Bucky fell silent. If I die, that would put an end to everything—but what about Steve?
Aaron watched the changes in his expression and could not help marveling at the steadfast friendship between Bucky and Steve. Still, that was not a bad thing for him.
"Cough, cough! Fate is cruel, but you are fortunate.
Because you met me. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this may be a redemption in your life."
"There's no redemption for me." Bucky shook his head with a bitter smile and said weakly, "I've killed too many people. Some of them were even..."
"Even who?" Aaron asked with interest.
"No one. But as long as I'm alive, nightmares will haunt me."
"Tsk!" Aaron clicked his tongue. "Your mental fortitude is still lacking.
You should really learn from Clint Barton. You may not have heard of him—he's an archer in the Avengers Alliance.
Before the Battle of New York, Loki controlled him and had him attack S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier, killing quite a few agents.
After breaking free of the control, he immediately pulled himself together and taught Loki a profound lesson."
"Heh! I'm not like him. He wasn't controlled for decades." Bucky sounded weary. "And the code words that control me are a ticking time bomb. Hydra still has them, which means I could turn into a killing machine at any time."
"What if I have a way to eliminate that risk?" Aaron smiled meaningfully.
"What did you say?"
"I said I have a way to completely remove the hidden danger in you. It isn't difficult for me—barely more than lifting a finger."
Bucky looked at him suspiciously. After a long silence, he asked, "What do you want me to do?"
Aaron snapped his fingers. "A smart man. I like dealing with smart men."