tushanshu | 001 [video]

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001 [video]

[Aaron had spent the last several days exploring Tu Vishan with Marta, making mental notes of places and things they might need in the future. He was thorough with his recon, going so far as to even map out everything they'd seen, the crude yet detailed drawing on the table of he and Marta's shared suite. It marked not just Sectors and their boundaries, the shops and local drop ins, but also ways out of the Sectors.

Some of those were main thoroughfares, but most were back alleys that he had explored during at least one night of unrest. If something happened, he knew no less than six ways out of their own Sector and atleast as many in the others. He hadn't gotten as far as exploring the castle at the center, but he intended to.

For now though, he wanted to get a tab on the local neighbors in his own Sector and without. So, he opts for a video post from his own console, making certain that little enough is in the image to give any more indication of their whereabouts as any other residents room.

He might look familiar to some of you, but he's not who you think he is. His left shoulder, where visible beneath his t-shirt, is newly bandaged and he looks a bit worse for the wear and banged up. If only you guys knew...]

Hey... [He raises a hand and gives a half wave.] I'm James... from Earth. [He shakes his head laughing softly at himself. Superspy? What superspy? Look at this unassuming nice guy!!!] Man, please don't let that sound as crazy as I think it does.

I've been here a few days now and as fun as this little trip into Wonderland has been, I was hoping someone could point me in the direction of something at least vaguely resembling a beer. I'm not picky, honest, but if I'm going to be stuck here I'd at least like some of the comforts of home.

Anyone else brought here from Earth?

[Even with so simple and seemingly innocent a series of questions, it was a definitive way to start figuring out who, or what, was here.]

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_{( Alright, as if Clint wasn’t having a weird enough week. He stares at his console for a good ten minutes, trying to figure out some explanation other that “you’re definitely going crazy.” Since none come up, he has no choice but to respond. It’s really to his credit that he can be so cautious about it, really. )}

Nope. Strictly Martians.

[Aaron will experience very much the same thing when he gets a proper look at you, Clint. You ever get that niggling sensation in the back of your mind that something is going on, and youre the center of it without either planning to be or knowing you are? Yeah, Aaron's feeling that way right now.

Outwardly, however, his brow quirks and he snorts softly, a smile touching the corner of his lips. There really is absolutely no sign of a trained killer in this man, but then he'd been trained to hide it as well.]

Martians, huh? Well at least they seem to be speaking with a fair understanding of both English and sarcasm.

For all you know, we invented both.

_{( Yup, this isn't getting any less weird. But showing his face on these things is not something he's going to do. )}

[Clint, you'll be happier once you accept that it will never stop being weird. Aliens and Norse Gods were really just the start of it.

Aaron wasn't sure where this was leading, but he was happy enough to play along for now; it couldn't hurt to humor what was likely another refugee from the ocean.]

Mmm, could be... Could be you're responsible for a lot more or a lot less. [That arched brow again as he shifts in his chair.] Did Elvis really just go back home?

Definitely. Blue suede shoes from the red planet.

_{( It's a cover, more than anything; using the blandest of tones and the most inconsequential of statements to cover the onset of... panic, really. Because identity issues are totally what he needs right now. )}

But Earth, that's a pretty big place. It doesn't really narrow down much.

I'd question the mans' wardrobe, but I feel like I'd be breaking any number of unspoken codes in doing so. Not that I have anything against a good spangly jumpsuit... but I can't say it'd be my first choice from the closet.

[There is an almost bored quality to the voice Aaron is speaking to. It could be that the individual on the other end really is that bored, or that they're covering to seem like they are. He gives a casual shrug at the last.]

What can I say? I'm on some kind of super sized alien turtle... I'm not going to be too picky with someone's country or state of origin.

You're right, you are breaking unspoken codes. The man's called the King for a reason.

_{( And then, a little more earnestly: )}

You might want to try and narrow it down. There's a couple different Earths at play here. Plus you don't want to end up making friends with someone who doesn't support your baseball team.

_{( And if he eggs this guy towards something specific, he can try to figure out... something. He hasn't ruled out long-lost twin, yet. )}

Well, I don't recall tossing in my vote, but I'll give him credit where it's due. He can sure as hell sing a lot better than I can.

[Not that Aaron had any issue with Elvis, but it amused him in that moment to contrary. He could remember listening to the crooner on and off again over seas, and the King was certainly known wherever he'd gone on a mission before.

And then, however subtle he intended it to be, Aaron notes the change in Clint's voice and his smile fades ever so slightly.

A couple different Earths? Well, that was mildly unsettling and surprising...]

A couple different Earths, huh? I don't see the ball team being an issue... never was much of a baseball fan.

Alright... Year is 2012 and Barack Obama is the president of the good old U S of A... The economy is shit, but it falls back into line every few months... just to go to hell again shortly after. Don't even get me started in the idiocy that is gas pricing.

[His own expression is curious, but wary as he continues.] Should I ask how different this varies from you, or dare I hope it's even remotely similar?

[The notion that people here have never been exposed to Threadstone or Blackbriar by name is a fleeting hope to Aaron, and it's not something he's expecting.]

_{( Clint mulls this all over, not giving any audible reactions. When Aaron’s done, however, he says— )}

That sounds about right. Don’t know how much that means, though. If some worlds are wildly different, it stands to reason some could be pretty similar.

_{( And it also stands to reason that the his face could end up on someone entirely different? Okay, no, it really doesn’t. That’s one pill that is forever going to be difficult to swallow.

Clint’s patience, which has never been the best, just about wears out. )}

Say—you’re not a life model decoy, are you?

[Just as Clint takes in Aaron's responses, it happens the other way around too, Aaron listening to what is both spoken and unspoken. He frowns slightly as Clint says that it is still possible that, even with so many similarities, people could be from different places still.]

I suppose different timelines are another thing I should take into account, hmm? People popping up from the past or future seems about as likely as people from other worlds, and yet, here we are.

[The thought of running into some of the people from his past made Aaron's stomach clench, but he focused instead on the shift in Clint's voice. His tone flattens at the question, a certain level of wariness entering his posture.]

Life model decoy?

[The notion of cloning was certainly not unknown to Aaron, but he'd never thought that the Project might include it. To this point, he'd taken it at face value that it was genetic engineering... but cloning was just around the corner from that, wasn't it?]

Not the last time I checked... but then maybe I wouldn't know it even if I was. There a reason you're asking?

[Suspicion is go.]

Oh, definitely. But then the question becomes if they're really from the future or the past, or if they're from a world so similar to yours it only seems that way.

_{( Clint runs a hand through his hair, unsure of what to do with the last bit. Finally he bites the bullet, encrypts the feed, and opens the video function. )}

...does this answer your question?

Or none of the above and just rather good at lying... yeah, i see the problem.

[There is a beat and then Aaron sees the encryption click into place. His expression remains fairly flat until Clint's face pops up on the audio turned video feed; then his eyes widen.]

What the hell...

[He searches Clint's face... his face... it is identical to his own.]

Answers that one, but brings up a good number more.

[Excuse him while he tweaks the encryption here, Clint. Being a spy has it's benefits when in any situation and locking this conversation between them down entirely is one of them. His stomach is tight and his heart is racing, even if his expression is relatively calm. This man could mean everything or nothing, particularly with other worlds and timelines in play.]

Do you known anything about the Beta Projects? Threadstone, Blackbriar... Outcome?

[His gaze is steady, all hint of humor gone from his voice. If this man was part of the Project, then he and Marta's safety was at risk.]

_{( Clint, grateful to have someone else be disoriented for a change, has to resist the urge to laugh. It’s a high-pressure situation, to be sure, but at least he’s had a few moments to adjust. Since he hadn’t planned on using the video feature at all when he turned on his console, he’s still in his training gear—the SHIELD insignia present but slightly obscured on the shoulder of his shirt, his mismatched gloves visible as he rests his head against one hand. He listens to Aaron rattle of names and buzzwords, then just shrugs. )}

Nope. Never heard of them.

And I’m going to go out on a limb and say that if I asked you similar questions, you’d give me the same kind of answer.

So maybe we’re just going to have to deal with the fact that fate is screwing with us.

[Disoriented was quite the way to put it. Although Aaron has no idea about anything Clint himself has been through, he's had one hell of a time recently himself. He can't help but study the other man as he speaks, looking for any hints or clues in his dress.

Nothing he wore look to be issued from HQ and the insignia he was wearing on his shoulder patch didn't look reminiscent of anything he'd seen before.

The shrug and dismissal could be a ruse, but Aaron was taking a risk in thinking that this man wearing his face was speaking the truth. His hands, white at the knuckle, clutch at the edge of the table where it sits out of sight.]

I'm willing to say that you're right, even if I could do with a bit less of the fate screwing just now. [He swallows, sitting back in his chair again as he tries to gain some manner of composure after this shock.]

You got a name?

_{( That gives Clint pause. He's said his name a few times over the network, sometimes his codename. But it seems more invasive, now. Eventually he just shrugs it off. )}

Barton. Clint Barton.

[Marta's curled up on the couch in his suite, sipping from a cup of tea. For the moment, she's content to sit there, glancing over at Aaron as he makes his video post. After all, it wouldn't do to distract anyone who might reply with questions about who she is and what she's doing there. She trusts him to handle this.

But she does watch him, glancing at his back, his shoulder that's still bandaged, or what she can see of his profile.]

If they don't have beer they likely have some equivalent.

[The only person Aaron had shared a room with in over six years was number 3, another Outcome Agent that had been killed just a few days earlier at the outpost in Alaska. That had been a good deal different than even the few times he'd shared a room with Marta while in the run... which was even more different then sharing his bed with her. And yet, when he glanced over his bandaged shoulder and looked at her, she looked right at home sitting on the couch.

And he felt rather comforted knowing she was there.]

I've yet to visit a single place that does not, but then it's not everyday I get fished out of the ocean and find myself surrounded by a shape-changing alien race. These guys might consider wheat grass shots a rare delicacy.

[Marta hadn't lived with anyone in eight months. Not since Peter had moved out, in any case. Staying those few nights with Aaron had been the first time she'd spent an evening in the same room as someone else in a long while. She hadn't shared a bed, literally just shared a bed, in what felt like even longer. But there they were, sharing living quarters and...even with the undefinable nature of what was between them, she felt at ease around him.]

I hope not. I know you're poking around for information but after the last week I wouldn't mind a real drink.

[Aaron watched her from across the small suite, taking in both what was spoken and unspoken. Marta was as tired as he was, even if their stay here had thus far been uneventful. It was hard enough to go from three days of running for your life to a halt, stuck where you couldn't run anymore; harder still to sit and do nothing when you'd been trained for years to watch and ask questions.

Those, at least, we're things Aaron could do without even being terribly covert, but it didn't mean that he was any less exhausted; any less in need of that drink. His own tired face warms with a half smile, amused empathy coloring his tone and expression.]

Tell you what? If no one here has a suitable suggestion for someplace we can get a drink, we'll go looking ourselves. We found any number of food places while we were walking around... likely one will have something acceptable.

Just like regular people? That'd be nice.

[A small smile plays over her lips. Doing something normal after the last week seems incredible. She hadn't been so sure if it was something they would have been able to do back on Earth. Marta knew next to nothing about what life on the run was like.]

How long has it been since you've been able to just go to a restaurant and have a meal? To a bar for a drink?

[Regular people... It's been a long while since Aaron had been able to count himself amongst the regular people. He looks momentarily both confused and overwhelmed at her questions, hand hovering over the keyboard. His brows draw together ever so slightly before he sits back in the chair, exhaling roughly.]

A... a long time... since before I was recruited into Outcome. 'Free time' isn't something Byar quite seemed to understand, unfortunately. Eating in a restaurant? God... [He ran a hand through his short hair before leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. It pulled his shoulder a bit, sitting like this, but the pain kept things clearer for him.] I haven't had a sit down meal or drink that wasn't involved in a mission since I joined the Project. Sure I ate, but a real sit down and just ... breathe... kind of deal? Too long.

[It was something the sounded both better and more overwhelming by the moment. A strange balance of desire and trepidation for something as silly as a burger and beer.]

[She can tell immediately that she touched a nerve, the way his expression changes, the way his body language changes. She turns on her seat to lean over the arm of the couch, to give him her full attention.

And as she listens, Marta can't help but wonder how on earth he's managed to go on so long without some sort of respite. Everyone needs an oasis every once in a while, don't they? That's what the house was supposed to be for her. A safe place for her to retreat at the end of the day.

She can't imagine such a simple thing as going out for a meal for the sake of a relaxing meal being denied for so long. After a moment, she gets up from her seat and walks over to the console. There's only one chair so she stands, leans against it. Under the guise of being there to check on his wound, to make sure he's not pulling it too much, she reaches out for him.]

Then to me, it sounds like you're long overdue. Why don't we find a restaurant in the neighborhood and I'll take you out for dinner?

[It's a lightly given offer, with no hints of romantic overtones. Not this time, not unless he'd want that. The way she sees it, he needs some moments to just feel human again.

She can use some herself, honestly.]

[He hadn't intended to make he his sounding board. With everything they'd both been through over the last few days back home, she had every right to feel the exact same way as he did. With everything that had happened back home, she had every reason to feel human again. He'd known his job was going to be hard the minute he'd agreed to it, even if he didn't know the specifics until after signing his life away. It was never going to be easy.

So why was he waxing nostalgic now for things he had a hard time rembering entirely? Things that came before the explosion... before he'd been recruited... the memories were there, but they were foggy and came complete with a mixture of emotions he hadn't quite figured out yet.

He watched as she approached him, not with a wariness in the slightest... just because there was something new and wonderful about her. She made a show of adjusting his bandages and he shifted to allow her a better vantage at doing so, never once pulling away from her motions. He'd halted the feed when he'd turned his attention to Marta, glad that he had after the conversation turned toward more personal matters.

When she offered to take him out to dinner, there was no hiding the momentary surprise that touched his features; and then he smiles lightly, warm reaching his eyes.]

I might have been out on the field for a while, Doc, but isn't this happening backwards? [His tone is light and teasing, the warmth coloring his tone and expression as his hand comes up to cover here as it rests on his shoulder.]

Which is to say, I think I would enjoy that very much. [It was something he was fairly certain they could both use.]

[Her expression warms as well when his hand covers hers, and there's a bit of a sparkle in her eye as she tilts her head to the side. She can tell that she's surprised him, but not unpleasantly so.]

Backwards? Of course not. This is the twenty-first century.

[Giving him another smile, she pats the hand over his and gently slides both hands away to straighten his shirt over his bandage again.

Asking him to dinner hadn't been difficult, not when she'd made the offer in a neutral way, but she couldn't deny that his response made her breath hitch a bit. Between friends it wouldn't matter who asked who, but of course decades ago it had been unheard of for a woman to ask a man out if they were interested in each other.

She still had no idea what was going to happen but for once, Marta's focus wasn't so divided that she couldn't experience the journey and all of the feelings that went with it.]

But I'm glad you'd like to go. There are a few places I saw when we were first exploring that I'd like to check out. Who knows, we might get lucky and find one that serves beer.

[His own smile warms slightly at her reply, a soft chuckle slipping past his lips.]

So it is.

[He doesn't fight to keep a hold on her hands as she slips them gently away, remaining still as she gives his bandages one last look. It gives him an uninterrupted moment to just look at her, studying her from that short distance.

His eyes move over her face, taking in the smile lines at the edge of her eyes with some relief. He was glad she could still smile after everything that had happened over the past few weeks. It was just another thing that showed how strong she could be if needed.

Aaron hadn't had anything remotely resembling a relationship in more years than he cared to think about, but the feelings were definitely there. Even so, he wasn't pressing or rushing, instead enjoying Marta's company as long and as much as he could.]

Well, it seems a crime to decline and invitation like that, Doc.

[Aaron's voice has audibly softened, his gaze never once straying from her as he speaks.]

The fact that I enjoy your company makes it all the easier to say 'yes'... Good company, good food and not running for our lives? Where do I sign?

[If Marta seems unnerved by the way he watches her, it doesn't show. Neither do any other feelings that simmer beneath the surface, such as uncertainty, nervousness, and the fact that in many ways she's at a loss at how to proceed.

It isn't as if their interactions or current circumstances are at all normal. Meeting through work isn't so uncommon, but being party to genetically altering the person she's interested in, even if they volunteered, is strange. For years she had to look at him as a cog in a series of gears. A piece of a puzzle. Another test subject. The past few days have changed that but that didn't change the fact that there were no ingrained rules as to how one dealt with a potential relationship in this situation.

They bonded over running for their lives. Saving each others lives. They bonded in tense circumstances that brought them together...who was to say that things would work out?

She pushes the thoughts away.

Predicting possible outcomes, analyzing, it's second-nature to her, but in this situation she'll simply have to take things as they come, perhaps. So she focuses on him, the tone of his voice, and the expression on his face.]

Well, two out of three, at least. There's still the distinct possibility that the food will be awful.

[She grins a bit wider, glad at least for the other two points. He was good company, and not running for their lives? There weren't words to express how glad she was for that.]

[Well this sure is Bruce in his persona as Devin Craig. Which means, essentially: Middle-aged man with a goatee and salt-and-pepper black hair, and a pair of glasses that look like they were taken off a hipster in a surprise mugging.]

There's quite a few of us from Earth, actually. Apparently it's a popular place.

[Aaron takes in the man appearing on the console, studying the unfamiliar face with open curiosity. He hasn't seen or spoken to this man personally, although he's seen his face and heard his voice a few times over the past few days.

He offers him a half smile.]

Good thing... can't say I have anything terribly against any aliens that might have been tugged along down the rabbit hole, but it makes it all a bit less daunting to hear familiar bits and pieces around me.

Edited (Complete overhaul... realized just how bad it really was on re-reread. Third time is the charm, right? GOMEN!! ORZ) 2012-09-03 02:31 (UTC)

Well, I don't really think anyone would approve of the term alien, but-- I agree. It's a comfort.

I'm Craig. Devin-- ah, Professor Craig actually. Of anthropology.

[He holds up his hands in apology.]

No disrespect intended... just a pinch out of sorts right now.

It's a pleasure, barring the particular circumstances, to meet you, Professor.

It's quite all right. The majority of us have been in those same shoes.

You as well. If you need anything, do contact me, yes?

Hi, James. I'm Asami. Welcome to Keeliai.

[... she has a straight face for a few seconds, and then she laughs a little.]

It doesn't sound any less crazy from this end, does it?

[Aaron smirks, shaking his head.]

Wish I could say otherwise, Asami, but... ahhh... no.

[He's smiling though, amusement coloring his tone.]

[Yeah she didn't figure it would.]

So... you're from Earth, right? There seems to be a lot of people that are.

[You're a sharp one, Asami. Aaron's smile isn't entirely feigned, lips still quirked slightly.]

Yeah, Earth... year 2012... seems like there's quite a few of us, although timelines are a bit different. A little bit of a comfort, at any rate...

[His turn to arch a brow slightly.]

You?

Oh, um. Republic City, 170 ASC. It's nothing like Earth. Or... at least most versions of Earth that I've heard about so far.

[Ororo raises her hand in a lazy salute as the video comes up.]

Earth, sure. Your Earth? That's where it gets tricky.

[Her appearance gives Aaron a moments' pause, although its likely not half as rude or lengthy as many she's received in the past. His gaze is curious, rather than calculating or wary. Silently, in those brief seconds, he takes in the white hair and eyes; coupling both with her rather dry comment.]

Yeah, I'm beginning to get that... hadn't even considered that possibility before sitting down at this console today. Was weird enough to hope for others from my own world that I hadn't thought of the possibility of other versions of it.

[Ororo sits through the assessment, looking bored more than anything; it may be fast, but she's just as fast at noticing these things. He doesn't look too disgusted, so no big deal and she lets it slide.]

There are a ton here and probably more out there. If you've never heard of the Ultimates, mutants, or Magneto, then our Earths are complete strangers.

Not as crazy as you think and sorry, can't help with the whole, getting outta the rabbit hole thing.

I'm from Earth.

[Billy offers a smile and a little wave, still in his civvies. He makes a worried face a moment later.]

Are you okay?

[Aaron doesn't miss how many teenagers there seem to be amongst those that have been brought aboard Tu Vishan. It's something that makes Aaron all the more wary about this whole thing. Anyone that would drag a kid into this mess has to have something planned, don't they? Let alone that the whole 'between life and death' thing made him concerned that these kids were already in some rather fucked up situations wherever they've come from.]

At least I'm not alone in the insanity... and it's alright, really. I've been in worse situations in the past. At least we have food and shelter here.

[A beat and then Aaron blinks, looking at the young man in surprise. He considers his answer for a moment before finally nodding.]

Most ironically... better than I have been in a long, long time, kid. What's your name?

[If Billy had been brought here from maybe five hours in his past, then fucked up would be a good way to describe it. A lot of things had happened in his past, months ago and sometimes it was still raw when he thought too long. But some of the best things had happened just before he was snatched here.]

That's definitely a plus to this whole deal.

[He tilts his head and then smiles.]

Really? You look kinda beaten up. Lemme guess, looks worse than it is?

[He'd offer to heal it but...he's trying to keep things quiet still.]

Oh sorry, Billy. Billy Kaplan, nice to talk to you, James, right?

[It Aaron had been pulled from even twenty minutes earlier than he had been, he'd have been actively running for his life. The small things, eh?

He makes a small sound in the back of his throat, glancing at his shoulder, which he prods gingerly. Turning back to the screen, he gives a wry grin.]

Something like that... still hurts like a bitch, but it's the worst of it all, so I'll manage. [Let alone that he had Marta here with him actively checking the dressing one or two times a day.]

Yeah, it's James... good to meet you, Billy. You just getting here? People already give you the rundown about the locals?

If it gets worse, try and look for a doctor. I don't know what the medicine is like here, probably like old Chinese remedies and stuff.

[He hums and nods slowly.]

Been here...just over a week? Still not used to it but I got a basic story, same as everyone else. You been told about the turtle?

[He pauses and shakes his head.]

I mean yeah, I got told about the gangs and stuff. Crazy.

[ Well hello there, person with her partner's face. Cue immediate suspicion... which of course she is going to deal with by approaching him as someone else who is totally not a superspy. It's posted from a cafe, because she does not particularly want to broadcast where she actually lives, publicly in general, or specifically to... whoever this guy is. ]

The locals may not be human, but they're close enough. If they have coffee, I think alcohol is a safe bet. [ There's a soft smile, friendly enough if not exactly cheerful about her present situation. ]

Edited 2012-09-02 13:11 (UTC)

[Yet another anonymous feed with another unfamiliar face behind it. He arches a brow slightly, not making any move to hide the genuine surprise.]

Hadn't thought to even ask about coffee, but I never drank much of it back home anyway. But just because they have it, doesn't mean it's any good. [His lips quirk slightly.]

The coffee any good?

It actually is. A little different from the coffee at home, but not bad.

I'm Nicole, by the way. Been here about as long as you have, so I'm afraid I can't actually point you in the direction of a good bar, but let me know if you find one.

[He grins a bit wryly as she assures him about the coffee being drinkable.]

Well, as it's different from one gas station to the next, I don't suppose getting use to a new blend is anything too difficult.

[He nods once at the latter.]

Will do, Nicole. Maybe I can put together a welcome brochure for the new arrivals. 'Local places that will neither kill you with food or in a literal sense.' Has a kinda ring to it, I think...

[ She laughs softly. ] I think you might want to call it something a little more reassuring. Ring or not, a title like that is just going to make people paranoid.

[ Her smile has a hint of strain to it, a touch of brittleness, the look of someone who's trying to keep it together but is deeply out of her element and knows it. ]

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001 [video]

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encrypted like 75%

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Encrypted 100%

Let's pretend that Aaron's encryption was a more realistic 80% from the get-go, shall we? ORZ

right-o o>

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