Video;

[subject223]

[ The video turns on to a view of a man’s face, and those observant enough to notice nitpicky details might realize that this is a man who’s familiar with and comfortable using strange bits of technology. There’s no fear in his eyes, no outward confusion or panic. He looks calm and in control, and when he speaks, he sounds like it, too. ]

Hello. My name’s Steve Rogers and I just recently arrived from a city called New York. I was debriefed about the situation and I wanted to offer my help to anyone who needs it.

[ He pauses for a moment as he collects his thoughts. These days, it’s not often that he goes somewhere that people aren’t at least slightly familiar with who he is. Providing a brief resume is a somewhat novel experience. ]

I’ve been a soldier for a long time, but I’m also good with my hands. Construction, farming, hunting, good old-fashioned heavy lifting, I can help with that. I can speak a number of languages, too, if anyone needs translations done. I know I’m new, but I want to pull my weight. So if you know anyone who might need a hand with something, let me know.

[ Offering a faint smile, he gives the camera a short nod. ]

Thanks for your time.

Comments

[subject223]

[ Steve's not mad about Stamford. Thinking about it makes him sad for all the lives that were lost both there and in the aftermath of the civil war. But mad? Oh no. He can't possibly be mad to see her alive again. ]

Namorita?

[ His voice is as warm as the smile on his face. ]

Is that really you?

[littlecousin]

[If she were thinking more clearly, she'd realize that, but Nita's had the best part of a year to tie herself into knots about it, and about Namor and Atlantis.

After so many old friends treating her like a stranger, Nita wasn't truly expecting to be recognized, and she stops short for a moment of shocked silence.]

Oh, Father Neptune...you know who I am?

[subject223]

You really think I'd forget Namor's cousin?

[ And that's not even because of what happened at Stamford. Although really, Steve would like to not think about that right and just enjoy the reunion. ]

[littlecousin]

[Nita had been so geared up for (polite--it is Cap) rejection that she's not prepared when it turns out he's her Steve Rogers.]

Th--there are a lot of people from alternate timelines here.

[Oh heck no, she is not going to cry on live TV.]

[subject223]

[ He gives her an encouraging smile. Whatever's happened before he arrived, he's determined that he'll make it better. No matter what it takes. ]

I think I'm starting to meet someone of them. Far as I know, you and me are from the same one. Or close enough that it probably doesn't make much of a difference.

[littlecousin]

[Nita looks like she did back when Namor decided he was going to play at surface corporate games and the New Warriors were just getting started. It's not merely the "fishbelly" skin tone or hairstyle, either. She seems younger, lacking the edge her later experiences would give her.]

Good enough for me.

[She tries a smile, but it's not a particularly convincing one, or at least not one of unadulterated happiness. Simply too much has happened for that.]

[subject223]

[ He notices how lackluster her smile is and maybe he shouldn't, but he can't resist inquiring about it. ]

Is everything all right?

[littlecousin]

[Caaaaap stop being perceptive...not that noticing Nita isn't up to her usual level of perky requires that much perceptiveness.]

I'm--

[Talking about this is worse than she thought it was going to be.]

Time travel. I'm from--from before I even mutated for the first time.

[That had been a shock to hear about, even though finding out about your own violent death is worse.]

[subject223]

[ Ah, he gets it. Or at least he thinks that he does. ]

It's a lot to take in, isn't it? The future turned into a frightening place and it doesn't seem like it gets any better.

[ Steve can relate to this so well it's almost disturbing. ]

I'm here to help you, Namorita. You need to talk, you can talk to me. I promise you, I understand.