Second Sphere

Washington

"There's a lot worse names than that one. But basically, they think that the world was better during the Blip. Trust me, it wasn't." Torres continues.

"Trust me. Every time something gets better for one group, it gets worse for another." Sam responds.

"Yeah, essentially, these people, they want a world that's unified without borders. So, you could see why a lot of people are into that."

"It's a beautiful pipe dream. Pretty sounding but logistically not realistic." I add.

"Yeah but keep an eye on it. If anything gets serious you let me know." Sam says.

"No doubt. I'll...I'll, uh. I'll track the online, chatter see what they're saying. Yeah. I do gotta ask you though, 'cause online there's just been a lot of stuff about Steve, actually." Torres continues.

Sam shoots me a knowing look and I smile.

"Crazy, crazy conspiracy theories. So, some people they think that he's in a secret base on the moon looking down over us." Torres says.

I try not to laugh.

"Yeah. Well I can assure you, those people you don't have to take seriously." Sam tells him.

"But you didn't like," Torres makes a flying noise, "fly him to the moon?"

"Nah." Sam says smiling.

"Had to check." Torres says innocently.

Sam starts to look for his wallet but Torres stops him, "Oh I got you guys."

"Thanks. I'll get you back next time." Sam says and I nod in agreement.

"All right. Where are you off to?" Torres asks as Sam gathers up his things and I stand up.

"Washington." Sam replies.

"What are you doing there?" Torres asks us.

"Moon stuff." Sam says cheekily. "Come on Lene, field trips over."

I nod goodbye and follow after Sam. "Really?"

"Yep. I'm done playing substitute teacher this time." Sam says and I roll my eyes. "Hey be happy," he hands me the paper and pats my back. "you passed with flying colors."

Rhodey and I sit next to each other in the front row during Sam's speech at the Smithsonian.

"Steve represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. And he mastered posing stoically. The world has been forever changed. A few months ago, billions of people reappeared after five years away, sending the world into turmoil. We need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we're in. Symbols are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning. And this thing," Sam picks up the shield. "I don't know if there's ever been a greater symbol. But it's more about the man who propped it up, and he's gone. So today we honor Steve's legacy. But also, we look to the future. So, thank you Captain America. But this belongs to you." Sam finishes his speech to applause and puts the shield in a clear case.

There's definitely a certain sort of sadness to it, seeing it behind glass like that. Especially knowing Cap wanted Sam to continue the mantle.

After its time for me to go home, Dr. Raynor would have gotten my written report so there's no need for me to go see her right now. I can just go to my cabin and wait for the next mission. Maybe I'll visit Pepper and Morgan, it has been a minute.