1.

[sharpsurprise]

Turn on camera

Turn camera on

[The feed flickers, and then the newly-calm (or perhaps... too calm) Barge is treated to a close-up of half a nose and part of an eye. The close-up is muttering in Japanese, the image occassionally moving]

Should I just say it...? Ah, I should have read it more carefully...

[suddenly the face moves back, revealing a frowning young man. He's lit by a lantern that sits in a corner, just visible in the background. He looks tired, a little bit too skinny and too pale, but he starts beaming when he apparently notices that the camera is already on. He speaks in English from now on]

I did it, huh? [he sits back and waves cheerfully, tucking some of his long hair behind his ear with the other hand]

I guess everyone's been pretty busy the last few weeks, so I hope I'm not disturbing you. My name is Souji Okita, and I'm new here! I'll work hard to fit in, but I'm still getting used to everything, so go easy on this old man... Oh! I walked around a little bit, and it seems pretty dark! If anyone needs them, I found a lantern and some candles in my room. Please ask me if you need help!

Comments

[sharpsurprise]

I didn't say I was a good cook, Captain! I said I can cook, but only what's necessary on the road! Or... in space, I suppose!

[he taps his cheek a little] I think I'm more used to patrolling, though. Ah, but I'm... not in top condition at the moment. [he has to admit it, now, because if he accepted in this condition he would be endangering others. But when his ribs heal, he hopes he can help. Something familiar in a strange environment.] But I hope I can help when this passes.

[punched_hitler]

[He chuckles a little.] That's a lot better than the alternative, though. If you ever wanted to hone those skills a little, I'm sure they could use you.

[A nod, though - he understands, and having more people on patrol isn't a bad thing. Although when he mentions not being in top condition...] There's an infirmary here. It's probably miles above what you're used to. They can probably get you feeling better pretty quick, if you'll let 'em.

Either way - there'll still be plenty to do, when you're able.

[sharpsurprise]

Ah, it's just a rib injury. But it would make defense more difficult than it needs to be. [coughs into his hand, wincing]

Do you organize it? The patrol?

[punched_hitler]

[Yeahhhhh you can't pull a fast one on Steve Rogers when it comes to feeling poorly.] I'd imagine.

Coughing's not really related to rib injuries, though. [Just, you know. Pointing that out.]

I - guess I kind of do. There isn't really an organized one, honestly. Maybe we should change that. I've just been trying to do some good, until the power comes back on.

[sharpsurprise]

[Damn these super soldiers and their skinny past selves.

He looks incredibly guilty, and with good reason. He used to be able to hide this, or at least he had the opportunity to walk off briefly. But now that it's gotten so bad he can't do that anymore, the tickle has grown into a pressure on his chest that's constantly there.

Souji smiles at Steve when he points him out on the half-truth.]

I'm afraid it is, in this case, but it's probably not helping matters!

I'm sure you're doing very well, Captain. I've organized many patrolls over the years, so if you need any help... [He'll defer to Steve's authority in this case, since he's been on the Barge so much longer.]

[punched_hitler]

[Yup.

Also that, and you really can't put one over on a guy whose mother died of TB. Just saying.]

Probably not.

[But if you're going to refuse help, he can't force you. Just keep an eye on you - which he probably will.

And in the meantime,] I wouldn't turn down the help, honestly. I'd like to find the most efficient use of people, and a second opinion never hurt anyone.

[sharpsurprise]

[Why is he surrounded by people who've lost people to TB? How unfair.

He'll go see someone in the infirmary. In very very secret.]

Of course! Perhaps you could compile a list of suitable people, and we could make a schedule together?

[punched_hitler]

[Definitely unfair, for everyone involved.

But okay. That's good.]

Yeah - absolutely. Whenever it's convenient for you.

[sharpsurprise]

Then it's decided! [perks up a little. It's nice to have a sense of duty, for the time being.] I will let you know, Captain, when I can help.

[punched_hitler]

[And that definitely gets a grin, because it's good to have help, and to let someone use their strengths.] I look forward to it.