6449/Just a Walk in the Park.

Just a Walk in the Park.
Date of Scene:	04 June 2021
Location:	Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Synopsis:	An afternoon ride, someone new and a trip to Romania all in one afternoon.
Cast of Characters:	Nicolai Codona, Jovian Anderson, Clarice Ferguson

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Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Nicolai woke up in a better mood than he fell asleep the night before, but he also woke up feeling restless. Restless and Asteroid M don't always mix. So, he went to Blink to ask for a 'ride' planetside. He also invited her to come along. Just a bike ride's what he said, it'll be fun he said. ...and it may very well have been, depending on her love of break neck speeds.
    See, his 2019, custom, teal and white, Suzuki Hayabusa is made for break neck speeds. After a few hours of just randomly looking for back roads to open her up on outside the city, Clarice and Nicolai end up here. He pulls the bike into a spot and lets it idle while removing his helmet. He had an extra one of those by the way, white and teal to match the bike. His is teal and white... there's a difference.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson is trying to 'train' but what does that really even mean? He's gotten better at his powers but his overall skill is only slowly improving and with his powers now dangerous to use, he's basically in a position to do superheroic things with a butterknife at a gun fight. As it is, he has enjoyed driving on the bike in the middle of nowhere to think. He is wearing a helmet and black leather jacket

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice was in much better spirits than she, herself, had been a day or two earlier. It's amazing how going on a hunt with Mister Creed can lift her spirits. She's empathetic to Nicolai's troubles, though, and let's be honest - she //is// a bit of a thrill seeker. So it's no real surprise she ends tucked behind him on the bike - helmet on just to be safe, though she honestly thinks her powers could get them both out of trouble in a pinch... As they roar down straight-aways, and around corners, she lets out more than one loud 'whoop!' of excitement - or simply breaks into delighted laughter.
    As they stop at the park, she climbs off from the bike, pulling off the helmet, and letting out a contented sigh. "I can see why you enjoy that, Nicolai," she remarks with a grin - her gaze staring out at the scenery, rather than at her companion.

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Once off the bike, Nicolai straps both helmets down and runs a hand through those unruly curls of his to try and tame them. It's no use, not after the helmet and that ride. He grins a lopsided little grin in Clarice's direction, there's a twinkle in his already glowing eyes. "I knew you'd like it," he comments confidently. "Back in Romania," note how he didn't say 'back home', "...there's more room, more back roads, more long stretches without the need to stop or slow down. I used to ride for hours and hours and not even remember the proper way back home."

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson is a bit surprised to find anyone out this far, but at the end of the day its a public park and if he enjoyed the drive of course someone else would too. He stops briefly to make sure they arent stranded or anything, but it doesnt seem to be the case. He waves and removes his helmet, "Pretty amazing territory isnt it?" He considers a moment, not wanting to be rude by either not saying anything or lingering. He tries to get a read.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I mean. We could always ride there next time, if you want..." Clarice remarks. She lifts her hand, and for a moment - a little purple energy gathers there - a tiny rift at is center as she opens a small portal. Who knows where it leads. It vanishes almost immediately. It's almost like he forgot who he was talking to! "But it's beautiful here, too."
    As a second bike approaches, she turns her gaze towards Jovian - her eyes an unnaturally bright green color. The unfamiliar man gets a nod of greeting, and a flash of a friendly smile. "Looks like we have company. Hello! Yeah, it's amazing!" she agrees.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson spotted the portal and realizes he is likely dealing with Mutants or at least altered humans. That doesnt BOTHER him but its a bit like walking up to someone with a loaded gun, you dont know what they will do. He says, "Name is Jovian, you guys local? I havent driven this before but can see why you would." He relaxes a bit but still tries to get a read on the situation

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Her offer earns a laugh from Nicolai and an agreeable, "Indeed!" When he really and truly smiles, it's a beautiful thing and his laugh can be infectious. Maybe there's still a little sadness in his heart after last night, but it's giving way pretty quickly to ... relief. It's finally over, after one long year. He finally takes a second or two to look around and comments, "It is, but it isn't the Transylvanian countryside."
    Nicolai's attention turns to Jovian, those softly glowing aqua eyes of his another indication that these two are of some 'other' variety. "No, not so much local, or I wasn't," he replies as he extends his hand. "Nicolai, or Nix if you prefer."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Clarice!" she calls over, offering her name. With amusement she adds, "Not sure I'm local to anywhere but - I spend a bit of time in these parts." Mostly just at the nearby school - but it's nice to get a look at its environs.
    Looking back to Nicolai she adds, "I only got a look at it, really, when we were looking for the castle. It was lovely, though."

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson beams, relaxing considerably. He doesnt mind different, just ready for dangerous.  To even ask it means of course he doesnt know, though he did of course once read a file in federal dispatches about theories, but doesnt know or remember he did. "Nice to meet both of you. Castle? Someone ported a castle to the area, like that one in Florida?

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "The Castle is my childhood home, where I grew up. In Transylvania." Like Dracula! Are Nicolai and Clarice dangerous? Bet on it. Just... not right now. He doesn't elaborate further as to the porting of the Castle or to the Castle or whatever, that's not his to tell.
    "Unfortunate life events led me to New York recently, or perhaps not so unfortunate since... they led me to New York." And what is fast becoming a new family.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Nicolai took me to visit his home once," Clarice confirms - or clarifies - or misleads. I mean, if you want to get all semantic about, she took him. "I would still say the events were unfortunate. I wish we could have met in a more fortuitous way, Nicolai," she remarks, sympathy reflected in her voice for a moment.
    "So if you're not from around here either, Jovian, where are you usually from?" she asks.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson says, "Romania? I've visited a lot of Europe but not that one, definitately has a lot of castles..." he smiles, "Sorry for the unfortunate circumstances...people can be jerks. I get around, but from Louisana, only a small portion of my life. Lived in DC or NYC for the last few years but traveled a lot myself recently, unfortunate circumstances but it has its fringe benefits, life, lemons, lemonade and all"

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "That is if any other circumstances would have led to our meeting," Nicolai points out. "Would any other path than the one I was on ever led me here?" To the Brotherhood? To Clarice, Mystique and the others?
    "Romania is a beautiful country, very rich with history both true and imagined. Should you ever get the opportunity to visit, you should take it." He won't mention that they could all go RIGHT NOW if they really wanted to.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "It may have. It may not have. We'll never know," Clarice remarks. Her grins slowly widens before she asks, "But maybe we should ask our new blue friend? Maybe she would have some insight." She still can't quite get used to the idea of hopping between realities.
    "And the world is an amazingly small place," she adds in concert with Nicolai's words - a little mischief leaking into her tone and expression, though she doesn't offer any explination beyond the obvious meaning.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson can tell that there is subtext in what they are talking about but doesnt pry. As it is, he moves around it. "Given my most recent extremely odd employers I'm entirely certain I'll get out there eventually." He smiles

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "Well, in all her time spent ... " Well, everywhere. "Our new blue friend didn't seem to recognize me." So therefore, the answer to 'would he have made it here to New York under other circumstances is probably a no." Nicolai runs his hand back through those curls again to get the errant ones out of his eyes and away from his face. "You happen to have a hair tie, Clarice." He's secure enough in his masculinity to ask that and sport the manbun that might ensue if she does!
    "Odd employers, there seems a lot of that going around." Cryptic much?

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice considers Nicolai's words for a moment - then smiles a bit wryly. "You may have a point there," she agrees. "But there must be //some// other reality... She just hasn't been there yet. Or to that part of it." Amusement tugs at her lips as she adds, "And really, it's less of an employer/employee relationship - in our case - than a //calling//. Don't you think?" Her tone is light, but the way Clarice watches Nicolai's features - she's intent on his response.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson manages to not look uncomforatble at the mention of other realities but only just barely. He smiles and is used to cryptic. Its part of what he does now. His 'employers' even more so. "Calling is....a good word, though in my case I'm not entirely sure what the right word is. Calling is a more noble title than doing something for money, but my personal motivation isnt that either." He's chill about the dynamic but watchful to see if they need space.

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "No, no... I wasn't talking about..." Nicolai begins. "Definitely a calling. I was speaking more to the side opportunity I have coming up soon," he explains further, but no further than that, at least not here. "But I suppose I've agreed to not be paid for that... So, maybe it's a calling too?" Or more likely the fact that Nicolai doesn't know what to do with the money his father left him, so what would he do with MORE money?
    "Do you really believe there's some other reality in which I've met you, joined the cause and all the rest of this in which my father didn't need to die?" he asks, seriously, maybe a little sadly. "I think I would be tempted to trade places with that Nicolai."

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    Clarice seems satisfied with Nicolai's answer, as she flashes him a bright smile, and begins patting down her pockets. She does eventually come up with a hair elastic, that she offers over to the man. It's the same magenta color as her own hair - deal with it. "I think it's possible - and I wish you could," she agrees with Nicolai softly, before shifting her attention back to Jovian.
    Well. He's the one who bought it up - so she asks. "And what motivates you, Jovian?" Forward much? Yes.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson sighs. "Its funny, because if you had asked me that question two months ago I might have said duty or not being a jerk...now? Right now I'm trying for the lesser evil. And to stay alive without that being at the expense of a lot of other people." The mention of the cause makes him curious, and so he says, "If you dont mind my asking, what cause?"

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    So not his place to answer that question. Sure, he was permitted to stay in the bar last night, but ... he's still the 'new guy'. Nicolai glances at Clarice, one brow climbing independently of the other, 'you gonna tell him', is what that expression says? He takes the hair tie with sincere, "Thanks," despite the magenta color. He can rock than man-bun, truth be told. Some dudes can pull it off, some can't, Nicolai is firmly in the 'dudes that can' camp, likely because of the curls.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Ensuring that mutants everywhere are free to live in peace, and without fear of persecution," Clarice answers calmly - and with what could even be pride. "It's enough to keep us busy." Very busy. But sometimes you need a moment of still, and of quite - like this one.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson nods, relaxing. "I spent some time helping with the hotel Miss Frost was working on. And nothing you said I am opposed to." Methodology, of course, might vary. "I am not a mutant but very empathetic at some of the nonsense you have to deal with

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Nicolai lived out his childhood in a castle in Romania. His persecution didn't begin until he moved out on his own. It was the one thing Cristian didn't really prepare him for, so it was rough at first and his mutation isn't anywhere near as obvious as Clarice's. All he needs to do is don a pair of sunglasses to hide his. It's something he doesn't do anymore unless it's sunny and they're needed. "Are you?" he asks of Jovian, maybe a little offensively. Like... ARE YOU? How can you be when you haven't a clue. He doesn't say the words, but it's all in the tone.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "There are other empathetic people out there, Nicolai," Clarice replies with some amusement. She doesn't seem to take any offense to Jovian's words - she does add however, "I have also worked with //Ms.// Frost." And yes - she does put an emphasis on 'Ms.' "She does some good work - and I'm always happy to help anyone who has a task that furthers the cause."

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson looks at Nicolai and almost bristles, but doesnt.. Its the thing he finds most....troublesome about even bothering to help but he simply adds, "I wasnt born with something that makes me different, but I was victimized in experimentation and I definitely know what it is like to be hated simply for being what I am." Now they are in uncomfortable territory, "I can empathize that doesnt mean I truly understand, and the cause of humanity not being dicks is worthy indeed" he shrugs.

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "Sorry," it's short, but it seems sincere enough. Nicolai is new to town and doesn't really have much to add about 'Ms. Frost'. Other than, "I've been meaning to meet with her. I thought maybe I could be of financial assistance to her cause if nothing else, think you could introduce me, Clarice?" Oh boy. There's just no getting away from that crazy woman is there?

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I appreciate anyone who supports the cause," Clarice offers towards Jovian. "Humanity can be a real ass sometimes. You know?" Yes. They all know. She smiles at the man wryly, then turns her attention back to Nicolai. "I can arrange it," she agrees. "But you might want to talk to Mystique first. She gets a little... touchy about who helps Ms. Frost - and how. Wheels within wheels, plans within plans..." See? Someone was listening the last time they got scolded for upsetting the applecart.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian Anderson says, "Given what I've seen of the machinations inside the Hellfire Club, which I know is only the tip of the iceberg of this kind of nonsense...you have my sympathy trying to navigate it." He puts on his helmet and offers a card, "If you need help with Federal Law Enforcement some time, let me know. I'm not breaking the law, but I know who the asshats are and who isn't. I'm past that now, but maintain ties. If you ever need help with something on the less...." he makes an explosion with his hands, "side of things let me know. Well behaved oppressed populations never made any true difference in history but we all have different lines. Be well." He salutes and drives off."

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    He watches Jovian leave and just kinda shrugs it off, confused maybe? Then Nicolai addresses Clarice. "I need to ask Mystique if I can give Ms. Frost my money to help revitalize Bushwick?" Okay, so that has him REALLY confused. Like... really.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "You don't //have// to," Clarice clarifies - but she sounds just a little doubtful there? "Look, Mystique has all these plans... And she - and Magneto - are very adament that helping Bushwick is the //Brotherhood's// goal. And if we make it look like Ms. Frost has done most of the work, then it gives more power to her, and takes a little from us. That's how I understand it, anyways. You could talk to her, and she'll say I misunderstood, and of course you should donate the money. ...or she'll go on one of her little rants about how only the Brotherhood can save mutantkind from humanity and we need to be careful about how we support our rivals." She gives a shrugs of her shoulders, and smiles at Nicolai wryly. "Honestly, it all gives me a headache."

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "I don't get it... how are two sides with the same goals... rivals?" Nicolai sounds truly and honestly perplexed by that line of thinking. "I mean, I guess I'll talk to her. I won't mention our conversation at all if you'd rather I not, but... talking and asking permission are two different things." He believes in the cause, he believes in fair treatment for mutants and FREEDOM for mutants, including his own freedom to toss his relatively new found wealth at anyone he wants.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "It doesn't matter if you do. In fact - she might feel better if she knows I've been listening," Clarice remarks - letting out a quiet laugh. "And believe me - I feel much the same way. It seems to me we have the same goals. But Mystique seems to believe that someone who calls themself the 'White Queen' doesn't really mean to //free// the mutants of Bushwick, but rule them. And that if Ms. Frost really believed in our cause, she would join us." She gives a helpless shrug of her shoulders. "Mystique has been playing these game much longer than either of us; she's very long-lived. So I do try to heed her advice. ...usually."

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    "It seems a little bit like pride to me," Nicolai offers quietly, but without a lot of judgement or the like in his voice. Just an observation. "I mean we all have kind of ridiculous names, don't we?" He really means NO disrespect when he says, "Magneto? Mystique? Sabretooth? Haunt?" He laughs a little. "I don't think I'd put much stock in the name if the actions are true?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "I don't disagree," Clarice replies. Her expression is serious as she looks away - watching the trees for a while, before returning her attention to Nicolai. "It's just best to be careful. I owe the Brotherhood everything - and I do serve them freely, and wholeheartedly. But... Mystique can be dangerous if she feels you've crossed or betrayed her. She //earned// her reputation. She wants what //she// believes is best for mutantkind, and I assure you that there is nothing she believes is going too far, when it comes to that cause."

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Nicolai falls silent for a long few minutes. It's not exactly an uncomfortable silence, but it is a contemplative one. "I get it, owing someone. I owe Cristian *everything* and I would have defended him until my dying breath." Just a beat as he tries to figure out how to proceed. "...but is she really advocating for freedom if the people she's working with need to be *afraid* of doing something she might perceive as betrayal? If Ms. Frost hadn't been mentioned in this conversation, I likely would have sought her out on my own and donated the money I'd intended. Then what if Mystique saw that as a betrayal when certainly it would not have been? Would I be in danger?"

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "In danger? No. We do take the lives of other mutants when it's necessary - as you know." As he saw, just last night. "But she wouldn't turn on you so easily. You would have to do something much more extreme to be in any real danger. If she became aware of the donation, and didn't approve, she'd be most likely to try to explain the situation to you." Clarice shrugs her shoulders - then gives a wry smile as she adds, "Maybe I'm just being a bit paranoid. I've been trying to bring Xavier's school, and Ms. Frost, and the Brotherhood together to help Bushwick myself - and Mystique has grown quite tired of my efforts, which have been interfering in her plans." She lets out a sigh - and for the moment, Clarice looks //tired//. "I admire Mystique, honestly. But she's not always easy to work with. She'd say the same about me, though." Well. Maybe not the 'admire' part.

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Nicolai rolls his shoulders up almost to his ears in a shrug. It really doesn't make any sense to him. "How can we expect others to see us as equals, treat us as they should, when we bicker among ourselves and don't show a united front?" He really really doesn't get it. So he lets it drop for now. He unstraps the helmets and asks, "Do you want to go home from here or... drive back to where we started?" He knows his answer, but he'll defer to Clarice's.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    "Well. We could drive anywhere," Clarice replies easily. "Spend an hour driving through the Transylvanian countryside - and then find somewhere to park it in a storage room on the Asteroid?" she asks in a thoughtful tone. "Or one of our warehouse's earth-side..." She looks a bit thoughtful as she ponders the best place to leave the bike, taking the helmet and pulling it into place.
    She does shoot the nearby woods an almost longing look, though. She'll bet anything there's a herd of deer closer than they'd think. It's been a while since she did any tracking - but she could always come back here later.

Nicolai Codona has posed:
    Romania it is then," Nicolai decides. His new home may be here, but that countryside will always hold a special place in his heart.
    Speaking of hearts, her's to hoping Clarice's doesn't jump out of hers once they get going there. The roads are winding and a little terrifying, but Nicolai knows them well and doesn't much take his hand off the throttle. When they're done, he'll opt for storage on the Asteroid, that bike is EXPENSIVE. But more importantly, it was a birthday gift from his father.

Clarice Ferguson has posed:
    The climb off the bike, and as they get rolling - a portal opens directly in front of them, setting the bike on the road leaving the castle with only a slight jostle from the transfer. Clarice is all grins and whoops of delight as they tear around corners - sometimes breaking out into fits of delighted laughter - with that edge of adrenaline that such things would naturally induce.