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[the_other_eight]

[Pepper has managed to create a functional suit and belt by using a bedsheet and a sash from the curtains. (Yes, it really can be done) Still, she's making sure that nothing below her colarbone is visible. Her hair is well kept and brushed out, but still on the wavy side. With the sides pulled up in the back.]

I still don't believe that this isn't a dream, but the locals said that I could get in touch with people who might be from home over these. My name is Pepper Potts, and I'm looking for anyone who recagnizes my voice, face or name. If you could get in touch with me as soon as possible I would appreciate it.

[She doesn't actually expect anyone to get in contact with her, but this is such a weird dream that following it might give her some direction as to where it's going.]

Comments

video;

[iron_ego]

[That... Well. That's not exactly what Tony'd expected to see when he flicked through the day's entries on the console. Masquerade talk, Christmas shenanigans, and more crying for mommy to take them home? Sure. Pepper Potts doing a roll call? Not so much.

Tony looks a bit startled by this, but he activated the reply too soon to avoid that being caught on candid camera. He recovers after a moment, looking her over on the screen with a vaguely questioning cant to his expression. Is that a bedsheet?]

I don't seem to recall you wearing that to the office before, Miss Potts.

[Possibly missing the point of the entry, but he's a bit in shock that the turtle brought him his girlfriend for Christmas. And here he thought he'd be on the naughty list.]

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

[Yes Tony, that is a bedsheet, and in the background if you look really hard, that's your t-shirt lying folded on the bed. Pepper is nothing if not tidy.

The sight of Tony doesn't really surprise Pepper at all. Of course he'd make some sort of appearance, and his presence wasn't discrediting her belief that this was still just one strange and slightly disturbing dream.

Pepper's lips purse and her arms cross over her chest in that ever so familiar pose which clearly states more then words that this has been just one more added annoying thing to whatever she's dealing with today. Tony's shocked face has been added to the shape shifting people, the cart ride from hell, and being supposedly dropped off in some world that isn't really anywhere in particular.]

Because this is one of those dreams where I'm naked for half of it.

video;

[iron_ego]

Well, that explains why I'm in it.

[That's a pretty disjointed and almost uncertain grin there, because he was still learning how not to playboy incessantly at her when the turtle brought him here and now he's a few months out of practice.

He coughs and looks away briefly.]

Now, I don't want to burst your dream bubble here, Pepper, but you might want to rethink the dream angle. [Tony knocks on the screen of his console for effect.] Have you tried pinching yourself?

[Not that he advocates pain or anything, but that's usually a good way to make sure it's not some Sandman's painting distorting perception.]

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

[Pepper purses her lips for a second. Why was Tony so darn charming no matter where he was. It tended to make things unfair.]

Actually in most of my dreams you're bursting into flames.

[She's just glad he hasn't done so yet. Pepper's actually used to the play playboy act by now. It's been a bit of time since Tony's actually gone after anyone that isn't her.

She knocks right back.]

You can feel pain in dreams Tony.

video;

[iron_ego]

[That's because he holds a monopoly on charming, suave, and handsome. It's not fair, he knows, but he bears this burden well.]

Really. That's pretty graphic there. [A thoughtful look.] Do you really think I'm that hot?

[He's trying to take the edge off how that must worry her and, really, his trademark attitude's his best method of neutralising anything.]

Though, that does prove that this isn't a dream. I haven't gone Cajun for at least twenty-four hours now.

[More like a few months, but he's not sure that telling her right off the bath exactly how long he's been loose on this turtle without supervision is a good idea.]

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

[He holds a monopoly on a great many things. Pepper knows this well. She can't help the corners of her mouth twitching up at his comment. Ever the egoist Tony.]

Where are you?

[Pepper won't feel comfortable till she's able to touch Tony with her own hands. Not that she plans to let anyone know that.]

video;

[iron_ego]

At home, as it were.

[He studies her backdrop in the brief moment that statement takes, noting the creature comforts of the Fire Sector as being much the same as his own suite had been. Well, pre-renovations at his end, because he now has a whole floor dedicated to being his workshop and Mark VI armour storage/maintenance area.]

It's actually not far from you, I'd wager. You do have that fiery glow about you -- or is that anger? Frustration?

[He is so good at triggering them. COUGH.]

Name the number of floors in your suite and I'll come by. [There's only a set number of building with each floor count and he'll be able to find her. Jarvis almost has already by interfacing with the consoles and filling in the blanks. It's not like he's desperate to get to her or anything. NOPE. COUGH.] No point in having you spoil this year's Milan star attire by traipsing about. Especially with a party coming soon.

video;

[trainwrecked]

Hello, Pepper. I'm Bucky.

[He almost asked if that's her real name... and then realized how ridiculous that would be with saying his own, so he decided to forgo it in favor of a smile, instead.]

It's not really likely that this is a dream for some of us, but that's okay, probably. You need any help settling' in?

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

That's exactly what a dream apparition would say.

[She crosses her arms over her chest and purses her lips.]

video;

[trainwrecked]

As would be anything else, though, wouldn't it.

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

[Sorry Bucky, but that charming smile of yours is wasted on the woman who's had to deal with New York's #1 playboy for years.

Still, the man has a point. Pepper is just .... conveniently ignoring it in favor of her sanity.]

I'd prefer to believe in the logical until given solid proof otherwise. Until then you're just a charming figment of my over stressed mind.

video;

[trainwrecked]

[That's because he isn't trying. Yet.]

[Rather, he leans closer to the screen, chin in hand, genuinely curious.]

Yeah? What'd be considered solid proof in favor of this place?

Re: video;

[the_other_eight]

Something that I can confirm isn't something fabricated from my mind.

VIDEO

[usavatar]

Ma'am. We haven't officially met, but I know your- [BOSS? BOYFRIEND? SIGNIFICANT OTHER? THAT ASSHOLE?] I'm acquainted with Mr. Stark.

Re: VIDEO

[the_other_eight]

[All those titles work Steve.

Pepper can't help smiling a little. They haven't met, but Pepper's seen his face and heard enough about him from Tony.]

Yes, he's mentioned you. You're, Steve Rogers, right?

[She'd offer her hand if this wasn't over video feed.]

[usavatar]

[His expression is... well. It's a bit like he's got a piece of meat stuck between his teeth and is unsure whether it's polite or not to try winkling it out in present company.]

Yes ma'am. [NOT GOING TO ASK WHAT STARK SAID.] If it's a dream, it's one that's hazardous to the health of those involved at times, and a lot more creative than some of those living it.

[A pause.] This is going to sound strange, but can I ask when you're from? What... significant events have happened recently?

[Because she might not be surprised at his presence because, well, dream. Or she could be from after he's found - but with all the timeline variations happening asking seems simpler.]

[the_other_eight]

[She knows he's trying not to ask. After all, who wouldn't want to know what Tony said about them. Especially when it's the person his father idolized.]

Recently most of my dreams have been hazardous to those involved's health.

[Pepper purses her lips, thinking of a tactful way of saying that the Avengers and Loki's alien army just decimated New York.]

Stark Industries has just started construction to rebuild Stark Tower.

video; encrypted 65%

[usavatar]

[A tiny exhalation of relief.] We're at least on the same page then.

[And then a switch to encryption, not that it will make much difference because Tony.] Mr. Stark... isn't.

Re: video; encrypted 65%

[the_other_eight]

[Pepper is aware that there is a switch in the computer code, but she's not entirely sure what it is. She has a guess or two though.]

Are you trying to keep this from him? It won't work.

[Unless they meet in person, and even then it's likely that she won't keep it from Tony if he asks.]

Wait.

[What he just said about Tony takes a moment to sink in.]

What?

[video | encrypted 70%]

[tendnottoweep]

Welcome to Keeliai, Ms. Potts. It doesn't seem appropriate to say I'm glad to see you, under the circumstances, but I am relieved. Stark could use a handler.

Is there anything I can help you with? [ Like, say, acquiring a few changes of clothes? ]

Re: [video | encrypted 70%]

[the_other_eight]

Thank you. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to wake up any time soon or not.

[She's still not entirely sure what to call the woman. Natalie was her cover, but by now she's well aware that wasn't her name. She supposes Ms. Romanoff would work, but she's also not sure if she's aware that Pepper knows the fact that she's a shield agent or not. Really Tony, you haven't stopped making her life complicated.]

If you happen to have a modest change of clothing it wouldn't be unwelcome.

[Even though Tony is probably on his way over right now.]

[video | encrypted 70%]

[tendnottoweep]

I understand the thought, but I doubt it. If we were going to wake up, I think I would have already.

A change of clothes is easy; I think I should be able to find something to fit you in my closet. Do you need it now, or would you like some time to settle in first? [ Settle in, talk to Stark, whatever you want to call it. ]

Re: [video | encrypted 70%]

[the_other_eight]

How long have you been here.

[Pepper bites her lip slightly, thinking.]

Mister Stark is coming by with clothing I believe.

[video | encrypted 70%]

[tendnottoweep]

[ A faint smile. ] Of course he is.

[ She gets more serious at the question, though, a little irritated by the answer and the fact that she's still trapped here. ] I've been here for a little over three months. Captain Rogers has been here longer.

Re: [video | encrypted 70%]

[the_other_eight]

[She'll quietly ignore that smile. Then she comments on how long she's been here and how Steve Rodgers has been here longer. She frowns.]

And Mister Stark?