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]

[ He isn't the sort of person to sugarcoat his words, and Rikki's strong enough to hear the truth. He won't do her the disservice of lying. ]

If it does, we'll find out and we'll stop them. In fact, maybe that should be the first thing I look into.

[withoutaworld]

Okay. [ That's all she needs to hear. She knows the younger Steve is looking into it, and it's not that she doubts his ability, but... Well, having the older one on the case too can't hurt, right? ] If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

[ She pauses for just a second, biting her lip, and then blurts out before she can change her mind about asking: ] How long has it been for you? Since the last time you saw me?

[subject223]

[ How long has it been? Sometimes he feels like he judges the passage of time not by days and months like most people do, but by tragedies and catastrophes. ]

It's been a while. A lot's happened since then, but the Earth's still standing.

[ A slight pause, and he adds; ]

I never forgot you. Not a single day passed that I didn't think of you and what happened.

[withoutaworld]

I know. [ It's soft, but she never doubted that for a second. If he remembered her when the rest of the heroes forgot... a little thing like being obliterated from existence can't make him forget, right? ]

My team? They're okay?

[subject223]

[ It only takes him a moment to comb through his memory, and once he has, he nods. ]

The Young Allies are fine. I haven't kept track of them too closely, but they're all alive and no one's in trouble. Not that I'm aware of.

[withoutaworld]

[ She lets out a breath like she's been holding it for an eternity. ] Good. Not that I thought they couldn't survive without me, but... y'know. I worried.

[subject223]

I worry too. All the time.

[ He smiles slightly, gently. ]

I think that's probably a good thing. Shows that we care, even if we sometimes let our worries get the better of us.