13250/Happy Harbor: Game Night (November)

Happy Harbor: Game Night (November)
Date of Scene:	18 November 2022
Location:	Library - Happy Harbor High School
Synopsis:	Game night is quiet and a change of pace for HHHS.
Cast of Characters:	Morrigan MacIntyre, Alexander Aaron, Tommy Shepherd, Richard Stadler, Vivian Vision

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Morrigan MacIntyre has posed:
It's freaking cold outside! But thankfully the library is nice and warm. Since the Central Plaza is open to the elements it was time to start holding social things in other areas of the school. The library is a great place to have game night and the students can be as loud as they want!

There is a bunch of food that has been ordered in, drinks and plates with silverware for folks to partake in. There is also snackey type foods. Left over Halloween candy and other sugary confections.

And there are GAMES!

There are board games from all genres and people lingering around seeing if someone is going to fill up a group. It seems to be a pretty good turn out for the night. Morrigan's here, but she is not in the middle of things given she's been benched due to her vision failing again. She is talking to Tyler currently and trying to shoo him and the Twins off to go play a game.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It was a small gleam of light on an LCD screen.
    The email invitation that glowed on the monitor back in the apartment in Greenwich. He must still be on one or another mailing lists for Happy Harbor since he graduated, and that most recent mail made him smile a little.
    The Olympian had good memories of the place, few bad. His last few days were rough but ultimately led him to where he was in life. It had been some time since he'd been back, his class and the closest class had graduated. It would feel weird showing back up. But still. He was on the list.
    He had smiled, then Alex made the decision. A game night, no reason to not attend and at least drop in. Touch base. Say hello. He grabbed that thick game box off the shelf. A game he had gotten for the holidays and he tucked it under his shoulder then headed to the old school.
    And perhaps a half hour later he darkened the door of his alma mater again, standing in the archway of the library in his jacket and jeans. A copy of Gloomhaven tucked under his arm.

Tommy Shepherd has posed:
    Believe it or not, Tommy was in the library long before Game Night was due to start, using it for his intended purpose. Studying. He has a stack of books on the table next to him and one balanced in his lap as he sits, legs folded together criss-cross applesauce. Oh my god he has headphones on! He can't hear the food arriving! Which is why there's still plenty set out on the tables.

    It isn't until he gets up to put a few books on the return-to-shelf cart that he notices the whole assembly, and Tommy peers over at the spread for long enough that it is perceivable by your average student. At least a solid 10 or 15 seconds. Then he turns back to where he's been parked for some time now... because he really should get back to work. Really.

    A few moments later, the cart is significantly more full than it was before, and Tommy wanders over, hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans as he peruses what's on offer. Soon enough, he's got a plate piled high.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Richard wasn't a stranger to cold; he grew up a stones throw away from Lake Michigan and that was a harsh time. That doesn't mean he didn't relish the chance to get out of that weather, though, shutting the door behind him, stamping his feet to knock any errant dirt and detrius off before moving into a warm , insulated space. "Lord. I'm suprised the Hudson isn't a walking trail right now." He muses to himself, nodding to Morrigan for a brief moment before inwardly cursing and deciding on a more audible greet. "Doctor MacIntyre. We have a bit of a crowd yet for game night? See a few people out there." His own experience with board games was ancient, and a little bit bare, but that doesn't keep him from peering over the boxes of board games and sliding out a worn copy of Risk from the shelf. Easy enough to play and he considered himself... decent at it. Now there was only the matter of finding some students willing to try a game... or discarding it for a more secure group. Options abound.

Vivian Vision has posed:
The cold outside isn't really something which bothers Vivian Visions Synthezoid Student around campus. But it is a wonderful excuse to weather thick sweaters to experience a normal Human experience.

She's not much of an eater but so many of her friends are into games that, activity wise, it's the big motivation for attending! Even if her abilities make her participation in the more competitive games... less fun for everyone else. Still with the more modern design philosophy of board games there's almost certainly going to be some co-operative games she can join in with.

Morrigan MacIntyre has posed:
Morrigan's able to make out Richard's voice and she smiles, "I'm seeing mostly blurs at the moment, but I hear them." she tells the man. "Are you looking forward to playing games?" she asks her fellow adult. "Let me know if anyone needs anything. Duncan will also be around." she tells them as she gives a look off to the side towards where her phone is and she draws it closer for the moment.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    There's a faint thump as the box of Gloomhaven is set down on the table near Morrigan and Richard, Alexander's smile is given to the man then he tilts his head to the side to consider the instructor he had known. A tilt of his head is given as he considers her. Eventually he lifts his voice.
    "Ma'am," His voice is recognizable, a little more baritone to it ever so slightly but still. "It's Alexander Aaron. S'good to see you."

Richard Stadler has posed:
Richard Stadler tchs, slightly. "I'm sorry to hear that. I hoped things were on the mend... still. Here's hoping." Lame platitudes, he knew, but it was at least an acknowledgement. He moves to tap the board game in his hand with that thunk aganist cardboard. "I'm debating it. A good game of Risk would be nice, but I've got a board game that I play with a couple of friends, occassionally, that I might be looking for as well. Very educational, cooperative, perfect for a school, if I can find it. If I see anyone raising their hand in distress, I'll certainly let you know."

Alexander get's a brief once over when he arrives, and a frown. Not a student... maybe someone who used to go here? Certainly seemed to know the Doctor, so it would be good to leave her to the greetings. Instead he scans the room for a moment, looking for anything out of the ordinary, anyone lost... Ahh. "Ms. Vision, looking for something to do?" He calls out, waving her over.

Vivian Vision has posed:
Vivian Vision finishes her, quite literal, scan of the room. Giving a few nods in greeting and waves to various students she knows. And then her name is called and she looks over to Doctor Stadler.

"Good day," she greets. "I am indeed looking for a suitable activity. Something where my abilities will not spoil things for other people. I already have a reputation around the chess club... People are always bringing up a scene from a cartoon where two robots are sitting playing chess and without touching the pieces one simply states they win in a certain number of moves and the other concedes..."

She gives a little shrug.

"I can't imagine the school is encouraging gambling by including pure games of chance. As that would promote gambling... But I digress. I trust you are well? Has Doctor MacIntyre enlisted you to supervise or are you here recreationally?"

Tommy Shepherd has posed:
    It's less a greeting than the crunch-munch of food that announces Tommy's presence nearby. He looks on with trepidation as Richard apparently goes for Risk. Which, admittedly, Tommy hasn't played, but he has enough awareness of it to apparently form an opinion.

    Not one that he actively shares, though! He just has a very expressive face.

    Somehow it makes sense in his brain that, mid-meal, he stops for a leftover Halloween candy break. Over a Reese's cup shaped like a bat, Tommy spares a look towards Vivian. "Maybe some kind of cooperative game, like..." A glance at super-speed refreshes his memory of the board games available, "Uh, Betrayal at House on the Hill is pretty good. It's co-op until the end-game."

Morrigan MacIntyre has posed:
Morrigan gives a smile when she hears Alexander, "Well, that's a voice I didn't expect to hear tonight." she tells him. "But I'm glad you are here." she adds. "And you brought a game." she grins. "Mister Stadler, this is Alexander Aaron. He's an Alumni, I sent out invites to them for game night as well, so some might show up." she explains. "And yeah, the sight was back, but it's complicated." she frowns at that. She doesn't want to explain that it's because she's not drinking blood.

"Feel free to get food and have a good time. Tyler and the Twins are about still. I think they were looking for a game to play still." she admits. She then is listening to the others to see who all is there. When your vision is almost gone you just sort of depend on other senses. She gives a little wave in the direction of the most outlines of forms.

"Ooo. Betrayal is good." she nods to what Tommy has said. Then the table that she's sitting at moves a little as Riordan's massive frame crawls out from under it and the Tibetan Mastiff sniffs the air to see what food is out there.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A look around the room gains Alexander some small moment of recognition as he espies Vivian, lifting a hand in greeting in her direction. Their time had overlapped albeit briefly if he recalls correctly.
    Then his attention returns to Morrigan as he smiles. "Yes, ma'am. It's nice seeing the old stomping ground." He answers. He turns to Richard and offers his hand. A good handshake, not aggressive. Just three pumps and done. "Sir,"
    He then pushes the box forward, "If I may, Gloomhaven can be fun and it's co-op. But I hear it's an investment. Takes time, can only be played once. All adventurous and such. But not like, dangerous like Jumanji." His small contribution to the game night.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Richard cocks his head just slightly over to Vivian as she mentions... frankly a rather good amount of explanation on the type of games she was playing. One of these days, he might get used to the electic student body here. "I... suppose that could happen, though I imagine that would require some rather extensive modeling- you know what, I'm not a computer scientist. Though I imagine there's not a problem with kids playing poker so long as nothing is wagered... hardly fun, though. I'm hear for both reasons, to be honest. Didn't want to risk the loop or be cooped up in that dorm room, and, to be completely frank, I'm learned that teenagers make less than stellar choices all th time. But, let's see here..."

Stadler turns toward the stack of board games, before Morrigan introduces him to the man that's walked into the library. Stadler's own hand was out, returning the firm grip without trying for a power play; lord, what would any of that accomplish. "Good to see you, Mr. Aaron. I think you must have been before my time. I teach Biology here. Recent transplant, from Frederick, nice town in Maryland. Still live in the city?" He ask, before quickly turning to the board games. "Ahh, I've got one that might be cooperative all the way through, Mr. Shepard, if only because I don't want Ms. Vision murdering our respective game pieces near the end. Granted I don't know if it's the best for the vision impaired, but I'm sure... Ahh!"

He ends up putting Risk to the side, pulling out a blue box'd boardgame with illustrations of scinentists on it. "Okay, has anyone every played Pandemic? I.. well, it's less of a board game and more of a group of bueracrats sitting in a room, but it still can be a bit exciting."

Vivian Vision has posed:
"Janet.. by which I mean Miss van Dyne.. She always says never bet with other peoples money," Vivian says solemnly. "Although there are some exceptions to the rule which I should not elaborate on without consulting a lawyer. Suffice to say though that I find people in general can make very silly decisions even after they're grown up." And really can any superhero claim they always make smart decisions? Given how often they get shot at the answer is likely a firm no.

Alexander and Vivian did have some overlap in their times at school together. Hers beginning as his was ending. So she gives her alumni and respectful wave back.

"Planning meetings are always exciting. So many things to consider, schedules and schemes to make, and generally some terribly dangerous ideas to talk people out of. I really just don't know why Human culture always talks about how boring meetings are..." But then most Humans are engaging in meetings at GIRL where nine out of ten meeting room ideas could result in doomsday weapons.

Tommy Shepherd has posed:
    Both the game offered up by Mr. Stadler and by the stranger that Tommy doesn't know get the sort of look that suggests he's not particularly enthused by either choice. "I've never played either of those," he says, so maybe it's just a fear of the unknown. Either way, he drops down to sit next to Morrigan, with a plate that has somehow been refilled despite it previously being near-empty. "Is your dog working right now, Professor MacIntyre?"

    Because Tommy is holding a piece of meat that he clearly wants to offer to Riordan, but he knows better than to try without permission. His head turns at the mention of Janet van Dyne, eyebrows raised nearly to his hairline, but he doesn't say anything immediately.

    Well, immediately to Tommy's perception. It takes him quite a while to recall why the name is familiar, though it's hardly more than the space of a heartbeat or two in real time. "Isn't she an Avenger? The, uh... one of the insect-themed ones?" He should really remember this by now.

Morrigan MacIntyre has posed:
Morrigan's listening to the voices and there's a look over when Tommy sits down next to her, "Hey Tommy." she tells him. "Rio can have a snack, he's not on duty. I've got my cane if I need to get around the library." she tells him. "So go for it. He'd probably like some food." she chuckles. "How are things going? Do you have any plans for break next week?" she asks him.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Meeting Mr. Stadler's gaze, Alexander answers him with an attentive nod. "A year and some now sir," He glances at Morrigan, "Or two?" Perhaps hoping she might have better insight. Then he turns his attention back to him. "Ah, I have a cousin that lives near Baltimore. He's in politics I believe."
    Though he then answers the question Richard asks of him by shaking his head, "No, sir. Greenwich at the moment."
    He takes a moment to look at the others around. "I was just stopping in for the moment. I need to head off to work. I hope you have good fun." He says this to those near, then says to Morrigan, "Ma'am." And turns to start on his way back to the door.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Stadler gives a firm nod over to Aaron. "Definitely before my time here, then. Was still trying to make something over at CUNY at that point. And Lord, everyone goes to Baltimore when they visit Maryland. I've got a bit of a well-meaning grudge for a decade or so aganist that city, but nothing really bad about it. Greenwich, though, that's a bit of a ways out!" Another nod, as Alex makes his way out. "Don't be a stranger. We could always use more chaperones."

Vivian gets a snap, and a point. "Girl after my own heart there. Not the superheroine's part. I haven't met any..." He says, before stopping. "Present company excluded... And I suppose at that camp ground that I'm not talking about... And that issue in Gotham, though I have- Okay, again, not something I'm talking about. Important to keep your mouth shut on certain things, but /yes./" He emphasizes. "Planning meetings are where the magic happens. Where you take a problem and develop the framework to which it will be resolved. Never underestimate the value of excellent planning."

Tommy get's a shake of the head. "Oh, it's fun... well, maybe engaging is the better work. It's about public health professionals destroying a virus. Though..."

He looks over to Vision again. "And another thing I'll never get used to. Name dropping godd-" Mph. "Gosh darn Avengers. In any case, while I'm enthused with this game, I'm willing to play checkers at this point."

Vivian Vision has posed:
"It must have been within the last three years or I would not have existed yet," Vivian offers helpfully as Alexander muses about the passage of time since his graduation. "Is it not irrational to have a grudge against an entire city? Surely the actual place is not responsible for whatever event cause the feelings of ill will."

She blinks a few times and then grins. "If you have issues with people mentioning Avengers you will struggle if you ever have a parent-teacher meeting for me. Given pretty much all my organic family are Avengers or close to it. Also at one point I think Mister Stark was involved directly with the school although I am unsure if that's a relationship he's maintained."

As a general rule Vivian tries not to follow the relationships of any of the Avengers! It's just a bit too awkward at times. Not to mention complicated.

"Ahh virology is definitely something we've had meetings about. Usually before any contact gets made with alien worlds. No-one wants to go down in history as the one who brought back a brand new plague. It'd be a tragedy /and/ it'd set trust in science back decades. And that's a best case scenario..."

Tommy Shepherd has posed:
    Within milliseconds of the permission being uttered, Tommy has already offered the bite down to Riordan with an effusive "Who's a good boy?" Because Rio is. He is a dog. Therefore, he is a good boy.

    Tommy has been paying attention to all those lectures about logic, it seems!

    "Uhh, I think I have a standing invitation to have Thanksgiving dinner with my brother's family but they probably don't even know that I exist," he says, an uncharacteristic hesitance in his voice. "It doesn't matter, anyway. I don't really celebrate any holidays." Another nibble from his plate is provided for doggie consumption. Then he looks up, over to Richard and Vivian. "Baltimore has the best baseball stadium in the country, you gotta admit. But I like Bowie, down near DC. That's where the Baysox play." Which is a hat he has certainly worn around the campus from time to time, along with the rest of his collection of Double-A and Triple-A baseball team caps.

Morrigan MacIntyre has posed:
"I'm a good boy I guess." Riordan tells Tommy with a bit of a chuff after he's had his snack. "Thank you." he adds. Then he moves around to lay his head in Morrigan's lap.

"Riordan's my herald. But he likes this form to be on earth in." she tells Tommy as she watches the shadows.

"Brother?" she looks curious. Then there is a smile, "Well, I'm sort of doing Friendsgiving or Orphan's Thanksgiving here at the school next week. You're more than welcome to come and you can bring the brother." she adds. "That goes for everyone." she states.

The rest of the night goes off without a hitch. Morrigan only bumps into one table and Riordan is happy to make conversation with Tommy while others play games. All in all it is a truly rare quiet night for Happy Harbor High School.