first jive ⚛ video ⚛ open to both courts

[stickseller]

(For those who are online, if you will, the video feed of both courts will flicker on to the picture of a man who looks surprisingly calm all things considered. His hair is neatly combed back and parted, his clothing well put together, and there’s a borderline arrogant smile that plays at his lips. If it had taken him a half dozen times to get the locket to work correctly for him, it didn’t show on his face, but for him it was practically like magic.

It was technology that was still years away from where he was, he had only recently managed to install a telephone in his car (and promptly sold the idea for a handsome profit), but even it had been quite an ordeal, there were a dozen wires, it needed a long and thick antennae to work, and if you weren’t careful it could drain your battery in a heartbeat if you weren’t careful, but it was technology that he felt had promise. Adding the ability to view the person on the other end of the line was something he hadn’t even thought about trying, let alone making it so small and portable. Sure, he had managed to miniaturise a camera lens for a pen, but that was just for still photos. He was intrigued by it, though, a fascinating idea (one he wished he had been the one to come up with), and he didn’t hide his impression. He didn’t dare attempt to pop it open, however, lest he not be able to put it back together. While the imps had been kind to him thus far, he hadn't argued much when he'd been dragged away, he wasn’t sure how well they’d take to him breaking one of the gifts that he had been given.

For the time being he would leave it as it was, but eventually he might ask if someone knew just how they worked. Just for the sake of curiosity.)

So I take it this place doesn’t take too kindly to technology of any kind, huh? Even one as simple as a battery. (He raises his wrist to show the watch on his arm, it had stopped when he had arrived, and though it was currently useless, he couldn’t take it off. He was too used to wearing it and would feel naked without it.) Is there anywhere around here where they sell watches you wind? Or parts so I can convert this one?

(There’s a pause, he takes his hand down again and shrugs his shoulders lightly.)

Anyway. Good morning. My name is Howard Stark, and back home I was an inventor of sorts, so I’m not entirely sure why they’ve brought me here, unless it’s to update this place somehow. My company’s goal was to build a better and brighter tomorrow, and it looks like this place could use a bit of that. It’ll be like going back in time with what I have to work with, but I’m sure I can manage if that’s what’s wanted.

So, tell me a little bit about yourself, mysterious person on the other side of the magical locket. What makes you special?

Unseelie Locked

Who’s in charge of your weapons division? Back home, right before I was brought here, we had a war that ended, and I worked in weapons on the winning side. I can’t imagine that’s a coincidence.

Comments

video; unseelie locked

[boutant]

Uh. I'd think the blacksmiths are in charge of weapons? In charge of making them, anyway...

[ She's... never really thought about it. ]

And Saber is the general; she'd be a good person to talk to. Of course, things are busy at the moment.

video; unseelie locked

[stickseller]

But who tells them what to make? Or do they just use the same recycled ones constantly?

(Eyebrows raised, maybe a little too expectantly. But he jots down the name mentioned, as well as blacksmiths, so he can work with that.)

I'll make sure to rendezvous with her, then. (His brow furrows slightly.) How bad are things right now?

video

[wipedclean]

[Hey Howard, remember Bucky Barnes? Because he's staring at you with a confused expression and looking a hell of a lot scruffier than you may remember.

The name... Steve mentioned the name already, and it... he doesn't remember, but something tells him he should. More than that, the face looks... familiar, but it still doesn't bring back any actual memories.]

I know you.

[The statement is confident enough but it brings with it the uncertainty inherent in the fact that he can't actually remember.]

video

[stickseller]

(Between imps, ancient weaponry, and the lack of basic technology, you'd have thought that seeing a ghost wouldn't catch Howard as off guard as it does. But maybe it was because the "ghost" was on a video, speaking to him that is the issue. If he had seen him gliding through a wall it would be a lot easier to accept than it, him, speaking to him.

They might not have been too close personally, but Howard recognised him instantly. He remembered how much he meant to Steve, too. James Barnes had been one of the Commandos, and Howard had had more to do with that lot than most. Specialised weapons, debriefing, all that.

So forgive him if he stares just a moment, he just needs to pull it together, to get his smile back on, he didn't want anyone else to notice the shock.)

Don't they have hair dressers here, Barnes?

video »

[burping]

I believe that a place called The Station is where you can find more... modern conveniences. [ she has no idea what you're talking about.]

video »

[stickseller]

I'll have to make my way there sometime soon, though maybe not in the next few days if everything's a little...unstable.

[Video]

[dragonring]

[Oh, an inventor! This physicist is instantly attracted to the feed, though the fact Howard then proceeds to sound like a salesman isn't as welcome by Dave. But hey, this is still cool.]

No, not even a battery. The only place where technology works is the Station. There are enough parts and tools you can use there... [He leans toward the locket and squints.] ...and, ah, watches more advanced than that one.

[Video]

[stickseller]

(It's just, he is a salesman, at least, that was in a way sort of how he started out, his product being himself. This is like a commercial for him. To start, at least. He loosens up as soon as he starts speaking directly to someone.)

The Station? How do I get there? (It's not that he's particularly desperate to be able to tell time again, he wouldn't be able to set it completely correctly anyway seeing as its already been off for hours, who knows how many. What if the length of their days are different here? He's just...curious.) Sounds like my kind of place. (:|) This is last years model, you know.

[commandertoolbelt]

You got that right. It's the most annoying thing I've ever seen; you can't do anything worth a damn outside of the Station. Good luck getting your watch to work again.

[ Sorry, Howard, this guy's got Issues with the tech ban here, in spite of the time he's already spent here. Life sucks, and that's why they call it the Drabwurld. ]

Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus, at your service. I'm a mechanic - technically an inventor too, I guess, but you know, whatever. I've mostly been working as a blacksmith around here, though, with the technological problems and all.

What kind of stuff did you make?

[stickseller]

I've been hearing a lot about this Station thing. I'm going to have to head over there as soon as I can.

(Although from the sounds of the brewing war, it might be a while. Howard's tech might not be super advanced, he's not facebook addicted or anything thankfully~, but still, minor annoyances.)

I wouldn't say that's whatever, but I suppose you could be both. (Mechanic just seemed so limiting. Howard nods, clicking his tongue lightly.) Is that what those who are technically inclined usually end up doing?

(He's going to pause, clearing his throat.) Oh, this and that. I dabble in a lot of different areas. Mostly my aim is to improve the living standard of the public, bringing the dreams of the future to life, today.

video | unseelie locked

[uneulogized]

Too bad you didn't turn up earlier. It sounds like we could really use you. [The idea of being on the winning side. Jason definitely likes the sound of that, especially with everything that's at stake. That he's accepting of his role stands out to Jason, too.]

'Course, it sounds like you're gonna have your work cut out for you adapting to everything. Maybe even "earlier" wouldn't have helped. [But with the number of people with their prestige and knowledge, he figures it couldn't hurt.]

For now, I'd take the free time you have before the enemy forces get too close to our doorstep and check out that nice library. You might find some stuff on how to adapt. [It's just a guess, though. The fact that he's learning magic now is still weird, so Jason doesn't know if it's possible to adapt any kind of technology in the same way.]

video | unseelie locked

[stickseller]

I'm starting to get that. Between the lack of artillery and last nights party which make it seem like they're trying to downplay the fact that there's a front marching towards us just a few days off. If I'd had a little longer, I probably could have at least started to rig up something.

(Because while yes, maybe Howard should be wary about joining a war he knew little of, hadn't that almost been the same when he'd been recruited first? The USA wasn't quite involved in the war yet when Phillips first approached him, but of course, the Pearl Harbour happened, and they were thrown into it head first.)

I'm sure I'll manage. (Hopefully. He kept one of the crossbows from the night before, he'd been playing with it in his room.) But the earlier you can get started on a project, the better chance you have at figuring it out.

(He nods slowly.) From what I've understood, I should probably pick a limited selection that travel well. Any titles I should keep my eye out for and grab with me before it all goes down? (howard is still confused about the magic thing.)

voice » unseelie locked.

[mixcds]

You could probably find parts at the Station.

[For the watch. Morla with access to modern weapons and magic is a deeply unsettling thought, if he's honest. Smart, but probably impossible. That's probably for the best.]

There isn't exactly a weapon's division. The blacksmith's make the swords and people use them, and so on. You could probably create one, though. I imagine Morla would like the initiative.

[probably. ]

I'm Kieren. Sorry you've come in at such a bad time, Howard. I'm actually in the Station right now, so I can grab any parts I can find before I make my way back to Caer Scima?

voice » unseelie locked.

[stickseller]

The more I hear about this Station, the more I wish I'd been dumped there right away. Sure would make my life a lot easier.

(Although easy has never exactly been fun for Howard.

He listens and nods, it's the second mention of blacksmiths and while he hasn't really done much smithing in his past, he understands the mechanics of it. He's seen molten metal formed and shaped. He could dig it.) What's Morla? (So far he's heard of the General land Saber, Morla is a new name to him.) I don't suspect there's much time to learn the trade before the attack.

(Shrug.)

Pleasure. (Because it is good to meet new people, especially ones on his side.) Actually, I'd love a mini toolkit, if you could get something like that for me. If there are any pocket watches there, one of those. Screwdriver, small, picks -- those could probably be forged here. Magnets? Those are always good to have. (He's sort of half speaking to himself atm.) Can you give me a day, and I can put together a list? I promise it won't be too long or heavy.

Video

[starspangled]

Howard?

[So it really is him. Steve waited until the introduction, since there's a few people running around with really similar faces lately. Blast from the past. He's heard that phrase before. This definitely fits.]

Sorry about your watch. I hope you didn't have any dates planned.

[Steve actually knows how much that sucks.]

Video

[stickseller]

(Just when you thought the manpain was over, it's like a knife in the damn chest. It was funny how quickly Steve had come to mean so much to Howard. He was just as crushed as Peggy was when Steve took the dive, and they had both delved into their work. Then he had protested, and it had all been turned against him.

Steve being alive, it's hard.)

I'm sure I did, but I don't have my butler here to keep track of them for me, so I'm not sure which ones. (:c)

video;

[desperate_times]

[That catches Chloe's attention. When she speaks it's with an Australian accent.]

An inventor? Well that's a relief. This place is so primitive, it sometimes drives me crazy.

Do you know much work is involved just to take a hot bath? Ridiculous!

video;

[stickseller]

But seeing that the magic around this place seems to cancel out any advancement, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to do. Not that that means I won't try.

(He chuckles.) But you just have the imps do it for you. Raw meat, I hear, is the trick.

VIDEO | UNSEELIE LOCKED

[selfimage]

[ Howard Stark.

he knows the name. not the man, but the name. this all sounds entirely too familiar, and it suddenly makes him deeply aware of the StarkPhone that sits very heavily (unworking, for the time) in his coat pocket. ]

I hope you're up for a bit of sorcerous-voodoo when it comes to weaponry. [ oh how he remembers Tony's mantras of I HATE MAGIC. ] Between the fairies and the possibility of magics I'd say that any mortal inventor would have his hands full. And on such a short deadline!

Nothing better than pressure to assure a swift victory.

VIDEO | UNSEELIE LOCKED

[stickseller]

I am looking forward to seeing this magical weaponry, I have to admit. And while I might have grabbed a crossbow, I don't think there's anything special about it. (At least Howard doesn't have that. He's real interested.) I'll do what I can with the time given.


Shouldn't all victories be swift?

[ video ]

[falconkick]

[ holy shit - emphasis on 'ho-lee' and a slow roll on 'shit'. of course sam knows the name, the way any american citizen ( and most citizens of the world ) do, but most especially coming from the military. the exo-7 has 'stark industries' clearly printed on its wings, and it's stark that let sam fly.

not this one.

his son.

to reiterate: holy shit. ]

I'm sure you get this all the time, but seriously, it is really weird to be meeting you right now. In a good way! [ mostly. ] But still damn weird.

[ video ]

[stickseller]

(Awww yiss, finally a fan. He thinks. He hopes. He at least sees the recognition of his person in the others face, and it makes him puff up a bit, peacocking as he always does around a fan? Best keep it on the downlow about a kid for now, though. That'd be a lot to handle in one day.)

Weird, an honour, dreams coming true. I get a lot of reactions to meeting me. (snerk. But he's clearly amused by it.) It's always a pleasure to meet someone who admires my work.

video. unseelie locked.

[vrykolakas]

The dwarves make clockwork, but they've closed off their city. If you want parts, search the salvage-markets in Mair. Not much you can't buy there.

[The Brucolac narrows his eyes, cants his head, crooks his lips; his expression is halfway between suspicious and utterly charmed.]

'A better and brighter tomorrow'.

video. unseelie locked.

[stickseller]

Because of the impending battle? They're not on a side, then? (He tuts lightly, he's trying to wrap his head around all of this. See who is where. He might have looked at a map over the Drabwurld, but that doesn't mean he knows it fully. Or understands it.) I still need to get money. Or something to barter with. They didn't give me a chance to grab anything but what I had on me, and I don't carry a lot of dollars.

(8D)

It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

video; unseelie locked

[gandere]

[ Not that Rin fears competition for her future, but she does have an interest in a man who claims to be an inventor. What limits does he have? What could he bring to this world?

And could he explain to her fully what an iPhone was? Because Waver's explanation is always lost on her. ]

You should speak to the General of the Unseelie if you're interested in pursuing that path. I could always introduce you, Stark.

video; unseelie locked

[stickseller]

I'm not necessarily interested in pursuing it, I'd like to know the terms of the arrangement first, but I'm still assuming it's why I was brought here.

Are you their second hand?

video;

[zerotohiro]

If you get an answer, feel free to share with the rest of us. If they have parts for watches they probably have parts for cell phones.

[Hello Howard. Meet another inventor even though this one's...kinda small. But there's a look that's partially sympathetic because this place is seriously, seriously outdated, and partially smug because, well, he's not the only one who's been going around telling people the imps brought him here to update things.

Judging by the other conversations though, everyone has the same answer. The Station.]

Looks like you've already heard about the Station, but it's...kinda really far away. [Which sucks. But he's curious what, precisely, Howard's deal is.] What's the best thing you've invented so far?

video;

[stickseller]

(...) What's a cell phone?

(This must be one of those more modern people, maybe the kind that has a digital watch even. He is intrigued!! Although suspecting that his own task may be a little simpler, all he has to do is make it so it doesn't run on electricity, after all.

Yes, Hiro seems very young, but then again, he too was having bright ideas from a young age, so he's not about to let age get in the way of his curiosity.)

Yeah, One guy mentioned fairy rings? Sound interesting, not sure if I'd trust them myself without knowing how they work, besides, you know, magic, but I'm definitely going to have to get there at some point.

(his flying car.) Depends on how you define 'best'. My favourite, or what I have the most recognition for?

video;

[liven]

What sort of special things do you even wish to know? There are too many different sorts to list, with the types of people here.

[ holiday spirits, etc ]