VIDEO | PUBLIC | Howard Stark (Iron Man: Armored Adventures)

[uppercaseism]

[ This plain-looking fellow appears onscreen and begins speaking. ]

Tony, I'm not sure if you've been dragged along with me to this alternate Earth. If you're here, I'm heading for Excelsior. We can rendez-vous there.

To everyone else, my name is Howard Stark. As I understand it, that likely means nothing to you — [ He'd done a little searching for Stark International or Stark Solutions, but the closest thing he got was some kind of sex toy company, to which he paid no mind. ] — but I promise know my way around technology. If anyone in Excelsior needs any assistance, you can call on me and I'll do what I can.

And if you see my son, Tony, tell him where I am. He's eighteen, black hair, fit build. He'll probably be doing more than his fair share of tinkering, too.

Comments

Video | @OfSidereal

[bestbrotherever]

So you are the father of the great Tony Stark.

[That smile surely means nothing good.]

[uppercaseism]

[ Hm. Howard's met more than a few of his son's Rogues Gallery, but this one isn't ringing a bell.

Could mean nothing, but he's not liking that smile. ]

I am. And who might you be?

[bestbrotherever]

I am Loki, God of Mischief. And while your son Stark may not be a friend of mine, I have heard enough of his father in his own words to know his character. ["And not think highly of it," is left unspoken, while the grin never wavers.]

[uppercaseism]

[ Howard is more or less certain that Tony thinks the world of him — but he's got an ounce or two of humility and knows better than to say so out loud. ]

Well. Dare I ask what "my character" is?

[bestbrotherever]

The source of many of his problems, and he has quite a few of those. Very much not an ideal father.

[uppercaseism]

[ This... Loki fellow is clearly getting something out of this interaction, but Howard couldn't begin to fathom what. He takes a moment to study the man on the video. His smile, his posture, even his color scheme feels vaguely reminiscent of Gene — which could mean several things.

Or it could mean nothing at all.

He takes a breath. As far as he's aware, Tony is turning out fine. But... multiverse. Alternate Tonys. If another Tony out there has issues that could be repeated in his own son, Howard would absolutely want to know more so he could prevent it. ]

I see.

Are you able to tell me more? If there's an issue with my parenting that causes Tony issues down the line, I'd like to be able to correct it.

[bestbrotherever]

If he is already eighteen, then the damage has already been done. Still, if you wish to make up for your mistakes, you could start congratulating him for his achievements. Particularly before you die.

[uppercaseism]

...I see.

[ By now, he's spoken with enough people to get the jist of this "multiverse" situation. Howard does not like what he's hearing. His expression hardens. ]

I've spent Tony's entire life praising and supporting him. Are you telling me that there are other... versions of me that can't even manage that?

[ The "before you die" is not lost on him, either, but he'll quietly file that away. ]

[bestbrotherever]

[Loki's face freezes. He should have considered that this Howard Stark was a different person from the father that haunted the Avenger Stark's past.]

I admit I do not know the details. Only that the Tony Stark I know was left feeling he could never be worthy of his father's approval.

[uppercaseism]

[ He nods — not in agreement, but to acknowledge what was said. ]

I see.

Are you a friend of his?

[bestbrotherever]

Hardly. We are closer to reluctant allies. But as he is an ally, I sometimes feel compelled to aid him when I can.

[uppercaseism]

Well, even if you two aren't close... thank you for sticking up for him. Especially if my counterpart really was as...

[ Neglectful? Abusive? Howard doesn't have all the details, and he's not sure he wants them. ]

...was as you say. I can't fault you for taking potshots at me.

[bestbrotherever]

[He nods stiffly.]

I have my own problems with my father. So the matter is something of a personal interest.

Incidentally, my remark about mending your ways before your death... That was not a threat, but a warning. In my universe, the parents of Tony Stark died when he was young and unproven. Even if your son has your clear respect, if your fate is similar to the other Howard Stark's... it may be in both of your interests to see that he is prepared, should the worst befall you.

[demigoth]

Why can't you just ask the guilds? They find the people who get brought in by the Confluences.

[uppercaseism]

They looked pretty swamped when I arrived. This seemed like the better option for everyone involved.

[demigoth]

[ Adults are never very bright or helpful. ]

But they would know!

[uppercaseism]

[ And that's why children are our future. This isn't Howard's first rodeo with a smart kid — After all, his own son is far more brilliant than he is. He knows how to show a little humility, even toward a kid he's never met. ]

You have a point. I suppose it wasn't very bright of me to ignore the resources they're offering.

[demigoth]

And he's 18. It's not like he's a kid.

Text | Private | Prodigy

[helpdesk_hero]

While I doubt I'm going to see Stark any time soon, you should be warned.

You might not find the person you're expecting when he finds you, Howard Stark. This world is not truly bound by the limitations of drawing from a single branch of the multiverse, or even singular temporal points.

[If Howard Stark was as intelligent as history suggested in David's world, then it shouldn't be a problem to point out the issues of the multiverse and time that are presented here.]

And honestly, given Tony being Tony, he might be too deep into tinkering to even notice the internet unless he's got something actively monitoring it.

Text | Private

[uppercaseism]

I see. I appreciate the warning. Until today, my knowledge of other dimensions was all secondhand, to say nothing of time travel. I imagine my time here's going to be very educational.

Though it's comforting to know that even in the vastness of the multiverse, I can always count on Tony Stark to be tinkering with something.

[helpdesk_hero]

Most people only have second-hand until they have no choice but to have first.

I've never known Tony to be anything less than that, and I've known him a few worlds over.

[uppercaseism]

You've got me there.

A few worlds over... incredible. I wouldn't mind meeting them, if I ever had the chance.

[helpdesk_hero]

Well, if I run into a Tony willing, I'll let you know.

I just don't intend to go giving out their information without permission. Sorry.

video; un: Mysterio

[makeanentrance]

I'm familiar with the Stark family.

[Yes, Beck's wearing full costume for now.]

un: Mysterio

[uppercaseism]

[ What on earth is on this man's head? ]

Have you seen him around anywhere recently?

[makeanentrance]

No, I can't help you with their location.

Video | Private

[highprofilerichkid]

Dad! [ On the video feed, Tony beams. ] You really did end up here too! I'm already in Excelsior. I got the intro, and I'm with somebody who's helping me recharge the armor's reactor core. He should have sent you a text with the coordinates a second ago.

[ They're secretly breaking into a substation and jury-rigging a way to hijack outrageous amounts of electricity! You should come, Howard! It'll be wholesome family fun! ]

I'm so glad you're here. This 'confluence' thing is crazy.

Re: Video | Private

[uppercaseism]

Tony! Am I glad to see you.

[ Howard looks tired, but he's beaming all the same. ]

Perfect, I'm in Excelsior too. I'll meet you there.

You're not kidding about this whole Confluence mess. Though I did discover I'm apparently a decent robot therapist.

*being eaten by Technovore* *puts Howard on speakerphone* hey I think you should talk to my dad

[highprofilerichkid]

Good to know. There are a couple of times when a robot therapist would actually have been really useful back home. [ DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT HOWARD IT WAS FINE, IT'S ALL FINE. MOVING ON. ]

So should we check if we're the right versions of each other and not from slightly different alternate universes? What's my favorite flavor of pizza? What did I get you for Father's Day when I was ten?

Hello, technovore? I think you should stop voring techno. NAILED IT.

[uppercaseism]

I — what was that just now? What robot was that?

As for the quiz... One: Anchovy and Pineapple.

Two: You rigged up a robot arm attached to a pasta machine, and wrote a script for it to procedural generate macaroni art.

[highprofilerichkid]

Don't worry about it.

[ Tony chuckles at Howard's answers. ] My greatest invention: the Macarobot. Two for two, that works for me. Did you get the coordinates? They should have come from a guy who goes by Prodigy-but-not-in-an-arrogant-way. [ Yes he is going to keep dunking on David for this forever. ]