9996/Aftermath of Diplomacy

Aftermath of Diplomacy
Date of Scene:	05 February 2022
Location:	Attilan - The Moon
Synopsis:	Bad, bad Maximus causes the king and the star girl to consider.
Cast of Characters:	Jane Foster, Blackagar Boltagon

Jane Foster has posed:
The Human Quarter of Attilan may be the expected place to find a technical human. Someone with human appearance, anyway, and an origin on Earth. Is that all they need?

Jane dislikes sitting still at such times. She paces, for separation from the Furiae or Blackagar reasonably would make for a somewhat agitated time. Lockjaw goes wherever he likes, of course. In addition to thanking him, she tells the great furry hound she regrets causing diplomatic trouble.

Then she waits.

Waiting does not lend itself to hydroponic gardening or walking through the crooked, narrow streets on an outpost of a crater. It would be wise to look up at the sky and track the stars, if she can, or at least make a study of something worthwhile on the Moon. Daisy who loves so to flout convention and go spelunking is not about, and Jemma will wait it out.

Wandering circles in her room until she literally wears the floor out is hardly an option. Writing doesn't help either. Goodwill mattering too much, she finds the rooftop even if she has to climb up there. And maybe she does, but it's hardly a secret where she went with the window open and her shoes dropped off.

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
It did not take terribly long for Lockjaw to tell Blackagar what had happened. So many things had flashed through his mind, the temptation to /deal/ with the situation was set aside however. It was always the dynamic that had existed between the brothers. Maximus, eyes filled and large with power and hungry for all the things he lacks, jealousy burning deep in him. And then Blackagar, carrying those weights with humility (sometimes) and reluctance. Maximus playing his short term goals, Blackagar eyeing the long game.

It was seldom that Blackagar had spoken of his brother, Jane knew because he had shared to some degree but it was often a subject he was loose about, rarely delving into specifics. But to hear from Lockjaw of the incident took all the restraint possible. Instead of reacting, Blackagar continued his planned tasks for the day and only when it was done did he go to the Human Quarter, to a specific apartment there and knock for entry before doing so.

Arriving to see Jane, there is a small lift of his eyebrow, questioning in the expression for how she is with expression of such in thought, but those do follow shortly after. <>

Jane Foster has posed:
Putting up a fight with the other prince -- and heir, probably -- of Attilan is not a fine way to get on with the Genetic Council. Barring any actual evidence he might be in their bad graces, Jane must refrain from foolishly walking into that minefield. It hardly stops her from sitting on the edge of a building, feet dangling over the side, to consider options. If many of those options include violence, then sitting a little longer over the ancient city seems only fair.

Lockjaw is not even there to ask about the plausible outcome of a duel or other archaic methods dealing with the problem. She twists the golden bracelet around her wrist, and the fact it proves warm to the touch and almost fluid is not lost on her. No cheating. No turning to various gifts.

So she's not in the happiest of moods, albeit a very reflective one, the whetstone of her thoughts sharpening various possibilities.

<<We both know as appealing as it would be, it wouldn't help your situation. Or your people.>> That first brush of his thoughts before he gets anywhere in line of sight sends a shiver. Reciprocal rue and delight bloom together; spotting Blackagar will come after. The mental clarity is frighteningly bright. <<You may have noticed I possess distinct bias towards both, in my eternal attempt to improve relations. Therefore I could give him a put-upon, disappointed look when he's shaving in the mirror if that would help?>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
A flash of humor floods from Blackagar, his arrival coming shortly there after to move and join Jane, sitting next to her upon the perch she has taken with feet dangling over the side. His movements are smooth, gently landing in a silent method as he sits in pondering silence for a few moments. The weight can be felt, a churning mind considering options.

<<It may help, it may not. The simple reality is? Maximus has been jealous since he was little. Believing he should be King. A tale as old as any. I believe Cain and Abel had similar issues, with the jealous brother constantly trying to kill the other. The lingering problem that exists is as a member of the Royal Family he has protections and there are just enough on the Genetic Council who listen to him to provide the rest. So he remains this permanent thorn.>>

Reaching down, he takes Jane's hand into his own. <<But to go after you, Daisy and Jemma? That is a stride to far. Of course, proving such would be difficult. Despite his issues, he is often clever enough to avoid direct confrontation or blame.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
Easy for him to ascend to the top of the building. She had to scale a balcony and precariously haul herself over the edges, risking certain injury on a misstep. Jane begrudges Blackagar none of his stealthy approach or sublime ease, shifting over to make space for him even though they have an entire ledge to themselves.

"Would you be convinced to join me?" Her voice tells a less turbulent story than her mind, rich with dry amusement and the more intimate affections for him. <<You would be surprised how few people like finding someone coming out of their mirror.>> A matter-of-fact tone warms when her hand curls around his. <<He takes full advantage of a prime position then. A tale, as you say, as old as any. The current issue with the inheritance in Asgard, too. Short of spying on him constantly, you may not be in an ideal position to show his intent.>>

Agreed then on the bleak state of affairs for the Lock Maximus Up campaign, she nonetheless leans into him. <<Men like that stumble, often due to their supposed cunning or desperation. Patience lasting decades, even centuries, can falter in an act of impulse. Cold comfort now but he showed his hand too soon. You might take advantage of it. Certainly we aren't of a mind to give him reason to turn public opinion against you more than it is. Daisy's a bit hotheaded, but she undeniably possesses the lineage and abilities that make her their kin. Us, not so much.>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<>, Blackagar says softly, wistfully. <<The methods? Oh those change. But the intent is always the same. Power. It is something I was told at a young age by my father. Power is not something to be sought for, because if you do, then it will always corrupt. Rather, Power should be feared and respected, through that there is a chance that it will not turn.>>

The soft remembrance, a rare one of his early years passes away.

<<Yes, he will stumble. The mere fact that he pressed upon the three of you tells me that he is uncertain. I am curious if you could tell me all that was said, or at least the impressions he made upon you, regarding you all. As for public opinion? Far more follow my lead than he believes. The soft hand of guidance is subtle. Many do not view those of you from Earth as a threat, but more of a curiosity. You must also remember, as the last Son, there is a concern. Should anything happen to me, then the throne goes to Maximus and a great many know what danger that holds. In other words...>> He pauses, grinning, <<There may be a handful of the family who are quite curious what exactly your intentions are.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
Jane turns that over, her fingers curled around the edge of the building and then Blackagar's hand, for the joint solidity she needs to not inadvertently plunge to her evident demise below. <<We have a similar philosophy as your father's back home. One of our presidents said that the surest test of a man's character was giving him power. Another thinker I'm not a great fan of nonetheless made a good point when he underlined that fools can corrupt a system by entering it. So make of that what you will, but your lesson is one learned as long as there have been a people to form any sort of hierarchy.>> She could be depressed, but her thoughts tack more into the wind, softly amused and riding over a ripple of affection answering the recognition for his lost parent on these very basalt shores. A squeeze to his fingers reassures of her support, soft though it is. <>

The vantage rests before them, older buildings turned over to the refugees from Earth, however many they are. All because of the kind heart of a man and his dog. Simplifying the Inhuman king down to that seems ridiculous, but there's truth behind it. <<Can you read my memories?>> she asks, simply enough. <> With so little acting as a barrier to the mind, the uniquely imperiled position means somehow dropping her guards, that quiet vulnerability peeled open by conscious effort. <<Jemma wasn't impressed. She and I both seemed concerned what our actions would reflect, and that's no surprise. She's British, a monarch is a fact of life there. I obviously worry about your position and my direct impression. Daisy didn't hesitate to confront the two men he was manipulating and smartly reminded them about Lockjaw. Does /he/ question my intentions?>>

He might! He probably also knows her better than the other royals, being fully aware he's treated like the very smart and good Lockjaw he is. The outright fascination for being on the moon in those unclouded moments, and the pensive ones separated from her friends. Stupid angels. <<Your brother's next. Inheritance matters in a dynasty. What have you told them my intentions are? Making you smile and having everyday moments to share isn't enough of a motive to ascribe to me, is it?>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<>, Blackagar says softly to Jane. He hesitates and then glances at her with the faint blush around his cheeks. <<To be honest, I have not even told members of the Royal Family that we are able to converse as this. In the past it has been exclusive to only a few of them. I would suspect there may be a bit of surprise.>> Yes, even he gets to keep some secrets. But it is more, it is an uncertainty in how to address it. <<I think because of that, it also clouds the fact that I don't know how to express motives or intentions. I don't wish to speak for you. And when I'm asked about it, I usually deflect. Because /I/ don't know for myself. To be fair, there is probably a lurking concern you're after the throne. Which, I know is absolutely true. You are definitely with me in some sort of hope to usurp power and claim Attilan as your own.>> The sarcasm is very thick, humored.

<<Confronting you? I get. They know there is something between us and that is a concern. Confronting Daisy, I get. She is Inhuman but of Earth heritage. They do not know what my plans are there either but suspect something is there. You two, I suspect Maximus is focused on figuring out. The wildcard truly is Jemma. Which must confuse him greatly.>> The pondering mind drifts then comes back, a look over at Jane and shake of head following. <<Lockjaw adores you three. He was ready to teleport you all to safety and then fetch me immediately if anything went further. When we spoke, he was incredibly upset and feels he failed to protect you.>> A pause, <>

Jane Foster has posed:
Her smile doesn't veer, only giving Blackagar a brightening arc to see by. She leans into him slightly with a playful nudge. <<I see. You're lucky that it's fresh in my mind. The strange part was the aggression and the opening line, that the park was only for citizens. You hear that sort of anti-immigrant rhetoric enough in American cities, much as I wish it weren't true. But that's someone spoiling for a fight, and moreover, why would regular people do that with a gigantic pup almost certainly known to be associated with you? We mentioned you by name, too, and Lockjaw made apparent he didn't like their manner or behaviour. Without being too aggressive.>> Fondness that surrounds his defense of Jemma and the slight relief they had an exit in case Daisy got upset is palpable, if subtle.

<<They think I seek a crown because in their eyes, why else would we be together? I've already faced that.>> Asgard. The fleeting image of a wrathful king, a smirking prince, a lady warrior frowning. <<Clearly I am the one to manipulate an ancient society through such malfeasance.>> The wry note blackened by his own sardonic tint only blooms as she holds her hands apart. <<Forcing you by strength of arms alone. The idea's ridiculous. I don't need a title to care about you and a throne to want to make a family with you, if you ever decide you want that. However you define family; to me, we are one in our splendid apartment. I don't even know the other one survived the attack on Manhattan.>> That fact is strange with the earth two hundred thousand miles away, still clearly within sight and untouchable, a blue globe lurking astray.

She breaks into that faint smile. <<Why bring Poppins indeed? I thought to let her whack him with her purse, personally. He should not feel a failure at all. Do you regularly have people being mind-handled that way? Manhandled? He did exactly what he should. He engaged without immediate force and proceeded to protect us as he saw fit. I will tell him that myself if you don't. I would not lie, the temptation to go wading in to fight was /strong/ even though I knew it was the wrong move to make. Sometimes the urge to defend others overcomes good sense. Even so, we got past without a fight, and that's the important part. No one in that park personally was anything other than a victim of jealousy and circumstance. The guards did no wrong, nor the Furiae or our fourth member with four legs, did we? I thought it was managed well. And if they try to drag me in in shackles for some trumped up charge, you do realize I'll go if it keeps them free, yes? I'm a complicating factor in ways they are not.>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<<Jane, do you not wonder at times how Inhuman scientists, with more experience with our biology and the Kree have not found a cure for this virus I have?>> The words come after a long pause. It has been a few cards he has kept close to his chest. <<Yet Jemma found a solution in a matter of days? It is not to diminish her intelligence or capabilities in the least, she is amazing. But since that time no progress has occurred on the Inhuman side of things. I brought her here with the intent of having the group of you break into to the Inhuman science labs at the Genetic Council and to go over the research they have been conducting.>>

Bombshell. Dropped. Boom.

<<If I were to do it, or order it done, it would provide avenue for evidence to be destroyed. That segment of our society is overseen by the Minister of Sciences, someone you have met through the proxy of mind control of two guards.>> Unspoken Maximus.

<<As for us? How I define us is... Well, I don't know. The truth is I never once in my life considered the possibility of what is possible now. You may be surprised to know this, but I can be a little bit intimidating to others. Inhumans revere me or despise me depending on their political tilt. And I had never really considered the possibility of going to Earth and, I don't know, perhaps meeting someone. So I really don't know how to even ponder what could be next.>>

Another slow pause, <<If Lockjaw ever shows up to remove you all, follow him. There are others of the Royal Family you can trust, but he is who would arrive first. As for wrong? No. Maximus seized the minds of those men, for which he should be imprisoned, but I cannot prove it. IT is why he did it when none who can give testimony against him was around.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
<> Because the ancient stirring in a storm that spanned the void of space in a galaxy rolling in shivering sparks of plasma and light. <<It stands to reason human science is best suited to human bodies. Same with aliens or Atlanteans or Inhumans. If you have a culture of genetic experimentation, why did she reach it first? Asgard would have the same questions for me somehow cutting their Gordian knots.>>

Her posture straightens and Jane tucks her feet against the ground, pulling her knees up so they're not dangling over the edge. Thud. Blast radius measured, her eyes half-closed. <<We need to ensure her fingerprints are never found on this. Ideally none of ours. Why, you devious man, is this why you invited spies to your house?>>

Look out, he might get poked. <<You are intimidating when you are angry. I recall how you engaged in playtime in radioactive clouds and crystallized ice, yes? Maybe we could look at a nice date on, say, Triton. Enceladus? That big heart on Pluto.>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<<The reason she found it first, is because I believe attempts to find it here, have been thwarted and countered. Either there has been no attempts made, or those that are have been disrupted. Which leads me further to wonder if the virus itself was not merely an incidental, but rather...>> he pauses, glancing at Jane, <<Remember, it was Attilan that informed me of the readings. What if it was intended to be a trap?>>

He let's that thought linger, silently for a few moments. The possibility is quite true. <<It is known that I still harbor ... deep emotions about how my parents died. What better way to get me to abdicate my position than if I lose complete control and cause mass destruction or worse. Had it not been for you that is.>> There falls a small smile after, <<I prefer tactical rather than devious. But no, I did not bring you here for this, I brought you all here for safety. That is most important. But if an opportunity rises? That is different. Along with that however, even I cannot protect against some repercussions, which is why I am reluctant to press the consideration.>>

Blackagar is amused, it shines through, but there is something else present. <> Eye glance down at his free hand, turning it into a fist slowly then opening it. <<True anger is something I do not allow myself.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
It probably needn't be said but it is anyway. "I'm teasing you, darling. Not accusing you of anything." The words need practice now and then, her throat worked so that her vocal chords don't completely atrophy. The lilting glaze of her accent sounds different here than what else she is used to hearing in Attilan. The quality of air in the lunar atmosphere facilitates a slight difference. "I don't know your anger, no."

Not like that. She scooches over a little more to kiss Blackagar's cheek, resting her brow to that spot already touched by her lips in a benedictory greeting that would esteem him with whatever calm she can possibly bestow. It's a nice thought against the best meditation expert this side of Kamar-Taj. Possibly better. <<I do not want you to be angry. Let us be happy and celebrate what achievements lie before us. I am content to consider the opportunity to see if someone is actively undermining your efforts here. This is /your/ home and, by proxy, important to me. Attilan informed you of many things, though if they break trust with you, let your friends who can act on your behalf do that. Just point me where. I very well might walk through the city according to your lead, but it's not the only thing I can see.>>

her eyes close, the moment spent in silence that stretches out. A trap in Attilan. A trap for him. The gale of unhappiness flutters somewhere down below into herself. Deep, dark, a place to be squashed in silence.

Her tongue flicks over her lips. <<Abdication is serious. My testimony won't matter for anything if it came to it. But I can sometimes see truths buried beneath the surface. A strange blessing since being shattered, you know?>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<<Oh do not fret, that is not something that I am considering. Even if I did, it would not be to him. If anything power would remain with the Council and guidance perhaps with some new entity.>> Blackagar affirms softly, leaning into the soft kiss and resting his cheek against Jane. <<I'd rather no one, myself included, have to know my anger. I'd prefer not having to be angry. But I know that there will come a time when it happens.>> The mental sigh, felt like a physical one but without sound uttered follows.

<<This is why I prefer our home in New York. The politics are far less and it is much easier to focus on the micro issues. Part of why I am doing this is to allow others to start learning to manage, to run, to be in charge. My teachers instilled a mindset that I am trying to live by. To make decisions, to delegate to others how to carry those out, and then to hold them accountable appropriately for the results. If it was a poor decision, take responsibility. If it was a good decision but carried out poorly, figure out how to execute it better.>> His hand tightens softly, <<It is much easier to do that from afar. And that is really what I am attempting to ponder. I tasked for a treatment to this virus. It hasn't produced, is that due to lack of solution? Lack of ability? Or lack of intent to actually do it.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
<<Fret? I am accused of fretting now? I sound terrible, then.>> Mock outrage and horror cross Jane's face. <> Pouting will not do; she can get around to it later if it matters. <<Whatever becomes of the future in Attilan, you will not be separate from. Maybe the Genetic Council will hold free elections and allow only handsome dogs to run for leadership positions. Lockjaw, the friendliest emissary to all lands.>>

The man in his many responsibilities is no different from the one surveying the damage after a night of cooking and baking. She slowly takes him in her arms, looping around his neck and moving behind him in kind to offer a protective embrace. It calls for the momentary parting of their hands, but not long. Just enough to get situated. <<Delegation is the surest form of happiness in authority. Letting others manifest their own talents and skills while having someone to supervise those decisions and make the final call, if need be. They can take accountability and not be subject to overweening attention, but at the same time, they own that duty and responsibility to the fullest. With the right person, you'll find a happy medium. With the wrong one, banishment and exile, then start again with a smile and a slice of key lime pie.>>

Possibly not so much the pie, but they can try. <<What if the treatment came from a combination of all three? What if they are reluctant because they see value in it, an opportunity not to be exploited? If they are of many minds about how to proceed and that paralyzes unified action? There might be some possibilities you could track down, though how quietly you can do it, I don't know. Scientific breakthroughs do take time. There's always rivalry in the lab -- I know it. Secrecy too.>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<<While there are disagreements, at times, among our people -- Inhumans have always possessed a very unified mindset and purpose. Questioning of these things, disagreements, when they rarely do arise, are set aside for the greater good. In most cases. The only times this has not happened is when someone who does not fit the goals or the ideals of our people attempts to corrupt it. This has happened in the past, it happens now. That is the concern. The worm within the fruit eventually turns the entire fruit bad. Such is this current situation.>>

He shifts as well, falling into a position that has him half laying against Jane along that ledge so that she can hold him. <<The temptation was there you know. To come the second Lockjaw told me what had happened. To rush out. But I did not, not from lack of desire to, but because of perceptions. I think that is what I dislike the most. Having to temper myself when I do not wish to.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
Understanding shines in Jane's eyes and her thoughts, a warmth as she presses herself into the warmth that Blackagar offers. Anyone looking up at them would not deny them as lovers or besotted with one another, the familiarity far too gracefully sketched in the lines of their bodies. Her arms close around him a little more. <<The worm within the fruit. This is a clear situation of taking something too far beyond what should happen. I think of the Inhumans like Japan: homogeneous, similarly aligned, and a strong sense of purpose culturally.>>

It at least gives a touchpoint beyond a secretive race with him as their foremost example to her. She strokes her thumb against the back of his knuckles. Greedy creature that she is. <<The perception always matters. You temper yourself for the good of those who rely on you. What would Maximus have done, if you interceded? Escalating his frustration to act and lash out against you? I don't like knowing any of us were at risk, but there's no chance Daisy would not have defended us. Or, if it came to that, I'd shed my anonymity to keep you secure. You did not. I don't read it as your failure, Blackagar. I never did.>>

Blackagar Boltagon has posed:
<<It is a good analogy, that of Japan,>> Blackagar affirms softly, <<Or any other culture as such. Ours is a homogenous society. We are all Inhumans. There is no immigration in, no emigration out. The purpose of Sanctuary was to provide a sort of cultural learning and adjustment space for those who might wish to join Attilan from Earth, few do, because it meant not returning. But yes, that homogeneity has been a strength for many millennia.>> He looks backwards and upwards at Jane, <<And now they have a King who frollicks on Earth with a non-Inhuman, the King's brother who from what I can tell is allying himself with the worst of Earth in order to seize power, and the first non-Inhumans to visit Attilan in over a hundred years.>>

A small smile comes up, <<No wonder there are nerves and questions being asked. They have the right to it. But the breaking of the status quo began long before us, and long before I went to London.>> He considers then, <<Maximus will never confront me directly. He is like a spider, only making his moves in darkness and shadow. He has a gifted mind, but it does not work on mine. But aside from that? I do not think any of you were at risk. If he places you in harm's way he forces my hand to come against him. His fear of me, but more than that, his unknowing of how the three of you fit into my plans, will hold him in check, for now.>>

Jane Foster has posed:
<<No immigration in or out, how despairing. There's the rub.>> A low chuckle swirls through their thoughts, a bridge that helps her carefully crook her fingers to rest under his chin and give Blackagar a platform to be kissed lightly again. <<Sanctuary was a one-way street. Something to think long and hard about. Your people who came this way sacrificed a good deal. I know that and don't take it lightly but neither will I sacrifice our happiness or future to the fears of others.>> Shaking her head, it's the nearest she gets to selfish. Is it selfless to act for another? Not really. <<Your brother allied to the worst of Earth. Define worst. Victor von Doom? Zod? He's not of Earth, but still... Who are we hunting?>>

The rub of that situation is keenly settled. <<Darling. I'm not simply flesh and blood. A man who can control the will of another might control me easier than we like. Bear that in mind.>> Psychic weakness, thou art scary. So why worry? <>

9996/Aftermath of Diplomacy

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