maskormenace

Recent events have me thinking.

[ Stark says, taking a sip from his cup, before he focuses back on a camera. It's a lot more HD than your usual import camera -- then again, nothing but the best for Tony Stark. ]

In recent months, we've had people showing up, different times, completely different people, and now there's word of people sticking around. That's different, it's never happened before. [ A pause, a sip. ] But who knows, it could be a fluke, right? Or maybe I don't have complete data. Anyone else heard of anything like that happening?

I mean, that's as an aside. I've... I've seen a lot of people hold themselves responsible -- myself included -- for things that someone who isn't them did. Either a person they become, a person they were and aren't anymore -- or a completely different person.

Would you hold them responsible? After my...unfortunate incident I found people were holding me responsible for things that this -- different version of me had done. Is that a constant? Should people be held accountable for things that they weren't necessarily guilty of? If I'm ported out tomorrow, would the Tony Stark that replaces me be held accountable for anything I did over my time here?

[ Another pause then. His finger drums against the glass. ] Anyone have any thoughts?

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That's what I mean. If it's different, why should they be held accountable for it?

It's not them?

And if someone...forgets their life experiences entirely, there's a change in there somewhere. That's how alternate universes start, so...

Shouldn't we handle them just like that?

It's hard to dictate people's feelings on the matter. It's easier to feel angry and defensive.

But I am a pretty strong believer of second chances.

Thankfully.

[ said with a touch of wry humor. ]

I am too, actually. If I can reform an enemy, I'd rather do that than fight them for the rest of my life.

If I had enemies, I'd probably want to, too. I'd assume a lot of them are actually quite intelligent and resourceful.

Having that used for good? That would be great.

Wouldn't it?

I mean, I don't have that many anymore -- these days I mostly help with the Avengers, and deal with international politics, back home, but...

Some of them have done well. Some of them ended up tragic, but... we always at least tried, you know? [ A tight smile. ] It's always worth the shot.

This is why is why I stay out of politics and superheroing.

[ Haha... ]

Plenty on my plate already.

Oh, absolutely.

Believe me, getting involved in the both of those? It gets to be a bit much -- take it from someone who knows.

I'll keep it in mind.

[ A smirk, then it fades slightly as she decides to circle back to the original topic. ]

Would you hold me or someone else responsible for something our evil counterparts did?

No.

[ Said simply. ]

It would make me a hell of a hypocrite, wouldn't it?

I can't say I wouldn't watch a little more carefully, but... that would be the illogical side of me -- I don't think I'd hold that for very long, once the evidence shows that you're completely different.

Well, it sounds like you already have you answer then.

Just curious about what other had to say or having second thoughts?

Curious.

I want to see what we have right now, and how we can move beyond it.

It's... it's hard. People's emotions aren't rational. They never will be.

[ A soft laugh. ] No. No they aren't.

That's why we need institutions to combat that, you know?

[ A beat. ]

What do you mean by institutions?

You know. Laws. Regulations. Even people who support their friends, help them work through their problems.

For a moment I thought you meant for the ones who felt wronged... but it's not just better resources. I've learned a long time ago some people won't seek help, even if they need it.

No, it's true.

They don't.

What do you suggest?

I'm not completely sure... building a reputable source of help is one, I suppose. Not to mention a place where people can feel safe to let down their walls. Someplace and people to trust.

Like an actually decent psychiatrist?

Do those exist anymore?

I'll choose to be an optimist. They exist... somewhere.

Mmm, if they're around, I'll start to eat my suit, piece by piece.

Crane doesn't count.

You don't trust shrinks?

[ Says the woman who also will not see one. ]

I trust some.

Doc Samson, Karla Sofen... [ A pause. ] But I do feel like I know myself better than other people do. I don't need someone to dictate my thoughts to me. They honestly can't keep up.

Well, when you put it that way...

[ She feels similarly to a point; she knows herself better than anyone else, so any problems she faces she has to solve on her own terms. ]

I know, some people would say it's dangerous, but...

It hasn't exactly steered me wrong before.

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