CHAPTER FORTY-TWO — ( I'm with you 'til the end of the line. )
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After briefly stopping at the Smithsonian to retrieve Steve and Evelyn's preserved World War II uniforms, the group began their tense trek toward the Pentagon. Though the distance wasn't great, the weight of what they were about to do made each step feel heavier. Dressed again in their old gear—symbols of another war—they were walking straight into the heart of a new one.
Meanwhile, Natasha split off from the group, slipping into a shadowed alleyway. In moments, she had completely altered her appearance, now indistinguishable from the World Security Councilwoman. It was the perfect disguise to infiltrate the top floor, where Alexander Pierce waited in the central control room.
Once Steve, Evelyn, Maria, and Sam reached the Pentagon, they broke in through a maintenance entrance—quietly but quickly. Maria led the way, her movements precise, almost rehearsed. She pulled out a small device, pressed a button, and instantly, the communications earpieces in the control room sparked and shattered, leaving those inside momentarily stunned and deafened.
As the group pressed forward, they took cover behind a large panel near the main hallway. The door ahead of them creaked open, and a startled technician locked eyes with them. His expression shifted from alarm to understanding. Evelyn stepped forward with a disarming smile.
"Thanks," she said as the man stepped aside and let them through without protest.
Inside, Steve headed straight for the PA system. He switched it on, and the mic buzzed to life; his voice carried through every speaker in the building.
"Attention all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents," he announced. "This is Steve Rogers."
"You've heard a lot about us lately," Steve continued. "Rumors. Accusations. Lies."
"Some of you—especially the Strike Team—were ordered to bring us in. Hunt us down," Evelyn said, her tone sharp but steady.
"But it's time you knew the truth," Steve said firmly. "S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised."
"It's been taken over by HYDRA," Evelyn said. "Yeah. That HYDRA. The same group we fought in the war. The same bastards who want control over everything—and everyone."
Behind her, Sam chuckled at her unfiltered bluntness.
"Alexander Pierce is their leader," she went on. "And the Strike Team? Insight crew? HYDRA too. We don't know how many more are here, but they're in this building. They could be standing right next to you right now. And I won't apologise for my language because I am pissed off."
