New Beginning - A Bucky Barnes Story

Chapter 5 - EDITH

Bucky spent most of that day with Sam. Sam gave him a tour of the whole compound. Starting from the main building, then to the new buildings around it. The place was a city by itself. His mind was blown of how vast and complete it was. Aside from the obvious facilities a private defense contractor should have, such as training rooms and classes for the new recruits, a shooting range, an archery range, weapons and tech production facilities, research and development areas, laboratories, hangars for the many quinjets and planes they had, it also had places a normal city would have. It had coffee shops, restaurants, a grocery store, several convenience stores, a library, gyms, a large park, a hospital, it even had a small theater where the new recruits could have some down time watching some movies.

"You've really pulled off all the stops for this place." Bucky said to Sam in awe.

"If it was up to me, it wouldn't be like this." Sam said. "But, this is basically built by people and governments around the world. The shops and businesses here, they were all built and donated by the companies themselves, and they don't sell their stuff Buck, they're all given for free to everyone that works here." Sam explained.

"Wow, that's amazing." Bucky said, dumbstruck.

"Yeah, that's why I said you're always welcome to live here with us. You don't have to think about having to earn money for a living. Just do what you do best." Sam said.

"You mean, killing people?" Bucky snorted.

"That's not what I meant, Buck. You have other skills the world need. You're an Avenger. We protect the earth for those who can't." Sam explained.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be like that. I just feel lost sometimes. Not knowing what I should do and where I should go you know. I just.. feel tired most of the time now. I mean..I am 107..I should retire." Bucky said matter of factly.

"If that's how you feel, then I'm not gonna push you. If you don't want to be involved again, with us, that's okay. You deserve some peace in your life. After all that you've endured." Sam said. His eyes looked at Bucky full with understanding.

Bucky stared at him, trying not to cry.

"Nah, I can't let you do this on your own. I need to be here to see you mess up and clean up your mess." Bucky finally said jokingly. Sam laughed out loud.

"Now that's the Bucky I know." He smiled. "Come on, I want you to meet someone." Sam motioned Bucky to come with him.

Sam took Bucky to the research and development area. There were some people working there. It was full of computers and tech things Bucky didn't know. They stopped in front of a young black girl, who wore goggles and who was working on an iron man suit. Bucky wondered whose suit it was.

"Hey, Riri, can you stop for a moment, I want you to meet someone." Sam said to the girl.

Riri took off her goggles and said "Sure, Sam." Riri looked at Bucky and smiled. "I know who this is.. you're Sebastian Stan, right?"

Sam laughed out loud and Bucky just closed his eyes, put his palm to his face and shook his head.

"I told you you look like that actor." Sam couldn't stop laughing. Riri laughed as well.

"I'm joking Mr.Barnes." she said. "I know who you are." She winked.

"Just call me Bucky." Bucky said at Riri and shook her hand.

"I'm Riri Williams, just call me Riri." She said.

"If Tony was alive, Riri would be his protege." Sam said to Bucky.

"I can see that." Bucky nodded.

"She graduated from MIT top of her class just last year." Sam explained.