one █ voice

[uzi]

_{( The voice is clipped, sharp, and to the point-- no scuffling with controls or stopping to take things in, here. Also? Whoever this woman is, she sounds pissed off. )}

So, City—great name, by the way, though I think someone beat you to it—stop me if I’ve got any of this wrong.

Alternate dimension, time travel, and duplicates of people we might already know. Superpowers, overly ambitious AI, and absolutely no discretion about who it pulls in, despite claiming to want “heroes.”

And apparently no reliable way back, since you’re all sitting on your hands, here. Perfect.

Just one question—is the universe as I know it going to implode because of all this crap?

Comments

[uzi]

You never know. This could be the one universe where there aren't reasons.

[hulk]

Sorry to burst your bubble. [ urk ] And before any other questions pop up: I don't know anything about superheroes - Avengers or... Whatever otherwise.

[uzi]

Yeah? Me, neither. Or at least not in the way that seems common around here.

[hulk]

...Oh. Well, that's. Generally good. I think.]

[uzi]

I wouldn't qualify anything about this place as "good."

[hulk]

...There might be. I mean, you just got here. You never know.

[uzi]

It's New York, except that I was brought here against my will and none of the people I know are here.

I do know.

[hulk]

I mean-- Aside from that. Like a silver lining, at least in comparison even if it's a little thing, then.

[uzi]

Did you find one of those?

[hulk]

[ He chews it over. ]

...A couple, yes.

[uzi]

Then you'd better hope you're doing something to deserve them.

[hulk]

I'm trying. Believe me.

[ Living and not being chased by anybody (yet, he tacks on, even in his head) and... Family. Of all shapes and sizes. It's. ...It's something, man. ]

[uzi]

I don't take anyone's word for anything. So the belief isn't coming that easily.

[hulk]

...Makes sense. I don't know you, and y- Well. You don't know me-me. So. Understandable.

[uzi]

_{( hhhhhrg. )}

I'm Monica.

And I've got my eye on you, Banner.

[hulk]

[ hhhhrg right back at you ]

Join the club.

[uzi]

Not much of a joiner. But given the circumstances... _{( eyeing you. )}

[hulk]

There are no circumstances. ...Not yet, an-. And if I have any say, there won't be. Ever.

[uzi]

Keep thinking that, if it makes you feel better.

[hulk]

It's not just thinking. I meant it.

[uzi]

Wishful thinking. And if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

[hulk]

I'm not w- [ frustrated noise ] Never mind. You'll see.

[uzi]

I guess we'll see, won't we?

[hulk]

...I just said that.

[uzi]

But I meant the opposite of what you did.