11273/You Want to Go Where

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You Want to Go Where
Date of Scene: 22 May 2022
Location: Cafeteria and Bar
Synopsis: Introductions to Clarice, dinner, a view and shared stories!
Cast of Characters: Tom McCarthy, Lorna Dane, Clarice Ferguson




Tom McCarthy has posed:
Life in the military takes you unusual places. Far-off destinations that most people wouldn't necessarily think of going, especially during times of conflict. Working for S.H.I.E.L.D. took you to even wierder places - handling even stranger situations. Sites of super-related activity, alien landings, mystical mishaps - all of these could be potential locales that your duty takes you to.

Being asked to enjoy the view from an orbiting asteroid with a member of Genoshan royalty, was not anything that Tom had thought would be on his bucket list to be checked off.

After a lovely dinner with Her Royal Highness at the Embassy, she had suggested another meeting - one with a breath-taking view. Not knowing exactly what to expect, Tom dressed nicely - slacks, a royal blue dress shirt and nicely polished shoes. No weapons, no uniform - just a civilian going on another... date? Was it a date? Either way, it was a nice way to spend an evening - chatting with Lorna.

Then he was teleported into orbit.

Teleportation itself was... very unsettling the first time. Then being in outer-fricking-space was another layer to this situation. Still, he was an agent and a veteran. He shook off the disorientation and walked with Lorna to the cafeteria. "So... I am guessing dinner here isn't necessarily Genoshan fare?" He offers in jest, trying to still stabilize his senses.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane had met Tom at the teleporters to lead him further into the asteroid proper. They passed the expansive windows that allowed one to see out toward Earth, and space in general. This wasn't even the best view on the asteroid. Dinner was first though, and perhaps after that a tour in the dome garden where one could enjoy a healthy dose of nature as well as the expanse of space above.

The Queen had dressed in attire that was slightly relaxed, but none the less nice. There was very little she had at this point that wasn't nice in some aspect or another. Heels add a little bit of height to her as well as a particular sway to her walk that was what heels were likely for. But she was wearing skinny jeans, and a green blouse otherwise. Somehow she made it look dressed up in spite of it being jeans.

Leading the way to the cafeteria she gestures toward the chefs that were there behind the counters. "No, not Genoshan, but there are actual chefs here. The Brotherhood--What it was before--Is long since gone. Yet there were those who supported them or were saved by them that have joined up to make this as pleasant a place as can be expected. Everyone here is either a mutant or relative of one, generally. Though we did house the refugees from New York when they were in need," she explains while settling down at a table. "But please, make yourself at home."

Tom McCarthy has posed:
Did he even have clearance for this? Oh lord, the paperwork he's going to need to fill out! The view of the Earth spinning below, was more than enough to shut him up for a good moment or two. Looking back to her. "The things you must see on a regular basis... this is awe-inspiring." Tom motions to the window. A pause. "Er, you look lovely today, Lorna." He offers, now that more of his manners come to him.

Teleportation is weird, yo.

"The Brotherhood... this world has changed so much." Tom admits. "I am hoping I don't make anyone uncomfortable here." The man looks about once in the cafeteria. "This place is quite impressive." Another look around, before looking back to Lorna. "So, do we get in line here? Are there people who bring over the food or?" He's not certain - he certainly does not want to assume.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "How the fuck am I supposed to know what the angle is?!" come a voice from another table. Hunched over the table - with a plate covered in a torn open leaf, filled with rice and curry, is a vibrantly magenta hued mutant. Clarice is staring at a math text book in frustration, as she shoves her pencil into it, to start flipping through the pages. Somewhere - was it three pages back? There had to be an explination for this stuff- "Triangles have... 180 degrees total in their angles. Okay. Okay. So then I just have to..." Why does this have to be //so// confusing? "Why do I need to know this?" she complains.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane smiles warmly at Tom's questions while watching him from the corner of her eye. Maybe a bit more than was necessary for someone simply giving a tour to another aquaintance. "It really is remarkable. I suppose that's why I spend time up here when I can--Though I try not to overdo it. There are people down there," she adds with a lift of her chin Earth-ward, "That require my attention often. Still. You can't beat the view here." Grinning she tips her head toward the cafeteria stations.

"It's pick your own. There are different lines rather than one long one, depending on what you'd like to eat. Feel free to take your pick. I'm probably going to just get a salad myself tonight. I try to eat at least one vegetable dish a day so I don't overdo the luxury food." She adds a tone to 'luxury' that might mean 'fattening' or 'fast food' by the way she says it.

Even as she explains this the griping from the other table garners her attention along with a soft 'ah' of realization as to who it was. "Clarice," she greets while standing to move to her friends side, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I know it's annoying, but knowledge is good. Even if you don't use it often." Looking over to Tom she adds, "Tom, meet my friend and personal guard, Clarice."

Tom McCarthy has posed:
Indeed, people down there. He was one of them, normally!

"Pick your own... I might try a bit of a few things, honestly. I try to keep a good balance, getting a bit from every food group." Tom explains, smiling a bit. "Luxury food kind of slows me down. I got used to MREs, unfortunately. I still keep a stash in my apartment, for when I have a taste for them." There's a smirk from the man.

Following her over, he stands back enough to give Clarice and Lorna space, even as he offers a polite wave to the new face. "Nice to meet you, Clarice. Lorna only has good things to say of you." He grins.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I just... really hate math," Clarice complains, letting out a frustrated sigh. She's been doing better with reading, but- geometry just baffles her.
    She shifts her attention to Tom, a broad-lipped smile sliding into place. "Oh, uhh- sorry, guess you didn't catch me in my best mood. Hello, Tom. Nice to meet you. If you're looking for any recommendations - the Mtuzi Wa Samaki is my personal favorite," she remarks, indicating the dish in front of her.
    Her attention shifts back to Lorna before she asks, "You've been talking about me?"

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane only offers up a little bit of a shrug in response to that particular question. "Well you are a friend of mine," she points out with a wry grin. "Plus... Montana." Okay she hadn't given all the details of that situation to Tom. That didn't mean she wasn't going to tease about it. It was one of the few things she COULD tease Clarice about.

"Ah, yes that does look excellent. I may have had it before," she muses trying to wrack her mind on whether she had or not. Glancing back to Tom she flashes him a warm smile. "Well, should we go pick and choose, then? It will only take a minute or two. Or," she adds with a chuckle, "I could go grab us something while you get to know Clarice a little."

Tom McCarthy has posed:
There's a slight grin from Tom, with a nod to Clarice. "A bit. Nothing too revealing. Just that you are a friend, and captain of her Royal Guard." A smile. Looking to Lorna, he nods. "I trust your judgement, if you want to pick out a meal for me? I can assure you, it won't be anything I'm dissappointed in." He grins.

A motion to one of the chairs. "Mind company then, Clarice? And I understand the dislike of math. I'm not a fan myself, but it is a necessary evil I am afraid." A shrug. "I usually had to do a lot of calculations when I was in the service."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "We'll be in our 90s, using walkers in some retirement home, and she'll still be going on about Montana," Clarice grumbles good-naturedly, flashing Lorna a brief smile.
    "Please. Join me. Give me //any// excuse not to do homework." She closes the book then adds, "Lorna can't complain about me not doing my work - she told you to sit with me," she adds with an amused smirk.
    "She's the one making me to all this //school// stuff, you know."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane lightly touches the small of Tom's back as she steps to the side allowing him to sit and join Clarice. "I'll make sure it's all delicious," she assures. A playful wink is tossed toward him as she makes her way off to the cafeteria line.

Apparently she could still hear though because she calls out over her shoulder, "Because I care about your future! And you need to set a good example for your brother! Who you made my God Son!" Dang right you were gonna set a good example. That's all she offers though as her attnention goes to picking up some various dishes to set on a tray laden with enough food for both her and Tom.

Tom McCarthy has posed:
The man does arch a brow about Montana. "Is it a good story, Montana? Or one that makes you groan?" He wonders, asking both of them - should Lorna hear it from where she is in line. "I think we all have our own personal Montana, honestly. Stories too bad to not tell." Tom smirks a bit to Clarice.

A look from Clarice to Lorna, then back. "Do you have a field of study? Or are you working on general education?" He asks, not wanting to assume. "I used to hate my Nursing homework - but I was at least in a position to be able to apply it on the job." A grin. "Being a field medic had its perks."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "There's only good food here. Our chefs are //amazing,//" Clarice remarks with pride. With her homework put away, she starts picking at her food instead, calling after Lorna, "Theo sets the good example for //me//!"
    After a bite of her rice with coconut milk fish curry, she focuses her attention back on Tom, explaining, "You remember when the Shi'ar showed up and threatened to blow things up, looking for some 'criminal'? Well. ...Lorna was living in the same house as that 'criminal.' And rather than risking my Queen dying instantly in an orbital bombardment, since my reaction time is unfortunately not faster than the speed of light... I teleported her to Montana.
    She takes another bite of the curry then adds with her mouth half-full of food, "With about a dozen teenagers to supervise."

Lorna Dane has posed:
"I was outnumbered." The simple phrase is stated in a far calmer voice, no yelling required, as Lorna had made her way back to the table in that time. On the tray was a dish similar to Clarice's as well as the salad she had spoken of. Some skewers of met, chicken by the look of it, and strip steak similarily prepped. To finish it off she has some iced tea which had a peculiar orange-red tint to it. Perhaps it was mixed with fruit juice.

Sitting down she can't help but let out a sigh. "I try but I am not the best with organizing and calming children down. It was a bit overwhelming, plus frustrating, since so many that I knew were off fighting."

Tom McCarthy has posed:
Tom does stand as Lorna arrives, letting her sit before reclaiming his own chair. "The whole alien thing... yes. I recall." He comments, helping Lorna divvy up the food off the tray. "Was it... the middle of Montana? Or was it a more suburban place?" A slight chuckle. "Were the teenagers well-behaved?" A look to each of them in turn. "And it could have been worse. North Dakota is pretty brutal."

"I think anyone would have their hands full in handling a dozen teens, on good behavior or not." He says, as he tucks a napkin onto his lap. "At least it was a successful extraction." He comments.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Cabin in the middle of nowhere. I have... safe houses where I can evac people as needed," Clarice explains, giving a shrug of her shoulders. She remains seated as Lorna joins her - knowing how much she hates it when Clarice stands on ceremony with her.
    "They could have been perfect angels - and Lorna still wouldn't let me live it down," she points out flatly - though there's a hint of amusement pulling at the corners of her lips.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane reaches up to rub the bridge of her nose as she recalls those particular memories. They really weren't good times for her, and she had been livid. As well as stressed, under pressure, and having to organize and keep over a dozen teens calm. Some who were just as interested in rejoining the fight as she was.

"It was... camping at it's worst. The children, much like myself, felt that we were yanked away when we could have helped. A few were relieved to be safe, and scared. Eventually I had to give tasks to those who wanted to *do* something stating that we had to protect those that were less inclined or able to fight."

"Chopping wood, mending parts of the cabin that 'broke'..." Did the corner of her lips twitch at this? "You know. Rusty nails failing, shingles falling off." Ah. She'd created work for them no doubt.

Tom McCarthy has posed:
At least it wasn't the middle of a field, or prarie! A glance over to Lorna, noting her expression. It might be a bit amusing now, the memory, but he recognizes it must have been infuriating at the time. Tom gives the Queen a nod. "I am sure you handled it with grace and skill." A grin.

"I always hated being extracted prematurely too. I ... most of my job was rescuing downed soldiers and civilians. Getting the order to withdraw never sat well with me." A slight sigh. "I wasn't in a position to help them, even as much as I wanted to, so I had to follow the orders given."

There's a bit of an impish grin. "I am sure it wasn't camping at it's worst. I've been in that position."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I //am// the evac," Clarice remarks with a wry smile. "So I'm always the last one out. It's always worked out for me - but it nearly didn't. I, uhh... fell through my own portal once, after being knocked unconscious. If I hadn't - I'd be dead." Lorna would know when - it was when Genosha burned.
    "I try to get everyone out - for as long as I can. I can't always get everyone though, and that's never an easy feeling."

Lorna Dane has posed:
"It wasn't so bad until their phone batteries ran out, and we lost contact with the outside." Lorna gets a thousand yard stare. Trying to keep bored, scared and angry teens occupied. All jokes aside it was more than she wanted to deal with. No wonder she'd doubled down her efforts at being Queen not long after that.

Reaching for her tea she takes a long sip off of it with a nod toward Clarice. She was right of course, she knew she was, but she would never fully admit it. "Mmm, I imagine you have. You'll have to tell me stories sometime, if you're able," she offers back toward Tom with a soft smile. Was she flirting? Somewhat.

Her attention does shift back to Clarice again though. "Other than the homework how have you been lately?"

Tom McCarthy has posed:
"For the most part, so was I." Tom offers to Clarice. "I mean, I did have vehicles - nothing so impressive as teleporting." A shake of his head. "Which, by the way, is by far the weirdest sensation I've ever been through." A chuckle. "And it worked. We can't sit on the what ifs, honestly. We'd go crazy if we did."

He tries a sip of his tea, before pre-cutting up the various foods that need it, into bite-sized portions.

"Some I can speak of, yeah. Training itself... SEAR. Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training. That was rough. Dropped off in the middle of a wooded terrain with only your basic survival gear - a knife." A shake of his head. "Charred rabbit tasted like filet mignon, after all the work it took to catch one."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Look - we're put extra phone chargers in the safe houses since then!" Clarice remarks with a laugh. "We learned!"
    She gets a puzzled look on her features as she chews another bite, then finally says in a musing voice. "Is it...? Well. I guess I've been teleporting for so long that I never- It's as natural as breathing to me, basically. The, uh- the Magistrates made my powers manifest early, so they could start training me from a very young age."
    Her expression changes back to a broad grin as she adds, "Oh! We can swap stories. Mister Creed put me through similar training. I wasn't allowed to use my portals for it, either."
    Glancing back at Lorna, she smiles a bit tightly as she adds, "I'm okay." She's //assuming// Lorna means 'after what you discovered in the cave.'

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane did mean that naturally, but she doesn't want to also let on that such a thing existed. Not yet at laest. Not to Tom. Perhaps at some point she would bring it up but only once she managed to find a way to suitably handle the situation to put those poor souls to rest properly. A single clipped nod is given toward Clarice in response as she reaches down to pluck up her fork intending set into her salad.

"That should be interesting. I've had training but not really of the 'outdoor survival' sort. Perhaps I should look into it or something similar. Though I'm usually busy these days," she admits before taking a bite. Hmph.

Tom McCarthy has posed:
"I suppose it is natural for you, of course." Tom grins. "But... as a first time teleportee, it was very disorienting." The man muses, taking a bite of some of the chicken and savoring the taste of it. A nod of approval. "Great chefs." He comments.

"It's a good skill to have, in certain lines of work. It's nice to have for anyone, really, should the worst happen." The man relaxes a bit, at ease with the conversation. "And unfortunately, a lot of my stories would be purposefully vague - classifications and all."

"I'd be glad to give you pointers, Lorna. Though... camping would likely be a better option than the whole rigamaroll of SEAR training." He smirks. "I mean, it'd certainly be more relaxing. Are there good spots for that on Genosha?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Mister Creed's main concern was that- well, if something happened to remove access to my powers, that I know everything I needed to know to get away, and survive. He's a good teacher, if a little... brusque? And demanding. He has high expectations."
    Nibbling at her food she adds, "There are some really beautiful spots on Genosha - and I'm sure Lorna would rather learn from you - than from Mister Creed," she remarks, amusement showing on her features. "Though I could arrange it if you ever wanted, Lorna."

Lorna Dane has posed:
"NO." That was a rather abrupt and firm respone to Clarice at the mention of training under Mr. Creed. She lightly clears her throat to respond calm, "No thank you, Clarice. And there are many lovely areas in Genosha yes, although some are currently under safety advisory." Because. Ghosts.

"You're welcome to visit sometime of course Tom."