Owner	Pose
Bobbi Morse	It's what passes for 'morning' when you live in an underground bunker. The residences at the Triskelion, like many SHIELD bases, are designed to act as a vault in case of apocalyptic attack. If you're not on duty and you're resting down here when it happens, congrats, you're a chosen survivor! Bobbi's suite is like most apartments. Two rooms, a lounge room and a kitchen, as well as bathroom. There are bright wide windows with curtains, the curtains hanging open. Outside is a beautiful jungle and the sounds there in of critters and birds waking up and singing songs. It looks a little like how one might imagine the Savage Lands if they'd never been there. Bobbi is wearing suit pants and a tank top, all SHIELD issues. Her feet are bare and her hand is holding a mug of coffee. When there is a knock on her door, she answers with a morning smile, "Jemma, come on in." She's not on duty, so this is Jemma, not Agent Simmons.
Jemma Simmons	"Hello, Agent Morse" Yes, Jemma knows that Bobbi is not on duty, but it is that British properness, combined with SHIELD protocol, that prompts the proper title given. Besides, given that Jemma appears as she usually does, with labcoat over a light sweater, jeans, and those red canvas saddle shoes..it is quite possible that Jemma did another all-nighter and is still in 'work' mode. In any case, there is just a touch of nervousness as the scientist enters, cupping a hand within the other, both held just below chin level as she walks in. "I trust the morning finds you well?"     It is an attempt at small talk which, normally, would work well considering it is part of Jemma's repertoire as a medical doctor. However, it is apparent that there has been a lot on the good doctor's mind...and still more there....so the attempt falls a little flat. "I certainly hope I am not intruding upon anything..."
Bobbi Morse	Bobbi picks up her watch from the table top and checks the time. Hey! it is _actually_ morning out there. It's nice when your work schedule matches up with actual life outside. She puts it back down again and sips her coffee. The door is closed and she tip toes back to the kitchen right as two pieces of toast pop out of the toaster. "I'm doing very well thank you. It's the usual morning routine for me. I like to pretend I'm living in suburbia doing suburban things." Like when she was younger and not an agent of SHIELD. "And no, never intruding, not for a friend." She settles down on the couch and tucks her feet up back up under her, nibbling on a piece of toast. "You look like you have a lot on your mind. Take a seat if it'll help and let it all out. Rip off that bandiaid." She nods encouragingly.
Jemma Simmons	Despite of the offer to sit, Jemma remains standing. Though, really, it was probably expected, considering how she is usually seen standing in the lab. It is how she does her best work. Still, it is more than just stand that Jemma does. She...is pacing, slowly, wringing her hands as she contemplates just how to start.     And then, finally, Jemma speaks. Cautiously, to begin with. "You...are aware of the incident with Ms. Meris Drew, yes? The routine investigation of a tip from her that became anything but?" There is a pause...but it really isn't for Bobbi to respond. It is for Jemma to gather her thoughts. "I...was the senior agent with that visit. It was quite unintentional, I assure you. However, with my responding to Ms Drew's information, due to our mutual history, I was the highest level agent on the scene. And..." There is a crack in Jemma's voice..."I failed her. I was tracking the energy signature. She retreated to her office for cover while the demonstrators attacked. I...had only left her for a few minutes." Jemma doesn't continue...but there is no need. After all, there is an autopsy report that describes what happened after that.     "And....then at the Gala." Of course, Bobbi knows exactly what happened at the Gala. "I had thought it prudent to check the exit point. That...was only for a minute or two as well. And that cost lives." The look Jemma gives now is a haunted one. It is obvious she feels responsible, regardless if she actually is or not. "Daisy and Jane already told me that there was no way for any of us to know what would happen. But....I....still feel responsible. I feel it was my fault these people are no longer with us."     With a swallow, Jemma pulls herself up to look Bobbi in the eye. "I feel that I may be a danger to others. Either....I should not lead, or I need to learn more than just what I can from textbooks and scientific journals."
Bobbi Morse	Bobbi's alarmed expression is genuine. She feels for Jemma - that uncertainty, that weighty guilt when things don't go fully according to how you'd like them to. That is the burden of command right there. She tries to nibble the toast more quietly, as this is a very serious conversation. Another sip of her coffee is had as she simply listens for a while and says, "When I was undercover this one time, when I was a senior agent, I was working in an AIM laboratory. I knew these people were bad, but I also needed to maintain my cover. I could at least act as the conscience they didn't have while I was there. In the briefest of moments when I went to get coffee.. they locked four of their colleagues in with a reactor leaking radiation to save themselves." She frowns a moment and says, "The longer we are in this job, the more of these horrible things start to stack up, because none of us can be responsible for the actions of the negligent or criminal. I'm sure people have pointed out that it is the attacker who is to blame at the Met Gala, but I can see from your expression that you feel - if only you had been there - you could have helped." The coffee is placed down on the side table, as is the toast. "It's the agents who lose that sense of 'I could have done more' that are the ones we worry about the most. If you don't take it personally, you never grow. Do you remember those nazi golems in the park? I lead an assault on them - one of their hostages was killed. I took it as badly as you are taking this right now." "You might think this is a bit callous perhaps, but compartmentalisation isn't just for keeping secrets, it's for disassociating from the perceived guilt we have for ourselves and the facts of what happened. Dispassionately observing those facts allows us to learn from our mistakes, rather than letting the feelings grind us down." She lifts a finger, "Personally, I think you'd make an excellent senior agent and I have been watching your actions lately with that in mind. Instead of not leading, I think you need more experience leading. You have all the makings of that next level up - though it is a bit of a change in profession. From Lab Leader to Mission Impossible is a scary leap."
Jemma Simmons	It was not wholly unexpected to hear that Bobbi has been watching Jemma's actions. After all, as a Field Leader, that would be expected. What did catch Jemma by surprise is the admission that Bobbi has been watching Jemma through the lens of a senior agent. That was something that Jemma just didn't consider before. "A senior agent?" There is a degree of disbelief in that utterance of words, but quickly recovered from. "I had not considered that."     An obvious statement. One does not need to be a master spy to know that was true.     Instead of focusing on that, Jemma shifts...to take in the advice. "I understand the need of compartmentalizing. It is one of the skills developed in medical school. I...believe that because I knew Meris on a personal basis, I was more affected. And, with the rabid succession of events, it compounded my already compromised feelings." Now...that was truly a scientific response. It would appear that Jemma did more than just study biology. There might have been a little psychology in there as well. "Not that it is an excuse. Merely an observation."     But...that senior agent revelation. That...draws Jemma back. "You truly think I would be able to be a senior agent?" For Jemma, that certainly meant more of what Bobbi said...from Lab Leader to Mission Impossible. "I...am not sure what that would entail? Would I no longer be within Research and Development? I....I suppose I would need to dramatically improve in other areas as well." It is apparent she holds senior agent status at a higher level than what she sees herself at, for certain.
Bobbi Morse	Bobbi nods as she listens to Jemma's own analysis of her feelings. That's a good sign, that she can understand herself well enough to do that. She lifts an eyebrow though that Jemma had never considered herself as a potential senior agent. "Well, I suppose it's worth reviewing what it is you think a senior agent is? they're not just the ones who take small teams out on missions. A senior agent is one who is a survivor. The one who is standing at the end of the fight. Because if we're the last line of defence, we have to win. Not every battle has to be won //now// but we //have// to win. It's the senior agents who win, in the end, always. Agent Romanov? Agent Barton? Agent Hartley? they're unstoppable. "But they also know that when they take a team out, they too were once junior agents, field agents, specialists.. and that they were there because they took on the personal risk of the mission and placed the mission above themselves. So, if they take injury, or worse, they die.. that senior agent knows it was their choice. Unless you out right deliberately murder them, ... no one is ever going to promote you to senior agent if they think you're incompetent, so you need never fear your incompetence might lead to someones death." A sip of her coffee, "Right now what I'm hearing is you're afraid you haven't trained well enough to be sure you're competent. You're right, there is a difference between the textbooks and reality. It's not that those other agents are expecting you to save them - they're not looking at you to be their hero, they're looking at you to call the good shots, to make the good decisions. Any time something happens that you didn't dictate, well, that's not on you - that's just fate." "So.. what does a Senior Agent Simmons look like? Well, she's a super scientist genius for one, so that doesn't change. You'd still be working in R&D, you'd be no less a science specialist than I am a Doctor in Biochemistry. But yes, your work mandate does broaden significantly. Typically when someone expresses an interest in becoming a senior agent, they'll be mentored to fill in all the missing gaps and to let shine their unique qualities. Dramatically? no Jemma, you're pretty amazing already, but you have your blind spots. If this is something you'd like to do, I could opt to be your mentor."
Jemma Simmons	Jemma stands silently, not pacing for once, as Bobbi describes what she feels a senior agent is. A survivor. A planner. A trusted individual. This stews within Jemma's brain, as the facts sink in. She is an analyst. Always has been. And, even now, she is analyzing the facts, or in this case Bobbi's rather informed opinions, and comparing them to the person Jemma sees herself to be. She has always been her worst critic...but even she can see the parallels as they line up. There isn't denying that.     But yes, there are those gaps. Those blind spots that Jemma had not had to consider before, because of her specialist position. "I am rather hyper-focused on certain aspects, I have to admit." The curse of being a specialist. She's specialized in research, development, and the sciences, but not so much on tactical and other aspects. "I do feel that correcting these short-comings will be in our best interest...SHIELD's and my own."     There. It is out in the wild. Said and cannot be taken back. "Even if not considered for a senior level, I feel it is only prudent to try to improve. So that, should these situations continue to arise where I am the senior agent, I can trust in my ability....and my friends can trust in me." There is a finality to those words. It is apparent Jemma doesn't care necessarily about the title. She just wants to make sure she knows what to do if necessary...and has the skills to do it.
Bobbi Morse	Bobbi smiles and nods, "That's the right attitude. I try to explain to people, that each level in shield is a burden. The higher the level, the more you know that weighs on you. The things that Fury knows, it's a wonder he can stand up straight. Hill and I are almost the same age, but we carry very different responsibilities. I would not enjoy her job, ...she would not enjoy mine. I'm not sure she enjoys hers though to be fair." There is a playful smirk. "Where ever we are most effective within SHIELD is where we should be. That's why pay grades aren't fixed to level. Even science teams need leaders, need someone in charge. That will one day be you whether you're ready or not. That seems to be happening a bit more now than it used to too. And then you start seeing younger people entering the organisation with energy and capability and competences and you realise.. yikes, they're looking at you for what to do." The toast is devoured finally and she says, "If you'll have me, I'd be honored to be your mentor Jemma. There's a lot of stuff we can work on. But if you want, effective immediately we can start sending you out with small teams when you're in the field. Nothing potentially too dangerous, ...I mean, you never know with these things, it is SHIELD after all. The smallest of operations can balloon in to high risk emergencies in seconds. You have to be ready for everything to fall apart.. to pick up the pieces.. and push on and win the day."
Jemma Simmons	As Bobbi offers that mentorship, to help guide Jemma, the nervous scientist that had walked in is nowhere to be seen. Instead, a warm smile crosses over the biochemist's features...an expression that brings the true Jemma to bear. Bobbi has seen Jemma comfortable and in her element before, in the lab. That same version is now here, in Bobbi's quarters....all the proof needed to know that Jemma is accepting of the offer. However, proper manners dictate that the gratitude be expressed, which is most definitely what Jemma does now, that smile brightening.     "Oh, the honor is all mine, Bobbi, that you would offer in the first place. And...I gladly accept the offer." Oh, there is another clue. Jemma opted for first name basis. She only does that with people she is truly comfortable with. A milestone, to be sure. "If you have such faith in me to take time out of your busy schedule to mentor, then who am I to say no?"
Bobbi Morse	Bobbi sips her coffee and grins, "That's great. You're going to love/hate me by the end of it, but I can live with that." She winks a little teasingly. "It's a big step up between each level, you must have recognised that when you were going up through the junior ranks. The gap between each level is exponential. But no one is asking you to be a super spy over night. Though, you will be a super spy, of that I can guarantee." Now a wink. It's clear Bobbi's is formulating plans and tasks for Simmons already. "Well, if that's all for now, you should probably get back to what you were doing.. and, look - I'm not saying this gets easier, it doesn't. It gets harder. You will lose people, you will gain people. You will find people you work with extremely well and who seem to understand what you want of them before you've even said it. But just remember, we wear the shield of SHIELD because we've taken on the responsibility to protect the whole planet, and sometimes that means we lose the individuals along the way. Sometimes it's us that we lose. We almost lost Coulson when Loki attacked. The first SHIELD agent to ever give his life for the job was Chief Sousa. Given the way I live my life, I expect one day I'll die for the job too." She looks distant for a moment, then glances back to Jemma, "But I know it'll have been worth it and I'll have made a difference." She nods thusly and says, "And as your mentor, feel free to come to me any time you need to discuss anything, anything at all."
Jemma Simmons	There is a rather affirming nod at the mention of Jemma getting back to what she was doing. "You are right. I am currently studying the rapid cellular degradation caused by our mystery assailant and seeing if I can isolate the delivery mechanism used to enhance the aging process as expediently as it did." In other words....she is comparing tissue samples and trying to find a common thread. But of course Bobbi knew that. "I should probably get back to the lab. The spectrum analysis should be completed by now."     But first, another smile and another expression of gratitude. "Oh, but I certainly expect the journey to be difficult. Anything that is worth doing always is." With that, Jemma turns and heads for the door. "Thank you again, Bobbi. Enjoy the rest of your morning. I look forward to whatever you have in store in the future."