𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒. hydra had relied on many different techniques in order to regulate ( restrict / CONTROL ) their asset’s movements. it does not surprise him that shield ( or whoever they are now ) utilizes the same methods. two sides of the same coin, pierce had always surmised through wry lips. around each wrist and both ankles, he is bound by high - tech military restraints. the shackles continue - traversing up his forearms, snaked around his calves and securing him in place, a large magnetized metal tether looped around his torso. even his chair is bolted to the floor. his arm has been decommissioned for the time being by some kind of device they tacked onto his forearm. whatever it is, it is sending a continuous electrical signal up and down each transmitter, short - circuiting the cybernetic. it does not hurt - or, if it does, the asset does not register the pain. all his mind acknowledges is the DEAD WEIGHT pulling on his left shoulder, and an inability to move metal fingers.
some might take in the sight and call it OVERKILL. egregious. unnecessary. he has barely moved an inch while in their captivity, but the soldier commends their caution. PARASITES GROW IN BETWEEN THE CRACKS OF CARELESSNESS. that is how hydra took root ;; that is how they thrived. with the ashes of their mistakes still chalky in their mouths, it seemed shield was finally learning from their mistakes. they are smart to take such precautions. his body, his mind - both are AUTOMATED now more than anything else. his default, his instinct, his impulse, his nature is VIOLENCE. it is his natural state - regardless of want, desire, opinion, choice or motivation ... HE IS A GUN AND VIOLENCE IS ALL HE KNOWS.
the captain keeps coming back ... to talk. he tries to make conversation with the soldier, tries to get him to talk as well - which was baffling at first. 🇼🇪🇦🇵🇴🇳🇸 🇩🇴 🇳🇴🇹 🇭🇦🇻🇪 🇴🇵🇮🇳🇮🇴🇳🇸. 🇼🇪🇦🇵🇴🇳🇸 🇩🇴 🇳🇴🇹 🇲🇦🇰🇪 🇦 🇸🇴🇺🇳🇩 🇺🇳🇱🇪🇸🇸 🇫🇮🇷🇪🇩. his old handlers did not like it when he spoke. pierce did not like it when he used his voice, but steve rogers seems almost desperate for it. ocean blue eyes piercing - searching, HOPING - to find JAMES BUCHANAN BARNES ? the man whose face he wore as a mask ... so far, he believes he has left the captain disappointed, although his efforts have not been completely futile. the asset cannot deny the stirrings of DEAD MEMORIES, kicked up like dust around devastation. the whispers of ghosts slipping through the cracks of his programming. sentiment - its bearer long gone but the echo still carrying. the remnant of james barnes still exists within this body ;; within this mind ... but it still does not make him james barnes.
the captain remains so hopeful. despite the exhaustion aging his face, the heartbreak && anguish decaying the shine in his eyes - he continues to HOPE. && the asset knows, somehow he just knows - the dumb fool will continue to hope until it DESTROYS him.
it is a WARNING. ( it is a plea )
—— 𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘚 𝘞𝘐𝘓𝘓 𝘒𝘐𝘓𝘓 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘚𝘛𝘌𝘝𝘌 𝘙𝘖𝘎𝘌𝘙𝘚.
the one he calls buck stares back with eyes, empty && bleak.
— how he knows. oh, but how he knows.
❛ for a while. ❜ he draws back. flat. emotionless. the soldier does not know, but the remnant piece of james barnes does. hope is what kept him alive ... for years.
IT IS ALSO THE THING THAT DESTROYED HIM.
the memories ... float close to the surface - and the soldier pushes them away. for a brief moment though, a flicker of grief - of great SORROW flashes in the void of his eyes, but it is quickly doused. he blinks it away and settles back into inertia.
❛ is that what keeps you alive, captain ? ❜ he asks, head tilting slightly, eyes blank and voice devoid of any emotion. ❛ HOPE ? ❜