Owner Pose
Lorna Dane The embassy wasn't as busy as it was at times. There were staff here of course, those helping locals and giving out information. A few mutants from Genosha that were visiting to teach some things at the rec center built onto the side of the Embassy proper. And of course the Queen was currently in residence as was obvious by a little placard at the front that informed she was accepting visitors.

While she'd had a few people stop by to chat or even just gush over her (really she was always surprised by how many seemed to be into the whole Royalty of Genosha thing given the history), she was mostly available right now. Seated at a desk with some papers to look over, and a large Mootown Milkshake on her desk, she was easily approachable.

Nevermind the few mutants standing guard obviously ready to deal with issues that may arise. No one was stopping anyone from entering past the usual security checks.
Tom McCarthy It wasn't really SHIELD's dance, or fault, but still... it paid to work towards resolving any unaddressed issue when the FBI agents tried to apprehend a Genoshan citizen at the embassy. So here Tom was, Agent McCarthy, playing operation smooth over. Not his normal schtick, but hey - junior agents don't really get a say in things.

He'd made his way to the front desk, filling out any and all forms needed. He'd also consented to the search and wanding - having already handed over his sidearm. Not that it would do much good if trouble started, but appearances mattered.

"I'd like to see if I can get a moment of Her Royal Majesty's time, to discuss what happened the night of the opera?"
Lorna Dane The large troll-like mutant with a square head regards Tom a long moment at the request. He looks to the paperwork again, just to clarify that it is all in order, before he allows a nod. A quick tap to the side of his overly large head turns on an ear peice that was for all intents and purposes taped there with medical tape since he had no outward seeming ears. Really, troll shaped. The request is passed along and he rumbles, "You may go ahead." Really for as deep and rumbly a voice as he had, the man's enunciation was inscrutable. Likely why he was on front desk duty.

Lorna sits up in her seat having been informed of a visitor. The paperwork is tapped on her desk neatening up the stack which she then tucks away inside a folder for later work. Out of sight for now she rises to stride forward meeting Tom halfway.

"Good evening, Agent McCarthy," she greets smoothly having been informed of everything off of his paperwork supplied. As well as a quick background check that had been run by the security that was behind the scenes. Much as they could get. It never hurt to be cautious. "You wished to speak?"
Tom McCarthy Patience was part and parcel of the position, truth be told. Tom affixed a friendly smile to his face, nodding to the trollish fellow. "Very much appreciated." A turn towards the area as explained, moving deliberately along the path offered. No deviation from the path, no meandering or getting out of line. There's no reason to irk the Royals.

It always felt like swimming outside of his depth when dealing with these potential political fiascos. Give him a gun, tell him to jump out of a plane and save a life - no problem. Rub elbows and smile at a politician? Yikes!

As he entered her presence, he gave a polite and proper bow of his head in respect. "Your Royal Majesty, I did. I had wanted to make sure things were handled with the incident a few weeks ago to your satisfaction? I want to make sure that there are no ongoing problems or loose threads that my agency can assist with?" He says, peering over to her once his head is lifted. Nothing in PJ school helped him plan for meeting a queen, let alone a super-powered one!
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane spreads her hand in a single sweeping gesture toward a chair that was in front of the desk she had been seated at. "Please, have a seat, agent." Even as the offer is made she turns to head back for her own chair which she sinks down into with a certain grace--And lack of decorum for just a moment because let's face it, wearing heels on marble flooring was KILLER. She wanted off her feet pronto.

"I had spoken to the FBI agents after the incident. While I still find the situation to be concerning, I don't believe they were in control of themselves when the attempt on my citizen was made. I'm still concerned enough to want to look further into it. Mind control is not something we take lightly."
Tom McCarthy If he notices any difficulty with the heels, he's certainly not saying anything. He waits for her to sit before unbuttoning his suitcoat and sitting himself. "Thank you." He offers over, with another respectful nod. His hands are placed on the table, fingers laced together.

"Indeed - someone or something able to puppet agents of the FBI is very concerning." Tom starts. "Was the source of the control determined?" He wonders, trying to act proper, but relaxed as to be polite.
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane can only shake her head in response to the question. She shifts her weight slightly to rest her cheek against her fist propped up on the desktop while considering this all. "Mm. Not as of yet. My security team is still looking into it. It seems as if it was some kind of joint multi-person manipulation. Nothing which harmed them, but they seem unaware as to it having happened. When it did occur, and they were forced to answer more questions than they could easily handle, their speech..." She pauses to consider how best to say it.

"What one said was what they all said. It was like wires crossed, or a radio signal that was interrupted by another station frequency. Immediately after that the hold on them seemed to break apart leaving them free to come back to their senses. I've never heard of such before."
Tom McCarthy The agent listens, taking in every word. "Interesting. And no memory of anything unusual..." Tom shakes his head. "That has to be disorienting." The man comments, hrming a moment. Another nod before he continues.

"Was there any reason that the person they were aprehending could give as to why he might have garnered such interest? Did they have any enemies, or entanglements that might be coming to look for them?" He wonders.
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane frowns in consternation at this particular question. All she can do is shake her head slightly while sitting up straighter. "He's a nineteen year old boy," she explains simply. "While it's possible he's gained enemies in his life--It's rather easy to do being what we are in this world--I rather doubt that he would manage to gain such powerful enemies. Other than a juvie record for petty incidents, there's no real reason that we can ascertain."

"The only real lead we have so far is where the FBI agents were when they became 'disorientated' in such a manner." Her hand lifts to reach out tapping the top of the Mootant Milkshake sitting on her desk. "We've had it under observation since. Though it may not be any lead at all in actuality so far as just happenstance for all we know."
Tom McCarthy His eyes follow her tapping, a nod from Tom. "Thank you for your candid responses, Your Royal Majesty." He offers, politely. "I suspect the FBI is watching that location as well. I'll advise my superiors that we should do some investigating there as well. I'll make sure to advise that you have your agents there as well, and we'll do our bests to avoid your people's work."

"Thank you, of course, for sharing this information. Is there anything else you have that might help? I don't want to traumatize the young man by questioning him - I am sure he's had enough of agencies at this point." He chuckles.
Lorna Dane "Of course. While the embassy may be considered my domain, outside the doors it's still New York. I'm not the authority there," Lorna points out. Her hands shift to clasp together lightly, and she offers a dip of her head toward Tom as well. "This is an incident which occured in both places, ultimately. Not sharing such information which could prove beneficial to avoiding such incidents in the future... That just seems foolish."
Tom McCarthy Another polite smile. "I agree, entirely. But I also know how some agencies are looked upon, and how some people are not fans." A chuckle from Tom. "I'm just covering my bases, and trying to keep up with etiquette Your Royal Majesty." He says, honestly.

"This is an unusual circumstance to begin with, and I personally have little experience in speaking with Royalty." At least he's honest. "I'm more used to more active assignments, in as opposed to conversations."
Lorna Dane "Well to begin with," Lorna starts with a smile toward him. "You don't have to keep calling me 'your majesty.' I'm Queen of Genosha, yes, but my actual name is Lorna. This place was set up partially as a means to allow people to interact with those of government without having to deal with all the pomp and circumstance," Lorna explains with a lift of her chin to indicate the embassy proper. The glance sweeps around the room before her head rolls to one side indicating the doors off to the other side of the building where children were currently running in and out.

"I didn't want the embassy to be just a building for diplomats. I wanted to offer something to the people of New York, and Bushwick. A safe space to be themselves for just awhile at least without fear of upsetting others. The recreation center, and here, it's all so that we can look at one another as people. Not just numbers or statistics."
Tom McCarthy There's a slight grin at that. "Well, if you insist. My name is Tom... if we're going to use given names, I'd be an ass to not provide you with mine." Tom offers. "I didn't want to offend you, your guards or your security." Again, he's honest.

He looks around the place, then back to her. "I think it would be an awesome place to showcase the differences and beauty of Genosha, then. Maybe have art from your Genoshan citizens? Music?" A slight smile. "I think it'd be awesome for that sort of sharing of culture. Are there any Genoshan cuisines that might get shared?" He pauses, a shake of his head. "Sorry, I am sure you're already ahead of the game on all this. I just remember traveling, and enjoying finding out about the culture of the places I've visited."
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane allows herself a chuckle at the apparent excitement from Tom in regards to all that he could potentially experience here. Again she dips her head while smiling far more openly than before. These were topics she rather enjoyed after all. "A pleasure to meet you officially, Tom. And of course. The opera that the incident happened at was only the first of many such ventures. The singer is mutant, and only recently spoken openly about it after accepting Genoshan citizenship. It was a real treat to listen to her--She can project emotions along with her singing. Evoke a sense of..." A long sigh is exhaled as she glances off above his head a moment.

"It's hard to describe but it is really an amazing experience seeing one of her shows. You really feel immersed in it. As for food..." Her hands spread with a small shrug. "Genoshan cuisine is really a mix of cultures at this point given the history of most who live there. Many of it us based off of local seafood, fresh vegetables and the like. If you like coffee, though?" Here her eyes twinkle a bit with a nudge of her chin over toward a self-service area with several coffee carafes. "Genoshan origin."
Tom McCarthy His eyes go to the coffee, then back to her. "If you don't mind me having some?" Tom chuckles. "It sounds really interesting. I've... not had much experience with mutantkind that I am aware of, or superheros so to speak." A smirk. "So many things to consider, you know? Especially when working in a situation like this." Tom shrugs, clearly looking amused.

"I've got a sharp eye for details and likely idiotic sense of heroism, so... I suppose I can at least vet out details for people in the know to sort through." A smile. "I'm sorry I missed the performance, if it was that good."
Lorna Dane "Help yourself. I recommend it with a splash of cream, and no sugar, but it's excellent however it's tried. The volcanic ash in the mountains makes for excessively fertile soil perfect for the crop," Lorna explains. "The coffee experts that rate beans--Honestly I hadn't known there was such a job--They claim it's most similar to Venezeluan but with a fruitier flavor profile." Chuckling quietly she just shakes her head. "I just think it tastes excellent. I may be biased a bit."
Tom McCarthy Slowly getting to his feet - Tom nods. "Thank you - may I get you a cup as well?" He offers, before moving over to the coffee and pouring out a cup for himself, at least. Cream and sugar are added, nothing too much.

"There are all sorts of jobs, that you might not think of initially. But when you hear of them, and think about it, it makes sense." A wry grin at that. "May I ask you some non-related questions? I don't want to pry, but..." A friendly chuckle. "As I mentioned, my exposure to royalty and mutantkind is pretty small."
Lorna Dane "Ah, yes please. I could use a little pick-me-up to perk up a bit. Thank you." Of course Lorna could have gotten it herself, or even asked one of the staff to get it for her most likely. But an offer was an offer and she takes it calmly.

"By all means. Depending on the question I may not answer, of course," she adds with a little grin meant to show she was merely joking. "But I'm more than happy to help enlighten others when I can. It's always refreshing to have an honest conversation."
Tom McCarthy Her coffee is poured, cream and no sugar. "Well, I suppose the first - how do you find being royalty?" Tom asks, eyes on hers as he delivers the drinks to the table before returning to his seat. As he settles in, he adds. "I ask because... you act a bit differently than I'd have expected from someone in your position." He says, politely, but frankly.

"Again, you have every right to not answer, or kick me out for my insolence." He winks. "I'm... just curious. Being a Queen with super powers... is a one-two punch that seriously could level mountains, right? Political clout, and the capabilities to ..." A wave of his hand. "... er, forgive me. I looked over your brief, but I didn't particularly read over your powers. I didn't want to color my conversation with you based on misunderstandings of your skills."
Lorna Dane "How am I expected to act? I wasn't a Queen until a few years ago," Lorna points out as she reaches to accept the coffee. "Thank you." It's raised to take a sip from while she inhales deeply enjoying the scent as well as the flavor of the brew. "Mm. It's quite alright. My powers are like my fathers. I'm certain you're at least familiar with his, breif or not." Most were. Magneto was rather infamous after all. "It's not often that similar mutations are directly transfered from one generation to another, but it seems to hold true for the... more powerful mutations. To some extent. Nothing is a hundred percent of course."

"There's political clout, to some extent. Genosha was a nation of mutants enslaved to work for those in power not so long ago. It was liberated by my father, Magneto, and he became King. Since then we've faced several hardships and disasters to overcome. While we *have* overcome them," she adds pointedly. "That doesn't necessarily mean that every other nation recognizes us as legitimate. Some are just expecting us to turn into terrorists, if you listen to the Humans First rhetoric."
Tom McCarthy Taking a sip from his coffee, he nods to Lorna as he listens. Information is key, knowing about a person helps you relate to their point of view - for the most part. At the mention of her father, he nods. Almost everyone was aware of him - good or bad. Mental notes are taken, as Tom nods again. "Yes, I recognize the name." He offers over, neutral as he can. "Interesting about the mutation though - if it doesn't normally pass from parent to child like that. I imagine though, that the chance for mutation is higher when one's parent is a mutant themselves?" He wonders.

A somber nod. "Unfortunately, hate is universal. Some people seem to thrive on it, alas. I've seen it in any number of sorties I've been through - the only thing that really changes about it is the face that wears it." A shake of his head. "Sorry that Mutants have to go through this sort of nonsense... or anyone that is different, really."
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane wraps her hands around her mug as she leans back into her chair relaxing a bit more. Perhaps the familiar scent of the coffee that was from her new 'home' was something which helped to put her at ease a bit. Or maybe it was just that the conversation, one that was being discussed civilly and with honesty, was rather refreshing enough to allow her guard down just a tad.

"I'm honestly not the best individual to give an explanation as to how the genetics portion of mutations work. Dr. McCoy is far better at that than I--Though you may never get him to stop once he starts," she adds with a fond smile at the recollection of her old friend. "Generally it does enhance the chance, yes, but it's not a certainty. I've known some mutants that have children who aren't. And several who aren't, that do."

As she says this she casts a glance toward the recreation area pointedly. Those that mingled around that part of the embassy were far younger. "Several of whom end up in the streets because their parents don't accept them, or fear them. I suppose it's a bit like a recessive gene. You could have the potential, but not develop an ability. Then your child ends up with one."
Tom McCarthy "Dr. McCoy - I've seen his name around. Quite the scientist, so I am told." A grin. "I think I had to read some biology papers and genetics theories from him, while I was taking classes." Tom smirks. "It's kind of surreal finding out he's a superhero and all, you know? Just, kind of a wild idea. Brilliant scientist and crime-fighter."

"Back in the day, it was being left handed. Or a ginger. Or any number of differences that people were fearful of - rightfuly or not." A sigh from Tom as he shrugs. He looks around the recreation area as well. "I am hoping they find a family worthy of them. Those other people aren't worth the air they breathe, if they turn their kids out like that."
Lorna Dane "It happens far too often. Worse yet are the ones that are of alternative orientations. It's a double-whammy for them. But that's neither here nor there at the moment," Lorna chuckles while taking a sip of her coffee. It's set back down on the desktop after a moment while she thinks.

"Before that, Jews. It still is at times for that, too. There's so many reasons to hate someone but none of them really matter in the long run. All we can do is press on and do the best that we can for them." A softer smile is cast toward the room once more. "We've actually got a 'big brother/big sister' program set up for many that were ousted, or who have become orphans. My bodyguard set up the program, actually. She's been quite diligent in helping herself."
Tom McCarthy "Humanity has a long way to go. I've been in war torn places, seen a lot of horrors. But for every wicked thing, I've seen something that is so good that it wipes away those nasty images. For the most part." He chuckles. "I am sure my analyst would say otherwise, but hey." Tom shrugs. "I can imagine those who aren't straight, or identify as another gender have so much more to go through - yeah." A frown.

He does smile at the mention of the big brother and sister program. "That's... an awesome thing to have started." A grin. A raise of his mug up to toast. "To moving forward, not one step back."
Lorna Dane Lorna Dane lifts her mug at that particular sentiment bearing a growing grin. "Hear hear. I have to say this has been quite an enjoyable conversation so far. Even if the opening topic is a worrisome one," she adds with a chuckle, and slight shake of her head. Right now wasn't the time to look further into the incident with Tommy and the FBI agents after all. They'd already covered that.

"You should visit Genosha sometime, then. We were hit rather hard with everything that went on the past few years, but are recovering well. We just recently opened our borders to tourists again, in fact."
Tom McCarthy "I try to make things amiable, Lorna. I figure a good first impression is great - you can't undo a bad one." Tom muses, before sipping his coffee. "Hopefully the initial conversation can be solved without any trouble to you or yours." A slight smile and a nod. "And without too much entanglement from authorities."

"I'd like to visit, yes. It's one of the places I've never been. Most of my trips abroad had me leaping out of a helicopter or plane to help out another soldier." A chuckle. "It was a good time, scary, but good."