past prologue.

You know your social life is in a really sad state when you run to a forum for some socialization. The last few days, I signed in and stared at the screen, trying to figure out a way to introduce myself. I never really had a problem talking to people. In person is great because you can get a sense about how everything is going. On here, though, I just imagine that everyone is rolling their eyes or mumbling under their breath. It's not really conducive for communication.

But I thought what the hell! Captain America is on this thing. Jane Foster certainly can.

See how I did that? Snuck my name it? It took me 15 minutes to come up with that, and I am spent. It's Wednesday! Yay hump day?

I'm reading the same papers you're reading. I see the shootings and the terror; I see the flash point, the fever pitch. And what I think we need, more than anything, is a minute to sit back and talk to each other. Everybody is afraid of what they don't know. Everybody casts aspersions when its all they have. But knowledge is a good, strong righteous right arm. And not everybody can stare truth in the face and with a lie on their lips.



A lot of intangible stuff up there, I know. But it's a formula.

You scared of something? Find somebody, talk about it. You wanna talk? I'm always going to be here to listen.

[SAM]

How's Mom? I got her a thing.

[TONY]

What's the news from DC?

[AVENGERS]

You wanna stretch your legs? Cause I think we oughta stretch our legs.

WHO: Bruce Banner and Vision
WHERE: Banner's room
WHEN: Right after Banner got back, before his big apology. We took our time. :)
WHAT: Vision's curious to get to know one of his dads.
RATING: Light! Some angst.
STATUS: log; complete.

( I still don’t understand everything about you, but what I’ve familiarized myself with, I like. )

The last week of the Columbia science summer camp classes starts tomorrow. I've been having so much fun aside from worrying about Peter. Next month will be prepping for the new school year. Fun - biochemistry, genetics.

Other than that - StarkTech Conference. I want to go.

( Peter )

( Private )

TEXT TO STEVE ROGERS:

» I'm in your old neighborhood. You want a milkshake from Brooklyn's Old-Fashioned?
» Or one of those Gluten-Free Organic Wraps from the stand that used to be a news vendor where you earned a whole dime for selling papers?

AFTER THIS:

SHARON CARTER:

Golden Corral?

VISION:

I need you to pull all the transmissions that were intercepted that allowed for Dr. Banner's rescue. Everything that came from that part of the ocean, along that trajectory. I need satellite surveillance. I'll need them to follow a trail.

Bucky if you're out there
please How are you all dealing with the heat?

[AVENGERS]

We're training double-time. You all did well working together to rescue Bruce but it's important we work fluidity; anytime we're in public, we're a single entity. The barbecue in Central Park was good but the next time there is a level threat, we need to be seen as the team that gets things done with minimal loss of property and minimal loss of life. I'm counting on all of you to be on your A-game.

[SHARON]

I probably shouldn't be doing this.

[SAM]

That chopper on the boat.

A lot of exciting announcements are coming down the pipeline here at SI. Stay tuned.



[Steve & Natasha]

Things are changing in Washington. Demands for more transparency are finally taking shape: they want the Avengers to answer to somebody now. A committee or council of some sort. I don't know who will be on it but I suspect it will be a mix of Congress, military, and whoever has enough money to throw around. Not so much WSC though, at least.

I don't yet know when it will be formalized. Definitely before the year's out, though.

Bruce's status needs to be kept a secret though. No one can know he's back on U.S. soil. They'll make him into a example.


[Cho]

I need your analysis on the chemicals HYDRA used to subdue Banner. Full work up. Our moonshot is finding a formula that can counteract a Hulk transformation after the fact, but we'll take prevention.

[Private to the Avengers + Tony]

I've been staring at this blank screen for hours, trying to think of how to begin. But I owe you all an explanation and an apology.

I left because I was overwhelmed. I didn't want to fight any more, I didn't want to release the Other Guy again. What happened in Johannesburg cinched it. Even though it wasn't technically my fault, my mind had been fucked up with, it was still me who caused all that destruction and the loss of lives. I could've killed Tony. And it could happen again.

So I ran. I admit, I'm a coward. It was a reflex reaction. Hey, it worked before, right? I managed to stay hidden for nine years. Or at least SHIELD let me think that way. It was a blissfully ignorant nine years, where all I had to worry about was myself and dealing with my anger issues, and helping other people as best I could. I hoped to return, or recapture, that simpler time.

The reason why I didn't didn't contact any of you - I've been asking myself that, because I know you'd be asking, too. The only answer I could come up with is that I was punishing myself. I'm a monster, I don't deserve kindness or friends or lovers. Anyways, I figured that since SHIELD knew where I was the first time I was hiding, it wouldn't be that difficult to locate me if I was needed.

Thing is, HYDRA found me first. And I always took it for granted that the Other Guy was strong enough to protect me, that he was invincible. But somehow they've come up with that drug to put the breaks on my transformation and knock me out. Now I'm even more scared, because I can imagine the damage they could cause if they could get a hold of my blood, sample my DNA, make clones or perform experiments to create other monsters, as bad as Emil Blonsky, or worse.

I'm sorry I ditched you guys. I really am. I don't know what else to say. I've learned my lesson that I can't run away from my problems, I'm here to face them. Or at least try to.

Whatever you guys decide to do with me, I'm fine with it. But this awkward silence is driving me up the wall.

Who: The Avngers, HYDRA NPCs, Bruce Banner
Where: South Pacific Ocean
When: Tueday, July 14, not long after this announcement
What: The Avengers rescue Banner from HYDRA's clutches
Warnings: PG-13
Status: incomplete OOC / IC

( Avengers Assemble... )

[Locked to the Avengers + Tony Stark]

I have been using my resources to find Dr. Banner since he left, and I believe I must sound the alarm. I intercepted an encrypted message from HYDRA and I believe they have Dr. Banner. They are moving him to a secure location. I have traced the signal to what I believe is the current coordinates, but I think time is of the essence. If they drop off the map with him, I cannot guarantee I will find him again. I am giving you the knowledge I have at my disposal.

[ooc: he e-mails them all the original message and vague location he has at the moment of a a commercial freighter ship that's sailing across the South Pacific Ocean toward Chile. It has a helpful green signature on the map that Vision designed himself to be thorough.]

Happy 4th of July, America. We got so much meat up in Central Park, PETA gonna have a fit, and we've used my mama's very special, secret BBQ sauce. I guarantee it will be the best BBQ you can get outside of Texas.

[After a stern talking to by the Avengers legal counsel, the entry has been updated to:]

Happy 4th of July, America. We got so much ethically sourced, pasture raised, sustainable meat wtf does that even mean up in Central Park, and we've used my mama's very special secret BBQ sauce. I guarantee it will be the best BBQ you can get outside of Texas and other states which are renown for their BBQ cuisine.

- Falcon OUT (and eating)

[Vision]

Yo V. Not very subtle. If you wanted to be a surprise, that is.

Unless you've signed up for some Still Life classes in your spare time. Which actually...would not surprise.

[Steve]

What do you call 100 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

A good start.

Happy Birthday, man. 97 years young!

All these kids got the devil inside of them, I swear. You owe me.

News Headline: Social Media Blows Up After Avengers Robot Goes Shopping

JULY 3RD, 2015: What do robots shop for? That was the question on everyone's mind in upstate New York when the mysterious new Avengers member - known only as Vision - walked through a wall into an art supply store. Occupants quickly snapped photos of the magenta-colored creature as he walked through the store, picking up items and placing them casually within a basket.

"He - I think he was a he - was very polite," said cashier Amy Rollins, looking a little dazed. "He gave me a tip. I told him we didn't do that but ... I'm not going to argue with a robot!"

Many took to Twitter and Instagram with pictures of their odd run-in, with opinions ranging from excitement to fear. Very little is known of the Vision, but people are understandably concerned about a robotic creature working closely with the Avengers so soon after the attack on Sokovia.

Every year I look forward to the Fourth of July -- not only because it's my birthday, which is nice, I like chocolate cake -- but also because I get the opportunity to remind everyone that the principles upon which this nation was founded is still rooted in all our hearts.

We have to remember that together, we're stronger. And when we fight as one, there isn't anything that will be able to stand in our way. So, if you got 'em on the ropes, remember I'm in your corner. And we'll fight those shadows back together.

Also, if you aren't doing anything on the Fourth, come to Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park around 8:00 PM. I bought a lot of sparklers and ice cream for the kids.

[AVENGERS]

And tomorrow, it'll be 0700 in the courtyard, team.