."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm not the one going on a dangerous mission tomorrow."

Alex chuckled. "Fair point." He leaned back against a supply crate, exhaling slowly. "Guess I just needed some air."

Peggy studied him for a moment. "Nervous?"

Alex shook his head. "Not nervous. Just… thinking."

She stepped closer, her gaze softer than usual. "About what?"

"About how this is just the beginning." He met her eyes. "Once we start this fight, there's no turning back."

Peggy's lips curled slightly. "You sound like someone who's been through this before."

Alex hesitated. She wasn't wrong. He had seen this war play out before—through movies, history books—but now? Now, he was living it.

"I just have a feeling," he finally said. "Things are going to change after this."

Peggy tilted her head slightly, as if trying to read between the lines. Then, after a brief pause, she smirked.

"Well," she said, "just make sure you come back in one piece."

Alex chuckled. "Was that concern, Agent Carter?"

She rolled her eyes. "Hardly. I just don't want to explain to Steve why his twin got himself killed."

Alex grinned. "I'll make sure that doesn't happen."

She shook her head, smiling slightly, before turning to leave. But just before she walked away, she stopped.

"Good luck, Alex," she said softly.

Then, just like that, she was gone.

Alex exhaled, looking up at the stars one last time before heading back to his bunk. Tomorrow, the war truly begin.