riverview | ( video; un: kirk )

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( video; un: kirk )

[ The video starts with one of Jim's usual smiles. For those who recognize the location, he's sitting at his desk at the Perimeter Guard. ]

So, after some rocky couple of months, it looks like we're settling in for a quieter month. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely not complaining. Everyone should take the opportunity to relax a little and have some fun, but please be careful. Keep in mind that things can stop being peaceful and safe pretty fast.

Building on that thought, I'd like to reinforce we are always accepting new members at the Perimeter Guard. Can't have too many of us. Also, if you can pilot ships, shuttles or airplanes, I'm always looking for more members for the aerial unit, more specifically.

If anyone's curiosity is piqued, feel free to drop by and ask for Captain James T. Kirk. I'll be happy to show you around.

[ And he leans in as though he's turning off the camera...

(( BLOCKED FROM @FRANKENSTEIN ))

... but instead he just fiddles with a couple of settings before going on to add. ]

I was also wondering if anyone here could teach me how to waltz? Or any other similar dance, really. Something nice and romantic. [ A nod. ] Thanks.

[ And now he's done. ]

((ooc: WHOOPS FORGOT TO ADD. If you want your character to join the aerial unit (they can still keep other jobs or remain in other branches of the perimeter guard in case you're wondering) please JOIN HERE! Thank you! ♥))

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Sure. I like having company. [ Experienced or not— though clearly this guy is. That's always a plus. ] I'll get in touch with you through your handle. And you're Steve Rogers, right? The... other one.

[ He's met the other one, already. There are minor differences here and there, enough he can pick up on. Much like with both Lokis and Thors, actually. ]

We can hit two birds with one stone. The next trip out should be a good opportunity for a first lesson. If you're at ease up there, I'll let you take the controls for a while. It's a good opportunity.

The other one.

[The way he says that is a bit wry. It sounds like he's not his own person, and he has yet to get used to that feeling. Then again, it's not so bad to know he's not alone.]

All right. Sounds like a good place to start. If you think you can get someone like me to learn how to operate that kind of machine. It always looks complicated.

Sorry.

[ He smiles a bit apologetically. He can't say he knows exactly how Steve feels, but he can easily imagine. Especially knowing there is at least one very real version of him out there, in another universe. ]

Anyone can learn, provided they want to. And you seem like a smart, resourceful guy to me. You'll figure it out. [ Besides, it looks complicated, but it really isn't that difficult. Just takes some getting used to, is all. ] I have a mission beyond the wall in a few days, but we can set something up once I'm back in the city. That work for you?

[ Steve returns the smile, almost embarrassed that he let his discomfort show. It's no one else's fault that he's got issues with sharing his identity. And it isn't like either of them could control that anyway. ]

Don't be. I didn't mean to say it like that.

[ Sometimes honesty really doesn't help him. ]

That would be fine. I look forward to it.

[ He pauses, taking a moment to change the setting of his message. ]

Is there a special reason you're hiding the other question?

It's fine. It's already weird enough just knowing that other versions of you exist out there— can't even imagine what it's like to have one around all the time.

[ Maybe it bothered Spock? Or maybe not. The Ambassador never did stick around for long, at least. But here? It's impossible to avoid each other, when they're both sort of stuck inside the Quarantine for the most part.

He lifts an eyebrow at the setting change, lips quirking at the question. ]

Yes. I want to surprise my boyfriend. But it's not much of a surprise if he realizes I'm asking for dance lessons. He'd put two and two together pretty quickly.

It's... Well, it's different. I guess I don't mind that much. It's just that I got used to the idea that there wouldn't be more of me.

[Or that they'd turn out to be dangerous. It's mostly bad luck on his part that affects his perception. He's learning to change his view of himself and be more open to others. Which brings him here talking to Jim.]

Is there a special reason, or do you just want to take him out somewhere?

[He should probably take notes.]

Well, from the few experiences I've had, I can tell you that there are always little things, details that make you unique. There's no one that's ever quite like you, not even— well, yourself.

[ Steve knows what he means. Realities can even be similar, practically identical, and yet people won't ever be the same. There's always something that'll make them think differently, act differently, change differently. It's a comfort, especially in a place like this, where there's a chance that they all might one day know their counterpart from another universe. ]

No special reason, this time around. I just want to surprise him. [ He shrugs. ] Our life doesn't lack excitement here or anything, but I like to show him how much I care, as often as I can.

[ The message gets through, and Steve smiles with gratitude for it. He does know that as many different versions of people as there might be, he'll still be himself, but it's difficult to visualize. He's always worked more with the concrete and tangible, and what he doesn't know about other worlds would fill volumes. It's easy to get lost in the unknown. ]

Maybe I'm just hoping that everything I've done, and that I'm doing, still matters. Even on the moon.

[ But now he has other things to think about. And Jim seems to have a better grasp than he does. ]

You must really love each other. How long have you been together?

Of course it matters. It matters in your world, and here. You don't stop mattering just because there are other Steve Rogers out there.

[ If anything it matters all the more, the decisions he makes while he's here. ]

Three months. So not that long, actually. [ He smiles a hint, shrugging. ] But yes, I do love him a lot. Guess I didn't need a lot of time to realize that.

[ Being devoted to his life's work can be confining sometimes. Steve doesn't regret it, but he has his doubts as much as anyone else does, and hearing the affirmation that someone thinks work that sometimes feels like it vanishes all too easily matters is a relief. ]

You have a good way with words.

[ He's a good leader. ]

Your boyfriend is lucky to have you. Did you find a teacher for your dancing lessons?

So I've been told. [ He tips his head a little. ] Thank you.

[ It seems to have helped some, at least. Jim's always liked that, knowing he can reach people, help them even when using only his words. He's never lacked in charisma, granted— he just didn't always use it for good reasons. ]

And I'm lucky to have him. [ He nods. ] A few people offered, yes. I think I'll manage alright.

[ It's almost a mystery to Steve. He would love to know how to find the right words or to be able to do things with full confidence in knowing he was making someone happy, but the truth is that action has always been his best bet. ]

I'm sure you will.

[ He shakes his head with a bewildered laugh. ]

I guess no matter what world it is there's still a lot left to learn. Even for a pilot?

[ He cants his head in thanks, eyebrow raising and his smile stretching wider when Steve laughs. ]

For a Captain, actually. [ He corrects. Because that's an important distinction to make. ] But... yes. There are always more things for us to learn. Life would be pretty boring otherwise. Who knows, after this endeavor I might try to learn how to cook.

Captain, my apologies.

[ He nods with respect, giving Kirk his due. It's definitely an important thing to note and he does owe him the respect. ]

Can I ask you something? If it's not too much of your time.

No apology necessary.

[ He tips his head nonetheless. He is proud of his rank, of the work that took him there. When he mentions it nowadays, it's not to brag so much as to show that pride. ]

Not at all. Ask away.

[ Steve feels that pride. He wants to offer the man the kind of acknowledgment he deserves. It's something dear to him and a way he can give back when the world stops making sense. At least there's always that. ]

You probably came here under similar circumstances as I did, with obligations from your home world. But it sounds like you've made a home here too. A good home.

That's... true. I have.

[ He nods slowly and waits, since that doesn't sound like the question that Steve wants to ask. ]

[ He's always awkward about posing these personal questions. Battle strategies, virtues, core beliefs? Those come readily enough. But when it comes to the more nuanced and subjective choices, Steve stumbles through them. ]

Would you stay here? If they come to you with the way back, will you go home?

[ Somehow he knew that was going to be the question, so he doesn't look that surprised. He sighs, shoulders dropping as he sinks back into his seat, lips pressed thinly. ]

I don't know. [ He shrugs. ] We've... talked about it. Victor and I. He wants to stay here, as long as Lucy and I are around, but... he understands why that's a more complicated decision for me. Either choice I make, I'll feel like I'm abandoning something incredibly important to me.

But it's not like I need to make that choice now, so we decided there's no point in worrying about it right now. Maybe when the time comes, it'll be easier for me to make my mind up.

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( video; un: kirk )

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