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

[ettersberg]

Of course.

( nightingale offers a smile. )

I am looking forward to it.

[america]

You know, so am I.

It feels good to do something. [ Something for the refugees who were awarded with medals that meant nothing. Pieces of jewelery that honestly feel a little insulting.

He gave his to Peggy because it could come in handy, but otherwise he feels no sentiment.

His tone when he continues veers on the edge of bitter but still manages to remain diplomatically neutral. ]

Especially with the kind of support we've received from the local politicians.

[ettersberg]

( thomas excels at maintaining a neutral expression when he tries. he doesn't now; for a moment, his eyebrows rise. )

Quite. ( admittedly: he's willing to see where this goes, at least. )

It's been a while since I last boxed. It would be good to get into the habit again.

[america]

[ Steve's glad for the return to the original topic at hand. No point in being too transparent over the network.

This post is already something of a polite fuck you to the people in charge and that's the way Steve prefers to operate.

For now. ]

Great. I could probably use a few pointers too. I think my form might've slipped in the past ... few years.

[ettersberg]

( thomas excels at not being too transparent. sometimes, perhaps, he is not transparent enough — but secrecy and a stiff upper lip both are hard habits to break, even if the absence of his usual responsibilities. )

Somehow, I doubt that it has. But if I spot anything, I will be sure to point it out.

[america]

[ Steve could probably use a few tips in being a little more in cognito, honestly; but he's always been more of a soldier than a spy. Playing the field and keeping secrets aren't something he's always comfortable with. ]

Please. I wouldn't want you to go easy on me either.

[ettersberg]

I'd imagine without magic, you'd be able to take me easily.

( he's seen your biceps, steve. )

[america]

You'll have to give me your best shot, then.

Magic included.

[ettersberg]

Are you quite certain?

[america]

You're starting to make me question my saying so.

[ There's a soft chuckle. ]

[ettersberg]

My using magic would be akin to using weaponry in a boxing match.

[america]

So you're saying you'd have a hell of an upper hand on me, then.

[ettersberg]

I don't know how much of one it would be. But most likely, yes.

[america]

Well as a guy with no prior knowledge of magic ... I'd say it's a fairly good upper hand.

Unless you're able to dial back on the strength of that magic.

[ Look. He's not saying he's curious to see how he'd stand against magic, but ... yeah. He's a little curious.

Considering how a shaman managed to kick his ass a little, he's interested in that kind of defence too. ]

[ettersberg]

I am able to be quite precise in how much power I want to use, yes.

( said utterly without pretence. nightingale may have been the only sanctioned wizard of the uk, but he was also known as one of the most accomplished wizards, one of the strongest, a true master of the art back when there were still others to compare him to. before the war. )

[america]

All right. You know what, I trust you. I trust that in the case of a guy like me against a guy like you, we could level the playing field and be pretty controlled about it.

And when it comes to magic, it's kind of a whole new territory for me.

[ettersberg]

( there's a pause in which thomas clears his throat. he's not touched that steve said he trusts him, he's just. clearing his throat. that's all. ) That sounds reasonable.