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The conference room off the Fantastic Four residence in the Baxter Building is comfortable enough. A long table with an array of arm chairs around it grace the room. A large chalkboard rests to one side, and a series of pictures are pinned to the board at the front with an array of magnets.
Seo Hyun Storm stands at the front of the room in a black pantsuit. Her dark hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail, and beneath the collar of the white shirt paired with her suit, a patch of blue peeks out — a signal of her fantastic four uniform.
Sue stands at the front of the room with her hands resting lightly on her hips, and a smile edging her lips. A table to the side of the room includes a teapot, a coffee urn (situated as far down the table away from Doctor Storm as possible), and an array of pastries, fruit, and other snacks.
She waits for others to settle and sips at her own cup of tea.
*
Karolina arrives from RP Nexus.
*
Karolina has arrived.
*
For today's meeting, the Black Panther arrives not afoot, as is usually her want, but in a limo flying the Wakandan flag. She is in costume, masked hood in place, as she exits the car, leaving her security detail to settle in with the guards holding the building while making her way up to the level of the boardroom. She enters and nods to those already assembled, carrying a manilla folder in her hand as she stands behind her chosen seat. "Good evening, Doctor Storm." she offers in that altered voice and unique accent.
*
Crystal sits near the center of the table, dressed in a well-worn dress of light green silk embroidered with colorful flowers, as if this were a meeting of the junior league rather than an anti-alien task force. A glass of water sits in front of her, not yet touched, as she looks around the room, taking note of the parties present.
*
Out of place is something Lucy is going to have to get used to. She is the picture of a displaced California girl — and girl it is, not woman — from her high ponytail with the red ribbon and her red wool dress with the white Peter Pan collar to her white leather boots. She is seated near Doctor Storm, looking simultaneously perky and anxious, hands folded in front of her on the table. From time to time, she forgets herself and fiddles with a silver bracelet on her left wrist, then corrects herself and folds her hands up neatly again. Best behaviour. Mrs Tuttle of the finishing school is always watching — at least in spirit.
*
ACT-F in the house! Right. The lawyer in their midst, complete with fancy extra letters before and after her name, is also the two meter tall woman of jade-green complexion and wild sylvan hair mostly brushed and ironed flat. A nice sentiment; the longer one looks, the more it clearly seems to curl, spiteful of being forced into any manner of order. Not so the pretty black suit as precise and tailored as any could hope to be, even if she happens to likely be the tallest person in the room. Coffee would normally sit in front of her, but for whatever reasons, Jennifer chooses not to actually drink it. She settles with a teacup and a bowl of fruit. Despite her very best efforts, that fruit will be gone by the end of the night, the meeting, and possibly this pose. Her manners are impeccable, enforced by the breezy California air. Lucy isn't the only displaced one, really. She eventually offers a friendly smile in Sue's direction and ventures off to take a seat next to the Black Panther. Legal pad and stylus are at the ready, formalizing whatever they do no doubt with notes. Or she plays an exceptionally cutthroat game of hangman with the Wakandan queen. "One day I'm going to have to learn your language so as not to need an interpreter for UN meetings."
*
While Captain Laynia Petrovna has arrived in the United States about a week ago, today was her first official meeting with the others assigned to the ACT-F. She arrives dressed in her Soviet dress uniform, which does make her stand out a bit, but as an official representative, she does intend to represent her country even if it gets her some odd looks. She arrives to the building in an official accompaniment of the Soviet embassy, and makes her way inside with little delay. When she arrives at the boardroom, she nods politely at Sue, and moves inside to wait the start of the briefing. She avoids the drinks and snacks, and rather waits patiently, in a somewhat robotic like manner. She finds herself a position by the wall of the room until everyone are seated, and while she takes a cursory glance at the people she'll be working with, Crystal gets a longer look. Perhaps a somewhat criticizing look for her choice of clothes. But she doesn't linger too long, there's Lucy in there to fit right in with Crystal. Finally, Laynia remarks, "surprisink number of vomen. United States surprisinkly progressive." Laynia does seem most impressed with Jennifer, but then who could not notice the remarkable height of the woman, or her jade complexion.
*
Doctor Storm issues vague nods and smiles in greeting to each of the individuals as they enter the space. She treads to her own chair and assumes her perch.
"Alright!" Seo claps her hands together with a mark of enthusiasm. "Welcome! Please feel free to grab some snacks," she motions towards the table at the edge of the room, "and then have a seat. We have a lot of ground to cover today and not a lot of time. I aim to keep these meetings efficient and ever moving forward. I know each of you have busy lives, but we have been tasked by the Executive Branches of our respective governments," her eyes tick towards Petrovna, "to address the imminent alien problem."
"I believe, in circumstances such as these, we need to begin with introductions." She lifts her fingers into the air, "I'm Doctor Seo Hyun Storm. I have been charged with leading this Task-Force. In this space, however, you all may call me Sue. It simpler, and to be honest, in the coming weeks and months, I suspect we shall become well-acquainted. While I think most of you know something about me, I have a doctorate in biochemistry from NYU, and am a member of the Fantastic Four. Consequently, I have a number of resources at my disposal, including this conference room," she quirks another smile.
Her fingers clasp together lightly, "Now. I'd appreciate it if everyone introduce themselves, with a bit about where they're from. This Task Force is an elite group, and I recognize we each have gifts and talents that we can bring to our cause."
*
The coffee is at the far end of the table from Sue and, consequently, so is her brother. Wearing a black suit with a deep blue dress shirt beneath it (and no tie), Johnny Storm looks up as Sue gets things a-rollin' while he pours himself a fresh mug of the beverage. And, briefly, his expression is almost pained. Introductions. Oh god. This is high school all over again.
Oh, well. We must all suffer for our art.
Reluctantly, he rises to his feet and glances around the table, raising one hand in a wave. "Joon Hyun Storm. Uh, Johnny's fine, probably easier for most of you to pronounce," he says with a quick smile. "The Human Torch if you're feeling fancy."
What more introduction do two people who went to space and became the world's most famous family of superheroes really need? Johnny thinks about it for a moment before he just helplessly adds, "I'm a mechanical engineer and, uh… mmmmi casa es su casa." That's all he's got, boss. He drops back down into his seat. Coffee. Yes. Drink.
*
Never one to be shy or retiring - or wait for others to go first - T'Challa clears her throat slight, more as preamble than out of need, and speaks up. "I am Queen T'Challa of Wakanda, the Black Panther." Given that Wakanda is little known outside its own borders by the average citizen, most could be excused for not being impressed, except that the black-clad figure was seen on footage around the world covering the body of recently-assassinated President John Fitzgerald Kennedy with her own as his car sped away from the shooting to medical attention. Others with better intel might also realize what a coup it is to have the reigning monarch of the isolationist nation on this international task force.
"As for the resources we all bring to bear, I am arranging to have a Wakandan stratofighter delivered to a hangar at the airport nearby, as a contribution to our efforts. The plane should allow us to get anywhere in the world at least as fast as any other plane ever built, and its vectored thrust design drastically reduces the need for runway length. It will be able to carry everyone, safely. For the record, I am a graduate student in physics at Empire State University, and hope to use that education to our advantage as we study the threat of these aliens and their technology." T'Challa finishes and inclines her head towards the group, ceding the floor.
*
Right. Introductions. Well, there's the decision about how much to share right off. Crystal smiles faintly around the table, hands folded neatly in her lap. "I'm Crystal," she introduces herself, meeting each person's eye, warm. "And I am an elementalist. Which is to say, I have command over fire, water, air, earth, and a less impressive control over electricity and magnetism. I have some distant connections to an alien race known as the Kree, and diplomatic connections with Asgard." She glances back to Sue as she finishes, a touch of a question in her eyes that says she'll share the rest if she must, but…there are some things that are better off waiting.
*
"I'm Lucy West," Lucy says cheerfully. When she looks up from taking notes and looks around, her ponytail whisks like…well, like a pony's tail. Nothing special about her aside from how cute she is — honest. She is pretty darn cute, though. "I'm just Doctor Storm's assistant here at Act-F. I'm looking forward to working with you all." She gives Sue a look as if to say "was that all right?", then she goes back to making notes.
*
The green woman slips her fingers into a wave, setting down her pen upon the legal pad. Sitting any taller holds no especial advantage for her. Anyone witness to the assassination of President Kennedy surely knows her for being the woman who covered both the president and the Black Panther, and by dint, some of Jackie Kennedy as well. There are advantages to being someone who actually gains height and dimensions in dangerous situations. "Jennifer Walters, doctor of judicial science, licensed by the bar for the states of California and New York. I am a graduate of Stanford and Columbia's schools of law." Consider her the equivalent of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Justice for a mother, and the Statue of Liberty for a grandmother, and one will be on the right track. "I'm also a member of the Fantastic Four, the hidden fifth member and bassist." She also apparently has a sense of humour.
She pauses to tip her head, looking over towards the Wakandan monarch. "I bring a strong background in civil rights and international law to ACT-F, particularly in areas of ambiguous jurisdiction. Like, say, extraterrestrial empires interacting with ours. You can expect me to have a strong moral compass and willingness to work with you, regardless of your race or creed. And if you absolutely must take your aggressions out, you take them out on me." Her nightshade smile grows; it is lovely, in its way, and potently terrifying to the hindbrain that recognizes what she is, a jade-skinned predator out of nightmare. "I really don't mind the exercise!"
*
As Doctor Storm is about to start the meeting, Captain Petrovna moves to take a free seat, not much caring for its position in the table. She keeps her ears attentive, as she looks around the meeting table, and listens to Dr. Storm's introduction. She gives a brief inclination of her head as Seo looks her way for obvious reasons. Laynia seems to be paying close attention to the introduction, almost as if she were taking notes without taking notes.
When it comes her turn to introduce herself, she doesn't elaborate but rather keeps it short and simple, as one might expect from looking at her demeanor, "I am Captain Laynia Petrovna, Soviet Army, I haf experience in fielt, expertise leadink troops while outnumberet." She stops there, looking back at Sue.
*
During each of the introductions, Sue tucks into her cup of tea and watches each of the members in turn. Crystal earns a small nod — suggesting that what Crystal has shared is plenty, and it's currently not necessary to delve deeper. Sometimes information is offered and shared on an as-needed basis. In this case, it doesn't yet seem needed.
After the introductions cease, Sue leans forward in her seat. "Excellent. You are all most welcome. And it's great to know we have so much enthusiasm for what we aim to do here. I'm pleased that our governments have managed to form such an integral team to long-term plans."
Her eyebrows draw together lightly and her lips turn down into a vague frown, "As I'm sure you're aware, the late President John F. Kennedy was murdered by an alien several weeks ago. Since then, President Lyndon has dispensed whatever resources this group needs to function. Current evidence really does suggest that Loki was responsible for the President's death. He remains in custody, and awaits trial. All people deserve due process."
The frown deepens as do the lines on her forehead, "Because of this troubling news, and the threat the Asgardians gave on national television through the Ed Sullivan Show, I must insist that we all submit samples to confirm our current human selves and that we are not some Asgardian-based trick. I've heard from the FBI that they believe the original alien death was also Asgardian magic. Loki is, after all, a trickster, according to Norse mythology anyways."
Her lips strain into a tight smile. A black case is set on the table, and Sue opens it up to allow Lucy to walk around with sterile cotton swabs (pre-labelled for convenience) for people to rub the inside of their cheeks with and put into sterile containers for testing under a microscope.
*
Let the record show that even Johnny's face shows some genuine surprise when the case comes out onto the table, the younger of the two Storms sitting up a bit straighter in his seat. Any reaction he might have had to the rest is long gone.
He looks, for a moment, like he might protest. Johnny lives here, after all, when would somebody find the time to replace him? But when Lucy and the case make their way up to him, he just gives the blonde a slightly pouty look and grabs for a swab.
"Theef tayft awbbul," Johnny says in a sullen voice as he swabs inside his mouth, then tucks into the proper container. Sulk.
*
When Lucy gets to her, T'Challa has already unsealed her hooded mask and pulled it up over her head and back behind her neck and shoulders, exposing her face, making her clearly the only black person present. She accepts the swab and then offers it back with a grimly neutral expression, yet without complaint. She doesn't really buy that Loki did it, but she has zero proof, and says nothing. "I hope we will be presented with all of the available evidence regarding the assassination, especially the autopsy of the President and analysis of the weapon deployed and how it compares to the one used on the alien murdered in Central Park?"
*
Crystal's head tilts slightly as Sue explains the situation, reaching for the water to take a sip as the briefcase comms around the table. When it reaches her, she shows a surprising comfort with the process. Uncap, swab, recap, replace. Almost like she's done this sort of thing before. As T'Challa draws her mask away, she smiles faintly, dipping her chin in a respectful nod to the woman.
*
Lucy gets up and does as Sue taught her to do, gloves and proper procedure and all. She does manage to look like she knows what she's doing as she goes about the table and takes each sample, sealing and tucking it away for testing as each person finishes.
"Thank you," she says very politely, each time. Except when she gets to Johnny, she adds, "Sorry we're all out of lollipops." The sass and the little eyeroll suggest that she thinks he's being unnecessarily sullen about it all. Boys.
*
Swabs… It could be worse, it could be blood. Jennifer takes her container from Lucy, and opens her mouth. She twirls the cotton bud around in her fingers with shocking delicacy, doubly given so much as a sneeze would shatter the wooden shaft before she notices. Opening her mouth, she politely dabs the inside of her cheek. Then extracted and dropped into the container, which she caps. "What causes heat burns like that…" There are a wealth of scientific minds in the room. She might get to sit at the kids' table and talk about biological equations, or be their science project. Loveeeely.
*
Laynia doesn't look too pleased about having to partake in the DNA tests, but nevertheless, she assigned to this taskforce, her chief objective is to not cause incidents if possible. So she takes the swab when Lucy reaches her, and does as everyone else do. After returning the swab in the sterile container to Lucy, she turns to look at Sue, "I do offer USSR candolences for death of your President. Sue, you offer look at autoposy, yes? I vant copy as vell. Ve are most cancerned of zis alien involvement."
Johnny does get a bit of a look from Laynia when he complains or joke complains about the flavor, not quite used to such lack of professionalism in meetings of this nature.
*
Easily, the older Storm smirks at her younger brother, but resists the urge to offer commentary. If she wasn't leading this meeting, she would likely have more to say about it. "The evidence has already been digested, and the report, unfortunately is limited," Sue replies to T'Challa and then Laynia in turn, "I oversaw the autopsies," and participated, "myself. Both the alien and President's autopsies were revealing. First, they were killed by different weapons. We know this because of the burn marks indicated on the victims. Second, the weapons themselves seemed to have different energy sources that I couldn't identify — they aren't of this planet."
Her lips twist to the side, "The team of scientists I collaborated agreed with both conclusions in a series of five separate reports. We are unanimous in our understanding of the deaths and bodies. Also of note, neither the alien nor the President seemed to engage in defensive positions at the times of their deaths." Her lips quirk downwards.
*
Johnny just squints at Lucy when she sasses him, but she is close enough to see the playful twinkle in his eye and the smile he's fighting back when she moves on.
Arms loosely folded across his chest, Johnny leans back in his seat and frowns, glancing between Sue and the others. "It makes sense for the President. None of us saw it coming," he says with a downward tick of his jaw, his expression growing troubled. "But the alien, the one who fell out the window…" He trails off and aims an oddly frustrated look down at his hands.
*
The Wakandan team member frowns, apparently not pleased that the reports and data will be limited. Nevertheless, she apparently decides she will not make issue of it here in this forum, as that would disrupt the meeting. "If the weapons were distinct, that beggars the conclusion that both were acts of the Asgardians. As for defensive posturing, that seems to prove out that the heat dispersion to the body by the energy beams was limited or non-existent."
*
"There are more than one race of aliens in the cosmos," Crystal notes. "Just as there are Americans and Soviets and Wakandans on Earth," she gestures around the table. "So there are other races among the stars. And Asgard is…not exactly alien? Their realms are less other planets and more…" She moves her hands from one side of herself to the other. "Lands slightly removed from our own. Parallel, or…just above or beneath. They're a different sort of 'other' from the traditional sense of aliens."
*
Lucy is eighteen and only just out of highschool. Her entire exposure to the Asgardians amounts to headbutting Prince Thor in, well, the backside (so embarrassing, do not even bring it up, please) and having lunch with him and Prince Loki and Lady Sif and Liv. They were nice to me and to each other is hardly proof that people did not plan to assassinate the President. Not on its own.
So, Lucy finishes up with the collections and seals the case once she's done, putting it back where it was in the first place and taking her seat again. Some day, she might have something to contribute, but not today.
*
"I concur with the Black Panther." Jen taps her pen against the steno pad. "Different types of weapons with a varied signature would imply there are more than one faction. Without being aware of the composition of Asgard, I can say the existing evidence shows a very low chance two separate, rogue Asgardians showed up in the same place and same time to shoot two different targets. Or one of them setting off two weapons in short succession by those distances, even giving them the benefit of being empowered. That makes too neat an explanation."
*
"Then we have accort, ACT-F must be, but also fint answer. Eliminate mutual threat." Laynia concludes from what she hears from Sue. Though ultimately she would like to see a report herself, she doesn't insist on it in this forum. She can always approach Sue one on one, as decorum would dictate. When Crystal talks, Laynia takes close attention. If there were aliens, it made sense there were different types of them. Certainly, some of them would vy one against the other. Maybe Earth as a whole could wind up as collateral. There was a disturbing thought.
*
A nod of thanks is given towards Crystal. "Thank you. That's… appreciated." Sue also issues Lucy a grateful smile. "Thank you, Lucy. That was much appreciated," especially with the coffee n the other side of the table. "As far as the difference in weapons, I've been led to believe the Asgardians have access to two different types. The second, the one used on the President, ran far hotter than the one on the alien. The hotter weapon is believed to give less of a chance of survival for good reason." Her expression edges on grim.
"And let's be clear, weapons vary considerably here on earth. We know very little about the technology and weapons we currently face. Just because they have differences does not mean they aren't from the same planet or… realm… as the case may be."
"Both of your thoughts are noted for the minutes," Sue turns her gaze towards Lucy, "Lucy, please record that. Thank you." Her eyes flit across the table, "But even with those objections noted, this team, this group, is not to discuss this particular matter beyond the confines of this group. The Executive Branch will deal with the press and the message. And, currently, the Executive Branch aims to hold the Asgardians to task. Again," she lifts her hand, "due process will be taken to account. Our job is to assess the current threat and where to go."
*
"Assessing and handling the current threat requires the honest, forthright, unbiased assessment of all of the data available about those threats." Black Panther notes, in a reasonable but very cool tone; there is an aloofness to her that permeates. "Nevertheless, if the Asgardians are believed to be responsible, clearly some effort should be made to better assess their threat potential and intent. Additionally, however, it would seem there are other alien threats. These Kree. The shapeshifters. And others, I am sure. How do we intend to proceed on this account?"
*
"Kree are certainly not to be trusted," Crystal notes, though she at least has to grace to look self-conscious as she says it. "As the result of their ancient genetic manipulation, I'll confess to some bias," she admits with a wave of her hand. "But they're not particularly interested in the well-being of the human race. Asgard, on the other hand, has been more agreeable. Loki, in my opinion, shouldn't be taken as a representative of the race as a whole."
*
"I've made note of it, Doctor Storm."
Lucy does not note that, if the Asgardians had actually told more people about themselves in person and not on television, if people actually knew them better, they wouldn't be in this mess right now. She really liked them. It bothers her a little that she's so personally convinced of their innocence but she saw Prince Thor and Lady Sif fight, she saw inside their 'embassy' house. People who fight with hammers and swords as a rule just don't seem the type to turn around and shoot people with guns. She feels as though they'd use bows and arrows, maybe magic.
The guns she has seen, though…Noh-Varr said he was Kree and he had the most interesting…plasma weapons, she thinks he called them. She just remembered now, she'll have to tell Sue later. Even his weapons changed shape, like golden goop, and then they reformed. It would be very easy to hide them.
*
"What are we permitted to know about the Kree, the shapeshifters, and the rest?" That technically Jennifer herself is a shapeshifter will not be looked on too uncomfortably by her. She picks up her pen and starts taking notes in earnest, her writing predictably fine as an elementary school teacher's. Ladies studying for their bar exam may be seen as utterly bizarre even in this era, but they are expected to have exceptional penmanship like everyone else. "Default positions are probably unwise to form without a bit more basis, but knowing our biases helps at the very least."
*
Steve arrives from RP Nexus.
*
Steve has arrived.
*
"I agree vith Queen T'Challa, and Ms. Walters," Laynia says in a rather unpleasant tone, looking quite displeased at how much is based on trust and accepting what is being offered. "Difficult to make assessment vith so little, da? Vhat are ve allowet knowink?"
*
Coming in late has Steve a bit worried. He hates to make a bad impression on anyone, especially with something so serious. As he's shown in through a side door, he nods in thanks and tries to take a seat quietly off to the side. Locking eyes with Sue he nods and gives a wave. He's met her before; in fact, he's meet a couple of the people on this task force.
He wishes he had a better excuse for being late, so he doesn't really offer one. It's worse that he even lives in this building.
*
Sue manages a flicker of a smile for Steve before locking eyes with Lucy and ticking her head back towards Rogers, "Captain Rogers, I'm glad you managed to join us. Please have a seat." Her smile warms, "I'm sure you'll forgive me, but my assistant, Lucy, is taking samples of everyone. Just routine."
As for the rest, she glances between them, "At this point, the information that can be shared is little," she manages. "I am currently working at getting more information from the FBI, CIA, and others." A glance is given to the sample box, but Sue's eyes turn away moments later. "Next meeting we will, hopefully have more information to share and pass on."
*
"Ah, red tape. Lllllove it." No, Johnny Storm is not a very professional fellow. But someone must speak for the masses in these troubled times. He waves a hand. "But this is kind of a getting-to-know-you kind of meeting anyway, right? So that's fine." He supposes. "Next time."
*
Crystal glances to Sue as the question of what people are allowed to know comes up, but she doesn't say anything else. She's right to be cautious, even if it may make things a little bit difficult at the moment. Thankfully, Steve's arrival offers some small distraction. She smiles politely toward the man, reaching for her glass again.
*
T'Challa lifts her eyes from considering something written on the legal pad wielded with expert ease by the jade giantess at her side, and dark eyes take in the entrance of Captain America. Was that a slight twitch? She then stands and moves around the table, gathering two cups from the sideboard and pouring coffee, then returning to the table to put down one cup in front of herself and another in front of Jennifer. Yep, that's a queen getting someone else's coffee. Or maybe that was a queen turning her back so as not to be caught staring holes in anyone. Diplomacy for the win?
Once seated again, T'Challa's gaze returns to Sue and flicks to Steve and back. Ah. So they won't be sharing intel, no matter how badly it is needed, because they want to confirm that everyone is who they say they are. "Will there be a regular screening process enabled for each meeting, then? To assure none of us is later replaced by a shapeshifting alien?"
*
Oh, dear. This is awkward. Lucy gets out the box again, opens it, and puts on gloves before she gets the swabs out. This was really not how she thought she might meet Captain America — if she'd thought about it at all. Of course it should have occurred to her but that's not the kind of thing one thinks of, is it?
"Sorry, Captain Rogers," she says, uncharacteristically shyly. "You can use this on the inside of your cheek. I'm sure you've done it before." She offers the swab and waits for him to be done so she can take it back and seal it up. She does not stare while she waits, though she does glance up at him from under her long lashes as though she's making sure he's actually a real person right there.
*
Behold, the queen is giving Lady Liberty there coffee. A delighted smile will not break through Jen's poker face. Compared to some it's quite an impressive one, especially with the appearance of bad news, Captain Rogers, and a cup of coffee. It's still better than a zero sum game. She lifts up the cup with a wordless bit of a salute, then takes a sip of that divine brew. More notes are written down, the first page flipped over fully and the next being used to assure nothing quite misses her attention.
*
ROLL: Sue +rolls 1d100 for a result of: 92
*
"A fellow Captain," Laynia says as Sue greets Steve upon joining them. Not that she didn't already know he was Captain America, but she did hold great respect for any who undertook military service, no matter for which side. Either way, in World War 2 the two sides were allies. Perhaps it was a good thing that relations seemed to be warming up again, thanks to the work of Premier Khrushchev. "Velcome Kapitan, goot to haf you on team." She is very concise, and unlike most women in the room, didn't address him specifically for an excuse to get another dose of eye candy. It's simply proper manners to greet someone and give him a good look, as a form of acknowledgement, of course. She's still very neatly professional, rest assured.
*
"Hi, Dr. Storm. Sorry, I'm late, everyone. I'm just getting back from Washington and had a chance to talk to President Johnson. He wanted me to say hello." He pauses and tilts his head as if trying to find the words. "He said it using his own sort of vocabulary. In any event, any way I can help Doctor Storm. I'm just really happy to be here working with all of you." Steve gives a bit of a wave and sits forward in his seat and rests his elbows on his knees. "Most of my records are available through the government, but I have no problem with giving any samples, ma'am." He, of course, isn't aware why it's being asked, but he is so accustom now to being poked, prodded, and checked by doctors that this is no big deal.
He nods to Johnny, another familiar face and to Crystal as she notices him. His blue eyes dart from Sue to T'Challa a few times though he remains quiet until Lucy approaches. "Hi," he says cheerfully and with a smile. There' s a shake of the head as he takes the swab, "It's no big deal. I'm used to it at this point. Nice to meet you, Lucy." Steve opens his mouth and slides the swab in and scrape scrape scrapes several times to ensure he's given a good enough sample. To Jennifer he gives a lopsided grin and a nod. To Laynia, Steve smiles and nods to her. "Same to you. I caught a bit of the news story about you coming over. Glad that our two countries are working together again a little bit. Always felt things were better for both of us when we've been on the same side."
*
Sue's eyes flit about the group, "Let me be clear. The President has instructed me to lead this group under certain parameters. Currently, that involves security measures that I'm not at liberty to discuss." She rises from her seat, abandoning her cup of tea after getting a whiff of coffee from the other side of the room. "Consequently, members of this group may, by necessity, have to work without all available information at any given time depending on current security clearance and permission from the President."
Sue's expression steels, "If you are not capable of doing that, and working within those parameters, this taskforce may not be for you." There's a pause as Sue swallows hard around the growing lump in her throat, "Like all tasks force, it is not our role to know and decipher all of the secrets. Rather, we are here advising based on the information we have. Last, nothing recorded here leaves the room aside from Lucy's official documents with are turned to the Executive Branch. You're welcome to scribble notes for yourself, but these cannot leave this room. And," her eyes flit to Johnny, "will be destroyed upon exit."
*
Johnny offers a friendly smile and a bob of his head across towards Steve, doing his best to be cool, it's just your neighbor. Not. You know. Captain America. He manages admirably, but a lot of that has to do with the way Sue distracts him.
The look she gives him isn't missed and Johnny sits up a little straighter, pointing questioningly at himself before he looks around the room. His eyes fall upon Jennifer's legal pad and he immediately gives her a very apologetic look. Aw, geez. "I'll give you time to reread them before you go," he promises.
*
"This is an international task force, Doctor Storm." T'Challa offers, respectfully but still in a very cool tone. "The American authorities clearly have a vested interest, and I see none here who object to the measures that may be instituted. But assuming exclusive American command of those measures and operational necessities is, frankly, inappropriate. We are here to seek the means to protect the world from alien threats. Not just the United States of America. I would urge you to make that clear to the 'Executive Branch'." That said, the Wakandan queen perhaps eases back slightly. "That said, Wakanda is here to support this effort in every way possible. We " Yes, she just used the Royal We. " will assume for now that our concerns will be heard and addressed in the future. Welcome, Captain."
*
Crystal's smile quirks at the implication that Johnny will burn the notes when the meeting is over, not quite hiding the expression behind the rim of her glass as she takes a sip. It's a good thing she has control over water, because she almost chokes at T'Challa's response, coughing…and somehow managing to completely avoid getting water on anything in the process.
"Your majesty," she says gently. "With all due respect, any unit must have a chain of command, and while this force may be cooperative, that doesn't necessarily mean all voices are equal. Surely as a ruler yourself, you understand what complications might arise from the unit being under your command, in terms of international responsibility and liability. Doctor Storm seems to have things well in hand here, and I'm sure she'll take counsel as needed, but…as an independent, non-governmental agent, she's as neutral as we can expect. Perhaps we-" Yes, she can use the royal we too. "-Might give her current strategy a chance."
*
Lucy puts the sample she's taken back in the box and seals that up again before returning to take notes of the procedings. She watches the exchanges going on with wide eyes but then she gets a very stubborn set to her jaw, one that usually precedes a very shiny display. However, she is here as Lucy West, ordinary human cupcake. Not Majesdanian firecracker. So she just keeps writing, allowing herself a sidelong glance at Johnny, the only other person in here who's close to her age. Grownups, man.
*
Jen puts down her cup of coffee. She pushes it to the side, and dashes a few lines on the steno pad. One of those fruits is going to vanish quickly, an apple tidily reduced to a core in short order. Next up is an orange, and it doesn't have a hope once she removes the thick skin of it. Food sounds like a fine idea, even if no one is eating. Her eyes narrow a little.
*
"Zat sentiment is mutual," Laynia concurs with Captain Rogers, but then looks most pleased when the Wakandan Monarch once again says exactly what she's about to state, sparing her the trouble. When Crystal seems to take the opposite stance, Laynia injects her own voice after all, "but vhere is zat 'due respect'?" She insists, "USSR agreet ze threat demands cooperation. Vhere is cooperation if USA will not treat USSR as equal partner? I am sure Queen T'Challa vould expect the same. If our countries vork together, for benefit world, zen USA neet also be partner. Not only take, also give, da?" She gestures towards Doctor Storm, nodding along with Crystal's point, "yes, Doctor Storm command taskforce. Goot. But…there shoult be trust. Maybe after results of test, yes?"
*
Steve's eyes dart back and forth between Sue and T'Challa. His eyebrows bunch and his chin tilts slightly, as if he seems a bit taken aback. Bickering so soon? The bullets haven't even really been flying, yet. Not at them, anyways. He's learned enough to know that he should stay quiet. This is not part of the mission, nor is it part of his mission.
*
"Your Majesty, this is not an international task force. It is a joint initiative between the Americans and the Soviets. Your people were welcomed to the table because the President recognizes and values your thoughts. That said, if you cannot follow the rules laid out, I must ask you to leave. The President gave me colourful instructions," in language that a lady like Sue Storm isn't about to repeat, "to dismiss anyone that will not follow the task outlined or the instructions given." Sue manages the vaguest edgings of a smile — weak, tired, and not-at-all-happy, "Lucy, could you see our guest out? Thank you."
She glances between the others, "Any other objections? Our task is hard. Our work is important. But we need to be singular in our purpose and actions. If you can't follow this and stay within our current parameters, please feel free to use the door. But if you want to make a genuine difference, if you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, to work towards making earth," even if it is and American-Soviet partnership, "safer, then this is a place you want at the table."
Back towards Laynia Sue manages a softer smile, "The USSR will be privy to more down the road. Trust is in process of being built and will continue to be. For the time being, as I said, we are here to meet and greet today. To establish who is who."
*
The look that Johnny is sharing with Lucy gets cranked up to eleven when politics start to become involved. It isn't that Johnny doesn't care or think these details are important to iron out, but — now? Really? When we're still in the 'give us a sample so we know if you're from Mars' phase of things?
He keeps his mouth firmly shut and allows Sue to handle things. It's her job, not his. But he does keep a slightly wary eye on T'Challa and Laynia now, drawing in a slow, deep breath that puffs up his cheeks.
*
ROLL: Jennifer +rolls 1d100 for a result of: 36
*
"Come now," Crystal says lightly. "I'm sure we're all familiar enough with these sorts of things to know that security clearances need to be determined before information is handed out. And I'm certain that such clearances will be determined with all due haste, at which point we can stop beating around the bush and get to beating around the aliens, yes?" She smiles awkwardly around the table, ending on Sue.
*
That's not exactly what Lucy thought she was here for but she does get up with a brisk flick of her ponytail. "Of course, Doctor Storm," she says firmly. "I'll return in a moment." She comes around the table, pausing only to put her notes and pen in front of Johnny. As a big boy, he's perfectly capable of taking notes. Then she comes about the other side and waits, hands clasped behind her back, for T'Challa to collect herself and anything she wishes before seeing the lady all the way out.
*
Once Sue reassures Laynia that the USSR will not be slighted, and the focus is on precautions first, the Soviet Captain seems to calm a bit. She shoots Crystal a glance, when she equates the argument made with the issue of security clearance, but as Sue already offered assurance, she doesn't renew the argument, she just nods and turns her attention back at Sue. "Perhaps to better advance research, USSR coult offer support of Doctor Piotr Phobos and his team, on vork for defense from alien veapon."
*
Steve stays motionless as Sue asks T'Challa to leave. Once Laynia speaks up, he leans over with his elbow resting on the arm pad of his chair and nods, "Piotr Phobos? Haven't heard of him. What sort of work do they do?" Phobos and his team, Steve means.
*
TChalla has left.
*
Crystal wins a grateful grin followed by a nod. "Indeed. Security is of utmost importance, and knowing how to mitigate that in light of what we face is equally important." Sue's smile extends with Laynia's and Steve's thoughts, "I admit, my fiance is the physicist, and my area of research is in biochemistry. Like Captain Rogers, I'm unfamiliar with Phobos' work…"
*
Johnny is actually grateful to accept the pen and paper from Lucy. It gives him something to focus on that is not potentially Supremely Awkward, even if it does mean he has to document it if it comes up. Don't mind him, he's just writing things down. "Phobos," he echoes, casting a questioning look towards Laynia. "Is that spelled with a P-H, or an F?"
*
"That's an unfortunate name," Crystal murmurs in regards to the Russian doctor, reaching for her water once more. That's all she has to say about that, though. It seems she's made as many points as she feels she needs to.
*
"Phobos, like the god of fear?" Hey, ancient Greek and Latin are languages that Jen can speak or read. She might have a little bit more work to try and cut through Laynia's accent, but she tries anyways. "What is his specialty?"
*
"Vork you may vell call science fiction, but, Dr. Phobos makes it reality." Laynia explains in the most non-explaining manner possible as an answer to Captain Rogers. When Crystal repeats Captain Rogers' sentiments, Laynia further illustrates by adding, "experimental power sources, theoretical dimensional physics actualized," but she furrows her brow when Crystal has something to say about his name. She seems to have the perspective that everyone is somehow trying to screw the USSR, and she makes note of such remarks, considering this or that person to have particular bias.
When Ms. Walters asks about his specialty, Laynia quips, "zis is vhere security clearance matter again. Results for Dr. Storm's test take time, yes?" But as a tidbit she does offer, "let us just say, if anyone can discover how to defense alien veapon, Dr. Phobos is strong candidate. Again, more trust, more cooperation. I think iz goot idea."
*
"Alright, I think that is everything we absolutely needed to cover today. After going through," Sue's gaze turns to the black case, "I'll be in touch, and may have more information for you in the not-distant future." She presses a hand to her forehead and wearily issues the group another smile. "We will resolve this. It may take time, but it will happen. Truly." Her hands clap together, "Thank you. We'll have another one of these in a few days time."