[network] @ADMIN; Arrival

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[definingfuture]

[He doesn't realize how much Jim is taking of what he says seriously. It's all been jokes and sarcasm so far. The "oh" he assumes is because he brought up a bad subject.]

Did you know any of them before you came here?

[He tries to be gentle. Tony knows this line of questioning is hard, but he won't learn more unless he asks.]

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim's pretty sure it's a weird metaphor of some kind, but after learning some of the people he's closest to do magic, ride chickens, and turn people into frogs, he's not discounting the possibility of Tony being 100% literal.

But for now the subject of Tony's possibly bizarre world is put aside for talking about something more serious. ]

No, nobody from my home's shown up so far. Not really sure why they picked me out of all the people on the ship.

[definingfuture]

Well, I hate to say it, but that might be better. Not that you shouldn't have friends around, but this isn't exactly the best place to run into them.

[All the same, it sucks being alone. He knows how that feels.]

Sometimes these things are just accidents. I don't think they actually wanted to bring me here, so it could always be a misfire on their part.

[Who invites trouble by setting Tony Stark loose in the tech games? Even without his usual arsenal, he's a potential problem if they're experimenting.]

[rattlingthestars]

Yeah, no kidding. I've met some pretty good people here, but it's not something I'd want to happen to somebody I liked.

[ Scroop could've rotted in Snowhell, but Jim can't actually think of anyone else that deserved it.

The idea that someone might not want this guy here specifically catches Jim's interest. ]

It's worse if it's an accident. Why wouldn't they want you here, Legendary?

[definingfuture]

Well, I'm not the first person that generally gets picked to go camping. It's just not my thing.

[He plays that off gently, almost casually, like he's really talking about hobbies and not survival situations.]

My talents run more toward technical skills. Building.

[Which intentionally sounds more like engineering than programming, but the vague description of skills is there. And there is a very subtle shift in his town that says he knows exactly what he's saying.]

[rattlingthestars]

Building?

[ Jim sounds maybe a little too excited about that, though when he continues he's dialed it back and is trying to sound less interested. ]

What, ah, what kind of stuff do you build? Anything cool?

[ He's not very good at sounding less interested, mind. ]

[definingfuture]

[Anything cool, the kid asks. Man, if only Tony still had his armor. He would love to show that off.]

I guess that depends on what you think is cool. I've done jets, cars, and a few suits, but I was working contracts, so each one is a little bit different.

sorry for the delay! I'd like to continue but if you need to drop it that's okay too :)

[rattlingthestars]

That's awesome.

[ Judging by Jim's reaction to all that, Tony would at least have a very appreciative audience. ]

- Any monster trucks?

I don't mind continuing!

[definingfuture]

[That is the best compliment he's gotten in months.]

Actual monsters or figurative?

[A beat.]

Just kidding. No, I tend to stay away from things that have "monster" in the title. Although I've been on some projects that people have told me were monsters. In scale.

[That needs clarification.]

Most of my vehicles fall into the small and quick variety. But they do the job. They've become pretty standard transportation back home in fact.

yay!

[rattlingthestars]

[ Hey, no fair messing with space kid. He just learned monster trucks are a thing a month or so ago, there could be literal monster trucks. ]

That is awesome. Can you show -

[ Wait, no, survival priorities. Also not looking too eager. Jim clears his throat. ]

-I mean, could you tell me about them? When you have time?

[definingfuture]

[To be fair, it's Tony and he could probably manage a real monster truck with the right materials. Or on accident.

He's enjoying actually having someone that wants to hear about his tech exploits. Survival is a priority, but fun can also play its part.]

Of course. I unfortunately don't really have any examples with me, but I don't mind talking about them.