Behind Blue Eyes

04

The next day, Steve, Essie, who had been allowed to go with her husband, and Peggy drove through Brooklyn as they made their way to the facility.

Steve glanced out the window at their surroundings and said, "I know this neighborhood. I got beat up in that alley. And that parking lot. And behind that diner."

"Did you have something against running away?" Peggy asked.

Steve glanced at her. "You start running they'll never let you stop. You stand up, push back. Can't say no forever, right?"

"I know a little of what that's like. To have every door shut in your face."

"I guess I just don't know why you'd wanna join the army if you're a beautiful dame. Or a beautiful... a woman. An agent, not a dame! You are beautiful, but..."

"You have no idea to talk to a woman, do you?"

"Well, excluding with Essie, this is the longest conversation I've had with one. Women aren't exactly lining up to dance with a guy they might step on. Essie thankfully accepts the nervous blunders."

"You must have danced?"

"Well, asking a woman to dance always seems terrifying. And the past few years just didn't seem to matter that much. Figured I'd wait."

"For what?"

Steve's gaze turned to Essie as he said, "The right partner."

"It seems you've found her."

"Yeah, I have, and she's been the best thing to happen to me." He glanced at Essie. "You're awfully quiet. Is something on your mind?"

Essie smiled. "I'll tell you later."

"Is it a good thing?"

"Yes, it is."

They pulled up by an antiques shop and got out of the car.

"This way," Peggy instructed.

"What are we doing here?" Steve and Essie asked.

"Follow me."

The three went inside.

"Wonderful weather this morning, isn't it?" the antique store owner questioned.

"Yes, but I always carry an umbrella," Peggy replied.

The antique store owner pushed a button, causing a door to open and they were told to proceed.

Peggy led Steve and Essie into the hidden lab.

---

Dr. Erskine and his team were in a big circular room filled with machinery and two pods in the middle.

"Good morning," Dr. Erskine repeated, shaking Steve's hand, and someone took a photograph. "Please, not now." The photographer walked away; Steve looked at the pod. "Are you ready?" Steve nodded. "Good. Take off your shirt, your tie and your hat."

Steve did as instructed, then climbed into the pod and laid down.

"Comfortable?" Dr. Erskine asked.

"It's a little big," Steve said. "You save me any of that Schnapps?"

"Not as much as I should have. Sorry. Next time. Mr. Stark, how are your levels?"

"Levels at 100%," Howard replied.

"Good."

"We may dim half the lights in Brooklyn, but we are ready as we'll ever be."

"Agent Carter? Mrs. Rogers? Don't you think you'd be more comfortable in the booth?"