6392/Following Orders

Following Orders
Date of Scene:	31 May 2021
Location:	Recreation Room
Synopsis:	Atrid discovers a secret Clarice has been keeping, and agrees to keep it to himself, while also offering help. And the pair discuss the Brotherhood.
Cast of Characters:	Clarice Ferguson, Atrid

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Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    It's the wee hours of the morning - and Clarice expects everyone to be in bed. Just like Lorna is now tucked into bed - now doubt to regret a hangover in the morning. The purple-hued, fae-featured teleporter, on the other hand, had gone rather light on the scotch tonight. She's currently stretched out on her stomach on one of the couches, wearing a black duster, black pants, and a charcoal shirt. In front of her is a tablet, which she slowly scrolls through, past large-print words. There's a little of concentration on her features, and she seems to be silently mouthing the words as she reads. And as she reaches the bottom... is that multiple choice?

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen wanders into the rec room yawning and stretching and taking a sip from a bottle of coke he moves to an open couch or chair and flops into one. He looks around a bit taking it in everything half asleep before spotting Clarice he jumps a bit. "Shit Clarice what are you doing here?" He asks with a chuckle. "Do you live here too?" He asks with a playfully teasing csmile. "Or just a random late night visit?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice startles as she hears her name - and in what seems an almost automatic reaction, she flips the tablet she was holding screen down onto the cushions of the couch. Though - it's hardly like it could be mission-sensitive information. Mission-sensitive information doesn't come with a multiple choice test at the end. "...Atrid," she greets the boy. "I- oh. No, I just... I gave Lorna a ride back from the Asteroid. And then I- well, the couches in here are comfortable, and I had some work to do," she explains, giving a shrug of her shoulders. Had she slept yet? At all? What sleep schedule was she on?
    Sometimes it was hard to say. Living on an asteroid and teleporting wherever you wished could do that to you.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods and leans back taking another sip holding up a second bottle. "Soda?" He asks her with a smile and than its there that goofy grin that teens get after a date went well. "I worked shift at the pizza joint tonight, and met up with Gabby and one of her sisters...what was her name again.... ummmm...Rien yes yes Rien was the name." Chuckling with a slight blush. "So how were things at the asteroid?" Atrid thinks for a moment before speaking again. "So what work are ya doin' if ya dont mind me askin'?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Sure. A soda sounds fine. Ummm... A ginger ale? Or maybe a root beer?" Clarice suggests. As for the work, "Oh, it's just- some reports," she claims. "On the reconstruction efforts on Genosha. Where we need to allocate the metal ores that Magneto will be mining for us from the other asteroids." Yup. That's it. Reports on metal allocations. Definitely. "I'm glad you had a good night, though," she offers with a brief smile.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen smiles and heads off to grab a ginger ale for Clarice bringing it back and handing it to her. "Sounds like a very boring read to me, but I prefer history...minus the little bit that Ive found so far on the disgusting mutate program you were talking about." He says still grinning brightly. "It went well, I learned more about Gabby and her past for it. But Shes such a sweet heart and really fun to be around." After speaking and handing her the soda he snatches up the tablet and playfully sticks his tongue out her. "Lets see if this is really as boring as you made it sound." Starting to read with a smirk.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
Clarice pushes herself up as he brings the soda - which inadvertantly opens a little space between her at the tablet. And she still might have been fact enough to stop him - if not for the unexpected mention of her past. "Y-yeah," she agrees. "Pretty disgusting," she agrees, distracting herself with a sip of the ginger. As he snatches up her tablet, though, her breath catches in throat - and in an instant she has one of her javelins in her hand. Atrid only has time to read a few sentences, before she flings the javeline through the air, aiming it towards the tablet - intent on blinking it safely away.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen seeing the Javeline he makes to sidestep away from it as he starts to read and if possible gets out of the way. "Shark facts huh? This is actually very interesting stuff I love science." He says not going any further before handing it back. "Why would you lie about what yer readin'? I dont understand theres nothing to hide or be ashamed of with this. If yer lookin' ta learn more about this stuff I dont mind helpin' ya."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    The javelin sails past and hits the corner of a television - part of which blinks out of existance, leaving a clean, circular mark where a chunk of it was cut away.
    Great. Now she has a piece of TV in her room to get rid of, and she'll have to explain to someone on staff why she broke their TV.
    Clarice snatches the tablet back from Atrid - a hint of color rising from her cheeks. "It just- isn't any of your business, is all," she says a bit awkwardly - clicking the button on the side of the tablet that turns off and locks the screen.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen looks at her and his eyes downcast his smile fades and he looks down embarassed and a bit upset. "Sorry I was curious if what you said you were reading was truly as boring as it sounded. When I saw what you were really reading I just wanted to help you is all." He says softly. "Just question four was wrong. Its not A, Sharks dont have bones like people they are Cartilaginous fish meaning their skeletons are made of cartilage not bones." Atrid says softly taking a sip as he goes to sit down bothered by his own actions. "I didnt mean to upset or embarass you Im sorry."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice stares down at the black screen - frustration on her features and, yes, embarassment. Why does she always do so awful on the reading comprehension questions? "Cartilage," she repeats quietly. So - that was the word she couldn't figure out. She knew the word cartilage. One thing she //had// been schooled in was basic anatomy. She's silent a moment longer before looking back up at Atrid again - her features cool, and impassive. She isn't angry, but none of the cheer or vivaciousness she usually displays is present. "I never went to school," she states simply. "It's not something I usually..."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods in understanding as he takes another sip but now he gestures across his lips like hes zipping his lips and locking them. "Look yer secrets safe with me I wont say anything to anyone about it. But if youd like help with learning these things I can do that and itll be between us only." Atrid says softly. "I promise you its perfectly fine and Im pretty good at tutoring." He smiles reassuringly. "And yes cartilage not bone but honestly most people make that mistake so its nothing to be self conscious about."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice sighs and shakes her head. "I know it's not... bone, I know- I know anatomy pretty well, actually. I just couldn't read the word," she explains in a quiet voice. "They didn't have any need for me to read the words. But the difference between carilage, and bone, and muscle, and ligaments - it all mattered. I needed to know-" She cuts off abruptly, taking a sip of her ginger ale instead. "Thanks," she adds. "No one needs to know."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head. "Than Ill help you learn to read better if thats what you wish." He says softly. "Youre right no one needs to know your business, unless you choose to share it with them. But that is youre story to tell should you choose to tell it. It aint my business to spread around at all." Atrid looks around a bit and sips again before continuing on. "Its.... Its just atrocious that they wouldnt let you read and the things...that happened Im so sorry it happened to you."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "It just wasn't necessary," Clarice explains simply, her voice flat - and her gaze staring at some fixed point ahead of her, and not at Atrid at all. There were somethings she still, quite simply, couldn't let herself feel. "They didn't think of me as a person. So why waste time teaching me reading, or math? It's not what was needed." She's silent a moment - then she flicks the button on the side of the tablet again, quickly entering the code. "...if it's not A..." Then which answer is it? "None of them sound right," she complains.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen smiles as he takes a sip again and moves closer to her. "Mind if I sit beside you and look it over with you one more time." He asks Clarice with a smile. "Im sure I can help ya out with it if I reread the article again." Atrids tone is soft and understanding keeping all the edge from hearing how they viewed her. "What they thought you you as means nothing it was despicable what they did and....its inexcusable."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "...I know," Clarice agrees quietly. "They were wrong. And they're dead." Some of them at her hand. Some at Mister Creed's. And other members of the Brotherhood, and others involved in the uprising.
    She doesn't protest as Atrid moves closer, instead, she focuses on the screen of her tablet, reading the question outloud - slowly, and haltingly. It makes it clear just how much of a struggle it is for her. "Which of the f- follll-owing is most likely true based on the- the... pass-age," she says it like the word 'age.' "...passage," she corrects herself, "above." She skips A. It's not A. "Sharks are only found in a few places a- around the world." There's a momentary pause before she mutters, "But I thought they were in all the ocean. Okay. Other fish do not attack and eat sharks. But sharks eat lots of fish, so-" She pauses, looks at C, and re-reads it again. "Fish... do not eat //sharks//!" she suddenly exclaims, looking to Atrid for confirmation. Ha-ha! ...she read it backwards the first time.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head with a laugh. "Thats it there you go, thats the right answer." He says softly and than he looks around the room. "Look so if you want to have reading lessons. We can meet here late night on certain days so that you dont have to worry about others finding out and we can help you learn to read a lot better. This may help you get jobs or somethin' or even being able to come up with strategies and stuff for rebuilding Genosha."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I don't need to read to find work," Clarice replies a bit dismissively. "I mean - I stay pretty busy as it is. But..." She lets out a sigh. "My //Queen// insists I turn in my homework on time," she admits, almost grudgingly. Yup. The power of the Genoshan Royal Family is what kept Clarice learning. She //hates// studying. It's hard. She stares down at her tablet for a moment before saying, a bit grudgingly, "I guess it would be easier with a little help. But don't you have your own studying to worry about?"

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head taking another sip. "Ok I just meant that in the interest of earning money or if you ever wound up deciding on doing something else you know outside of the Brotherhood and such it'd be beneficial." He says simply. "As fer studyin' its the summer as it were schools out until next semester and I can help you as many nights as you wish for now. And than during school ya know only like Friday and Saturday for late night stuff like this." Atrid says and he chuckles. "Sounds to me like yer...Queen just wants you to be the best you you can be. To better yourself."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "The Brotherhood is my home," Clarice says simply. It's just a //fact// for her. "And we're doing good work. Better and better stuff all the time, even." Like that serial killer they're planning on hunting down. She's //really// looking forward to that.
    "And - yeah. That sounds like the sort of stuff Lorna's always saying to me. That and things about an 'educated populace.' You know, and 'rectifying the errors of the past.'" She gives a shrug of her shoulders - looking down at her tablet for a moment - then over at Atrid. There's a moment's hesitation before she says, a bit defensively, "I'm not stupid, you know. Just because I can't- Just because I never learned."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen shakes his head for the briefest of moments he thinks about what to say next. "Look Im not speaking ill of all involved with the brotherhood... I just know that some of them, arent always painted in the best light and that like with any organization the right things can be twisted to suit the wrong purposes. I wont say thats whats going on because I truly dont know. I mean you seem nice and despite some of what I read and saw about Mystique prior to meeting her didnt mesh with my personal experience with her. Though that could have been her putting her best foot forward." He says taking a drink. "I wont judge her or others fully until Ive met and formed my own opinions of them mind you, its just in my nature to be cautious.... paranoid even. Ive done bad things for the right reasons to survive after my parents abandoned me. Stole fought acted out against those that looked similar to people that wronged me. Hell I met Emma Frost as she walked through Bushwick buzzed, I was planning on trying to steal from her and she played me like a fiddle." Laughing he continues on. "She got guys to /attack/ her to see what Id do and like an idiot with more balls than brains I charged in, gave them a choice, they chose wrong and I attacked with my fire and ice hurting them. It felt good and it scared me if Im being honest. But one thing Im starting to learn from Gabby is its never to late to start over and better yourself." A beat and he takes a drink. "I never thought nor do I think now that youre stupid, I think you were wrongfully robbed of an education."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice nods her head - silent for a moment after he assures her that he doesn't think little of her - just because of her lack learning. She gathers her thoughts for a moment, then offers, "Mystique is complicated. People hate her. People fear her. She's lived for a long time, and she's done terrible things. But everything she's done - everything she's ever done - was because she thought she had to do it, either to keep herself safe, or people she cared about, or our kind. She would do //anything// she thought necessary to help our people. No matter what it costs her, personally." She pauses for a moment, then says, "And that's why people fear her. And I stay with the Brotherhood - not just because they saved me. Not just because I thinnk I belong. But also because- ...they do listen to me. Mystique, and Magneto. Their ideas can be a bit... extreme sometimes. They need someone there, to give a different point of view. And the Brotherhood is changing. You'll see - everyone will see. They don't stand for the same things they used to. We're gonna- We're going to make things better - for all of mutant kind."
    Clarice smiles as she adds, "Magneto's started harvesting metal from the asteroids nearby Asteroid M. I'm going to be bringing it all down to Genosha - and we're going to rebuild. A nation of free mutants. Under Lorna's leadership - for now."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head understandingly. "Its those extremes that worry me I hope you understand. And I do hope youre right about them heeding your council and trying to be better than they were. I hope all is as you say it is, as they say they want it to be. Hopefully in time they will have us all seeing that theyre changing and turning over a new leaf. I really dont like seeing infighting amongst us about how best to make this happen.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "One of my assignments right now, actually," Clarice remarks - amusement showing on her features, "Is the 'PR.' I'm supposed to figure out how to help the world see that Magneto has turned over a new leaf, and no longer wants to destroy, or enslave humanity." She takes a deep breath in, and lets it out slowly.
    "...I have to convince him to turn his attention away from his efforts to help and protect persecuted mutants, no matter the cost... And see if I can convince him do - I don't know - search and rescue after an Earthquake. Or a tropical storm. Or some other natural disater. And not just once - at //least// three times. Once is a stunt. Twice is a coincidence. After three times... people might start to believe it." She lets out a heavy sigh. "I have to convince him that making humans less terrified of him... is the best thing he can do to help his fellow mutants." And to be honest - she's not entirely sure how to make Magneto see that. Especially if //Charles Xavier// has failed at it for decades. But maybe she's just coming at it at the right moment? Maybe he's ready to listen now?

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head thoughtfully. "Positive PR is definitely a good thing. But maybe it doesnt have to be just natural disasters. Maybe you can find a way to get him to help the poor desperate and disenfranchised communities both human and mutant places like Bushwick. Or he could help out with homeless shelters or group homes and orphanages like what I was going to be sent to. Some of them are terrible living conditions, and have both human and mutant children in them. If he could be seen giving aid or helping out there as well and showing hes not just trying to help mutants but all people that could help. Though you could possibly spin it to him that the mutant children need his aid and that might make him more agreeable. Maybe you can even tell him my story not necessarily mention me by name unless he wants to meet me and get it straight from the horses mouth as it were, to get him to be more agreeable to look more for lack of a better term /humanitarian/ and less...villain."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Oh, the Brotherhood has every intention of helping Bushwick - keeping it safe - and hopefully helping it become an independent city with its own mayor and city council... with mutants running the local government," Clarice replies. "That's- that's the hope, anyways. But... yeah. We need him to be seen helping //people//. Not just mutants." She frowns in thought as she adds, "I wonder if - I mean, if I can't convince him, if he'd be any more open to listening to Lorna?" she is his daughter, after all.
    "Anyways. That's my job. The job //Mystique// gave me. Hardly the most terrifying assignment to receive from one of the most infamous mutants alive." She smiles at Atrid as she adds, "Honestly - they aren't as horrifying as people always make them seem. When we're just sitting, talking, having a drink..." She gives a shrug of her shoulders. "I admire Mystique, honestly. She's been through a lot. Like me. But she keeps going - she doesn't give up."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen shakes his head a bit at this point with a chuckle. "Im not saying it cant happen, however that kind of change doesnt come over night. As for Mystique admire her ability to persevere admire her willingness to protect her people. Just do me a favor dont admire all the tactics shes employed over the years. Though her adaptability and willingness to change is definitely admirable."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Hmm." Clarice's immediate response is rather cryptic, as she glances aside at Atrid, then down at the tablet in her hands. She's silent for a moment before she suggests, "I'm not convinced it's the tactics themselves that are the problem. It's- well. It's knowing when to use them. And when not to."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen chuckles and shakes his head. "Tactics and strategy of when to use them go hand in hand. The better tactics and strategy are ones that make us look good like ya know super heros triumphing over evil." Laughing at his own movie reference.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Well. What I mean is- I mean, there are some people who are complete pacifists. Who think that using any force of violence is uncalled. There are those who think it's okay to use violence and force, as long as it's non-lethal. I think- I think there isn't very much you should take off the table. I think it's just finding the right tool, for the right job. Preferably the least amount of force or violence possible. But sometimes... sometimes there's no real choice. Sometimes violence //is// the best possible solution," Clarice replies, giving another shrug of her shoulders. "So - I'm not so quick to dismiss Mystique's tactics. I always hear her out." And sometimes she tries to talk her out of things. And sometimes... she even succeeds. But Clarice is not the one who calls the shots, in the end. Ever.
    "Besides. What do you really know about //my// tactics?" she asks, glancing at Atrid again.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen shrugs and smiles. "Just that you tend to use your humor and good hearted nature to make things work out in your favor." He says simply. "And I dont disagree its always about right tool for the right job. And yes force is necessary sometimes even lethal force is necessary." He says softly before looking back to Clarice. "Your tactics I dont know a whole lot about them per se but you are trying to use your mind and your wits to steer away from violence more and towards diplomacy with the occasional use of force only as a last resort and when necessary."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice watches Atrid for a moment - her expression solemn and serious, before a smile breaks across her features. "Fair enough, I suppose," she agrees. "And I'm not the person I used to be." The smile wavers for a moment, and she turns away, taking a deep drink from the ginger ale in her hands. "But then again, for a while there I wasn't really a person," she adds.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen nods his head thoughtfully for a moment or two taking another sip of his soda. "Well I too am not the person I used to be, I am terrified of losing control, and accidentally hurting Gabby with my flames or freezing her. I know she can heal but doesnt mean I like the idea. So like you Im learning and trying to better myself so I can better help our people."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I have to admit," Clarice remarks quietly, "I don't really fear learning control. I don't really know what that's like. I learned control early. They... honed it. Required it. 'Re-entries' are a problem I'm still working on - that was less important, than the point of departure. That's... where the precision came in. But... I've been working at it." She glances at Atrid again as she adds, "I'm sure they have people here at the school who can help you with fire, and with ice. I mean - neither of those powers are unheard of. Though I don't think I know of anyone else with both..."

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen shakes his head thoughtfully. "I dont think Ive met anyone else with both either. I would think that its an oddity." He says softly. "But than again Ive always been an oddity." Atrid thinks and sips. "But as much as I hate to do this I gotta head to sleep soon."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice glances at the window, with the pale light of sun peeking through it - amusement showing on her features. "What - now?" she asks. There's a momentary pause before she adds, "I should sleep too, I suppose. And... I should let Scott know about the TV. He'll smooth it over for me. He owes me." Her gaze takes in the ruined TV, missing a good-sized chunk from one side. ...she's really glad that javelin hadn't hit Atrid. That would have been- That wouldn't have gone over well with anyone.
    "Goodnight, Atrid. Thanks for- well. The homework help, I guess," she says wryly.

Atrid has posed:
Atrid Torsen smiles and nods to Clarice as he stands up. "Good night Clarice, let me know when you want the next tutoring session. And your welcome." He nods and heads out and towards his room to sleep.