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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

As long as you're not bottling up everything.

[ But considering their last conversation, they were able to discuss some things openly and she's no professional. ]

Oh don't worry, I don't bottle anything up.

[ Just, you know. Ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist until it "doesn't". ]

Well... I will say we had a good talk last time.

You think so too?

I thought it was very...productive, actually.

I'll admit it did seem like it.

[ It's strange that in all this time they've known each other they've never had any kind of heart-to-heart talk. The problem with stubborn personalities... ]

It was...nice.

[ A pause. ]

We'll need to do it again sometime.

[ Karen pauses, considering. ]

... why not. I've been so buried in work I have to forcefully pry myself from it sometimes.

Well. I'd be more than happy to make sure you get away from it more often, then.

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