View source for 6365/And Don't Forget The Bagel

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2021/05/28
|Location=The Coffee Bean
|Synopsis=Happenstance brings people together at the Coffee Bean.
|Cast of Characters=38,598,2771,605,1889,2802,502,2176
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Interviews. Steve Rogers never really enjoyed doing them back in the 1940s. And that was in a time when the ethical code of journalists was quite a bit more stringent than today.<br><br>The interview at the television station had seemed to go alright. Steve had to navigate a few ambush-type questions though, with the care he'd have shown dealing with a minefield back in the War. He sighs as he turns on the sidewalk to head for the door of a coffee shop. Oh for the simplicity of a bunch of explosives, compared to journalists.<br><br>Steve steps into the Coffee Bean, wearing a pair of jeans and a deep blue t-shirt, with a light brown jacket overtop. He has on a baseball cap, which is his meager attempt at staying low profile. He steps in and glances over the offerings of pastries and other edibles in the display case.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice has found herself a seat at one of the tables in the coffee shop. A coffee - it's color indicating the amount of cream added to it - with a lucious foam covering the top of it rests on the table in a ceramic cup. Apparently she has no plans on taking anything 'to go.' Next to the coffee is a bagel, covered with a thick layer of cream cheese, with onions, tomatoes and lox. //Perfect//. She seems utterly oblivious to any attention her unusual physical appearance garners, as the young mutant picks up her bagel for a first bite. Good luck for Steve Rogers, perhaps - few will give him a second chance when there's a woman with such unusually green eyes, pointed ears, and strange facial markings to stare at instead. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid wanders in with a sigh as he moves to the counter and the barista ordering a black coffee with a double shot of espresso added into it. He tells the barista where he will be seated and heads to the table and takes his seat, adjusting his leather duster and running his fingers through his hair. Tapping his fingers upon the table top he tries to keep his scars hidden from view. After all he doesnt want to be picked out of the crowd or noticed right now.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Entering the coffee shop was a tall, red headed woman with an athletic build. She wore simple clothing, a pair of jeans with a tank top, and on her feet tennis shoes. Her eyes survey the room as she saunters in, a swing to her hips, as she makes her way to the counter for order herself coffee. There was something to be said about the ability of being anyone you wanted to be, and today she was a perky, fiery Irish woman getting some coffee. Clarice might recognize the face, one of many that Mystique used that had not been linked back to her, but then again she might not.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Steve Rogers glances around the coffee shop just briefly. It's an idle look, though the unusual appearance of Clarice Ferguson does draw his eyes for a moment. Though the barista is addressing him right after Atrid, pulling his attention back. <br><br>A nod and polite smile is given to the young man as Steve says, "Let me have a bagel and cream cheese, and a black coffee." The barista keeps looking at Steve expectantly, replying, "A black coffee...?" as if Steve has not completed the order. Which causes Steve to pause a moment, brow just slightly furrowed. "In a cup?" he ventures to complete the order.<br><br>"You don't want espresso in it, or steamed milk on top or..." the barista replies, before Steve shakes his head. "No, thank you. Just plain black coffee." The barista hrms quietly. "Interesting," he says. Steve pulls out some dollar bills to pay for it, dropping the change that is returned into the tip jar before moving out of the way for the next person.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Clarice does recognize Mystique, there's no sign of it on her features as she enjoys her quiet brunch - studiously ignoring even the most blatant stares in her direction. There were times when she felt tempted to wear an image inducer at all times. But it was best that people got used to seeing people like her - just going about their lives. Right? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so she continues to enjoy her little repast, as if utterly unaware of the whispers at the nearby table. Dear lord, some people were just so //ignorant//. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Waiting patiently in line, 'Aislin' taps her foot with her arms folded across her chest, looking to her cellphone in her hand. Really she is watching those in front of her and then notes the rather buff man and almost instantly, a wicked grins plays across her lips. Stepping closer to Steve, she starts bouncing like a cheerleader.<br><br>"Oh my gawd, oh my gawd," she sings out loud enough that everyone can hear. "You're Steve Rogers... everyone! It's Captain America! Hello, hi, I'm Aislin, can I get a selfie with you? Oh my gawd, I can't believe this!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid grins when they bring his coffee to him and than he gets a dark look on his face hearing the ignorant words of these folks. "Oi you ignorant piss ants, why dont ya leave this girl alone she aint done nothin' ta ya." He grunts out shaking his head before he hears Mystique and looks over to Cap. "I dont think the gentleman wanted ta have that kinda attention drawn ta him. Im sure he deals quite a bit with fan boys and girls making him noticed all the time." Atrid chuckles before turning back to the ignorant folks at the table. "I mean if ya got shit ta say about mutants, Ya can can say it ta me too or are ya too bigga cowards ta do that?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>As Steve Rogers waits for his coffee and bagel, he glances back around the room, eyes going back to the younger woman with the somewhat elven appearance to her. His attention is again pulled back though as the woman who introduces herself as Aislin addresses him.<br><br>Steve turns back towards her. The blue eyes note, briefly, the young woman's perkier aspects, though one cannot fault his politeness with how quickly his eyes are averted, not to return as they focus solely on her face. "Oh, yes, I am," he admits with a gentle smile. It doesn't take effort at this point to suppress any wince as his presence is announced. There's been enough practice at it by now.<br><br>"Certainly, Aislin," Steve says, agreeing to the selfie. His coffee and bagel are set on the counter, but Steve leaves them there as he'll pose with Aislin if she gets her phone out. He does glance over at the comments from Atrid. "It's ok, really," Steve says, trying to help calm matters.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>'Aislin' squeals in sheer delight and she bounces around and gets herself right beside /THE/ Captain America. Holding up her phone she makes sure they are both in the shot, nice and clear view and snaps the picture. "Oh my gawd thankyousomuch! No one would have believed it other wise!" For one brief moment she glances to Clarice and winks, a quick motion that most would miss, but her her eyes go right back to the Captain.<br><br>"You're such a great man, everyone loves you so much, why don't you tell all these people here what you think of mutants and how their staring is so incredibly rude that their parents should have taught them better because let's face it, they should have." The smile remains on her face the whole time she is speaking, her voice ringing clear even as she steps back up to the counter and away from Steve so she can place her order.<br><br>Deep down, she would really /love/ the chance to take him on, test him, but she knows better, at least for now the attention is off Clarice and on him instead. Mission accomplished.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a fuss is started at the counter, Clarice's eyes are naturally drawn towards it - amusement crossing her features, but there's also a look of sympathy. Some folks could look as 'normal' as the next guy - but still garner the same stares. Even if most of the whispers were different. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention shifts to Atrid next - her expression curious, and appraising. She offers the boy (well - 'young man') a nod of appreciation. "Some folks just haven't had the good fortune to get to know us yet. They'll come around eventually." Or they'll be dealt with. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't suppose you care to join me?" she invites the teen - nodding to the seat across from her. "Since you don't seem at all intimidated by the stares and all." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid grins standing up and grabbing his coffee taking a long sip of it. "I dont mind at all. And sure thing Cap just figured ya didn' want people ta be drawin' attention to ya is all, sorry bout that." He says shrugging. "Starin' dahlin' I welcome them that stare fer a reason I can do this." He chuckles and ignites his right hand briefly as he encases the left in a layer of ice for a moment as he sits down. "Ya see they, want ta act like jerks Ill givem somethin' ta be starin at."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Steve gives a genuine enough smile for the picture as 'Aislin' snaps it. "You're welcome Aislin," he tells her after the thank you. Though as she goes on, he modestly tries to deflect things a bit. "Thank, just trying my best," he tells her.<br><br>The comments draw his attention back to Clarice. "Staring is rude," he agrees aloud, if not exactly projecting his voice so everyone has to hear him. He picks up his coffee and the plate with his bagel and says, "I was just actually going over to say hello," he tells Aisling. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."<br><br>Steve then proves true to his word, walking over to stop beside the table where Clarice and Atrid now sit, eyes going to Atrid's hands as they are wreathed in fire and ice. It gives him a moment's pause, just out of surprise. But Steve's eyes go to Clarice then and he says, "Miss Ferguson, if I remember right? I hope that you're well. And Miss Grey as well. It's been awhile since I've seen her last."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>'Aislin' places her order for some Frappuccino thing which chocolate, and a bagel with cream cheese, then steps to the side to allow others to move up and leans herself against the counter. Once again she looks like she is playing with her phone but really she's watching Clarice and the teen who joined her.<br><br>The ice on the young man's hand grabs her attention, and she lifts her eyes from the phone to him. "Impressive," she comments with a half smile, the green eyes of the Irish woman flickering amber for a moment, then return to green instantly. The rest she leaves up to Clarice, wondering what the woman will do.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wink from Aislin catches her eye, but the momentary flicker of amusement it elicits is quickly supressed as her attention turns to Atrid. Clarice's smile grows as she watches the fire dancing in one hand - and ice forming over the other. "Must come in handy," she remarks. "I mean - at the very least, you'd indepensible on camping trips," she remarks a bit teasingly. Cold beer, and a hot fire - what could be better when camping? She takes a sip of her coffee then adds, "I can do this," and with a tap of her finger, she sends the plate holding her bagel through a small portal - to reappear on the otherside of the table with just the slightest wobble on re-entry. She even manages to control the energy burst so the table wasn't damaged - it helped that the target and the distance were so small. "I mean - I can send much larger things, much further than that." But the owners would probably be unhappy if she went and disappeared any of the furnishings. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances up towards Steve as he approaches, a dazzling smile quickly growing on her features. "Mister Rogers - or can I call you Steve? It's Clarice, please. Would you care to join us?" She gestures towards an empty chair before she adds, "Though I can't introduce you to my new friend quite yet... I didn't quite catch a name." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid smiles and leans back. "That must be quite useful too a handy tool for a get away no?" He asks with a chuckle. "Oh yes Im, Im Bjorn." He says with a grin taking a sip of his coffee before looking to Cap and giving him a nod and than back to Aislin. "I can do more than that, I can make large fire and flame and encase plenty of things in ice. I just dont have the best control yet, I can light a smoke with my fire now though so theres that."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Steve gives a nod of his head at the mention by 'Aislin' that Atrid's power is impressive. "Indeed," he says, before making his reply to Clarice. "Yes, please, call me Steve. Nice to see you again, Clarice," he tells her. <br><br>He takes the offered seat at the table, watching as the young woman relocates the plate across the table. "Also very useful," he says with an impressed look.<br><br>He begins spreading the cream cheese on his bagel, while glancing around the coffee shop. "I hope no one was giving you trouble," he tells the Asian mutant, the hint of a frown on his face at the thought someone might have been. Then he tells Atrid," Hello Bjorn, nice to meet you as well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Presently a tall, red headed woman with an athletic build, wearing jeans, a tank top ands some tennis shoes, 'Aislin' stands by the coffee counter waiting for her order. Her eyes look to be on the phone on her hand, but this is concealing that she watching the table at this Steve, Clarice and Bjorn are sitting.<br><br>Collecting her order when it is set out, she meanders over by the table the other are at, "Um... can I join? I don't have any fancy abilities to show off, but I'm more than willing to punch some of the other normies in the face if they stare again."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid looks to Steve. "A pleasure to meet you Sir." He says kind of softly, as he looks over to Aislin he nods. "I ummm.. I dont mind if you join us." He says looking away briefly as he slides over to take a long drink of his coffee. "Well ya know what they say, about ignorance yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Bjorn, a pleasure," Clarice says warmly - before looking back to Steve with a shake of her head. "Honestly? Nothing I'm not entirely used to. People stare - they just haven't been exposed enough, quite yet, to people so obviously different from them. Mutation isn't normally quite so immediately apparent. I'm just lucky that way." She picks up her coffee for a sip, returning her attention to Atrid. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is pretty handy - not all sorts of 'get-aways.' For example - there's this beautiful deserted island in the middle of the Carribean I managed to find - just big enough to have a source of fresh water, with some of the most spectacular reefs around, and no people for hundreds of miles. My own, private get away - whenever I like. And control? That comes with time - and practice. We never really stop learning about our powers, do we?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Please, join us," Clarice adds, looking to 'Aislin' with a welcoming smile - with perhaps just a momentary hint of recognition, and fae-amusement at the woman's shenanigans. "If you've no objections, Steve?" she asks. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1889|Winslow Schott (1889)}} has posed:'''<br>Another visit to NYC meant one thing to Winslow Percival Schott, another toy convention. What could he say, he couldn't resist attending toy expos, especially when they had stuff he had made himself. Rather embarrassingly, this convention was for My Precious Unicorn, Schott's former toyline, and his pride and joy. The convention was started by Henderson Toys themselves to celebrate the new cartoon coming out in the Summer, which was set to follow the release of the toyline's first motion picture. To say Schott was proud was an understatement. He was happy with where his little unicorns ended up, if only life hadn't ripped his heart out, he might've been invited to speak instead of disguising himself just to see his creations again.<br><br> Winslow Schott walked into the coffee shop with a heavy sigh. Today, he was dressed in a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and a pair of sunglasses. His semi-long brown hair was combed neatly and was obviously well-groomed. As Schott walked up to the counter to place his order, which consisted of a fruit smoothie and two cinnamon rolls, he held on tightly to a bright blue plastic bag. If one were attentive, they would see the ever-familiar MPU logo on the bag, which wasn't that big of a surprise, considering that the convention started today.<br><br> As Schott takes his order and walks to the table, he sees a group of people centered around one table. Schott just ignores them and sits a few tables away from them and begins to take a sip of his smoothie.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:38|Steve Rogers (38)}} has posed:'''<br>Steve Rogers gestures to the chair for Aislin after Clarice asks him if he minds. "Not at all. And even if I did, it is your table after all," he says with a slightly wry smile. "Ah, your own tropical island? That does sound like a beneficial power to have," he agrees as Clarice mentions her private destination. <br><br>The bagel is picked up and Steve takes a bite of it. He give an appreciative expression at the taste, before setting it back on the plate and picking up his coffee for a sip. Steve's eyes drift across the new arrival. But it seems that Steve's four years in the modern day haven't been enough to note the Toyman by sight, for he goes unrecognized.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Smiles are offered to all three at the table before 'Aislin' sits herself in the offered chair, "Thank you, thank you... I hate to sit alone, and that whole thing.." she gestures towards the counter. "Was just trying to prove a point, I hope I didn't upset you Mister Rogers, but I cannot /stand/ to watch people being so rude." She sets her Frappuccino and bagel on the table, but really doesn't seem all that interested in them. "Though I will say, I am a /big/ fan."<br><br>Her green eyes shift now to the young man who called himself Bjorn, "And you... those things you do, amazing! People should be trying to take selfies with you and get your autograph, because you are something special indeed."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is it a recruiting trip now? But Clarice keeps her thoughts to herself as she takes a sip of her coffee, and another bite from her bagel. The bagels here really //are// good. "Just for me and my friends," she confirms for Steve. With a few emergency rations tucked away, and medical supplies, and all of that. It's best to plan ahead, and no one would know to look for her or anyone under her protection //there//. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well - I always welcome friendly company," she adds towards 'Aislin.' "Though really, if staring is the worst people have to offer today - then it's a good day." The toymaker goes overlooked, as she continues to chat with the people at her table.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid glances up spotting the toy maker and nods to him in greeting briefly before turning back to look at the people at his table. "Nah I just got made fun of, called a freak and dangerous and all kinds of vile crap." He says simply and chuckles with a shrug of his shoulders as he sips on his coffee again. "People dont tend to think people like me are celebrities."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>'Aislin' does not miss the toymaker, in fact her eyes shift to him because in her mind, in the summer, that turtle neck stands out and screams 'beatnik' but she's old, so it is probably just her. She offers the man a smile, so that her brief stare doesn't look that odd, then turns her attention back Bjorn.<br><br>As the green eyes settle on him his words cause them to flash amber again for the briefest of seconds, anger ripping through her just as quickly before it is shoved down, hard, into the box where she keeps it most of the time. She leans slightly forward toward him, a smile touching her lips that hints at something mischievous and playful, "Want to know a little secret Bjorn?" She leans just a little closer and her voice drops to a whisper, "Sometimes, what you are doesn't have to be loved or liked, sometimes what you are is perfect and everyone around you loaths you for it... and sometimes, you get to pay them back for all the shit they ever did to you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1889|Winslow Schott (1889)}} has posed:'''<br>Toyman looks at the two people who give him nods and nods right back at them. It was odd, people were normally not that polite to him while out in public. True, most of the time he was terrorizing Metropolis, but, that neither here or there. Schott then reaches into his bag and, instead of pulling out a Unicorn, pulls out a rather intimidating looking mobster action figure. Ice-Pick Gargen was name of this figure, as evidence by the name of the box. Gargen was, of course, one of the more reoccurring villains of the MPU cartoon back in the day, and one of the few that made it into the very exclusive "Villains" line.<br><br> Villains was a action figure line and Schott's last project before going independent. It was meant to be a action figure line that immortalized MPU's rogues gallery. Unfortunately, Schott only managed to create designs for Gargen and a few others before leaving, and the line folded soon after, making Gargen and the others valuable collectors items. As the others continued their talk, Schott stared intently at the figure of Gargen.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well. To be completely fair - we can be dangerous," Clarice points out. "But that is mitigated with //support//, and help, and training. Making people afraid, and isolating them - denying them they help they need to understand and control their powers? //That's// when things get dangerous." She smiles at Atrid as she asks, "I hope things are under control? That you have some sort of teacher, or mentor? It's hard learning on your own. No one should have to." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention shifts to 'Aislin' at her form of 'advice' to the boy - amusement showing on her features. Of course she waits until just after Cap has departed before letting something like //that// slip. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Briefly, her gaze flickers to the man studying the toy in his hands. Collectors - she's never really understood it. Or maybe it's something he bought for his... son? Who knows. She returns her gaze to the pair sitting with her. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid raises his brows as his eyes go wide at what she says he shakes his head more as his finger absently trace the scars from the corners of his mouth to his cheeks and the one over his eye shuddering. "I dont know about that...I was hurt pretty bad, when my folks found out abou' what I was." He than take a sip of his coffee. "My own parents did this ta me and abandoned me at the hospital this was months ago. I was on the streets for a while, but yes I found a teacher and mentor as it were."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:605|Mystique (605)}} has posed:'''<br>Standing up, the red headed woman walks slowly around the table, as she moves her body and even her clothing changes. From the Irish woman into the Cobalt Mystique, white body suit and all. She stops just as she reaches Bjorn, and knees in front of him on one knee, looking up to his face. "What your parents did to you was wrong," she says calmly, with with conviction. "You /are/ beautiful just the way you are, and I consider you a /real/ hero. You are not alone Bjorn, no matter what you may think or feel or believe, you are not alone."<br><br>There isn't really time for her to say much more, because a few of the people in the place recognize her for who she is. So with a wink to Blink, and smile to Bjorn, she stands herself up and looks around the room, at the way they point and whisper, and some start to panic. She's been on the news, her picture in the paper, the terrorist, the monster, the freak. In that moment she could have chosen to hurt anyone of them, but instead she merely smiles and strides out the door casually.<br><br>"The Brotherhood is always watching, we will come if you need us." And with that she is outside, scaring humans left and right.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1889|Winslow Schott (1889)}} has posed:'''<br>Schott's eyes elevate to Bjorn for a second as he couldn't help but overhear his story. He DESPISED it when people were cruel to children, especially their own parents. In Schott's eyes, all children deserved a chance at a happy childhood, mutant or not. Schott had no time to think about this however, Mystique suddenly revealed herself, eliciting a audible gasp from the portly man. Mystique was a well-known terrorist and supervillain, and he did not want a confrontation. However, once she left, Schott let out a relieved sight and began to rummage through his bag again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...so that's Mystique," Clarice remarks casually - amusement pulling at the corners of her lips. "She has a flare for the dramatic. It's fun to watch." She picks up her drink for a sip, then adds, "...parents can be complicated. I haven't seen mine since I was six. I'm sorry they would do something like that, to you. But... well. Hopefully your friends, your mentors, have your back. If not, as Mystique said - there's always the Brotherhood. The doors are always open." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles and shakes his head. "Ive heard of the brotherhood and Mystique and the fact that its an organization of terrorists. That said if thats your chosen family I hold no ill will towards you or any who are members Im sure not all of you do the vile things often reported." He says with a shake of his head. Than he looks to Winslow and raises a brow as he sips his coffee. "Ya ok there pal?" He asks before turning back to Clarice. "It appears as though they have my back honestly. And most seem nice some though are dicks just like anywhere else."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1889|Winslow Schott (1889)}} has posed:'''<br>Winslow looks at the young man and nods. He then clears his throat and says with a British accent,<br><br> "I am indeed fine young man. It's just not everyday when a lass shapeshifts into a supervillain."<br><br> He then lets out a hearty chuckle<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is in my life," Clarice answers Winslow with an amused smile, before her attention shifts back to the man across from her. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice drops her voice to a low tone, meant not to carry beyond the table where the pair sit.. "The Brotherhood saved me from a living hell. I was a slave - denied my freewill, denied my very //identity//. Used to commit acts that-" For a moment, there's a haunted look on her usually vivacious features, but she dismisses it with a shake of her head. "They saved me. Gave me my life back - gave me my //choice// back. Gave me a teacher, a mentor..." A family. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And last night - we saved people like us. Saved mutants who'd been enslaved, and forced to make drugs that suppressed who we are - what we can do. I know we get bad press, sometimes. But all we want is for mutants to be respected. To be allowed to live their lives in peace. That we all be allowed to choose our own paths, and live without fear and without persecution. And you can't always achieve that without hurting the people that mean to harm us." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head. "Sounds to me like youre claiming what the X-Men do to be what the brotherhood does. From what ive seen and read, some of what you said may be true and some of your group may truly believe that. But others are more about Mutant Supremacy and power for our kind to dominate and lord over normal Humans to enslave them as some have done to us. Im sorry but to me no thank you Id rather us all live side by side peacefully and respecting each other not fearing each other." He says with a smile. "Again Im sure a lot of you your hearts are in the right place, but others well they dont give your organization the best press if that makes sense." All of this said softly so only she may hear it, taking another drink he looks back to Winslow. "Good and Evil, right and wrong, Villain or hero, all of these words are subjective, they change because we change. And differ depending on with whom you speak. As I said the media paints her badly does that mean shes evil or a bad person no. Does she possible do bad things, yes its possible. But a bad thing done for the greater good of what you believe though heinous to the rest of the world to you is not."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so, there we have it. The future mutant, whom nobody really knows of as a future man -or- a mutant... walks into a coffee shop. No, this isn't the start of a joke, good -or- bad. Either way, his clothing style seems simple enough. Bluejeans, and a white teeshirt with a circle on it that with its concentric red and white circles, and the white star on a blue field, can only be what amounts to a statement of being a Captain America fan. Or at least just someone who wears a shirt with his shield on it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, he didn't manage to overhear comments about the Brotherhood or the like. He merely makes his way towards the counter with a goofy smile on his face. The look on his face might remind people of a tourist, gawking at everything like he's seeing it for the first time.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are some who believe the only way of convincing the humans to accept us is to show them they have no choice," Clarice relents quietly. "...I'm not convinced that's a productive attitude." In fact, she's pretty sure it's not. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And Mystique- well. She's loyal. She cares for her friends, and her people. She wants what's best for her people - and she will not hesitate to do //whatever// she thinks necessary to achieve her goal. I'm sure some people see evil in that, especially if they feel 'their way of life' is being threatened. That's just the way things are." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Vance enters, Clarice's unnaturally green eyes flick towards him, taking in his 'Cap' shift with an amused quirk of her lips. Did he know he'd just missed the man? Was that, perhaps, why he was here at all? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid sits at a table with Clarice sipping on his usual black coffee with double shot of espresso finishing it he orders another. "Yes I get it she does whatever it takes to further her cause and thats admirable to a degree but we also must be careful if we make people hate us to much than we may never be anything but feared ya know?" He asks with a smile before looking up to the new guy he offers a nod in his direction.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so, since Vance didn't really hear about the Brotherhoodery, or whatever you want to call it, he just places a bit of money on counter after placing an order for a coffee. What he was used to in his time might not even be called -coffee- in this day and age. In fact, as he turns to regard the room, he takes a sip... and his dark eyebrows lift as his eyes peer down at the cup. "Oh wow. Man, I missed -that-." he states.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't disagree," Clarice answers - a wry quirk to her lips. "I am probably one of the more //moderate// members of the Brotherhood. Probably comes with spending so much time around Lorna," she remarks. "I think - ideally - we should be working together. The X-Men, the Brotherhood, Ms. Frost's organization... quibbling amongst ourselves weakens and fractures us. It gives our enemies more opportunities to fine the faults, and take advantage. ...but I'm not a strategist," she admits, before taking another bite of her slowly diminishing bagel with lox. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's fiiiine I sweeear. Yes, for realsies, not just me being me. It's fine!" Gabby assures whomever she's talking to on her cell as she pushes the door open with her hip as her free hand was busy slinging a small bag over her shoulder. It wasn't a purse so much as a mini backpack where she had apparently stashed her wallet (a duct tape job with unicorn stickers on it) that was now in hand intending to get some of that delicious dark bean water. "Right, right. Okay. I'll keep you updated. See you later, sis," she finishes along with a smoochie air-kiss noise. With all the goodbyes said she flicks her phone off with a sigh startig her way to the counter herself not yet taking on the fact that there were people here she knew.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, now some terms are reaching Vance's ears and brain. His eyes flicker up and he scans the room as his nostrils enjoy the scent of his own coffee. He steps off to one side of the counter and finds a spot nearby to lean. He's not seated so much as just.. enjoying the view of humanity flowing through the place.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But just as he's about to potentially react to mentionings of X-stuff... Gabby happens.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His face breaks into a beaming grin at her antics. As if he really hasn't seen young people, and more importantly, happy young people of late. It just warms his soul.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid nods his head with a smile to Clarice. "See thats my point, though the Brotherhood from what I gathered has a more extremist view where as the X-Men it appears have a more peaceful and diplomatic desire. Where force is sometimes necessary this makes it hard to work together except in extreme circum..." He trails off when he hears Gabby and once shes off the Phone he smiles and calls to her. "Hey Gabby, put yer wallet away youre coffees on me dahlin'." Atrid says smiling. "So those names you gave me I got in touch with them Ive been accepted Ill be there with yall. Im movin my stuff in."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Atrid addresses the newcomer, Clarice's attention shifts towards the girl - who she regards with puzzlement for a moment. She seems familiar. Does she seem familiar? Has she met the girl befo- oh, did he say Gabby? "You're with Xavier's," she remarks after a moment, before turning to look at Atrid. "And you're joining them, there?" Well. That all tracks then. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then you'll have plenty of mentors. That's //wonderful//. I might even see you there on occassion, myself." She treads a strange line between two different worlds. It wasn't always easy - but she felt it served an important purpose. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney slips her phone away only to find herself being stared at by the guy with a Captain American shirt. A grin cracks her own face even though, weird guy staring, and she gives him a thumbs up. "Awesome shirt choice! Cap rocks." Then again she might be a wee bit biased for... reasons. Atrid's greeting earns her attention with a tip of her head his way. "I'm not against freebies but I *do* have a job too y'know," she points out. Not that it stops her from putting her wallet away. "Double mocha freezie-cinno with extra whip!" She requests of the barista before she gets too far ahead of herself. There were priorities after all. "That's great! The new school year hasn't started yet so you've got plenty of time to get settled in. And..." Here she squints at Clarice pointing to the woman. "You're the porter right? I mean." Oops. In public. She glances around a single time. "From that place. Your job. As a porter. Good to see you again!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles with a nod of his head. "Yes yes I know I know. But I cant have ya thinking I dont treat a lady Ive asked out properly like paying for their drink and or food." He says smiling as he scoots over to make room for Gabby. "Gabby this is Clarice, Clarice this is Gabby." Atrid states with a smile. "Since we all kind of know each other now Ill tell ya my name is really Atrid, I give Bjorn to folks because I dont know whos going to report what to whom."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sipping his coffee, Vance gives Gabby a lift of his mug in a sort of counter-salute. But he is no dummy. He has a keen mind, and some terminology doesn't escape his notice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he inclines his head and shrugs, "You know, equality will never happen until -all- sides of it treat one another as equals. Just sayin'." he offers before taking a sip of his coffee.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes. My job. As a porter," Clarice remarks in a dry, amused tone. "I'm sure everyone is believing //that// of the woman with the strangely green eyes, and pointed ears, and purple hair." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention returns to Atrid as she adds, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance properly, then. And I promise - no reporting to anyone. Lorna would never let me hear the end of it." And that she never could live with. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her attention shifts to the man in the Cap t-shirt as she adds, "Yes, but - we'll never get everyone on every //one// side of the conflict to agree. Let alone on both sides." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shrugging his shoulders, Vance drains the last of his coffee and says, "Maybe not. Intentional ignorance is a basic trait of all sentient life. However, if nobody's willing to start ... well more to the point, to -stop- the violence, then it will always escalate. Trust me on this." he says, sounding a lot older than he looks.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The big problem I've seen is people who take action.. as trhey say, in the defense of a persecuted group, and do it in a way that only helps that group, and at the same time, harms the others. It just justifies the persecution in the minds of those not in the know, who think they understand."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sighing, he shakes his head, "Sorry, sorry! It's just a debate my friends and I have been having for years."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney scoops up her overly sugary drink from the counter as she moves to join the two at the table already quite at ease. "Well it was worth a shot, and hey, colored hair is 'in' right?" She looks to Atrid as if to confirm this point. Then again she was just a regular old brunette herself. When the talk goes to issues of equality she takes a long slurp off her frozen concoction considering it. "That's a tough one. Especially when there are those in power who benefit over those who aren't in power. It might not be nice, or 'being the bigger person', but sometimes the only way to get a point across is to stand up and punch someone in the nards." There's a pause and she adds, "Height difference may apply to the target in question."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles and puts an arm around Gabbys shoulders if she allows it. "Well thats the problem isnt it, theres always someone in power who likes to keep minorities oppressed. We saw this with Race than sexuality and gender identity, than race and gender identity and sexuality at the same time. Now its mutants like us. You cant get all sides to agree its impossible as long as there are differences there are divides that are exploited. So yes as Gabby so bluntly put it sometimes all you can do and punch someone in the nards though for me its more like the throat." He says with a chuckle. "Awww Gabby you saying you like my hair?" He laughs. "Its actually not a dye job."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Or you can teleport their kneecaps a foot to the left," Clarice offers. "Sometimes the right." It's kinder than the things she used to do - as a child. When she had no free will of her own. She takes a sip of her coffee after delivering her statement in a mild tone. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And, it makes no sense in any way imaginable. There is absolutely no reason people are afraid of one group of powered folks any more than any other group. Anyone with powers could detonate a building with their mind, regardless of the origin of that power." suggests Vance. But he grimaces and shrugs his shoulders, "Sorry. I keep forgetting that some people in this day and age actually make a big deal out of differences while most folks -celebrate- those differences in positive ways."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But I'm not just speaking from an outside viewpoint. I happen to be a mutant also."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney glances toward Atrid when he puts his arm around her shoulder. He lives, though, and she doesn't shrug him off--It was just one of those things she wasn't quite used to yet. Slurping on her drink resumes and she glances between all those talking thoughtfully. "Mm, yeah, I mean ideally and all... but this isn't an ideal world. Plus, yeah, being on one side or the other you really get a perspective. I mean, heck, I was considered property until last year when I busted out of--" She catches herself abruptly. "I'm rambling again sorry anwyaycarryon." Aside to Atrid she adds, "Yes your hair is nice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid smiles at Gabby. "Well thanks I like yours too." He says leaning in. "Im here for ya if ya want ta talk about that later on when we get back to the school." Atrid smiles at her and as she didnt shrug his arm off he keeps it where it is as he sips his drink. "But I agree but alas at the moment there's nothing I can do or we can do about it. Especially us who are younger. All we can do is learn from the mistakes and try to do better." Sipping his coffee again he smiles. "But lets move on to happier topics yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This day and age? Clarice was about to make a comment, when her gaze goes directly towards Gabby instead. There's a hint of questioning in that gaze as she allows some of curiosity to leak through. But for the most part, those green eyes express sympathy, understanding - and even pain. "I was propery," she offers quietly. "Until I was freed by Lorna's family." By the Brotherhood. By Mister Creed. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney reaches out to pat Clarice's arm at that with a knowing nod of apparent understanding. Even if the exact reasoning wasn't there. "Yeah. Better times though! Lorna is good people. Don't know about some of the others, but she is." Nodding solemnly she turns to her drink again staring REAL hard at it. "I lost a lot of sisters. I'm gonna live the best life I can now that I can."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid nods his head smiling at the ladies as he sips his drink. "I dont know what having siblings or others to care for is like. But maybe thats something that will change with you Gabby and the rest. Its time for a better life and better times and I look forward to having that happen. We will all live our best lives yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Happier." begins Vance with a smirk, "I can do with some happier. Like coffee... wow. I mean wow. The coffee -here- is ... just wow." And yes, this guy isn't exaggerating at all. He really thinks that. "It has been a long time since I had real coffee."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No siblings here, either," Clarice admits. "And yes - Lorna's good people. The best of people, I think. Others in her family - well. Things can start to get more nuanced." Amusement crosses her features. "But my life is- it's incomperable to what it used to be. I was helped - and I need to help others. And protect the people who saved me." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's now that her green gaze returns to Vance before she asks, "What did you mean 'This day and age?'" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney nods readily in agreement. Good time, fun times. She tries to think of some happier topic to pick up on than what they had been conversing about when Clarice hones in on Vance's remark. That was an odd statement. Glancing at Atrid with eyebrows raising she points out, "Oh you'll get to meet plenty of my family soon! I keep meeting more and more of them. My family's got long life spans it seems." Really, meeting a seventy year old that looks like her newest older sister was an eye opener. "Are you some old fogey, too then? To be 'in this day and age'."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shrugs. "I mean I dont know you said yer big sister might threaten me fer bein' with ya and askin' ya out on a date." He says with laugh and shrugs. "Long life spans are good though it means ya get ta have each other fer a longer time than most folks get theirs." He says with a smile. "And Ill be happy ta meet yer family if thats what you desire I have no qualms with it. Just let me get my like back pack full of stuff to the mansion and into my room and unpacked. Since thats all I have." Atrid takes yet another drink. "I have no idea Ive met him once before but Im not sure how old he is or where hes from."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pausing for just a moment, Vance shrugs his shoulders, "I just meant that as a student of history, it strikes me as odd that in as enlightened an age as we find ourselves living in... I mean it was what.." He pauses to think back to his youth, "What, sixty or so years ago that the whole racial equality question was argued in the public eye?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And here we are, still having a similar issue even after all that everyone has done to work towards equality?" In the privacy.. okay the assumed privacy of his own mind, he ponders . . o o O O (Wonder if they bought that.)<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice's piercing green eyes remain on Vance - her gaze inscrutable, and a little unnerving, giving the unnatural hues of her iris. "I... see," she finally offers. "Well. It takes time for these things. What was it - only a hundred years ago that women got the right to vote? Is it any surprise that we're still grappling with issues of equality? There will still be issues of equality we'll need to resolve in another hundred year's time. We just don't know what they are, yet," she points out - before her gaze returns to the two students across from her - a smile growing on her features. Aww. Ain't the pair of them just... adorable? <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney either buys it or doesn't question it further. "I mean I dunno, you could be from the past or the future or something! I've met tons of people that are." There's a pause as she considers this a moment. "I meet a lot of people." Either way her smile returns easily enough, and her fingers drum against the sides of her frosty drink as the sugar and caffiene apparently start to do their job. "Oh, you'll meet them one way or another. Jimmy is the PE teacher, he's my older brother, and Rien I just found out about awhile ago but I think she's going to be around more, and Laura's usually busy but when she does visit she's always testing me to make sure I'm not forgetting what I've learned. Then there's 'dad'. He's the groundskeeper. Bellona's usually traveling, and she's the only sister I have left out of the original ones but she didn't get the x-gene, just turned albino." Pausing she then adds, "You shouldn't meet her. She's got a temper."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, the truth is that I am just a bit older than I appear." offers Vance. "So yes, I have seen a lot of things change. And yet there is an old adage, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Trust me, that part is true."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That said, he turns back to the counter and buys a refill of his coffee. While they prepare it, he looks back to the others, "In case you care, my name is Vance. Yes, as I said, I was born a mutant."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid looks at Gabby and blinks. "Wait a minute now...yer dad works at the school too?" He asks with a blink. "Should I be scared of him too? I assume my fire an' ice routine wont impress him huh?" atrid asks with a chuckle before looking back to Vance. "Ya just gonna stand there pal or are ya gonna have a seat with us?" He asks before looking back to Clarice."So Yea I think I hit on that and the LGBTQ+ struggle before." He says with a laugh. "True equality will never happen as long as there are people to screw it up an find something to fear or hate. Yea alright older than you look guy come on sit down." Atrid laughs looking around a bit. "Anyway Gabby yea Ill meet them because well better sooner rather than later yes?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...this school is sounding more and more complicated," Clarice remarks with some amusement. "I have a feeling my room on the asteroid is much, //much// quieter." Though - really, she could have a room anywhere she liked. The benefits of her powers. She finally finishes off the last of her bagel, before pushing her plate away, and picking up her coffee to sip at instead. "I hear it's old to ask - but I spend a little time with a few longer-lived individuals, and it helps to put things in perspective. ...how long are we talking?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney can only spread her hands in a helpless sort of shrug at the remarks from them all. "I mean it's plenty quiet. Mostly. My roommate might have explosive powers, but she's good about it! She only blows me up *sometimes* when she's annoyed." A solemn nod is given as she adds, confidently, "I'm winning her over." Another grin comes. Lightly she elbows Atrid in the side. "No need to hurry. We haven't even gone on an official date yet or anything after all. Just wanted to warn you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"School?" asks Vance as he picks up his new cup of coffee and moves to sit down where indicated. "Asteroid?" He shakes his head and chuckles. He ponders for a moment and then says, "Technically, I was born in 1968. So that'd make me Fifty Three, right?" he asks as he sips his drink. Again, there is more that he is -not- saying. Why he isn't is anyone's guess.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles and takes a sip of his coffee as he peers around the place. "Ok ok, but that doesnt mean I m not excited." He teases back. "After all its not every day a cutie like you says yes to my Ugly mug." He says with a grin. "Well anyway Im glad you did. And dont worry Ill do my best not to accidentally torch you." Atrid laughs again before looking back to Vance. "Wait dude how are ya 53?" Than hes back to looking at Clarice. "I dont know I think I got my own room far as I know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney lets out a scoffing 'fftt' at mention of being torched, while still grinning. "Hey I've got scars, too. I told you they aren't ugly," she points out gesturing at her own face. Then she shrugs some. "Won't matter if you did burn me. Just give me a hamburger and some time to heal." Glancing back to Vance she grins brightly. "Oh wow you're younger than my sister Rien then. She was born in the 1940's. Dunno when exactly, just..." Here she shrugs a little. "Nice to meet you. I'm Gabby."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...'technically,'" Clarice remarks. Her tone is //dripping// with 'air quotes,' even though both of her hands are cupped around her coffee at the moment. "Uh... huh." She takes a sip of her coffee, gaze locked onto Vance again. This is a man who isn't telling them everything. But - did it really matter? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...probably not. But she wanted to //know//. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lifting his cup, Vance hides his mouth for a moment before he takes another sip. "I eat smart, and exercise a lot. Beyond that, I really shouldn't elaborate." A pause and then he shrugs his shoulders once more, "Too much information could be dangerous."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles. "Knowledge is power its how we learn frofm our mistakes yea?" He asks with a smile. "So I dont see how whatever info you could give us could be dangerous but Ill let you be on that for now." Atrid grins yet again taking a long sip of his coffee. "I know you have Gabby but it still takes me a minute to understand or remember rather that you dont think theyre ugly. And I like youre scars hun." Sipping his coffee again. "A burger and heal time is all it will take for you to forgive me for accidentally torching you? Shoot thats a bargain."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, but I have such a trustworthy face!" Clarice tells Vance - a wide smile of amusement playing across her features. Her features could be described in many ways - but 'trustworthy' hasn't been one of them. She //is// generally a trustworthy person,t hough. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Man - you two are adorable together," she adds towards Atrid and Gabby - turning that amused smile on the pair of students next. "It's sweet." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, believe me... I must treat certain things as if they were classified. Not that I am a representative of the government. Just..." He shrugs, "If I told you, then I'd have given away too much as it is. It's really difficult to explain without explaining. Sorry." he says sheepishly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney actually manages to turn a little red at Clarice's remark. It's quick to pass though as she stabs her straw into her drink to help mix up the frozen goodness a bit more. It was a distraction. "Well if you hurt me by accident, then it's not on purpose, why would I be mad? If you did it on purpose now. That's another matter." Then, queiter, she mumbles, "Thanks," toward Clarice. As for Vance he gets a shrug. "Not important right now anyway, is it?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid blinks and blushes a bit. "Looks like we got ourselves a super secret temporal agent man over here." He grins and than looking back to Gabby. "Well not everyone is as sweet or forgiving even about accidents as you are." He says softly. "Adorable, me in the same sentence thanks but no no. Im rugged and dangerous looking shes cute and adorable."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You are such a tease," Clarice tells the super secret temporal agent man - amusement still on her features, before she turns to look back at Gabby, and Atrid. "Really, looks aren't everything. Scars aren't the most important thing to worry about. I mean - I guess... living my whole life, looking different..." She gives a shrug of her shoulders. "It's a strange perspective. But people make these immediate judgements - without knowing //any// facts." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nodding his head, Vance opens his mouth to say something. But then he recalls that it would just make things worse, not better. Something about how he spent a thousand years in a containment suit... but now he isn't stuck in it, and looks a lot better than he ever did. Not like anyone here would really understand it. But -he- gets what it is to feel so isolated when in a crowd. To feel so ... different. "That which makes us different merely makes us uniquely beautiful, each in our own way, yes?" he asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney chuckles softly at that only to shrug a bit at all the compliments being thrown around. "I don't mind my scars. I've had them for years." She's about to say something more when an alarm on her phone goes off causing her to sigh. "Okay I need to get back to my job. Just house sitting but I try not to be gone too long."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid smiles and nods his head to Gabby. "You ok to head back yerself of do ya want me ta give ya an escort again?" He asks with a smile as he sips his coffee again. "If not I can always head back and finish getting my room all situated and such. And than what do ya say we go out for dinner and such, say tomorrow night?" Atrid smiles and looks to the others. "I know our differences make us beautiful and all that but it still taking some getting used to that my scars aint scarin folks away."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. Temporal agent. That must be what it is." says Vance as he finishes his coffee again. "That makes total sense. I mean it couldn't -possibly- be something less complicated than that, could it?" he asks with a smirk as he stands up. "But, good to meet you guys. I really should be heading out. Temporal Agent business, y'know?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice - with all her usual dramatic coloring and markings - sits at a table with Gabby, Atrid, and Vance - sipping coffee and talking idly. At least she was, until Vance rises to leave. "Right. Temporal Agent business, keeping the realities safe. Sorting out time anomolies. She smiles as if this is utterly ridiculous. As if there couldn't possibly, say, be another verision of herselt hopping through time, space, and realities - with a Tallus on her wrist. Fixing anomolies. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preposterous. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And house sitting? That's always a good gig. Doesn't get much easier. I'll see you you sometime back at the Mansion, I'm sure, Gabby." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:502|Gabby Kinney (502)}} has posed:'''<br>Gabby Kinney reaches over to ruffle Atrid's hair just like many had done to her in the past. "I'll be fine. You get yourself all set up and we can catch up later. Besides, nothing going on there. Not like there's demons in the basement or something weird." Ftt. As if. "Good meeting you Vance, and good seeing you again, Clarice! Have a good night!" With that she's out the door.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid ruffles Gabby's hair back. "Just me being me trying to make sure yer ok and I know I know I dont need to you can take care of yourself, just how I am. And of course we will see each other again soon Gabby." He smiles at her as she leaves. "You got my number if something comes up let me know will ya." Atrid calls after her before turning to Vance. "Take care man." Than its back to Clarice. "I mean ya never know he might be a high ranking Super secret Temporal Agent man with lots of responsibilities."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2802|Vance Astro (2802)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Giving some weird convoluted salute-type-thing, but some might recognize it from Spaceballs... Either way Vance says, "That, is the Temporal agent secret salute." he states before turning and heading for the exit with a grin on his face.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...do you think there actually are demons in the basement?" Clarice muses quietly, her tone teasing before she takes a sip of her tea. It's //unlikely//. But it seems more likely than time-skipping. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, uhh, same to you!" She tries to immitate the salute - but fails. She's never seen Spaceballs. There's somethings you miss when you're raised as a slave assassin. "He really is very odd," she muses in a thoughtful tone. "I wonder what his deal //really// is." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2176|Saeko (2176)}} has posed:'''<br>Sometimes it was nice to be yourself, even if you're as old as Saeko was and as accustomed to moving between humans in the guise of one of them. <br><br> Of course, Saeko wasn't going to be walking around anouncing she was a 'heavenly spirit sent by Inari', but a woman with a few inhuman features wasn't exactly going to raise that many eyebrows in mutant town. <br><br> She moves, pushing her way through the door and sweeping her eyes over the patrons before setting a beeline for the counter.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shrugs and keeps drinking his coffee. "I Umm yea he was a bit weird. I also have no idea if there are demons in the basement or not. Though for Gabby's sake I hope not. And what was all that she and I are adorable together stuff. We havent even had our first official date yet, so I mean we arent a thing...yet anyway." He says softly as he looks up and spots the new entry he nods hello drinking more of his coffee.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice lets out a snort of amusement. "You had an //arm// over her shoulder," she points out easily. "You guys were adorable. I mean- well. Life being what it is. Everything that happened on Genosha, and since then... It's sweet. It's nice to see those moments when life is still- It's just life. You know?" She'd lost most of her childhood, and many of her teenage years to the Mutate program, and to the recovery and rehabilitation afterwards. Was it wrong to enjoy seeing others just //living a life//? Getting a - well, a //relatively// 'normal' education? <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her gaze - startlingly and unnaturally green - moves towards Saeko as the woman enters, flicking curiously over her more animalistic features. That wasn't a mutation she'd seen before, but mutations seemed to be numberless. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And staring was rude. So a moment later, her gaze returns to her companion instead. "Do you prefer I call you 'Bjorn' on the off chance Mystique says anything? I doubt she will." But still. It was best to be certain. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2176|Saeko (2176)}} has posed:'''<br> Staring might be rude, but eavesdropping...well, it might be rude too but it was also really hard not to do so incidentially with the pointed ears atop her head. Drink ordered, she turns to face the pair, tilting her head curiously. <br><br> Demons were enough to draw her attention!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles and nods his head with a grin. "Ok I might have put an arm over her shoulder and yes I do like her though which is why I asked her out for a date. And shes cute and adorable and tiny so yea ok maybe Ill let you win this one." Atrid teases taking another long drink from his coffee. "Nah dont worry about that Im sure she wont risk having me arrested, or thrown into some group home and possibly put into a situation like the one you and Gabby were in just call me Atrid unless you hear me specifically refer to myself as Bjorn."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright. Can do. Far be it from me to blow someone's cover, though, or even harm their sense of security. I mean... I know how some people need their anonymity to feel safe." It's not something //she's// ever had, given her appearance. But she gets it. Clarice lets out a snort as she adds, "Ohhh... Mystique calling out Cap like that... that was //cold//," she remarks in an amused voice. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2176|Saeko (2176)}} has posed:'''<br> Mug in hand the newcomer sits herself down nearby, a little flick of their tails and a smile on her lips. Alright, so she was staring a bit now but...well, sometimes a little people watching and light eavesdropping was the only way to kill time one was able to find in a roomfull of strangers.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles. "I appreciate that. And though I dont trust easily, I think its about time for me to trust a small group of people again yes, Isnt that right?" He says softly. "After all of this happened." He gestures to his scars. "I was scared and didnt trust the world and still dont. Im always afraid something or someone is gonna hurt me or betray me or try and kill me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can understand that," Clarice agrees. "Trusting makes you vulnerable. But living without trust is isolating. It's lonely. I've got people I trust. As strange as it would sound to many - I trust Mystique. Implicitly. She would //never// bring me to harm." If there was any other option. And anything Mystique thought important enough to sacrifice Clarice over? Was something she would volunteer for. "There are a few others. Lorna, of course. I serve her - she's my friend, but she's also Royalty - on Genosha," she explains. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And I trust the people who saved me." The man who saved her - Victor Creed. Sabretooth. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head. "I dont know about trusting Mystique implicitly, dont get me wrong she seems nice enough but so did my parents until they werent." He says honestly finishing up his coffee as he orders yet another the same way. "Royalty in Genosha dont equate to much here in the states you know, we dont have that sort of thing here. So to me Lorna is just another person though from what yall say shes a damn good person.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, I'm not saying //you// should trust her," Clarice explains - letting out a laugh. "That wouldn't be a good idea. She has no reason to betray you in anyway. But she'd only fight for you as far as she would any other of our kind." She finally finishes off her own coffee, setting the cup down as she adds, "And - well. Yeah, I know it doesn't amount to much for most folks here - but it matters to me. Genosha's been my home most of my life. The best days of my life - and the worst. And it was her father, and his Brotherhood, that freed me. The way I see it - my life is theirs." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head back and forth. "No no no, Your life isnt theirs. And clearly Lorna doesnt see eye to eye with her old man or Shed be with yall on yer asteroid and not with us at the mansion. One day youll end up having to pick a side, you wont be able to be both forever you know that right? Its a sad and unfortunate truth. Extreme or less extreme, hopefully you wont be put in that position any time soon."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My life is mine - because I have that choice now. Because they gave me that choice, a choice I never had before," Clarice explains simply. "And I //choose// to serve them. My King, and his family. It's my life to give, and I give it freely." And she seems perfectly content with that. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And I don't think they'll force me to choose. If anything, the Brotherhood's goals, their beliefs, their tactics... They're more closely aligned with what the X-Men believe than they've ever been before.. Like what we did just last night," she adds - gesturing in the general direction of the warehouse she'd help bring down. "We saved lives, and we stopped a very dangerous criminal enterprise." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head. "Yes ok but at what cost?" He asks ruefully. "How will the news and the media twist it hmmm? That we attacked some scientists trying to develop a cure to help us? And that these mutants were there voluntarily or had no where else to go? Weve seen it a thousand times. Going on the offensive never ever does well for us." Atrid says with a raised eyebrow. "To think otherwise is insanity, the true definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. We hit them, they hit us back and than make us look like the bad guys every damned time." He says taking out a smoke and sparking it with his flaming finger before extinguishing it. "My point is the views are not the same and wont be, Charles and Lornas father have two completely different schools of thought on how we need to do things. But I agree your life your free to give it to whom you wish, but if I were you Id stick to Lorna more than the rest."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That was not a cure!" Clarice replies - her voice abruptly growing in volume in response to her abruptly rising indignation. "Those people - //our// people. Our kind, they were handcuffed in place. //Chained// to force them to continue to work. The room was filled with fumes. The moment we entered we-" she starts to get her volume back under control, "You wouldn't believe the headache. It was hard to concentrate, and trying to control my blinks - my portals - well. Let's just say I didn't try anything fancy. Didn't send too much, too far. What do you think we should have done? Left them there? Enslaved? To suffer? Because I've spoken to Charles Xavier. He is a great man, and I agreed with what he had to say. And I don't think for a second he would have agreed to leave those people there. We didn't kill anyone, and we have witnesses - the victims that we freed," she asserts adamently. "Let them try to spin that in the news." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head and takes another drink clearly his temper doesnt rise so fast at this point. "And again its not what you know its what you can prove. Whos word do you think the media is going to take a few mutants or some human who claims to have seen it. Im not saying that it was a /cure/ being a mutant isnt a disease to be cured. But the point is it can be easily spun that way and than we mutants look like the bad guys. Im not saying what you should or shouldnt have done. Im saying going on the offensive never helps our cause." Atrid states calmly taking yet another drag and a sip. "Listen the point is we shouldnt be on the attack because that hurts us. Thats that extremist mentality for ya, people dead no, people injured still a very bad thing. We need to pick our battles breaking into a warehouse injuring folks and rescuing our people not the right call, it would have been better to wait until the folks keeping our people captive were not there and than rescuing our people than its just some building got broken into."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice lets out a laugh. "You think they were //ever// going to leave their slaves unguarded? That's not how slavery works!" she protests. "And those men were lucky we didn't do worse to them. We were //restrained//. I've been trained to do far worse." Though she's been friendly, jovial, and even cheerful throughout this discussion - there's a cold anger underpinning her words now that hasn't shown itself until now. A determined set to her jaw, and a dangerous glint in those green eyes. "And I wasn't leaving them there. No one enslaves us. No one." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shrugs. "So you use stealth and guile. You break in you move around the bastards and you sneak our folks out. Militaries do this sort of mission all the time without engaging the enemy. There were other ways to do it without engaging or attacking." He says with a cold and calculating tone. "And they all have to leave at some point to sleep, piss, shit, or eat. Either way the point still stands, there are better ways than strictly violence. That should be an absolute last resort, like you tried to do it without engaging and got caught."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clarice lets out a huff of air, and shakes her head. Man - is this kid for real? "Well. You're in the right place, at least. Even with the newer, kinder Brotherhood - you wouldn't make it. And if everyone were as black-and-white as you at the X-Men - believe me, I wouldn't make it there, either. ...only I know they aren't," she says a bit flatly. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid shakes his head back and forth with a sigh. "You think I cant make the hard call when its needed? You think I havent left people with frostbite or severe third and fourth degree burns?" He asks indignantly and almost offended. "You think I havent fought for my life, and damn near killed to stay alive? I have and Ive also seen the way shit about us gets twisted and how these attacks even if for the right reasons we get labeled as terrorists." Atrid says taking another drag this one longer and deeper than the last. "If I can make it on the streets and survive I can make it anywhere. This aint about straight black and white just that I know there are different more clear strategies."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It wasn't my call. But I'm perfectly comfortable with what we did. I //wouldn't// have been comfortable with leaving those people in there any longer than we had to. We were freeing the slaves. We were doing it that night. We got the job done. I don't even understand why we're arguing this," Clarice says a bit flatly. "And I imagine Gabby might have another take on it from you. Yeah, your parents and your community dealt you a shit hand - but you don't know what it's like to have your freedom stripped from you, do you? Your humanity?" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid leans in a bit closer. "Look the fact is there was a better call that could have been made. A different strategy a safer strategy, that could have been employed. What if during the assault one or more of those slaves you were trying to free was injured worse, or killed because of hasty actions?" He asks with a flat almost emotionless tone. "How would you have felt then?" Atrid puts out his cigarette and sparks another taking yet another drag. "And even best friends and couples disagree on some things. Dont I know what thats like Clarice? Dont I? Do you know what my next stop was supposed to be had I not escaped police and a social worker? A group home, maybe with another family who might have tried to use and control me. But a group home or jouvenile detention facility aint much different. My Freedom gone, me being me gone, everything gone. The point is you cant guarantee what someone else has been through and what theyve seen."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Getting them out first was the priority. We had a speedster - and we had my portals. Plus two great fighters, and a telepath. There's always risks. The risks to the slaves, though? Was small. If any of them had died, we would have mourned, and moved on. You try to save everyone - but it can't always be done. You weren't there. You didn't have the intell. You don't have the right to judge the plan," Clarice points out simply. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...and a group home is not the same as slavery. If you think that..." She shakes her head, and levels at finger at Atrid. "If you have any brains in that skull of yours? //Don't// try telling something like that to Gabby. If her experience was //anything// like mine... You'll get slapped, and you'll have earned it." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She pushes herself to her feet, adding, "I should get going. Goodluck at the mansion, kid. I'm sure you'll do fine." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2771|Atrid Torsen (2771)}} has posed:'''<br>Atrid chuckles an shakes his head yet again. "I have every right to criticize a plan that could have gone real bad real fast. A plan that could have done more harm than good." He says with a bit of a head shake. "Youre aware I aint talking about an orphanage right? Im talking Juvie or worse actual prison because my parents claimed that I attacked them first. So yes Prison same basic thing especially for mutants in there, still beaten and mistreated and forced into chains. But I wont say they are identical no, but yes I know what it means to have lost or almost lost my freedom. That said you take care Clarice, but Im no kid."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah. You are," the woman answers, looking down at him for a moment. There's no danger there - no threat. But there's nothing friendly in her expression, either, as she gives him a brief nod - and turns to walk away. She doesn't bother with opening the front door, however - a portal opens in front of her instead, and she steps through before it closes with 'bleeeeeenk.' <br> <br>
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