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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:44:41 GMT -5
Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #3 Lost and Found, Part 3 Written and edited by Aaron Martel (fan4) Thuringian Forest, Germany, 1943The building itself was a veritable fortress, heavily guarded and thought to be nigh impregnable, based on nearly all known intelligence reports. It was located in central Germany, nestled in a ring of trees so as to obscure it from casual viewing, and designed to blend in with the surrounding forest. The added security was deemed a necessity, for this was the stronghold of the man vilified throughout Allied Europe, the Nazi terrorist known as the Red Skull.
The Red Skull was the head of Nazi terrorist activites, specially appointed by Adolf Hitler himself. Though his actual name was Johann Schmidt, he was known as the Red Skull because his true face was hidden by a grotesque, form-fitting, rubber skull-shaped mask that was painted blood red. This terrifying visage quickly became a propaganda symbol of the Third Reich, and as the Skull grew in stature and power, his notoriety was rivaled only by his fuhrer. The Red Skull was also instrumental in devising and implementing the “final solution” to the Jewish problem in Europe, clandestinely supervising many of the concentration camps that had sprung up in German occupied territories. And per his instructions, his secret headquarters was built in the German forests to obscure from plain view the plans and doings of the Nazi terrorist groups the Red Skull personally oversaw. In the beginning of the Great War, the Skull was highly successful, his deadly missions keeping most of Europe in an iron grip of dread and fear.
But the Red Skull’s fortunes had been changing, and that was largely due to the actions of Captain America.
Whether working alongside his young partner Bucky, or as a member of the superhuman team that had become known as the Invaders, Cap had thwarted many of the Skull’s best laid plans with flair and daring, and had become the Skull’s personal nemesis. The two had met in combat numerous times already, with neither man gaining a distinct edge or achieving a victory against the other. They were practically living iconic symbols of the war itself: with the Red Skull as the frightening totalitarian arm of the Axis, and Captain America the brightly colored representation of freedom and Allied independence.
None of this went through Cap’s mind as he led the small raiding party through the Thuringian trees toward the dim lights of the Red Skull’s compound. He smiled to himself when the complex came into his line of sight, as it appeared the British intelligence had gotten it right. This had to be the Skull’s command center, no doubt about it. Cap was in charge of a group of eight men- himself, Bucky, and six American Army rangers, each man specializing in close quarters combat and regarded as some of the best soldiers the army had to offer. They would need to be, for the mission was simple: storm the compound and bring back the Red Skull, by any means necessary, dead or alive.
They had decided to time the attack close to dusk so they could move under cover of near darkness. When the team slipped through the trees and reached a large clearing leading up to the compound, Captain America silently gave a hand signal and the eight soldiers drew close in a huddle.
“Bucky, take your group to the rear quarter, while my group will take the front entrance,” Cap whispered. “Stay sharp, men, the Skull will take no chances.”
Bucky nodded and took three others with him, intending to move along the tree line to the back of the compound. Cap’s group began to run across the clearing to make a direct frontal assault, providing a distraction-
When bright lights shone down from the roof of the compound, easily revealing the entire strike team’s positions. This was followed by a burst of gunfire from both flanks as well as the compound’s roof. Horrified, Cap saw two towers stationed on either side of the building, obscured by strategically placed walls of trees, with sentries firing down upon the squad from above.
“AMBUSH!” Cap shouted.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:47:07 GMT -5
Present day
On every television set across the United States, a special news bulletin broke in on all the networks and cable news channels. The screen showed a presidential podium constructed on top of the front steps leading to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and President Graydon Creed stood before a large crowd of a few thousand. But what was more interesting was the red, white, and blue clad figure standing at attention behind the president, a familiar disc-shaped shield on the figure’s left arm. After a moment’s pause President Creed began to speak.
“My fellow Americans, in the days of World War II our soldiers fought with skill, courage, and indomitable will. But one man stood above all others, using his exceptional abilities to lead countless numbers of troops in battle to ultimate victory. His name was revered throughout the nation, and there was no one more decorated or honored than Captain America.”
“But on a secret mission in 1944, the great hero disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean, and it was believed that Captain America was lost to us forever. Memorials and tributes were made in his honor, and a nation mourned the loss of ‘America’s super-soldier’.”
“Recently, an extraordinary discovery was made deep in the waters of the North Atlantic: the body of Captain America had been found, frozen in a block of ice, preserved alive in a state commonly referred to as ‘suspended animation’. Through the miracle of science, Captain America was revived, and he apparently suffered no ill effects from his long hibernation. DNA tests have proven conclusively that this is the one true Captain America.”
“After months of training and acclimation to the changes wrought by time and history, Captain America is ready to return to duty, a shining example of American military nobility and fighting spirit. Though World War II is in the distant past, Captain America has returned to lead the might of the United States once again into the future. And now, it gives me the honor and privilege to introduce to the nation, and the entire world, Cap-“
There was a sharp CRACK! and a bullet pinged off of one of the microphones mounted on the lectern. Bedlam ensued. Cap dove for the president and tackled him to the ground, covering President Creed’s head with the shield as three more bullets in quick succession ricocheted off its impenetrable surface. One more bullet struck Cap’s right shoulder, and then there were no more shots fired. The secret service had reached them, going into extraction mode, and before they whisked the president away Cap addressed President Creed .
“Mr. President, are you okay?” Cap said with concern.
“Y-Yes, thank you Captain,” came the hurried reply.
But as Captain America looked into the eyes of President Creed, a puzzling thought occurred to him. Something’s wrong with his eyes. They seemed to be glowing yellow for a second there. Cap quickly dismissed the sight as a trick of the light, and the secret service took the president away.
And with dozens of news cameras rolling, Captain America stood up, his face set in hard concentration, rapidly scanning the crowd for a sign of where the deadly shots had been fired from.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:49:11 GMT -5
The assailant swore to himself as he tucked his rifle back into its news camera shell, disguising the weapon perfectly. With the crowd fleeing in a panic, bodies scrambling everywhere, it was a simple matter to conceal the rifle and slip away unseen. He had missed the target and that wouldn’t sit well with his employers, but maybe the contract could be amended and the gunman would get another opportunity.
Walking swiftly yet calmly so as not to give himself away, the assassin reached the white van that was detailed to accurately resemble a news crew transport. He surreptitiously glanced around to make sure he wasn’t being spotted or tailed, then opened the back of the van and threw the “camera” in. He shut the back doors, and quickly turned to head to the driver’s side door-
When he slammed into a hard object that knocked him to the ground. Dazed and reeling, the assassin looked up to see Captain America, with blood dripping from the wound in his shoulder, standing over the gunman with his shield, the hero ready for action and with a pissed expression on his face.
“Did you honestly think you’d get away with me here?” Cap snarled.
“You shouldn’t have come back,” the assassin croaked. “I’m only the first…not the best…”
“Who sent you?” Cap barked.
“Thought you were long gone…they’ll make sure you’re gone for good this time...” the assassin taunted through a mouthful of blood.
And the realization hit Cap. Me. He wasn’t after the president. He was after me.
Frowning, Captain America brought his shield down again on the assassin’s head, this time knocking him cold.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:50:56 GMT -5
1943
The bullets came down like a rain of lead, whizzing past the heads of the strike force sent to take down the Red Skull’s stronghold. Captain America barked orders to his men while skillfully deflecting the gunfire, trying to advance on the compound’s entrance. He saw Bucky, his youthful sidekick, making rare use of his sidearm against the south sentry tower, providing cover for the men Bucky was leading toward the building’s rear. Cap smiled inwardly at Bucky’s courage and tenacity; he couldn’t have found a better partner.
Changing tactics, Cap abruptly rushed toward the north sentry tower and flung his shield at the platform. Amazingly, the shield connected with one of the sentries and knocked him from the platform to the ground. Moving with lightning speed, Cap caught the rebounding shield and ran for the tower ladder, getting there and ascending at a rapid pace. The other three sentries stationed in the north tower, occupied with firing upon Cap’s men, were not prepared for the red, white and blue demon that appeared in their midst. Within seconds, Cap made short work of the German guards, tossing them from the tower before any of them really knew what was happening.
His task completed, Cap slid down the ladder to the ground to rejoin his men, who were actually making headway towards the entrance. Just as the American soldiers gave a whoop for the return of their captain, the front entrance door suddenly opened.
And a wave of German soldiers dashed through the door, their MP-40s spraying ammo.
Cap saw that the situation was grim. The complex was much more heavily armed and better defended than they had anticipated, as if the Germans knew they were coming. Eight American soldiers, even ones as well trained as they were, had little hope against a full complement of German combatants.
“RETREAT!” Cap commanded at the top of his lungs.
The squad began to bolt for the tree line, using cover fire to mask their intentions. Cap waved his shield over his head, trying to catch Bucky’s attention over at the south tower; Bucky saw him and shouted the retreat order to his men. Cap saw that both American groups were coming together in a pincer movement, heading for the trees, when a deafening explosion stunned him to a stop. One of Bucky’s crew had stepped on a landmine, and his screams of agony rose above even the din of gunfire.
Darting as fast as he could, Cap made it to the wounded soldier, and found that both his legs had been cleanly blown off.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:53:40 GMT -5
Present day, S.H.I.E.L.D. helistation outside Washington, D.C., four hours after assassination attempt
The helicarrier was docked in the helistation for its annual routine maintenance while the presidential press conference was happening in the nation’s capital. Colonel Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping force S.H.I.E.L.D., was in his office impatiently waiting for Captain America to report to him. Fury had seen the chaotic press conference and was anxious to ascertain Cap’s physical and mental condition. When his office buzzer sounded, Fury was hopeful it was Cap, but then he opened the door to see Thaddeus “Dum Dum” Dugan, S.H.I.E.L.D. field commander and Fury’s aide-de-camp, standing there in his ridiculous bowler hat.
“Heard from Cap?” Fury inquired, annoyed.
“Naw, he vanished after takin’ down the scumbag that shot him,” Dugan replied, his red walrus mustache twitching.
“He vanished? Ya mean no one knows where he is?” Fury was seething.
“Hey, you’re the one wanted ta see ‘im back in action, gave him all that new training. Know what he’s always excelled at? Counterintelligence.” The two men had been comrades-in-arms for a long time, and Dugan was one of the few people Fury would allow to speak to him this way.
“I know, you’re right,” Fury admitted. “Dammit, Dum Dum, he goes off the grid now, just when we’re ready to get going.”
“Hey, his service time’s been up over sixty years,” Dugan spoke. “He’s a free man now. I know you got history with ‘im, and ya thought he might work for ya, but c’mon, Nick. Sixty years? Lotta time to make up for.”
“Yeah, I just wish I knew where he is,” Fury uttered. “I know he’s a friggin’ national treasure, but that man is the greatest soldier I’ve ever seen.”
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 10:56:45 GMT -5
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VirginiaSteve Rogers stood alone in plain civilian clothes, sporting a long black overcoat and a large black gym bag containing his Captain America uniform slung over his uninjured shoulder. There were two places he needed to visit here, and now he was at the first site, looking sullenly down at the grave marker. The grave read SIMON J. BEAKER GENERAL, US ARMY WORLD WAR II NOV 18, 1904- MAY 11,1988 and Steve wished to pay his respects to the man who was his World War II liaison, handler, and all-around confidante. General, surprised to find out I’m still here? Steve thought. I’m as surprised as you. I never got to see you after that last one, and I failed you. I lost Bucky. I don’t know if that makes you think less of me; I wasn’t so perfect after all. You were a good man, one of the finest, and to you I owe my thanks. The serum made me a super-soldier, but you made me Captain America. Goodbye, General Beaker, rest in peace.Steve walked slowly from the gravesite toward his next destination.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 11:04:44 GMT -5
The Captain America National Memorial was impossible to miss, since it was marked by a huge marble statue of Cap in an easily recognizable, typically heroic pose. At the base of the statue the plaque read CAPTAIN AMERICA THE SENTINEL OF LIBERTY DISAPPEARED DECEMBER 29, 1944 HE WAS THE BEST OF US ALL Next to the memorial was a much smaller marker that read BUCKY PARTNER OF CAPTAIN AMERICA DISAPPEARED DECEMBER 29, 1944 Steve’s heart was heavy as he stared at Bucky’s grave. Bucky, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry… He then gazed up at the statue of himself, marveling at the elaborate treatment his memory had been given. Times have changed so much. I don’t belong here. I’m still that man up there, but that’s not what this country wants. Maybe I could start drawing again, make a new life for myself. I still feel like I’m a young man, and my body thinks it’s still twenty-six! The world doesn’t need Captain Ameri-“You think it’s really him?” Steve turned to see an old man approaching him, walking gingerly with a cane. Despite the fact that he was in obvious pain, the man carried himself with a certain pride and dignity, like he didn’t need the cane’s assistance. Steve guessed that the old man was a veteran since he had a distinctive military bearing to his presence. “Excuse me, sir?” Steve spoke. “That farce at the Capitol today. You see that?” “Yes,” Steve answered. “I can’t believe they got the nerve to actually say Cap’s back,” the man spat. “And then he saves the president’s life like it’s some damn T.V. show. Did you see how young he was? I served with Cap in the big one, and that ain’t him.” Steve’s interest was piqued. “You fought with him?” The old man nodded. “You wanna know what kind of man he was? We were in the German forests looking for the Red Skull’s hideout. You know the Red Skull, kid?” When Steve nodded the man continued. “He had a fortress in the woods. Cap led us there to try to take him out, but they were ready for us. They drove us back, and my buddy got his legs blown off by a landmine. Then Cap did something unbelievable, the damnedest thing I ever saw.” Steve looked at the old man recanting his war story and felt this was the moment. “He picked up your buddy and carried him on his back.” The man hesitated a second, and then, eyeing Steve curiously, went on, “Two hundred pound man on his back, plus he was carrying his shield, and he was still blocking their fire, covering our retreat. He got us all out of there-“ “And went the rest of the twelve miles back to the rendezvous point with your buddy on his back,” Steve interrupted. “Night was coming down fast, but there was enough moonlight to make our way through the trees. Brown was hit too, in the arm, but he was still good to go. You also took a shot, in the calf, and there were a few times when you wanted us to leave you, but you made it out. Took a lot of guts, and a lot of pain, but you did it. Your buddy’s name was Harris, and your name is Goodman.” The old man recoiled, clearly spooked by the stranger’s words. “How could you know? That mission was secret. No one knew about it but brass. W-who are you?” Steve paused and then slowly set the gym bag down and removed his overcoat. He carefully slipped his wounded shoulder through the strap and brought his shield around to show Goodman, holding it out in front of him, as the old man looked at it in wide-eyed wonder. Goodman reached out and lightly touched the shield, running his hand across it, as his eyes began to well up. He gazed up apologetically at Steve, and had difficulty finding words. “It’s you, it’s really you,” Goodman whispered. “How…how…” “It really is me,” Steve stated. “The president told the whole truth today.” “Cap…you don’t know what this means to me…what this means to everyone…” “I think I’ve got a pretty good idea now,” Steve declared, indicating the memorial. “But I want you to know: your service, your sacrifice, is no less important than mine. You are a hero, too.” The old man nodded as he swallowed the lump in his throat.
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Post by fan4 on Nov 26, 2007 11:07:02 GMT -5
S.H.I.E.L.D. helistation, outside Washington, D.C.Director Nick Fury had been called down to the helicarrier’s quarterdeck, and when he arrived he saw Captain America in uniform standing before the quartermaster. When Cap saw Fury he snapped off a smart salute, and after Fury returned it Cap announced: “Captain America, reporting for duty.” Fury grinned. “Welcome home, soldier.” The end
* ”Lost and Found” is dedicated to the memory of Francis A. Martel, Sr., my World War II hero
-A.M. [/right]
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