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]

Clones?

[ That's almost as alarming as shapeshifters. ]

If we're clones, then we need to start wondering how they got the genetic material to make us. And where they're holding our original selves.

[ Objectively, that's the most pressing concern. There are emotional issues that come along with learning that he might be a clone, but he doesn't have the time to worry about them now. ]

How likely is this rumor? Do you have any idea?

[definingfuture]

That's just what I've heard. A few people mentioned it as a theory, and as far as I know the people at Stark's labs are looking into it.

[He's trying to downplay it, but the expression on his face is vaguely nauseous. That's probably telling.]

It wouldn't be impossible if they were advanced enough. Nothing I've seen yet indicates that level of technology, but if they're using magic to conceal it we wouldn't know. What about our memories? It's different in my case, but if they did make us, then how would they manage to transfer thoughts?

[subject223]

If it can happen with one person, there's got to be a way to do it with others. Even without your unique abilities.

[ This is so far beyond him that Steve feels at a loss, adrift and totally out of his element. They need Reed. They need Strange. They need people who deal in this kind of thing. Not a soldier. ]

What about magic? If there's magic involved, couldn't it transfer thoughts? If they've got a god on their side or something with the power of one, that might be enough.

[definingfuture]

[He makes a face briefly when Steve says that it should be possible with others. He doesn't say anything, but the statement leaves a bad taste in his mouth anyway. Because it's application on a wide scale, and because, yes, they need Reed and Strange. Particularly Strange.]

Possibly. But assuming they have the power of a god, why waste it on us? Why not deal with the threat directly?

[subject223]

Maybe there's something a god, or something like it, can't do and needs outside help to see it done.

[ That sounds oxymoronic even to him. Shouldn't gods be able to do anything? But he's seen gods fall. He, a scrawny nobody from Brooklyn, has faced down Odin Allfather himself. This isn't the 40s anymore. Steve knows that gods are as fallible as mortals now. ]

A power of equal strength that it can't fight against, maybe. Although why something like that would turn to us, I don't know.

[definingfuture]

Maybe.

[Tony doesn't sound all that happy with the answer. Not because it's not true, but because it could be. And he hates these unexplainable threats.]

But they're pulling people from all kinds of places. You'd think they would go about it more reasonably. I guess if we're going to do anything, we're better off figuring it out ourselves.

[subject223]

Reasonable decisions only happen when people are clear-headed enough to make them. If they're scared...

[ He trails off, shaking his head. Maybe that's what's happening here. Maybe not. He doesn't have enough information to make an accurate guess. But Tony's idea is sound. ]

We've always managed to do pretty well for ourselves before. We'll figure it out here. We always do.