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

[andaway]

[Not even Clark knows why Bruce is his best friend if he's honest, but he is.]

It is sick, and it is the only one left but it's not a sickness a veterinary could cure. Something- something strong, something evil is corrupting it. And that something is so powerful we can't even pronounce its name without giving more power to it.

It's probably what we were brought here to fight.

[subject223]

Pronouncing its name gives this entity more power?

[ It reminds him of the Asgardian god that nearly destroyed Earth. Not quite the same, of course, but he has some experience fighting things that draw power from innocuous sources. ]

I've fought something similar in my world. It wasn't a name but emotions that gave it power.

[andaway]

[At the idea Kal can't help but frown.]

We've been told its name can only be pronounced inside of the palace, but emotions like fear or dread giving it more power wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination. Maybe we should ask the emperor or Evandau themselves about it.

[subject223]

I've heard that they grant audiences. That's true? Because if it is, I think speaking with them is probably a good idea. Especially if this entity is similar to the one I fought before.

[andaway]

They do, regularly... or used to, I'm not sure if they will keep on doing them now that all the truth about the turtle's sickness is unraveling. We certainly haven't seen the Emperor in a while.

And even so, they weren't especially willing to answer our questions unless phrased the right way.

[subject223]

What was the right way? Some kind of cultural ritual? Or is it more of a riddle?

[andaway]

No, nothing that complicated. You simply have to find a way to ask that makes it seem like you're not asking at all.

[Like that doesn't sound complicated but hey, reporter speaking.]

[subject223]

So it's playing politics? Not my favorite thing to do, but I've done it enough not to make a hash of it.

All right. I'll keep an eye out for the next audience.

[andaway]

[Kal smirks a bit] Something tells me you're the kind of person who always know what to say, Steve.

[subject223]

[ It sounds like a compliment, so Steve smiles a little and dips his head in a tiny bow. ]

I hope you're right about that. The way it sounds, I think that's a skill that's going to be in demand.