Chapter 12: The Shield & New Plans

Allied Base – Evening

The crate Howard Stark had brought sat on a table inside the command tent, a small crowd gathering around. Alex, Steve, and a few of the Howling Commandos stood nearby as Stark dramatically pried it open.

"Alright, Rogers," Howard said, smirking. "Time to see what all my genius has cooked up for you."

Inside, a sleek, circular shield rested atop the packing straw, gleaming under the dim light. Unlike the metal-plated ones Steve had been using in training, this one was pure vibranium—lightweight, durable, and practically indestructible.

Steve reached for it, lifting the shield with ease, his fingers tracing the smooth metal. "This is incredible," he muttered.

Howard grinned. "Of course it is. Only one of its kind. Made from the rarest metal on Earth. And I'm giving it to you—for free, might I add. Try not to lose it."

Steve chuckled and gave the shield a testing grip. "Feels different from the others."

"That's because it's the best," Howard said proudly, before nodding toward Alex. "You sure you don't want something too, kid? Maybe a matching shield?"

Alex smirked. "I'll stick with my fists for now."

Howard raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself. But if you ever change your mind, let me know. I like making history."

Steve tested the weight again before strapping the shield onto his arm. "I think I'll need some practice."

Dum Dum Dugan, standing nearby with a cigar in his mouth, chuckled. "I think we can arrange that."

---

The next morning, the camp was alive with activity. Soldiers trained, supplies were organized, and Steve was already testing out his new shield with the Howling Commandos.

Alex stood by the sidelines, arms crossed as he observed.

Steve had taken to the shield quickly, adjusting his fighting style to incorporate its weight and movement.

Bucky, standing next to Alex, smirked. "Gotta admit, that thing suits him."

Alex nodded. "It does."

Steve blocked a mock attack from one of the soldiers, then used the shield to bash forward, knocking his opponent off balance. A quick follow-up had the man tumbling to the ground.

Bucky whistled. "That's gonna be fun to watch in real fights."

Alex grinned. "Yeah, but I'd still put money on myself."

Bucky scoffed. "Cocky much?"

Alex just shrugged. "Confidence."

Nearby, Peggy Carter had arrived, watching the training with a critical eye. She caught Alex's gaze, and for a moment, her usual composed expression softened into the smallest of smiles.

She walked over, arms crossed. "Your brother is adjusting well to his new equipment."

Alex smirked. "You expected anything less?"

Peggy raised an eyebrow. "No. But I'm more interested in you."

"Can't blame you," Alex shot back smoothly.

She rolled her eyes but didn't seem entirely annoyed. "I heard about what you did during the rescue mission. Phillips was impressed. That doesn't happen often."

Alex shrugged. "I just did what needed to be done."

Peggy studied him for a moment before smirking. "Modest. I'll admit, I expected Steve to be the only one surprising people."

Alex tilted his head. "You're saying I surprised you?"

"Perhaps," she admitted before turning away. "Don't let it go to your head."

Alex watched her walk off, shaking his head with a grin.

Bucky nudged him. "That flirting, or am I imagining things?"

Alex just smirked. "I'll let you figure that out."

---

Briefing for the Next Mission

Later that evening, inside the command tent, Colonel Phillips stood before a large map pinned to the wall. Around him, the Howling Commandos, Steve, Alex, Peggy, and Howard were gathered.

Phillips took a drag of his cigarette before speaking. "Hydra isn't happy about our last stunt. Intel suggests they're moving resources to secure key locations."

He pointed to three marked positions on the map.

"We've got three Hydra facilities still standing in this region. Weapons manufacturing, transport hubs, and research divisions. Our job? Start tearing them down."

Steve folded his arms. "Where do we start?"

Phillips exhaled. "Closest base is a weapons facility, heavily guarded. Taking it down will disrupt their supply chain and put them on edge."

Bucky leaned forward. "Sounds fun."

Phillips looked at Alex. "And you? Think you can keep up with your brother again?"

Alex smirked. "Try and stop me."

Phillips nodded. "Good. Mission begins at dawn. Get some rest. You're gonna need it."