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video; un: sg.rogers

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I might surprise you.

[Private]

It does sound similar when you put it like that.

Tell me because you're being generous.

I learn from mistakes.

[Private]

That's because it is similar. The only difference is your crude assumptions about me, I think. It's rather judgmental of you. What do you actually know about me? If I do, you'll owe me a favour. Nothing in life is free.

I don't consider placing faith in me a mistake, but that's your prerogative.

[Private]

I know you personally hurt a man I respect. I consider my judgment fair after that.

It's a simple question. I wouldn't think you'd have a reason to hide that information.

That makes you seem very big-headed. Let's keep personal arrogance out of this, shall we?

[Private]

In my time, I'm certain I've hurt many people. Some individuals are more sensitive than others. After all, you've hurt people, so that puts you in similar league as me by your own reasoning. Do we have an accord of the terms?

I'm confident. Call it what you like. I just believe that there's always a chance we can change our minds.

[Private]

It's not the same and you know it. Don't play games with me.

Are you here for Hydra?

When you've set yourself on a path, how often does someone change your mind, Captain?

[Private]

How is it not the same? If hurting people is the barometer of your argument, you are as guilty as I, maybe even more. You haven't answered my question. I give information and you give me a favour in return.

It's difficult, but I like to think I'm at least willing to listen. Don't you?

[Private]

I don't target innocent people. What you and your people do is monstrous. There's nothing similar about us.

No. I'm not going to do anything for you. You answered my question.

A willingness to listen isn't the same as having one's mind or opinion changed.

[Private]

Do innocent people end up as collateral damage in your exploits? Being a member of SHIELD and the government, 'me and my people' do what we can to protect the population in which we serve, just like you do. Answering by not answering. You would make an interesting politician.

No, but it's the intention that counts. It's the willingness to try.

[Private]

I don't target the innocent! You aren't interested in protecting anyone but yourselves! I'm not perfect. I've made mistakes, but I wouldn't use a man to do my work and destroy what life he had just to fulfill my own plans! There's no connection between us. Don't compare me with Hydra.

[There, he said it.]

Owing you anything makes my skin crawl. I wanted to know how honest you would be.

If you say so. Most wouldn't share your opinion on that matter.

[Private]

I don't like how you boil down the motivations of the government and SHIELD to such paltry black and white ideals. So you've never ordered a man to do something he might question in other circumstances? A shame. I always held you to high esteem. Your symbol helped me through difficult times, Captain.

I know that. I'm not giving up because other people don't agree with me.

[Private]

I don't give orders I don't believe in. Are you saying you really think that using a man as your personal lapdog is really right?

Is that supposed to be a joke?

In that, we are the same.

[Private]

So as long as you believe, you're willing to order men and women into difficult and unfavourable situations. Isn't that what an army is, Captain? Personal attack dogs of the government sent into situations for a specific reason? Or are you referring to someone very specific and are uncaring for all the others? I wouldn't jest on a matter such as that. As a youth, I had a difficult time; media revolving around you helped me. Does that idea offend you?

Edited 2018-02-18 17:57 (UTC)

[And that one gets a pause.]

We aren't.

[Private]

That's not all I am. I'm not just an attack dog and I don't expect anyone else to be. You know who I'm referring to. Don't play games with me.

It doesn't make me happy considering where that apparently led you.

Two people can be of the same mind frame. I also don't believe we know each other well enough on a personal level to deny similarities.

[Private]

I never called you an attack dog; it was a reference that I consider far more of an upgrade over lap dog. Those, after all, have little purpose except warmth and to look pretty. Considering you and I aren't from the same reality, I figure you could be referring to someone I'm not aware of. You think you had that much influence on me? So arrogant.

Maybe.

[Private]

I don't think people should be treated like dogs at all. The person I'm talking about is from your world.

Maybe I should have had some influence.

It is nice to see you will capitulate verbally even if not mentally.

[Private]

So you disagree with the military's training policy of humiliating nicknames, verbal and physical hardship in order to break individuality down to meld men and women together into a united force? I seem to recall nicknames and training is similar between dogs and military basic training. I'm not certain to whom you refer. Miss Orlova is the only one who approaches me from my world, and our conversations are quite amenable. I would be pleased if you thought it worthwhile to spend more time trying with me. Old dogs learning new tricks and all that.

Edited 2018-02-18 18:37 (UTC)

I'm willing to consider that there are some things a lot of people agree on.

[Private]

I've never agreed with humiliation. And there's a difference between training and completely erasing choice.

What's your goal here?

Your consideration on the matter is noted.

[Private]

But did you make efforts to change the practice while you served? I'm afraid you'll have to take up that complaint with the Soviet Union. To make the world in which we live a better place.

Thanks

[Private]

Just because I can't change the minds of everyone in a system doesn't mean I have to agree with it or apply it to myself. My missions were primarily exceptions. I know that. But if given the same power, I wouldn't take away a man's identity and treat him like a weapon. That'd be hypocritical.

Do you really? Is that why you joined Hydra?

Of course. Some of the best inventions of the world came because of disagreeing opinions on how matters should be run. It's also a good reason as to why we are a democracy, so that the majority can decide the course of workings of government. What would you do with that sort of power then? I'm afraid any discussions that deep on my associations would have to be face-to-face. I'm sure you understand.

I wouldn't use that sort of power to take away people's lives. I'd use it to give them something. To protect their choices, not just keep the peace. There's no point if you have to destroy someone's sense of self to get what you want. There is no greater good in that.

So you'll talk about it in person?

You are an ideal man living in an unidealistic world, Captain. You are a standard to which many men hope to achieve, but for the rest, they must use what gifts God gave them to do no more and no less than the best they can. I would certainly consider it.

I'm not the only one who can achieve decency, Pierce. We all make hard decisions. I know it's not ideal. Sometimes the options aren't what we want them to be, but we shouldn't be willing to sacrifice others, or we just tarnish the integrity of the cause we stand for.

Meet me, then.

And this right here is the reason I was partially raised on Captain America comic books. You are an inspiration. Are you certain that's wise?

An inspiration to destroy other people? Even the comic books never touted that.

No, I'm not. But that's why you'll do it.

video; un: sg.rogers

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