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

[anotheroldsoldier]

[private]

We spoke, yeah. Not for all that long. He's handling himself. Nobody wants this thing to escalate.

I do talk to you. But Barnes is cagier. For good reason.

still private!

[livingsymbol]

It's not going to help if he keeps everything to himself. Pierce won't show his hand willingly.

I'm going to talk to Pierce.

private 4eva

[anotheroldsoldier]

Barnes has every reason to want to stay far away from this whole shitstorm. If this were Lukin or Karpov, would you still feel the same way?

Don't do anything stupid, Steve. Don't give him anything. We can handle this together and keep everyone else out of the mess.

private 4eva

[livingsymbol]

I'm not saying he doesn't have a reason. But if Pierce really is as bad as you say, it'll only hurt others if we leave him to chance.

That's what I'm hoping, Bucky. But the more information we have, the better off we are. No one has to be involved, but we do need a better idea of what he might be up to. Finding out too late isn't an option.

[anotheroldsoldier]

So we won't leave him to chance. But don't put too many expectations on Barnes to get into the thick of things or talk about what Pierce put him through. He hasn't had the chance to pull himself together that I had.

[Well, the chance he forcibly took, going underground on the run with Steve hot on his heels.]

We do need to know what he's up to, we just have to play this smart. He can't do anything like what I saw in Barnes' head, he's under too much public scrutiny, so just don't rush anything. That's all I'm saying.

[livingsymbol]

I'll keep that in mind.

[Which is honest enough. He's taking note of what Bucky says as far as how much to reasonably expect from Barnes and from Pierce. The other Bucky is still struggling, so probably not going to have much to offer. He won't want to be involved and there's little chance he'll want to talk.

But it's either talk to him or talk to Pierce, and either way he's got a problem to deal with. He decides to talk to Bucky first. To see if there's a way around everything... but his hopes aren't high.]

[anotheroldsoldier]

And please keep me updated. Don't try to do this completely on your own. We both work better together than solo.

[It's a subtle manipulation, to insist to Steve that they both need to work together, the promise between the lines that Bucky won't do anything on this without Steve if Steve will do the same.]

[livingsymbol]

[Bucky knows how to keep Steve from being too reckless. As stubborn as the blond can be, he wants to work with his friends and values their opinions. The promise of keeping in touch and working together is enough to keep him from breaking off and doing everything alone.]

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Which means he'll at least stay well-behaved for Bucky. It's a promise made to his friend and not just a choice based on strategy.]

[anotheroldsoldier]

[Mission accomplished there. Maybe it's shitty of him to use their friendship to steer Steve in this direction or that, but Bucky can't feel too bad about it in situations like these.]

Over post-run breakfast. My treat.

[livingsymbol]

All right.

[It might be manipulative, but it's the best way to ensure that Steve doesn't go acting out on his own. At least with Bucky keeping him focused, he'll be more likely to compromise, which is important for everyone. Now he has to check in.]

Breakfast.