48

Chapter Forty-Eight

"What about the captives? Is there a rescue plan?" Steve asked urgently at Phillips' desk.

Phillips sighed deeply and replied, "Yes, the plan is to win this war!"

"Where are the captives being held?" Captain America was anxious. Bucky's fate was uncertain, and time was running out.

"Thirty miles behind enemy lines, heavily fortified," Phillips said, his voice dropping. "This is not your concern. You have a performance in half an hour. Go prepare."

"Understood," Captain America said, his resolve firm. He knew it was time to bend the rules.

…

Inside the tent, Steve and Thor were packing their gear.

"You really don't need to come with us," Steve said. He was aware that the colonel was organizing a rescue attempt, which was extremely risky.

"No, I don't want to be a mere spectator, and I'm tired of just waiting. Let's take on this big challenge together! Besides, you're the one breaking orders, and I'm just along for the ride!"

Thor joked, then turned to Carter at the door, saying, "Ms. Carter, please contact Stark for assistance. I hear he's around. We need a flight crew. We can't just go sneaking behind enemy lines without support."

Carter frowned, "I feel like you've dragged me into a precarious situation."

…

"Stark is the best civilian pilot. He's the only one brave enough to fly us in these dreadful conditions," Peggy Carter explained on the transport plane.

"This is insane. I feel like all four of us are going to be court-martialed if we make it back alive," Stark said, trying to lighten the mood with his usual sarcasm.

"It doesn't matter," Thor said nonchalantly. "By the way, Mr. Stark, when do you plan to have a son? Your legacy needs to continue!"

"Well, if given the choice, I'd rather have a daughter. At least she'd have a lower chance of turning out like me."

Steve asked, "Any personal issues like yours?"

"I've always put my personal desires above the collective good," Howard added with a grin. "And if I have a son, he's likely to be a playboy like me."

"Don't worry too much. You'll definitely have a son, and he might even be a more charming playboy than you," Thor teased.

Peggy Carter was about to ask why when gunfire erupted in the distance.

"We can't go any further. Let's parachute in," Thor instructed. "Once you land, immediately start the rescue. I'll stay outside to draw the enemy's attention."

Captain America agreed. Though sneaking in was risky, he had no fear and jumped first.

"Blake!" Peggy Carter called out as Thor prepared to jump with a large package. "Come back alive."

"Don't worry, I will," Thor assured her.

As he leaped, he tore open the package mid-air to reveal two modified Gatling guns...

"What is he thinking?" Peggy Carter glanced back at Howard, who had to be responsible for the Gatlings. Howard shook his head, "It wasn't me."

Understanding Thor's plan to draw the enemy's attention, Peggy became anxious and shouted, "Quick, give me a parachute! Hurry!"

"No, Mr. Blake told me you must stay behind. We can't risk you dragging him down."

…

At the entrance of the HYDRA camp, Steve looked at Thor, who was wielding a Gatling gun in each hand, in astonishment. "Where the fuck did you get those?"

"Captain, no swearing!" Thor replied calmly. "Remember, I'm here to draw the enemy's attention, and you're here to sneak in!"

Before Steve could respond, Thor ran to the back of a bunker, grabbed a loudspeaker, and yelled, "The nine-headed serpent is coming out to die!"

The Gatlings roared to life...

Steve's face fell into a grimace.