driftfleet | 001 } Can't keep my eyes from circling skies.

Entry tags:

001 } Can't keep my eyes from circling skies.

Who: Howard Stark & You
Broadcast: Network
Action: SS Bishop (cockpit)
When: Right meow!

( OPEN BROADCAST )

[ howard has been here a few days, enough to suss out that something has happened. it's caused a bit of disquiet among his crewmembers already since apparently their captain died or something?! whatever. he's finding it disturbingly easy to fall back into this role. peggy told him how long it's been and who else is among them, but in usual peggy fashion: not much else. it's left him bereft and even a bit listless which is very uncharacteristic indeed.

he sets his communicator on the control panel so he can record as he flies. as a result, the feed is much more low-key and features a cool, collected version of howard those who know him might not expect. howard nods his head once to show that he is in fact recording on purpose. ] I hope my Huntress is in good hands. Though I guess... she isn't mine anymore. Forgive me, I'm usually not so bittersweet when saying goodbye to a lady friend. [ something of a wan look shadows his gaze, but it's quick, just a glimmer really. ]

Howard Stark. Ace inventor, innovator, pilot, and now director. [ a bit of a lopsided grin begins to spread across his lips, his mustache twitching with the movement. ] I'm also usually pretty charming if you can believe it. I would say you all missed me, it's been so long, but the turnover in this place is something else.

[ he hesitates over this next part, but he needs the intel. he knows questions will follow, but right now he doesn't care. later he'll be annoyed with himself, naturally. ] And if any of you used to know a Tony Stark or are holding his research... get in touch. [ tightly: ] Please.

( ENCRYPTED TO EDWIN JARVIS )

Hi-de-ho, old pal. [ a warm smile is reserved for his closest friend, even if he doesn't always treat him that way. or most of the time. whoops. ]

( ACTION SHENANIGANS )

Howard has been more-or-less just going through the motions since being assigned to the Bishop. He was actually a bit releaved to be off the Marsiva and have something to occupy his time with, truthfully. But with their captain MIA and everything more than slightly hectic, he's thrown himself into the work full on. He can really only be found in the cockpit or in his quarters for maybe two hours a night/morning. Even trips to the galley are extremely short-lived and involve toting snacks to the pilot's seat. With that said, he will be outspoken when matters of the ship come up that the captain would usually handle. It's easy for him to become attached and though he doesn't know these people yet, he feels responsible for them.

He hates responsibility.

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[ he has to smile, a real smile and not the one he puts on in this place so he doesn't have to answer questions. howard opens his mouth to say yes, but then tilts his head and starts again. ]

That's not taking a break. [ it's a dull comeback as far as they go, but he doesn't want to be a burden to jarvis the way he was to peg his first time here. he is real hungry tho :( ] ...Unless you have join me. What's good here?

[ a lame joke, and he reaches out to... tap jarvis on the shoulder, then nervously put his hand back in his pocket. yep, super weird, but at least the man is really standing in front of him. ]

Edited (forgot to choose an icon) 2017-10-02 09:31 (UTC)

[... Oh. He follows the hand, watching the tap with the usual British butler finesse. This is not the weirdest thing Howard Stark's done. It beats evading a hover car flying over the hedges. But this is also not the usual circumstance in which Mr. Stark is weird, and Jarvis figures he's well within his rights to act a little out of the ordinary himself. This is a very odd occasion. And he is so very happy to be poked at by Howard as if he's the ghost, because it just reminds him that his friend is not a ghost--]

.......... Excuse me, sir. If I may.

[Which is to say, he waits for no 'you may' before he leans over and scoops Howard into a very sturdy bear-hug that practically lifts the poor inventor right off the ground. He has not forgotten the surprise he'd felt when Howard dragged him into one back in New York, just after landing that bloody plane of doom. Now he supposes he can return the favor. Enjoy being in a big squishy warm embrace for, like, four seconds, approximately, because any longer would just be weird and too much and unprofessional.

And if he looks sad and overwhelmed over Howard's shoulder for a brief flicker of time, well.

No one will be the wiser.]

[He stands back at last to straighten his vest, just a bit sheepish but no less dignified. You're an exceptionally important person in his life, just so you're aware. Maybe you are aware, actually, you have the largest overcompensating ego he's ever endured in the name of friendship. Really now, the amount of portraits you have.]

... It is wonderful to be in your presence again, Mr. Stark. And I'm... more than content in performing my usual duties. And taking a break after, in your company. If you would like.

[He turns to direct him.

Let us never speak of this hugging moment ever again.]

[ at first, he doesn't follow, but then he's being hugged. which shouldn't be so surprising really. he leans into the embrace greedily, even as jarvis nearly picks him up off the ground; and even knowing it won't last but a few seconds. he has to get in what time he can, naturally, before it indeed gets weird. sometimes he needs a reminder, though it wouldn't seem that way for all his portraits yes, and carrying about. so much of it is acting, which became all too apparent for him the first time he arrived here.

which is all to say validation is a very good thing to a stark and it helps even more that jarvis lays out their terms in no uncertainty. though he's tempted to argue -- maybe it's easier to just go with it. and to have one thing they can both rely on being like home. howard nods when the hug breaks and follows after with an easy stride, changing the subject. ]

This place is great, Jarvis. I should've known you'd carve out a space like this for yourself.

[Oh, his dearest and most exasperating Stark -- that's always what he fears for you, a friend who keeps far too much under a rather complex guise. There is a confidentially in Howard's darker periods Jarvis often bears some witness to, a sort of quiet companionship he is entirely willing to offer, in such terrible moments as the aftermath of losing one irreplaceable Captain Steve Rogers, or the Battle of Finow.

Oh yes, that was a particularly dark time for the Stark estate. Who wouldn't be troubled at such a thought? But really, in times like this, Jarvis' faith in Howard's better natures are always steeled. Not that they needed much steeling. Howard did save him and his wife from harm.

He's pulled out of his thoughts by the compliment toward his work, and -- goodness, now he's very much sheepish, more than before, hands behind his back but a slight fluster edging.]

I... yes, I suppose it all came together better than expected...! Your kind words are most appreciated. And besides that, the food in the fleet is absolutely dreadful, you know. A travesty to fine dining. I figured it would only be right to try and recorrect this grave situation.

[Also, he overworks and was too busy pining over Ana and wanting to go home and finding a place to be useful because his life centers around his usefulness and being busy is better than thinking about exploding planets or Russian child soldiers or learning the terrible fates of your employers--

Ehem.

A bistro was needed, regardless.

He hands Howard a handy dandy menu. Strange, he feels so self-conscious. A Stark stamp of approval on his work has always been a good thing.]

The menu may be a bit strained; some of our stock went toward... well. It's quite a harrowing story, involving an exploding planet.

[ he sits down and accepts the menu from jarvis' hands, pleased to have tangible evidence of his success to pour over. ] A true community service. [ he agrees just as easily, handing the menu back after tracing the cover indulgently. ]

You decide, Jarvis. You know my tastes best. [ and anything made by his hands will be appreciated with gusto, as always. ]

[And your tastes in women, much to his exasperation. Usually the thought would make Jarvis want to commit to an eyeroll in privacy, but it just makes him a little relieved right now to even have such a thought. He carefully slips the menu into his hand, offering a nod and a pleased little glance.]

... I suppose I do. I'll see what I can muster, then.

Perhaps play catch-up on the network while I'm at work? I'm sure you'd prefer to be in the loop.

...That's a good idea. You know I live to be in the know. [ he pulls out his communicator at jarvis' behest, waving for him to go do his thing now. this will distract him for probably forever. give or take. ]

You most certainly would not be Howard Stark if you weren't. If you have any questions about what's happened during your time away, I'll be more than happy to inform you. We've been quite busy. But first--!

[He looks pleased, calculating the supplies he has by memory.]

Do you mind breakfast for... whatever time it is? I fear I've lost track.

... It's rather difficult to mark the hours in space.

You know it's never too late for breakfast. Now, shoo. [ waves more aggressively this time. B Y E ]

[Why I never--

J/K, I do all the time, you shoo people on a regular basis, it's very ungentlemanly. Jarvis does vanish, though not for too long a time; when he returns back to the table in approximately 20 minutes, it's with labors of love. Eggs, real eggs (though hardly chicken eggs, but they taste quite similar), waffles with fruit (not quite strawberries, but similar!!!!), and what appears to be real toast. And also, coffee. Because coffee is vital to a Stark's diet. Other than liquor. We shall not touch upon that.]

Forgive the lack of the usual spices; I really must make a pitstop to a waystation as soon as possible after this ordeal...

[But hey, he's gonna sit down.

... He doesn't... usually end up at the table like this....

.........

Sitting down now. We're at eye level, at a table, this is new territory. Granted their friendship has always been a complicated one, and certainly Howard is one of his truest and best friends, but it's always been a sort of strange symbiotic workplace. Now that he's not so butlery for a living...! It's most peculiar.]

[ he's engrossed in his reading until he hears the familiar sound of trays and jarvis' footsteps. oh how excited he is to have a real meal again. he sets down the comm unit a bit reluctantly, but only to smile a big smile up at his friend. ]

I'm sure it's great. [ it's always great, and even if it isn't he would totally lie here. but he has a sneaking suspicion it's still going to be great bc jarvis can't half-ass things. it's just not in his dna. he's already reaching for the coffee as jarvis takes a seat across from him, which coaxes out a wider grin still. ]

I almost don't recognize you like this.

[EHEM. He looks so very defenseless at this new and odd perspective. Though he now imagines he must been like a giant quite often in Howard's presence, when he's looming around so much. He hopes it's not too ridiculously shaded.]

It's been a... changing experience here, to say the least. I have been a number of occupations depending on what issues a particular planet has been having. Not quite the ordinary weekend, I must say.

I think I know what you mean. [ he gestures with his fork before starting in on his eggs. real eggs!! how novel. ] ...About the changing. [ he's still all shiny and new so he can't speak to the rest. he's wading through future peeps like a champ tho. be proud or something. ]

I don't suppose you mean change as in -- being without a mansion and your own space to work.

Or lacking in your favorite liquor selections.

Or missing out on the latest dance halls or clubs in California.

[He can keep going, but he figures you will elaborate.]

[ a bit of light dims from his gaze, but he lets jarvis gets to the end of his questions before trying to rebut. the change is more apparent than even he knew, if that's what jarvis thinks he's worried about. he sets his fork down slowly and holds jarvis' eyes intensely. ]

You know... You know I don't need any of those things. [ he loves excess, because it's something he never had growing up. he loves surrounding himself with beautiful people and things. but that doesn't mean he doesn't know just how ridiculous it seems to everyone else. just how extra he himself comes across in a place like this. in a smaller voice: ] ...Right?

Edited 2017-10-04 21:37 (UTC)

Of course, sir, I tell you all the--

[He blinks, looking at him, a bit surprised.]

-- oh. Well, yes! Absolutely right.

[Are you feeling alright, Howard? Admitting these things?

Of course, Jarvis is privy enough to know a lot of Mr. Stark's material possessions and love for the expensive life are a front to some degree: something he loves having just to have, to prove he can have, all of his own work. As exasperated as Jarvis tends to be at times with his employer's jovial and... 'carefree' behavior, he'll never take away the fact that Mr. Stark built his enterprise with his own sweat and tears.

He's always valued that Mr. Stark loves to work and create, to try to make differences. Even if they sooometimes... backfire.]

They're... certainly of little importance in the grand scheme of things.

[Oh dear, is Mr. Stark speaking of changes of the heart and mind?

If Jarvis is honest, he hadn't expected he'd return with newfound contemplation, but then again, Jarvis had a hard time imagining this meeting at all. His luck is usually missing a Stark by a hair's breadth, about the fleet. Dare he ask? Well, he's always been an offered ear all these years; it won't stop now.]

What particular changes are you considering?

Edited 2017-10-04 23:25 (UTC)

[ he knows it's probably weird for jarvis to hear these things, but he needs the other man to know he can be mature. when absolutely necessary of course. ]

Well, I wouldn't say that...

[ good distraction, jarvis. let's skip over talking about how important sexy cars are bc he has a whole spaceship to fly here so that urge is abated for the moment. ] I wouldn't say I'm considering them so much as... they're happening. I'm great just the way I am, of course, but these... these future types don't always appreciate a man of my -- particular caliber.

[ he has no idea what he's saying either. probably that future women don't like to be hit on. yeah that sounds right. ]

[........................................

Were we going to have a moment only for it to be about flirting with future women.]

[You're lucky you're my friend, man, because your social skills seem to fall of a cliff at the most inopportune moments. Dryly, with the usual sass reserved for Howard's favoritest foreigners:]

Someone rather dated?

[ howard picks his silverware back up and sighs heavily. it isn't just about the ladies okay. it's super hard to make friends with these people in general!! effort is hard. who knew? ]

Hey! I'll have you know I'm... just as dated as you are, Jarvis. [ which is... yes, rather dated. he is now resuming food saltily. ]

I'm particularly dated here, yes.

[Enjoy your non-victory!!]

... If you're worried about finding people who enjoy your company, you already have Miss Carter and I -- just take it a step at a time and build on it... naturally. There are a lovely assortment of characters aboard the fleet, and I'm more than certain some of them have a similar love for works like yours.

[This is totally not a mom telling her child not to fret about the first day of school after making them their breakfast.]

[ in typical howard fashion he internalizes the message, but still rails against being told what to do all the same. but first he needs to clarify something. ]

I'm glad you're here, Jarvis. And I'm glad I'm here... with you, and Peg. [ it had been hard to learn the ropes here without this constant guiding force. but it also feels like... cheating somehow, to accept his help here. dumb, but what irrational fears aren't? he gets through the bulk of his meal before he starts pushing food around the plate. ]

I know I can count on you two. It's everyone else... [ what? he has to impress? not exactly... ] I met Tony when I was here last time. A son. My boy. [ in fact, the more time that passes the more he feels proprietary over the whole situation, which should be weird. but the way his "friends" talk about him is disturbing. the way tony had looked at him -- like the ultimate disappointment. howard swallows, looking away from jarvis. ]

[He smiles, and perhaps a bit proudly.]

... Anthony Stark. I've seen recordings.

[The relation is quite obvious between him and Howard; they're very much alike in a number of ways. Though he knows his employer and friend well enough to absolutely predict this might be a sore concern for Howard. Mr. Stark is hardly just a walking bag of reckless confidence. He's hard on himself. Terribly so, even if he sometimes brings it upon his own head.]

Yes, I've heard. I regret missing the chance to meet him.

But you did, sir?

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