Long Form Roleplayers

Previous: Captain America - The Rise of HYDRA - Part I - Friend or Foe

Captain America - The Rise of HYDRA - Part 2 - A Rough Beginning

Starring

Captain America

Blake MacMillan

The Snakepit

with

Russe Garin
Lorenzo Quinto

Captain America:
I sit there in the chair for a moment as Blake leaves the room, considering my next steps. It might not be the best choice, but it’s the only one I can see working. I’m not an actor, not a spy, I’m a soldier. I know my strengths, and my limitations. I can pull off a low-key role that keeps me in the background, but not something that is going to require me to fool an entire group of seasoned bounty hunters, not to mention HYDRA.

I wait a bit longer, wanting to make sure that I don’t leave the room right after Blake. I want as few people as possible to connect us together. I head out the door, back into the luxury lounge. I stay relaxed, trying not to draw attention to myself. I seek out the hostess who showed me in, and quietly received the address of the hotel that Blake set up for me tonight.

There aren’t any further trains back to Washington tonight, so I might as well take advantage of the hotel room. Besides, I was hoping to meet with Blake again before I head back to Washington, to solidify our plans. Based on how we carry this plan out, I might want more than just my shield with me.

Blake Macmillian:
I get out of the room, and look at the remaining people. It seemed like the conflict had slowed down, and there were three people standing on their feet. Russe's eyes immediately landed on me as I gave him a nod, and he gestured back with a smile. Fuck this shit… He could have been an amazing contact and opportunity for me to reach Arthur. But now, with this Captain America stuff, it is going to be much harder. I was just hoping he wouldn't dig into my own duties and cases. I quickly take one more look at the grouped humans, and lead myself out of the VIP Lounge. My eyes quickly start another search until they detect Amanda, the woman who led Steve here. I lean into her ear, and gently whisper. "Please kindly escort Mr. Joshua Bakers into his hotel, and tell him that I will be meeting with him in the morning at breakfast time." I don't wait for her reply as I rush myself out of the nightclub. I know she is going to do the things I have said as I said.

It does not take too long for me to book two tickets to Washington. At first, I was planning to send Rogers alone. However, it occured to me I can obtain more knowledge and data from SHIELD, especially how they found my identity. For that reason, it was pretty logical to follow Captain America during his journey. Perhaps I could be able to learn more things about him at the same time as well.

When it comes to morning, I arrive at the hotel's restaurant, just before the breakfast period starts, and wait for Rogers to arrive. I am wearing a blue jean coat and pants this time, white sneakers with sunglasses, preferring something casual for today since we are going to hit the road soon. There is a book in my hands as my eyes are wandering around on the pages.

Captain America:
I stand against the window, looking out across the New York skyline. I was born here, but the city of my birth has changed so much that I barely recognize it anymore. With a sigh, I turn away, and check the time. There will just be enough time to get breakfast before heading to the train station. I should be back in Washington before noon.

I dress casually today, sneakers, blue jeans and a simple white t-shirt. Wanting to pass as a casual blue collar worker on his way to the job. I’m never worried about being recognized, generally. To most people, Captain America is the legendary uniform, not the man behind it. Without the uniform, I’m just another man.

I sling my duffel bag over my shoulder, and leave my room behind, heading downstairs to grab breakfast. When I walk through the doorway leading into the dining room, I quickly scan the room, as I always do. In my line of work, constant vigilance is a requirement. It doesn’t take me long to spot Blake.

He’s reading a book, dressed casually. I almost smile. I wasn’t really surprised to see him, I had been half expecting him.

I walked over to the table, and sat down across from him. In a casual tone of voice, I ask, “How’s the book? Any good?”

Blake Macmillian:
I lift my eyes from the book towards Rogers. He is in a casual outfit, like mine. If only people around him knew who he was… I tilt my head to the side, and stare at your face for a brief moment before replying. "Well, there were times that I enjoyed a book more, so I guess you can call it normal." I close the book in front of you before placing it on the table, in front of me. "The action-themed writings of a normal human being… How good can they be?" I, then slowly raise a bit in the chair. "Liked the hotel I have selected for you?"

Then, I check around before leaning towards you in the air, my eyes always darting from side to side. "I have booked two tickets to Washington. We have 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 17 seconds left…" I smirk slightly, wondering how you would react to my accurate expression before I ask in a more serious tone, eyes locked with yours this time. "You are not being followed, are you?"

Captain America:
I study Blake carefully as the assassin looks up from his book, closing it and putting it on the table. The comment he makes is almost dismissive. I chuckle slightly, the man has his opinions, and he wasn’t afraid to share them.

I shrugged as I started to reply. “The hotel was fine. Better than sleeping on the dirt.” Something that I had done many times back in WWII. My eyes grow narrow as Blake leans forward, whispering in my ear. I can smell his scent, feel his heat. There is something unmistakably attractive about Blake. Almost like forbidden fruit. They were total opposites in so many ways. And yet…

“So, you want to come along for the ride with me back to Washington? And yes, there is someone following me. You are.” Steve chuckles again, then shrugs and answers a bit more seriously. “If there is, I didn’t see them, and while I’m not trained in surveillance, I’m also not easy to surprise. Now, if you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’d like to grab some breakfast. You wouldn’t believe how many calories I need to keep going.” Being a super soldier had it’s downsides. All that strength and energy didn’t come from nowhere. I had to eat a LOT of food.

I helped myself to double portions of everything from the breakfast bar, bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, fried potatoes, fresh fruit, yogurt. I got some looks as I walked back to the table. But, I was used to it. A super soldier has got to eat.

I sit down across from Blake. “Let me wolf this down, then we can catch the subway back to Grand Central Station.”

Blake Macmillian:
I can't help but smile gently as you include me in the list that follows, lean back into my chair comfortably. "I didn't know you were capable of joking, Rogers. Maybe you really can adapt to the 21st century." I do not give any comment as you say you are not sure if someone was following you. I did not like not knowing this at all. But I guess it couldn't be helped.

Then you mention you want to go grab something to eat as I nod to you in response. My eyes are always darting from side to side, trying to detect someone around here. I was trained as a martial artist, like a ninja, an assassin. So my intuition was generally right, and I was having the sense of being watched. But whoever that person was, I couldn't see anyone suspicious. Maybe he was camouflaged pretty smoothly.

You return back to the table with a double plate, filled with every possible food that is served in the hotel. I chuckle slightly, and give you an unusual comment that many people do not give. "You are the big and strong Captain America, and that is all you eat? How adorable… Even cute perhaps… One strong and elegant hero…" And as I watch you dig into your breakfast, I take two little pieces from my pocket, extending one towards your direction, and put it next to your table. I put the other one in my ear, and place it firmly, so that it cannot be seen easily from the outer surface.

"Wear this earphone… We will be able to contact each other when we are separate without anyone noticing us." Then I smirk playfully once again. "I told you data and technology was the power nowadays, Rogers. You better get used to it." Then my eyes shift to the clock on the table before it lands on you. "We can go whenever you want."

Captain America:
My eyes widen as I start to eat rapidly, efficiently, barely taking the time to taste my food before I swallow it. There Blake goes again, flirting with me. The tension … the mutual attraction is there. But there it will have to stay. Personal considerations come a long way down the list of priorities for me. Duty first. Always. But it doesn’t hurt to look. Not even for me.

I finish eating, and reach out for the earpiece. I was familiar with it. In fact, I had my own SHIELD issue earpiece, which I had been wearing during our meeting yesterday. But I don’t have it on now. I surreptitiously put the earpiece in, out of sight, deeper in my ear canal. I figured since Blake was paying, I would be happy to use his tech.

I nod in thanks to Blake, then stand up. “All right, let’s go.” I scan the room again, the hypervigilance a part of me now, assessing potential threats, looking for danger. Everything seemed quiet at the moment, as I hefted my duffle bag and led Blake out the door of the hotel, dropping off my room card on the way. The entrance to the Subway station was just a half block down.

Russe Garin:
I knew from the very first moment my eyes landed on this Joshua Bakers guy that he was not trustworthy. The way he looked, behaved and acted was nothing like a hunter. It didn’t make sense for Joshua to be working with Blake, but like everyone around here, he had his own agenda. So I didn’t trust him. After they parted ways, I started to follow this Bakers guy into his hotel. My mind was racing quickly as I was forcing my memory to function, thinking if this is all related to the meeting that will be held at the HYDRA Base. I needed to be sure. This was important.

As Joshua Bakers handles his check in, I take a quick photo of him, and send it to the HYDRA Base's Secretary. I am sure they will be able to identify him, especially if he anything to do with the artifacts. After three hours later, a detailed and well-prepared response reached me. And the information I have received was incredible, too good to be true: Steve Rogers? Captain America? How the HELL? That guy didn't die years ago? Was he still alive? It took me a very long time to process this… So he was really the famous, well-known Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. And he was probably after the artifacts. Was he aware of the serum as well? Why did he contact Blake Macmillan? Well, all of these will be answered soon if I manage to play my cards correctly. That is why I have contacted the best person that I can reach for this job: Snakepit

He and I used to do work in the past, and I knew how strong he was by the way he crushed and tore apart his opponents. On top of that, he was going to be the star guest of the meeting, not sure why exactly. I just knew how much HYDRA insisted on him coming, which was indicating there was something special planned for him. And he wouldn't like someone such as Captain America at HYDRA Base.

I selected one of my men to follow Steve Rogers in the morning. He would get suspicious, or Blake, if they see me around them. And just a couple of minutes ago, I learned that they were on their way to Grand Central Station. Hmmm… That seemed like a nice opportunity, catching Captain America's guard off while he is defenseless in the subway. Besides, we did not see any kind of shield near him, so he actually may be vulnerable as well. Without wasting any time, I sent Snakepit a message to meet me at the Station. Seems like this was going to be a good day with the mayhem we are going to start. The only thing that I still did not understand was Blake's position here, but we probably can find a way to keep him busy, preventing him from assisting Captain America, even if it means to waste someone like him.

The Snakepit:
Do you know my name or just the name my friends call me? You have fallen for that line, haven’t you? I have no friends. Should you be curious, I was born Mikhail Reshevsky. Does that name sound familiar? You may be thinking of my older brother Nicholas. No one has called us by those names in years. He is known as The Quicksand and I am The Snakepit.

If you only know of his and my parallel paths of destruction, perhaps a bit of history will give you more context. Mikhail and I are three years apart but we were always strong and powerful. Our home life was oppressive and we had a penchant for getting into fights. We rarely lost, except when we brawled with one another. Those battles were brutal and bloody, even at our tender ages, and health care in our repressive country was hardly a model for the world. Our family was visited one day when we were barely in our teens by a trio of men who were obviously connected to the government. There were hushed whispers with our parents in the kitchen before the men came back out, our parents in the doorway watching.

Two of the men grabbed Nicholas to overpower him, Nicholas struggling to escape their trained holds. The third held up a hypodermic needle. No one but me gets to beat up on my brother and I dove in. One of the men suffered a broken nose from my punch, blood spurting on all of us. Ignoring my assault the man drove the needle into Nicholas’ ample shoulder and he collapsed. The men took to me next and I couldn’t fight off two. The needle hit my muscle and the world went black.

You may be wondering why I’m telling you this sad story of my youth. We were taken to a top-secret training base where we were mercilessly raised to be fighting machines. I apologize, I meant killing machines. There was more to it than that. They raised us to be lethal and powerful warriors but there were also the experiments. Ever since Erskine’s formula (you knew it would come back to that, didn’t you? Smart readers!) was lost, every major power has tried to develop their own super-soldier serum. Nicholas and I were two subjects of those experiments.

The experimental drugs acted as steroids for our already-powerful bodies but not the results they wished for us, to make us the first of the super army they wished to build. But there were other effects of the drugs. Our minds were opened to the voices that no ordinary human can detect. True, they screamed and shouted in my head but I heard their truths no one else would tell me, or Nicholas. Their psychiatrists were troubled by these new occurrences, one of which muttered, “certifiably insane.” I crushed the hand making notes in his tablet, breaking every bone to prove my sanity.

When we discovered other forces were at work seeking the super-soldier serum, my brother and I forced our escape. We lost count of how many fell as we broke out. As we fled the compound, I looked back, taking an oath to come back to destroy this place and its relentless staff. Finding a new serum for us both would let us come back to wreak havoc and have our vengeance.

When I defeated and tortured Archer, I found his files talking about HYDRA. As I read the dossier, this was an organization which would be most likely to have, or be close to, the serum. And they were looking to hire mercenaries. With “ruthless killer” near the top of my resume, I thought this was my chance to infiltrate them. Detroit, Michigan. How clever to choose a location which few would willingly visit. The voices in my head howl and screech in joy at my decision.

Captain America:
The subway was crowded as Blake and I squeezed in. I self-conciously adjusted my duffle bag, trying to make more space for others. It was too crowded, too noisy to talk further with the assassin.

I didn’t like being in such tight quarters. I was a soldier, and part of that meant maintaining a constant vigilance of everything around me, always looking for threats. In a crowded subway train, this was hard to do. I started to get nervous as I held the hand strap dangling from the ceiling, my bicep flexing slightly as I maintained my grip and balance as the train rocked from side to side. I glanced over at Blake beside me. The next stop was Grand Central Station, I would be much more at ease once we arrived and could escape these tight quarters.

The Snakepit:
I open the encrypted text from Russe, summoning me to New York and to meet him at Grand Central Station. I have been there before and recall stopping in the middle of the grand lobby, my bulk preventing normally impatient New Yorkers to detour around me with inaudible complaints. I looked up at the Celestial Ceiling, immediately picking out Orion. I expect it will not surprise you, dear readers, that I identify with The Hunter. I have even heard tell somewhere of a phenomenon called Orion Instinct, or somesuch gobbleygook.

I read further, Russe wishes me to meet him and ambush a target. I smile, always a painful expression for me. I intended to crash HYDRA’s party and it appears I have received an engraved invitation. And how ironic, given my quest, that my target will be the famous Steve Rogers, Captain America himself, the only successfully surviving super-soldier. I wonder his blood would pass the traits on to me, as devouring The Mercenary’s testicles provided for me, albeit briefly.

I arrive at Grand Central Station, checking my device. I am early to meet Russe, so I once again divert the flow of the crowd, trying to reach their individual destinations. I ignore the grumbling, thinking they are the exact opposite of a flock of geese or a school of fish. Theirs is a chaotic ballet of avoiding contact, dodging others in such a rush to reach a likely insignificant goal. I look up and immediately view Orion once again. I look back through the crowd for Russe as the voices of Hera, Minerva, and Mercury howl inside my head from outside the Station for attention. I expect standing still in the middle of this maelstrom will make me easily found.

Captain America:
At last, the subway car pulls into the platform. It is with great relief that I exit the crowded train next to Blake. Always vigilant, I shoulder the duffle bag, making my way across the platform and up the escalator, eyes scanning the crowds around us as they stream out of the subway train and flow up the escalators in a sea of humanity.

At the top, I spend a moment looking up at the ceiling, I never get tired of the beautiful art work depicting the constellations. It gives me a brief moment of peace. Provides continuity with my past, something that is the same now as it was a century ago.

Then, my eyes begin scanning the crowd as I make my way with Blake towards our platform for the train to New York City.

There … in the middle of the crowd, like a boulder in the middle of a river, stands a massive gorilla of a man, with a thick beard. He stands out like a sore thumb. I frown slightly, my vigilance suddenly kicking up to hyper-vigilance. I give no outward sign, it might be nothing, but I am on high alert now. Something about him … sets of alarm bells inside me.

Russe Garin:
I finally arrive at the station, trying my best to reach there as fast as possible. It is almost impossible not to notice Snakepit at the station though. With his tall and huge frame, every single human being lands their eyes on him at least for once. I’m glad he managed to come just in time, even before me. Without wasting any time, I slowly approach him, and gently touch his arm to attract his attention to me while giving him a nod. My eyes keep examining and studying each and every face that passes us, close or far away. “Do you still follow Rogers, Karl?” I speak silently into my own earpiece, and suddenly shift my head towards my right side after hearing the response.

And there they were. HELL… He really was Steve Rogers, the pics of him matched. And Blake was next to him, not wasting any time to enter their subway. I look at Snakepit once again, and give him a wicked smile, gesturing with my head to show where they are. It was pretty obvious which train they were going to get. “I don’t know what Blake and Steve are doing together, but we cannot leave this opportunity up to chance. In the train, I can distract Blake while you handle Rogers unless you have a better idea?”

Blake Macmillian:
After we take our subway and exit for the station, our bodies are surrounded by a human mass. People are walking around, passing us, and progressing forward with us. I don’t waste any time, and start leading Rogers to the train that we are going to take for washington. However, I was about to experience, once again, that my intuitions were correct. I would have wished it to be otherwise, but the reality was in front of me. Russe, approximately 15 meters away from our location, to our left side, was there and talking. A very tall man was standing next to him, and once my gaze landed on his face, I knitted my eyebrows slightly; I didn’t know the guy, but a hunter would always recognize another one. And that tall dude was not ordinary at all. Considering Russe was next to him, it was undeniable that something was planned about Rogers, not quite sure what exactly.

I don’t turn my face towards Steve, but I can sense he at least realized the massive male who stands tall in the crowd. Casually, I talk into my earpiece, looking forward, and still walking towards our train. “Apparently, someone has followed you, Rogers, probably yesterday… I told you not to, but, oh well…” My eyes suddenly scan the area quickly. We were about to enter the train, and they probably already understood which train we were going to take. It was almost too late now to trick them, but I was going to try my best. Still not looking at Rogers, I murmur into the phone. “Enter into the restroom that is closer to the engineer’s cabin, I have an idea…” And with these words, I push him into the train before starting to rush towards the front of the train on the passenger platform.

Captain America:
As I followed Blake to our train, I noticed the slight tells that the assassin was also tense. He confirms it a moment later when I hear his voice over my earpiece. So I was followed. Well. Whoever did it was damn good. I follow Blake’s lead, not looking at the massive gorilla again. My entire body is ready to explode into violence at an instant’s notice. I hate this. This is a worst-case scenario, engaging in a battle in the middle of a group of innocent civilians. I might be a soldier, but I’m a soldier who hates war. I’ve seen enough death in my career to last a hundred lifetimes. But sometimes you have no choice.

Grimly, I listen to Blake’s suggestion over my earpiece, then head into the restroom near the engineer’s cabin. Let’s see what kind of plan Blake has.

The Snakepit:
I turn to Russe as we watch Rogers and Macmillan board the next train to their connection, both of them signalling their awareness of our presence. I shoulder the passengers aside, complaining until they laid eyes upon me and yielded my right of way. I nod to Russe, “Take his escort out of my way and I will take Rogers.” The train unexpectedly begins to close the doors ahead of schedule, I grip the doors before they close, their annoying beeping of no concern to me, as the passengers press even more closely as I muscle through. I spot Macmillan and point to him, ordering Russe as if I were the boss, “Take him! I have eyes on Rogers!”

The passengers part like the Red Sea before Moses’ staff as my frighteningly massive body charges forward to the engineer’s cabin, seeing Rogers enter the restroom. I think, “Does the mighty Captain America take to a toilet to escape me? Surely, it does not take so little to frighten the hero that so helpless.”

Blake Macmillian:
I keep rushing until I reach the front of the subway. I don’t look behind to see if someone is following me, I knew someone was after me. The question was could I have avoided them just in time. As I finally arrive, I look around to the people wandering. There aren't too many people here, and in the distance, I can see Russe. I don’t know if he would see it, but I just gave him a cocky smile. “Hasta la vista, Russe.” I murmur to myself before I jump in front of the train. And before anyone can see… I have vanished with the portal I have opened up.

And suddenly, another portal opens up in the engineer’s office, and I am behind the engineer’s chair already. He slowly turns his chair around because of the noise he just heard as I push my forearm against his throat, trapping him into the chair as I put my other hand’s index finger on my lips to imply to him to keep it low. “I’m not going to hurt you if you do exactly what I say…” I don’t let him scream for help as well since I keep pushing his throat, pushing the air out of his lungs as I gesture at the console that is in front of him with my head. “Start the train immediately, otherwise, it wouldn’t only be bad for yourself, but for the passengers as well.” I take out one of my double pistols afterwards to show how serious I am to the conductor. I wasn’t going to kill him of course, but the faster he obeys, the better it is going to be.

Thanks to my persuasive methods, the locomotive suddenly closes its doors, and starts to progress forward, increasing his speed bit by bit as I give the engineer a reassuring smile. “Good boy… Right call and decision.. A friendly piece of advice…” I lean into his face with a huge grin, my face almost touching his. “Make up a good excuse why you have switched the engine on early. You are going to need it to cover your ass afterwards.” I show my pistol to him once more as I back away. “You know what you are not going to say after all, so this may be a good clue…”However, just before I finish my sentence, an alarm on the panel catches my attention. Seems like someone forced one of the train’s doors open. Hmmm, it appears that a big brute is already on the train. Oh well… No need to panic the engineer any more now as I give him a wink, and reach for the door. Time to find Rogers before him.

Russe Garin:
As if Blake and Rogers understood someone was after them, they suddenly depart when Blake starts to walk on the platform while Rogers enters the train. I grunt in anger since I don’t understand what their plan is, but it seems like Snakepit at least approved of my plan, and immediately gestures to me to follow Blake. I nod to him as he rushes his way towards the door, and I try to catch Blake up. But when Snakepit was in front of me, it was easier. I don’t understand where Macmillan is going though. He just follows the train tracks until he reaches the front. He looks in my direction, smiles. I am not sure if he is aware of me, but I am certain that he is aware that he is being followed. However, something unexpected happens as he suddenly throws himself in front of the train. My eyes widen in surprise as I start running to the front of the train, confused about Blake’s plans.

I check the front, but he is not there. How the fuck? Where the hell did he go? I suddenly hear the engine sound of the train, and I look surprised. He actually managed to start the train? But how? How could he be able to do that? In such a short time? There is no entrance. Then the train starts to progress bit by bit. I grunt, starting to chase the subway as it gets faster and faster. I don’t know where to enter the train, nor that I have a place that I can fit into myself. And under 60 seconds or so, the train just vanishes into the unknown as I breathe deeply. FUCK… FUCK… I can’t believe I got just tricked by Blake Macmillan. But I wasn’t going to be useless anyway. I look behind to see if Snakepit is around. Apparently not, maybe he actually managed to fit in even though Macmillan started the journey sooner than it is expected. I reach for my phone, and dial a number… I wasn’t going to let Captain America run away that easily.

Captain America:
Just as I was about to enter the toilet, I heard a sound of muffled protests coming from further down the train car, behind me. I caught sight of that massive gorilla of a man coming up behind me shoving passengers out of the way as he followed me. Well, he wanted to play did he? Then I guess we were gonna play. I don’t know what plan Blake had in mind, but no plan survives contact with the enemy. I pretend not to notice him as I enter the bathroom and shut the door.

I wait, tracking his progress by the grunts and frightened squeals of passengers. Suddenly, I feel the engines of the big locomotive start up. It wasn’t departure time yet … somehow, I suspected Blake was behind this. I focused for a moment, and my enhanced hearing caught the sound of his voice in the train driver’s compartment, I caught a few of his words. I frowned… he was threatening the train driver to make him start early? I started to boil inside. That’s not right. That is far, far from right. But I didn’t think he would actually hurt the man. If he did, then he would have me to answer to.

But there was no time to worry about that now. I waited, continuing to track the big man’s progress until he was just in front of the door, then with all my strength, I slammed the door open, ripping it off its hinges, my super solder muscle straining and flexing as I smashed it towards where I judged him to be, not holding back. I hated fighting in close quarters surrounded by civilians. I hated collateral damage.

The Snakepit:
I lose track of how many supposedly innocent bystanders I hurled aside when their attention on their mobile devices or music on their Bluetooth prevented them from seeing my bulk charging through the throng. I reach the restroom, Captain America inside. The voices in my head reach a crescendo to crash in without regard to what awaited me. But this was no ordinary quarry, this is the sole super soldier. I need to be ready before I…..

… I was not ready. The restroom door explodes out, hitting me with extreme impact. I am slammed back, the hard metal hitting my face. As my momentum crashes through the restroom door behind me, a couple trying to join the Yard-High Club inside is rather awestruck at their sudden voyeur. Another time I may have watched, but I have a fight on my hands now. Rather, in my hands.

I spin the restroom door, using it like my own version of the superhero’s shield to find my footing and charge, twirling it as I close to strike the Captain with its lower edge.

Captain America:
All extraneous thoughts and musings fall to the wayside as my mind slams into hyper-vigilant combat mode. I hit paydirt, feeling that door smash into the gorilla coming for me, knocking him into the bathroom across the aisle.

He is fast, despite his huge mass, and adaptable as well. Clearly this adversary is not just your casual off-the-street hired muscle. He grabs the door I blasted him with, and swings it towards me. But as fast as he is, I’m faster. Far faster.

I reach up while that door is just starting to swing, and grab the top edge of the doorframe. My biceps flex smoothly, releasing a surge of power as I muscle myself up out of the path of that door, coil my legs, and let loose a double footed kick right to that big gorilla’s bearded face in one smooth lightning fast motion.

I may not have my shield on me, but I am far from defenseless. My mind and body are all the weapons I need.

Blake Macmillian:
As I close the engineer’s door behind me, some loud voices start to emerge which sound like fighting. I roll my eyes in disbelief. How fast that huge brute guy can be with that tall frame? I rushed into the restroom area which is located just before the passengers' seats, and in that tight corridor, two fighters were slamming doors against each other. I can see Rogers was preparing for a double kick attack, was not sure if the massive hunter was going to find a way to dodge or block it, but it wasn’t time to watch the fight.

As Rogers charges his feet, I roll on the ground, and before anyone can see, I am behind that big boy, slightly on his own right side. I ignore the couple in the restroom, at first at least, that stands behind us, and send a powerful kick into the bounty hunter’s left calf, trying to force him to fall to the ground, or at least drop to his knees. I hope he was not expecting me which would help me and Rogers to trap him faster. After my attack, I gesture to the couple to get out of the cabin to make them rush to the passengers’ part. I didn’t know about that big boy, but I was certain that Rogers would not be happy about civilians getting hurt.

The Snakepit:
I knew Rogers would be fast, why else would he be called a super-soldier? But I was not prepared for just how fast. He ducks the door I swing at him and leaps over my makeshift weapon, his feet coming at me at blinding speed. I move to duck and dodge but I’m not confident I can move fast enough and I prepare to take the hit. It’s gonna hurt….

I get unexpected help though when Rogers’ associate - who I never saw coming - slams a kick into my calf hard. Really hard. I grunt as my left leg buckles from the force of the kick, hastening my downward motion. Rogers’ heel still tags my jaw, snapping my head to the side with spittle flying out. I let my three hundred pounds of bulk drop me to my right, aiming my elbow at where I mentally calculate his head must be. Whatever I do next, I have to make sure both Rogers and his friend are in front of me. In the narrow train corridor, they can’t both attack me at once. One in front and one behind, this fight is over before it starts.

Russe Garin:
I really can’t believe I am fooled like that. But no… A chance like that was too good to let go. I wasn’t going to let this happen. I wait for a moment before the other person on the other side opens up. “Lorenzo, don’t ask any questions. Grab two of your men, and blast the track for the New York - Washington Line. You have 20 minutes before they cross the border of the city.” He sounds confused on the other side of the phone, but I have no doubt he is going to pull what I have ordered off. He was pretty close to the location that I was defining. “You will see why… It is going to be a very good surprise for the boys…” I grin wickedly. Blake may have found a way to escape, but they weren’t going to beat my squad so easily. And I had no doubt Snakepit was going to handle that blast. Who knows? It may even assist him.

Captain America:
I see a blur out of the corner of my eye as the door to the train driver’s compartment bursts open, and Blake surges out, rolling to get behind the big gorilla. I can’t see what he did, but whatever it was, it worked. The heel of my tennis shoe smashes into his jaw as he suddenly drops out of sight. That door goes flying towards the train driver’s compartment with a loud crash, as the two terrified people in the bathroom across go scurrying away at Blake’s insistence. Well… the assassin was not entirely ruthless after all.

Blake Macmillian:
The combo we have executed with Rogers works pretty smoothly as the massive hunter falls to the ground on his right side. I can see he is trying to swing his right elbow towards my direction. Hmm, this guy is solid, but nobody can deny the power of my reflexes as I launch a somersault sideways on my left side, dodging the clever counter of the big boy. And as he lands on the ground, I am now on my feet again after the quick handstand moment. Though, with this way, I was kind of in front of his side now. I eye Rogers pretty quickly as I flash a grin. “Missed me, handsome?”.

Captain America:
Still hanging from the doorway, I flung myself back down to the narrow corridor, fighting in tight spaces was never any fun. I turned to smile at Blake as he flashed me a grin, looking down at the massive gorilla, preparing myself to continue the attack when suddenly the world turns upside down, the entire train is violently flung on it’s side, rolling end over end, and not even I can keep my balance, flung about like a ragdoll. I didn’t know how it happened, but it felt like the train had just derailed!

I shake my head out, and leap back up to my feet, the train is tilted partially on its side now, everything is askew, the train is full of the groans of the passengers and cries for help.

I’m torn between saving the passengers and making sure to put down this massive beast. I make a snap decision, turning my head to look at Blake. “Get these passengers to safety Blake!! Leave the gorilla to me! Don’t argue, just do it!” My voice was hard, sharp, and was clearly delivered not as a request, but an order.

Blake Macmillian:
Just for a brief moment, I really believe that it was easier than I thought when suddenly, a crash happens. The world of us, along with the train that we are in, turns upside down. Was that a bomb? I reach for a pipe on the wall, and embrace it tightly as the train swings over and over again until it finally stops in a very uncomfortable position. As Rogers jumps to his feet, I let go of the pipe as well, and look at him. These guys were not giving up, were they? The whimpers of the civilians can be heard easily from the other side of the train as I hear the quick command of Rogers. He seemed dead serious, and I can sense that the last thing he wanted right now was me arguing with him. FUCK… It would have been amazing if we had just finished that big brute quickly to obtain more information about all of this, but I guess you cannot argue with the hero. Besides, leaving injured human beings in a crashed train does not sound fun at all. “You better not die on me.” I grunt as I suddenly jump backwards in the air, launching another somersault in the air as a portal opens up, and boom… I’m not in the narrow corridor anymore.

Lorenzo Quinto:
I watched with satisfaction as the small explosive went off just as the express to Washington DC rattled over the junction. The sight of a massive multi-ton machine rolling off the tracks like a child’s toy filled me with a sense of delight. I still wasn’t entirely sure what the hell was going on. But hey, I’m paid to follow orders. One thing I know. I was gonna be the man to put a bullet in Steve Roger’s head. Think of the fame!!! I could see it now … the man who killed Cap… I could write my own ticket. Grinning, I charged towards the middle of the train, kicking in the door of one of the cars that lay on it’s side, dropping down into a scene out of hell, passengers lying in heaps, bleeding, moaning, screaming for help. I snarled at them as I fought my way forwards, looking for Steve, Blake or Snakepit, “Get the fuck outta my way!”

The Snakepit:
The explosion is unexpected but not unwelcome, considering that I now had two opponents. I use all my hyper-drilled reflexes to roll with the overturning train, managing to use handlebars and passenger seats to keep myself aloft rather than crashing into them as the car tumbled. As we rumble to a rocking halt, Rogers tells his associate to help the passengers and in a backward leap, he disappears. Not just two opponents but two with powers. I am not displeased that I am now only facing one of them. “Only.” As if facing Captain America were not enough of a challenge.

I have dropped to a crouch on the tilted sides of a pair of passenger seats as Rogers regains his balance. “Gorilla, Rogers? You have injured my feelings. But I am gratified you have stayed to play with me.” I engage my massive quads and leap at Rogers, signaling a head first tackle. As my hurtling body closes the distance, I grip a handlebar to pivot my body to a different approach trajectory, aiming my size 15 feet directly at Rogers’ muscular chest. The voices howl in my head, “TAKE HIM DOWN!!!!”

Captain America:
I give a grave nod to Blake, along with a small smile, as he rushes off, telling me not to die. I don’t have any plans to die anytime soon.

I turn back to face the gorilla. Surprised to see that he has already recovered from the train wreck. My eyes narrow. This man is definitely not your average joe. I reply, “I don’t play games, not my style.”

He leaps at me, pushing off the skewed seats while I balance myself, one leg on a wall, the other on the corridor, finding your balance on this crazy tilted train is no easy feat.

But dodging his attacks will not be hard. Using my super soldier reflexes, I flatten myself against the wall, intending to let him simply spear the empty air. To my surprise, that’s not what he does at all however. Grabbing one of the poles running along the ceiling for passengers to grip, he completely alters his trajectory, flipping around like a whip, driving those heavy boots of his into my chest, smashing me tight against the wall. UFHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I felt that. A shock of pain ripples across my tight-packed, steel hard muscle. Even a super soldier is going to feel an attack like that. Okay, so I need to up my game with this one.

I reach out and grab him by the seat of his trousers, hooking his waistline, my bicep flexes, and with a surge of strength, I rip the massive gorilla free from his pole, and fling his body down the corridor, massaging my chest as I rest myself. I might even have a bruise from that. This gorilla was good. Very good.

The Snakepit:
My muscular bulk slammed against Rogers’ chest and I see him feel the impact, as I feel his hard muscle resist me. The electric shock of impending pain travels up my nerves. What is said about irresistible force and immoveable object? You absorb my strike and you grip my trousers, which rip away from my muscular glutes, and my belt. I try to resist your power but I am pulled off the handlebar and I’m thrown down the tilted hallway, my broad back buckling against the door to the next car.

The maniacal voices in my head hit a crescendo as I grunt and grin. These are the encounters I have been trained most of my life for. My bulge stretches my torn trousers at this thrill of combat with such an adversary. I pull myself up in the off-kilter arena of our confrontation, grinning, snarling. I grip the broken restroom door as a weapon to advance for our next exchange.

Captain America:
The gorilla is flung down the length of the train, smashing into the door separating the cars. Immediately, I’m in motion, my legs surging with strength as I leap from tilted seat to tilted seat, with the speed, strength and precision of a man stronger, faster, and more agile than the greatest olympic athlete ever known, following the massive bearded over-muscled hit man’s flight. I’m not going to underestimate him again.

Just as my adversary grabs that broken door in his hand, I reach his position, reaching out and grabbing the door at almost the same time he does. Tug of war. My biceps bulge, I adjust my stance, and I heave, looking to rip the door off him.

The Snakepit:
I have perhaps underestimated the full extent of Rogers’ power and speed. He is coming at me even as I try to arm myself with the unhinged door. He grips it a nanosecond after me, preventing me from wielding it as a weapon against him. He pulls, I pull, our huge arms flexing. In a movie, there would be a close-up of our biceps and triceps pumped to their limits. I cannot match his sheer power, so I must use it against him.

I pour as much of my power into pulling the door back, knowing he will pull back even harder. When I feel his strength engage, I retain my grip but drop the resistance, allowing the hero’s own momentum to drop backwards, pulling me with him. I engage my massive quads to push him down even harder and leap up, hoping to focus three hundred pounds of muscular bulk into my heels as I try to nail Rogers’ falling body to the floor.

Captain America:
This gorilla is more than just muscles, he’s mastered the art of combat to a level few other men have managed. Suddenly, without resistance, I feel myself getting flung backwards towards the crazy tilted floor of the lopsided train. The Gorilla springs up, adding his own muscle power to the momentum of my pull, clearly intending to stomp a mudhole in my body.

But momentum works both ways, and it helps that I’m ridiculously strong. I pull hard on the door, using it as a lever as I fall, harnessing the Gorilla’s 300 pounds of momentum in turn, redirecting it, trying to fling him over the door and further down the train.

The Snakepit:
My feet don’t have time to strike - FUCK, I wanted to hear the hero grunt! - your muscles flex and hurl me over the weapon we fought over. I release the door and somersault over it, turning and twisting in midair to try to plant my feet on solid train. The tilted surfaces make me land off balance. Even the Russian judges would only cede me a “7” on my landing.

It occurs to me that this opponent can be vanquished by his own morals. I am conveniently unencumbered by those. There is another shield and weapon that I can utilize. In my heavy Eastern European accent, I grunt “Catch me if you can, Rogers.” I head back into the train, where the injured and trapped passengers await rescue.

Captain America:
I fling the door aside, smoothly kipping up to my feet, finding my balance on the tilted surface. I start to charge towards the gorilla, but he doesn’t stay and fight. He taunts me and runs deeper into the train. I charge after him, one part of my sharp mind analyzing his accent, eastern European for sure. But I haven’t heard him speak long enough to narrow it down.

As I burst into the other car, I immediately feel my levels of concern shoot through the roof. Injured passengers litter the car, this is no place to be fighting a 300 pound muscle beast. I have to end this quick, before someone gets hurt. I leap up onto the edge of the tilted seats, my herculean quads coil with power, as I spring off, hurling like a lighting bolt in a flying tackle towards the gorilla.

The Snakepit:
I can hear the hero pursuing me, sensing him, fighting this super soldier, this … Avenger, has my testosterone flowing. I hear a WHOOSH of air, even among the screams of the passengers seeing me burst through the train car doors. Gripping a younger male and an older female by the back of their necks, I hoist them and pivot to face you, holding them in front of you as you hurtle towards me.

Captain America:
The gorilla grabs two of the passengers, yanking them in front of him to use as a human shield. I growl at the display of total cowardice, his utter disregard for human life. I have to put him down, and fast. I reach up mid flight, grab one of the rails running the length of the roof of the tilted car. My bicep bulges, as my feet whip around in an arc, before I push off with my grip, having reset and redirected my momentum to soar over the gorilla’s head, beginning to twist in flight so I land facing his back, driving a palm strike directly between his shoulder blades, have to stun this ruthless monster before anyone else gets hurt. There has been enough bloodshed already.

The Snakepit:
I am no match for Rogers’ speed or power as he swings around me and drills my back with his palm. White–hot pain shoots through my spine as I’m driven forward. But I am resilient enough to absorb the pain. I turn to you, the look of insane resolve on my face, I sneer and growl at you, as I lift my hostages. “Stand down, you self-righteous, self-styled hero,” in my heavy accent. I adjust my grip. “Or I snap the necks of two of those you have pledged to protect.”

Captain America:
The palm strike drives into the Gorilla’s muscled back, but I clearly miscalibrated the force of my strike, because he remains standing. Impressive. He staggers, turning holding the two clearly terrified passengers in each of his massive paws, delivering his ultimatum. I reply back, cold and calm, “No, I have a better idea.” My hands flash out in a blur of speed, unleashing the full extent of my reflexes, grabbing both of the gorilla’s wrists, and jamming my thumb into his carpal tunnel tendon like a steel spike to force him to release his hostages, while my right boot drives forward, directly into his massive torso, with the force off a jackhammer. I’m done playing games with this monster.

The Snakepit:
I think I have the mighty Captain America in a negotiation, but he once again shows me why my sights are set on achieving the super-soldier serum. Even my nerves are subject to attack and his assault causes me to release my hostages. His foot slams into my gut like being hit by a bus, and I am hurled back across the angled corridor of the train.

“This is not over…” I growl. Using a dislodged passenger seat, I smash out a window and leave the train car amidst the shrapnel of broken glass piercing my skin. Enraged, the voices of my past howl my failure into my mind. I message Russe, “I have lost the target.”

===========================

Blake Macmillian:
As I teleport myself to the other car, behind a seat that is next to a woman whimpering in pain, I can hear and sense someone out here, probably the person who had planted the bomb. I place my left hand on the woman’s mouth in order to force her to not make any noise, soothing her a little bit. She not only saw a train explosion, but a guy who can teleport next to her as well. Fuck… I can hear that guy shouting to the people to get the fuck out of their way. How the fuck am I going to get the passengers out of the train? I need to attract his attention, so that he does not blow the train up while the passengers are inside. Oh well, I guess that’s my new mission.

I can hear the new guy’s footsteps. Considering his voice, I guess he is from the Mediterranean Region. Apparently, Russe’s connections are strong enough to reach out to any bounty hunter, doesn’t matter where they are from. I take a long deep inhale, feeling he is coming closer to the compartment that I am in, and give a sharp whistle to distract him. If he will look over to where the whistle is coming from, which they always do, I can counter him pretty smoothly. I don’t know if he has a gun, so I will just stick with the safer route. After I whistle, I teleport behind that bounty hunter. “Hey there sexy hunter…” I whisper behind his head before I slam my right foot into the back of his knee, trying to drag him down like I did with the big muscle beast who is fighting with Rogers at the moment. Afterwards, I will immediately charge my palm towards his hand if he is holding any gun.

Lorenzo Quinto:
As I kick through the door to the next compartment, pushing aside screaming passengers, I hear a sharp whistle. What the fuck?? I turn my head toward the whistle, only to do a double take. I could swear I saw someone, but there is no one there? Holy shit, what the fuck is going on?

I felt a sharp kick to the back of my knee, I knew there was no one behind me. NO ONE. I’m getting jittery, and did someone just whisper in my ear, calling me a sexy fucker??? My knee buckles, but I’ve been in enough fights that I didn’t need to think about my next action. I throw myself forward, rolling over my shoulder down the middle of the compartment, my gun still in my hand, twist and fire my gun behind me, gonna see how this joker likes his guts punctured.

Blake Macmillian:
Hmm… This guy is more talented than I thought. He just throws himself forward on his shoulder, twisting his position to shoot me with the gun in his hand. Too bad I didn’t get his weapon, But I know how he will react. I suddenly move my own left side to avoid his bullet, bounce on my right foot while doing so, and place my left foot on the wall of the train. Without wasting any time, in less than 1 second, I let my body leap onto the Italian / Spanish mercenary’s frame from the wall as I extend my right foot towards his face, sending a smooth and swift roundhouse kick with a circular motion, aiming the top of my foot into his cheek. I probably can finish him off with my double pistols, but I want to learn information, and it is really important to let him live, at least, until I get what I want. Then we will see where this goes.

Lorenzo Quinto:
What the fuck? How the hell did that bastard move so fast? I know I’m a good shot! I fire my pistol, but he slides out of the way, then does some kind of parkour shit, bouncing off the wall like an acrobat in the circus. I try to follow him with my eyes, but suddenly my head is snapped savagely to the side, spit and a bit of blood spraying out as I’m slammed hard further down the aisle, sprawling on my back. I don’t fucking let go of my gun though. Still got that. I ain’t stupid.

I shake out the cobwebs, pull back my boot, and kick upwards, aiming for this fucker’s balls, while I bring my gun to bear and fire another shot, trying to put a bullet hole through his chest.

Blake Macmillian:
I hit the killer’s face with a nicely executed strike, landing on my feet as he crashes into the aisle. However, he is still holding his gun. This guy never gives up, does he? I see he shakes his head, and his leg suddenly darts out on the ground towards my balls which I manage to block by raising my own knee to greet his sole. His body turns slightly a bit as my eyes catch the sight of his gun, aiming the upper part of my body and possibly my chest area, I crouch down and roll over on my back only to vanish into the unknown for a half-second period. And before he can process what happened, I teleport to the other side of his body, and rise to my feet after I get out of the portal. My feet are placed on either side of his head as I look down at him.

“Don’t you think it is too early to play with BDSM toys when our relationship has just started?” I grin at him before sending a harsh stomp kick in the middle of his head, hoping to paralyze him temporarily. And in order to block him from sending another shot towards my body, I charge the same foot into his hand that holds his weapon, trying to kick the gun away before pinning his hand down under my shoe. This time, his surprises regarding my special power should be diminished.

Lorenzo Quinto:
This time, I see it happening right in front of my goddamn eyes. He blocks my kick to his balls, and suddenly vanishes, my gun firing too late, the bullet slamming into the wall of the train. I’m not as surprised as I was when he suddenly steps out of some … weird fucking hole, straddling my head.

He makes some lame ass insult which only makes me pissed as hell. BDSM? As if I’m into that kinky shit? What a fucktard he is. He sends a stomp down towards my head, but I whip my arm up, deflecting it, scraping up my arm, but worth it. I’ll live. Not about to lay here and let him stomp my face in. But he just takes his foot and kicks my goddamn gun free. FUCKER!!! I reach over with my hand and grab his goddamn ankle, I yank hard, to knock the arrogant bastard off his feet, as I scramble back up to my own feet. He wants a fight? He’ll goddamn get one.

Blake Macmillian:
I shouldn't underestimate this guy's reflexes. He is not an ordinary guy, even though he seems pretty simple, especially thinking how easily he can get angry. He can't even take a piece of 'simple' relationship advice from me… I guess even the ordinary soldiers of Russe are better than the others. What a professional guy… He managed to block my face stomp with his arm, even though I am pretty sure it hurted like hell. But my attempt to get rid of his weapon was successful as he yanked my ankle to make me trip up. I don't fight against his move, I let my body fall to the ground as smoothly as possible with my own body control, letting the momentum do the work for me as if I am going to do a somersault which ends up with me touching the ground in an almost effortless way. My eyes catch him as he drags to his feet, and with my free foot, I send a sharp foot stomp towards his knee, aiming my heel towards the leg that I stomped at the beginning of the fight. And if I manage to hit it and damage him harshly, I will jump to my feet by bouncing on my hips, and send an immediate straight punch in the middle of his face.

Lorenzo Quinto:
How the hell does that bastard move so goddamn fast? He seems to fucking glide and flow as I yank him off his feet, somehow ending standing up before I do. I growl, raising my fists, a born streetfighter, not one to back down from a fight. I’m still gonna be the one to put a bullet in Cap’s skull.

Suddenly, his foot flashes out, smashing into the side of my knee, already sore, it starts to hurt like the fucking beejesus. My knee crumples, and I drop down to one knee, which is damn lucky, since if I hadn’t that bastard would have nailed me in the nose with a fancy punch. He wants to punch? I’ll fucking show him how we punch on the streets. My right hand dips down into my pocket, slipping on a pair of brass knuckles, before rocketing up, driving my fist in an uppercut towards his goddamn balls which are practically right in my face.

Blake Macmillian:
He falls to the ground immediately after my kick hits his leg, which forces my punch to miss. Gosh… Maybe I spoke too early. This guy is an easy prey. I will have my own fun with him. My eyes widen as his hand goes to his pocket, only to take out brass knuckles that are coming to slam into my balls. Ouch… How dirty play… He is lucky that I am not going to kill him probably because of my own reasons. As his hand flashes towards my balls, I move my left leg to my right side, switching my body to the sideways of this big thug to secure my position and my manhood, and lower my right hand that was already in the air towards his raising forearm, hoping to slam a chop into his sensitive point which may paralyze him temporarily. But I won’t back away either. As soon as my hand hits, I will raise it up again towards his face, aiming the back of my hand towards his nose. Time to mess up with that pretty little face with my backfist.

Lorenzo Quinto:
Again … with that crazy fast speed! He chops my forearm, sending a wave of numbness up and down my whole arm. Holy shit, that hurts!! I start to scramble up, shaking my arm out, only to eat a backhand to my nose. OWWWWWWWWWW, my head is snapped to the side, and a stream of blood runs out of my nose. I’m trying to get my balance back after that hit, stumbling back against the seat. My knee is aching, I’m getting battered by this clown. My hand stumbles onto someone’s briefcase, and suddenly, I grab the handle, and swing it towards that smiling idiot. Gonna bash his face in with it!

Blake Macmillian:
And, one more score for the great Blake Macmillian. This cocky guy thinks he can outplay me easily, but it is not going to work out. He staggered back against the seat behind him, and his hand reached for a briefcase to swing it towards me. Without thinking twice, I raise my right foot in the air to slam my sole into the briefcase to push it away before it can even hit me. As the briefcase flies away, I lunge forward towards the mercenary that is trapped in the seat to slam a super punch in the middle of his face… woof… I am sure he is not going to be that handsome for some time. And if he eats my punch, I will finally pin him against the seat with my foot on his gut before pulling out one of my double pistols to aim it towards his forehead. Time to extract some information…

Lorenzo Quinto:
That briefcase gets kicked outta my hands, and before I can do a freaking thing, that clown’s fist smashes me in the face so hard my goddamn nose breaks, my head smashes back against the seat, and I’m only half conscious, half dreaming. When I come to enough to figure out what the hell is going on, he’s got a pistol aimed right at my forehead and his boot on my gut. Instantly I freeze. My life ain’t worth this shit, no matter how much Russe is paying me. I look up at this smiling idiot, an idiot with a gun pointed at my head, and raise my hands palms open facing him, my gaze steady. I swallow hard. I fucking hated to lose. But, I hated being dead more.

Blake Macmillian:
Finally I got what I wanted. It took a bit longer than I thought, but you, a win's a win. This broken dude raises his hands in front of me as I keep pointing my gun towards his forehead. “And this… Is how you play with BDSM toys, boy…” I let out a soft but manly chuckle at my own comment before pressing this soldier’s gut more with my foot as I adjust my position. My gun is still pointing at his head, but I am careful enough to keep it in a distance that he cannot reach so easily. If he leaps up, I can shoot him immediately. “Now now now… Back to business… 3 questions… Who the hell did send you? And who is that big brute back in the other vagon? And how did you track down my partner?” I take out my other pistol to tempt him more. I don’t aim the other gun to his head, just showing off with it as I keep murmuring. “Answer correctly, or one of those guns may destroy some brutal parts of your body, even your manhood….”

Lorenzo Quinto:
My eyes smolder with hate and revulsion as the crazy clown makes his not so funny joke. My hands clench, but I know better than to try anything with a gun pointed at my head. Then, he asks his questions, before threatening my crown jewels. That makes me distinctly nervous. I mean, what the fuck, threatening a dude’s babymakers? Well, fuck, at least they are easy ones. I wasn’t told not to say anything, so it’s no skin off my back if I answer. I shrug, “I don’t give a fuck if you know. Russe sent me. What, you mean Snakepit? I know his name, Russe told me, but other than that, I don’t know jack shit about him. Never met him. And are you stupid, or what, Russe told us what train to hit, that’s how we knew.”

Blake Macmillian:
Perfect, this was easier than I thought. The fear that this guy showed once I threatened him with his balls was hilarious. Russe was behind all of these, as I have suspected. Nothing new… And about that Snakepit guy… Hmm, I heard his name, but I have never met him or seen him, until now at least. Shame I needed to meet him under these conditions. Though, I still did not get the last answer that I did want for my last question. I think he misunderstood me. How the fuck they did track down Steve Rogers, understanding him being Captain America? I needed to make sure if HYDRA was already involved in the search for him or not. With my gun that I didn’t aim, I shot a bullet to the ceiling before pointing both of my double pistols at the guy in front of me. “How did you identify Steve Rogers… Give me a good answer, or this would be your last sight…” I press my foot into his gut more to show him how serious I am.

Lorenzo Quinto:
I shake a little, feeling real fear bite me as that maniac fires a bullet at the ceiling of the train. I look up into this fucking lunatic’s face as he asks me another question. “Hey listen, I’m just a guy that Russe called up and offered a job to… I was paid to blow up the train, and kill Steve Rogers. Russe sent me a picture of him on my phone so I could spot him, but hell man, what the fuck? You know I never even got a chance to spot him, cause you pulled this number on me. What do you want? That’s all I know.”

Blake Macmillian:
Hmmm, he seemed genuine. I guess this was, for sure, all the information I was going to obtain. At least I learned Snakepit was contracted by Russe. If that mercenary is related to HYDRA, then I can also make sure HYDRA already knows Steve Rogers is alive. But this was not time to think about any of these. My gaze and face soften as I look at the helpless soldier right in front of me. “That’s all I needed to hear. Thank you… Give my regards to Russe once you see him…” I say cheerfully before pointing one of my guns into his right arm, and shoot it. It will be just a graze, I didn’t aim for his bone. But I am pretty sure it will hurt at first, and show Russe how deadly it can be to mess me. And before he can even shout, I swing the gun in my hand, and whip it across his jaw, aiming to put him to sleep. Nice job myself… Time to take the passengers out, and meet with the Rogers. I hope he managed to deal with that big soldier.

Captain America:
As I see the massive gorilla turn tail and run, I consider chasing him down, but that would mean abandoning all the injured on the train. Somehow, I think we’ll meet again. I move rapidly, reassuring the frightened and injured, organizing the passengers who are not hurt to assist in moving the wounded outside. I make my way down the length of the train, helping the wounded and organizing the uninjured as I go.I hear sirens in the distance, which fills me with relief. So many are hurt, so many will need medical treatment. I feel an ache of sorrow for the senseless acts of violence, and deep anger at whoever was behind this, though I’m certain it must be HYDRA, trying to get at me and Blake. Eventually, I charge through to the carriage where Blake is, to find him standing over some Italian tough guy, knocked out cold, with a gunshot wound to one of his arms. I call out, “Blake! What happened to that man? Are you okay?”

Blake Macmillian:
Before I can even start to help the passengers, I hear Rogers’ voice. Ohh… He really handled that big brute before me, huh? He indeed is a talented one. I turn around to face him, and give him a big smile. “I’m just playing around with the gangsters, Rogers. You wouldn’t think I am going to let you have all of the fun, don’t you?” My tone turns a bit serious as I put my pistols to their place again, hiding them as if they weren’t even pulled out in the first place. “Apparently Russe took this job very seriously, and 100% learned your identity. Sending a famous bounty hunter like Snakepit is evidence of it.” I look around to see if there are any injured civilians before shifting my focus on strong Captain America again. “Seems like we need to adapt our plan, but I think we can use this situation to our own favor. Let’s get out of here first though before the police arrive…”

Captain America:
I look down at the injured gangster, then nod, though his use of language, playing with the gangsters, does not sit well with me. But it is not my place to judge. The important thing is that Blake is all right. I move quickly, and organize the remaining survivors to rescue the injured before the ambulance and police arrive. Once that is done, we move away from the train, and escape the carnage into the back streets of the outskirts of the city. When we are safely away, I turn and lean against the wall, looking over at Blake. “All right Blake, that could have gone better. But that doesn’t change the fact that we HAVE to get to Detroit. We HAVE to infiltrate that conference, and we HAVE to find out what they are planning, stop them from recovering those alien artifacts, and shut down their base. I’m not backing down now, even though this will be ten times harder if they know we are coming. First though, before we do anything else, I need to get to Washington DC and collect my shield. Since HYDRA clearly knows I am here, there isn’t much point in trying to be sneaky. I’m going to contact SHIELD and have them send a helicopter. We’ll be back in DC in under two hours, and we can make our plans from there.”

Blake Macmillian:
I assist Rogers as he helps the survivors to get out of the train before we drift away. And after we finally find a safe place, I check the Rogers in a careful way. He seemed alright. Good… My clients should always be protected at any costs. I cross my arms, and start watching his expression and listening to his words. Oh my lord… Typical American Hero… Shutting down the base, recovering alien artifacts, determined to reach the thing he wants. He says we can just go into the HYDRA Base without a cover. Hmm… That’s not my style. Besides… I rub my chin and think for a bit as I listen to his words about the Helicopter, and make a plan. Then a wide smile surrounds my face as my eyes sparkle, and look at the panicked hero. “Slow down hero… You don’t have to panic that much. I said we just need to adapt the plan, not to change the full details and recreate our roadmap.” I lean a bit closer to Captain America in a confident manner, eyes still watching his handsome expression with a playful mood. “And when I say adaptation, I am referring to you… You, specifically… I, on the other hand, will go to the meeting as we have planned.” I tilt my head to the side, and keep murmuring into his face before he can even ask for a clarification. “Russe, and apparently the other mercenary named Snakepit who is going to be there, noticed us. This means… If I go to the meeting as a guest, all of the attention will be attracted to me. In the meantime, you can proceed with your own “subtracting-the-artifacts” plan in a smoother way…” I give him a wink before extending my arms to my sides confidently, “See? Even in the worst possibility, you can still find a way to turn the tables on your enemies, if you do not panic…”

Captain America:
I look over at Blake, shaking my head, “C’mon, we can walk while we talk. The chopper will land over at the port, about 5 blocks this way in 30 minutes. You seriously think that you can just waltz into one of HYDRA’s bases after being seen fighting at my side against HYDRA? Are you crazy?” Steve shakes his head in disbelief. “I think stealth would be a better option, but I’m not your boss, and I’m not going to try to tell you what to do. If you think your plan will work, fine by me. But regardless, we aren’t going anywhere until we travel back to SHIELD in Washington and I get my shield. Then we can make our final arrangements and arrange transport to Detroit.”

Blake Macmillian:
I start to walk along with Rogers as he mentions the chopper will be here soon. And I can’t hide my smile as he protests my plan. Yup, it is a dangerous one, but I have dealt with worse cases. And as he mentions his shield once again, I can’t help but let out a laugh in enjoyment. “Oh my lord, Rogers… I didn’t know you were so connected to your FAMOUS shield. Tell me the truth, is he the true love of yours?” I joke around a bit before switching into a more serious tone once again. “Alright, we will get your shield first. But let me correct a couple of points… I didn’t fight at your side, it was just self-defense after a train explosion… There is no proper indication or evidence that you are my client… Maybe I was trying to hand you to the HYDRA by myself, who knows?” I give him a meaningful wink before moving on. “Secondly, I didn’t fight against HYDRA. I fought against two independent bounty hunter crews. Believe me, you would be surprised if you have seen how many of the mercenaries carry grudges against each other there…" Then I turn to face him, and put my hand on his shoulder to stop him, and make him look at me. “And think of it in this way… They know you are alive, and you are after them. Do you really think it is going to be easy to infiltrate a HYDRA Base? Especially after this incident? You will need a distraction which you are looking at right now…”

Captain America:
I just shake my head ruefully, replying. I laugh at Blake, “Don’t knock my shield. If I’d had it with me, this would have been over much faster.” I’m fascinated by the emotions playing across his face, it’s like everything amuses him. But when he puts his hand on my shoulder, I turn to look into his eyes. He is undeniably attractive. My pulse races a bit, and I feel a flush coming on. Quickly, to change the subject, I reply.

“You know Blake, sometimes you sound more like a lawyer than an assassin, but I’m not going to argue with you. We’ll do this your way. So the plan is you are going to waltz into the conference spreading your charm and smiles, make a distraction, which I will use to get into the facility undetected and find out what I can? Is that about the short of it?”

But before Blake could answer, the loud noise of helicopter blades began to approach. We had reached the docks, and the chopper settled down on the pier. A soldier opened the door, a man wearing a SHIELD uniform. He spoke respectfully, “Captain, Mr. MacMillian, this way please.” I leapt into the chopper, giving the soldier a respectful nod of thanks. In moments, we were on our way to Washington DC. I turn to Blake, awaiting his reply.

Blake Macmillian:
My smile widens as I hear the comment of Rogers about me. Me as a lawyer? Cute thoughts… But at least he seems open to my idea. Again, I didn’t think it wasn’t smoothest approach, but we didn’t have a better choice. However, before I can even react, a loud noise surrounds the place as the SHIELD helicopter comes closer. Time to fly away from this place apparently, then… I climb up after the big Captain America, and sit down next to him, ignoring the SHIELD Trooper. So these are the guys who identified my relationship with the League of Assassins. Need to be extra cautious from now on.

But then, my eyes land on Rogers who expects an answer from me. Looking at the man who sits in front of us just for a brief second before turning my attention back to Rogers, I give him a nod. “I think that is the best way to approach the base. After this event, they will enhance every security measure as much as possible. But I still don’t see a reason why we wouldn’t succeed… And even if things get out of control, you have an amazing backup like me.” For the third time during the conversation, I give him another wink. Playing and teasing with Captain America was more fun than I thought… And him being a handsome man was making this experience much more enjoyable. But then again, the idea of Arthur suddenly slams into my mind, and I continue in a much more sincere tone. “Of course, you also have a second condition to fulfill… And even if you don’t find anything, it’s alright. But I want you to try…” Mentioning Arthur O’Neil’s name in this SHIELD helicopter is the last thing that I would like to do, but I am sure Rogers would respect my privacy.

Captain America:
As the chopper gains altitude and increases speed, arrowing towards Washington DC, I turn back to Blake as he responds. After a few moments, I get the distinct sense he is flirting with me. I start to blush slightly, turning to the Trooper next to me, “Can I get some water?” He is. Blake Macmillian is flirting with me. And it’s affecting me. Of course it is. He’s a very attractive man. But, his sense of morals leave something to be desired … and yet, he did help me to rescue the passengers on the train, so I know he’s a good man inside. The entire idea of having a man like Blake hit on me was … not something I wanted to consider. But my body certainly wanted to consider it. I firmly put those thoughts out of my mind, and listen carefully to the rest of what Blake was saying, replying, “Don’t worry Blake, I’ll keep my side of the bargain. We’ll do a thorough search.”

Blake Macmillian:
I chuckle at first as the big, strong Captain America requests water. God… It is actually so fun to mess around with him. Then, he assures me about the second condition. Good, he remembers. I have no doubt someone like him would try his best to keep his promise. And after this job is done, I will fly to the place where they are hiding Arthur. Gosh… I hope he is alright. But before drowning into these thoughtful and emotional memories, I quickly look at Rogers and give him a thankful nod with a slight grin. “Hmm… Apparently, ice did not damage your brain’s function that much, Rogers. Happy to see you on duty again.” I chuckle before replying back in a much sincere tone. “Thank you…”

===========================

Russe Garin:I wait impatiently for Snakepit’s reply. I’m sure he could be able to defeat Captain America quite easily, right? At least, this is how I think it should be. Blake Macmillan may cause some problems, but I think with the assistance that I have just requested, they all should be just fine. However, I understand my plans blew up in my face as I received a message from Snakepit… what? He actually couldn’t catch Captain America? Oh my fucking lord… without replying him back, I switch my attention to Lorenzo, requesting him to give a reply to me. No message… FUCK THIS SHIT… I can’t believe we have missed an opportunity like that. I can’t imagine how angry the HYDRA Secretariat will be. I sigh in disbelief, and reply back at Snakepit after some time. “Meet me at the Club, then… we need to plan another move…”

The Snakepit:
Garin is angry with my failure and the ghosts of my past still howl their fury at my incompetence. Such ineptitude, even the face of a powerful opponent, was always brutally punished. I have not lived up to my contract and I will need to convince my employer that I will defeat this damned Avenger when I face him again. I am already plotting what I might do differently the next time I face Captain America when Garin gets back to me, ordering me back to the Club to regroup. This will not be pleasant.

I look around at the derailed train and hear sirens approaching. I must get out of sight and find transportation. I can tell where the main road is from the screeching sirens, piercing even through the din of voices in my head. I head in that direction. There will be ambulances. I take a shard of glass and score shallow cuts into my flesh to be dripping blood. I run to the road and as I approach the shoulder, I wait for one of them to approach. I stumble out, waving my bloody arms, in front of the vehicle, crying “HELP!!!” Their brakes squeal as they come to a halt.

I stumble up to the driver’s door as he lowers his window and asks if I need help. I approach him, grab the back of his neck and slam his face into the steering wheel. Stunning him, I reach in to open the door and toss him into the street. I climb in, a hard punch knocking his partner into the opposite window. He folds into his seat, the side of his head smearing blood down the glass as he loses consciousness.

I turn the ambulance around in a squealing U-turn, almost fishtailing as I drive it back to the Club. I abandon the vehicle a few blocks away and sprint the remainder of the way. I am not looking forward to the consequences of my failure.

Russe Garin:
After instructing Snakepit to come back to the Club, I call one of my other men to pick me up with his motorcycle. GOSH… This fucking mission… I can’t believe we did screw it up when he had a PERFECT opportunity to catch Captain America. I am, now, 100% sure that Blake will disguise Steve Rogers as much as possible from us. But… He will probably come to the meeting in Detroit regardless, especially considering that the appearance of Captain America is related to it. This can’t be a coincidence, and if it is not, then I will make sure to trap them in the HYDRA Base. With these thoughts, I enter the VIP Lounge of the Club that I have told Snakepit to come to, waiting for his arrival in anger and desperation. Ufff… If only I could have also got into the train. If only I wasn’t tricked by Blake Macmillian. But he won’t be able to hide Captain America from me. I will make sure of it.

The Snakepit:
I arrive at the Club, still bloody from the fight and from putting on a show for the ambulance driver. I cannot enter this exclusive establishment looking like this but finding replacement clothes may prove a challenge. Few people have my muscular build. Fortunately the number of obese Americans provide enough material to cover me, if not fit my frame. I waylay an unsuspecting passerby with suitable girth and leave him stripped in an alley, using my tattered clothes to wipe my wounds. Of course I left those for him, dear reader. I am not totally uncivilized!

I head to meet Garin in the VIP Lounge, attracting a few glances at my ill-fitting clothes. The servers here are better dressed than I. I suppose with the dressing-down I am about to get, it is suitable. But for my plans, this failure may have been to my benefit. Assuming I still have this job - but who else could he hire? - going to Detroit and having opportunities to get the serum from HYDRA or the Avenger’s blood seems to better my odds. And I have a plan for the next time I encounter Captain America.

Russe Garin:
I was calling Lorenzo over and over again as Snakepit entered the scene finally in his “unique” outfit. One of my eyebrows raises as I look at him in an angry way. He looks alright actually, better than I thought considering that he was defeated… But I don’t say anything to him first, I wait for the call to end. GODDAMMIT… He doesn’t pick up. Did he die? What the hell happened? Letting out an annoyed grunt, I suddenly throw my phone to the other side of the room. Then switch my focus on the big boy once again as I start shouting at him angrily. “What the FUCK happened? They were just two people… One is Captain America without a shield, and the other one is a mercenary that is not known for more than 6 months… YOU… On the other hand, are the star guest of HYDRA's upcoming meeting. This is how you GREET your new allies? How the hell did they escape?” My chest was heaving, and my face was probably as red as a tomato’s.

The Snakepit:
I take in his disapproving stare as the voices in my head echo his sentiments. I listen to his rage and derision. I do not think it opportune to point out his failure to board the tran in time. Although I know I have not delivered on my contract, I am still tempted to rip his face off. I meet his glare with steely resolve but make close note of Garin’s lack of discipline, of losing focus on the goal.

I measure my words carefully. I will put this back on him but not allow my temper (“KILL HIM!!!!(“ scream the infernal voices in my mind) to take rein. In my thick accent I reply, “‘Just two men’? Speaking of the ‘unknown mercenary,’ he has abilities that your intel should have informed me of. He appeared from nowhere - literally from nowhere - to put me at a disadvantage with the Avenger.

“As for the First Avenger, he is also not one of ‘just two men.’ I could have matched his strength and fighting abilities but I underestimated - nor did your briefings inform me of - his speed. That is why I withdrew, I could not stay and let him take me prisoner.”

I watch your flushed face as you begin to renew your screed and hold up the palm of my ham-sized hand to cut it off. “We will meet him again in Detroit and I have a plan.”

To be continued….

Published: 2022-10-19, viewed 135 times.