Chapter 50: The Howling Commandos

Early one morning in the U.S. military barracks, Colonel Phillips sent a grim telegram: Captain Rogers was missing behind enemy lines in Sector Three. Despite multiple search efforts, the search teams had come back empty-handed. "Captain Rogers is hereby declared killed in action," he announced solemnly.

Delivering the news took its toll on Phillips; his usual tough exterior cracked as he wrestled with grief.

Just then, Peggy Carter entered with an update. "The last reconnaissance plane returned," she reported. "No signs of life detected."

The colonel's frustration grew. He shot her a disappointed look. "We can't do anything about Stark. He's rich, our biggest supplier of weapons. But you? You're just another agent." His voice was cold.

Peggy held her ground. "With all due respect, sir, I don't regret my actions, and I'm certain they wouldn't, either."

Phillips' frustration flared. "I gave you a chance, Agent Carter. And now, because of your personal interest, the biggest star in America is dead—along with countless young men, including the one I had the highest hopes for."

"That's not it, sir. I had faith in them," she replied firmly.

He glared at her. "Then wait until this division is shut down to see if your confidence holds."

At that moment, a commotion erupted outside, interrupting their argument. The sound of voices and cheers rose from the entrance of the camp, and they both hurried out.

There, to everyone's astonishment, stood Captain America and Bucky, side by side, leading a line of liberated soldiers. Behind them trailed a battered tank, and following it were thousands of rescued prisoners, many of them injured and leaning on one another for support. Some were missing limbs, while others bore fresh wounds from the brutal escape. The marks of a fierce battle were evident on every face.

Not only had they escaped the prisoner-of-war camp, but they'd also broken through German defenses from behind, carving a path back to Allied territory.

"Look, who's back!"

"Captain America!" someone shouted, and the crowd erupted into applause.

Peggy scanned the crowd, her eyes anxiously searching until she spotted Thor climbing out of the tank. She exhaled in relief.

Steve and Thor approached Colonel Phillips and saluted, their expressions solemn.

"The wounded need immediate treatment, sir," Steve said. "We're ready to accept any punishment."

The colonel softened, looking from Steve to Thor. "I don't think that'll be necessary."

He turned and walked over to Peggy, pausing beside her. "I guess I needed some faith after all," he murmured quietly. "Your instincts were right."

Peggy smiled, then strode over to Thor, hands on her hips. "You're late," she said, though relief was evident in her eyes.

Thor, ever the straight talker, replied, "It's fine—the colonel says no one's getting punished today."

Peggy gave him a look of exasperation, which only seemed to amuse him further.

"Three cheers for Captain America!" Bucky shouted, and the crowd responded with a wave of cheers and applause, voices rising in celebration.

"Hey, Bucky, I helped too!" Thor called out, playfully pushing his way to the front. "Don't be giving Steve all the credit!"

"Oh, yeah? You were practically dragged into it," Bucky shot back, laughing. "You're always hogging the spotlight, so let it slide just this once!"

Thor smirked, casting a look over at Peggy, who was watching him with a glint in her eye. Captain America, Captain America… women may be tigers, but the Winter Soldier is your true partner.

After their daring rescue mission, Steve and Thor had become true heroes in the eyes of the troops. They each received the Medal of Courage from the President himself. From that moment on, no one would ever try to put Captain America back on stage, and Phillips would never let him go.

…

While rescuing Bucky, Steve had glimpsed a map in the HYDRA camp and memorized the locations of key weapon strongholds.

"I've prepared the best fighters for you as team," Colonel Phillips said to Steve.

"With respect, sir, I have my own candidates in mind," Steve replied with a grin.

Later that night, at a celebratory gathering, Thor raised a toast and announced his plan, having gathered an elite squad from among the rescued soldiers.

Thus, the Howling Commandos were born.

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