The Winter Soldier #36

Steve's expression hardened, disbelief mixing with a growing concern. "You're telling me that Hydra somehow survived and now it's an even bigger threat?"

I could feel the weight of the truth bearing down on him. "Yes. They've infiltrated governments, corporations, and even SHIELD itself— HYDRA's everywhere, really, like a cancer that keeps spreading, and the world is none the wiser."

He ran a hand through his blonde hair, visibly frustrated. "And you expect me to believe you, just like that?" he said, his tone grave. "You better have evidence backing your words for even uttering such things..."

I nodded, having expected his skepticism. "I do have proof, but I'm not sure if you want to hear it or not."

I hesitated, the enormity of what I was about to say weighing heavily on me. "I did say I'd only share my intel with you, but I said that to buy time, knowing it would take a while to thaw you out and get you adjusted to this world."

Steve frowned, his blue eyes narrowing. "What is that supposed to mean?"

I sighed, choosing my words carefully. "Look... you've suffered a lot, and given too much already... I haven't stooped low enough to place such a burden on someone out of time and place, still adjusting to an entirely new world."

His expression softened for a moment, and he gave me a nod of appreciation. "I understand your concern, and I appreciate it. But I'll be okay. Now, tell me what you know about Hydra."

I couldn't help but be amused by his single-minded focus on HYDRA, almost as if I hadn't mentioned anything about a galactic warlord and a god intent on invading Earth. Still, I saw the wisdom in dealing with the enemies within before turning to the stars.

I smiled, saying, "I guess we'll start with HYDRA then since you're so eager to take them on... but what I have to say won't be easy to swallow. Let's go inside first and get you comfortable first..."

We made our way to the main building, a modest structure nestled among the tropical foliage of the island. Inside, the air was cool, a welcome contrast to the humid heat outside. I led Steve to the living room, its tables already lined with snacks and refreshments, though Steve didn't sound too interested in them.

"Have a seat," I said, gesturing to one of the chairs. Steve sat down, his posture rigid with anticipation.

"You wanted proof," I began, "and I can't give it to you directly. But I can tell you where to find it."

Steve's gaze sharpened. "And where would that be?"

"Not where, but who." I corrected, "The Winter Soldier, HYDRA's greatest soldier and assassin. He's responsible for more political assassinations and destruction than anyone cares to count..." I trailed off, watching his reaction closely. "You might know him better as Sergeant Bucky Barnes."

Steve's reaction was instant and volatile. He sprang to his feet, fury etched across his face. "I saw Bucky die with my own eyes! And even if he did survive somehow, he'd never work for the likes of HYDRA."

I raised my arms placatingly, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. "Please, calm down. I told you this wouldn't be easy to swallow."

"How do you expect me to calm down when you're accusing my friend of working for the same enemy he died fighting?" Steve retorted, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief.

"I'm not slighting Sergeant Barnes' character or suggesting he was a traitor," I said firmly. "Bucky Barnes might be HYDRA's top assassin, but he didn't become that by choice. He's a puppet with someone else pulling the strings—a living weapon."

Steve's fists clenched at his sides, and I could see the internal battle raging within him. The struggle to reconcile the image of his best friend with the monster I was describing.

"HYDRA found him after the fall," I continued, keeping my voice calm and steady. "They didn't let him die. They rebuilt him, brainwashed him, and turned him into the Winter Soldier. He's been their tool, their weapon, for decades."

Steve's shoulders sagged slightly, the anger giving way to a deep, painful sorrow. "Bucky..." he whispered, the name a lament. "How did he even survive the fall..."

"but during his captivity in the Nazi work camps... he was taken to serve as a test subject for Arnim Zola's version of the Super Soldier Serum..," I said softly. "If you find him, you can help him. you can bring him back, and it just so happens that he holds the keys to exposing HYDRA..."

Steve sat back down, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. "How do I find him?"

I leaned forward, meeting his gaze. "That brings us back to the where. I have a lead on his last known location. A HYDRA base in Siberia... I imagine it will be heavily guarded, but I don't need to tell you that."

Steve's eyes narrowed. "I'll need you to be more specific than that..."

I shook my head, frustration creeping into my voice. "That's as specific as I can be..." I trailed off, thinking for a moment. "Look, you might have some luck if you go through SHIELD's database. Check what bases they had in Siberia."

"From there, eliminate any that were built prior to the Cold War, before Zola was recruited into SHIELD. A facility to house and keep super assassins would cost a lot of money, so might want to look into costs as well..."

Steve considered this, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. "And?"

"Look for decommissioned and abandoned bases," I continued. "It's very possible HYDRA went out of their way to hide it that way. They'd want to keep it off the radar."

He stood silent for a good minute, his expression hard to read. Then he nodded, resolute. "I'll look into it."

As he stood up and headed for the exit, he paused. "You better not be lying about this."

I called out, "And Steve."

He stopped, turning slightly to look at me.

"Aside from Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, and Maria Hill, you can't trust anyone in SHIELD," I warned. "HYDRA's roots run deep."

Without another word, Steve left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I picked up the remote and turned off the TV, the screen going dark and leaving the room in a heavy silence.

My gaze wandered to the refreshments and snacks at the table, more specifically, a plate of red berries at the corner. Taking a closer look, I also noticed some cookie crumbs on the sofa.

Scanning the room, I let out a sigh and called out, "Come out, Dugan. I know you're there."

Almost as if he had been waiting for those words, Dugan entered the living room with a grin plastered on his face. "I'm hurt you didn't include me on the good kids list," he said jokingly. "Do you think I'm a bloody HYDRA agent or something?"

I shrugged, feigning indifference. "I do trust you, Dugan, but maybe I left your name out because I knew you were hiding in the corner, eavesdropping on us."

Dugan chuckled, clearly amused. "How did you know in the first place?"

My gaze wandered to the plate of red berries, but I opted to keep my thoughts to myself. "I didn't know. I just said that to be sure, and you fell for it, revealing yourself."

Dugan chuckled at my words. "Good one, mate. I'll admit defeat."

But then his smile began to fade, replaced by a more serious expression. "About Barnes... is what you said to Captain Rogers true?"

I met his gaze, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. "Yes, it's true. Bucky Barnes, Sergeant Barnes, whatever you want to call him, is the Winter Soldier. HYDRA's greatest assassin and soldier. But he didn't choose this path. He's a puppet, controlled and manipulated by HYDRA."

Dugan's face tightened with concern. "So, all those rumors about the Winter Soldier... they're real?"

I nodded, feeling the burden of the information I was sharing. "Every single one and then some. He's responsible for countless assassinations and acts of terror. But none of it was by his own will. HYDRA turned him into a weapon."

Dugan shook his head, disbelief mingling with sorrow. "And Steve... how do you think he'll handle this?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I don't know. The man is tough... he's Captain America for a reason, but this... this is a lot to take in. Learning that your best friend is alive but has been turned into a monster by the enemy you thought you had defeated... it's a living nightmare if there ever was one..."

Dugan nodded slowly, processing the information. "And HYDRA's resurgence... it's all true?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "HYDRA was gone for a time, but then SHIELD made the stupid decision to recruit their scientists. They figured it was better than letting the Soviet Union take them... a load of good that did..."

Dugan's expression darkened. "So, what's the plan? How do we fight this?"

I leaned back, firmly shaking my head. "There is no we in this, I'm afraid. The fight with HYDRA is all yours. You'll get nothing out of me besides intel... I've got my own battles to win..."

Dugan nodded, seeming slightly disappointed, but mostly understanding. "If the rabbit hole goes as deep as you say it does... I can't blame you for wanting to be anywhere but near it. I know a thing or two about fighting HYDRA, so you won't get no judgment from me..."

I smiled at him and stood up, ready to leave. "Then it seems like we really will do get along just fine... oh and before I forget," I said stopping beside him. "I think I know what I want for the info I just gave steve... give Fury a call for me, will you?"

...

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