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

[ he has to laugh. she isn't wrong but that's what makes it funny (and mildly terrifying. ]

I'm playing my part. Don't worry about me, Carter.

Besides, I can always call on you if... something goes awry. [ aka he pisses off the wrong person. ]

Oh, is that so? [ eyebrows up. ] What makes you possibly think I could be on-call to bail you out of your own mishaps, Howard?

[ wow he never completely thinks through the things he says to peggy. and he should really fix that so he can stop getting into these sticky conversations... chances of him actually doing that are practically zero tho. ]

That wasn't-- I meant we're there for each other. When the moment calls for it. [ like when one of them screws up. ]

...You're saying we're friends.

[ oh! look! two years in the fleet and she's just managed to no longer be allergic to the word. ]

[ his eyes light on hers. ] Aren't we?

We are.

[ she's...remarkably quick to own the word. she hasn't said it in relation to howard stark since that day in the plane, delivering steve to his little awol mission. ]

Perhaps I never said it enough.

[ he makes a face and shakes his head at that. ] Don't go all soft on me, Carter. [ but his expression clears almost immediately to one of fondness and gratitude. it's almost like she knows he's vending machine that only takes validation for currency. ]

Good God, man. I'm not going soft. [ she sits up straighter, oh so quick to argue the point. old fire in her eyes. ] Merely -- trying out something new. Looking to harbour fewer regrets, I suppose.

[ which means saying things -- friendly things. ]

[ he starts just a little, sitting up straighter himself on reflex. ] ...I know. [ he swallows, knowing he owes her something more than lame jokes. but doesn't he always? ] You're my friend too, Carter. Obviously a better one than I could ever be you.

Is that really fair to say? [ her body turns; she faces him. ] Heaven knows how often I've clocked you in your ridiculous face.

[ so nice, her. ]

[ he laughs, a little uneasy. ] Well, yeah, but I usually deserved it. [ or... always. he's pretty sure it's always. ]

...True enough.

[ mild agreement. peggy can't fight this fight for too long, really, when at heart she doesn't feel all that apologetic. ]

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

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