8655/Knowledge and the Moon

Knowledge and the Moon
Date of Scene:	11 November 2021
Location:	The Midnight Mission
Synopsis:	Moon Knight and the Archivist discuss the formation of the Heliopolitans as well as some of the more recent events in Jonathan's life. It would seem in the leading body of the Heliopolitans is finalized.
Cast of Characters:	Marc Spector, Jonathan Sims

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Marc Spector has posed:
    The Call of Khonshu was often a mystical thing. A pulse the washed over the city, drawing those who could hear it to the Midnight Missions.

    This wasn't one of those times.

    Moon Knight, doesn't make phone calls, but Mr. Knight is more than capable of making such a call. Calling Jonathan Sims wasn't hard at all. Making the necessary platitudes and telling the Archivist that Moon Knight wished to speak to him was also easy. What wasn't easy was keeping the humor out of his voice as the one man who was absolutely certain that Moon Knight and Mr. Knight were the same man underneath was told that he was to meet with him just under a different guise. His final words were vaguely ominous: "Moon Knight hopes that your paths can grow together." And then he hung up.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon manages to /barely/ keep the humor off his face when Mr. Knight calls him, not least because Martin is around somewhere and he doesn't want to give the game away to his husband. He grabs a bottle of wine that he happened to buy the other day--a good one--and tells Martin he's heading to Queens.

    It takes more time than Moon Knight might be used to for Jon to get to the Midnight Mission, and he is dressed in in a blazer beneath his jacket instead of the usual sweater or cardigan. There's been some indefinable change in him, hard to tell because it's a mix of increased confidence, the relief of his husband being alive, but also the weight of terrible things pressing on him. He looks, perhaps, like he might actually be starting to figure out how to fill the role he's had thrust upon him.

Marc Spector has posed:
    The gentle sounds of mountain wind fills the Mission this night. A soft whispering that only hints at words with its passing. There is a silence over the place and it appears deserted at first.

    Further in, the main hall has two new additions to it. The large statue of Khonshu is no longer alone in its vigil. Along the south wall, there is a large stone statue of a cat stting with dignity; just as massive as the moon gods own image. Along the north wall is an equally tall figure, but it is shrouded under a white tarp, the base of it marks it as another statue if the white stone is any indication.

    Standing in the middle of the Main Hall is Moon Knight. He is dressed in his ceremonial white armor, complete with billowing cloak. There is no moon in the sky tonight, as it was overcast, but the figure himself glows with a silver light as if he intends to replace the moon. "Jon. It's good that you've come. What do you think of the changes?" he asks, in his deep resonant baritone, much more Moon Knight than the god Khonshu. The pride in his voice is enough to tell the Archivist that under the mask, Moon Knight was smiling.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon glances around the room at the question. "I see you're expanding," he comments, noting the two new statues. "I presume Tara found you. That's good." He holds up the wine bottle. "I came with an offering, if you'll accept." He's still 'Jon' and not 'the Archivist.' Whatever is needed to trigger that transformation, it hasn't happened merely because of the call.

    A call, one might note, that is the first time they've spoken since the Egyptian Museum. Indeed, aside from the few times they've been out in the field, Jon's been pretty much radio silent for /weeks/.

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight inclines his head. "Of course. And... as is custom among equals. I have something for you as well, if you will take it." He turns and retrieve a small bundle in a white cloth behind him. He offers it to the man before him. "An exchange?" he says the question in his tone is clear as he uncovers the bundle and reveals his own gift to the Archivst.

    Under is a bracer or sorts. It's made of hammered gold and decorated with intricate heiroglyphs at top and bottom. But what truly stands out is the middle. Two figures of a heavily detailed Ibis writing on a tablet flank and face a centeral design of six interwoven circles; six being the number that represented Thoth in Egyptian belief.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon... blinks at him. "Equals?" He laughs. "You heard that woman, Pesmesket. I'm a... /librarian/ at best. You channel Khonshu on a regular basis, and I..." He shakes his head. "I will share the wine, but I can't take your gift. You are the Fist of Khonshu. I'm just... a temple scribe." He looks aside, almost embarassed.

Marc Spector has posed:
    "Well, that's part of why I called you here, Jon" Moon Knight replies, still holding out the bracer. "I think you're a great deal more powerful than you give yourself credit for. More powerful than anyone gives your credit for. I have a proposition for you that will allow you some agency in exploring that power."

    "So... take the gift, please" he asks urging the man to take the bracer. "And then we can have a seat and talk a while while exploring the flavor of your offering to Khonshu, if you like."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon hesitates a moment and then reaches out to unwrap the bracer. He stares down at it for a moment, fingers playing along it reverently. Then he places it on his left wrist, where it fits quite perfectly.

    "Thank you," he says softly. He sighs. "I'm sorry. It's just been a rough few weeks." He goes to sit down in the indicated chair.

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight takes the bottle of wine and moves behind him to take up a pair of intricate silver goblets and a corkscrew for the wine. "It's quite alright" he says moving back to Jon and gesturing to a pair of chairs near the covered statue.

    "Please sit, let us talk" he says popping the bottle and pouring a generous helping of the wine into the two goblets, one of which is offered to the Archivist.

    "We haven't spoken since the museum. I was getting worried. Tell me, what troubles you, my friend?" He drops into the other chair with a casual grace and rolls up the mask to free his lips and nose.

He has no need to truly hide his features from this particular man and so there is little hesitation in the act. He knows they are alone, he's cleared the Mission of outsiders and those who rest below were told not to come above for some time.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon sighs as he settles into the chair and takes the wine goblet. "A lot has happened," he admits. He swirls the wine around. "...My husband is alive, for one. He'd faked his death to track down whoever sent assassins after me. And my cousin, the one who did so, is now dead."

    He takes a long drink of the wine. "I left the Night Brigade shortly before I discovered that, after a falling out with John Constantine, but I've since gone back. Mostly." He refrains from mentioning the 'demon' problem for now. No use telling relative outsiders until he knows exactly what's going on.

Marc Spector has posed:
    "Well I was going to say wonderful news, but from the rest... it sounds as if that is hardly the case" Moon Knight replies after taking a sip of the wine. "Tensions with the Laughing Magician finally hit a boiling point for you then?" he nods

    "I am sorry for that" he frowns at the man, the strong line of his jaw making the expression all the more clear. He pauses. "I can see that the entire situation is worse than you are letting on. Though your reasons from keeping it from me, eludes me. I'm your friend Jon. You are safe here."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon sighs. "I... there's been a lot of... I'm worried John may be... something is wrong with him. The things that have happened, the... fights we've been having, they may have been triggered by something demonic."

    His shoulders slump. "I'm sorry, for... dropping out of contact. He had me living in the House of Mystery, and... /very/ busy, and then... well, you were there for some of it. It's just all been very... it's been a lot." There's something pained and haunted in his gaze as he takes a sip of the wine.

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight's frown deepens. "That is... troubling..." he says. He nods at the bracer around Jon's wrist. "Then I am glad I was able to come across that particular artifact. You will likely need it if you are going to go against demonic forces of that nature." He smiles. "It is *your's* after all. Or at least, should've been. I suspect your grandmother had one like it, thought you might not know it."

    "The Archivist's of Alexandria wore such bands as a mark of their station. But it's more than that." He smiles. "It will allow you to better separate what is you, Jonathan Sims, and what is The Archivist. Or at least, that is my hope. I am in no ways a master of the mystic arts, but He..." he points to the statue of Khonshu looking impassively over the hall, "is."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon looks down at the bracer, tracing the hieroglyphs curiously. "I didn't know," he murmurs. "But... I remember Gran /did/ have a bracer like this. I didn't see her wearing it often--but, then, I suppose she didn't need to be 'the Archivist' around me." He twists it idly around his wrist and then frowns at it. Focuses for a moment.

    There's a green glow on the bracer that spreads and crackles along Jon's form for a moment, coalescing in his eyes. And then, abruptly, he's the Archivist, blinking at Moon Knight with those green eyes. "Well, then," he murmurs. "That's... different."

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight smiles again. "Better?" he asks with a smile to the man. "I honestly didn't know how it would work, only that it would." He tilts his head. "You're eyes are vividly green now." A pause. "They suit you."

    He sips more of his wine. "I wanted to ask you a question... and I know you are a rather busy man. But I think it will beneficial to all parties involved." He pauses. "It may require a bit of time and energy on your part though... may I present it?" At Jon's nod, he continues.

    "I am collecting a group of allies around myself. Those who have bene given power by the Egyptian gods. Or are at least touched by their gaze or those who are allies of such things." He pauses. "As you can see..." he says gesturing to the statue of Bast. "I already have the support of K'tara in running it. I would also ask for your assistance."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    The Archivist considers this for a long moment. "We were drawn together, long ago. Khonshu led you to my office, and Thoth has insisted we're to work together. Despite recent events... that prodding is still there." He takes a long drink of his wine. "I will gladly say yes--but there is one thing I must tell you, first."

    He pauses, considering for a long moment, then says, "I have recently taken on a new position with an agency I cannot name. My /first/ loyalty among mortals is to that agency. I may be required to make reports of events to them, though only if I feel whatever happens actually warrants the report."

Marc Spector has posed:
    "That's perfectly reasonable" Moon Knight replies. "The only true secret I have is that of my identity and the identity of those who assist me." He gestures with the goblet. "Beyond that, you can tell this agency anything you wish."

    He takes another sip of the wine. "I'm thinking of calling them the Heliopolitans. What do you think?" he asks. "You of all people should understand the importance of a name." He smiles. "And I respect your counsel, as I have evidenced by asking you to join me in this endeavor."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    The Archivist nods. "Your identity is protected by patient confidentality. And I see no reason I need to give it to my new employers." He takes a long drink of his wine, then goes to refill the goblet.

    "As for the name? I would argue that the 'Heliopolitans' would be the term for the gods themselves, but I suppose those of us who serve them in this life could be called that as well. What would be your purpose with this group?"

Marc Spector has posed:
    "The same as it has been when I am on my own" Moon Knight replies. "To fight against the encroaching darkness in whatever form it takes wherever it may raise its head. Currently, the city is my charge but I may be called elsewhere... as may others. This group is to help fascilitate the progress of such events and to support others in their own endeavors."

    He smiles a knowing smile. "I know you enjoy the thrill of the chase. The experience involved in tracking down a foe and dispensing justice as your patron sees fit. Just as I do." He refills his own goblet. "I should think that having others at your side, encouraging you to do as you were made to do in a supportive environment would be ideal for you, would it not?"

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "I..." The Archivist hesitates. "I have been loathe to admit to that. I /do/ enjoy the work, the danger, the adrenaline. Trading banter with allies, mocking foes. I thought I wouldn't be... temperamentally suited to the superhero business, but... it seems that I am."

    He swirls the wine around in his goblet. "There have been... complications, however. I've stumbled onto things, in my enthusiasm, that are incredibly dangerous. And I think my new employer thinks I'd do better in a lab than out in the field." He makes a face. He clearly doesn't like the idea of being stuck in a lab somewhere. "I'm getting better training, but... I don't know if it's really the best idea, being... out there."

    A pause, and then, "...Or maybe that's just whatever's been wearing John's face talking." He blinks as if surprised at himself for admitting that, and then downs some more wine.

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight nods. "Well... perhaps another bonus of this organization will be that having others at your side will prevent such... unfortunate..." he searches for a word, "experiences. That is unless it was necessary to facilitate what you are meant to do. Repositories for knowledge include both good and bad, do they not?" he asks, sipping from his goblet.

    "If nothing else, we can support each other in our endeavours and help carry a weight should the work we engage in becomes heavy." He rises and sets his goblet aside. "I have something to show you. I was waiting until I had your agreement to reveal it... now I can do so."

    Moving to the covered statue he takes hold of the tarp at one side and pulls it aside. Undeneath is a statue as tall as Bast and Khonshu, this one depicts the Ibis headed god, Thoth in pure white stone stanidng in cousel with the other two. "And now the triad is complete" he says with a wide grin. "Do you approve?"

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    The Archivist stands, still holding his goblet, and stares in amazement at the statue. "It's... magnificent." He takes a drink of wine and then sets the goblet down, goes over to examine the piece carefully.

    He moves around the statue, looking it over with a discerning eye. "The proportions are slightly off. Your sculptor used the grid lines from work far older than the other statues. That said, it's an excellent replica of Middle Kingdom art." He looks up at the statue, reverently.

Marc Spector has posed:
    "Well, one can't have absolute perfection with the tools of the modern day" Moon Knight replied looking up at it. "But as long as his servant accepts it as passable, then I am happy that it was not money wasted."

    He nods seeming satisfied. "More will come to our organization. Khonshu sends out the call regularly and those who hear it are all but compelled to seek us out. Those who seem servicable, I will recruit. Those who do not, I will offer my services to." He pauses. "Does that sound agreeable to you?" he asks.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    The Archivist turns away from the statue. "That all makes a great deal of sense. Have you found anyone else, beyond myself and Tara?" He glances over at the statue of Bast, then gently touches the base of the ibis-headed statue. Then he goes to sit back down in his chair and pick his goblet back up.

    "Thank you for that," he adds. "It's... thank you. Very much."

Marc Spector has posed:
    "There are a few that have heeded the call, one I have spoken to about the organization. Her name is Red Arrow and while she was touched by one of the gods I am not sure which has its eye on her" Moon Knight replies and moves to sit as well.

    "The others who have heard the call are associates of yours among the Night Brigade. Zatanna is one. You know that Perephone has granted her audience and while the Queen of the Underworld houses herself in Hades--at least for half the year--the Greeks and Egyptians were aware of each other for quite some time."

    He sips his wine and gestures. "The other is Jubilee. The wayward vampire has taken refugee here at the mission and as Khonshu watches over her kind--when they are slaves to their Hungers--she is more than welcome to serve under his instruction."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "The Greeks /ruled/ Egypt for a while," The Archivist notes drolly. "The Archivists once served Serapis, who is linked to Hades, Demeter, and Dionysus alongside Osiris and Apis. And, ahh... I have seen Zatanna summon Persephone, to counter my cousin's attempt to raise ghosts in a graveyard."

    And then, "Jubilation is here? Oh, good. I'm glad; I've been /quite/ worried about her." His voice is fond; he really does like the little vampire. "I saw her the other day, and she was well, but I know she's been having issues wherever it is that she lived before."

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight looks aside at the comment about Egypt being ruled by Greece for quite some time. "I am... aware..." he says slowly. "I was trying to be diplomatic about the matter. I am not entirely fond of the occupation, but it is what it is and can't be helped now but to patch relations." He sighs and sips his wine deeply.

    "There is something about her, something that He is watching with great interest. I cannot say what the future holds for her, but it is certainly going to be interesting." He smiles fondly as well as the young woman was more than supportive and accepting of his last interaction with her.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    The Archivist peers over at Moon Knight. "You're not entirely happy about... Ptolemy. And you want to patch relations... two thousand years on. /Alright/ then. And I thought /I/ held ancient grudges." He shakes his head.

    "Well, that's a good start, I think. I'm sure the group will grow with time." He takes a long drink of wine, then says, "Did you want to discuss specifics? Or were you just invisting me over to propose the idea?"

Marc Spector has posed:
    Moon Knight grins. "Call me ambitious" he says with chagrin. "I mostly wanted to check on you, as well as propose the idea to you." He says. "There are other ideas I'd like to run by you. Settle in, my good Archivist."