1779/The Vizer and the Queen

The Vizer and the Queen
Date of Scene:	21 May 2020
Location:	Hammer Bay Refugee Camp
Synopsis:	Fabian and Lorna talk about the state of things in Genosha.
Cast of Characters:	Lorna Dane, Fabian Cortez

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Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna had spent a short amount of time outside of Genosha in the past few weeks. Most of her time had been spent recovering, and then dealing with the fall out from various X-men and the alike. She'd only spent a few short hours in the States via portal there and back. Even then, she'd been in contact via email.

Paperwork, organizing rebuilding efforts, seeing to international donations, supplies--and fielding questions from Refugees in Wakanda that wished to return.. All took up her time. The only place she continued to stay was the pre-fabricated building that the X-men used as a temporary base. It wasn't ideal, but given that it was more than a canvas tent, and had solid walls.. it was an improvement in terms of seeing people that needed to speak to her.

Lorna wore a simple black tank-top and cargo shorts, it was just easier to wear, though it wasn't very 'royal' by any means. It served the purpose of being functional when she ventured out to lift scrap metal about and haul metal out of the wreckage to reuse it.

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian Cortez has been busy too, even as his injured leg slows him down. He has been a staple among the refugees, but not only as an administrator: arbitrating disputes, directing the recovery efforts, even wielding a shovel in his own noble hands to dig yet more graves at what has been begun to be called 'the Memorial Garden'-- a dark bit of humor, given that all that has been planted there has been the bodies of the fallen.

In time, Fabian considers, perhaps it will be a garden in truth. He has already begun to privately work on some plans to that end, making sure in the designs for the rebuilding of Hammer Bay that this ground has been continued to be set aside in memory of the fallen. It's the least he can do.

No, besides the administrative duties that pile on him more and more each day, he has also taken time to be out 'among the people', offering his abilities to strengthen those using their own to clear rubble, collect the dead, and build the refugee encampment itself. Never too much; never so much that it overwhelms his fellow Genoshans, but a spark of extra oomph from time to time can be refreshing, invigorating. And needed.

The few Acolytes that had survived, Fabian had set to work and to minister the people's souls. This was a trying time, but faith-- FAITH would see them through it. And Fabian has faith. He has seen That Which Was Foretold come true, however horrible and painful it was, and he has nothing but pure hope for the future, for the darkest part of The Word is behind them now, and what remains is the Rising. He walks among ashes, but he sees the beauty of the sparks of new life forming, growing from what was left behind.

And it is with that hope, that unshakeable belief in his faith, that he arrives to the pre-fabricated building that the Queen has taken up her residence in. Instead of sheaves of paper, he has a tablet computer: dusty and with a small crack on the screen, but functional, and with all the data he would normally shuffle about with paper copies, easier to save and handle, less liekly to be damaged or lost. The work that many Genoshan hands had wrought had brought a touch of normal back; the donations of those who respect their cause have being put to the most effective of their uses.

He knocks, and once admitted, enters. He is limping slightly, but for the first time since he had awoken in the Wakandan hosipital, without his cane. The finery he may have worn before the fall has long since been replaced with simple, functional clothing: dark pants, a simple grey shirt tucked into them, sturdy boots. He has been keeping his goatee as well-groomed as he can, of course, his hair tied back in a simple tail-- but the only sign of the authority he once had, and in some ways still does, albeit not quite so officially, is the broach above his heart in purple and red, in the shape of Magneto's helm: a visible, recognizable sign of one of Magneto's advisors. The broach is damaged, in truth, it had been found in the rubble during a clean-up of one of the buildings, and brought to Fabian, who had worn one like it before. He felt more comfortable with it on his chest again.

He kneels, though a bit slowly due to his injury. "My Queen. As always, I am here to serve."

Lorna Dane has posed:
It wasn't actively avoiding Fabian per say, just that.. since the beach incident.. Lorna had kept her space as much as she possibly could. It likely didn't help that Scott, the Professor, and Jean had all been visiting.. with mixed results, and she knew that adding Fabian to the mix was like lighting a match to an oil slick. Something far better avoided.

Still, as Fabian entered she exhaled a breath, twisting on the metal folding chair she sat on, "Oh enough of that already, the kneeling is too much. Bow and be done if you must." She muttered, shaking her head and holding back an eyeroll only just. It was perhaps more than her father had even said, but she couldn't stomach the bowing and scraping people did as it was. Never mind when Fabian was still recovering from a leg injury. It seemed utterly ridiculous to her.

"What is it, Fabian?" She drawled, turning back to her tablet, and typing away on the small fold out keyboard that came with it. She was quick enough with the onscreen one.. but her accuracy was better with the physical thing.

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian rises back to his feet, perhaps a touch slowly. But he seems to take Lorna's chiding in stride. "I have some good news, your Majesty." He steps closer, handing her the tablet, which has several images, recent ones, on it for her perusal.

"The clearing of the rubble is moving apace. The earth moving equipment you had sent for us has been useful. More and more of your people are leaving the medical tents here and the facilties in Wakanda daily, coming home and adding their skills to rebuilt your kingdom. And yes, word of how you defended your people from the attempt by the Magistrates to come subjugate us once more," us, though he had been one of the liberators-- Fabian identifies strongly with the Genoshan mutants, "has spread far and wide among the camps. Your name is spoken of in reverence, in hope. You are inspiring your people with your leadership."

Or with her violence. But for some, that was one and the same.

"One of the Returned from Wakanda was a city planner before the fall. She has offered her services to design New Hammer Bay, which will be built from the ashes specifically for mutants-- not converted from the use of the Magistrates. I have included information regarding how to summon her should you wish, or if you'd rather and with your approval, I will speak with her about moving forward with those designs. Of course it will take time. All things do."

"Also, there are a handful of your people who have the ability, in one fashion or another, to breathe underwater. They offer to retrieve the hated technology you have sunk to the seafloor, to bring it that we can undo it, understand it, perhaps counter it in time." He nods slightly, folding his hands behind his back. "I know that times are dark, your highness, but I see light in these times. Our people are banding together, working for common cause. They want to see our kingdom-- your kingdom-- made whole once more. And they are willing to offer their blood and sweat to make it so." A slight smile comes to his face.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna arched one green eyebrow upward as Fabian rose and handed her a tablet. She looked with interest though as he spoke of the contents on it. She tapped through a few items, glancing at them for what he spoke of and nodding once as she settled into the news briefing he'd given her. While she rolled her eyes at Fabian's obsequious devotion to her, she never once questioned his administration skills when it came to the dreaded paperwork.

"I see," She mused, reading over the contents of one such proposed outlined plan for Hammer Bay. "I would like to see to her designs myself in more detail, and from there decide whether you needs must summon her. She'll have full discretion to work on her plans after I've reviewed them, and pending approval of course.." A green eyed glance was spared for Fabian again, and Lorna leaned back in her seat.

"And yes, of course. When you pull the objects from the water, I want each of them cataloged, we'll have to do some kind of a press release to address the fallout of what occured on the beach, and having that on hand will give us more beyond 'I sensed anti-mutant tech'. Not that it will do much to disprove preconcieved ideas against us, but it will go far to reassure those that are on the fence." She let the tablet settle back on the table in front of her, and shifted her figure to face Fabian more fully.

"Are there any other pressing issues that need to be seen to? How are our stocks on food, and medicine?"

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian nods slightly. "As you command." To her question, he tilts his head. "Food is actually good, though somewhat lacking in comfort. Plenty of MREs, and other non-perishables, as well as vitamin supplements, have been sent through your work outside of Genosha. Your allies have been quite extensive in seeing to those needs, and we are..." he wrinkles his nose, not wanting to say it, "grateful."

"Some of those among the refugeees who do not have the strength or powers to contribute well to the clean-up have offered to begin a small farming compound not too far from the encampment. In order to supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables. I have... been looking into it, but sadly, I am worried for their safety. They will need to be somewhat distant in order to have ample land to work to truly be of use, but we are... sorely lacking in defensive capacity to protect them without taking too many workers from the clean up. It is a dilemma, but I intend to solve it, one way or another." He hms.

"As for medicine, basic first aid supplies are ample, but we are not comfortably stocked with more intensive things: antibiotics, epinephrine, saline, pain killers. Among others. I can have our medical personnel make up a list for you, as to what their needs are locally, if you wish. For right now, it hasn't become too much of an issue, but there is some worry, particularly if illness strikes the encampment."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna inclined her head at the update regarding food and the issues therein, "I agree, that food and farming are important. Particularly for morale. We cannot rely on imported food forever. Nor is the danger worth the risk to our people." She hmm'ed and tapped her fingers against the table top. "I shall ask my sister. Wanda might not be able to make things grow immediately, but her magic might have something that can help us grow closer to home and in a safer location." Safer being relative, considering the whole island at its height had been destroyed.. but.. if Genosha hadn't been safe then.. where would ever be truly 'safe'?

"Perhaps we might find some mutants that have plant based powers to help us encourage growth as well. I'll look into it." She murmured, half to herself, and half to Fabian. Her gaze swung back to the adviser and she inclined her head regarding the notes on what they lacked for medicine. Tony wanted specifics on how best to help Genosha, and she planned to call that in.. Not to mention, well.. Warren ran a pharmaceutical company. She had ties to pull on, and she'd see to it that the necessities and more were covered.

"Very good, is there anything else, Fabian?" She asked, reaching up and shoving her hair back from her face.

Fabian Cortez has posed:
"No, my queen." Fabian bows his head slightly. "Is there anything else you require of me? I am here to relieve the burden off of you as much as I can, your majesty."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna paused and considered, and for once, seemed to truly take what Fabian said seriously. She hesitated, and seemed to turn over her thoughts in her mind. "Do you think we need to bother with a coronation or something so archaic, Fabian? I've been thinking of what Exodus suggested, and for all that he is trapped in the Middle Ages, he might have a point of having some kind of a celebration to boost morale... What are your thoughts on it? Do you think we need to consider such things? Or do you think it premature?" She murmured, glancing down at her own personal tablet and tapping away a notification that dinged.

It was a reflexive movement, and her focus returned to the mutant in front of her immediately. She seemed to regard him critically.

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian is quiet for a few moments, genuinely reflecting on her question. He lets out a soft sigh.

"Paris isn't wrong, your majesty. But for reasons beyond his archaic ways of thinking. Beyond the simple boost to morale, which cannot be understated as helpful to your people... there is also something firming in it to those outside. A coronation would cement that you are not only the ruler of these lands, but the recognized ruler. Even democracies and republics have ceremony when a leader takes over, because it truly marks the beginning of their leadership, both in the eyes of their people, their allies, and their enemies."

He looks at her, meeting her eyes with his own hazel ones, sincere in his statement. "So, yes. I think you should. I understand if you wish to put it off a little longer, to prioritize rebuilding a little more. But whenever you are ready, I do think you should be crowned, officially, as our queen." He grins. "Besides, the people could use the celebration. Whenever you decide, I will bend my efforts to making sure it is a coronation worthy of you, my queen."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna inclined her head, looking thoughtful as she twisted around and considered, folding her hands on top of the metal folding table and looking pensive. "My father never had anything so utterly inane. He simply //was//." She muttered, her lips pursing together. No one questioned Magneto's power, in Genosha or outside of it. His methods? Certainly.. but no one questioned that he ruled Genosha.

Still, she was not her father, and she had to make her mark and move past his memory. One way or another, she had to establish what Genosha would be going forward, or be relegated to that forgotten part of history as just a footnote.

"I think it's premature to consider announcing anything. But I think once we have some more.. permanent structures built, it would be worth it to consider what we want for Genosha going forward. Along with elections for the Council, and some form of parliament." She murmured, she exhaled a breath and waved her hand.

"But that is all far too ahead of ourselves, isn't it? There's not promises that we'll survive another six months, much less six years or more."

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian frowns a bit. "We //will// survive," he says, a bit of fervor in his eyes. "I believe in you, and in this nation. You must too, your majesty. Your people believe in you. And nothing is too far ahead: we have a future, a bright one. It will just be work to get there. //You// will lead us there. Believe it." He had been leaning forward towards her, eagerly, as he spoke, but he suddenly shakes his head, stepping back slightly. "Forgive me, Queen Lorna. I know the beliefs of your father's Acolytes are distasteful to you. I know many regarded us as foolish, even doomsayers." He does not mention that there are many on the island who now may be giving... a slight more credence to their beliefs, given the prophecies they had preached seemed to be coming true. "And I will not force that faith on you." He looks back up at her. "But faith aside, your majesty-- even without the prophecies, I would believe in you and your leadership. And I know others would as well. Do not doubt yourself, my queen. This trial is yours to walk through, but you will come out the other side, stronger. And that is not just prophecy. That is the truth."

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna's eyebrows furrow slightly as she looks to Fabian. "I have never met one person from the future that comes back here from a positive future." She murmured, exhaling a breath. Perhaps that was too beyond what she should share with Fabian, but having met at least half a dozen people from various futures, all of which sounded horrible? It tended to color one's interpretation of what might occur.

"Still, I suppose that is simply my pessimism speaking. We're sure to face bigger threats than simply a small host of former Magistrates at our doors. And we lack the manpower to patrol simple farmland. Much less our borders.." She shook her head, looking pained and tired over the whole matter.

"I'll see what I can do as far as our alliances with Latveria and Wakanda at least in that regard. It's something after all." She pursed her lips together, and glanced down at the tablet and then back to Fabian. "Do you have any other nations you think might be worth it to pursue some measure of an alliance with?"

Fabian Cortez has posed:
Fabian considers. "Nothing springs to mind at the moment," he admits. "Though I will think deeply on it." His eyebrow lifts at the mention of people from the future, though he doesn't press.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna inclined her head, "I know it's a short list of nations that fall out of the usual human normal that might interact with us in a positive way. I hope though, that the election in the States will go well for us.." She grumbled, and glanced down at the tablet with a heavy sigh.

"If that's all Fabian, thank you. I'll look over these files you've given me."

Fabian Cortez has posed:
"As you wish, your majesty." Fabian bows, stepping back. "If you have need of me, you know where to find me." And he takes his leave, heading back to work on the projects piling up on his proverbial desk.