Chapter Text
Captain America and Howling Commandos Destroy Hydra Base
January 17, 1944
Captain Rogers has once again led the Howling Commandos to victory over Hydra. The past three months have seen a string of attacks as the Allies continue their attempt to break through enemy lines.
The Hydra facility was destroyed in an explosion. There were also reports of sniper fire, most likely the responsibility of Sargent Barnes. Allegedly the Commandos gained control of the base’s weapons stash, but the U.S. Army has declined to confirm or deny these reports.
Those of a certain age may remember the important role Diana Prince played as “Wonder Woman” during the last days of the Great War, and especially her defeat of Ludendorff at the German airfields. Once more the world finds itself at war, but this time another superhero has joined the fight.
Like Prince, Captain Rogers leads his band of men proudly into battle, while also liberating villages and protecting innocents. His shield as well as his moral convictions are just as important now as they were to Prince a generation ago.
Bucky tossed the paper towards Steve. “Front page news again.”
Steve rolled his eyes. “They publish an article any time we so much as fire a gun. It’s not a big deal.”
“Stop being modest. That mission was a huge success.”
Steve gave a slight hum of concession as he skimmed through the article. As he reached the end he smiled. “I’m glad they’re giving Wonder Woman credit.”
“Yeah. She’s still fighting I think, at least that’s the rumor."
“Maybe after this is all over I can meet her. That would really make the press go nuts.”
“Peggy too. I swear that woman is obsessed.”
Steve laughed. “It’s a healthy obsession. Maybe I can get an autograph for her…”
The next morning Steve and Bucky sat in the mess hall, each eating a plate of slightly soggy pancakes. They said hello to familiar faces as they trickled in, and the room began to fill as the morning wore on. Steve was about to get a refill of watery, though still caffeinated, coffee, when a group of men approached him.
“Hey wonder boy! Gonna use your lasso on me?” one of them taunted.
“What?”
The group laughed. “Maybe wear a skirt? That would sure be a look.”
Next to him Bucky tensed, ready for a fight, and Steve kicked his leg in warning.
“What are you talking about?”
“It was front page news, Captain,” one of the younger guys said. With a smirk, he continued. “You and Miss Prissy Princess are going to save the world with your noble ideas.”
Steve stood up and stared down his nose at them. “I’m sure you aren’t insulting Ms. Prince,” he said, his voice icy. “Her contributions on the battlefield are why we’re not all wearing pickelhaubes right now. It’s an honor to be compared to her.”
“Well, we’ll be wearing them again along with swastikas if you let your idealism get in the way of the war.”
In an instant Steve’s fist was in the man’s face without him knowing how it got there. He crumpled, falling to the floor with a thump that could be hear throughout the now silent mess hall.
"How's that for idealism?" he spat. He turned back to the rest of the group, who had backed away from where he stood. “You don’t get to criticize Wonder Woman until you’ve also braved no-man’s land alone. Is that clear?” he barked, causing the group to frantically nod and then get as far away from him as possible.
With a sigh he turned, cleaned up his tray and left, everyone’s’ eyes still on him. He heard Bucky behind him as he pushed through the door.
“That was stupid.”
“I know. I’m a headstrong idiot.”
“Your words not mine.”
Steve shot him a dirty look. “It wasn’t even really about her, they’re just fed up with this god-awful war. ”
“Still doesn’t mean they should have said it. I can’t believe I’m saying this but for once I’m glad you took someone on.”
“And look, I didn’t even get hurt this time,” Steve snorted.
Peggy was waiting for them when they got back to their tent.
“I heard you stood up for Wonder Woman,” she said, smiling up at Steve.
He gave her an awkward shrug. “News travels fast I see."
“Well I think it’s great.”
“Saves you from having to deck another solider at least.”
She laid a hand on his arm. “It was more than that, and you know it.”
Bucky made gagging noises and entered the tent, leaving them outside. “You guys should get ready,” he called.
Peggy looked down at her watch, a faint smile still gracing her face. “He’s right you know. I’m sure I’ll talk your ear off about her later.”
“I’m counting on it.”