☆ 6 ☆ (VIDEO)

[punched_hitler]

So I know it's only been two days, but anyone who's made it through two days of Basic so far - trust me. It could be worse. [He cocks a wry grin. Bucky's not the worst drill sergeant Steve's seen, and besides:] You could have asthma.

[Yeah, he's pretty sure he almost died at least ten times during Basic. And he got the much abbreviated version.

Anyway.]

If anyone's got any questions, or just wants to get in some extra practice with a different face, let me know. But, [he raises one finger,] I'm not your Drill Sergeant, and I'm not about to contradict anything he says just because you want to hear he's wrong - because he's not. [So just keep that in mind. Steve might be helping Bucky, but Bucky's in charge here.]

[PRIVATE TO MINDY MACREADY]
Hey. Just because I'm not your temporary warden anymore doesn't mean we need to ignore each other, right? Remember, I'm right down the hall if you need anything - whether it's a couch or a punching bag. [Literally or figuratively.

Still, he doesn't want to push. She doesn't seem like she'd respond well to that. He can only offer, she's got to take him up on it. So.] Otherwise... I'm sure I'll see you in the gym.

[PRIVATE TO VEX]
[He's seen Vex on the network, but they've never spoken. Now, though, it looks like that's going to have to change.] I guess I should introduce myself - I'm Captain Rogers. Or you can call me Steve. I admit, I don't know much about you - but I'd like to think I'm a pretty good listener.

Comments

[private]

[punched_hitler]

Got it.

I'll see you there.

[Maybe a little reluctantly, but it's your own funeral.]

[private]

[vexingmesmer]

[ At least he didn't get dressed to the nines to troll Steve like he trolled Stephen, anyway. He's waiting outside the pub,i n his usual black accented with silver, rocking on his heels. ]

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[That's appreciated - or it would be.

Steve shows up a few minutes later, dressed in civilian clothes (just slacks and a t-shirt); when he spots vex, he holds out a hand to shake. It seems like the thing to do.]

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

[ Oh good, a handshake. He'll grab a snack whlie he's here-- though it's not anything that Steve'll feel. Mm, life energy yum. ]

A pleasure, captain.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Honestly, Steve's worn down enough that no, he doesn't notice a thing, regardless of whether he might have or not.]

Likewise. [He pulls out his compass to let them in, giving a half-nod to the bar. He'll let Vex go ahead and trail after.] Grab a drink.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

[ He grabs several bottles of Guinness. ]

[ Yes, he's going to be that guy who has to test the limits. ]

So, you want to get to know me, eh?

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Apparently.

Steve will grab one to start with. Guinness has a good taste to it, after all.]

That's the idea, yeah. Not that you can't get to know me, too.

[Although you don't seem interested in that, so.]

Where are you from, Vex?

[Let's start easy?]

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Wales. Or what would become Wales, anyway. I was in Vancouver last. We move around, we do. Easier to explain why we don't drop dead every so often. Only so much you can explain with plastic surgery an' shite.

[ Being near-immortal has it's perks and problems. ]

Re: [spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Okay, so about half of that didn't make sense. Either Vex is being intentionally vague, or its a really good lead-in to more questions. Which Steve obviously has.]

So who's "we", then?

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

My people. The Fae. You know, mermaids and pixies an' shapeshifters and all that lot.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Blink. Okay.] So... which kind are you?

[And a wry smile to follow that up.] I'm going to go with, not a mermaid.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

I'm a mesmer, lad.

The mesmer, anyway. Last one left.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[He turns that over in his head.] I'm not so familiar with that one.

I could make a guess, though, based on the name.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Can't be helped. Blame the Victorians. [ that's not even accurate Vex ]

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

I could, sure, but that still doesn't tell me much about you.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

I'm a mesmer. We're puppet masters. Controllers. I can make you do anything I please.

S'why we're all dead. Nothing can break our hold, no power can thwart us.

'cept this admiral prick an' the Una Mens.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Blink. Well that's... dangerous.]

If that's true... then it must be really easy for you guys to slip and crack your heads open.

[Basically... if nothing can stop you, how are you getting killed?]

Not that I've heard of the latter.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Oh, there are ways around us -- cut off our hands, and we starve to death, for instance. We take energy from the people we touch, live off that, yeh? Not that anyone's the wiser, but still.

Break our concentration, bring a lot of friends... A lone mesmer against a group is almost fair, you get me?

Doesn't rightly matter, because m' magic wands bloody limp thanks to inmate status. Otherwise I'd've just had someone break his own neck by now.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

Starve literally, or figuratively? [Either way, Steve just kind of files that all away, because he does want - need, technically - to know more.]

Right. [Well, everyone's got limitations. And okay, it's kind of good to know your inmate's.

Although he does realize the inmates here - the ones with "powers" or anything approaching them - are a bit cut off, yeah.] Sounds like it's been a challenge for you, then. [Especially if that would have been your first resort.]

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Literally, mate. We feed through out hands. Food is for pleasure -- energy, sustenance, comes through humans.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

So - what have you been doing here? Or is it different, because you're an inmate?

[Because now he's curious.]

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Took a sip soon as you shook hands. [ Humans love to touch and the Fae use that to their advantage. ] Shall I tell you 'at you're tasty?

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Blink. Well, holy cow. He didn't feel a thing.

Also, he's not sure how he feels about that.]

I think I'd prefer you tell me you won't do it again without asking.

[spam]

[vexingmesmer]

Tough luck on that, mate. I'm not gonna fast because some of you lot are squeamish about your personal energies.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

And what happens if I throw you in Zero? Do you starve?

[It's actually not a threat, but if it sounds like one, he miiiiight not be all that inclined to pretend otherwise.