Howard's Laboratory
"If you're looking to upgrade your equipment, you've come to the right place. Take a look at this!"
Howard smiled proudly, leading Wang Ye and Steve into his private research lab.
Upon entering, the walls revealed an array of weapons with bizarre designs.
"I've watched your movies, Steve. I remember you always using a shield as your weapon.
It just so happens that I have a few different types of shields here for you to choose from."
Howard gestured toward a row of shields laid out on a table.
Steve stepped forward, tapped a few, then picked them up to test their weight and balance. But he shook his head—some were too light, others too heavy, and none felt quite right.
Wang Ye surveyed the room and eventually pulled out a round shield made of silver metal from a corner.
The shield, about 70-80 cm in diameter, had a perfect curve and looked substantial.
"Steve, try this one!"
Wang Ye tossed the shield to Steve.
Steve caught it effortlessly, strapped it onto his arm, and gave it a try. Instantly, he felt as though the shield was made just for him. He examined it from all angles, unable to put it down.
"Thank you, Master!"
"Hey, hey, hey! That shield is mine, okay? Why are you thanking your master? Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
Howard was indignant, feeling like Wang Ye had stolen the credit by giving away his work as a gift.
"Thank you, Howard.
I really like this shield. The material is incredible—it looks hefty but feels surprisingly light!"
Steve swung it around a few times, finding it increasingly handy.
"This is a special sound-absorbing metal. It's much stronger than steel, yet only a third of the weight.
Its superior performance and perfect design make most attacks ineffective!"
Howard began rambling enthusiastically about the technical details.
"Then why doesn't the army equip everyone with it?"
Steve asked, puzzled as to why such excellent equipment wasn't mass-produced.
"I wish we could, but this material is extremely rare on Earth.
The shield in your hands is one of a kind in the world!"
Howard shrugged helplessly.
Steve nodded and turned to Wang Ye.
"Master, the weapon's ready. When do we leave?"
"Hold on a moment. Howard, you have a private plane, right? Is it still operational?"
Wang Ye gestured for Steve to wait and turned to Howard.
"Of course!
I've kept it in great shape. I even upgraded it recently. Why? What are you planning?"
Howard felt uneasy, sensing his beloved plane might soon be requisitioned.
On the Plane
"The Hydra base is in Klausburg, located between these two mountain ranges.
From aerial reconnaissance photos, it looks more like a large factory than a base."
Agent Carter spread out a map, briefing Wang Ye and Steve on the situation and potential safe landing zones.
"We'll try to drop you as close to the entrance as possible," said Howard from the cockpit. Despite the danger, there was a hint of excitement in his voice.
"No need for that. Landing the plane would be too risky and might attract unwanted attention.
Steve and I have a way to safely reach the ground without landing, right, Steve?"
Wang Ye patted the bewildered Steve on the shoulder.
Steve froze for a moment before catching on.
"Yes, we have a plan! Uh, yes..."
Clearly, Steve was confused.
Agent Carter gave them a skeptical look.
"Are you sure? Because Steve seems clueless."
"I'm not clueless! That's not true! Don't make things up!"
Steve denied it fervently, casting a pleading glance at Wang Ye.
"Don't forget, Steve is now a super-soldier.
Once we're near the Hydra base, we'll parachute down.
This way, you can safely return to base without getting shot down by Hydra's anti-aircraft turrets."
Wang Ye pointed at the parachutes.
"Yes, that's exactly the plan!"
Steve echoed quickly, though Carter's skeptical gaze made him uncomfortable.
Carter's expression softened, and Howard let out a sigh of relief, glad his precious plane wouldn't have to meet its end in enemy territory.
"Agent Carter, once we're back, how about we enjoy some cheese fondue together?"
Howard suddenly blurted out, catching everyone off guard.
Steve looked at Howard in shock, then turned to Carter, whose expression shifted through a spectrum of emotions.
"Wait, are you two...?"
Carter, confused, glanced at Steve.
"Are you seriously going to have cheese fondue with Howard?"
Rolling her eyes, Carter dismissed Steve's naive question and handed them two devices, each the size of a cassette tape.
"These are transceivers. Activate them after landing, and we'll track your location via the signal."
Wang Ye inspected the device, tucked it into his jacket pocket, and strapped on his parachute.
"Hope this thing works."
Steve examined his own device before securing it and putting on a parachute.
Wang Ye headed to the cargo bay, grabbed an AK-47, and checked it thoroughly. After ensuring it was functional, he slung it over his shoulder, packed extra ammo, grenades, and smoke bombs on his utility belt.
Steve held his shield firmly, preferring close combat but heeding Wang Ye's advice to equip dual pistols on his thighs.
After about ten more minutes of flight, they reached the vicinity of the Hydra base. Wang Ye and Steve parachuted down near a small hill, safely landing far from the base. Howard and Carter then began their return flight as planned.
Near the Hydra Base
It was past 10 PM. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, hiding the moonlight. A chilly breeze swept through the forest, shrouding everything in darkness.
Using their enhanced vision, Wang Ye and Steve stealthily approached the Hydra base. They stopped in a surveillance blind spot near the base and began observing the area to plan their next move.
The towering base buildings blended seamlessly into the darkness, resembling a predator lurking in the shadows.
Tall, sturdy walls surrounded the base, with only a single gate on the western side.
Predictably, the gate was heavily fortified with bunkers and patrolled by armed Hydra soldiers.
The walls were dotted with watchtowers, and searchlights swept the perimeter, making sneaking in nearly impossible.
As Wang Ye pondered their next move, headlights flickered in the distance—a convoy of Hydra trucks transporting supplies.
"Follow me. Our cover just arrived!"
Wang Ye darted toward the road ahead of the approaching trucks. Steve, now understanding the plan, quickly followed his master.
(To be continued)
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