Chapter 24. Affirmation
Just a few chapters left in this story. Although this one has some angst it will end up looking good for our main characters.
The rest of December passed quickly enough. The Christmas party at the newcomer's centre, the first event held there since the water main broke, was a success. Receiving coverage on television due to the presence of the reporter it garnered a lot of interest from others interested in volunteering their time helping those who needed the services the centre provided. With all the food contributions brought in for the party, that included foods for other cultural celebrations, there was more than enough for people to sample the different tastes of many different countries. Samira and Amina both received inquiries about their baking and were interviewed about being Muslims who were actively involved in a Christmas celebration.
"It's just being respectful," said Amina to the reporter, as if it should be obvious. "When we celebrated Eid, after the completion of Ramadan, we extended an invitation to our non-Muslim friends to attend the celebration. In the past I've been to Hindu festivals, and a celebration of Chinese New Year. We've been to some Hanukkah, and Diwali events this winter, with an invitation to attend some upcoming Kwanzaa events as well. These people are my friends, some of them dear friends. I celebrate them."
The reporter also pointed out the centre received actual support of several prominent people including Bucky Barnes and Captain America, pointing out that other Avengers attended the party, including Thor, War Machine, Falcon, Spider-Man, and the newest member Hawkeye. When he closed his segment, the reporter also announced that the centre had received a grant from the Stark Foundation, to cover expenses in maintaining the building, as well as being in talks with the Wakandan International Outreach Centre to provide technology support in training individuals for IT jobs. With one of Samira's pastries in hand the reporter signed off by taking a bite and rolling his eyes at how good it was.
After the Christmas party Bucky invited the other Avengers back to the house to relax and enjoy some Christmas cheer. They officially announced Tracey's pregnancy and the purchase of a house in Brooklyn. Rhodes officially announced that funding and approval had been secured for the Avengers to become a permanent rapid response team. It was tempered by his next announcement.
"The funding is contingent on us being based in one location which is still being determined," he said. "I tried to point out that we come from all over the place, some of us with other jobs and responsibilities. I'm still working on convincing them that with the cooperation of the sorcerers in providing portals that can transport us instantaneously we don't need to be in one spot, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff are insistent on following a strict military model." He looked at Bucky specifically. "You just bought a house and I'm very happy for you. If you want to step away from the Avengers I understand and support you 100 percent."
"If that's how it is, that's how it is," replied Bucky, who tried not to show his disappointment. "I do appreciate you trying. I do like my job on the docks, and they have been very accommodating to me."
As the others talked about other things Bucky slipped away into the back yard, where the fairy lights were on. He stood on the back step just breathing, then felt someone putting a jacket over his shoulders. Turning around he saw Tracey and put his arm around her.
"I'm sorry," she said. "You must be disappointed."
"I am but not surprised," he answered. "Can you imagine the military mobilizing to try and stop Ross? They would have spent too long arguing which branch of the military were best suited to send out before finally deciding on an aircraft carrier to search for another aircraft carrier. They would have radioed over asking for them to surrender then wonder why Ross's mercenaries were hell bent on ignoring the rules of engagement when they began firing missiles at them. By then Ross would have already been off the coast of Africa sending in his air crews, with Ghost, an enhanced human who can materialize and dematerialize at will probably at the forefront to get through the Wakandan shields. Then the government maybe would send in a Seal team or a strike force of elite soldiers to intercept, but it would take them at least 10 hours flying at Mach 2 to even reach Wakanda which would have already been breached and likely conquered. What do they say about possession being 9/10ths of the law? Ross would have control and would tell them to fuck right off, and they would because he's one of them."
She rubbed his back, sad that he was so upset by this decision. Neither of them heard Rhodes until Bucky heard the sound of his leg braces.
"I'm out of practice," said Bucky, cynically. "You almost snuck up on me. Some super soldier I am."
"I prefer to think that you were pre-occupied," said Rhodes. "Because you're the best damn soldier I've ever known. Your analytical abilities alone rival the best chief warrant officers I've ever served with. I'm angry at the Joint Chiefs for pulling this power play, because that's what it is, their attempt to maintain a semblance of control over the Avengers. Hell, even the President apologized for this. He knows the only reason we succeeded is because we were able to mobilize immediately, using a combination of our own intelligence gathering, portals and a quinjet to get to where we needed to be at the time we needed to be there. All because of you anticipating what Ross was going to do while you were working a day job and getting ready for your wedding."
"And yet, here we are, still hamstrung because the Avengers still don't have autonomy," replied Bucky. He gave out a frustrated sigh. "I know that you're trying Rhodey, and that you're navigating a very complex political system. But at some point, I have to fold. With a wife and a baby on the way I ..."
"No, don't give up," interrupted Rhodes. "I think they need to have a taste of their own medicine. I'm convinced the Avengers work best with you as one of the leaders, the tactical leader. So, we pull our own power play. Unless we have total autonomy, including not being tied to a specific location, then we don't form. We are the best of the best and I don't think they quite understand that. If I do this, they're going to recall me to Washington, and I want you with me when I go. I want you to tell them what you told Tracey just before you realized I was listening."
"You really think they're going to listen to me?" asked Bucky. "I'm still the Winter Soldier to them."
"Maybe to the Generals but I can tell you that the enlisted men think you're the goat, which means the greatest of all time. You're the sergeant they all respect, the guy who gets things done, and doesn't bullshit anyone. We need you, Buck. The Avengers just don't work without you."
Bucky turned his head to look at Tracey, silently asking for her advice.
"You should do it," she said quietly. "I know that you really want this. Don't let it slip out of your fingers because you're worried about me and the baby. I knew that night in the Bahamas that it's what you're meant to be doing."
"But it means you'll be alone," he replied.
"Never," she said. "Not where it counts, in here." She pressed her chest with her clenched fist. "Each time you come back we'll pick up where we left off and it will be glorious. I know that now. Nothing will really keep us apart, not where it matters."
"I'll just leave you two out here," muttered Rhodes, backing away as he felt the emotion flowing between the couple.
Sliding his hand onto Tracey's neck, Bucky gazed deeply into her eyes, so consumed was he with his love for her. She got him and understood him completely. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against hers.
"I'm afraid to leave you," he admitted. "What if I don't come back?"
"You could get crushed by a sea can at the docks," she said, making him laugh a short grim laugh. "I have to believe we met because we were meant to be together. You'll always be with me. Always."
Their lips crashed together fiercely as if they would never see each other again. The feel of Tracey's body against his was as if she were a part of him, so closely did they fit together. When he looked at her face softly illuminated by the fairy lights in the garden, he drank in every feature on her face.
"Alright, I'll keep on believing we can make the Avengers happen," he said. "I believe in us first; this marriage is the priority, always. If it ever gets too hard for you, I have to know because I will choose you every time."
They kissed once more to seal their pact and returned into the warmth of the house. Rhodes made eye contact with Bucky from where he sat on the sofa with his arm around Janice and Bucky nodded to him. He was still in.
The time before Christmas went quickly. They bought a new SUV originally planning to trade in Tracey's smaller car but Janice offered to buy it when her divorce was finalized and the house sold so they transferred ownership to her, telling her it was a gift. Their possession date for the new house was set for the end of February and they began planning what to get done for renovations before they moved in.
Bucky's return to work was memorable as he was greeted by a desk covered in post-it notes, each with a different message, some funny while others were more heartfelt. It was evident he was an object of pride for the dock workers, their own real-life hero. He took it in stride, laughing at the sight of his multi-coloured desk, then grumbling in a good-natured way as he peeled the individual notes off, reading their message before sticking them into a messy pile. The docks were busy that final week as many container ships were docking and unloading their cargos before they went to a different dock for repairs or maintenance. Ship's crews were given leave to return home to their families for the holidays. Many of the cranes had Christmas trees attached to their booms, lit up in bright lights.
On the afternoon of the 24th he had just finished wishing his crew a Merry Christmas as they were released to have five days off before returning to work on Monday, the 30th. The other supervisors were doing the same with their crews. As Bucky headed into the building where the offices were, Rick leaned out of his.
"Call for you on line 2," he said.
"Thanks, I'll take it at my desk," said Bucky, heading in and taking his fluorescent supervisor's vest off. He picked up the phone receiver and pressed line 2. "Barnes here."
There was silence for a moment. "It's John Walker," said the voice. "Please don't hang up."
"John," answered Bucky, feeling anger building up in him. "What do you want?"
"I'm sorry," he said. "I'm so ashamed that I wasn't strong enough to stop them from turning me. I couldn't even tell anyone that they were experimenting on me. It was like whenever I wanted to tell someone, even Olivia, that a hand came over my mouth, preventing it from working."
Bucky said nothing, then he heard the shakiness in Walker's breath, the anguish the man was feeling being expressed in his voice.
"Go on," replied Bucky. "Was anything you said to me on the level?"
"Yes, all of it," answered the other man. "I wanted out, but they found out before I met with Matt Murdock. They must have bugged my phone or my car. I don't know how they knew but I was called into a meeting a couple of days later and that Mordo was there. I told Val that I wanted out of my contract, and she was all apologetic then said to give them another chance. He said something and then it was like there was a gap in my memories. When I met with Murdock, he didn't seem to believe me. Maybe I was already being changed then."
"I believe you were," said Bucky. "Apparently Dr. Strange went through time, and said it took several sessions for Mordo to change you completely."
"Yeah, Strange and that other sorcerer, Wong, changed me back on the ship," said Walker. "It was like it was all a bad dream, everything I said to you, everything I did. I feel like I can't trust my own mind anymore. Olivia ... she's standing by me, but I see it every time she comes to see me in the lockup that a part of her still ..."
His voice trailed off and Bucky recognized the sounds of a man struggling not to cry. He could feel his own anger dissipating, as he knew exactly what Walker was going through.
"Listen," he said firmly. "You're not on the Raft, right?" Walker agreed. "That already means that the authorities believe you and with you telling them everything you remember, that will be the beginning of making amends. You need counselling. Don't go see Dr. Raynor as you know each other personally. I'll see if I can find someone who can be objective with you. Then you need to come clean with your wife about everything, including what you did when you were still in the military and what happened in Latvia."
"No, she'll leave me," answered Walker in a strained voice.
"But it's eating away at you," said Bucky. "Sam and I knew that right from the beginning. Lemar was the one that held you together and without him you're falling apart. Not even Olivia's love is enough to keep that from happening. The only way you'll know if that love is strong enough is if you're brave enough to tell her everything and ask her to help heal you. If she decides that it's not enough then you have to live with that, accept it, and move on. Trust me, John, you can't go on the way you are now. I've been there and it's an awful way to exist, because it sure as hell is not living."
"You'd help me?" asked Walker. "After all that's happened and my part in it, you would still help me?"
Bucky took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He had come a long way in his own journey but knew it would never be over as part of him still experienced guilt and remorse over the Winter Soldier's actions. But he had opened his heart to love, had become more involved in the community, had volunteered at the newcomer's centre, and the result had been that for the past half year he was happier than he had been since the war. At the other end of the line was a man who had wronged him, going through a similar journey. Was he not as deserving of a hand to raise him up?
"I'll help you," he said to Walker. "One vet to another. Honestly, I'm not ready to forgive you yet and I'll never forget what you did. But I'm also someone who was in a similar position, and I wouldn't have come through it unless people reached out and gave me a hand."
That broke the dam as he heard weeping for several minutes. Patiently, he waited through it, knowing that Walker needed to let it out. When he heard the loud cleansing breath a few minutes later he knew that it was a beginning.
"Bucky, thanks," breathed Walker. "I'll do what you asked. I've cooperated with the investigators. They've assigned me a public defender, but do you think that Murdock would represent me? Even though he didn't trust me he seemed to be an honest man."
"That's up to him," said Bucky. "You just remember that it was Ross and Fontaine that decided to do this to you. I found out that Ross saw me being tortured while I was the Winter Soldier. He was a guest of Alexander Pierce. It appears he always wanted an army of super soldiers to do his bidding. Makes him as bad as HYDRA."
"Well, that makes two of them because Val was there when Mordo was," replied Walker. "How do these people end up with the power they do? Once again, I'm sorry. I hope you have a good Christmas. You deserve it, Bucky."
The call ended and Bucky looked at the receiver in his hand before replacing it on the cradle. Pulling his cellphone out he opened the contact list and brought up Matt Murdock's name. Pressing on the call icon he waited while it rang but it went to voicemail.
"Hey, it's Bucky," he said. "I have a favour to ask. If you don't accept it's alright but I believe in second chances. John Walker was turned without his consent, but he is now cooperating with the authorities. He has a public defender representing him, but you know most of those guys are only there until they get offered a better job. If you could perhaps represent him, I would appreciate it and I will pay whatever rate you wish. It doesn't mean I've forgiven him. That will take time, but I think he just needs a hand to get back on track. Anyways, if I don't hear from you have a Merry Christmas."
He was about to put his phone back in his pocket when he had another thought and made the call. It was a long shot but no one should be alone on Christmas Day. They were already going to have Peter and Rhodey with them; one more wouldn't be a problem. The woman he spoke to was surprised to receive his call and wouldn't commit but promised to give it serious thought. If that was the best she could give him it would have to be enough.
Pulling open the bottom drawer of his desk he pulled out a paper bag wrapped around a bottle and took it to Rick's office. He was on the phone but his eyes lit up when he saw Bucky pull the bottle out, a very good scotch. Quickly, he finished his call and looked at him with a smirk.
"Drinking on the job?" he joked. "I know it doesn't affect you but damn, Bucky."
"This is a thank you," replied Bucky. "To apologize for the past month and everything that went down that kept me away from this fine place of employment. It's also to prepare you for next year."
"That sounds ominous," stated Rick. "What's up?"
He pulled two glasses out of his desk drawer and gestured to Bucky to crack the bottle open. Bucky poured them each a good portion and capped the bottle. Holding his glass up to Rick he toasted him then drank some of the amber liquid.
"They're forming the Avengers again and they want me to be part of it," said Bucky. "Even though they're still working on the logistics I've agreed because, let's face it, I'm better at that than I am riding a desk as a dock supervisor."
"I wouldn't say that," replied Rick. "You're well thought of here. Your crew operates well and I think a lot of it has to do with you. Is this your notice?"
"Not exactly. I want to stay on but I know being supervisor isn't workable considering I could be called out on a moment's notice."
Rick took another drink out of his glass and put it down. "Well, this is as good a time as any to tell you something," said Rick. "They're winding down container ship operations at the dock here cutting back on operational hours to start with. They're moving operations gradually to New Jersey and Red Hook. This area is to be redeveloped for light industrial, pleasure boat marinas, and affordable residential. It's going to take years but it's in the works and next year is when the ships will start to be redirected to the other facilities. We won't be filling vacancies in the crews starting in the new year, although supervisor positions will still be filled by internal promotions."
Bucky sat back and sipped his scotch. "What about those people currently working?" he asked.
"They'll be given the opportunity to move to the new locations," said Rick. "I'm thinking of retiring myself."
"End of an era," said Bucky. "Not surprised though. The newcomer's centre I volunteer at say they've been lobbying for more affordable housing. Immigrants still want to live in New York but are finding it less affordable. Which is unfortunate as they helped make New York what it is."
"I agree," said Rick. "My grandpa was from Italy. Got on at the navy yards before the war."
"My dad worked there," commented Bucky with a quick smile. "Small world." He drained his glass. "Well, thanks for the news. I'm going to talk to Tracey about it. She's pregnant. We bought a house in Midtown because Rebecca's place is too small for a baby and four adults."
"Already?" smiled Rick. "You work fast. Congratulations. You'll be a good dad."
Bucky stood up, offered his hand to Rick and the two men wished each other a Merry Christmas. Back in his office Bucky straightened up and looked around. He would miss this but he also knew he could leave it behind. It seemed like more than one thing was telling him to stick with the Avengers. As he clocked out and headed for the security gate he looked up at the grey sky and the light snow that was falling. Perhaps there would be enough for a soft blanket over everything by the next morning.
On the way home he stopped off at the jewellers. It was busy, filled with men buying a last-minute gift. The manager finished serving her customer and waved Bucky over to an open spot at the counter. She went to a locked cabinet and brought out a tray with four small boxes. The first, containing a pair of pearl stud earrings received a nod from him. The second box holding a white gold bracelet with two diamonds also received a nod from him when he read the inscription. The manager opened the 3rd and 4th box one after another and pushed them towards him. The white gold locket was opened to show the picture of him on one side and Tracey on the other. The engraving on the back received a soft smile from him. Then he picked the fourth box up and looked at the emerald and diamond earrings, giving the manager an approving nod.
"I must say the women in your life are very lucky," said the manager. "I've never had a customer who bought such beautiful gifts for his mother-in-law, sister, and wife all at once."
"They all mean a lot to me," said Bucky. "Haven't had the funds to show it before. You'll be able to wrap them and tag them properly?"
"Absolutely," said the manager. "Give me ten ... maybe fifteen minutes to get them wrapped real pretty. Why don't you go next door and get a coffee while you're waiting? If you pay now I can bring them over to you."
Taking out his bank card from his wallet Bucky paid what was owing then went next door, ordering a coffee at the same place where he and Tracey had their first "date." He thought back to that afternoon where she revealed that she was emotionally involved and had asked to be removed from Rebecca's case. Never did he think they would realize how much they meant to each other, and end up married, and expecting their first child. For all the trouble that happened that year their relationship was solid, strengthened by Tracey's resolve and support. He truly believed he was one lucky man to have her love. His attention was taken by the jewelry store manager bringing his package to him. Shaking her hand in thanks he took it and finished his coffee then hurried the rest of the way back home. As he stepped up the front steps the door was opened and Tracey came out, hugging him.
"What's this?" he asked, amused at her coming outside. "I haven't even walked in the door yet."
"I'm delaying you," she laughed. "Someone is finishing wrapping your present at the dining room table. What's that you have in your hand?"
"Nothing," he smiled. "Just something I found in the middle of the road."
"Give it to me and I'll put it in the garbage," she said, trying to take it.
He raised it up, out of her reach, then trapped her with his free arm and kissed her while they both laughed, earning some whistles from the neighbours who were sweeping snow off their sidewalks. Janice came to the door and said it was safe for Bucky to come inside. With a wave to the neighbours they both went inside where Bucky opened his bag and placed the small boxes on the tree branches.
"I thought you said it was nothing," accused Tracey, grinning.
"I lied," he answered. "No peeking until tomorrow."
It smelled wonderful in the house. There was a roast in the oven, and he could discern the scent of apples and cinnamon. Janice came out of the kitchen with a mug of hot apple cider.
"I put a little extra something in it," she said, with a wink. "Rhodey will be here soon."
"I thought he was coming tomorrow," said Bucky. "Where's he sleeping?"
Janice blushed. "We're sharing the bed downstairs, alright? I offered as it's more comfortable for him than the couch. It's not like either of us are kids." She pouted slightly and Bucky offered her a hug which she accepted. "He said he has something to tell you. He's doing a group video call with everyone after dinner."
"Okay, Mom," he joked, earning him a playful swat on the arm as she went back into the kitchen. He called from behind her. "Can I help?"
"No, we've got it covered," replied Rebecca in a loud voice from the kitchen. "You relax with your wife."
Doing as he was told Bucky sat in the armchair and patted his lap, joined immediately by Tracey.
"Hi," he said softly. "How was your day?"
"Good," she said. "I had morning sickness. After you left."
"Sorry I missed it?" he smiled then he kissed her. "That means that growth hormone is being produced, doesn't it?"
"Yup, completely normal in a pregnancy," she replied. "How was work?"
"Good, found something out." She looked at him expectantly. "They're going to be slowing down operations there starting in the new year and eventually relocating everything to New Jersey or Red Hook. The docks are going to be redeveloped into light industrial, pleasure boat marinas and affordable residential development."
"Oh no," she said. "What about everyone that works there?"
"They'll be able to transfer to the new areas but I'm guessing if they end up in New Jersey they'll have to move," he said. "No new hires either but they will still promote to supervisor from within. I think I should offer my notice. When the Avengers start up I can focus on that, with volunteer work during my downtime."
"Are you good with that?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, I'm good with that," replied Bucky, kissing her. "I think it was meant to happen this way. I'll only be torn between home and the Avengers, not a regular day job as well."
He was grinning when he said that, proving that he really was good with it. She ran her hands through his hair and kissed him back. When the doorbell rang, she hopped off and opened it, greeting Rhodey as he entered with an overnight bag.
"Buck, my travelling case for the suit is in the trunk of the rental car," he said. "Would you mind?"
"No problem," said Bucky, heading out the door and bringing the bulky case in. He gave Rhodey a wicked grin. "I'll put it downstairs next to your sleeping accommodations."
"Don't get snarky with your boss," said Rhodes with a gleam in his eye.
He stepped further in and entered the kitchen giving Rebecca a kiss on the cheek and Janice a hug and a kiss. Tracey watched them with interest as her mother hadn't said much about her relationship with Rhodes but if they were sharing the bed downstairs then it obviously had progressed. Not that it mattered to Tracey. For all the years that her mother had put up with her father's abuse Tracey was happy that someone made her mom feel good about herself.
During dinner Bucky tried to get Rhodes to reveal what the news was but the man wouldn't bite, saying he wanted to tell everyone in North America at one time.
"So, does that mean everyone overseas already knows?" asked Bucky, pulling his phone out.
"Don't bother them," replied Rhodes. "They wouldn't appreciate it. You'll know soon enough." He looked at his watch. "Another hour. Keep your curiosity to yourself for one more hour."
After a dessert of apple pie and ice cream Bucky started picking up the plates to put them away in the dishwasher while Tracey began putting leftovers in the fridge. She ran some water in the sink for the things that wouldn't fit and washed them while Bucky dried. Once everything was put away Rhodes pulled his laptop onto the living room coffee table. He set up a group video chat and waited for everyone to check in.
"Sit next to me," he said to Bucky. "You're going to see some new people on this chat as we extended an invitation to the enhanced humans that Ross and Fontaine abducted. A few have bowed out, not wanting to be tied to any organization. That's their right. We won't force them, but they have been advised that if they provide their services independently it should be for legitimate work only."
Peter, Kate, Joaquin, Sam, and Yelena Belova all connected. Shortly after Bruce, Clint, Scott, Hope, and Shaun also joined the chat. Finally, the President and Secretary General of the UN also connected. Bucky looked at Rhodes who grinned.
"It looks like we're all here," he said. "I held a session this morning with Princess Shuri of Wakanda, Thor and King Valkyrie of New Asgard, Alexei Shostakov, Melina Vostokoff and Antonia Dreykov who have all agreed to be part of the Avengers when it is feasibly possible for them. At this time the other enhanced humans that were abducted by Ross have declined the invitation but are aware that any services they provide must be to legitimate parties only. If they are found to be involved in an illegal activity they will be subject to being taken into custody by us. Which leads to the next part of this announcement. Secretary General Uboku, I give the floor to you."
The African diplomat bowed his head. "Thank you, Colonel Rhodes. It is my pleasure to announce that the Avengers will be resurrected as a rapid response team under United Nations sponsorship. What this means is that funding for the organization will come from all member countries. The Sokovia Accords that were negotiated under the leadership of Thaddeus Ross have been officially repealed. They will be replaced by a new agreement that will leave the acceptance and organization of missions to the Avengers themselves. Responsibility for damages caused by their actions in dealing with insurgents, terrorists, and any other entity causing disruption will be charged to those entities whose illegal activities prompted the intervention in the first place. To that event a new internationally binding law has been passed at the United Nations this morning that allows member countries to seize the assets of those entities. In other words, if they break it, they buy it. Mr. President, if you would continue with your portion of this meeting."
"Thank you Mr. Secretary General," said the President. "May I ask, Sergeant Barnes, if your sister is present?"
"Yes sir, she is," said Bucky, as Rhodes changed the angle of the laptop so that she was visible. "Mr. President, may I present my sister, Rebecca Barnes Proctor."
"Mr. President," nodded Rebecca.
"It is a pleasure to meet you onscreen," he replied. "I hope some day you will be able to come to the White House. Your determination to make sure your brother was treated with dignity and respect alerted me to something very wrong in Washington, in fact our whole country. For so many years we were under the impression that Thaddeus Ross was protecting American interests in a manner that was consistent with our ideals. Your phone call to me that one day showed me a side of the man I trusted for so long that was disturbing and alarming. Among the discoveries we made as we launched an investigation was his involvement with the head of HYDRA, Alexander Pierce, specifically in his collusion with him in the continued imprisonment and torture of your brother Sergeant James Barnes. This was in addition to his responsibility for the super soldier serum project undertaken by Dr. Bruce Banner, who also deserves an apology for how he was used, abused, and hunted as a criminal when he attempted to withdraw his cooperation. Dr. Banner, I am pleased to see you as part of this meeting tonight and hope you are able to continue with your research studies that have already benefitted the world. I am sorry for the lack of oversight which allowed Thaddeus Ross to threaten your existence as a private citizen. It will never be repeated. To ensure the rights of all enhanced humans a 28th amendment will be proposed that will enshrine their rights to be free of coercion, expectation of service, or discrimination. We invite several of you to be participants in the creation of this amendment, ensuring your rights as full citizens. The final part of my announcement is to assure you that while we will have a base of operations that you may call your headquarters, it will not require you to live on site, except by your choice. Colonel Rhodes has convinced us that with the cooperation of the Masters of the Mystic Arts you will have access to portals that can bring all of you together in one spot in a matter of moments. Considering how quickly you mobilized to deal with Thaddeus Ross and Val de Fontaine's task force it is our belief that you be given the freedom to live as you see fit. Tomorrow, on Christmas Day, both Secretary General Uboku and myself will formally announce the resurrection of the Avengers as a rapid response team that will respond to threats to humanity, including safeguarding the sovereignty of all countries, no matter if they are members of the United Nations or not. On a personal note, thank you to those of you who mobilized against Ross and his hired thugs. All of them, with the exception of John Walker, who was turned without his consent, are currently residents of the Raft. They will face trial by video conferencing. Ross, as an active member of the military has already faced court martial, has been found guilty, sentenced to life imprisonment, and stripped of his rank and all benefits. He is now persona non grata, unwelcome to join our society. I am willing to answer any questions if any of you have any."
"Excuse me sir," said Peter hesitantly. "I'm Peter Parker."
"Spider-Man," said the President. "I'm aware of you, young man, having been read into your situation. How go your studies?"
"F-fine sir, thank you," stammered Peter. "I'm just curious. Will we be paid?"
Both the President and the Secretary General smiled. "Yes, you will," said the President. "We can't expect you to put your life on the line for free now, can we? You will be paid a retainer of $6000 per month, plus a daily rate of $250 per day when you are on mission. Those rates will be revisited on a yearly basis. You will receive full medical benefits, plus have full life insurance and pension payments made on your behalf. You will still have to pay taxes but we have created a special tax rate for you which will be very advantageous. We want you to feel appreciated for what you do. Goodness knows you have done so much already without expectation."
There were no more questions and the President and Secretary General signed off. After their images disappeared Rhodes was peppered with questions but he put his hands up in surrender.
"I know you have all sorts of questions," he said. "I don't have all the answers yet as some details still need to be worked out. Suffice it to say we're back in business. I'll be in command. I want Sam and Bucky in leadership positions." Bucky started to protest but Rhodes smiled. "Don't underestimate your abilities Buck. Nearly everyone on here will follow you, me included. Your analytical abilities are among the best I've ever seen." Everyone else on screen nodded their heads or said they agreed. "So, tonight and for the next week, enjoy time with your friends and families. In the new year we will get down to business and begin to build the Avengers back to what they were always meant to be: a group of remarkable individuals brought together to face extraordinary threats. Merry Christmas everyone."
Rhodes closed his laptop and leaned back, smiling.
"What happened to me going to Washington with you?" asked Bucky.
"Wasn't needed," said Rhodes. "When I told the President that we couldn't do this right if we were forced to operate under US military control and forced to live on a military base he contacted the United Nations and presented the case that we would be better as an independent organization with rapid response capability. Turns out the world was watching when Ross made his play. They were not happy with the influence that corporate interests had on political matters. If it could happen to Wakanda, whose technology and defences are superior then any one of those member countries were also at risk. We weren't beholden to a country, military or corporate interest. We were there, standing up to Ross, because it was the right thing to do. Plain and simple."
That evening was a happy one for everyone in the Proctor / Barnes house. There was music, some dancing, and lots of talking. When Rebecca went to bed Bucky started reading The Box of Delights to her. It was another book from her childhood, a much longer one that would take all of the Christmas week to read. Still in print, it brought good memories for the brother and sister. After Bucky kissed her goodnight and turned off the light Tracey put on a Nat King Cole Christmas album. She drank hot chocolate while the other three finished the apple cider, boosted by a little bit of whiskey. It was a Christmas Eve like nothing she or her mother Janice had ever experienced with her father. It was mellow, quiet, and something that was repeated many times over the years.