Thaw

Seven

"It's been almost seventy years, Sir. Do you really think Rogers will have any sort of effect on the world anymore?"

The man to whom this question was directed stared vacantly out the window, one hand tucked into the opening of his vest. The streets below were teeming with life, thousands upon thousands of people rushing every which way, unaware of what was growing all around them.

"Sir," his companion repeated, more a demand than a question. The man turned around, focusing a pale blue stare on his addresser. He observed with mild pleasure how the younger man reacted to the cold gaze, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Steve Rogers may be alive," the first continued nonetheless, "but Captain America has been dead for decades. He's no one's hero anymore. He's obsolete."

The older man let out a derisive snort and turned back to the view. "You're a fool if you think that," he replied evenly. "Captain America was - and ever shall be - the ideal, the golden child of America. His mother was the Virgin Mary and his father was a bald eagle. Jesus, Richards, do you really think people are so vapid that they would forget perfection attained?"

"But Sir," the younger persisted, "we can't let this interfere with our plans. Hydra -"

The man in the vest gestured. A gunshot rang out, and Richards looked dazedly down to the crimson stain on his chest. His soon-to-be murderer sidled up and stared down at him as he slumped to the floor.

"Rule number one of Fight Club, son," he chided, tsk'ing at the dying man as if the bullet was only a gentle reminder. The younger man gasped as he attempted to utter a few last words through the blood filling his lungs.

"Hail -"

A second shot silenced him, and Alexander Pierce shook his head as he signalled his weapon to stand down. He sauntered back to the grand view his floor to ceiling windows afforded him with a deep sigh.

"Kids these days, eh, Ghost? They just don't learn."

HALLOOOO!!!! I am so apologetic to anyone who was reading this. It's been forever since I've even been on dear Wattpad, let alone since I've updated, and I had no idea anyone was reading anything I have written! I am thrilled that you like my story, I'm terribly sorry I'm such a slow updater. Now I don't expect you to read my notes or care much what I say, but I'm getting married in a couple weeks! Ahh! So I will be a little slow (though hopefully not so much as before) to continue. My writer's block has finally broken, I think.... I have many stories in my head! And I want to share them with anyone who wants to read them! I only ask your continued patience as I sort out my life schedule. Thank you again so much for your kind support and I hope you enjoy this lil' snippet! - With love, FF