I've been a captain before, obviously, but this is different. This is... everybody in the world expects me to be something. And I don't wanna fail them.

 

 

Jack knew that nothing good would come of the phone call from someone high up in the government food chain. And yet, she still took the call and assignment. Although looking back on it, it wasn't really an offer, more of a stern request that left no room for discussion. She knew she was screwed the moment she heard that she would be working with the new Captain America, John Walker. If it was Sam, she would've been more relieved but that wasn't the person the United States government wanted to carry the shield and legacy. So instead, it caused her to open up a bottle of wine.

"Theia, maybe it won't be that bad." Damian, Jack's husband, proposed with a genuine smile. It had been a while since he'd seen her nerous. "Plus, if he gets out of line, you'll be there to remind him where he stands." Damian continued, a small chuckle leaving him at the thought of Theia telling Captain America off.

"I don't know him, Damian," Jack huffed with arms crossed. She had been pacing for the last half hour, nerves getting the best of her body, "If he was someone from Dad's past, I would be more at ease. He's a stranger that has nothing to do with any of the actual Avengers...he's just some guy from the army." 

"Then if he's just some guy, what are you so nervous about?"

"I'm not nervous...I'm concerned."

"Wow, never thought I'd see the day when Antheia Jack Mitchell Stark Fontaine would be concerned about some guy from the army."

That earned him a half-hearted shove to the shoulder.

"I just know this is a bad idea, Damian." Jack softly spoke, running a hand through her hair.

She had packed earlier in the morning, unable to sleep from the nerves the previous night. She had gotten a hold of Walker's military records through Rhodey after receiving Jack's call about her new assignment. Rhodey also tried to ease her the day prior. "You have nothing to worry about. Government thinks having you by his side will ease any pushback to the new Cap." he wasn't worried. So, if Rhodey wasn't worried, why should she?

Jack packed her suit. 'Just in case' she thought to herself. She finally stopped pacing once she caught sight of the time. On cue, Damian rose from where he was sitting in the kitchen to pull his wife in for a tight hug, planting a soft kiss to her crown. It was his final attempt to ease her nerves. She was tough, everyone knew that but this was different. This would be the first time she'd be involved with the Avengers post-Blip. Post Tony's death. They both knew how much Tony didn't want her involved in this life. 

"Call me when you land and if anyone doubts you...give 'em hell." That earned him a laugh from Jack and a quick peck to the lips. With that, she whispered one last 'I love you' and grabbed her bags to leave for Custer, Georgia.

The flight was nothing special, Jack managed to sleep for most of her flight; using the bathroom just before landing to freshen up. Her husband's words echoed in her brain as she took one last glance out the plane window, seeing out government cars she knew consisted of the important people she was to behave in front of for the sake of her new post as Walker's 'teammate'. She charmed her superiors, wanting to give the impression that she was excited for what was to come. Truthfully, she wanted to be back home in the California desert with her husband with the day spent at the Naval bar where they had their first dinner and cuddled up under the stars on the beach to close out a relatively uneventful day. She had taken a page from her father since his death. The simple life - she never thought she'd enjoy it so much but she could blame her wonderful husband for making it easy. He always made things easy. His encouraging words rang in her head as she subtly played with her wedding rings on the ride over.

The moment she stepped out of the car to head into the building to meet the new Captain America, cameras and reporters were stepping into her personal space. She could hardly catch her footing. She was used to attention. It came with being a Stark but it got worse after Tony passed. It seemed that with his absence, it was like vultures circling her; waiting for her to slip up so they could attack. She didn't like it. Jack, the ever confident eldest (adopted) daughter of Tony Stark, was uneasy when it came to the press. While they'd come to be sympathetic in recent years, some never ceased to remind her that she wasn't a Stark by blood. Reminding her that it was Morgan that was the true heir to the Stark name, not her. Not a child Tony took pity on even though she knew that wasn't the case but it hurt knowing that people still thought of her as such.

She was taken to John's old high school, Grove High School. He was going to have his first official interview as Captain America on Good Morning America. The phone call she had received two days ago was about accompanying John in this interview to show a new and government-approved lineup of the Avengers. Like Rhodey implied in his last call with her, she was being used as a marketing tool to ease the public into accepting this new Captain. She was ushered to the locker room to officially meet John.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Stark. John Walker."

There he was. The new Captain America. He didn't have his helmet on, having his blond locks loose. He didn't look all that much like Steve. At least, not in the way she remembered him. Sure, he had the baby blues and golden hair but nothing screamed 'Golden boy Steve' to her. He was physically fit, like any army man, tall and had a presence but it wasn't the same presence. Maybe she was being harsh - Jack knew she had a bad habit of being a little too judgemental too soon. It wasn't that she hated him. She simply disliked the idea of John being the new Captain America so soon but then again, when was the government ever mindful of people's feelings?

"Pleasure's all mine, John." Jack reciprocated the sincerity in her voice, putting on her best smile as she focused her attention on him. "Please, call me Jack."

"Thought your name was Antheia?" John questioned, confused and slightly worried that he missed something on his briefings about Tony Stark's daughter.

"Middle name's Jack and just prefer it. Antheia's too formal for my liking." Jack assured him with a soft chuckle. The brief look of fear on his face making her ease up on the man ever so slightly.

John and Jack talked for a few minutes as the stuffy government people went on to rile the press with as little words as possible, getting their cameras ready for the biggest reveal of the year. Whatever suspicions she had of him were slightly-not fully-put to rest. Genuinely asking about her life as a Stark. Although he knew she was adopted, it caught her off guard when he asked about any super abilities she had. Jack found it weird how he asked her. As if her decorated naval career wouldn't have happened without a little enhancement. Before she could make a snarky comment his way, his friend, who she came to know as Lemar, called for him.

"Show time, Walker."

Jack watched on as John made his way to the bleachers to greet his fans. She stood alongside his wife, Olivia, and Lemar. She clapped and smiled to convince herself that this was the best course of action for Steve's legacy in a post-Blip world. Jack tuned out most of what was being said between John and the reporter as she delve into his background. She knew that this was a PR stunt and a shmooze fest, things she detested from being in the public eye - it's why Jack turned down Pepper's offer to run the company after Tony's death. Her ears remained uninterested until her father's name fell from John's mouth.

"Look, here's the thing...uh I'm-I'm not Tony Stark, I'm not Doctor Banner, okay...I don't have-I don't have the flashiest gadgets, I don't have super strength. But what I do have...is guts. Uh something Captain America always had, always needs to have and I'm gonna need every ounce of it because..I got big shoes to fill."

While the crowd and everyone present felt his words were genuine and good hearted, Jack's gut told her otherwise. She knew John held some sort of resentment toward her. It wasn't blatant but it was there. Jack wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. She didn't want to be questioning his every word or every move. She was going to be his teammate after all. She had to work with him. Jack was to be the Iron Man to his Captain America. Working together like how her father and Steve did before their falling out. Besides, the Avengers weren't some government-approved team. Sure, they were forced to work together but it worked without the meddling of the official stuffy people of the world. Despite the pit in her stomach, Jack smiled and clapped at his answer.

"Speaking of big shoes, I see that Tony Stark's daughter, Jack is here in support of you." the reporter continued, motioning in her direction, prompting the cameraman to shoot her reaction.

"Yes, she's amazing and I'm truly honored to call her a teammate and friend."

With that, the reporter motioned for Jack to come up to the stage. A crew member quickly brought a chair and hooked a microphone to her jacket.

"Jack, how does it feel to continue in your father's footsteps as an Avenger?"

"Oh-oh no, I'm no Avenger." Jack insisted with a charming smile.

"Wow, you two are quite the humble pair!" she cheered before looking down at her interview cards. 

"As a reminder to those of you who don't know - Antheia Jack Mitchell Stark is the biological daughter of Captain Pete Mitchell who was also a decorated Naval officer. After being adopted by Tony Stark, Jack went on to graduate high school at just sixteen, was top of her class at MIT, became one of the youngest students to be recruited to Top Gun, and is considered to be one of the best fighter pilots to take to the skies. Lastly, she is beautiful, charming and married to Damian Fontaine - one of the leaders in helping the world move towards clean, renewable energy." the woman stated with her dashing smile as she took a dramatic breath after listing off Jack's accomplishments. Jack could only sheepishly smile at the crowd.

"Thank you, but really - I don't hold a candle to what my father did for everyone. I'm here to support John in his journey as Captain America." Jack responded with her signature smile. The one that could captivate a room without much effort. It was a signature Stark trait. One that Jack picked up being raised by Tony and seeing him give interviews and interact with the public. He taught her early on that her smile is her best hidden secret. She still remembers how he told her that she didn't have to practice much because both her parents had smiles that could outshine his so by inhertence alone she was already golden.

"And I'm just so grateful to have her in my corner." John followed, smiling at Jack and the crowd as he looked for their reactions. Of course, it was met with praise and assured him that he was doing the right thing.

"I, along with the world, is curious to know...do you have a matching Iron M-"

"No. There is no Iron Man suit in my closet," Jack cut her off with a smile and chuckle to soften her harsh cut off of the question, "As I said, I'm not an Avenger. The only one who can call themselves that is John here." Jack motioned to the man beside her, offering him a sincere smile. He reciprocated the smile with his own and a nod.

"Well, John I think it's safe to say that you've got the public's support in keeping Steve Roger's legacy alive."

With that, the interview concluded. Jack quickly shook off the slight annoyance she felt for the reporter trying to make her seem like Tony. While she loved her (adopted) father deeply, she didn't like being compared to him. It was something she discussed with him a few years after her adoption. She wore the Stark name with pride but it irked her that the world still only saw her as Tony's shadow. Tony understood the pressure his name brought her - one of the many reasons why he didn't want to have her be an Avenger. Whenever he was questioned about her future and her carrying his legacy, he didn't hesitate to remind them that she was talented and bright in her own right. Carving out a legacy of her own that would've made headlines even if she didn't bear the Stark name. Tony never failed to remind the public that her parents were both remarkable people; her father, Peter, for his naval career and her mother, Athena, with her brilliant mind in environmental sciences. Jack was bound for greatness. It was simply written in the stars for her.

Back in her hotel room, Jack spoke with her husband about the whole ordeal. It wasn't too long before she received a knock at her door from a commanding officer that she was to join John on his first 'mission' as Captain America. She was given a thick file to review so she could be of help to John. Only given a few hours before she was to be escorted to a base to fly John on his mission. 'Of course I'm his ing pilot.' Jack thought. She didn't expect to be anything else but she would've preferred to just be a marketing tool rather than actually flying him around to missions like some chauffer.

The hours were spent on the phone with Damian. He was helping her find more information on the Flag Smashers; apparently a growing thorn in the government's side since the Blip. Seems like John was tasked to take them down in the most diplomatic way possible but didn't rule out killing them in the name of national security. Damian managed to track down information that could be relevant in aiding her including the fact that a certain friend of hers had just gotten into a physical altercation with a member of the group. She knew that she had to pay him a visit before she flew John to Munich.

• • •

—MUNICH, GERMANY

Nyx, Sam, Bucky and Lorna slowed down their pace as they approached the warehouse. Sam and Lorna stuck close to each other while Nyx and Bucky stayed in front. Sam motioned to Nyx that he and Lorna would search the perimeter. 

"Must've been difficult for you," Nyx whispered as she and Bucky quietly stalked through an opening to the large rustic building. Bucky paused for a split moment in his steps. He knew what she was referring to. She knew that he had to have seen the interview of the new Captain America. Bucky didn't answer her right away; not trusting his own voice to sound nonchalant.

"It didn't surprise me," he started. "I...I didn't expect it to happen so soon."

"You had to have suspected your government to do such a thing. After all, weren't they the reason Steve, you, and the others had to run and come all the way to me in France?" Nyx scoffed at his tone. She knew he had to have been in pain seeing a man other than Steve don the shield. It wasn't shocking to her because of course the American government would pull a move. It was propaganda to unify the nation that was still reeling from the events a mere six months ago.

A pause. While she wasn't completely off mark, it still caught Bucky off guard at her words. 

"Perimeter is mainly clear," Sam chimed in on ear comms. "Just two trucks in the front. Loading precious cargo if I'm not mistaken." It wasn't long before he and Lorna met with the pair behind some structure obscuring them from view. 

Red wing's distinctive whirr was heard in their ears as the bird flew closer to where the trucks were parked. This allowed for Sam to look on his wrist camera what Red Wing picked up. 

"I count five from what we saw," Lorna stated softly to everyone.

"Seven by my count," Nyx nodded to the two jumping into the front seats of the trucks.

As Sam directed Red Wing to pan to the other truck, he could see the outline of a human figure sitting in it.

"There's an eighth person, I think they have a hostage,"

With that, the four took off as the trucks pulled out from the warehouse; Sam's wings spreading as the others pursued on foot. 

Bucky took the lead as he approached one of the trucks, leaping to grab hold of the back handle to open one of the doors. He managed to get inside the bed of the truck, Nyx following him inside once able to catch up to the truck. The pair were shocked to see the presence of large containers reading 'KEEP FROZEN'.

"They're stealing medicine. Vaccines." Bucky stated as he walked deeper into the unit, still on the lookout for the hostage Sam had mentioned.

"Why would they be transporting vaccines?" Lorna's voice broke through in everyone's ears. She had decided to take an aerial approach, steadying above the second truck behind Bucky and Nyx.

Nyx opened to respond but a figure came out from behind one of the containers to face the pair. Bucky obscured her view of the figure but her stomach sank the moment no one responded to Bucky's greeting. Before she knew it, Nyx was hurled back with Bucky. Both of their bodies crashing with the truck's windshield following behind. 

"!"

"It's Karli!" Nyx shouted as she and Bucky were pulled up from the windows of the truck they crashed into.

Before more words could be exhanged, Nyx and Bucky were faced with members of the Flag Smashers, faces obscured by the masks they bore. Two held down Bucky while Nyx managed to escape the grip of a member. Nyx approached Karli's figure with unprecedented anger.

"Karli! You need to stop this!" Nyx yelled, shield in hand to fight the young woman. She was growing impatient with her.

The next moment, Lorna is coming up behind Karli to surprise her but she's able to dodge the hit to her head, managing to grab Lorna by her arm and swing her to the top of the other truck. Two more men hopped onto the truck to begin their battle with Lorna. Lorna didn't attempt to use her powers, unsure of their strengths. It wasn't until the wind was knocked out of her in attempting to deflect a kick from one of the men that she had a shocking realization of their advantage.

Nyx charged at Karli, leaping into the air before coming down for a punch which Karli deflected with her forearm, showing very little signs of damage. The whirring of Red Wing caught her attention, the drone shooting at her which had little effect on her. Karli turning to grab the red drone and instantly breaking it against her knee. 

"I always wanted to do that." Bucky groaned, one of the men punching him across the face.

Sam joined in not a moment later, kicking Karli and forcing her to collide with Nyx's shield.

"Good of you to join the fight, Sam!" Bucky yelled once more as Nyx moved to free him of the two that held him. Nyx used her lasso as a whip to hit one of the men in the face to give Bucky enough time to handle the other man holding him down. He went on to punch the other in the face. 

As Sam continued fighting with Karli, Nyx and Bucky fought with the others on the truck. Lorna was still on her own, fighting two more on the other truck, trying hard not to use her powers to stop the trucks and make every last one of them eat pavement. She was the first to catch sight of a helicopter getting close to their position.

"Helicopter!" Lorna screamed before taking another gut punch from the Flag Smashers. 

Before anyone could react, the familiar sound of vibranium being hit sounded in everyone's ears. John had come down and blocked a punch that would've hit Sam.

"Sam, John Walker, Captain America." he quickly introduced with a smile to him. Another man jumped down next to John, "Lemar Hoskins."

"Looks like you guys could use some help." John quipped as he went back on assessing the situation.

Bucky couldn't help but stutter in his movements. He didn't expect for John to show up. Therapy didn't prepare him for this encounter. Nothing in the world could've prepared him for this. Before he could react with any emotion that wanted to rear its head, he caught the shield that knocked out Karli headed toward him. Without thinking too much, Bucky whipped it back to John. Nyx stopped beside him, protecting him from any other incoming opponents. Really, she saw how shaken he looked seeing John with the shield. She could tell that it rocked him to his core. Coming to his side was more to shake him out of his head.

"Watch out!" Lorna yelled from the other truck, signaling the incoming highway sign. Everyone ducked except the Flag Smashers, some of their heads making contact and breaking the sign. Sam looked at Nyx with a terrible realization. As Bucky went to help Sam, his wings hit Bucky causing him to slide down the slide of the truck bed, trying not to make contact with the road. His vibranium arm grazing against the pavement to stop his body from falling. Nyx remained at the bed of the truck, aiding Lorna across on the other truck with her shield to stop one of them from hurting her.  A Flag Smasher that was hanging on the side of the bed slid down, stomping down on his vibranium arm to get him to let go.

Sam flew down, trying to make sure Bucky was all right. While the situation didn't call for it, Sam couldn't help but have a smile on his face. "That little girl kicked your ." Bucky could only yell out in frustration at his comment; somewhat acknowledging that his words held some truth about his encounter with Karli.

"John, where you at, man?!" Lemar croaked out as he was held in a chokehold by one of the Flag Smashers. John looked to his partner and whipped out a gun while still battling Karli, shooting the man in the stomach to release Lemar. His slight distraction in getting his friend free cost him as Karli took the moment to kick him, causing him to roll and hang off the edge of the truck bed.

"Sam, we can't win the fight here...we have to regroup!" Nyx groaned to Sam as she continued fighting alongside Lorna.

"I agree, the real fight isn't going to be won here, guys." Lorna yelled her sentiment before knocking a Flag Smasher against Nyx's shield.

"Alright, everyone just head for the fields by the road. We can figure out another way to fight them." Sam spoke over the comms as he tucked his wings in, going low as he twisted his body to grab Bucky from the truck. The two rolled onto the fields.

"Could've used that shield." Bucky sarcastically remarked as his body sat atop Sam's.

"Get off of me!" Sam groaned as he shoved the Winter Soldier off him.

"Those were all super soldiers, Sam," Bucky breathed as he looked up to the sky. He didn't know what to feel or think anymore.

"I know," Sam groaned once more, "You're welcome, by the way."

It wasn't long before Nyx and Lorna joined the pair on the fields. Nyx leaning down to check on Bucky, noticing the blank expression on his face. "You okay, James?" her soft voice rang in his ears as his focus came to be on her face, softly smiling as he noted her head gear was slightly crooked. Lorna went to Sam as she offered her arm to help him stand once more.

"Well that couldn't have been any less ty." Lorna quipped as Sam stood before her. The others could only scoff at her comment, a chuckle coming from them as reality hit that the fight didn't go as planned.

Back on the trucks, Karli had managed to kick Lemar off the bed, John throwing his shield before he landed on the road to catch him. His friend giving him a thumbs up to assure that he was okay. John nodded and pulled himself up again. As he approached Karli to fight once more, she had deflected his punches before punching him off the truck completely as well. Luckily, John landed on the windshield of a car following behind the trucks. The car stopping as he made broke the windshield, forcing him to fall forward and roll on the road.

"Well, boys...not bad for your first mission," Jack's voice rang in John and Lemar's ears. "I'll be there in two to get you."