01. Introduction [Voice/Action]

[skillset]

VIDEO;

I'm not sure what it says about this place that somebody put a welcome hologram next to the place where kidnap victims arrive. On one hand, I'm alarmed it's happened enough to need that kind of message. On the other, at least someone else has gone to the trouble of having a welcome speech. So, uh, thanks for that.

[ He's not happy to be here, despite the neutral expression and casual tone in his voice, but you could probably say that about any of the people who wake up in the cavern. He is, however, relieved that he -- and by assumption -- everyone else who winds up isn't immediately thrown into jail or a labor camp. It could be much worse. ]

Anyway, hi. My name is Steve and I'm new. I'd appreciate any tips or advice on how to find housing and a job, or just anything about living here. Thanks.

[ At least until he pokes around and figures out why people are being brought here, and maybe how to get everyone home. ]

ACTION;

[ For the first few days, Steve plans on sticking fairly close to his temporary lodgings. He will be out and about learning his way around, though, wandering down streets and poking into interesting looking shops. Chatting with strangers, whether they're newcomers like him or native to the region, will be a top priority. Knowledge is power and he's learned through hanging around with some very intelligent spies people that any information you get can be used to advantage.

But it also helps knowing what kind of people are around for the sake of living together and who might be good in an emergency. Steve isn't naive enough to think trouble won't find him here. It always does. ]

Comments

action:

[thefirething]

[ God bless smart men and their smart decisions. Steve is intimidating, just on size alone. Charlie is small for her age, both in height and weight, and she's had her fair share of terrible people and terrible things happen to her, so any new person is regarded with intense caution. Steve, however, is certainly winning points by treating Andi with respect. ]

Since Christmas. My dad got her for me. I woke up to a huge breakfast, a load of presents and a dire-wolf puppy that really wanted to chew on my ice cream themed pajamas.

[ Andi peeks out from behind Charlie for a moment, watching the new guy some more, sniffing the air. The Human She Likes is cautious, but unafraid. So Andi will be unafraid and come over to investigate, sniffing the man's hand before sitting down, tail wagging furiously.

This brings a smile to Charlie's face, one that doesn't look used too often. Like she's not even sure how exactly she should smile. But it's there. And it's not as fleeting as it use to be. ]

She seems to like you.

[skillset]

Probably because dogs can sense suckers when they see them. [ That's Steve - sucker for any dog willing to come over and look cute. He catches Charlie's eye, looking for a sign of permission before reaching out and scratching Andi behind her ears. ] Isn't that right, Andi?

[ He'll remain crouched as long as the puppy wants to be pet, and then straighten up, stepping back a pace or two casually. Personal space bubbles are so important. And subjective. ]

Sounds like you couldn't have asked for a better Christmas.

[thefirething]

She's a wolf. A dire-wolf. That means she's going to be as big as a horse when she's grown. From what I understand, they're great at being able to tell if a person is a good person or not.

[ That's actually more what she's hoping. She doesn't know this for a good, solid fact, but Andi is a sweetheart. Super protective already and a fabulous cuddler. ]

It was a good Christmas.

[ Good? Good Christmas? The way she says it might be understating it. In fact, she pretty much is understating it. This was the best Christmas she's had in years. ]

What's your name?

[ The more he treats her with respect like this, the better she is about talking. She's still very guarded, but she's smiling just a tiny bit. ]

[skillset]

I think most canines are like that. [ And wolves are part of the canus species, along with dogs and hyenas and other variants that Steve can't think of off the top of his head. Point stands, though. ] Give 'em lots of love and food and they're man's best friend. Woman's. Uh, humankind's best friend.

[ He's still a little awkward in social situations. It's not you Charlie, it's him. ]

I'm Steve Rogers. [ He doesn't expect her to recognize the name, considering the circumstances. And maybe not even in normal circumstances. He does extend a hand, in case she'd like to shake it, but is perfectly capable of letting his arm drop if she doesn't. ] But just Steve is fine.

What's yours?