video + action

[outstandingbalance]

Who: Natasha Romanoff
Broadcast: Yes
Action: Vanquish & Heron
When: Now

[The video begins with Natasha's face, the picture close to crop out most of the background, though what little is visible would seem to indicate she's in a cargo bay. Her expression is largely stoic, but she looks tired—and her bleach job is growing out, showing red roots.]

For those of you who hadn't noticed yet, Captain Barnes form the Heron is gone. You may have known him as Winter or Bucky, depending on when and how you met. He left a few days ago and is no longer on the ship rosters.

I'm collecting his personal effects to sort and store. If anyone had an interest in any of his things, check in with me on the Vanquish.

[There's a slight frown around her mouth, like maybe she's second guessing making this broadcast in the first place. After her brief hesitation, she commits to finishing the message.]

I suppose, the same goes for Sam Wilson. I've been keeping most of his things since he left too.

[Then a thin smile.]

Congratulations to the new captains, and thank you for letting me raid your ships.

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

Why don't you seem convinced.

[sassy_assassin]

Because.

If I were sleeping with someone I cared about and they just up and disappeared, I'd be pretty messed up about it. And I wouldn't want to talk about it.

[outstandingbalance]

So you figure I don't want to talk about it too.

[sassy_assassin]

No, I figure you should talk about it. You're the one who said there was nothing to talk about. I'm just letting you know that I'd be up to listening.

[outstandingbalance]

And what makes you figure I need to talk about it?

[sassy_assassin]

[ she shrugs and takes a swig ]

I said "should". Maybe what you need is to get drunk. They're not always the same, and I prefer the getting drunk option.

[outstandingbalance]

I could use a drink. Need might be a strong word, but... [Reaching for the bottle when Sara finishes her drink.]

[sassy_assassin]

[ hands it over ]

Fair enough.

Did he leave anything cool?

[outstandingbalance]

You mean other than me?

[sassy_assassin]

[ she laughs ]

Okay, you got me there. You are definitely the coolest thing he left behind. Also the hottest.

[outstandingbalance]

Sorry. [Her lips twist into a wry smile.] That's one sexy threesome off the table.

[This is a joke. It's a bad joke.

But I mean come on. It would be a hot threesome.]

[sassy_assassin]

Damn. You really know how to crush a girl's spirit.

Is that arm a plus or minus in bed?

[outstandingbalance]

[Really. Really?]

Depends. I don't recommend getting your hair caught in it, though.

[sassy_assassin]

[ listen. she can't get her to talk about her feelings, so sometimes provoking any response is the course ]

Yikes. I won't ask about that one.

I'm seeing a woman back home. No metal parts as far as I know, but she is a clone, apparently.

[outstandingbalance]

[Why wouldn't she be.]

That hard for you? Being away from her.

[sassy_assassin]

Well, it's not great.

[ she takes a swig ]

I'm not even sure where we stand. We had been broken up, then we decided to be back together, and poof, I'm here. I don't know if interdimensional travel means you're on a break or not.

[outstandingbalance]

That's a judgment call I'm not sure I'm qualified to make.

[sassy_assassin]

I'm really not either. So I'm choosing not to think about it too hard.

[outstandingbalance]

Probably for the best.

[sassy_assassin]

It's worked out for me so far.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha takes the bottle and a drink, not really knowing what to say in response. she's clearly very tired.]

[sassy_assassin]

[ sara lets the silence hang for a bit ]

Is the vodka working yet?

[outstandingbalance]

A hundred percent functional vodka.