9858/A walk down the Glades

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A walk down the Glades
Date of Scene: 27 January 2022
Location: The Glades
Synopsis: Pepper is visiting the Glades with two no-good Councilmen. Thea and Alexander run interception and save Pepper from the two politicians.
Cast of Characters: Pepper Potts, Alexander Aaron, Thea Queen




Pepper Potts has posed:
Starling City by day is like many cities in the state, in the country. Sunlight manages to make its way to the street, and for a few hours each day, the citizens can do all they wish to use that time. Some go for walks in a small park (regardless of state of cleanliness), some sit outside on a stoop, some take that walk to the corner market instead of driving their cars. It's a constant, regardless of neighborhood.

Of course, others do use the time in order to plan out their activities after dark.

This day, with the sky still blue, the winds quiet for the time being, is a good day to be out and about. Crisp, cold, but that's it. No slush on the ground, no residual ice or grey snow on the sidewalks, nothing that would reflect too poorly on the city for a visiting 'VIP'.

Today, there is a visit from a representative from Stark Industries by invitation of the Starling City Council's Board of Economic Growth and Industry. Two of its members, Cyrus Reeves and Scott Applegate, are part of a small group that has alighted from a short caravan of cars onto the corner of the street, a block or so from the Verdant. In another dark colored sedan, said 'VIP' exits her car, but not before two large men exit first, with the third, the driver, opening the rear car door for the occupant to alight.

Ms Virginia Potts exits the car; she's dressed in serious business attire, her hair up and in a bun and out of her face. Upon her shoulders, a warm, designer wool jacket 3/4s length, though it looks as if she wears those heels regardles. In hand, a StarkPad, which has about the same computing power as laptops, plus access to the most intelligent AIs known in the world. The world is literally at her fingertips.

Gathering together in the group, her own bodyguards staying close, they're talking quietly in and amongst themselves for the first couple of steps, Pepper nodding as she listens, but those green eyes are elsewhere- looking around, analyzing, looking for hints, for angles..

She is, after all, an actual businesswoman, and one who holds a great deal of sway.

"I see," Pepper begins as they begin their path. "I haven't seen the budget sheets yet for the revitilization plans for the area. And, exactly why again are we being asked in?"

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It is not his home.
    That is a fair thing to understand, and Alexander wouldn't view it as such. But there is a place of fondness for this stretch of street in the rougher part of town. Not due to any history nor stories shared, but more perhaps to the woman who has drawn him into her evil clutches and won his affection with her wild ways. And this building of The Verdant, the club project that took her roughly eighty five years to implement, it marked a connection between the two of them as it was here that confessions had been made and a decision reached.
    Which led to Alexander Aaron's presence here more often than not of late.
    And his morning was one of those times. Though he had stepped out for a bit. Wandered off into the morning toward the small package store that sits on the corner of the street down a trio of blocks from the club. It didn't have a huge amount of selection, but the produce was fresh and the owner friendly, and sure sometimes there were some rough characters that he had to pass by. They didn't bother him for whatever reason, but still, feathers were at times ruffled.
    Now he was on his way back with a brown paper bag held in the crook of one arm. His other arm holds an apple that he casually crunches a bite from now and again while he walks. He seems fit for the chill of the weather, what with that large black pea coat and the beany cap on his head. Small locks of pale blond hair peek out haphazardly from underneath his chapeau.
    At first he intended just to head back inside. But that gathering of people that small crowd, it drew his interest. And for a being where fear is no issue, curiousity tends to rule in its place as he walks toward them.

Thea Queen has posed:
The Verdant is a completely different beast from what it was a while back. No more shot-down windows. No more crappy exteriors or the look of a sleazy place used for gun trafficking (hey, it's what it was a while back). And it all took less than 50 years to accomplish. Amazing, really.

Instead of those crappy exteriors the place is painted with a vibrant dark green color, the symbols on the outside proudly announcing 'VERDANT'. The neighborhood itself? Perhaps not the best, but that was the whole point, getting a club going in a 'darker' part of town. To help it climb back out from the dredges. Because Thea knows everyone needs a hand from time to time.

She is sitting upstairs on the manager's room. A room that incidentally gives her a view of the whole club, along with having cameras for the outside. One can never be too careful with all the troubles that have brewed around. Be it the kidnapped mutants, or some Gotham Mafia trying to get their paws in her business. So now she was ready. It is while she is watching Alexander return through one of the cameras that she notes he is going ..., elsewhere. Either trouble or curiosity. She imagines both. So with a roll of her eyes she gets up to her feet and starts walking downstairs and then out of the building.

Whatever is all the commotion about?!

Pepper Potts has posed:
The pair of councilmen are close in, and on best behavior at the moment; particularly while courting what could mean for them millions of dollars. "Well, Ms Potts, it is difficult to actually get a working budget, as we would be giving Stark Industries basically carte blanche to revitilize the area in the way it sees fit. Whether it's razing the buildings and putting something else up, or reutilizing the buildings, once they're gained by eminent domain, that is."

"So," Pepper smiles tightly, her lips a fine line, "you're putting that in our laps." One can almost //hear// it in her crisp tones 'making us do the work in order for you to get money'. "Right," she says after a full moment that has the pair seemingly holding their collective breaths, "I will want the maps, then. Tax maps, historical data back at least 20 years. On my desk no later than closing of business tomorrow." She offers a quick smile that doesn't quite reach those green eyes before she's walking once more, her bodyguards just a little closer.

Traffic on the streets is sparse; foot traffic on the sidewalks in the area is a little more, given the sun and time of day. So, to see a young man on the approach isn't too out of the ordinary or strange. Pepper watches the young man, her smile serving as a silent greeting; no doubt he's on his way to somewhere.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    We're all one big happy city, after all. Native Starling denizens all of course? Perhaps not true, but it's the sentiment that seems to be given by that handsome young man who gives a double smile to Pepper as she wanders his way. It's one of those smiles that just seems so casually earnest that it might make one imagine the youth has only a few occasional thoughts flitting through his head.
    The bodyguards likely give him a glance over. No weapons, big enough coat, at the most maybe a knife. But he doesn't walk like he's carrying, and a person eating an apple is naturally disarming. He takes a turn right before he meets the group, stepping around them and moving to the nearby bus stop bench seat. Ah that's where he must be going. To take a bus somewhere. A normal people thing to do. Of course the bus stop bench is covered in snow and grit and he has to wipe it off a little, only to clamber up on it and sit with his rear on the back of the seat and his shoes on the bench proper. And the old schedule posted in a plastic sleeve seems like it was made for the routes back in 2012. Still.
    Now his back is to that group that is wandering by as they discuss business business. So of course while he's sitting there on the bench, setting his bag down and eating his apple, he fishes out his phone and starts to swipe through it with the casual aplomb of the listless youth of today. So distracted from the real world. For shame.
    Of course he happens to be watching a video as he turns and casually takes a few quick photos of the cars, making sure the make is visible as well as the license plates. Then a casual flip of the user-facing camera being active instead of the front and he takes a few shots of that pretty older woman who is walking by, along with her guards and... those others? No idea who they are.
    Likely after he takes those shots while he takes another bite of his apple, Thea will get those very images sent to her phone with a text that says simply.
    << People sniffing around your place. >>

Thea Queen has posed:
Thea is coming out of the club when she notes the messages sent. Images? She looks them over, arched eyebrow. Aren't those faces recognizable? Well, very much so. There's those weasel councilmen she has met one time or another in those galas she goes to. It's the woman that captures her attention though. What's Pepper Potts doing here? Because no, you don't go around working with the Avengers and Tony Stark and not having your face recognized by a jet-setter like Thea!

<That's Pepper Potts.>> She texts back. Then rolls her eyes again, <<She works with Tony Stark>> just in case Alexander wouldn't know the name!

And darn it. She wishes she *knew* there would be someone coming here of that importance today. She won't even have time to get something better to dress! So what they will get is designer jeans, a nice fluffy jacket and that's it. Casual but still chic. Because it's Thea. You don't spell Thea without chic.

You also don't spell Thea without Fearless. So what does she do? She approaches the group with a smile to her lips, "Councilmen, it's such a surprise to see you here." she greets, even if her eyes are mostly on Pepper.

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Tomorrow? I'm not sure.." begins one of the councilmen before the other takes it up with a more obsequious, "Certainly, Ms Potts. I'm sure we can have something drawn up that you can see."

"Mmmhmm," is returned, the sound very much doubtful, very much the sound of a woman who won't be holding her breath. The more time she spends here, in the company of this pair, the more it seems that she's wasting her precious, valuable time. She stops walking and turns to pointedly look at the pair. Pepper's tones are cool, professional, and certainly are indicative of a woman who is used to power, used to being in power, and is used to wielding that same power and influence. "I think this might be a waste of all of our times. Perhaps you should look to companies and corporations that are closer to home. Give them the opportunity to contact Stark Industries and see if there is a fit for us somewhere. Hmm? I'm certain you have other things that may be more pressing." Than trying and failing at getting millions of dollars added to their coffers?

"Ms Potts, I-"

Turning back around at Thea's approach, then, Pepper's cool regard turns a touch warmer, and there is that smile as she steps forward, "Miss Queen," she begins, "How are you? How is your brother?" She's had business dealings with him in the past. Thea, well.. those dinners, galas, fund raising.. it's their social strata, after all.

"Miss Queen," is given a little frostily by one councilman, Reeves.. and Applegate isn't too much happier with Thea's appearance. "Good morning, Miss Queen."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    That guy on the bench waiting for the bus is tip-tapping on his phone a little, sending a four letter response back to Thea which she might have enough time to just see it before engaging with those council people. All it says?
    << Neat. >>
    But then she makes her appearance, sweeping in with that beautiful vibrant Thea aplomb as she greets those people. Which is Alexander's signal to slip the apple core into his pocket as he /hops/ off the side of the bench to scoop up the bag and tuck it back under his arm. He then rounds about and likely comes to the attention of the bodyguards with his sudden diversion away from the implied desire to catch a bus. Though where he moves now? Is to stand beside Thea as if he had always been there and belonged there.
    He smiles again to Pepper.
    Though he does spare a few words for Thea in one of those small brief conversational gaps and in a tone meant just for her as he confides. "The councilmen are afraid of her for some reason." In case that might help.

Thea Queen has posed:
"Councilman Reeves." Thea chirps. Yes, the one that's being frostier to her gets the chirpier greeting. Nothing like poking the beasts some. "And Councilman Applegate. I am so glad to finally see you where your constituents live." Yea, the Glades aren't *that* popular for politicians to come to. That's another problem too!

Yet the warmer smile goes to Pepper. "Ms. Potts. It's an honor to finally meet you in person. My brother told me much about you." she says. It was even true, he had told her of the meetings they had in the past. And the galas. "And I am doing quite well." she gesturing behind her to the Verdant, "Settling in the area." then she asking. "What of you? If you are with our brave councilmen should we be expecting investment in the area?"

As Alexander comes in and joins Thea there's a smile given to him, followed by a brief laugh at his sincerity about the councilmen, "You will have to forgive my boyfriend. He just says things as he sees them sometimes. This is Alexander Aaron." she then presenting him to the rest of the gathered people. She leans in to place a brief kiss on his cheek.

Pepper Potts has posed:
The councilmen look distinctly unhappy about the position they've been put in, they've put themselves in, and in an attempt to back out, one reaches out for Pepper's elbow. One of her guards takes a quick step to intercept and block; no one touches Ms Potts. The attempt failed, they put on their collective political smiles, giving Thea their best 'glad hand' in speech.

"I'm sorry you don't attend the town halls that we hold-"

Pepper's brows rise, and as her bodyguard moves to intercept, she's taking the half-step to the side and one forward, now studiously ignoring the men. As far as she's concerned, her 'meeting' with them has concluded. She'd much rather talk with Thea and the now introduced Alexander for the moments remaining before she's picked up and taken back to the City.

Pepper holds out her hand, ready to greet the younger woman with a quick cheek-to-cheek kiss of 'solidarity' before straightening. "Mr Aaron, a pleasure." The redhead's smile doesn't waver in its warmth, even as her words grow a touch fonder, "I've enjoyed our talks. He's very charming."

Pepper looks around briefly before she gestures towards the Verdant. "Is that yours?" She did see Thea come out of it, and.. well.. it's Thea Queen.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    A small wave is given to the others even as Alexander leans down a touch so Thea can reach his cheek easily. He spares her a grin after the smooch then gives a hint of a shrug about her claim as to why he says the things he does. But then he straightens, one hand holding that bag at ease, the other deep in the pocket of his pea coat as he looks from face to face to face. The bodyguards might notice him eyeballing them, and his eyes going straight to where there may well be weapons upon their persons. Nothing is said as to that, however.
    Instead he keeps his place at Thea's side and then nods his head to Pepper, "Glad to meet you, Miss Potts." The smile there is the same one she saw moments ago from the youth when he had first stepped past.
    But it's the small kerfluffle that occurs that draws his attention after the greeting. The councilman who had sought to take Pepper by the arm, and the reaction of the bodyguards. Curious things.
    "I'm not sure why, Ms. Potts, but I feel like those fellows are not being entirely honest with you." Some tinge of anxiety that sours the feeling around the young God of Fear, though of course he doesn't explain the hows nor the whys of his feeling. Of course for such an accomplished individual Ms. Potts already knows this.

Thea Queen has posed:
"Don't be like that, Alexander. The politics life is full of these meandering lanes around truth and the need of politicians to feel important." Thea even has the gall to look apologetic towards the councilmen. Even if she is just adding more wood to the fire. In a posh manner!

As greetings and meetings are made between the trio Thea then nods affirmatively towards the Verdant. "It is." she tells her. "I have decided to settle here in this area with the intention of helping it grow." a beat, "And even if...." a glance to Alexander, ".... some think it's taken ages the place is finally opening."

With an elegant gesture towards the place she smiles, offering. "Maybe I could show it to you, and the plans we have for the area." a wink, "I promise there may even be a drink involved."

Orange juice for Thea though!

Pepper Potts has posed:
With their meeting thus 'concluded', at least on Pepper's end which means, ultimately, 'concluded', Pepper begins to take a path towards the door of the Verdant, once again flanked by her bodyguards. With a quick word, they back off, though they're still going to keep their charge in their sights. The boss would //kill them// if anything happened to her, and neither would want to be the one called on the carpet to explain the circumstances.

Nope, better to back off and still remain in sight.

"Of course they're not," Pepper murmurs to Alexander, "For a number of reasons." Green eyes dance in amusement as she looks to Thea. As another young woman in business, she's positive that the younger Queen knows all of the reasons. "It's part of the game."

Brightening, Pepper's step is a little lighter now that 'all that' is behind her, and she's a lot more comfortable. More.. her.

"Yes, please show me around, and I would //love// to hear your plans for the area. If there is any way I can help, either from the Foundation," arts, sciences, "Or from the company's grants," more on the business level, "let me know. I'll just make a phone call and let Tony know I'm going to be late getting back." There's a touch of a laugh that comes, "He was going to make us dinner. I really can't miss that."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Nodding a little in agreement with Thea's and Pepper's words, the blond youth with the grocery bag smiles easily enough. Yet when that glance is aimed his way when Thea implies such wicked perfidy, Alexander's pale hazel eyes are lifted upwards and to the side, as if he were noticing a particularly interesting formation of clouds. Not avoiding Thea's impugning gaze that somehow implies he would be anything other than entirely supportive. But perhaps some of the weight of that sentiment is stolen by the half-curled grin at the corner of his mouth.
    Though when he looks back, entirely innocent, he says simply. "I think a shared drink would be lovely." Such a nice young man, facilitating Thea's business dealings and networking.