03 § video

[definingfuture]

[When the video feed comes on, Tony is selling the image of being personable. Nice suit, nice hair, and a smile that is inviting someone to start telling jokes.]

Current events seem kind of hairy lately. At least these come in a small package. After some of the other issues we've had, these guys are pretty manageable.

That's not what I wanted to talk about. Anyone else notice that we've got a problem with that? Talking. I mean, it makes sense. We're from different places, some of us are newer than others, and it's a lot to take in. I know some people have already been getting people together, so I figured it's time I stepped up too.

So, hi. My name's Tony Stark. Some of you know me. A lot of you probably know of the other Stark, but for those of you who managed by amazing misfortune to miss both of us, I'm an engineer. Used to run a company. I'm good at building machines. Also one of the guys with a second name and a few extra perks, but that's not important. The point is, we all have different talents to offer and we'll get a lot further if we work together. Just to be clear: I'm not recruiting for anything. If you're interested, we can talk. If not, there's no pressure.

[And with that he ends the transmission.]

Comments

[backinakidflash]

Let's be real, some of us come from worlds full of communication problems.

[definingfuture]

Okay, or we're from worlds with communication problems. I'll add that in next time.

Are you doing all right?

[langsyne]

[Tony Stark. That's certainly a name he knows well, though whether this man happens to be the Tony he knows or some alternative universe Tony is completely up in the air.

Maybe it's time to test the waters a bit.]

It was a damn good company. Had some of the best staff parties I've ever been too.

[definingfuture]

[Oh. Okay, the place has thrown a lot of strange things at him, but for some reason seeing Scott hadn't entered his mind. And he's kind of been distracted, so he hasn't checked up as closely as he should have on things.

This is why he needs to check up on these things.]

That's because we could get away with more things back then. The perks of being the biggest name in the industry.

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[elevenoutoften]

What sort of machines do you build, Mr Stark? So many options out there, it's always so hard to narrow down. I've always been a bit of a tinkerer myself, used to do engineering as a bit of a hobby. And, given the amount of spare time here, looks like I'll have to pick up a few hobbies again.

[Forgive him, he's babbling. He sort of does that.]

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[definingfuture]

Power units, equipment for energy detection and analysis, engines, propulsion systems, guidance systems... You know, this and that.

[He's delicately moving around the topic. Those who know him will probably add in the more colorful details eventually. There's no need to throw it out in the open.]

There's a lot of potential for this place if we put the work in. Your hobby could end up helping out everyone.

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[excessivehubris]

[Engineering was more Hank's specialty (possibly Erik's) than Charles' but Tony said other words that most definitely caught the telepath's attention.

Specifically 'different talents' and 'working together.' Enough to cause Charles to pause in his reading and open up a communication link.]

Hello, Mr. Stark.

Machines are not really my strong suit but I do like your idea of working together. When you ask about talking, what precisely are you looking to discuss?

[Alright, perhaps he's still feeling a bit cautious but the idea of working to pool the resources available to the Foreigners, is too good to ignore.]

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[definingfuture]

[He smiles with a little bit of playful cheesiness, because he knows the speech had the tone of an ice breaker. But at least it got some people talking back.]

Us, mostly. As a group--both part of Keeliai and as visitors. We don't know each other, but we should. We'll have to as long as we're all here.

And it wouldn't hurt to get a plan together. We know we're up against someone that doesn't like us. I'd like to be prepared for whatever they decide to throw at us next time.

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[doc_holi]

What exactly are you looking to gather people for, Mr. Stark?

Also, if you'll excuse my ignorance, I'm new here and I'm beginning to wonder what exactly the current events are in this place.

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[definingfuture]

I have to be gathering people for something? I just happen to like the company.

Well, for one we've got some very interesting wildlife that recently started flooding the place. Before that, our ride got sick and everything was kind of going to hell. It's better now though.

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[pandoricas]

[Here, have a derp blinking awkwardly at your post.]

People don't really talk, sometimes. [Pause.] I mean, sometimes the people who do talk are the ones who shouldn't.

[Rory, stop rambling.]

Um. Are you one of the people trying to find a way out of here?

[He's just guessing.]

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[definingfuture]

And we should all get better at it, but we won't.

Getting out would be nice, yeah. It's on my list. For now, I've got some other ideas in mind to start with.

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[the_other_eight]

[Give Pepper a minute, she's both trying not to give Tony a dry laugh and assessing the amount of money it's going to take to damage control whatever harebrained scheme Tony is probably coming up with. She knows that smile.

When the video function finally comes on on her end she's actually writing something down. Yes Tony, something you said triggered an idea for a new project.]

You're losing your touch Mr Stark.

Video

[definingfuture]

Excuse me?

[Look at this innocent face. He is so innocent. His ideas are all good ones. That's something he's always going to stand behind. He does see that Pepper's writing something, but unfortunately he can't hack a piece of paper to find out what that is.]

I'm greeting the neighbors. It's part of my service to the community.

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[demon_brat]

How good at building machines?

And what happened to the company?

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[definingfuture]

Good enough to make everyone else want my business. Unfortunately for them, the secrets stay with me.

Left it at home. [He shrugs.] Starting over is part of the fun.

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[storm_warning]

Yeah, right. Engineering is way over my head, so I'll let you play build-up with the other nerds.

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[definingfuture]

Well, if you wanted to play something else all you had to do was say so.

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[dustonmyfeet]

[Oh, hey, it's Shirt Guy again. Toph is a lot more at ease with her powers back, and much more amiable.]

I don't know anything about mechanics, but it looks like a lot of that's about bending metal -- and that I can do.

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[definingfuture]

[Aha.]

So are you Korra's friend? She's shown me some interesting tricks. I'd like to see what you can do with metal.

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[sciencewhizard]

Guess I never introduced myself last time. Name's Wally West.

I'm not half-bad at mechanics myself. [ And he's just casually checking his fingernails on one hand as if this is no big deal, when it actually is, though it probably isn't at all. Ego, isn't it fun? ]

If you ever need someone to help out with something, I've get extra hands and speed to offer.

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[definingfuture]

Wally. Nice talking to you again. And I'm guessing you're in much better condition now.

[That attitude is familiar. He has enough ego to appreciate someone with the same confidence.]

Say I have something in mind. How far do you think your "not half-bad" could get you?

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[purpledaggers]

Gathering a team already, Stark?

[Geez always trying to form teamz everywhere dude.]

If you are in need of assistance, I may have a few skills that can be of use. [Like you know. Being one of the smartest men on Earth and all that.]

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[definingfuture]

Just making a polite suggestion, Panther.

[Hey, did he even mention a team? No, he didn't. See how well-behaved this is?]

Actually, I could use your input on some things. I was going to call you directly. You have good timing. Have you gotten up to speed yet?

[callmegregarious]

What is it that you ain't recruitin' for?

[definingfuture]

I'm just trying to make sure we're all on the same page.

Although I'm pretty sure we could put together better accommodations and resources if we worked together.

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[crotcharrow]

[UGH. He doesn't even listen to you Tony, he just runs straight to the point.]

How many Starks do we even have now? [WAY MORE THAN WE NEED.]

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[definingfuture]

[Check another one off the list. He did say he wasn't going to fight.]

Easy.

[Take a deep breath.]

[video] wow okay missed this if it's too late I understand!

[witchnotwarlock]

I haven't gotten a chance to talk to the other you, yet, but... [Unsure of what to do with you, Tony, I mean Iron Man, I mean Mr. Stark.]

You sound like you're recruiting, just not giving a name for what it actually is.

[video] It's never too late!

[definingfuture]

[Oh, boy. He's braced for what's coming, but thankfully it's not another shouting teen.]

Yeah, well, other me isn't taking calls right now.

I'm just making a suggestion. [No harm in that, right? At least as far as he's gone.]

[video] Also this because talking is great

[bludhavenknight]

You know, I might be new, but I'm thinking the same thing in regards to talking to each other. I'm liking this network thing, it's like randomly typing in phone numbers and then talking to whoever picks up.

[video]

[definingfuture]

I'm glad some people feel that way. Sometimes it feels like I'm pulling teeth.

[For good reason, but nevermind that.]

Welcome to insanity.