The Asset: The Beginning and End of the Winter Soldier

Epilogue

Bucky sat facing the Senate special committee that would decide his fate. Steve sat to his left and Sam to his right. Today he would finally know if he would still be considered a criminal, or if his past as the Winter Soldier would be legally expunged. He testified, at length, of what had happened to him after he fell from the train, the conditioning, the control Hydra imposed, how with Steve's help he had broken free of it. He told of how Wakanda finally removed the control Hydra had from his mind. He pledged his willingness to work toward being a good citizen of the United States.

Steve then testified on Bucky's behalf, expressing his faith in his friend, vouching for Bucky's full rehabilitation. The Chairman called for a recess, then once everyone returned to their seats he said:

"While we hold Captain Rogers in very high regard, he has been your friend Mr. Barnes, for a very long time and is understandably biased as a result. Mr. Wilson, what is your opinion?"

Sam was calm and collected as he replied: "Everything Steve said is true. Bucky was the Winter Soldier only against his will. He would never have served Hydra's interests willingly. He now has full control of his mind once again and I am absolutely certain he poses no threat whatsoever." Sam paused, then continued: "In the battles against Thanos and his armies, both before the snap and after we returned, he fought to save lives as bravely and unselfishly as anyone. I fully vouch for him."

Bucky felt the smile he did not show. He liked Sam, and knew Sam would never say anything he did not mean or fully believe in. His support was something of a surprise to Bucky. He felt Bucky was worth it. Bucky wondered if he had more than one friend outside of Wakanda after all.

The Chairman produced a letter, entering it into the official record. "King T'Challa of Wakanda details the work done on Mr. Barnes' behalf and offers a guarantee that all Hydra programming is now gone. He also speaks very highly of Mr. Barnes and his willingness to fight for everyone in the world."

Bucky was starting to feel somewhat uncomfortable at the praise, but he kept his focus, waiting for the final verdict. At last, the chairman read the determination of the U.S. government, regarding his past and his future.

"We find in favor of James Buchanan Barnes. A full pardon for all acts committed as the Winter Soldier, signed by every member of this committee. The President has signed an official pardon, on the condition that you undergo therapy so we can ensure your long-term stability. You must see that as a super soldier with your past we need some assurances."

"Yes, I understand," Bucky said, relief and elation coursing through him, though he did not see how any therapy in the United States would be helpful after all the talks in Wakanda with Ayo. He doubted conventional therapy would be even half as useful. But he would submit to the condition of his pardon. Steve and Sam congratulated him, triumphant until the chairman signaled for silence.

"I also am pleased to inform you that this pardon has been extended internationally by the U.N. You are a free man in every country in the world."

Steve and Sam both grinned at Bucky who could only smile slightly in return, feeling somewhat dazed at so much good news. The chairman continued, smiling slightly himself: "In recognition of your military service and your years as a prisoner of Hydra, we hereby reinstate officially your rank of Sergeant and will provide you with retroactive pay and benefits. You will be in sort of a retired status, rather than considered active duty." He tried to remain stern but finally smiled fully at Bucky. "We can't have a war hero and long-term POW without some means to live."

Applause broke out on the committee as everyone stood, the session adjourned. Bucky was roughly hugged by Steve as Sam clapped him on the back, both talking fast to Bucky and each other but Bucky wasn't listening. He felt another piece of himself relax. He was once again considered a U.S. citizen, law abiding, not the killer he had been forced to be. He still knew he wasn't fully settled. The events of the Blip still needed to be processed, as did Steve's upcoming plan that no one knew of but him. His smile faded as he recognized that he still lacked purpose and a place to truly belong outside of Wakanda. The steps forward were small, possibly even tentative, and in the quiet of that moment, he could accept that he was making those steps.