snowblindrpg | [network] @IAmLegend; video; Day 182 [open]

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[network] @IAmLegend; video; Day 182 [open]

In case anyone hasn't spoken to a friend for obvious reasons, we seem to have all cooled off. I know now might not seem like the best time, but after what happened it's more important to keep in contact with each other and stay with people.

[Tony really wishes Steve were here. It should be him making this kind of announcement.]

What happened the day before wasn't an accident. It was something, the town maybe, trying to reach out and assert its influence over all of us. And if we react by dropping the work everyone has done so far? It wins. It gets exactly what it wants, because all of us break apart, making us easier to pick off. Or we give up. What we should be doing is pushing back and finding out who the prophet really is. We need to try to figure out what they intend to do for our own safety.

If there's anything I can do to help the rest of you, I still intend to do that. I'm not going to stop. I want everyone to be safe. And the best way to help each other is communication. Like the man said yesterday, don't shut down. He's a good guy.

So, on that note, my name is Tony Stark. I'm considered a superhero on the Earth I come from. We handle organizations that want to endanger the world, the occasional intergalactic threat, and... Things like this when they happen. Some of you might consider that a police force, but we're more of a general emergency response solution. I just want to give you a fair idea of who I am.

[He's holding the tablet up so he can address them properly, and raises his off-hand to gesture.]

Also, I have questions. First, how are your eyes? If you are still showing signs of change, I'd like to know. Do you feel different? Secondly, if you are alone right now and weren't with someone when this started, please check in. Let us know everyone is still here and no one is stranded without help. And if you have questions, today I'm going to be completely open.

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You don't trust him because you haven't met him. All he's been able to show here is a man running from a lot of dangerous scenarios and not a lot of room for trust. I understand. In anyone else's place, I probably wouldn't trust him either. But I've seen the difference. People put into bad situations can still be good people.

A lot of us have already been pushed into actions we wouldn't normally take, because this town and the forces controlling it made us take those actions. A real killer wouldn't go out of their way to say anything about that. They'd let people suffer, because as long as it isn't them, it isn't their business. They don't have to go out of their way for strangers.

That kind of response is the nature of a hero. Someone that wants to protect people even in small ways.

[Tony smiles a little, though his expression is still strained with heavy lines of stress.]

Thank you. I'm not asking you for trust, just... consideration. I believe you'll do what is best and I'm choosing to offer my trust first. What I told you isn't necessary to make that decision. I just told you, because I don't want you to think I'm hiding things to hurt anyone here. I don't think everyone else will be as understanding, but I'm glad you were. SOLDIER.

[It's a term he did here when he first arrived. He nods in respect on his end.]

All I can ask is that you keep trying to understand.

Edited 2016-12-04 15:22 (UTC)

[ The more he listens, the more he can't deny Tony's more or less hit the nail on the head in a lot of ways. And it's telling in a lot of ways, too. It's not all hot air. It doesn't spell presumptions. It paints a picture perhaps not of a man in charge of a company or organization or whatever he'd like to call it but of someone who's been on ground zero. Someone who's seen some rough shit.

And someone who's not just assuming their title alone will get them anywhere.

It makes him wonder- would SOLDIER have been different if a man like him had been running it? Would ShinRa? Or at least the man he's painted himself to be?

In the end, the thought doesn't matter. It doesn't change anything. But it certainly...

It certainly makes him think. Yes, he has all the reason not to trust Bucky and he won't. But Tony..

The video that switches on shows a man that probably looks just about the way he feels. Strung out. Exhausted. Maybe even a little haunted. His black hair's wilted and he's got a bit more than a five o'clock shadow happening. But his eyes are bright- maybe a bit too oddly bright, even as he's still looking more off to the side. ]

Well, I can't say the whole 'trying to understand' things feels like it's been getting six months old, but... it's really the only way any of us are gonna get outta here alive, isn't it.

[ Was that a joke? It might have been. A bitter joke, but it's no less honest. There's something that might barely pass as a smile. It's nothing he'd usually give, but it's better than anything he's given the past few days. It fades quickly though into something oddly more critical as he finally looks at his tablet directly. ]

I'm Zack, by the way. Zack Fair. I can't say I'm part of any kind'a big peacekeeping organization anymore, but... I can't see myself doing anything else.

[ Even if he screwed up. Even if he went after all those people that other night. He can't give it up and he can't give up. ]

So, I guess our goals line up pretty well there.

Edited 2016-12-09 06:51 (UTC)

[Tony's eyes catch the bright blue of Zack's first. That's hard to miss. They practically glow and Tony has always been the type to notice eyes. He's drawn to them, and he pauses, caught for a few moments by how Zack's stand out.]

We have to try to understand. That's our main strength. That we can understand.

[He smiles now that he can see Zack over the network, and while Tony's expression is reserved and not too energetic, it's still warm. He can see the potential behind that weary expression and reaches out to it.]

I'd be grateful if you decided to work with me. As much as you feel comfortable with, just... it's a lot to handle. An experienced voice would definitely help, Zack.

[This is good. This is progress. And while Tony is strained by his time at the head of a world peacekeeping organization, he thinks that experience maybe he can use that to do something good for Norfinbury. Better late than never.]

[ Zack's not lost to the staring, but it's not really anything new either. People stared at him plenty back home and even a few here and there around this town despite all the different things he's heard. It doesn't last long either way and then there's a smile out of the other man that gets... a faint one out of Zack. Not nearly one he would usually share, but it's something. ]

It is a lot to handle and there's a lot being kicked up in this town, too. It makes it hard to know who to trust sometimes when you'd hope we'd all be working together. And then even when you have people you trust, things like this happen. So, it's been rough, but...

[ He bites his lip as he goes to rub the back of his neck, seeming to forget what he's doing with that hand partway. Leaving it there. ] I guess it's like your buddy said. You let it get to you and they win. And there's too many damn good people for me to just lay down and let that happen. So, whatever I can do to help, you let me know.

[He's searching for honesty and character, which, despite Tony's very obvious personal flaws, he is generally good at picking up on. He might fail himself, but he recognizes good intent in others and appreciates it when he sees it.]

Trust takes time. And I'm aware that it might not even be possible in some cases. I just want us to do the best that we can and work together as much as we can. If that means some people only have a word to offer or would rather stay out of the way, that's fine. But that will go better if we talk about it. Just let each other know.

I don't want things like this to ruin the work people have been putting in toward sharing food and collaborating on figuring out what is going on. You saying that you want to help? That's a good start. Thank you.

You're welcome.

And, yeah... I don't want that to be ruined by this, too. It feels like things are maybe starting to come together again though. I mean maybe not in the most organized way, but it feels like people have been slowly getting better at not letting things about this place get to them, even after that happened...

[ After people had been attacked. People had killed each other against their will, a will that had thought it right at the time which was even worse. It's a terrifying mess, really. ]

We're in the middle of searching through the tunnels now, ourselves. We find anything, I'll let you know. Shoot me a message if you pick up anything new, yourself. Sound good?

I want to think we have a shot at this. I'll let you know if I find anything good. And, uh, take care of yourself, okay?

You, too. And we do. It seems like it's getting slimmer and slimmer, but...

It's only gonna hit zero if we stop trying. So, we keep trying. Even if it seems impossible. [ He snorts at himself. ] I know some people would give you shit for saying something like that these days, but I still think it's true.

[ In a lot of ways, he could be living proof of that. But that's not the kind of talk to talk. It's all about the walk you walk, isn't it. ]

But we're going for it. Even if it's slim, we're going to take the chance.

[Because, really, what other choice do they have?]

I like that. Sometimes I think we need it. We need to hear it. Thank you.

[ No choice at all. Because giving up? That's not on Zack's agenda. ]

Yeah... Yeah, no problem. [ It's honestly weird being thanked after some of the scorn he's gotten for this outlook in more public venues... but he'll take it. ]

Anyway, I guess I never answered your earlier question, did I. About the whole eye thing. None of us have 'em anymore over here. Hopefully, it'll stay that way. Things don't usually repeat around here, but I can't say I ever depend on that. Me and Kuns have talked a bit about what to do in case things get back again, but to be honest? With all four of us having the same eyes, the chances of prevention are pretty slim.

We can try. If there's time, we might at least be able to stall each other to give others time to get away.

[Tony needs that heroic outlook and positive attitude more than ever. He clings to it now, hoping that will do something for them.]

Send out a warning, yeah. We know the signs at least. So, if there's any trouble, we can at least make it clear over our tablets maybe that something's going on. Otherwise, all I can think to do is tie down anyone who'd be willing and then splitting so I don't untie them.

If you can think of anything better than that though, I'm all ears.

[ Seriously, he could probably use a better plan than this. ]

Well, I'd knock everyone out and try to do the same for myself if it were me, but I've been told my methods can be... questionable sometimes.

Well... I can't say that wouldn't be a possible alternative. I'm not sure they'd be too crazy about it though, no.

[ Not unless it was discussed beforehand, but even then... Not exactly a method he's sure they'd agree to. Especially if they think he's just doing it to protect 'em and doesn't seem to trust them. Zack groans as he runs his hand down his face. ]

I'd be lying to say I wouldn't want do it though if it kept 'em from getting blood on their hands. They don't need that. This place messes with them enough as it is.

I know. I'm not saying it's a great plan, but if it means preventing my friends from doing something I know they don't want to do... I'm willing to protect them.

[Even if they hate him at the time. Or maybe a little after that, because it's taking a liberty he knows they don't agree with. Making choices for others is a problem that keeps coming up with him. He can't seem to escape it.]

You understand. No one needs the extra guilt hanging over them.

No one needs that extra guilt, no. But...

[ He bites his lip as he looks down, even as he lets his hand drop. ]

It's.. like Kuns said. Their free will's already taken enough as is from this place. Wouldn't we be no different if we chose things for them like that?

[ Which means he'd honestly need to talk to them about this. Something still on the table at least. An idea. But... No, he can't decide things for them anymore. ]

I think the difference is one moment to stall versus constant control to kill. No, you're right.

[He sighs, finding himself again having the same talk, the same doubts he keeps coming back to. It's like a whirlpool.]

It's not... a great solution. It's not good. I don't want to force people to do anything, but I believe that in the face of one force hijacking us to hurt other people, sometimes you have to do things you hate because you have the choice. And maybe it's better to choose and regret than to let others just regret.

Yeah... Yeah, no, I've definitely been there before. It's... not easy. But the thing is most of the time, I was making choices for myself or making them because the others couldn't make the call. Here, I've been working with the same group for a while and well... Well, we're a team.

[ And that sometimes makes things complicated. Sometimes too complicated when it comes to things like this. He wishes things could be easier. Shaking his head, he mirrors that sigh. And when he glances back up, there's more of a certainty in his eyes. An understanding. ]

I'm not a First here. They aren't my subordinates. They're my friends- hell, my...

I know.

[It doesn't get any easier. He thought it might over time. He was sure that, like everything, this would get easier to do. But the longer he does it, the more Tony is convinced that walking the gray line is never going to get easier. And he looks away, down below the tablet, trying to avoid the conversation.]

I know that it's not ideal. I don't expect anyone to agree with me. But if it's between taking advantage of my friends to keep them safe, betraying their trust to protect them, or doing nothing and letting them suffer because I don't want to be the bad guy, then I'd rather-

I will do whatever it takes. Because they are what's important to me.

...I get that. [ He breathes it out. Slowly. But surely. He's always walking circles with this, even when he wants to respect them. Even when he wants to get better at trusting them. He can't deny he gets the feeling. That will and wish to do everything in his power.

Shaking his head, even as Tony looks away, he keeps his eyes on the tablet, himself. ]

I get that at least. 'cause I know if it was between them and me... in that immediate moment, if it was life and death? If it was their life or mine, they'd hate me for it, but- I know what I'd do and it wouldn't be them. No matter how I try to talk myself into wanting to respect them, there's always gonna be that. They got a life after this, after all.

[ He glances up at the ceiling then, closing his eyes. ]

I guess I'm just a fool hoping it won't have to come down to that.

[Tony looks up sharply at the word respect, like he's ready to fight, but he changes his mind and shifts his gaze to something less confrontational. It's not Zack's fault he's pricking an old wound.]

I respect them. I respect them, but I can't let that happen to them. Not if I know how to prevent it. I know that they'd suffer, because they're good people. Better than a lot of people I've known.

[He grows quiet after saying that, because what Zack said somehow seems...]

Don't you have a life after this too?

[ He doesn't miss that look. Doesn't miss it. But doesn't say anything about it either. Of course, it's hard to focus on the rest of the conversation at hand when he hears that question straight up front and center and Zack freezes up before he can stop himself.

But then he's never had much of a poker face to begin with. He's not about to get that lucky now. He doesn't say anything at first as he looks away. Then, he just kinda weakly shrugs, voice quiet. ]

Well, I guess that cat's out of the bag.

[ He glances back, biting his lip briefly before releasing it. ]

But no. I don't think I do. So, if there's anyone that's gonna have to bite the bullet, I'd want it to be me. I want them to have a future beyond here that I might not ever be able to have.

[Tony doesn't respond right away. He stays quiet, with a pained, serious expression as he adjusts to what Zack is telling him. That he doesn't have a future like his friends do.]

No.

[It's soft, but determined.] No, you are not going to have to do that. The future isn't decided for us. It's living, changing with us. We don't know who will or won't have a future when all of this ends. We're changing the course of events right now.

No... The future isn't decided for us. But I did decide my future back there. So, I don't know if my ticket still applies after this or what.

[ Sure, one can hope what this all means. Maybe there's something beyond this for him. Maybe these resurrections break cardinal rules across all these worlds. Maybe he'll have a chance.

Or maybe he won't.

Zack still can't deny the tinge of something in him as he watches Tony's face. He nods faintly to himself. Once, twice before he steps off and now he's pacing with his tablet in hand, belatedly going over to the far door and closing it. Leaning into it before pushing off. ]

Listen, you may be right. This may very well be changing everything and maybe I'll be that lucky. Believe me. I'd rather be. I've got people who wouldn't be happy to hear me talk like this. [ He's pretty sure Al would be running in here and socking him in the face right about now otherwise. ]

So, don't take it like I've given up. I haven't. I'm just... not taking it off the the table either just yet. You get me?

[Tony can't deny what Zack says is sound. They might be able to escape and they might even be able to change things back in their own worlds when all of this is over, but there is no guarantee that they can. And whatever has happened before they came probably still applies. If Zack lost a fight or was stuck with some unfortunately turn of luck before he got picked up in Norfinbury, then returning him home would return him right back to the conditions he left.]

Yeah. I... I understand. We can do everything in our power in the meantime, though, right? We can help people here.

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[network] @IAmLegend; video; Day 182 [open]

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audio > video; /FINALLY SLAMS THIS DOWN LIKE A GODDAMN DUNK

video;

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