to: everyone

[assembles]

Hey there, everyone. My name is Steve Rogers and I'm one of the people most recently summoned to the Free Cities. I'm also a good friend of Sam Wilson's — we've worked together for a number of years. I know he's made quite the name for himself here.

I've only been here for a little over a month, but in that time I've noticed a sudden increase in military activity within Cadens. There's increased drills and training exercises, equipment moving in and out, that kind of thing. I went by Fort Wilbridge and tried to ask some questions, but all they really had to say was that they were acting out of an abundance of caution. Almost like they're expecting something.

It seems suspicious, so I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in how the factions are behaving, whether it's something I haven't picked up on in Cadens or something going on in Thorne or Solvunn. I figure it might be a good idea to compare notes so we won't be completely blindsided if something else is coming our way.

That's all I've got for now, but it's nice to meet you all. In a manner of speaking, anyway.

Comments

[godshattering]

Sounds like a plan to me. Even being used to traveling in a desert - that ride back and forth isn't something I'd like to repeat more than we'll need to.

[ What Steve says about Sam confirms what Claude's been told about the man in question by all those different Summoned. Though he'd already made a mental note to check in with Sam at some point, it gets underlined now. ]

That's very good to know. It makes sense that everyone's come to rely on him in any number of ways.

I don't think so, unfortunately. They could always be in Thorne or Solvunn if they're here somewhere, but I've checked in the Horizon and nothing stands out there.

[assembles]

[ A lot of people have come to rely on Sam, but Steve knows how after a while, that weight starts to take its toll. If he can take even a little of that burden on, he'd be happy to do so. Maybe this outreach had been a first step in that direction. ]

Yeah, I imagine you would have heard from them by now. I'm sorry.

[ Should Steve be saying sorry? No one wants to be in this situation alone, but no one would want to wish it on their loved ones either. ]

It seems like a lot of the Summoned here in the Free Cities have banded together. You'll have people to look out for you, even if they're not from your home.

[godshattering]

It is what it is. It's not the first time I've had to go solo on something, so I'll adjust.

[ Which makes that next part all the more impactful despite his attempt to shrug off being alone.

Even after it disappears, Claude spends a good amount of time staring at where it was. And... right, he should definitely tamp down any sentimentality over that (statement? offer?) and, you know, actually respond to it. ]

Well. Thanks, Steve. That means a lot.

[ That's not really good enough on its own, so - ]

For what it's worth - I've got your back on whatever this is, too.

[assembles]

[ For all that Steve's been through a lot in his life, he's never actually been completely solo. Even at his lowest points, there'd been people like Sam and Nat there to keep his head on straight. It's why he makes a point of letting Claude know that he isn't on his own here. ]

Sounds good. I'll let you know if I find out anything about when we can expect another batch of Summoned to show up.

[ And then they can get to work. ]