driftfleet | 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Sayid doesn't have a problem with taking command when he needs to. He's sure of his own abilities, his own decision-making skills. In the situation he's been put in, he definitely has needed to step into a command role.

Which isn't to say that he's not happy to relinquish some of those responsibilities if someone capable decides to take charge. So when a new shipmate arrives and begins to assume some of the captaincy duties, Sayid doesn't protest. He keeps an eye on Howard for the first day or so, until he can be sure he's capable. And, of course, he does make it clear that with Looma gone - until she returns...if she returns...which seems possible, at least, given that her name is still listed in the ship's directory - he is effectively the acting captain. Not in a way that has anything to do with chest-puffing. Just a calm reminder, once.

Howard does seem to know what he's doing, though. At one point while they share the bridge - Sayid at the comm station, reviewing broadcasts - he turns to look at their new pilot.]

I wanted to thank you, by the way. For assuming so much responsibility so quickly.

[ he finds sayid a decent enough sort. actually, everyone on the ship is someone he gets along with for the most part, which is almost completely improbable but he's trying not to question it overly. howard shakes his head. ]

I told you not to use the 'R' word, pal. You're going to give people ideas about me. [ it's said with a smile as most things are from howard, a warm twinkle in his eye. ]

I think they may already have those ideas, I'm afraid.

[Since it's obvious that Howard's objection is less than serious, Sayid's response is somewhat flippant too. Or as flippant as Sayid ever is. At the very least, there is a pleasant look on his face, his behavior easy.

If Howard had proven himself less useful, they might have had more of a problem. There's a certain quality to him that Sayid can see potentially becoming grating, except that he's also been friendly. And, again, competent.]

Maybe you should have kept expectations lower in your first few weeks.

Funny story about that... I tried that with my last crew and they tried to airlock me. [ is he joking? the world may never know. he's still smiling on unphased of course. ]

[...You know what, he's just not sure. But he'll give Howard the benefit of the doubt. He even smiles faintly.]

I'm sure you'll strike the right balance at some point.

[ oh look someone with a sense of humor finally!! he's been waiting for you. ]

In that case, I wouldn't mind that in writing. I've got a few friends from home who might be surprised that I kind of know what I'm doing. [no really, address it to peggy carter pls and thank ]

You seem capable enough to me. Or perhaps there's something that I don't know?

[He's occasionally got a sense of humor. It comes and goes. The tone of his question is still relatively light. Less interrogation than idle curiosity. After all, he doesn't necessarily expect Howard to answer the question very seriously.

Still, it can't hurt to ask.]

Oh, I'm capable. [ he throws sayid a look for that. he knows the man didn't mean anything by it so it's already forgotten. ] But that comes with being a genius.

[ what also seems to be connected? crippling social anxiety and the need for validation? oh yeah, that. ]

No... if you need anything, chum, don't hesitate to call on me. [ he might be laying it on a little thick, even for him. ]

[Wow, okay Howard. Sayid's face remains remarkably unchanged, though, even with that little bit of sass and that expression. It does help that Howard's demeanor quickly changes again.

(His girlfriend is a sass master anyway, so he's had practice. Plus the one dude from home he knows is an asshole. Also practice in managing his reactions.)]

I'll remember that.

[His response is a little breezy, but it isn't entirely insincere. So far he's decided that Howard can likely be relied upon.]

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

action!

action!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject