[Console] Video;

[lasergrenades]

[When the screen comes on there is a face just a little too close to the camera; it’s got freckles and red hair. The figure scoots back a bit, and a young woman in her late teens appears, grinning nervously.]

Uh, hiiii. I’m Pepper. Pepper Potts. I come from a city called New York which some of you have probably heard of and if you haven’t you should because its awesome. Or, it was awesome before a bunch of aliens came and tried to destroy the planet, which they might still do, I got here before we blew up the ship when I got teleported, so it might not be so awesome when you go visit. [She pauses, catching herself.] Er. If, I guess. Sorry, I talk a lot when I’m nervous, apparently, that’s what everyone always tells me. Actually they say I talk too much all the time, not just when I'm nervous. Especially Tony and Rhodey and Gene. Oh! Yeah, I'm from the same place as Tony and Gene. Well, not exactly, we came here from different places, or something, which I don't really understand yet.

[She takes a deep breath and tries to slow down the torrent of words.] Anyway. I hear there’s some big bad running around and since I’m kind of used to fighting supervillains I’m totally there if you need someone to help with butt-kicking. Probably.

[Pepper sags a little bit.]

I could use some help figuring out what to do here. I’m supposed to get a job and all I ever wanted to be is a SHIELD agent. I could help...organize...things? Unless someone needs a personal shopper, in which case I am so there.

Comments

[lasergrenades]

If you're not nice and you weren't prepared to tell me something, which you have already, then why did you respond in the first place? Talking to me is a pretty nice thing to do, you know.

[valevectorian]

To kill time. And like I said, I only bother with what I feel like telling people.

You're not taking this shit personally, are you?

[lasergrenades]

What, am I your entertainment now?

[She's a little irritated, but not so much that she's going to end the feed.]

And I won't now that I figured out you're just a giant grumpmuffin.

[valevectorian]

...Grumpmuffin?

[lasergrenades]

What? You are grumpy. Don't take it personally. [Pepper smiles again.] I'd bet you'd be all right over coffee, too, hence the muffin.

[valevectorian]

No one over the age of ten would use the term 'grumpmuffin' if they wanted to be taken seriously.

[lasergrenades]

Oh, lighten up. It was supposed to be a joke. They have to have those in Academy City.

[valevectorian]

Sure. But my sense of humor's been largely dead for years.

[lasergrenades]

No wonder you're so grumpy. You must still find something funny.

[valevectorian]

And if I say I don't?

[lasergrenades]

I probably won't believe you. [ She shrugs.] Everyone finds something funny, even if no one else understands why.

[valevectorian]

You go on and think that, then. I stand by my statement, and I don't see much of a point of wasting effort on convincing a random person I just met.

[lasergrenades]

I will, thank you very much. [She's so tempted to stick her tongue out right now.] I'll probably keep thinking it even when I'm not just some random person. Speaking of which, do you like coffee? Or tea?

[valevectorian]

[unimpressed look, raises brow]

Why do my drink preferences matter to you?

[lasergrenades]

I..thought you might let me treat you to something. [She looks a little sheepish.] As a thank you. Er, once I get a job and can afford it. Or steal from Tony's wallet like she always does.

[valevectorian]

[strange look]

I haven't done anything worth being thanked over. Save your money for someone or something else.

[lasergrenades]

Yes, you did. You were the first person to talk to me here that I didn't already know. And even if you aren't nice - like you say you aren't - that was a nice thing to do, so it's worth a thank you. Plus the tea here is great.

[valevectorian]

Your standards are weird.

[lasergrenades]

[Pepper shrugs, grinning.] I don't really know what normal is, and I don't really care either. Weird is good.