001 ☆ video

[assembles]

[When the video feed starts up, it shows a man seated at a desk in a rather nondescript room. Not much can be seen behind him beyond a bed and closet. Much more noteworthy is his face, which has a few bruises and a line of stitches extending outward from the corner of his mouth.

Despite that, he has a bright, open look on his face, though the fact that he's sitting up straight and looking head-on at his phone's camera makes it clear that he means business.]

So... had a few days to take everything in, read what information I could find. It's been helpful, it really has. [A lot of the work and investigation had already been done for him, though that hasn't prevented Steve from doing his own exploration.]

Just a few questions, if anyone can help. [And so far, most everyone has been helpful.] I can only assume there's some escape effort that's been put together here. A group of like-minded people, working together to get everyone home. I'd like to be a part of that. [It might seem overly transparent to ask about something like that over a network like this, but Steve has no interest in secrecy, especially not after everything that he's been through.]

Secondly, I've heard a lot about people being from different worlds. I'm trying to get an idea of how many we're dealing with. [He knows about Asgard and has heard vaguely of the Nine Realms, but beyond that he's clueless. He needs to determine the scope of this operation.]

Oh, and the name's Steve Rogers. I'll do whatever I can to get us all out of here. [It's meant mainly as a test to see if anyone here is going to recognize him, or if he actually has some manner of anonymity in this place.

With that said, he offers a small smile and then ends the feed.]

Comments

[assembles]

... I'm sorry to hear that.

[It's not as if Steve asked with the intention of bringing back unfortunate memories, though maybe he should have assumed. He can't ask her how it happened, even if he wants the details.

He's been reborn himself, although it hadn't been a day or two later that he'd come to.]

Does anyone have an idea of what happens after the fifth one, or is that still a mystery?

[ex_alighthouse135]

There may be some who know, but I don't.

[And she hopes never to find out.]

Are you worried about yourself or someone else?

[assembles]

[Steve huffs out a laugh, but it's a wry one.]

I'm worried about everyone. From what I've read, I'm guessing death is... common here.

[Well, he's no stranger to death. Except that he's used to it being permanent, to having to mourn those who fall under his command. It never gets any easier.

He doesn't know if it's good or bad that it doesn't last in this place. Steve doesn't think death can be cheated so easily -- it's bound to have some consequences.]

[ex_alighthouse135]

I don't know about 'common'. It's only happened to me once, though usually once is all it happens.

[assembles]

Yeah, I would say that once is more than enough. I'm sorry that happened to you.

[How she's coped with it is unclear, as Steve can't get much of a read on it, but either way, it's not his place to pry.]

I take it some of these events can get pretty dangerous, then.

[ex_alighthouse135]

Some have had worse happen to them.

[Though she's sorry it happened to her, too.]

Yes, they can. Sometimes this place does things to people's minds or make them do things they wouldn't normally do. There have been times when monsters have invaded the mansion, as well.

[assembles]

[Steve doesn't need to ask what could be worse than death. He knows exactly what's worse, he'd seen it done to his best friend, and thinking on it is enough to color his expression darker for a moment.]

What kind of monsters?

[He should ask about the mind control, too, so that he has some idea of what's in store for him. But he's already experienced the worst of that. Seems like anything else would be manageable in comparison.]

[ex_alighthouse135]

There were dangerous hounds once, but I've heard there can be much worse. Usually, I try to stay in my room when such things happen.

[assembles]

[Dangerous hounds? Steve tries to picture it, but a good mental image isn't forming in his mind. It doesn't sound so bad in theory, but he knows better than to assume anything is simple to deal with.]

That's probably the best way to handle things if you're not trained for combat. [She doesn't exactly strike him as the soldier type.]

[ex_alighthouse135]

Hey, I'll have you know I can take care of myself.

[There's more to her than meets the eye! She isn't upset, though. Her expression is just a bit playful.]

[assembles]

[Oh no, he's messed up, hasn't he? Steve's gotten much better at speaking to the opposite sex, but he still makes mistakes here and there and it's always enough to fluster him slightly.]

Of course you can! I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't, just that... it sounds like it can get pretty hectic in this place. And staying away from the action is probably the smarter choice.

[Unlike Steve, who goes racing in head-first.]

[ex_alighthouse135]

[His reaction makes her laugh a little. He's very polite.]

I took no offense, Mr. Rogers, I assure you.

[assembles]

Glad to hear it. [Though Steve still looks like he's tripping over himself to apologize.]

And if you ever need a lesson or two in punching bad guys, I'd be happy to help.

[ex_alighthouse135]

Really? That sounds like it would be interesting.

[assembles]

Interesting? [Not necessarily the word he would use, but Steve won't question it too much.] It'll definitely be helpful. Seems like a fair trade, since you've been so willing to answer my questions.

[ex_alighthouse135]

[Interesting for him to teach it to her. Her sword lesson with Aramis was equally.. interesting. She doesn't really look like the type that could hit anyone.]

I'd be happy to receive the instruction. Next time I see a monster, I'll punch it in the nose!

[assembles]

[Steve laughs and nods.] Something like that, yeah. [She does look pretty tiny to be punching monsters, but the only way that's going to change is with training.]

Any time you want your first lesson, just come find me.

[ex_alighthouse135]

I will, thank you.