Re: [En route: Janus, Steve, Atticus]
"I've already said more than I should've. If you want to know, you can ask her and she can tell you, if she wants." Steve's words weren't dismissive or callous, but thoughtful, yet firm. He wasn't going to divulge Cat's secrets for the sake of sating curiosity. It wasn't relevant to the mission, and as much as he trusted Atticus and Janus both, again, it wasn't his choice to make, who should know what.—Steve was trying to think about what he had at his disposal, but he was pulled from his thoughts to talk about who exactly they were running up against. He shared his phone, then listened as Atticus spoke, followed by Janus, who was much more dismissive of the troubles of those who might committing these acts.
"You have to remember who I got that information from," he reminded the woman who looked like Cat. "They're going to present it in a way that benefits them. If the weapons hadn't been being transported in the first place, if they weren't so common place, if people with these abilities weren't oppressed... and so on. You can't get mad at people for demanding their rights or for taking action, if those demands fall on deaf ears. Nor do you have to be innocent to deserve the rights we all have. A country that uses violence against its citizens will only beget violence. And, you, I would think, as someone who was in a camp, kept without trial or right, would care about what's going on here and what it might lead to." That was probably enough lecturing. Steve ran a hand through his hair. "No, you're right, Atticus. We don't know what Matt was made to do, or what he's done of his own free will. Again, our source is compromised, which means their information is too. There's always an angle with these people. Our goal should be to subdue. Not to kill, not to wipe out, but to subdue. We can't blame them for attacking us if we breach their base. They're protecting their people." Would it be a good idea, to have Janus and Atticus with him? Steve still didn't know. He should've, but he didn't.
As Janus began her work on the tracking spell, Steve stood to reach into his jacket pocket and returned to hand over the fingerprints he'd lifted. They were kept between tape and a cellophane cover, dust creating ridges and whorls.—The man took his seat next to Atticus once more, looking over as his friend called him 'Cap.' Like Janus playacting Cat, it was odd to hear that single syllable coming from Atticus. Cap was a part of Steve, and Steve Cap, but they didn't always feel like the same person.—As the plane began its descent, Steve brooded about what to do, saying next to nothing until wheels bumped on tarmac.
"I'll go in alone," he said finally, standing again to fetch up jacket and shield. He had to bend his neck at an uncomfortable angle to fit upright, but the door was being opened, so it wouldn't be for long. "If I need you, I'll call you in for back up. Janus, first. Then, you, Atticus." He inched toward the door. "Sound good?" Once everyone was outside, Steve passed both men a comm link to be tucked into their ear. "I don't doubt, if we speak, Matt's people will find us and listen in. Maybe even send people in. So it's for emergencies only. Let's get to the house and suit up."