tushanshu | (video) three.

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(video) three.

Apart from the occasional-- [ ahem ] --magical hiccup or two, I realize that things have been rather quiet around here. [ and, believe it or not, he doesn't look the littlest bit upset about it. sometimes quiet is good! quiet means that he's spent of a lot of time cooped up in his lab, but it also means that a malicious entity of literally unspeakable evil isn't going around and slashing up people in their nightmares. or doing whatever it does. ]

--but, that being said, I don't think anyone would disagree with me when I say that now's not the time to get complacent. And for those of us looking to really try and make a difference here, this is our best opportunity to do so.

I have a few acquaintances in the kedan community who're willing to take on Foreigner help for a number of tasks our talents may be… More suited to completing. [ us foreigners and our crazy powers, am i right? ] They offer compensation, of course, and the promise of more to come should everything go smoothly.

[ the important part is left unspoken. while great headway's been made into establishing good relations with the kedan, there's still work left to be done. money's great and all, but surely this is the greater of the two rewards. ]

I should have more solid details in a few weeks -- for now, this is just something for the more enterprising among you to keep in mind. [ a brief pause, and he smiles. ] My name is Qilby. I hope I'll be seeing more of you about this in the days to come.

((ooc details on this little venture will be in a post later this month!))

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What kind of help are they looking for?

[His skillset is, admittedly, somewhat narrow, but he's got the time to spare. That, and keeping his mind and body busy seems like a hell of a lot better than sitting around moping the day away.]

All sorts, to tell you the truth. Many places were hit hard during the-- [ what's the right word? ] --crisis a few months back, and not everyone's fully recovered. There are still sectors to clean up, rebuilding to be done... The gangs to contend with.

[ he smiles reassuringly. ] Admittedly, it's all very menial right now. The glamorous jobs come later, once we've made friends.

[Honestly? It sounds all up his alley. The honest answer earns Qilby a tired, but genuine, smile.]

I'm pretty used to menial and small jobs. [Literally.] I have some spare time right now; I could probably help out.

[ honesty's the best policy, that's what he probably always says! and while this work is all undeniably important, he's not one to make a mountain out of an... anthill. ]

Ah, splendid! They-- we would be grateful for any help you could give. [ and then, curiously: ] So what is it you normally do, if you don't mind my asking? It'd be useful for me to have an idea of everybody's talents here.

[Harde har har.

But, ahah, here comes the question of the ages, one he can't exactly answer in a straightforward manner without getting judged for the rest of his (probably short) life. And really, he's had enough of that already.]

I work with electronics. [Truth.] Mostly in fixing things up and maybe inventing small things here or there. [He shrugs.] I made some air conditioned cages for the tribbles back when there were more of them in people's houses than there are shoes in a woman's closet.

[The following is said a little self-consciously.] I'm also good at getting into small spaces.

[ huh. the electronics are one thing, but the other... well, it's technically a talent. and that's what counts, right?

okay, so maybe qilby's judging just a little. but at least he's way too nice to say anything about it! ]

How many other people can say that? You'll be my go-to when small spaces need invading. [ he shakes his finger. ] The tribbles, though-- that's the sort of thing I'm talking about. Good to know you already have experience with public service.

Depends. If you're talking subatomic, not a lot.

[His tone is oddly professional here. He may not like to talk about her superhero career a whole lot, but when he does he's going to be damn proud of the legacy Hank Pym left him.

In response to the tribbles, Scott just shrugs.]

I like helping people. It's kind of what I do.

[ qilby's been around other foreigners long enough to have familiarized himself with the sciences of other worlds. but when he hears "subatomic," he's still confused, because he thought that referred to-- and surely no one could be talking about spaces that small-- ]

I... Didn't know we were talking subatomic. [ and where he sounded merely polite about it before, now he sounds... actually kind of genuinely impressed! ] Is this something you can do naturally or, or an invention of yours?

An invention of a friend's, actually.

[Except is he still allowed to count Hank as a friend when they don't even talk? Ehhh, he'll count him as a friend for now.]

They're particles suspended in gas that allow the user - or anything affected by the gas - to shrink down to small sizes. The final size depends on the amount of gas used but with enough you could go subatomic. I've done it once or twice.

[And here he winces at the memory.] I wouldn't really recommend it though. Going subatomic, that is. Things get kind of...wonky when you're that small.

[ fictional science is great, isn't it? wacky shrinking particles sound totally legit!

qilby smiles wryly. ] I think I'll take that advice. The universe is quite big enough for me without expanding my perspective by several trillion times. [ a thoughtful pause. ] It's interesting, though-- I'd always turned my studies outward, to the stars and planets and beyond. I'd never thought of there being any other way to feel so utterly small.

[Dryly:] I can use some on you if you'd like to experience a whole new world.

[But nah, he's kidding. Fictional science is pretty damn gr8 though and Scott loves his science and his tinkering and his inventions that wouldn't make any sense in real world America. But! Stars and planets and other things.]

Does that make you some sort of astronomer then? I've never really paid much attention to space.

Among many things, yes. Biologist, engineer, physician... I'd spent many, many years studying my home world, so it was only natural that I eventually turn my attentions outside it.

[ why limit yourself to exploring every inch of one world when there are innumerable others out there? and while you're at it, why limit yourself to one universe when there are apparently so many more?

he laughs appreciatively. ] Maybe I will take you up on that. If you're offering tours, that is.

That's a lot of different things to be.

[He doesn't even look that old, what the heck. But Scott's definitely appreciative of people who can juggle a lot of varying (and difficult!) occupations and hobbies, and his admiration shows in his voice.]

And there's not a lot interesting to see here - unless you're a fan of turtle mites - but yeah, I could do that. Whenever you're free.

For someone with no shortage of time on his hands, it's not enough.

[ truth. can you imagine a cerebral sort like him living forever with nothing to occupy his mind? it'd be enough to drive anyone crazy, ha ha! ]

--But, it's certainly a start. And just being here's opened me up to so much more. [ shrinking. who knew? ] What's your name?

[Yeeah, Scott kinda died before he even reached over-the-hill status, the concept of having too much time and not enough to fill it with never really occurs to him. The unfortunate side of being only human.

But! Introductions.]

Scott Lang. It's nice to meet you, Mr. ...?

Qilby. Just Qilby. [ "mr. qilby" is just wrong. ]

And the pleasure's mine. I'm only sorry my studies kept me from reaching out to others on the network like you sooner. [ he waves his hand vaguely. ] But, presented with a whole new world like this to explore, it was bound to happen. Given past histories and all.

[Would "Dr. Qilby" be any better?]

It's a big turtle. Plus there's a lot going on. [AKA unnecessary apology accepted anyway.] But you'll have to tell me about your studies at some point. I'm sure there's a lot about this place that's different from where we both come from.

[ no complaint there, but there is the minor matter of the, uh, doctorate. although you'd think that after a couple thousand years of study, you'd just earn an honorary title...

he laughs a little. ] Careful what you wish for. You have no idea how long I can go on about my work.

But I'll gladly do so -- at least, if you'll do the same.

We've got plenty of time here.

[And it's not as though he's got any other pressing matters to attend to on the turtle. So story time with Doc Quilby sounds like a great idea.]

And sure thing, though my stuff's probably not nearly exciting as yours.

Plenty of time. [ he repeats, still smiling-- but there's a faint, almost undetectable hint of melancholy in his voice when he says it.

and then, eyeing the feed with mock suspicion, qilby arches a brow. ] You wouldn't be trying to sell yourself short on me, would you? [ he shakes his head. ] There's very little that doesn't interest me, Mister Lang. Frankly, I can't get enough of it all. Whatever you have to offer, I'm sure it's more exciting than you're making it out to be.

[He'll just. Hold out his hands in responding mock innocence.]

Not at all, Quilby. I'm just used to working with guys who believe in the whole "bigger is better" concept.

All that need be big are ideas. [in that sense, bigger is better. he's dealt with too many small-thinking people in his lifetimes.] But I can understand where you're coming from.

I'm not the only scientist working here -- have you spoken with any of the others on the turtle? You may find more like-minded people.

[Scott smiles a bit ruefully at that.]

I'm not really a scientist, more of an engineer. But no, I haven't. [He shrugs.] It's fine though. I've always been more of a behind-the-curtains kinda guy.

An engineer, then. I've found the two are greater together than apart; my most incredible collaborations have been with engineers.

[well, with one in particular-- but the chances of him arriving are laughable at best. and it's almost definitely better off that way.

earnestly:] You could benefit from reaching out.

[Aw Quilby you're cute and Scott likes you. His earnestness elicits a small laugh and an answering smile.]

I'll see what I can do. I'm afraid I don't know too many people here though. [Networking is so hard when you have to start all over.] You wouldn't happen to have any recommendations, would you?

Are you going on an adventure? Because I like adventures.

[Bullshit. But he does like science. That is apparently Qilby's area of choice, so Tony's interested.]

[ he laughs. ] I'll be going nowhere. King that I am, my talents lay in sitting around and telling other people to go on adventures.

No, my role will be strictly managerial. That'll take up more than enough of my time, and I've already got other projects as it is. [ as you well know, his tone seems to say. ]

Of course. How could I forget? I wouldn't want you to have to move from your throne room. [The return is just as teasing.]

Speaking of other projects, I hope you won't be too reclusive about them. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you.

Someone of my advanced years shouldn't deal with that much excitement-- but I suppose I can make an exception for you.

[ he'd expect anyone else to possibly mistake his bone-dry humor for sincerity, but he and tony've talked science before. there's simply no way the other man doesn't know he's just feigning disinterest. ]

Well, I'd hate to put you out, but I think I can make it worth your while.

[Even if he did believe Qilby was serious, Tony already has his mind set on tackling that power cell he was shown before. He's not about to miss the opportunity now. And since they are both interested in the same thing--namely, progress--he assumes that Qilby will keep working with him.]

I know you can. [ whether you mean to or not.

his smile fades somewhat; it's time to talk business. ] The Eliacube is yours to study, as long as I'm present when you do so. It's not an issue of trust, of course-- I'm simply duty-bound to watch over my people's most important possession.

[ in other words, "protect your interests." he's sure that's a sentiment tony can appreciate. ] And as its creator I would, of course, offer my expertise wherever its required. Is that acceptable?

[His smile is subdued by the shift in tone. Or maybe the mention of the cube itself. He's paying more attention, because he doesn't want to miss any opportunities to work with it.]

Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less from you. Just... as long as I get the hands on time with it we talked about.

[His look is questioning, just to make sure they are both on the same page. Tony is interested. He's interested enough to double check his boundaries.]

[ there's a pause, just long enough to make it seem as if he's about to reconsider, and then-- ]

That won't be a problem. [ more cheerfully! ] Now I'm sure you'll want to get started as soon as possible -- you have your own labs, I presume?

[ he can't help a bit of his curiosity slip in through his tone. tony's seen his work, now he's interested to see his. ]

[He almost tenses up at the pause. For half of a second, Tony thinks that Qilby might turn him down. Then he agrees to let him work on it and Tony grins.]

Me? I operate out of home. I have everything I need, and it's easier to keep track of things. Sometimes I visit the SI labs, but there's nothing like your own tools.

[Tony says that like it's some kind of private joke. What it's about unfortunately remains vague.

[ cheers to that. with work as specialized as theirs, they'd almost be handicapping themselves by not hand-choosing every bit and bob in their labs.

but apparently this is not entirely the case? his brow wrinkles in confusion. ] I would think they are your tools. It's Stark Industries, isn't it?

Wrong Stark.

[He visibly withdraws a bit, but attempts to play off his answer as casual. It's one of those things that actually makes Tony uncomfortable, but what can you do?]

It's not my company. Another guy started it up. We just happen to have the same name. My tools are a slightly different flavor.

Evidently I'm not as aware of everything on the turtle as I like to think I am. [and he likes to think he knows everything. so there's that.

still, the last thing he'd like to do is make tony feel uncomfortable, so he doesn't press further. he just notes the other man's reaction, looks faintly apologetic, and moves past the point.] I'm sorry, it was my mistake.

--In any case, this is best done wherever you feel most comfortable working. If that is your residence, then that will do perfectly. I've no other specialised tools from my world anyway, so what we have here is what we're going to have to use.

[Tony can work through a lot of discomfort. He shrugs off the apology easily enough. After all, there have been multiple Tony Starks in Keeliai for a while and he can see where the confusion comes from. And in a more honest perspective, they are similar. They have the same potential for technology. But he does smile and wave that apology off as if it were a mistake he might have to forgive.]

I like to work from home. It makes things easier that way. And I like to think I've got a handle on working with what I've got on hand.

[There's a joke in there somewhere, although he knows Qilby won't know what he's referring to. It's more for himself than anything else.]

Edited 2013-10-30 03:46 (UTC)

Very practical of you. [it sounds like a compliment. truth be told, he's also sort of accustomed to dealing with what's given to him; for millennia he's been making-do with the scraps of new knowledge he could wrest from a planet he's explored every inch of. he's just not quite so content to settle for what he has.

he falls silent, pausing to fiddle with something out of view of the console. when he finally speaks again, his voice is carefully neutral.] It's strange-- before coming here, I'd thought about the possibilities of multiple universes. But now that I've actually spoken with people from these different universes, I find that I didn't quite expect so many common threads to be drawn between so many of them and my own. [richard's world and its eleth, so similar to his own world and wakfu, come to mind.] Have you ever encountered something similar to my Eliacube on your world?

[The answer sounds... honest. Which is really to be expected since Tony isn't showing off some great lab facility or anything on a grand scale. He isn't expecting Qilby to be impressed. Not yet. He hasn't seen what Tony can really do.]

Actually? It's not as strange as you'd think. We did have something like that developed by... some ambitious people with not a lot of common sense. They were going for advanced reality-bending power and advanced science unsurprisingly was their forte. But I wouldn't say they're exactly the same. I think I'd trust yours more.

So people would help each other, using whatever talents we can do, and...

[He's very excited.] Kind of like roaming bands of people doing good deeds for everyone, but they go on adventures, and this is some kind of adventure?

[Oh man. Oh man. He wants in. He so wants in.] I can help! Whatever it is, I can help, or try to help, or something?

[he can't help but laugh. it's a warm, pleasant sound.] Well, if you're half as talented as you are enthusiastic, then I'm sure you can do more than help.

Roaming bands, eh? I like it. [he's sort of a part of a roaming band, himself! going on adventures in space...] Centuries from now, after we defeat the evil here, perhaps they'll even sing songs about us.

I can definitely try, but I'm told my enthusiasm is always bigger then anything else in the world. [He laughs. Definitely not true, but he didn't like bragging. Really didn't like bragging.]

Think they'll play them on a harp, or something else? Maybe a fiddle. [He thinks.] Definitely a fiddle.

It does pay to plan these things out ahead of time, and evidently you're very much on top of it. [a wry little smile.] What's your name, so that I might remember it when you're inspiring kedan songwriters everywhere?

If it's interesting, I'm always on top of it. [Billy laughs, but he is kind of serious. He's pretty on the ball with this.]

I'm Billy Kaplan. But most of my friends call me Wiccan. Sort of like a code name, thing. [He doesn't hide it here. He didn't have to worry about hurting his parents by being the superhero he wants to be.]

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[video] oh my god yes this plot

[video] oh my god yes, players... 8)

[video] I'm sorry this is late, if you don't want to continue I understand!

[video] not at all a problem, if you don't mind my own lateness this week! :')

[video] <333 No problems anywhere!