006 | Video | Day 70

[manofiron]

[ Although the video’s on, it shows a remarkably dull view of the sky. After a moment, during which nothing happens, it may become apparent that its owner doesn’t realize that it’s on. When he starts speaking, in the vague, disconnected voice of a man who’s either delirious, sick, or extremely hungover, it may go a long way in explaining why he doesn’t know he’s being recorded. ]

Well, that… must’ve been some night. [ He sighs and the video blurs until it shows a delightful view of the ground. ] JARVIS, where’s the car? And the nearest source of ibuprofen. I need like, a bottle. Or six.

[ There’s a moment of silence. ]

Jay? Don’t do this to me again, buddy. There’s at least enough power in the— [ The image spins, like the hand the camera’s attached to is patting at something. ] Seriously? The car and the transmitter? What the hell happened last night?

[ There’s another blur and it resolves into a wobbly image of the sky again. ]

Okay, this isn’t the end of the world. Deliverance, maybe, or the woodsy version of The Hills Have Eyes. But that’s okay. I can handle it. Just gotta find a gas station, preferably one without a bunch of cannibalistic yokels, call Rhodey, try not to get eaten by said cannibals, and wait for help to come. And then take a vacation, because obviously going down to the Crab Shack for happy hour with Mister Irresponsible is a bad idea.

[ And with that, he stops talking and starts walking. ]

Comments

[video]

[nevermindtherunning]

[This probably was the last person Tony expected to see.]

Ah, Tony Stark! You're back!

[The Doctor knew he had been missing... A LOT of people had been missing, but he had a sick feeling they'd be returning just as he did once before.

And with a waggle of fingers and a wave, the Doctor offered a grin.] I would've said 'welcome back' but it's not exactly a holiday here.

[manofiron]

[ The image shifts quickly, focuses on his face, largely the same, as he jerks his wrist up to study it. ]

Sorry, what?

[ He eyes the device, surprise edging into confusion. ]

Define back. Back where? Is this Tennessee?

[nevermindtherunning]

Tennessee? Isn't that where Nashville is? Unless it suddenly was transplanted by the ocean, nope!

You're back to the delightful Cape Kore. Do you... not remember being here?

[The Doctor is growing more and more disturbed (yet slightly fascinated) by the different outcomes of people's returns. Some remember, some don't. What warrants this?]

( video )

[rigging]

Tony? [ A beat, as Jesse squints, and then he maybe laughs. Just a little! It's a massive relief, and it... just makes sense. The Hulk comes back, and Tony follows. ] Swear, anybody not past the 50s needs a translator t'keep up with you.

[manofiron]

Uh, yeah. Yeah, that's...

[ He blinks at the screen, closes an eye, studies it for a second, then opens it again. ]

I think I'm too hungover for this. What's going on?

[rigging]

[ A beat, then: ] You're back in Kore. You been gone a few days, here - I dunno how long it's been for you. [ He rubs at the back of his neck. ]

You alright, man? I got like half a bottle of painkillers, if you need 'em.

[reluctantsword]

Hey, Tony.

[Wallie has an eyebrow raised, because honestly there's something a bit unsetling about Tony's rambling.]

I know you've been gone and all, and I hate to spring this on you, but I think our big green friend could use you, last I checked.

[manofiron]

Big green...

[ He's lifting his wrist to get a better look at the device, but stops when he processes that - albeit a little slowly - and looks around. ]

I don't see any smoke. What's the status of the situation?

[reluctantsword]

[Smoke? Maybe that's reasonable. He remembers the gazebo well enough.]

He's calm. But he was asking for you. I gather you're 'Tin Man,' anyway.

[Maybe the name doesn't make quite as much sense as 'Tattoo Face,' but he won't question it, either.]

[thezerothlaw]

[Daneel is just... alarmed. He knows of JARVIS, and he knows JARVIS isn't here. If Tony's talking to him, then it's something that is possibly worth being alarmed about. It's shades of the hallucinogen all over again.]

Friend JARVIS is not here, Tony, and multiple bottles of analgesics would be very unwise.

[manofiron]

Yeah, no, I know. Figured it out when I couldn't find the transmitter in my ear.

You're wrong, though, about the analgesics. Those would be very wise. My head's killing me.

[thezerothlaw]

[Well, that's something.]

I disagree. They are not intended to be taken in those sorts of doses. A smaller dose is acceptable. I'm sure something could be located.

[If it were possible to hover through a wrist-strapped device, Daneel would be doing that.]

Other than head pain, are you all right?

Audio

[recognize_an_opportunity]

You're right; it's not the end of the world, but I'm also fairly certain there isn't a gas station here, so you may be out of luck there.

[manofiron]

That's a bitch. How about drug stores? Supermarkets? Anywhere with some pharmaceuticals? Or the ingredients to make my own?

[recognize_an_opportunity]

There's a store you could probably get aspirin at. It depends on how strong of pharmaceuticals you're looking for.

[Video]

[thelittlestbub]

You okay, Stark?

[manofiron]

Jury's out. What's the status of this place?

video

[greenisnteasy]

There you are. [ He's relieved, but mostly he sounds annoyed that Tony's been hiding from him. ] Where? I'll come get you.

[manofiron]

Hey, look at this. Man of the hour. How've you been? I'm...

[ He trails off to look around. ]

Looks like I'm about halfway between the forest and the town. Where're you?

[video]

[blackmagus]

Mister Stark.

[Have a quizzical expression.]

There are no cannibalistic yokels that I've seen. But by all means, let us know if you find them.

[manofiron]

There's not? You're sure? No one got tired of the food problem and decided long pig was the way to go?

Good. Let's keep it that way.

[ video ]

[noblexcompanion]

Well, well, well. If it isn't the co-founder of the Complicated Club. I was beginning to think you had turned in your badge and skipped off frolicking through the forest.

You alright? You look kind of rubbish if I'm honest.

[manofiron]

Nope. No frolicking for me. It's not in my contract. Co-founders aren't allowed, it's undignified to the gravity of our complicated station.

[ He knows he looks like hell. He's okay with that. So he smiles, amused. ]

I've had better days. But believe it or not, I've actually looked worse than this.

( v i d e o )

[mentis]

Mr. Stark, welcome back.

[ He thought they were going to lose all the good scientists. ] I confess I don't understand half of what you've said but I hear that being a little erratic when first returning is natural.

Your friend was looking for you while you were gone.

[manofiron]

No, that's--I was talking to JARVIS. Who isn't here, I've discovered.

[ And he actually sounds sad about that. ]

Really? I have friends? News at eleven. Can you write that down? I'd like to have proof to show Pepper whenever I get back.