tushanshu | Video;

[ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I don't often see you. Just your associate and the others. You spend a lot of time with your work. If I call, he's usually the one you send.

[ Mindful of the open network, he deliberately keeps it vague. Like he's talking about a business partner instead of a Hulk. ]

Reed Richards? Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four? They're not here?

[ It's a little surprising. They're usually always in the thick of everything related to other worlds. ]

Would you be willing to bring me up to speed with what you've discovered? Or is my identity going to be a problem for you?

[He honestly appreciates the avoidance, even if the cat's out of the bag. But better safe than sorry. One less point of proof for someone trawling the network to run across.

And that actually makes enough sense that it's not as alarming as he'd been afraid it was going to be.] That's... not so bad. [Bruce rubs at the back of his neck, resolutely telling himself to get it together. It's another world, anyway. It's not him.] I was afraid you'd say that I, let my associate do everything, [he admits wryly.]

... The Fantastic Four, like Johnny Storm? [Now he's kind of nonplussed for a second. Because Johnny.] He's here. Last I checked.

Why would your identity be a problem? [That's mostly a rhetorical question, but he means it. Bruce isn't going to impose his own senseless reservations on something like this.] I'll tell you what I've found out, but it's not much.

If Johnny’s here, the others may follow.

[ Who they really need out of the Four is Reed, but if Johnny’s all they’ve got, well, he can be pretty helpful. Not necessarily on the scientific end of the spectrum, but in a fight. If it comes down to one.

As for Bruce’s question about his identity being a problem, Steve shrugs. ]

Meeting different versions of people you know can be upsetting. I’ve already encountered a number who know some other Steve Rogers. Some appear less than willing to deal with me. Possibly because of it.

[ It’s matter of fact, not self-pitying. Steve understands and he’s not about to force his presence on those who don’t want it. ]

If it would make you more comfortable, I can refrain from mentioning what I know about you and yours in my world.

And Reed is... another lab guy? [Because Bruce might as well keep a mental list of those in case he shows up later.]

I don't get the luxury of being upset over things like this, [he says, mild and just slightly wry. It's concealing a note of bitterness fairly well, but is still detectable to the discerning ear.] Besides. Mine hasn't given me any reason to dislike him.

[This is pretty bold praise from Bruce Banner.]

[Then he spends a second thinking over that offer, and reluctantly has to admit,] It might be a good idea not to mention... uh. Me. Or my associate. I don't take that well. But everything else is fine.

[It's galling to have to ask for a concession, but Bruce forewent pride in the face of security a long time ago.]

He's one of the smartest men in the world. Right up there with Stark and Pym.

[ It isn't a concession to Steve. It's courtesy, and he doesn't mind being courteous. He nods agreeably, letting the subject of the Hulk rest. If he can, he'll avoid discussing his world entirely in the future. Not because he worries about the ramifications of making Bruce Banner uncomfortable, but because he's been brought up to be decent to people and not go around scaring them. ]

But I'll check in with Johnny anyway. Someone needs to keep an eye on him if Sue's not around. Thanks for letting me know he's here.

[That immediately begs the question of where Bruce himself falls, but he decides he better not ask.] With credentials like that, I'll have to keep an eye out, [is all he says, mildly. And it's true.]

Yeah, he is the... trouble type, [he says with utter dryness.] Don't mention it.

[There's a beat, before he adds,] Is there anything you wanted to know that you haven't had answered yet, Captain?

I've got plenty.

[ The longer he speaks to anyone here, the more questions arise. But while he gets the sense that there's much that's being hidden, he doesn't believe that it's his people - his team, their counterparts from other worlds, the foreigners in general - who are doing the hiding. ]

But I'm thinking those questions are the same ones that you and everyone else here has. So I'm going to do what I can to get them answered. For all of us.

[This level of determined optimism is met with skepticism from Bruce. Nothing has ever been that simple. But far be it from him to get into an argument with Captain America over naive declarative statements.

There's maybe a hint of that disbelief as he says,] Good luck. [He does hope he succeeds, he's just not holding his breath.] You know where to find me if you need me for that.

Don't be a stranger if you need me, Doctor Banner.

[ He knows that Bruce appreciates his space and enjoys being alone. He's never forced his company on him before and he won't do it now. ]

Years of friendship doesn't disappear just because we're from different universes. If you call, I'll be there.

[Years of friendship, what? Bruce isn't sure how to process that. Especially if he apparently knows the Hulk much better than him, how does that constitute years of friendship?

No. Still not arguing.] ... That's a pretty broad offer. But, I'll do that.

Glad to hear it.

[ To be fair, Steve doesn't need to know a person's name to be a friend. But he and the Hulk of his world have fought together and against one another often enough that they passed the point of mere acquaintances years ago. ]

Take care of yourself, Doctor Banner. I'll see you around.

[It's just weird for Bruce to hear, but he can understand that it's not about him so much as it is Steve being too magnanimous for his own good. If it's not personal, then he won't bother making a fuss over it.

It's not like him showing up and having Tony immediately assault him with job offers and blithe comments about how much help the Hulk has been. That took more swallowing.

Here, all he says is,] I'll see you.

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