I've decided that I dislike emotional limbo about as much as I would dislike occupational limbo. And it's not as if I've slept very well since being brought here anyway. It's like that Tokyo board meeting all over again only with aliens and possible death.

[Slightly strained sigh.]

Between those huge lights and the sky and...other...things...I almost wish something would just happen.

I can't stay stuck between like this forever...God...and I call Tony impatient.

[Trying to pick up the mood a bit.]

I think it's going to snow soon...maybe? It might be fun...though I think I'll enjoy it by staying inside and drinking hot chocolate or coffee or maybe both.

((Small and strikes are harder to hear.))

[Her voice is steady, though dry with poor humor.]

Let's never ever ever ever have that happen again, shall we?

[She gives an exasperated sigh and shuts the communicator off.]

I'm not sure why so many people are getting upset. I can't see or hear anything different about this place. Maybe it's because I have no real power in magic or psychics, or whatever people are using to sense out the trouble that they think is coming.

I can't say that I'm particularly worried by what they have to say. I have so much else on my mind.

[Screened to Urd || Unhackable]

I never asked...I don't know if I should... Have you and Tony sorted things out now? Do you want to share some coffee sometime? I could really use the break.

( [Private || Semi-Hackable] )

2pm for lunch. I'll have food ready and waiting in your room for the meeting.

I'll also come over and make sure you're ready at 1:30.

[Inaudible, whispered.]

You owe me a raise for this, Tony.

Yuuko...is gone.

[Long pause, there's a slight sob-choking noise, as if she's trying to control herself to keep from crying. Her voice is shaky when she speaks again.]

Her things aren't here...that means she's permanently gone, doesn't it?

Yuuko...

I hope you will be safe...and happy.

Even though it was a mistake...

...I don't like hurting people.

[Softly]

I'm sorry Billy. I hope you see your friend again someday.

[A voice comes on. It is soft and sweet-sounding, more tentative than Pepper.]

Well...

...at least I'm still a red-head?

[Soft sigh.]

Why do I have a sudden craving for frozen yogurt?

((Pepper has become Penny from Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog! X3 ))

[Soft click and the PDA comes on unintentionally. There is a deep, feminine yawn, then the momentary shuffling of blankets.]

Huh? ...I didn't mean to fall asleep. I hope... I hope he didn't notice. I'll never hear the end of it...

[More shuffling then silence as the PDA is picked up and examined.]

OH MY GOD! T-two...weeks? This...can't be right...

[A pause.] Oh God.. is this thing on? Wonderful...[Click.]

I haven't meant to stay out of touch, really... I've just felt a bit out of it...

I've seen a lot of new faces around lately. Welcome to Econtra! I guess - though who really wants to be here?

If any of you need any help getting to know this place, I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by all the differences...and I'd be happy to show you around. My name is Pepper Potts, and I am Tony Stark's assistant.

--

Ilyana, I saw your message about the picnic. I'm glad you're feeling better... I'm not sure when I'm going to organize the event at this point, but I hope to have it before the end of the summer. I think I'm losing my touch.

Duo, I left some chocolate-oatmeal cookies outside your room, I hope you enjoy them. Thanks for visiting me when I wasn't...feeling well.

[Clears throat.]

Ah... Mr. Stark? Do you need anything?

It's...August 5th...

...I've...been gone a week!?

Was I someone else again? Please tell me no.

So much for the picnic...

[Sigh.]

What...happened?

Tony?

Now.. if I can just keep from changing into something for another week or so, maybe I'll actually get some work done.

I plan to still arrange that picnic...that is, if anyone's still interested? I can't imagine anyone not wanting a summer celebration of some sort.

I wouldn't mind hearing the stories people have of their time as kids...

Did anyone else find it as refreshing as I did? I haven't felt that way... well... since I was a kid. [Laughs.]

( [Action - Bringing Tony Stark Lunch] )

[There is a pause, and then a little girl's voice comes on sounding a bit scared but still resolute and a little miffed.]

Really? Is this really happening? [Long-suffering sigh that sounds hilarious coming from a little girl's voice not suited to such dramatic emotion.]

Mr. Stark? Are you there? Have you been... shrunk as well?

[A long pause.]

I don't know how I'm going to make breakfast... I can't reach the counters.

I suppose I shouldn't be giving myself coffee either. It wouldn't be responsible?

I'm going to have such a headache later.

( [Action - Roommates] )

( [Action - Tony Stark] )

( [Private || Unhackable || Viewable to Harth] )

Just letting everyone know that I am working on arranging the picnic. I haven't forgotten! I've just been...distracted. I should have everything worked out this weekend.

( [Private || Unhackable] )

I think the weather is changing again. Does anyone have plans to enjoy it? Another picnic might be nice... anyone up for more burgers? Hotdogs?

I...where have I...?

I...I feel like I was someone else...this entry on the 29th...

What have I said?

Aligoté? I'm...sorry I didn't meet you to help with cleaning. I think...something happened. My memory is...

Mercury... I didn't mean to be so rude... I don't even remember saying those things...

Duo, ah, short-haired Duo. I'm-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... Well, you seem to have known it wasn't me...but I'm still... Sorry.

Fool? Did you come by? I think I remember...something... If I was like I've been with anyone else... I'll apologize now, just to be safe...

Tony...I...

Mr. Stark... I think we need to speak again... If... if you're not too upset busy. What else did I say that wasn't written down?

So many holes in my memory...

WHERE THE HELL AM I?

You are in a serious amount of trouble, Boss.

I am not amused.

((Pepper has been changed into the new comic Pepper. She is snappy compared to the movieverse Pepper, and sarcastic to the extreme. :X Be warned!))

[Too brightly.] It's really getting to be hot outside, isn't it?

Thanks for letting me help you the other day, Aligoté. The kitchen is looking a lot better, don't you think?

[Screened to Tony Stark || Unhackable]

[Emotionally tense, but trying to hide it.]

Thank you, Tony. I know it's from you...[Soft laugh.] Inspired by Mel's idea of robotic guard dogs? I heard you talking at the picnic...

What should I call him? Is it a him? [Laughs gently.] I almost want to call him Jarvis... but it's not the same..is it? Maybe Jarvie? Jarvi? Listen to me ramble...

[Slightly wistful, again, trying to hide it.]

Do you think we could discuss some...issues, Mr. Stark? I believe I've behaved unprofessionally concerning the termination of my employment. Well, I know I have. It's not official... and... I'd really rather it not be. Whenever you have a moment...

[Softly...questioning.]

Who's...Yinsen, Tony?

[Screened to AU Yuuko || Unhackable]

Yuuko...? How much would a wish to remember something you've forgotten cost? There was a night...too much wine... I would really like to know...

[/Screened]

Mr. Sta- Tony's.... been injured.

Mercury? Dr. Stiles? Grandmaster Kragok? Brother Mhenlo?

Please...someone...

I can't...I don't know enough...

[Private || Unhackable]

It wasn't so bad...he didn't...he shouldn't have.

...Tony.

[/Screened]

I feel like I've been walking around an elementary school these last few days.

Well...if it keeps all of you occupied and happy...I guess I have no right to criticize. Have fun!

---

[Screened to Kaylee || Unhackable]

Thank you for your help Kaylee. Did I do this right?

[Private || Unhackable]

Can anyone read this? Hello?

I'm going to run around Neocontra in my underwear!

Nothing? Wonderful... [Happy sigh.]

[/Screened]

---

( Messages to Kragok, Mercury, Mhenlo, Stiles, and Stark )