the heart of the matter

[soldieronwards]

The ground falls out beneath you. You're in midair, you're surrounded by swirling clouds, and there's nowhere stable to put your feet. The space between your body and the turbulence around you feels poorly defined as well; where do you end and your surroundings begin? Is there a stable you in the first place?

But eventually--

[ Join channel #nobodystaysdeadincomics on IRC. ]

Comments

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

He snorts a little. "I doubt you're interested in what I would go see. You might like 'The Supportive Friend.'"

He gestures at the glittering marquee above him.

Bucky Barnes stars as "The Steadfast Soldier"
Bucky Barnes stars as "The Supportive Friend"
Steve Rogers stars as "The Good Knight and Superhero"

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

I am interested in what you would go see or else I wouldn't have asked.

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

"I am the ticket-taker, not an ordinary passenger; I'm already quite familiar with the actors and their work."

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

And I'm familiar with Bucky already, too. Steve... that's Bucky's friend right?

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

"Friend is hardly an adequate term."

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

It usually is. If I go to see all of them, then the Captain might show up at one of them right?

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

"That's correct."

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

Then I'll go to all three then.

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

He looks disdainful some more. "You'll need a ticket."

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

How do I get one?

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

"You have to pay, of course. Tell me, what did you pay to become yourself?"

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[justarider]

What did I pay?

[She frowns shaking her head.]

I didn't pa... No. [She closes her eyes, thinking over her memories.] I paid in fear and pain and confusion. I paid in honoring my word and following my duty despite the rest of it. I paid in childish pride, and love, and a dream I still hold dear.

Is that enough?

Re: THE UPPER DECK

[soldieronwards]

"I suppose it will have to be. Go on, attend your show."

He gestures at the doors.