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sjsmith56 · 6 days

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Two Steps to the Left - Part 2

Summary: The interrogation of Arnim Zola gets the information needed for Steve and Bucky to perform their mission of retrieving the serum.

Length: 3.6K

Characters: Colonel Phillips, Arnim Zola, Peggy Carter, Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes.

Warnings: Arnim Zola (lying POS), WW2 Bucky feeling left out of the loop.

Author notes: Bucky is starting to believe in his abilities and that he won’t become something dark, but there is still some mistrust.

<<Part 1

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Interrogation Room

Knowing that Zola would have to be interrogated again on the subject of how much serum had been given to Bucky was the next step to be completed before the Howling Commandos could undertake the mission to retrieve the serum. Although the voice said that Bucky and Steve could retrieve it together, even he admitted the mission stood a better chance of success if the whole team was involved. The Colonel made it very clear that he would find out the dosage, especially now that he knew the diminutive doctor was a shrewd and manipulative character.

With Peggy Carter beside him, they entered Zola's cell. This time, the Colonel brought a tray of food better suited to the doctor's preferred vegetarian diet, lentil soup, whole grain bread and a jar of Marmite, along with a glass of tomato juice. It was gratifying to see how Zola's eyes widened at the sight of the meal, considering how many previous meals he had barely nibbled at. The Colonel pushed the tray towards him, smiling genially at the man, while Carter watched from the corner of the room.

"You took the trouble of making a vegetarian meal for me, Colonel? I appreciate it."

"Well, we're not cruel, Dr. Zola," answered Phillips. "You do need sustenance. The cook tells me the lentil soup is quite good and that marmite, although an acquired taste, is liked by many of the Brits. Go ahead, please, eat." Zola took several spoonfuls of the soup, smiled and took another before looking up at the commanding officer. "I do have some questions for you."

"I assumed as much," said Zola. "What do you wish to know?"

"Exactly what did you do to Sergeant Barnes when he was your prisoner at the HYDRA factory?"

A slight hesitation as Zola lifted the spoon was the only indication that he hadn't expected that question. Without making eye contact he responded.

"What makes you think I did anything to him? Has he said anything?"

"No, nothing specific other than you experimented on some of the prisoners, but his behaviour has drawn some attention and after what happened last night ... well, let's just say the Sergeant may not finish the war in uniform."

Phillips and Carter observed the doctor carefully as he processed what was just said. Putting his spoon down he opened the jar of Marmite and spread a thin layer on the bread, then bit into it, chewing it slowly, before sipping some of the tomato juice. Only then did he look at the pair.

"What exactly happened? I am a medical doctor. Perhaps I can help."

"I doubt that," drawled the Colonel. "Our doctors are sure it was something you did to him that put him in this state. Quite frankly, after seeing what he is capable of most of them don't think he can be helped. They wish to ship Barnes back to a nice psychiatric facility in the States, where he won't be a danger to anyone, except himself."

"He hurt someone? That is most unfortunate." Zola took a few more sips of his juice. "We did give the Sergeant a new medication when we realized he was suffering from pneumonia. Perhaps, it is a delayed reaction to it?"

"Like penicillin, you mean?" Carter spoke, then shook her head. "It was over a year ago, Doctor. I doubt the body would react to a medication that long after it was administered. At least, that's what our doctors said. Steve ... I mean Captain Rogers said it was like he was fighting ...." She looked at the Colonel. "Sorry, sir, it just slipped out."

Zola studied the looks between them, at the obvious way the Colonel glared at the woman for admitting that Barnes fought Captain America. His mind whirled with excitement. Even more than a year after the last serum treatment the benefits were still present in the Sergeant, enough for him to possibly injure the one man who had been a thorn in HYDRA's side since he rescued all those soldiers. It was imperative that the Sergeant receive the remaining serum, as well as completing the reconditioning treatment to turn him into the Winter Soldier. They wouldn't let him free to return to his lab but perhaps he could convince them to get the serum here. The reconditioning treatment could be done later, after Barnes had received most of the serum, but not enough to lock the effects permanently which would prevent the reprogramming of the soldier's brain. With the several HYDRA moles already in place in the American military, a memory suppression machine could even be set up at an allied base and the Sergeant's treatment continued in secret without the Allies even being aware of their true nature. Without even thinking the doctor took an energizing breath then realized the pair were looking at him strangely.

"Doctor, is there something you're not telling us?"

Phillips' stare bore into the doctor.

"Well, yes," he stammered, pretending to be telling them this information, reluctantly. "We did give the Sergeant an experimental treatment; nothing that harmed him, I assure you. In fact, it was something similar to Dr. Erskine's initial plan for his serum; something that could help the human body heal itself quicker and more efficiently. It seemed to do wonders for the Sergeant who was frankly in danger of dying but it was interrupted before it could be completed by the arrival of Captain America and the rescue of all the soldiers at the factory. Perhaps, his body is at a stage of withdrawal where he needs the balance of the treatment."

"You mean you also have a serum like Dr. Erskine's?" asked Phillips, trying to add some excitement to his manner. "How much does he need to complete the treatment? I know how many vials we injected into Captain Rogers to achieve the results of his."

"Yes, I do, but you needed to infuse him with Vita Radiation after to activate the serum, am I correct?" countered Zola, effectively admitting he had access to intelligence on Project Rebirth. "My serum does not require the radiation although I suppose it would draw out every last benefit if it were done all at once as the Captain's was. We injected it on a daily schedule, with the initial plan to extend it to six months, allowing the body to adjust at a slower pace. If, by the young lady's admittance, Sergeant Barnes was strong enough to affect Captain Rogers during an encounter, I would think we could double the dosage. However, the serum is all in a lab in Germany. Without it, I anticipate that the Sergeant's behaviour will continue to deteriorate." He shook his head sadly, making sure he appeared to be concerned about Barnes' health. "Such a sad outcome for a fine young man."

"How much serum are we talking about, Doctor?" Phillips looked at him. "Perhaps, we can send a team to retrieve it and bring back enough for the Sergeant. I agree that the prospect of sentencing Sergeant Barnes to a lifetime in a psychiatric facility for what is obviously a medical issue vexes me."

"Perhaps I could trouble you for a pencil and paper," smiled Zola.

Peggy Carter stifled the ill feeling that Zola's smile brought up in her. It was enough to make her vomit. She reached inside her pocket and pulled out a small pad of paper as well as a pencil, placing it on the table in front of the doctor. As he drew it in closer and began to make calculations she stole a look at Phillips. He seemed ready to lean over and knock the doctor's head off but glanced at her before resuming his troubled commander look. After several minutes of calculations Zola wrote something down on several clean sheets of paper and pushed them towards the Colonel.

"There, that is my best calculation of how much serum Sergeant Barnes needs to lock in the benefits of the serum and be at a fully operational status. I have also provided you with the location of my lab, along with the lock combination to get in and out quickly as time is of the essence if we wish to relieve the Sergeant of his dilemma." Phillips reached out to take the slips. "I only ask one thing." Phillips stopped then looked at Zola without changing the position of his head. "I wish to be present while he is undergoing the treatment. I understand he doesn't trust me but as a doctor and a scientist, I feel it is important for me to be there for what is sure to be a momentous occasion."

Phillips grasped the papers then stood up and looked at the doctor. "Of course, I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement." He waved the slip of papers like he would a flag. "Thank you, Doctor. You've been most cooperative, and I'll make sure to tell my superiors that. Enjoy your meal."

Phillips and Carter exited the interrogation room, where a trusted SSR captain and an MP waited.

"Once he's finished eating, I want him moved to another location," ordered Phillips. "We're certain there are HYDRA agents in sensitive positions in both the American and British military so find the most innocuous installation and transport him there where he can't contact anyone or be tracked. If Army Intelligence comes looking for him, I want them to know they have HYDRA moles that must be neutralized first. Once you find that place you send me a coded location message. I will reply when our mission has been accomplished."

Both soldiers saluted as the Colonel and Carter left with the location of Zola's lab and the amount of serum needed. In the jeep on the way to the airfield where the Howling Commandos waited, they said nothing, as the driver wasn't cleared to hear any top-secret information. He dropped them off in front of the stolen German aircraft, then drove a short distance away as Steve, dressed incognito and Bucky approached the Colonel and Peggy. Handing them the information he gazed at Bucky with concern.

"Zola said the schedule for your dosage could be doubled but it would still take weeks. He didn't disagree that all the serum could be given in concert with the Vita-Ray radiation treatment. Seemed to think it would draw out every last benefit. What does your voice say to that?"

Bucky waited for his counterpart's voice to make itself known. Just as he was about to tell Phillips that the voice wasn't answering he heard him.

"Theoretically it should work just as Steve's did, but it is a copy of the original incomplete formula that was used on Schmidt, which is why they had to inject you over a period of time. My medical colleague here would be willing to come and supervise the process, but he can't guarantee the results. It would also have to be in secret because his appearance may cause concern."

"He can come here?" Bucky repeated. "Would you come as well?"

There was no answer for a long time then he heard his voice. "I'm not sure that's a good idea but my medical colleague says he would feel easier if I was there with him, just in case. It's your call, Bucky."

Everyone was looking at him. The whole balance of the mission was on him, a sergeant with some unstable serum setting up shop in his body. Removing it wasn't an option. His only real choice was to take the full treatment, but something was coming soon that he would be needed for, so the treatment had to be sped up. He looked at Steve, whose impassive face showed that this was Bucky's decision. He wasn't going to pressure him in any way, but he would support his friend, like he had done since Bucky finally confided in him.

"Alright, I'll undergo the same treatment," he said to the Colonel. "The voice said he and a medical colleague are coming to supervise it, but it will have to be a secret location because of the colleague's appearance. He also can't guarantee the results."

"Very well," said the Colonel, without question. "While you're away, I'll contact Stark to set up the radiation chamber in a new location. When you return, we'll go there. Does your counterpart need any advance notice?"

"No, just let us know where the place is and when, and we'll be there. Bucky? No heroics from you and Steve on this. No matter what you might see there, don't interfere. Just go in and out then come back. Got it?"

"Understood," he replied, then looked at everyone. "Let's go."

As the aircraft took off, Colonel Phillips and Peggy Carter looked at each other, hoping this would go to plan. The driver was waved over, and the pair climbed into the jeep to be taken back to their base.

The Mission

As the Commandos looked at the camp in front of them, Bucky repeated what his future counterpart said about getting in and out of the lab quickly. They weren't to interfere with what was going on.

"What were his specific words?" Steve looked at his friend.

"No heroics from you or me on this." Bucky saw a grin appear on Steve's face. "No, he was quite specific that we get in, get what we came for and get out."

"Yeah, but he didn't say the guys couldn't do some damage." The superhero waved his hand at the obvious purpose of the facility, as the work crews of what were obviously civilians lined up while guards with snarling dogs on leashes approached them. "There's nothing stopping them from creating a diversion that might also allow a lot of these prisoners to escape. You and I won't be involved. We'll already be inside the lab." He raised his eyebrows. "I think your future Bucky just wanted to make sure that you and I stayed on the most immediate task. Remember, at first, he said we could do it alone. Then he agreed the Commandos could come. Why else would he say that?"

Shaking his head, Bucky waited for the voice to counter what Steve just said but he remained silent. With a resigned breath, Bucky nodded his head, then rolled his eyes as Steve gleefully went to the others and gave them the go-ahead to implement a plan they had already drawn up. He returned to Bucky's side with a grin, then pulled his black headgear on, the need to hide his true identity necessary.

"Ready? Race you to the fence."

He took off, and Bucky groaned then ran after him, still dealing with the realization that he could keep up with Steve, at least for a time. Just as he began to slow down, they reached their destination, and Steve jumped up to the top of the observation tower, tossing the two guards over like they were trash. Bucky finished the job, punching them for good measure then tied them up. Both men took the weapons with them. Just as they reached the second tower an explosion at the far side of the facility drew the attention of every guard near them, sending them running towards the scene. Steve jumped up to the top of the next tower and tossed those two guards over then landed on the other side of the fence, waiting for Bucky to finish them off. Both men grasped hold of the wire and pulled it apart, allowing room for Bucky to get through. They ran towards the administration buildings, stopping along the way as teams of soldiers ran towards the obvious sounds of a gun battle. Just as they were about to run, a hand on Bucky's shoulder startled him and he whirled around ready to shoot. The obvious prisoner stepped back, holding his hands up.

"American?" he asked. "Rescue?"

"American, yes. Rescue, no." Bucky looked at the man's disappointment then unloaded all the weapons he took from the tower guards, grabbing them off of Steve as well, and giving them to the prisoner. "Hole in the fence. There." He pointed towards the second tower. "Escape. Go."

With understanding in his eyes, the man gathered the weapons close then ran to a nearby building, where an outer door opened then closed as he entered. A few moments later it opened again to several armed prisoners leading the others towards the second guard tower. As they encountered other guards, they engaged them in battle then distributed their weapons amongst the others. Returning his attention to Steve they ran towards the building where Zola said his lab was and entered it, finding the door to the lab locked with a combination lock set into the door. They dialled the correct combination and opened it, turned on the light and looked for the locker where the serum was supposed to be stored. Finding it, Steve broke that lock with his hands and opened the doors. Both men gasped when they saw all the serum that was sitting there, dozens of cases with six vials in each container.

"There's enough here for many men," said Steve. "Bucky, we can't let them keep it and it's too much to safely carry."

"Fuck. Hey! What are we supposed to do with all this serum?" he cried out, wanting an answer from the voice.

There was no answer and once again he was faced with the dilemma of it being his decision. Grabbing a satchel, he took out what was needed for himself, then added several more cases, grabbing some lab coats and stuffing them in to cushion the cases. Steve did the same then looked at all the serum that was left. Noticing a Bunsen burner attached to a gas outlet, Bucky opened the valve and several others fully as Steve did the same then they retreated to the door of the lab. Lighting an emergency lantern that was just outside the door, Bucky tossed it inside, watching as the fire spread. The two men glanced at each other then began running towards the hole in the fence, where dozens of prisoners were lined up to get out. Ignoring them, they both pulled another portion of the wire fence apart and burst through followed by other prisoners. After quickly leaving them behind, the two men ran to the rendezvous point where they were joined by rest of the Howling Commandos, spread between two stolen motor cars, their faces flush with the knowledge that they had destroyed a Nazi concentration camp. Jumping inside the vehicles, the order was given to return to the aircraft. Along the way a large explosion occurred behind them and both Steve and Bucky smiled at each other, knowing they were the cause of it. Their pilot started up the aircraft as they abandoned the vehicles and clambered on, taxiing it to the end of the runway.

"We got company!"

Steve and Bucky both looked out the cockpit window at several trucks of German soldiers approaching them. The pilot applied full throttle then lifted off well before they had set up their anti-aircraft weapons. Circling towards the west they were soon approaching the border with France, taking some flak from the defences there. After Gabe successfully contacted the base in England they were left alone as they flew over the channel and prepared to line up for the runway. In all that time, the voice never spoke a word until just as the tires made contact with the pavement.

"Good work."

"Where were you?" asked Bucky. "You seriously expected that Steve and I wouldn't help them?"

The Commandos watched, having been read in on Bucky's future counterpart.

"No, I never expected that, but you still had to stay on mission. History just never knew that the Commandos and either of you were involved in this. We had to keep it that way. You were a mystery Allied unit that helped a bunch of prisoners escape from a concentration camp that was also a site for human experimentation. It was always going to happen, but the circumstances dictated how, and I didn't have the information to tell you that."

Bucky grunted, slinking back into the bench as the aircraft taxied towards a far building. They were being picked up far away from prying eyes, transported directly to a camp where Colonel Phillips would advise him where he had to go for the full treatment. One more step completed since that first step to the left that started this whole thing.

"Bucky?"

"What?"

"It's hard to be out of the loop but if I tell you too much too soon, then there's a good chance we don't get the outcome we want. When I get there, you and I will have a private talk and I'll tell you everything that I'm permitted to tell you."

"Alright, I guess. Tell me something. Is Steve in your future just as impulsive as he is now?" There was no answer. "Bucky?"

Still no answer. Why didn't he answer? Better yet, why didn't Steve from the future have a connection to this Steve? There was no time to dwell on that as the aircraft came to a stop and the exit door was opened. But it was definitely something he was going to bring up to his counterpart.

Part 3>>

Series Masterlist

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfiction #steve rogers #steve rogers fanfiction #avengers fanfiction #bucky barnes au #arnim zola #Colonel Phillips #Peggy Carter #hydra #serum

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