Reveries of Spring│Bucky Barnes

━ 𝟏𝟓

MARTINA WAS SITTING UNCOMFORTABLY BESIDE LIONEL, whose overexcited energy was radiating from him with every bob of his head and every tap of his foot. 

"So, how do you like it here?" she asked him as he pulled up different files, trying to alleviate the awkward tension. 

"I love it," Lionel replied, beaming at her. "I've only been here a year. It's my luck that Dr. Banner is MIA. I wouldn't have gotten this job otherwise."

"Is he okay?" Martina asked, frowning. She understood that this was a great opportunity for Lionel, but it seemed rather odd to word it that way.  

Lionel quickly corrected himself, flushing and momentarily dropping his files that he quickly tried to sort out. "Oh, yeah. A while ago, he had a bad experience with the Hulk and he decided he needed to take some soul-searching time away. I'm sure he's fine."

Martina nodded her head, feeling better about the situation. "So...what did you do before this?"

"I worked in a research lab that worked with genetic mutations in animals," he said with a shrug as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "I find things here to be more interesting and for a greater cause than trying to see if a rat can grow an eyeball."

Martina nodded her head again and let out a nervous chuckle. Being a firm opposer of animal cruelty, she certainly didn't want to keep talking about his past position. Thankfully, she didn't have to when he finally brought the correct files up to them. 

"So, this might get a bit confusing so stop me when you have a question," he waited for her to nod then sifted through her lab work and pointed his finger at the page. "Your body has a natural similarity with the Super Soldier Serum used on Barnes and Rogers. It was formulated to enhance the body and mind. It enhances the physical abilities by increasing the molecular density of cellular fibers through synthetic proteins. It changes the metabolic, cellular, and chemical processes, as well."

"Que?"

Lionel realized that he had lost her already and sighed as he pointed to her chart. "Okay. Look. These similarities just mean that your body is stronger, faster, better at healing, and more resistent than the average person. Before all this happened, and before you knew about your powers, did you notice anything related to what I just said?"

Martina shook her head wearily as she tried to make sense of all the numbers on the page. "I mean, I don't ever remember being sick before. I haven't tested out the healing abilities but I don't get hurt when I use my powers. As for strength, well, I guess you missed the part where Artemis was kicking my ass. Although, you did see I nearly killed her."

"Okay," Lionel said, jotting down notes. "So, we can check off immunity to sickness, potentially varied strength, and possible healing qualities for now. So, let's continue. The serum also is meant to affect the subject's dopamine, testosterone, adrenaline, and hormones. This is meant to enhance mental performance. Anything?"

Martina mulled it over. "I guess I've always been kinda smart in certain aspects. I also feel really focused and aware of everything my body is doing when I use my powers."

"Another similarity. The serum also enhances people's personalities. Anything?"

Martina was ashamed of this next point. "It doesn't enhance anything. Yes, I'm doing pretty great now but that's a personal thing. If anything, it enhances my temper. I'm still not too sure why."