Chapter 21: Carter's Favor
Beneath the snow-covered glacier.
"You incompetent fool!"
Schmidt slammed a stack of documents onto the table, his face twisted with rage. The force was so violent that beakers and lab equipment crashed to the floor with a sharp shattering sound.
Dr. Zola hunched his shoulders, looking thoroughly intimidated, his already oversized head seeming even more absurd in his cowering posture.
"We sacrificed a top-tier operative, lost four men, and not only did we fail to eliminate Erskine, we couldn't even capture that Norwegian kid who escaped with the Tesseract's secrets!"
"Damn it!" Schmidt roared, his knuckles white as he gripped the table edge. "What the hell were you thinking?"
"I had a strategy—lure them out of Camp Lehigh separately—but who could've predicted they'd both be in the same vehicle, so..." Dr. Zola offered weakly.
"If you'd assigned those two operatives you sent after the kid to the Erskine hit instead, we'd be toasting our success right now, not dealing with this disaster!" Schmidt cut him off sharply.
"The experiment officially begins in three days. Once the serum trials succeed, a steady stream of super soldiers will flood the European theater. What do we use to counter the Allied offensive?"
"Your oversized brain?"
"I'm just a scientist, not exactly trained for tactical operations, so..." Dr. Zola mumbled, though Schmidt heard every word.
"How's the enhancement project I authorized progressing?"
"The three surviving test subjects show significant improvements in physical capabilities, and the conditioning protocols are taking effect. However, they'll need more time before battlefield deployment."
"We're out of time. Get them to New York. Eliminate Erskine—no excuses, no failures!"
"And..." Schmidt paused, flipping through files before tapping a photograph. The image showed Mason's profile as he ran forward, head down, shield in hand.
Due to motion blur, the photo was grainy and distorted in places.
"Eyewitness reports indicate this Norwegian can materialize a shield from thin air. This ability appears connected to the Tesseract. After guarding it for generations, his people may possess the key to unlocking Odin's vault. I want him brought to me alive!"
Schmidt's voice was ice-cold, each word deliberate.
"I don't want to hear about another failure!"
Dr. Zola swallowed hard and nodded stiffly.
Brooklyn, New York.
"That's the whole story," Mason concluded, taking a sip of water.
Agent Carter reviewed her notes, verifying everything was documented. "Your account matches Professor Erskine's testimony." She pointed to a specific line. "You mentioned having urgent personal business when you left camp. What was it?"
"Uh..."
Mason looked uncomfortable. "Do I have to say?"
"Yes."
"Alright, fine." Mason grimaced.
"Kardashian wrote saying she's pregnant..."
Carter's eyes widened as she stared at Mason in disbelief. "You've known that girl for what, less than a month?"
"One month and ten days, actually."
Carter looked exasperated, momentarily speechless.
"Uh... Agent Carter, any other questions?"
"No."
Carter stood and walked toward the door. She paused, glancing back. "Honestly, your cover story is full of holes. If Professor Erskine hadn't vouched for you, you'd be facing a court-martial right now."
Mason really had no way to explain Greg's identity. If Colonel Phillips and his team uncovered any leads on Greg, then even though Mason's story was flimsy, there'd be some wiggle room.
But Hydra had been thorough—no matter which angle they investigated, nothing connected back to Greg.
Mason stayed silent. Saying anything now would only give them ammunition.
"After investigating all night, we found no evidence proving Greg was a Hydra plant, but I believe you're right. Greg is definitely suspicious."
"Highly suspicious."
"Why?" Mason asked curiously.
"Because his background is too clean, without a single flaw. I don't mean he's spotless in a good way. Every possible connection to Hydra has an airtight alibi, which is extremely suspicious."
Agent Carter wasn't yet the formidable operative she'd become, but her sharp instincts and observational skills were already evident.
"You should tell Colonel Phillips. Have them reconsider the super soldier selection," Mason said urgently.
"You mean yourself?"
"No—Steve. He's more suitable than me!" Mason's response genuinely surprised Carter.
She studied Mason carefully. "I honestly don't understand why Professor Erskine speaks so highly of you. I've always felt you're hiding something."
"However, we agree completely on the super soldier candidate." Carter's eyes gleamed. "Steve is principled, courageous, and morally sound. Only someone like him deserves to become a super soldier!"
Mason was stunned. He hadn't expected that even without the flagpole incident from the movie, Carter had recognized Steve's exceptional qualities and praised him so highly.
Perhaps her presence meant their paths would diverge completely from the original timeline.
After Agent Carter left, Steve stayed to chat with Mason awhile longer. Mason elaborated on his discoveries, making the future Captain America blush at the implications.
No one disturbed Mason the rest of the day as he quietly recovered. The next morning when he woke, he could barely feel his wounds.
Unwrapping the bandages, the newly regenerated skin was pink and healthy, completely unlike its previous bloody state.
"Damn good stuff." After quickly cleaning up, Mason left the medical wing. Time was running short—he needed a serious conversation with Professor Erskine.
Crossing the training grounds toward the barracks, he heard mocking laughter before even reaching the door.
"Hey, gonna cry without your bodyguard around?"
"Ha! Strip him down and let's see if everything's as scrawny as the rest of him!"
BANG!
Mason kicked the door open.
Inside, four or five men surrounded Steve menacingly, led by Gilmore Hodge.
Seeing Mason, Hodge's eyes narrowed.
"Well, well... Steve, looks like your boyfriend's back."