The war is escalating further and the moments with Bucky are becoming rarer. The world is in turmoil, no one knows where it will all lead, and our peaceful moments are increasingly disturbed by these upheavals. The letters are the only thing keeping us in touch right now, but despite the carefully chosen words and comforting sentences, nothing can quell the longing that torments us. Bucky, now an officer in the 107th Infantry Regiment, is constantly on the move, and I am aware that I must cherish our few remaining moments together even more. The small moments we have left, the brief moments of togetherness, every farewell. Day by day, I am plagued by worries and live in fear that I might someday receive no more letters, that we might someday be given his dog tags, and that I will have to look into the grave of the man I love. It is not that I do not believe in him, in his strength, in his willpower, but the Nazis and especially Hydra are dangerous, they are becoming increasingly aggressive.
A few days ago, we were still together at the Stark Expo. The event was a dazzling showcase of the latest technological wonders, and I remember clearly the smile in Bucky's eyes as he talked about the innovative inventions and futuristic visions. However, the morning after the Expo was marked by a bittersweet farewell as Bucky had to leave for England. My heart longs for his presence, and I fervently hope that he is safe and well there. The distance between us feels unbearable these days.
In the meantime, I spend a lot of time with Steve, who is applying to the army again. For quite a while now, he has been trying repeatedly with various units, concealing his identity and background. I worry that his lies might eventually catch up with him. Bucky's enlistment in the 107th has hurt him even more; he is happy for Bucky, but the 107th was also the unit where his father served alongside mine and Bucky's. Steve's father fell in battle, and for Steve, it was clear that he too wanted to be part of the 107th.
Three weeks later
Steve somehow managed to be accepted and participated in training with a unit. Two days ago, he told me about an offer he received from a certain Dr. Erskine. It involves a serum that transforms a person into a kind of super-soldier. As far as I am concerned, it sounds like a reckless and dangerous plan, and I can't help but doubt it. However, Steve is determined to accept this offer, as he believes it could finally give him the chance he needs. So now we are driving in a car, along with Margaret Carter and a staff member of Howard Stark, to a secret facility.
The experiment takes place in a heavily guarded laboratory. I can feel the nervousness and tension in the air. As far as I know, it is not entirely clear whether this will actually work. I promised Bucky that I would look after Steve, and now I'm on duty. When I enter the room, I see Steve lying on the table, ready for the transformation into a super-soldier. The room is filled with a tense silence, only broken by the soft hum of the equipment and the occasional rustle of Peggy Carter's uniform. Steve is lying on the table, surrounded by a dozen scientists, including Dr. Erskine, who is preparing the injections. His body is tense, and I can see the nervousness in his eyes, even though he is bravely trying to stay calm. The table is integrated into a metallic casing that slowly closes around Steve, fixing him in a tight embrace. The apparatus looks futuristic and impressive, with a series of instruments and tubes wrapping around Steve like a net. Above him, glowing displays and rotating tubes are preparing to initiate the final phase of the transformation.
Dr. Erskine administers the super-soldier serum injection to Steve, and I see his face slightly contort as the liquid enters his body. The tension in the air is almost tangible as the machine begins to work. A soft but intense light fills the room, and I can almost feel the changes taking place in Steve. His body begins to stretch and transform as the machine conducts a series of measurements and analyses. The light intensifies, and I watch as Steve's muscles swell and define, his skin glowing with an unnatural sheen.
Mr. Stark, the scientists and Dr. Erskine watch intently as Steve lies in the machine's embrace. The transformation he is undergoing is overwhelming, and I can barely grasp how quickly his body is changing. When the process is complete, Steve is carefully released from the apparatus, and I see him slowly rise. The physical changes are dramatic, but his eyes still reflect the same unwavering determination I have always known. He is still the Steve I know, full of humor and compassion. As he stands up and adjusts to his new, powerful body, I realize that this is the beginning of a new phase in his life—a phase that will bring both great challenges and great opportunities.
Unfortunately, the purpose Steve was supposed to fulfill seems to fall short of what he had hoped for. Instead of being sent to the front lines as a soldier, he is now used as a kind of circus attraction. He performs on stage, dances with half-naked women, and provides entertainment. The money earned is invested in weapons. It is a humiliating and disheartening reality that reflects none of what Steve had wished for. Instead of becoming a hero, he is turned into a spectacle, and I can hardly believe that this is the intended purpose of the experiment.****On one of these evenings, while Steve is performing on stage, Peggy Carter and I watch. Since I met her, we have become very close friends, and she has also developed a close bond with Steve. She saw something in him even before his transformation, which is why we spent a lot of time together, and I learned how to shoot and fight from her. Her expertise and friendship have been a great support to me during this difficult time. We stand side by side and watch as Steve leaves the stage after being driven off by soldiers more interested in the dancers than his speech. "That seems to have worked out great," I roll my eyes, and we head over to Steve.
When we arrive, he is sitting on the floor, looking utterly dejected. Peggy places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "That was just the first step," she says with an encouraging smile. "You'll find your place." None of this was part of Steve's plan. He wanted to use his new abilities for good, not to be used as a stage performer.
Time goes by, and we all know that the situation will continue to escalate. The war rages on, and Bucky is still on the move, while Steve struggles to find his place in this chaotic world. Peggy and I stay in touch, and our friendship grows stronger as we try to navigate the challenges of the war. I now work as a nurse at the local military base, partly to spend more time with Peggy and Steve, and partly because this is where information about fallen soldiers arrives. More and more days pass, and I receive no more letters from Bucky. Steve and Peggy support me as best as they can, and I try to be a support for Steve, even though I feel like I am breaking apart myself. Something is wrong.
Letter from Mrs. Elora Sue Barnes to General Chester Phillips, Commander of the 107th Infantry Division
Dear General Chester Phillips,
My name is Elora Sue Barnes, and I am seeking information about the whereabouts of my husband, Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, who is part of the 107th Infantry Division. About two months ago, he was deployed to the front in England, but for several weeks now, I have not received any letters from him, which is unusual for him and causes me growing concern for his well-being. I understand how difficult it is to communicate with the front lines at the moment, but I would be extremely grateful if you could provide me with any information regarding the status of your division.
Sincerely,Elora Sue BarnesWife of James Buchanan Barnes,Nurse at Camp Lehigh, New Jersey
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Who the hell am I (english version)
FanfictionUPDATES EVERY DAY AT 5 PM! She remembers nothing. Where did she come from? What happened? How did she get here? Where is her family? In short: she doesn't know. For two years, Elora has wandered, never staying in one place for long. Always searching...
