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]

[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.

[blackmagus]

If there are secret cannibal meetings going on, love, we're all in trouble. But no. The food is holding out, for now.

Are you all right?

[manofiron]

I'm a little disoriented. Kind of hungover. You know, typical Tuesday. Or Thursday. Whatever day it is.

[blackmagus]

I don't even bother to keep track anymore, [she admits.] It's a day. What's the last thing you remember?

[manofiron]

From here or from home?

[blackmagus]

Here, I suppose.

[manofiron]

Not being a vampire anymore. Other than that, the day was pretty uneventful.

[blackmagus]

So the end of the last experiment.

[Around Fortescue's arrival, she supposes, or thereabouts. They're discomfortingly good at memory manipulation here. It's hard to get a foot-hold. She sighs, then offers a smile.]

Well, I know it's bittersweet. It involves being here. But it's good to see you, all the same, love.

[manofiron]

[ He smiles at that, not the least bit put out. ]

You know, it's okay. I needed a vacation anyway. Trust me. It's good to see you too.

[blackmagus]

[Now she's wondering what vacations people are used to. This place keeps getting referred to as one.]

If it helps, I believe we've been almost a week without something exceptionally strange going on.

[manofiron]

I'd say that's even better, but if I remember this place right, that just means something nasty's headed our way.

Least I got here in time for the party.

[blackmagus]

[Oh.]

Fashionably early.

[manofiron]

It's a first for me. I barely know what to do with myself.

[blackmagus]

[She chuckles.]

I'm sure you'll think of something. You seem clever enough.

[manofiron]

After a vote of confidence like that, I damn well better try, huh?

[blackmagus]

I'd be terribly disappointed if you didn't.

[manofiron]

Well, since I make an active effort to avoid disappointing beautiful women, I'll be sure not to do it now.