video: un: s.rogers

[america]

[ The video flicks on, blurs for a moment, then comes into focus on a rather handsome-looking man in his late 20's with a fairly scruffy looking beard and long-ish hair swept back. He's still got something of a boyish look to him even if his eyes have the kind of depth to them that expresses that he's seen some shit.

Some might recognize him from past battles, the wave-drops, the riots, or most recently: the torture room. Some might have seen him walking through the city of Olympia while on Royal Guard duty. And some might recognize him because of the shield he carries. It's kind of hard to miss.

He clears his throat and begins to speak. ]

I'm sure I've likely seen a lot of you at the recent coalition meeting - [ There's a mild expression on Steve's face, something very nearly unreadable - but he's very obviously not happy about it. ] - if not before that.

[ There's a pause. ]

And that's actually what I'm here to speak to you about. My name is Steve. I don't make a lot of network posts - [ This being his first, actually. ] - but I wanted to reach out to anyone who feels angry, frustrated and helpless from the kidnappings and everything that happened after. I want to start up a kind of self-defense class. A training club, if you will.

Sure, it might not change the future possibility of something like this happening again, but maybe it'll help some of you feel just a little more in-control of the situation. If anything, it's a good way to vent some of the frustration out. [ He shrugs a shoulder. ] I've found it helps me.

I've got a fair amount of experience in hand-to-hand combat myself but I could always use a little more practice. Anyone's welcome to join me. Anyone who can teach me a couple of things would be great too.

[ He figures having a couple of volunteer teachers alongside him would be beneficial for everyone involved. ]

I'd like to use this post to gauge interest and maybe set something up for the weekend. I'm usually training then, anyway.

Thanks for watching this.

[ Steve moves in to hit 'stop' on the recording, and with that the message ends and the screen goes black. Clear, simple, to the point - that's Cap. ]

Comments

[america]

[ The way Steve's expression brightens when he hears her voice - well, it can only be defined as 'dopey'. ]

Something new. [ He huffs a laugh. It's the least helpful response, but he kind of means it. ] I figure a group of us from different parts of the universe will have a different take on self-defence.

It could be useful.

[ And it could be fun. ]

[revlon]

There's no doubt in my mind.

[ It will certainly be useful, and for all parties involved. ]

I'd be happy to lend a hand. [ A fist, more like. ] Especially if you have any women interested in joining you; one must consider how to approach an opponent who is bigger and heavier than you are.

[ This is a public channel so she refrains from suggesting that he knows what that's like. Peggy Carter is well aware of the fights he got into as a young man in Brooklyn. She sounds amused as she adds: ]

Would you be willing to help me demonstrate, if it comes to it?

[america]

From what I'm gathering so far, there's a good mix of women and men. I could use a strong female teacher alongside me.

[ Someone who knows what they're doing, and someone who's had experience. Peggy fits the bill in each case. ]

You know I'm here for whatever you need, Peggy.

[revlon]

I think that's my line, darling.

Basic unarmed combat, then? I won't have it if anyone tries to take it easy on me, especially you.

[ She knows he wouldn't do that to her so it's teasingly said. ]

[america]

Hm. Basic unarmed combat sounds perfect.

[ And because he does know she's teasing, his response keeps in the same tone: ]

I wouldn't dream of it. There will be some new and inexperienced faces, so it might be a matter of you going easy on them on their first day.

[revlon]

If you're referring to the situation with Hodge, that was going easy.

[america]

[ Steve laughs. ]

Actually, that didn't occur to me - but I do remember that day pretty clearly.

You sure showed him.

[ And made an impression on every young, impressionable man there. Don't mess with Peggy Carter. ]

[revlon]

A man like that, unfortunately, wouldn't respect anything less.

[ And he'd still made lewd, crass comments when he thought no one could hear other than the other boys. Word always got back to her. Not just Hodge, but all the rest, those who questioned her authority, who she knew up in command to wrangle the position she had. And how lucky that fella was to have a little bit of England on the side. ]

I have more faith in your future students here.

[america]

You're not wrong. He had a bad attitude among other things.

[ He never really got along with the guy either, both pre-and-post-serum, and his memories of him aren't particularly fond.

But a lot of soldiers were like that. A lot of men. ]

My future students - [ He chuckles at the notion, even if it's a very nice one. ] - well, from the ones I've spoken to today, they seem like a decent bunch.

[revlon]

It's good of you to do this. It's important for people to feel they can protect themselves as well as others, if it came to it. This world is proving to be a little more dangerous than any of us anticipated.

[america]

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[ Really. That pretty much sums up his intentions and reasons for getting this together in a nutshell.

Amused: ]

Wanna write my next speech for me?

[revlon]

Oh, no. I'm not one for grand speeches. And I don't think you've ever had any trouble rallying the troops.