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]

I don’t know as many details as some do. Wanda and I were…

[ How does he put this delicately? ]

We were close, but I don’t use magic. I can’t understand it the way some can. It gave her the ability to alter reality. At the time, she thought it was some kind of Chaos Magic, until she realized that it was just her.

Doctor Strange understood it better. Is he here? He would probably be the best to speak with about it.

[doesthemath]

No, there's no one by that name here.

[Quiet, she considers what he's said of the other Wanda's magic, the possible differences in kinds she could have been dealing with, but he's right. He's not the best one to speak to about magic.

Something he says does stick in her mind, however, and her head cants slightly to the side. Curiosity gets the better of you.]

May I ask how close were you and the Wander of your world?

[subject223]

[ Of course she can ask, and he's not really surprised that she does. That doesn't mean it's something he necessarily wants to talk about, but more for the sake of preventing awkwardness between them now than for any concern for himself. ]

There was a time when I thought that we might be more than strictly teammates. But that was some time ago. We're friends now. Teammates and friends and nothing else.

[doesthemath]

[It's hard to imagine herself with Steve Rogers. Any Steve Rogers. She and the Captain back home would clash too much, over a multitude of issues, and while this one seems nicer, more noble like a Captain America perhaps ought to be, she can't picture him in that light. Quietly considering that, Wanda eventually leans back and nods.]

The Steve Rogers of my world and I have only ever been teammates.

[This isn't anything Wanda seems to object to or regret, especially since she's not sure she could even go so far as to consider them friends outside of the Ultimates.]

[subject223]

Of course. Thank you for letting me know.

[ He accepts that with good grace. Only teammates. Likely that means that she wants to maintain that status here, if she wants anything to do with him at all, and if that's the case, Steve will respect it. ]

Just remember that if you need anything, you can always come to me and I'll do my best to help.

[doesthemath]

[She can't say that she has a stellar opinion of her counterpart, but Steve has done somewhat to improve it. Not only her opinion of the other Wanda, even, but himself as well. That he isn't pushing, that a version of her liked him well enough to nearly be something more...well, she can take that into account.]

It's kind of you to offer, Captain, and that goes both ways, of course. We may be from different realities but...one could say we are still teammates.

[And well, if there is to be friendship, it will happen.]

[subject223]

Yeah.

[ He smiles a little at that. A small, muted smile that's no less genuine for the fact that it's so small. ]

We'll always be teammates. No matter what happens and regardless of what world we come from.

[doesthemath]

[It's strange to see that sort of expression on Steve's face. It seems to lack the edge that the other Steve has. The oddness isn't unwelcome, however.]

You sound quite sentimental, Captain.

[subject223]

Sometimes, maybe.

[ But not all the time. Not when there's work to be done.Then he doesn't have the luxury for it.

He gives her nod and another small smile. ]

Take care of yourself. If I find anything out about any of this, I'll let everyone know.

[doesthemath]

As will I.

[Another nod, and she reaches forward to her console controls, and disconnects.]