video; un: sg.rogers

[livingsymbol]

[He's out of practice. Steve is quiet for a second as he starts the transmission, bracing himself.]

My name is Steve Rogers. In my world, I'm also known as Captain America. Some of you might know me, but that's not what I want to talk about.

[Well, not about his work specifically. He does wants to talk about work.]

We're all here for different reasons and I'm not going to pry into anyone's business, but I think there are some of us who are used to defending people in our home worlds and if you are, I'd like to work with you. If you're from a world like mine, then this city is quieter than others. But that doesn't mean we don't need to look out for it. The wildlife and technical problems still need attention. I know I'm asking you for more time on top of the work we're already doing with the Perimeter Guard and official positions, but I'd like to make that extra effort. A lot of you are probably better suited to organizing this than I am. If you have projects going, I want to join you. I want us to share those ideas and work together to help the city.

[His posture gets subtly more stern, with his chin raising and his shoulders straight. This part may not just be a general appeal for teamwork.]

It's easy to overlook some problems when most of the big issues are under control. We get by well enough. It's a nice place. I'm not going to let anything put this place in danger. I'm going to be on guard, to make sure nothing gets out of hand. I'm sure this doesn't apply to everyone, but if you're interested in a little community service, maybe we can do that together. Thanks for listening.

Comments

[buildsomething]

I'll take that under advisement.

You don't think people will ask for help if they need it?

[livingsymbol]

Maybe. You know how it works. Sometimes you feel like you can't ask. Maybe everyone else looks too busy. Maybe because we're from different worlds, it feels harder.

I just... think it might be nice to have that reminder. That we've got options.

[buildsomething]

Fair enough. Some people are always going to be more resistant to asking, though. Or accepting.

[Not that he's speaking from experience or anything.]

[livingsymbol]

That's why I want to give them the extra heads up.

It might not reach everyone, but a few? I'd like to be able to do that.

[buildsomething]

Okay. So what are you thinking?

[livingsymbol]

How's your team doing?

[buildsomething]

My team?

[livingsymbol]

The Avengers. Guess that answers my question.

Would you consider working like that again?

->private

[buildsomething]

[So this is getting locked down hard.]

That's complicated.

->private

[livingsymbol]

Why is that?

[buildsomething]

Look, we weren't exactly in the best place at home. I'm not sure how well we'd do on a more regular basis now.

[livingsymbol]

[He waits, digesting that before responding.]

Then work with me.

[buildsomething]

I thought I was.

[livingsymbol]

You know what I mean.

What I said applies to you as much as anyone else, Tony. You can count on me.

[buildsomething]

Well you did promise to lift things for me.

[There's a short pause]

I've tried to retire like three times. Somehow it never seems to work. You need Iron Man, you've got him.

[livingsymbol]

Any time you need me.

Thanks, Tony. I'll try to give Iron Man a break, but I could still use Tony Stark.

[buildsomething]

Well, you've got him too.

[livingsymbol]

You're a good man.

[Because apparently Tonys all need reminded of this regularly.]

[buildsomething]

Now that is highly debatable. But I am useful.

[livingsymbol]

I'm useful. You're smart.

But you're good, and that's what counts the most.

[buildsomething]

Is it?

[And then, almost immediately] Ignore that, doesn't matter. I'm just being stupid. It happens.

[livingsymbol]

Well, it matters that you choose to apply what you can do the right way.

You want to help. That means a lot more than people realize. I'm saying this as a man that doesn't always give that consideration enough credit.

Maybe we both have some things to work on. Let me start here.

[buildsomething]

I feel like I should be frank with you, if you want me on this. The Avengers are badly broken back home, and that's largely my fault.

[livingsymbol]

Then I'll help you build something here. It doesn't have to be the Avengers. It can be something else.

It's still important. And I don't think this is the wrong choice.

[buildsomething]

Okay. Well.

If it all goes to shit again, I did tell you.