[001; video]

[earpiece]

[When the video feed clicks on, anyone paying attention will be treated to the image of a man who looks wildly uncomfortable. He's dressed in local clothes—his options were change into the garb generously offered or sit in the bloody, wet suit that just happened to be his favorite and is now instead draped across the back of his chair and probably ruined forever along with most of his other stuff—and is wearing an expression that's a curious mix of frustrated and tired and dazed. Like he knows what's going on, but can't quite believe it.

He rubs his face before speaking, shoulders rising and falling with an inaudible sigh. Without fully raising his gaze to meet the camera, he says:]

My name is Phil Coulson. I just—

[He hesitates, thinking. How is he supposed to approach this? "Hi, I just died, it's nice to meet you all here in this afterlife I wasn't expecting?" Bright blue eyes flicker toward the keyboard, then dart back up, this time focusing directly on the lens.]

I arrived here a little while ago.

[And there it is, the versatile, thin-lipped little smile that those who know him already know so well. This time, it's meant to convey something akin to appreciation toward those who helped him, but it looks a bit pained. He's not sure he can help that.

Because, you know, his back is killing him. Pun completely intended.]

Just thought I would say hello.

Comments

[arches]

Yeah.

_{( There could not be less conviction in his voice, but a second later his face clears. )}

Listen, where'd they drop you off? Nat and Rogers, they're from... later, and probably freaking out. Well, Rogers at least.

[earpiece]

[He opens his mouth—



And closes it again, at a loss.

Right. Back to agent mode.]

I'm in the Earth sector. EA-2A. Who else is here?

[arches]

Me, Nat. The captain, Banner. Stark. Some of the captain's people, from... way back when.

_{( He reaches up to scratch the back of his head. )}

I'm there, too. In Earth. The rest of us are more spread out.

[earpiece]

[Well this is going to be fun, isn't it.

At least there's someone nearby.




Phil's just gonna pinch the bridge of his nose like he's got a headache coming on.

Mostly because he has a headache coming on.]

How long have you been here?

[arches]

Just over a month. Back home I'd just--

_{( He scrunches his face as he breaks off. )}

Listen. When you're done getting adjusted maybe we should meet somewhere. I don't trust these consoles.

[earpiece]

[Coulson holds his hands up. He gets it.]

Of course.

I'll let you know when... [Vague hand gestures.]

[arches]

...yeah. Sounds good.

[earpiece]

[One stiff nod, and just before the feed flicks off—]

It's good to see you back, Agent.