Sweetheart, you have no idea what you got yourself into.

[maria_stark]

Well now, isn't this just dandy. Here I am, all dressed up and no where to go.

[See that very patient brow crinkling ever so slightly? That's Maria keeping her cool]

With all due respect, I've helped my father run the family business for years before I even met Howard. I am a successful woman and not afraid to let it be known. If you think I'll start kowtowing and playing the shrinking violet now, you have another think coming, sister.

I'm nobody's damsel in distress and I don't need anyone's help. When people are blessed to have the good fortune myself and my family have had, it's us who need to give back. It doesn't work the other way around. People need a standard, they need to see that it doesn't matter how rich you are, how powerful you might be or who has dinner at your table, people are equal and deserving.

So, do us both a favor won't you? Realize that iron in the backbone came from both sides of the family.

Comments

[shockinglyold]

It's damn good to see another woman with balls.

[Jenny is smirking brightly as she lights up a cigarette.]

[brams_nightmare]

You are a most... fascinating woman, I must admit.

[maria_stark]

I don't usually stoop the the masculine terms, but it seems appropriate enough.

[Have a smirk, Jenny]

Maria Stark, you wouldn't happen to have another of those would you?
[Indicates the cigarette]

[maria_stark]

And you are..quite pale, are you entirely well, Mr....?

[shockinglyold]

Jenny Sparks. Unfortunately feminine terms never get out of the eighteen hundreds.

[Jenny tapped out a cigarette and offered it to Maria.]

Stark? Any relation to Howard Stark?

[maria_stark]

Really? I think there's a lot to be said for any woman who can spend all day in garters, hose, heels a girdle and still manage to smile. I'd like to see a man try it for even an hour.

Actually..no, I'd rather not actually see it, but the thought is amusing.

[she takes the cigarette and holds it between her lips, deftly lighting it with a match before waving the match out and flicking it away]

Yes, he's my husband.

[shockinglyold]

[Jenny let out a soft snort.]

I'm pretty sure they'd never fantasize about that ever again. Although I know a few hulking blokes I'd love to see like that. Be great blackmail fodder.

[At the explanation of Howard being Maria's husband Jenny's brows raise almost into her hairline.]

Really? You mean a bloke like Howard can really handle a woman like you?

[maria_stark]

Good lord no, I said he was my husband, not my keeper.

Howard requires a very particular sort of hand to deal with him. He's unruly, manic, crazed at times but completely brilliant. He's like a combustion engine, when it's in line it's a thing of beauty, one piston off and it will seize or explode.

As delicately as you can, how is it that you know Howard? I am well aware of his reputation before he and I were married.

[shockinglyold]

[At the assessment she just starts to laugh. This woman is the best thing to come into this world since cigars and slow music.]

I couldn't have put it better myself.

As for how I know him, we're friends. He tried to keep me once, but it didn't work out. Now I keep his ass in line so he doesn't blow up the space station we live on.

[maria_stark]

Give it time, everyone comes to know Howard in their own special colorful way eventually.

[Maria is going to nod and wish she had a drink]

Well I'd say this call for a Tom Collins. Or are you more of a gin and tonic woman? No, don't tell me.

[Maria sized her up and nodded to herself] Bourbon or single malt whiskey, am I right?

[shockinglyold]

Oh yes, he's already had me scolded by the entire station once.

[She knows that look. She's had it once when meeting John's girlfriend.]

I'm not sleeping with him Maria, we're just friends. However either would be brilliant.

[maria_stark]

Deflecting from his own efforts or inaction I'd imagine.

I'm not worried about that. Any Howard that was married to me would know better, any one that isn't, well they aren't truly my concern.

What's say you and I get ourselves a round or three and discuss being women and having balls.

[shockinglyold]

Efforts. Caused an uproar over an insanity god. I wasn't blameless though. I should have handled the fall out without him.

[Really Maria, you're completely wasted on being Howard's wife.]

I like the sound of that Maria. You know a good bar around here that doesn't require a teleport?

[withnopowers]

[she just...stares at her for a moment, with a soft smile] You tell 'em.

[maria_stark]

What you have to understand about Howard is that he is too intelligent to think like other people, the obvious often escapes him as easily as the bewildering is clear.

Tele-port? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the word but I do happen to keep a well stocked bar in the lounge if you're keen.

[maria_stark]

Why, thank you dear. Very kind of you to lend support. Do we, or rather will we know each other? I'm afraid I don't recognize you.

[withnopowers]

[Kate shakes her head, the smile fading] No. You just - remind me of someone.

[she offers a hand] I'm Kate. I - I will know your son. [the smile twists into a wry smirk] Sort of.

[maria_stark]

Do I? I hope that's a good thing.
[Have a wide, bright Maria smile Kate, and a firm, warm hand shake]

It's a pleasure to meet you Kate. I hope my son isn't too much of a handful. I've been made aware he is quite a dynamic personality.

[ironplayboy]

So she has just picked you up and you're already threatening her and ordering her around?

Yeah, you're my father's wife alright.

[maria_stark]

Anthony, [Mother is tsking at you and brushing wrinkles out of your shirt] a little respect goes a long way on both sides. As for you, I'm your mother, you should be nice to me.

[notanambassador]

. . . may I assume that you're the one that finally tamed the infamous tomcat?

[maria_stark]

Tamed? My dear I don't think anyone will ever accuse me of that, reined in a bit perhaps.

I take it you are acquainted with the tom in question?

[notanambassador]

Being able to use reins implies that he's at least tame enough for a bridle.

[Oh the joys of spending time on the fringe where horses are still a method of transport.]

I am, but in a very alternate reality. I'm Inara Serra.

[maria_stark]

If he wanted to marry me he had to be. I never wanted to stifle his creativity, his spontaneity or his genius. Those things are what made me fall in love with him, but Howard should never be left to his own devices, it does him no good.

And I am a very skilled rider.

A pleasure Miss Serra, I'm Maria, Mrs. Stark is Howard's mother, and an old battle axe so no thank you on being called that.

[notanambassador]

You find him passed out under a desk somewhere if he's left unsupervised for too long. Yes, I can understand that.

My apologies, Maria. But if that is the case, I will insist on being Inara.