36 | video.

[osreborn]

[ He looks vaguely like he's gotten bad news, though it doesn't show in his voice. And it's only brief, because then he's got his usual affected calmness going on, smiling for the camera, a lighter and a barely visible pack of cigarettes at the very corner of the frame. ]

I hope everyone had a good holiday. Those of you who haven't experienced an Independence Day before this one: what did you think? Simply curious, of course -- it's such an American staple I'm sure a lot of the American citizens here can feel reassured that some things don't change. But to others, it must be a rather fascinating, if not inspiring, new experience.

Mm. Anyway, I wanted to mention that as of yesterday, I'm stepping back in as Director of the Avengers. Victoria Hand has done a wonderful job, but it was always going to be temporary. Beyond that, the structure of the team won't be changing, just the leadership back to how it was. And no, it isn't because of the Fourth, that's just a funny little coincidence. Though, Victoria, I'd like you to go about arranging what we discussed -- soon, please.

[ He looks -- subtly -- troubled, idly playing with a golden bang on his ring finger for a very brief moment. ]

I suppose that's everything. Good night.

[ ENCRYPTED to Desire ]

Delirium's gone.

Did you do this?

Comments

[private]

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

Norman? Is everything alright?

[private]

[osreborn]

[ Pause. ]

I'm not sure.

[private]

[medea-recast.livejournal.com]

Is there something I can help with?

voice; private

[enigmaestro.livejournal.com]

I feel her absence. Obviously you would know.

voice; private

[osreborn]

Obviously.

voice; she's still not sold on the video thing

[fairytalenames.livejournal.com]

The fireworks were amazing. Lovely holiday.

video

[osreborn]

I'm rather fond of it myself. You're new here, aren't you?

[liverletdie]

Oh welcome back. Although I don't think your vacation did much good.

[osreborn]

I wasn't on vacation, Stark. What has you so angry?

[video]

[not-polish.livejournal.com]

Welcome back, hon.

[video]

[osreborn]

Thank you, Sally. How was your weekend?

[voice]

[meowminx]

Something wrong, Norman?

[voice]

[osreborn]

What makes you ask? Why would anything be wrong?

[voice]

[deadthenred]

It's a nice holiday.

[voice]

[osreborn]

I'm not surprised you would agree.

Private; warded

[caststwoshadows.livejournal.com]

What is that phrase?

I am not my sister's keeper.

Slightly altered, of course.

private; warded

[osreborn]

So I'm supposed to believe it's just a coincidence, then.

[voice]

[superspeeds]

And I suppose people care so much for your Avengers.

[voice]

[osreborn]

I'd say "you would be surprised," but at this point you really shouldn't be.

voice;

[cantwatchthis.livejournal.com]

It's been a while since I've seen an Independance Day celebration. This one was better than I remembered them being.

voice;

[osreborn]

Really. Well, that must have been nostalgic. How long is a while?

[ voice - Darkdevil ]

[bedeviledspider.livejournal.com]

Are you all right, sir? You seem a bit troubled.

As for the holiday, it was all right. I've never been big on celebrations, myself.

[ voice ]

[osreborn]

Yes.

[ Confident. ]

Perfectly all right. Your concern is appreciated.

Nor fireworks? [ NOR PATRIOTISM. /judges but not really ]

[victoriaous.livejournal.com]

[She sounds a bit relieved, actually. And will ignore the obvious problems.]

It's good to have you back, sir.

[osreborn]

Of course it is.