tushanshu | [Voice]

[Before anything else there's the sound of rustling followed by a door shutting. Pepper is still trying to keep Tony from overexerting himself and overloading his 'heart'. It's been a long and difficult struggle. She didn't expect that she'd need to make this announcement, and with how busy she's been with the stubborn genius she hadn't even really thought of making it. However, after her conversation with Johnny she realized that she ought to have made it. Sadly, Bruce is going to end up put in the spotlight here. Hey, he's the best they've got without a 'badassium' heart.]

Stark Industries would like to extend it's facilities to those who are still able to assist with the current situation. If you're among those who are still capable and wish to help, then please see Dr Bruce Banner at the Stark Industries laboratories. Thank you.

[Private to those she knows who are either superhuman, magical, or use non-local tech to function]

[When she speaks this time Pepper drops the 'CEO' sounding edge to her voice. Her tone is sincere, soft, and slightly tired.]

I'm sorry I haven't been able to check in with anyone since all this started. If there's anything you need ... [It's not enough. She knows it's not enough. She knows that at least two of the people she holds dear here are in real danger, and there's nothing she can do about it but offer words. It's not nearly enough and she knows it, but it's all she has.] If there''s anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do everything in my power to help. I promise.

[/end]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I will be unable to work for the time being. I apologize for the delayed notification.

I'm not worried about that Archive. How are you holding up?

I am fine.

[ Biggest lie ever. ]

Archive, it's alright to need help.

I require none, thank you for your offer.

[ Sent a few moments later after some hesitation. ]

If this changes I will let you know.

Thank you Archive.

You ever think maybe it's not such a bad thing for everyone to be on equal footing for once?

[Sincere question, because Costigan's oblivious to the people who need their powers to live and because he and Pepper get along fairly well generally.]

She's trying very hard not to snap at him. Billy probably doesn't understand how serious this situation is for some of the people out there.]

Some people here need those powers to survive.

[A beat. When he speaks again, it's quieter and more solemn.]

Maybe it's these bodies. I can't believe I'm saying this. If someone died, they would get another body, right? One of those clones. Maybe the new body wouldn't have the restriction.

[You can hear the frown in her voice.]

That isn't how things work here. There's nothing good about what's going on Billy.

Why not? How do you know it wouldn't work?

[He disagrees about nothing good, but he knows better than to remark on that.]

I'm not willing to test your theory, and I don't think they are either.

[A beat.] You're right. I'm sorry.

[Pepper purses her lips, knowing that she was probably a bit too shark with him.]

It's alright, I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way as you.

If you need help...

[He trails off. He doesn't really want to help those with powers, but Pepper's good people.]

I'll be alright. I just have to keep Tony from overworking himself.

[She purses her lips, frowning.]

The person I'm most worried about is Jack.

You and me both. He's in the freezer, right?

No.

[She's frowning over here. Not knowing exactly how bad Jack was worried her.]

He says he's safe, but Jack's magic. If things don't get better he might not survive this.

If he says he's safe, he's safe. We'll figure something out for the future.

Or he just doesn't want people to worry.

[She knows too many people like that to trust it.]

I just hope Bruce and the others figure something out soon.

He wouldn't lie.. [Jack's a good kid. Do good kids lie?] ..Would he?

He wouldn't want to worry us, no matter how bad things were.

[Yes, he would lie.]

Shit. Should I be worried? People are helping him right?

Someone is with him, but if we can't fix this then there's nothing we can do to help him. That's why it's so important.

[There's a heavy pause before Costigan speaks extremely slowly, clearly not sure about his words even as he speaks them.]

You have to admit, there's something.. unnatural, about all of it. Maybe.. Maybe this is a way of- of keeping things contained.

[She frowned.]

Every world is different Billy.

[A pause, because she's right but he hates to admit it.]

We'll talk more later.

Alrighht.

[ softly: ] It's okay Pepper... you aren't responsible for everyone.

No, but I can still worry about the people I care about.

Is there anything you need?

I'm all right. Just taking it easy.

You're not alone are you?

[She will come get you if you are.]

I have the Wind here, we're just shooting the breeze.

[ SEE PEPPER HE MADE A PUN, SO HE'S OKAY. ]

[She notices that, but she's still worried.]

At least you aren't alone. I can come visit.

[She'd have to tie Tony to a bed, but that's ok.]

[Voice]

text; encrypted;

Re: text; encrypted;

text; encrypted;

Re: text; encrypted;

1/2; text; encrypted;

2/2; text; encrypted;

Re: 2/2; text; encrypted;

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

voice; encrypted 60%

Re: voice; encrypted 60%

video;

Re: video;

Re: video;

Re: video;

Re: video;

Re: video;