( video )

[abide]

[ When the feed begins, Steve's face is relatively solemn the thirty seconds before he decides on what to say. There's plenty to address, and he doesn't want to drag it out needlessly. It seems their "captains" have done a good job of that so far. ]

There's been a lot of talk lately. [ He pauses, collects his thoughts again. ] From what's been said, I know most of us aren't happy with the situation, and that's okay. It's not a normal position to be put in. For some of us, anyway. But it's also important to remember the goal we should be working towards, and that's getting home. Not all of us are gonna want to go, but the majority seems to be in agreement.

Whether we trust those in command or not, we shouldn't forget that. Fighting or killing isn't going to solve the problem. Calling people out for things they've done in our own world or someone else's is only going to cause fires, and we should be trying to put 'em out. Not start them. [ He takes a breath, expression still relatively neutral. He's not pushing, not angry or worked up. If anything, he just looks... sad.

If those running the ship won't say it, he will. ] Some of you aren't going to listen, and some of you might be too scared to have a voice. That's fine too. Not everyone's willing to see eye-to-eye, but this isn't just about us. It's about the ones we've left behind, the people who are counting on us to make it back to them. Fear can do a lot of things, and right now, it's got us right where we shouldn't be. So... [ Another small breath. ] If you ever need someone to stand with you, fight for you— that's what I plan to do. Back home, it was my job to help keep everyone safe, and being on the Moira means this is my home now. It's all of ours, and we should be protecting it, not trying to destroy it. Or each other.

Even if it's not what I was assigned to here, I'm not gonna quit. I'll be around if anyone considers taking me up on that. [ Uh. ] My name's Steve Rogers. Thanks for your time.

[ And it immediately ends there, the lingering hint of a soft smile settling at the corner of his mouth. ]

Comments

video;

[cookshisgoose]

I was wondering how long it would be before you weighed in. [There's a hint of a smirk, but it doesn't last. This is serious business, and it's hard to be positive when it feels like everyone on the ship is fighting about one thing or another.]

You've always had quite the knack of getting everyone's attention when you speak. I just hope those that listen truly hear what you're trying to say.

1/2

[abide]

[ The tension that had been in his shoulders suddenly bleeds out when he hears her voice, sagging beneath the relief that only stays for a moment. He sighs. ]

Yeah... But they're gonna hear what they want to hear no matter who's saying it.

( video ; private )

[abide]

[ A pause, and his words are low. ] I don't know what to do.

( video ; private )

[cookshisgoose]

[It pains her, to see him in such turmoil. She wishes she had an easy answer, but she doesn't.]

I...I don't know, Steve. But what I do know is you mustn't carry it all on your shoulders. Your friends are here-- your team. You don't have to do it alone.

Trust them. Trust yourself. I know I do. [She doubted-- no, she knew, without a doubt, there would ever be anyone on this ship she trusted more than him.]

[abide]

[ The smile he gives her in turn doesn't exactly reach his eyes, but he's trying. ]

It was a lot easier to do before. [ It's a weak attempt at a joke. ] But it's not them I don't trust. These people... They're scared. We might not be able to do much to change that.

[cookshisgoose]

Everything was simpler then, wasn't it? [She may not have skipped nearly seventy years like him, but she was pulled through time to arrive here. She can see just how different things are, just based on everyone around her.]

Fear is such an easy emotion, made easier by so much unknown that we face. It won't be easy to help, no, but we can start by not letting their fear frighten us. We must be brave for them.