>> Nick is a little like those trees you posted about. He's bearing the ghosts of his environment. <<

Yes, exactly.

>> "That's not the runt. That's the control module." <<

*laugh* So very true.

>> I've got a series where Steve Rogers came out of Project Rebirth ready to demolish the then standing Olympic records in various incompatible sports. Still 5'4". Col Phillips assigns Peggy to figure out just how to use that fact, because he's damned if he just sticks such an expensive gear where perfectly healthy small men already are sufficient. <<

I love that approach.