207/Rebooting the Brain

Rebooting the Brain
Date of Scene:	01 March 2020
Location:	Metropolitan Museum of Art
Synopsis:	They come for the quiet. And then talk over it.
Cast of Characters:	Michael Hannigan, Megan Gwynn, Samuel Morgan

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Michael Hannigan has posed:
With the odd encounter in the zoo earlier this morning where Mike ended up giving away a sketch piece he had been working on for hours, to the phone calls from Wade who has been monitoring the donation counts for the charity release, to the rather loud phone conversation from the agent asking why he's trying to make the security issue thing so much harder on him. It just... seemed a good time as any to find some place quiet.

The museum of art just seemed the place for it. As for Mike, he's found himself drawn to the Cloister Gardens section. Sitting upon a bench, the knitcapped, bearded musician quietly looks to the religiously adorned fountain in the center. He's not sketching this time. He's just. Sitting. Ah. Sitting is good at times. Nothing but quiet. No yelling. Just...nothing.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn was here totally by accident, and was in no way stalking one of her favourite musicians! Nopers! Actually she's here on a field trip, but being the nosy lil fairy she usually is, Megs somehow ended up wandering away from the main group, peering at this and that, eventually getting lost in the museum...Oooh, and there's a pretty fountain, and greenery. preeeetty. Even with her lil wingies hidden under her jacket, she flits here and there, peering mostly at the pretty fountain, reaching out to stick her her in cold water.

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    Peace. Quiet. Silence. Serenity. A minimal number of electronic devices. Poor phone signal. The cloister gardens are the perfect place to escape the chaos of Manhattan, to have very nearly a religious experience, or at least just find a place of serenity. In walks a teenager and his dog, both silent and almost reverent.

    One sits, the other sprawls, just taking in the atmosphere. A deep breath... Sam needed the time away.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
As Megan flits about, like a bee with too many flowers to court, Mike is soon drawn out of the trance like state he had been in to look over to her. But, she seems busy so he remains seated.

And then he sees the puppy and Sam.

Giving a small smile to the newcomers, he gives a slight wave in greeting before looking back to the stone crucifix upon the fountain.

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    Honestly, seeing someone float around... it's not the strangest thing Sam has seen in the last few days. His frame of reference of 'normal' has shifted quite a bit, and for a moment he amuses himself with devising strategies to defend against flying people. It's a quick mental exercise, of the kind he has done dozens if not hundreds over the past few weeks.

    And then, from the corner of his eyes, there's movement. A greeting. Ah yes...

    With infinite care not to disturb anyone, Sam stands and walks over to Mike, sitting down next to the musician on the bench, watching the crucifix. "Once upon a time, that meant something."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
It's now Mike's turn for the movement to alert him. As Sam approaches, Mike scoots over on the bench so there's room for the both of them before looking back briefly. "It still does." Mike replies, He gives a slight smile, looking to Bean, "You just might have to ask around more to find your answer. That's all."

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn is totally flitting around like a busy lil bee, cuz there's soooo much to see and experience! But it doesn't take her long to spot the guy and his dog and her eyes widen at the latter. "Doggie!" she squeaks, darting to said dogger, but pauses, glancing at his owner in all fairness, "May I pet him? What's his name? He's sooo cute!" and then she spots a Mike whom she recognizes from before and she beams and waves. "Hiii!"

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    Bear, for a change, is not wearing his vest. The pair must just be out on a walk rather than on 'official' business, and that means that Bear very much is his own dog right now. He turns his head to look at Megan, ears turning fully forward at her approach while the German Shepherd sits up. Sam gives a smile and a quick nod of assent. "His name is Bear, and if he doesn't mind, you're free to pet him."

    Mind? That tail is thumping the ground in anticipation.

    Sam's eyes then return to the crucifix. "It used to mean that this place was protected. From evil, be that from outside or inside. The people who put it there believed that anyway."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"What was considered 'evil' was also a different list then." Mike points out, "And, right now. This place is giving peace-" As the cheerful cries about Bear's status of existence ring out, Mike turns his heat to see the unwitting tree climber charging over.

"Behold." Mike murmurs to Bean, "The power of Dog."

He smiles to the pink haired girl, "Well hello again. Have you been climbing any trees lately?" He gives a bit of an impish smile, leaning back in the bench, arms lifting up to rest on the back while he glances between the three.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn oohs and flitts towards doggo, eagerly petting and scritching him gently, "Awwwe you're a good boy, aren't you...What's your name? There's a good doggie!" she croons as she pets doggie thoroughly enjoying herself. Glancing at Mike, she shrugs and makes a face, "Ooooh nooooo, just..Have to be careful with the teleportation spell. It's why I'm looking for a good mentor!"

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "The power of Dog indeed." Sam echoes, smiling. He wasn't yet jaded enough that he didn't think that was funny. And, if anything, he's a very firm believer in that particular power. "May Dog deliver us from evil."

    The dog in question is currently a head tilting, tail wagging, tongue lolling bundle of excitement and happiness. It's practically impossible to feel glum looking at such carefree shenanigans.

    "Ran into any dinosaurs lately?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike glances back to Sam, "Just remember there's a reason why dog is an anagram for God." A brow lifts as he looks back to Megan, "Well, that does explain getting up there easier than your initial explanation..." Mike admits, "So, you're a magic user?"

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn pouts, shaking her head. "Nooooo, that was weird, wasn't it?" she grinns, "But I guess it was just an illusion Afterall, no magic at all!" she arches a curious brow at Mike, "Huh, so what was that about? Are you saying dogs are more than...Dogs?" she shrugs and grins, "Welll....Lets just say I stumbled upon it by accident? It's a long story..." a story that apparently causes a brief, frustrated, even troubled look to cross her usually chipper features.

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    Frustrated? Troubled? No no no, human, not while Bear is around. Bear will make all better, yes! A moment later, a large doggy head is pushing into Megan, demanding more petting and fussing, all the while the Shepherd creeps a bit closer. Positive pressure! Close contact! It's hard to be sad or troubled when you have a mass of happy dog to contend with.

    "Must have been just illusions, yeah." Sam agrees, knowing better. But a bit of partial truth is well warranted here, anything else would require too much of an explanation. "If man had worshipped Dog, the world would look a lot different today."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
The musician grows quiet, looking to Megan's frown. His own expression starting to mirror hers. "They didn't ask, did they?"

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn giggles as she continues to give doggo attentions with scritches and petting a, "Awwwe, there's a good boy.." she arches a curious brown, "Huh..I dunno about that. I mean, I'm not super religious but I do believe in a higher force..And dogs are companions, not creators." she shrugs. She glances at Mike curiously. "...Who?"

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    Bear good boy! Pretty soon now a lick will be forthcoming, the dog's tail wagging so much that it's practically wagging the dog.

    "It's surprising what we never get asked, or never get a say over." Sam smiles as he glances at the crucifix and then back to Megan. "If he's getting too excited, feel free to tell him to stop. I'm used to it, but it can be a bit intimidating if you've never had to deal with an excited German Shepherd before."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Seeing the curious look, Mike's frown deepens but the narrowing of the eyes lessens a degree as he realizes he read too much into the girl's words. "Ah. Sorry. I jumped to the wrong conclusion. Just, ignore that."

He glances away looking over to Bear, gently reaching a hand over to sneak in a few pettings as well.

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn sighs a little, her enthusiasm slowing down a little as her gaze is drawn almost reverently towards the crucifix. "... She never really asked. It was a do or die situation.." she shrugs, looking down at doggie, glad for the comfort he offers. "Had to save my classmates, didn't have much time to think, y'annow?" she laughs nervously, "Ily said it was the only way but....Now I have a hole in my soul, and when I call upon that power, it's both...Exhilarating, incredible..lAmazing...And also inexplicably frightening....I was never the same since then..."

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    As much as Bear loves a good cuddle, he knows when to just /be/ there. It's the smell, they say... humans smell different when they're sad. But does that explain how he keeps on figuring out when humans are in the past and need to be reminded that there is a present still? It's hard to be more definite and real than the solid presence of Bear. It's okay sad human. Bear is here.

    There are things Sam wants to say, but all of them would mean talking about something that he can't talk about. And platitudes are not what are called for right now. So just like Bear, he is simply there, a solid anchor to the present, to reality. No matter how vivid the flash back might be.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Scritch scritch scritch. "So... From what you described, rushed or not. You were part of the choice and by making it, you saved others. Not ideal, but its something." Mike sighs, glancing to the fountain. "Sometimes doing the right thing has its own pitfalls."

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn smiles faintly, a little less hyper, a little more thoughtful as she considers that. "I suppose so, but...I dunno, was the price too high? Sometimes, when I summon my true power, it's a little scary, what it turns me into...Someone so don't even recognize...Someone a little less like me and, more like..Her...." and then she laughs a little, trying to shrug it off, Trivialize it. Cuz that's really what she does, try to lighten a heavy situation with humour if she can. "It's okaaaay...Really. How about you? Arecyou...Working on anything...Lately?" she's trying hard not to reveal his true identity but she is burning with curiosity. Cmon, there have been rumours in the web lately! As for Bean she just grins at him, "That was pretty awesome work at the bank, you and Green Lantern, Dont think I quite caught your name...I'm Megan by the way, codename Pixie!" she totally strikes a pose! Even with wings hidden under jacket! Cuz she's cute!!!

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    One hand is offered in greeting, and the other joins everyone else in petting Bear. That Shepherd looks like he's about to vibrate from happiness, looking at all these friendly humans in turn.

    "Sam Morgan. No codename, no heroics, nothing exciting. Just a boy and his dog and a hell of a running speed when chased by dinosaurs." The official story was still that the Green Lantern did all the work. And that's just the way SHIELD probably want to keep it. No heroics, that was the deal. "And nobody can take your soul from you, or make you something you're not. You're always you, nothing else can wear your skin. Eventually, we all have to make peace with that."

    The offered hand is calloused, clearly used to hard work.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Everyone has something deep within them that contradicts what they wish to be. The very steps taken to keep the monster at bay is the true reflection of the person. These are things that Mike wishes he could say but with the desperate move to change the topic, Mike doesn't have the heart to force the topic back to the previous one. Yet.

"I've got a few projects in the works." Mike answers, "One released recently. One is on hold while they rework some - logistics. And the other is more a whisper of something to come."

He looks to Sam, "I know Bear's name but I don't think we exchanged names." He offers a hand, "Mike Hannigan."

Megan Gwynn has posed:
Megan Gwynn beams are Sam, "Nice to meet you, Sam!" she's thankful fir a lighter topic, nodding to Mike. "Ooooo that's awesome! I heard something about a fundraiser for...Genosha...?" she bites her lip though, wondering if she says ri much. She grins at Bear, pulling away, "Hey, I'll bring tests next time.." she winks to doggie before grins and waving to the two of them, "Heh, I should get going, it was nice meeting you two again!" and then she darts off as she spots her group. "Heeeeeey! Wait upppppppp

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    It's a day for shaking hands. So Sam switches between left and right, without missing a single scritch. "Pleasure to meet you." And it's only when Megan mentions Genosha that the penny starts to drop. A slow nod. But then Megan has to go, and he nods at her, too. "Same. See you later, hopefully." It's a big city, after all.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
To Megan's inquiry towards the fundraiser, the musician gives Megan a slight nod of confirmation as he shakes Sam's hand. "Avoid the trees." He says to the not so stealthy student as she runs off.

"Seems like a nice girl." Mike comments to Bean, looking back to him.

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "Bear seems to think so." Sam agrees, even as he mentally connects the name 'Nick Drago' to the person sitting next to him. In his own time, he'll have to do some cross referencing. He let the mental workload slack a bit over the past three months. There was merit in remaining aware of the tangled social web he was going to have to move in. Not to mention, it's the only way to catch any deep cover agents looking for him. "Thank you, by the way. For the Genosha charity thing. We can't just let this stand."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike gives a slight nod. "Well, to borrow another's words, 'I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.'"

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "The dream doesn't die just because the man died." Sam paraphrases another, giving Bear a fond fuzzle between the ears. "But honestly, whoever is behind this, they must have been hoping to start a war. Otherwise, why leave survivors at all? Why leave that robot thing in the middle of the devastation?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Are we absolutely sure he died?" Mike asks, "If someone tried to kill me, I'd probably lay low long enough to figure out where the shots are coming from."

Mike leans forward once again, doubling up on the scritches for Bear. "We're also not going to hear the end of it with elections coming up. THat's probably going to be a topic point."

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "Sure? Not until he's found." There's too much of a professional left in Sam to acknowledge a death without seeing a body to confirm a kill. And even then... "Someone activated that radio signal. There's hope, but there's also a lot of anger." Yes, he can talk about this as if he's not a mutant himself.

    "As for the elections, I can't vote, so good luck to whoever ends up running the country."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Voting or not, you're still going to have to listen to it." Mike points out, "EVERY commercial break. In your mail, everywhere." His hand lingers on Bear's back. Neither abandoning the fur nor petting. "Ok another one I've heard... Seems appropriate. There are two wolves inside each of us. And they're always fighting. One is darkness and despair. One is light and hope. Which one wins?"

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "The one who bites the other first." Yeah. Wrong symbology to use. Sam rubs Bear's ears and then looks up again, seeing nothing and everything. "TVs have remotes. I throw out all junk mail. My email spam filters are epic. I hope we get someone who knows a thing or two about running a country, and not just a business. And possibly someone who is used to making decisions and living with the consequences in the real world, not just the board room."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike pauses, looking at Sam oddly, "...The one you feed the most."

The Nokia rings causing for Mike to sigh, removing his hand from Bear as he starts to stand up, "-Looks like I'm going to get read the riot act again."

He gives a nod to Sam. "Take care. Maybe see you around."

Samuel Morgan has posed:
    "Take care. And remember that when you stick your head over the parapet, you're going to get shot at."

    The teen doesn't move from the bench, hugging Bear to the side of his legs. "Be safe."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike spins around, holding the ringing Nokia in one hand and the other hand. "Oh NOW you tell me." Giving a chuckle, Mike's feet shift, spinning himself around to face the direction he's supposed to be walking in as he presses the button to answer the angry phone.