There is a space station floating over our heads, but it'd be pretty lousy of me to skip out on the first day of the new semester when I made the commitment to teach these courses weeks ago. Even so, I'd be lying if I said my mind hadn't been entirely elsewhere this morning -- not unlike it might've been at home, honestly. Though really, the way this month's been going so far, with the anniversary of Osborn's rampage, Jessica's impromptu arrival, and, now, an honest-to-God space station, it's like everything's a reminder of my old life, for better or for worse. More than ever, my idea to start a monthly meeting of the more scientifically inclined minds seems prudent, and getting that off the ground as soon as possible is high on my list of priorities, if notably lower than spending more time in the freaking space station myself.

Look, I'm new at the team player gig. I'm allowed to slip up every once and a while.

Tucking my lesson plans back into my messenger bag, I step out of the school, intent on scaring up some lunch in the Compound before I have to go push some paper around in the Council office for the rest of the afternoon, brainstorm a little more on my project. I'm about to turn when I spot Pepper walking my way, catching me short.

"Well, if it isn't the birthday girl," I call out, offering her up a smile. If Tony listened to a word I said the other day, he should be at the mansion, cooking up an apologetic surprise right about now -- possibly literally. Hopefully he doesn't burn down the place. "Hey."