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

audio;

[usavatar]

[A second Tony Stark was strange enough - a second Bucky, for all that the kid hasn't wanted anything to do with him, has been more than strange enough.

This, though. He's not even sure how to process seeing a face that much older than his, the difference in breadth of experience. It's like looking into a cracked mirror.

He has to take a few seconds to steady himself before he answers, but it's still quiet.]

Welcome aboard, sir. [A LONG PAUSE, while he picks out the differences in their tone and inflection.] If you've been debriefed, then you know how much help we need.

[subject223]

[ The voice on the other end of the transmission sounds familiar, but Steve can't place it. He hasn't listened to recordings of himself speak often enough to draw the immediate comparison.

What he does know is that it's a younger man. And if this is someone from his world, or another world's counterpart of someone he knows, it's someone with whom he must have a bit of friction. His voice is too quiet and the pause too long for it to be someone excited to see him. ]

You can call me Steve, son. There's no reason to stand on formality here. We're all in this together. Any help you need, I'll be more than happy to provide.

[usavatar]

[He's glad this isn't encrypted, or he would have snapped a reply to that son. As it is, there's another pause before he speaks, his tone shifting very slightly into real formality.]

I'm aware of our situation. There are a number of projects in motion that have suffered damage because of recent events, some of my own included. [He's trying very hard not to be cold, or petty, but Rikki's reaction to this man's appearance, on top of some of the others, has Steve... he's not sure where his feelings fall.] I'm sure as you get settled you'll find out where your experience can best be used.

[He bites off a final rebellious sir.]

[subject223]

[ Steve hears the shift in his tone, and coupled with the impersonal word choice in the statements the other man makes, reads it as hostility and dislike. What he's done, he can't imagine, but he's made enough enemies over the years to know when someone doesn't like him. ]

I'm sorry if that was arrogant. I realize that I'm new here and don't know what's going on. I was only trying to help.

[ The apology's sincere. Not because he's trying to make amends, but because he didn't intend to upset the other man. ]

And you're right, I'll work out where I'm needed eventually.

encrypted 85% THANK YOU NATASHA

[usavatar]

[Don't apologize he has no excuse to be rude when you do that.

Quietly, again:] I don't need help.

[Like this is a back alley and this man pushed him into it. Steve grits his teeth.]

Is there anything you need in the mean time? I have maps of the city. I could mark the more damaged zones.

[subject223]

[ If he's not going to accept Steve's help, Steve thinks that he's probably not going to take to kindly to being asked for his either. Even if it's something as simple as marking a map, it sounds like it might be too much to ask. ]

Thank you for the offer, but I'll figure it out. I don't want to take up any more of your time.

[usavatar]

Fine.

[There's a few more seconds of silence, the feeling that he should say something else, but instead he disconnects.]