9648/No Quarter for the Quartermaster

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No Quarter for the Quartermaster
Date of Scene: 14 January 2022
Location: Grand Central Station
Synopsis: Jon checks in on Cael - to see how she's settling into her new position, and how she's handling the interview with Terry.
Cast of Characters: Cael Becker, Jonathan Sims
Tinyplot: Path of Glory


Cael Becker has posed:
    It had taken Cael a little time to gather herself after her interview with Terry - but by the time she was returned to Grand Central Station, her usual gruff demeanor was put back into place. It was shortly after her return that Martin had offered to take Bear out for a walk for her - and had returned with her dog dressed in a SHIELD vest, somehow sewn to fit the pup, and a lanyard of his own for 'Agent Bear.' Perhaps he'd caught wind of what Cael had just been up to - and had planned his surprise accordingly.
    So with Agent Bear of SHIELD at her side, and a tablet in her hand, she's checking over one of the lastest shipments to make sure everything is correct, and its location within Grand Central Station is recorded properly so nothing gets lost when it's sorely needed. It's a lot of work - but it's worth it.
    And God was she glad to have something to keep her busy.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon has been down at the southern tip of the island, overseeing the setup of the defensive perimeter around Bosque Fountain at Battery Park. He comes back with the last portal opened to Grand Central, having made sure people were settled and everything was ready. He's frowning thoughtfully, clearly going over something in his head.

    He's changed in some subtle ways since Monday. He's sleeping better, he's both calmer and more confident. Not that the burden he bears has lessened, but that he's carrying it more easily. He's still as distractable as ever, though, so he almost trips over Bear before he comes out of his reverie and blinks at the dog and then at Cael.

    "Oh, sorry, I--oh! Bear! Cael! Goddess, I should've expected you'd be here overseeing this, what's wrong with me?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "Do you want the complete list?" Cael answers in a dry voice - her lips quirking briefly in amusement.
    He really should know better than to give Cael openings like that.
    "The defenses at Battery are going well?" she asks - a glance around revealing no eyes on them as she crosses closer to Jon to give him what she means to be a brief hug - but she lingers there, the memories and emotions from her recent interview still closer to the surface than she would like.
    Bear greets Jon with a cheerful wag of his tail - his stuffed bunny held in his mouth.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon returns the hug, wrapping his arms around her and rubbing circles on her back for a moment--soothing, calming. He pulls away probably sooner than she'd like, though, all too aware of the possibility of eyes on them.

    "It'll be fine for a couple of days," he says as he pulls away, "but that's all we really need. If I can put on a temporary seal, they won't be able to take the sites for... well, a month, I think, is what I can manage. Long enough for Lydia's work to get done."

    He furrows his brow. "How are you?" he asks softly. "You seem... mmm. Talking about it was difficult, I take it?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    For just a moment it seemed like Cael might not let Jon go - but she does, stepping back to lean against a crate. "Well - that all sounds good," she remarks simply.
    At his questions, though, she offers a small, tense smile - pain shadowed in her gaze. "I got it all out," she answers. "That's what matters. I, uhh... I realized there were a few things I wasn't entirely sure if it was a good idea to print or not. I don't have an entirely clear head on the subject." Hardly a surprise. "I wouldn't have managed without Bear." Reaching down, she strokes at the dog's ears.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon nods. "What sort of things? I mean, did you... say them, or did you refrain...?" He has his own interview soon enough, and he's nervous. Unsure how it might go.

    Then he smiles at the dog for a moment, noting, "It's good Sara got him for you. How is she, by the way? I tried to... I couldn't quite heal her, though I did /try/. Witchblade didn't seem to like the Seraphim's fire."

Cael Becker has posed:
    "I mentioned that some summoned the angel, and gave a rough idea of why. I didn't say who, or where he is now," Cael answers simply. "...I mentioned the spirits chained to the crosses only after the cameras stopped rolling. I don't know if we should really print something like that in the paper. I think I told him the rest of it. I left the Justice League Dark out of things - just mentioned that you and Sara... came for me."
    A frown tugging her lips into a look of concern she adds, "Sara refused to see the medics. Hell, she said she didn't want painkillers and burn cream, didn't want to use up our supplies. But I reminded her that it's literally my job to make sure everyone who needs it gets it and that we don't run out. So she accepted it in the end, and I patched her up as best I could - then she went home. Haven't seen her since. I'd guess she's okay?" $E

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon frowns thoughtfully. "Given what she's said... she's not used to being hurt, particularly not when using the Witchblade. Some people react to that by insisting on having no pain at all, but Sara seems... tough? Like she needs to not show weakness? And admitting she's in pain and needs burn cream means admitting that she's run into something that can hurt her." He sighs, and shakes his head. "I've... run into a lot, with superheroes. To some degree it's reasonable--I'll heal faster than a normal mortal, for instance, so in terms of triage their wounds should be seen to first, all other things being equal. But it can be taken too far."

    He turns to look over the boxes that Cael had been checking when he came in. "I don't think anything you said sounds... bad? I wouldn't say who summoned Michael, no, and I think I'll leave the Justice League Dark out of things. I don't even know what Phoebe and Zatanna will think of my doing an interview, but... I think it needs to be done, you know?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "He asked," Cael admits. "But I just wasn't comfortable giving the name. I mean, I fully intent to slug him when all of this is said and done," because what's a little assault between acquaintances? "but that doesn't mean I need to ruin his life by putting his name out there against his will." She gives Jon a small, tight smile as she adds, "I think the interview needs doing and- well, given the piece he did on Michael? There was no question who I was going to with this."
    She smiles tightly before adding, "I definitely think Sara was being ridiculous - but I also think she'll be just fine. I can imagine being hurt's a shock if you're used to be invulnerable."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "Yes," Jon says wryly, "I've found it is." His expression softens a bit, then. "Actually... that's quite often what drove people to my office. They got hurt in ways they never had, and even after the wounds healed the /memory/ and the trauma lingered. I've always been sympathetic, though I'll admit to not entirely understanding. I hate to say that I'm /used/ to getting hurt, but..." He shrugs. He is, really.

    "Thank you," he adds. "For protecting Chas. I know you didn't do it for me, but he's my friend, and... well... thank you."

Cael Becker has posed:
    "I didn't do it for you," Cael confirms, her arms folding over her chest in an almost defensive stance. "And I didn't do it for him, either. I did it because I'd hate myself if I let this turn me into someone... //that// bitter and hurtful."
    She clenches her jaw together for a short time, then manages to grit out, "I suppose I feel the same way about Fairchild. Sometimes I hate her - sometimes I feel bad for her. I think I'd have a hard time with it, sooner or later, if I hurt her. If I even could."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon reaches out to put a hand on Cael's shoulders, expression concerned. "Hey, I didn't mean... it's good that you're... holding onto yourself. Not letting this change you, fundamentally. Okay? It's... hard, to forgive, but it's..."

    He bites his lip, then says, softly, "We both know damn well you're not as much of a bitch as you let people think. But, then, neither am I. Birds of a feather, yeah?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "I didn't think you meant anything hurtful by it, Jon." With his hand on her shoulder, her first instinct is to fall into his arms again - but she remains where she is, leaning back against a crate. She does lift one of her hands, though, to rest over his on her shoulder.
    A smile flickers across her features as she adds, "Speak for yourself, Sims."
    She takes a deep breath in, and lets it out slowly as she adds, "Anyways. The interview was hard - and I don't know if any of the footage will ever see the light of day - you know? May just be too ...raw to show to most viewers."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "Terry's pretty transparent, I've found. He might post it to the website just to be certain people know he's not trying to hide anything." Jon squeezes her shoulder, rubs his thumb along her hand, then turns his hand to take hers and drops it down off her shoulder. Not that hand-holding is particularly professional either, but really no one's around. And he is /married/ to one of the other agents.

    "How're you doing, with the new position? I haven't had any complaints yet, but admittedly it's early days..." A smile hovers around his lips. Teasing her, to try to change the subject and lighten the mood, a little.

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael's grateful for the gesture - regardless of their current location. She squeezes tightly at Jon's hand in response, taking her reassurance there while Bear leans up against her. "I think the Quartermaster thing's going alright. I haven't felt the urge to murder very many people, and the supplies are well organized - even if it can be a lttle time consuming maintaining it."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon raises an eyebrow. "...Very many people? Is there something Caldwell should be sharing? Are you a danger to other people?" More of that slight smile, though. Still teasing.

    "Seriously, though, I'm glad to hear it. Yes, it's... well, it's a lot of work, trying to organize all of this, and important work. That, ahh... used to be... well, I've been a quartermaster, but with perfect recall it was easy enough to coordinate behind the scenes for conferences and the like. Keep things organized. I'm just as glad to pass it off to someone else, though." Now he grins.

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael quirks another brief smile at Jon, before she nods in conformation and agreement. "Not the most glamorous work - but important, yeah. I'll make sure it gets done right. I'm just glad to be able to contribute. You know I'd rather be out there with you, with your teams, but-" Well. They knew what the but was.
    "Perfect recall would be bloody handy but- well. I'll just have to rely on the tablet."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "A tablet's less headache," Jon replies with a smile. "Even with perfect recall, I have to juggle things in my head and keep track of it all and..." He blows out a breath. "It's a lot. I'm trying to delegate, I really am."

    He eyes her for a moment. "You and Martin are leaving for the West Coast tomorrow, yeah? Just the two of you, no other agents?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "Well, something like this you bloody well better delegate, Jon. Fate of reality and all that." Cael rolls her eyes broadly, but her expession sobers a little at his question.
    "Just the two of us," she confirms - giving him a reassuring squeeze with her hand. "We'll be back. Might have one night on your own - depends on how quickly we can get stuff done. I'll be leaving Bear with Sara."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon bites his lip, considering this quietly. "I... I'd be happier if you had backup, but..." He swallows, and for a moment fear flickers across his expression. What will he do if he loses /both/ of them?

    Then he smiles. "You're both good agents," he says. "I... I trust you'll be able to handle whatever's out there. Weird pit the locals won't acknowledge, right?" He sighs. "Magic is... odd, sometimes."

Cael Becker has posed:
    "That's the one," Cael confirms. She gives Jon a small, tight smile. "Jon, we'd both move heaven and earth to come back to you, yeah?" she offers. "And- well. I'll have Alis with me - and she can communicate with Sara. ...and you have teleporters. If we run into real trouble... we'll send for back-up, promise. Alright?" She squeezes her hand again, hoping it's enough to push his fear away.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon swallows. "I can't lose you," he says softly. "Either of you. I..." His brow furrows and something pained crosses his face.

    Then he steps forward, to lean down and kiss Cael for a moment, more strongly than he ever really has before, as if he's trying to push the meaning of the words into that action.

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael returns the kiss - her free hand reaching up to rest on the back of his shoulder, to hold him in close to her as she does. She's a little breathless when they finally part - and she doesn't care, for the moment, if anyone sees them like this or not.
    Fuck them. She and Jon deserve this.
    "You need the Archive," she murmurs. "Let us find it for you. We'll be careful, and like I said - if we run into real trouble... we'll send Alis."
    She's silent a moment before adding, "I need you too, you know."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon's just as breathless, blinking rapidly like he's surprised at himself for doing that. His skin darkens at the last statement, right to the tips of his ears, and he murmurs, "Yes, well. Ahh. Yes. Glad I... got that across."

    He clears his throat and says, more business-like, "Ahh... can I ask for a map of Manhattan, in the room I've been using as an office? And, umm, some stoppered glass vials, twelve of them. I have spellwork to do."

Cael Becker has posed:
    Amusement shows plainly on Cael's features in response to Jon's discomfort. In fact, it's so endearing that she can't help but step in towards him, even as he's attempting to straighten up and look more professional - and gift him with a brief, mischievous kiss, before she steps back in turn. "A map of Manhattan and twelve stoppered vials," she repeats dutifully. "I'll see to it. Not sure if we have any vials here - I'll check with medical - but if not, I'm sure there's some at the Trisk they can send over."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon keeps flushing and rubs at the back of his neck, glowering at Cael. There's not much heat to the glower, though. More like a cat trying to pretend it didn't like the attention it was just given.

    "Thank you," he says, as if he's not still blushing to the roots of his hair. "I, umm... I'm putting dirt in the vials. A vial of what's under the station at the sites, a vial from each site here, for symbolic links, and then create magical circuits to change the geometry from the Magen David to a hexfoil..."

    He frowns. "You probably have no idea what I'm talking about, do you? Well, hopefully I'll have a chance to go over this with someone... but it /should/ work."

Cael Becker has posed:
    "Not really," Cael agrees with amusement. "But I get the general notion. A bit of here there, a bit of there here. Does it really have to be stoppered vials, then? If I can find little metal tins, or empty jam jars, or.... whatever?" Small containers of //some// description should be easy enough to find, after all.
    "What about ziplock bags?" Now she's just teasing him...

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "Wh... /no/, Cael, it can't be /ziplock bags/, good lord, we're /saving the universe/ here!" Jon looks actually affronted. "Glass vials are easier for me to write spellwork on, but I suppose a jam jar might work just as well, or..." A pause. "Mason jars? There's a, uhh, better... it's folk magic, really, what I'm drawing on, that might have a better resonance. And they're bigger, easier to draw on."

    Of course he's taking it /seriously/. He takes magic seriously, after all.

Cael Becker has posed:
    He might be taking it seriously - but Cael is laughing at his response to the ziplock bag suggestion. "Fine, fine," she agrees. "No ziplock bags," she promises. She gives the man a broad, deeply amused smile (at least she's relaxed now, even if it's at Jon's expense), before she adds, "Give me an hour? I'll make sure you have something."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon rolls his eyes and reaches out to ruffle Cael's hair before saying, "Sounds good. I need to go get under the concrete and get to the soil anyway. Don't worry--the power Gaea's granted me should let me smooth it back down again."

    A pause. "Ahh. That... reminds me. Did I tell you? Gaea granted me power. Mostly enhancing my own magic--stronger shields, better healing, more ability with earth and water. I haven't figured it all out yet, but... I'm certain I'll be fine, at least until... well, until it's time. I just mean... you don't need to worry too much, about me out in the field. Alright?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "I don't need to worry, until I need to worry?" Cael counters, the mirth in her eyes draining away instantly, to be replaced by that anxious fear, and a tight, forced smile. She smooths down her hair, then reaches out to capture Jon's hand. "I'm glad she's protecting you," she says without much if any real joy.
    "I need you," she repeats quietly.
    So come back - please.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "She has a plan for me beyond my death," Jon says quietly. "She didn't choose me to die, She doesn't /want/ me to die. She wants me to live, and come back to the people I love." He squeezes her hand.

    "I'm /going/ to come back. I promise."

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael nods in response, holding Jon's hand tightly, and standing there in silence for a moment.
    "Honestly, Jon?" she finally says in a soft voice. "I don't thing there are any words that can make me okay with this - that can take away the fear I feel," she admits. "I can deal with it - and of course I hope you're right. And I'm going to stay at your side as much as I can - I won't turn from you again. But I'm gonna be scared, because of how much you mean to me, now. You know?"

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "I know. But the more I say it, the more likely I am to manifest it in the world," Jon replies. "I... I'm reassuring /myself/. Reminding myself. Every time I say it, every time I promise, is another memory that will well up if I ever think of giving up. When Michael has me, when I'm down in Duat, if I lose everything else, I will remember that I /swore/ to you that I'd come back. Every time I say it... makes it that much stronger. It's me, right now, telling the future me to get his ass in gear and get back to Cael Becker."

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael lifts a hand to wipe at her eyes, as she responds to Jon's words with a nod. "Okay," she offers in quiet understanding. "Okay." She takes a deep, shuddering breath in before adding, "You better. I mean- I think I'd find a way to go on, but it'd be hard." After another deep, shuddering breath she adds, "And I wish I had a way to protect you from all this. From suffering. From... dying. I wish it didn't have to be you."

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    "Who else would you give it to?" Jon says softly. "I wish it weren't anyone. I wish it weren't happening. If it has to be me... then I'll do the best I can." A pause. "I know it hurts. But..." But what can they do?

    He sighs. "I... had better to get work on the spell," he says, regretfully pulling his hand away from hers. "I'll see you in a little while, with those vials?"

Cael Becker has posed:
    "Me," Cael answers quietly, as she lets Jon pull his hand back. "I'd rather it were me." He had asked, after all.
    At his question, she responds with a nod of her head. "I'll have them for you," she promises. "Me and Agent Bear 're on the case."
    Hearing his name - Bear thumps his tail happily in response.

Jonathan Sims has posed:
    Jon hesitates. He wants to say 'well then where would /I/ be' but that just... prolongs the conversation. And it's hurting them both. So he just frowns at her, as if that could get the point across.

    "Thank you," is what he says. "I'll be in my... office." He smirks, though it doesn't quite touch his eyes. Hopefully they'll both be in a better mood by the time she brings him the vials.

    Presumably in a ziploc bag.