New york, World Exposition of Tomorrow
The World Exposition of Tomorrow sparkled like a dream in motion, its electric glow stretching across the night sky. Towering exhibits, neon signs, and the ever-present hum of innovation brought the fairgrounds to life in a symphony of light and hope. Overhead, a silver monorail whispered past like a promise of the future, casting shifting shadows over the sea of visitors below.
Among the crowd, three young men wove their way through the fair's electric pulse—Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, and Alexander Reed. Their pace was slow, not for lack of excitement, but because of the contrast between them: Bucky in his confident swagger, Steve in quiet reflection, and Alex caught somewhere between amusement and serenity.
"I really don't get what you're so down about," Bucky said with a crooked grin, elbowing Steve lightly. "You're about to be the last single man standing in New York. There's three and a half million women out there, pal. Statistically, you're golden. Right, Alex?"
Alex's hands were in his coat pockets, his breath curling in the crisp night air. He chuckled, the sound low and warm. "I've already said everything I could say, Buck. More than once, I might add."
Steve smiled faintly, his eyes scanning the glowing horizon of the fair. "I'd be content with just one."
Bucky snorted, then suddenly raised a hand. "Well, would you look at that," he muttered.
Three young women stood near the entrance of the Modern Marvels Pavilion, all of them beaming and giggling. They waved back at Bucky and Alex with excited enthusiasm—though most of their eyes stayed locked on Alex.
"You've gone and stolen their hearts again," Bucky said in mock exasperation. "You ever leave some for the rest of us?"
Alex laughed softly, shrugging. "I don't try to. It just happens."
Steve trailed behind them, his pace lagging as his mind wandered.
"What exactly did you tell them about me?" Steve asked Bucky with mild suspicion.
"Only the good stuff," Bucky replied innocently.
Alex's quiet chuckle followed them as they crossed into the dazzling pavilion ahead.
---
Inside the Modern Marvels Pavilion
Inside, the air buzzed with imagination. Glass displays, futuristic gadgets, and humming contraptions filled the room. Visitors clustered around exhibits with childlike wonder, taking in the marvels of a future just out of reach.
One display drew a brief glance: a red-suited android standing motionless behind a glass chamber. A sign proudly read:
"Dr. Phineas Horton Presents… The Synthetic Man!"
Beneath it sat a fire extinguisher, placed with quiet anticipation.
But the trio didn't linger. The girls had other ideas.
"Oh my God, there he is!" squealed Connie, pointing ahead.
They hurried toward a bright stage, leaving Steve, once again, several steps behind.
---
Stark Industries Stage Presentation
A crowd had formed in front of a sleek, polished platform. A glowing sign read:
STARK INDUSTRIES PRESENTS…
The man at the center of the stage needed no introduction. Charismatic, sharply dressed, and effortlessly charming, Howard Stark addressed the crowd with the smooth confidence of a born showman.
"Ladies," Stark began, his voice smooth, "you know how difficult it is putting on makeup in a car that bounces like a kangaroo on a trampoline."
Laughter rolled through the audience.
"But what if I told you your future automobile wouldn't touch the ground at all?"
A button was pressed. With a hiss of hydraulics and a mechanical hum, the Cadillac behind him began to rise. Its wheels retracted as magnetic pads glowed faintly beneath. The car hovered—floating above the platform.
Gasps echoed around them.
"Holy cow," Bucky whispered, eyes wide.
"With Stark Gravitic Reversion Technology—patent pending—you'll be able to do just that—"
A loud pop! sounded, followed by a brief, fiery sputter. Sparks flew, and the car slammed back down with a jarring thud.
The audience laughed again, though this time with surprise.
"I did say a few years, didn't I?" Stark grinned.
Even the unimpressed Bonnie leaned forward, her interest piqued.
Steve, however, had already started to drift away. Holding a small bag of roasted peanuts, he quietly offered them to Bonnie, who turned up her nose and looked away.
Disheartened, Steve slipped from the crowd unnoticed, disappearing into the tide of fairgoers.
Alex turned toward him with a smile. "Hey Steve—how about we treat these ladies to—" He paused.
Steve was gone.
A small girl had taken his place, happily munching on the forgotten peanuts. Alex sighed and tapped Bucky on the arm.
"Steve wandered off."
Bucky looked toward Connie, who was distracted by the hovering car. Then back to Alex.
"We better find him."
---
The Recruiting Pavilion
Tucked into a quiet corner of the fair was a small, mirrored booth. A banner hung above it:
"YOUR DUTY: TRY IT ON FOR SIZE!"
Steve stood there, watching silently. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped up to the mirror, and as he stood still, his reflection morphed—replacing his civilian clothes with a sharply fitted military uniform. He looked proud, noble… strong.
Then it was Steve's turn.
He stepped up slowly. The mirror shimmered. His image appeared in fatigues—baggy, ill-fitting, almost laughable. The collar nearly swallowed his face. The effect, rather than inspiring, felt like a cruel joke.
Behind him, Bucky appeared and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're kind of missing the point of a triple date," he said softly.
Steve didn't respond.
"Come on," Bucky added. "We're gonna get chocolate sodas."
"You go ahead," Steve said, eyes still on his distorted reflection.
From the edge of the display, Alex watched quietly. Beside him stood a short, older man with thoughtful eyes and a mustache—Dr. Abraham Erskine. Neither interrupted.
Bucky glanced at the recruiting posters lining the wall.
"You're really going to do this now?" he asked.
"It's a fair," Steve replied, trying to sound casual. "Might as well try my luck."
"As who? Steve from Ohio?" Bucky crossed his arms. "They'll catch you. Or worse—they'll let you in."
Steve turned. His voice was quiet, but resolute. "You don't think I can do it."
"This isn't some back alley brawl, Steve. This is war. You don't have to prove anything to anyone."
Steve's jaw tightened. "You want me to sit at home while other men fight? Carry metal scraps in my wagon while they risk their lives overseas?"
His eyes met Bucky's.
"I can do what they do. And I have no right to do any less."
Bucky sighed. For a moment, the silence between them was heavy. Then, from across the way, Connie's voice cut through the moment.
"Bucky! Come on!"
Bucky turned back to Steve, reluctant. "I ship out tomorrow. England, remember?"
Steve nodded silently.
Bucky looked at him, at Alex, then offered a half-smile. "Take care of him, will you?"
"I always do," Alex replied gently.
Bucky gave a final wave before jogging off toward the girls.
Alex stepped up beside Steve. "Don't take his words to heart. He just cares about you. Always has."
Steve didn't answer.
Alex glanced at the mirror. "You will be a soldier one day, Steve. A great one. The kind who fights for peace—not just for your country, but for the whole world."
Steve blinked, taken aback by the sincerity.
Behind them, Dr. Erskine lingered, listening from the shadows. The quiet fire in Steve's words and A Great Leader type Vibes in Alex, the raw determination—they were exactly what he had been looking for.
With a thoughtful nod, he turned and slipped away into the night.
---
To be continued...