|
     |
*
Alex's reason for choosing to meet with SHIELD at Lace is still valid; there's no way they'd be able to infiltrate the place without standing out like a sore thumb. Bobby gave Crystal the address to send to whoever it is she's set up a meeting with and then drove them all to the location, parking on the street outside an alley. "We'll wait here till SHIELD gets here. They don't let in strangers who aren't with someone they know." Course, that implies they know him by sight but he's just ignoring that.
*
For the occasion, Erik is dressed in a brown turtleneck, light tan trousers, a deep purple cardigan and a peacoat to ward off the bitter cold and mean Manhattan winds. He waits in the back seat, having offered the front to Crystal like a gentleman. He doesn't speak, but rather, keeps his eyes fixed on passersby. Ever the sentry.
*
Crystal was not thrilled with the choice of location. She said so more than once, and apologized to Peggy in advance, but then again, the women have already discussed the tendency of men to be…confrontational and territorial when it comes to these things. Perhaps the director won't be too insulted.
She's waiting outside, a warm cool capelet worn over a dark blue wool dress with a full skirt that reaches mid-calf, arms crossed over her chest as she looks up and down the street.
*
Not really the place to drive *her* car, who wants to park an Aston Martin in Hell's Kitchen, Peggy lets one of SHIELD's black sedans drive her to the end of the block of their meeting place. She might go further, but those she's meeting knew who she was and what the organization did, so why fight with swollen feet longer than a block? So, the Director of SHIELD slips out of the car, murmuring something to the driver before the person pulls away. Pregnant form wrapped up in an elegant, long black coat, she makes her way to the door of the club. No Sousa this time. No Fury. In fact, in a show of remarkable trust, attempts at peace, or perhaps just foolishness, she seems all alone.
*
Cold is not a problem for the Iceman so he's perched on the corner of the hood of the car. When a car that just screams 'Fed' drops someone off, he assumes it's the person they're waiting for. When she starts walking toward them, he looks over at Crystal and nods. "That her?" It's kind of rhetorical as he's already moving to the mouth of the alley.
*
As he exits the car, the sounds of distant gunshots can be heard. Erik scowls at that, and moves up alongside Bobby as they walk. "This whole place, as I understand, is run by the mob," he murmurs, quietly.. "We must be cautious."
For his part, Erik isn't questioning Bobby's choice of venue. As they draw closer, keen eyes shift to study the woman they've come to meet.
*
"Miss Carter," Crystal greets as she steps forward, offering a hand to the woman with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry again to drag you out here. I'd planned for something a little more pleasant, but the boys wanted to be more…cautious. I hope you'll forgive us. Bobby assures me that at least the drinks are good inside," she offers, as if that's going to be an improvement.
*
"No, it's quite alright. I understand the need for caution and… I doubt either of us would be foolish enough to cause issue, but I want to keep your people at ease. Please, though, you must be freezing. Let us retire inside." Peggy's eyes flicker around the place, making contact with a few of the other's near, as well as any other looker ons. If the mutants have anyone attempting to guard but stay semi-hidden, unless they are using powers, Peggy will probably mark them. She just looks like a woman who knows how to read a scene rather perfectly in a matter of a few seconds. Twenty plus years of being an intelligence officer does that to a woman. She gives one more, quietly professional smile and follows Crystal inside. Every inch of the path they take is memorized.
*
"It is." Bobby agrees, nodding to Erik. "They pay off the cops and keep the club safe. The cops don't always cooperate though so it's possible it could be raided while we're there. Unlikely though and not something we couldn't deal with anyway." That bit of info must make Crystal even happier! "But it's discreet and no one will be there who's not vouched for." Which is the argument he used in picking the place. Mutants are paranoid. Once the SHIELD agent arrives, he walks down the alley. At the end, stairs down are encased in a wooden entry way with a door to keep the wind off the man sitting on a stool in front of an electric heater running off the extension cord that leads inside. Bobby extends a hand to shake and motions to the others. "They're with me." Once inside, the nature of the club can't be disguised though it shouldn't come as any surprise to anyone. He told Crystal and Erik and Peggy would have read Sousa's report. The address was the same both times. "Hi Bobby. The usual?" the bartender says as they pass toward a table. She's a tall woman with coiffed brunette hair and an adam's apple. "What's everyone having?" Bobby asks.
*
A careful nod is given. "I'll keep an eye out," he offers, before diverting his attention to the task at hand.
Similar to Peggy, Erik is casing the joint as soon as they've arrived. The nature of the place doesn't bother him in the slightest; after all, he was a juvenile delinquent in post-war Germany. Beyond the visual inspection, however, he's casting a very subtle magnetic field over the place, searching for two things. Guns and knives, and who has them.
"Bitburger, if you have it," he tells the bartender. "Scotch, otherwise." He glances toward Crystal with an encouraging smile, before finally diverting his attention to the woman they've come to meet. Even though introductions have yet to be made, Erik can't help but keep a pensive expression from his face. He doesn't like government types, largely. Holds little trust for them.
*
Magneto has partially disconnected.
*
Normally, Crystal would offer introductions. But given the paranoia between parties, she's given up on the attempt for now. Instead, she orders a gin and tonic from the bartender before turning a small smile on Peggy. "Thank you for meeting us," she says first, settling in. "I appreciate it. I know everything is very…unsettled right now. With Loki, with Asgard, with…aliens. I wanted to give you - and through you, the international community - a bit of warning before something else upset the apple cart."
*
"Club soda, please." Peggy asks simply, unbuttoning her jacket now that they've stepped inside. That reveals, rather easily, that she's not simply a soft, round government worker who has left being management go to her waistline, but that she's actually rather noticably pregnant. Probably well into the later half of things, but then some of the mutants may have known that already, considering Xavier's revelation of the matter the first time around. Despite *that* softness, her expression is professional and a touch distant. All business with that clipped, British accent and red lips. She accepts her drink and then allows dark eyes to trail back to Bobby. "…I hope there is a slightly more… private area we may all speak?" She doesn't seem bothered by the club. She is bothered by having this discussion in ear shot of other people.
Then she's looking back to Crystal, at the woman's more warm words, and Peggy actually offers a half smile as she scoops up her club soda. "No, this meeting is… long over due. The Agent with whom you all met previously — Sousa, not Fury — is no longer with our organization. I'd like us all to get a fresh start because, ultimately, we are absolutely on the same side. Especially now."
*
Bobby motions overyone toward the table in the book room that's being reserved for them. "Yes, same as last time. I'm surprised Sou…" He trails off as they're informed Sousa isn't an agent any more. "Well, congratulations on that." Yeah, no love lost there. Honey makes the drinks as request; Erik gets his scotch and Bobby a Brandy Alexander.
*
"Thank you," Erik tells the bartender when his scotch is provided. It will have room to breathe. For the moment, Erik is paying close attention to the conversation at hand. He hasn't been present during their last encounter, which is partly why he's here. It's always good to have a fresh perspective. Even his. Maybe.
"I should hope so," he answers Peggy, in regard to being on the same side. "I don't believe we've had the luxury of being met. My name is Erik Lensherr." He offers Peggy a handshake, and the distrust in his eyes fades for a moment, only to be replaced by a mirthful glimmer. "Congratulations".
Taking his seat, Erik curls a hand around the scotch, still leaving it room to breathe.
*
Xavier has arrived.
*
"B-" Crystal starts to turn to chide Bobby for his comment, only catching herself from using his name at the last moment. Which doesn't spare him a hard look. "I'm sorry to hear about your agent," she says as she turns back to Peggy. "I know it's difficult to lose someone in service." She doesn't sip from her drink yet either, though she does set a hand lightly to Erik's forearm in a reassuring touch - one that, to Peggy's practiced eyes, likely betrays a deeper relationship.
"With everything that's gone on lately, I wanted to extend the courtesy of a warning to your organization, so that you can be prepared. I - my people, that is. We are not mutants. We are…something else."
*
As Erik is scanning the room for metal, weapons, etc, he will realize that the somewhat soft, very pregnant British woman in front of him is wearing two different guns and three knives. She might look sweet and soft, but she's still a trained agent and probably knows quite expertly how to use every weapon she's wearing. But now her hands are bare, filled with nothing but a club soda. Hell, she's not even wearing wedding rings right now. "…Thank you… Bobby, right?" Peggy asks the younger man, still smiling. She does wait until they disappear back into the more private area to shake Erik's hand and offer smoothly, "Director Margaret Carter, SHIELD… but… in more relaxed circumstances as, hopefully, tonight will manage to be? Peggy is fine. It's a pleasure, Mr. Lensherr. And thank you…" That's all she says about her 'condition'. Considering her age, it wasn't probably something she really had in her life plans.
Then it's back to Crystal, a slightly cooler smile crossing her lips, "Oh, Agent Sousa is perfectly healthy. He's simply been fired. A… difference of opinion. That is why I figured better that I come in person this time. Less likely for us to encounter crossed wires, so to speak." Then Peggy just blinks. She shifts her head about the 'not mutants' thing. A single finger is held up as if to tell Crystal to hold that thought. Peggy sets down her club soda and fully shrugs out of her jacket, revealing a carefully tailored, dark gray maternity suit beneath. She then lowers herself down into that chair, leans back, smiles and tilts her head. "Go on. I prefer to at least be sitting and comfortable for things that are, inevitably, going to give me more headaches." There is *actually* a trace of a teasing, joking tone behind that statement. She's listening now.
*
Once everyone's inside, Bobby shuts the door and sits down. The music can be heard through the door so that'll help muffle conversation as well. "That's right." he agrees as he sits down. Bobby's the only name they ever got; he never used his last name. That she's the director does seem to surprise him but anything's better than Sousa and his being fired gets a smirk he can't hide and doesn't even bother trying. The reports surely mentioned the lack of anything resembling mutual liking or respect on their parts. "The negro with the eyepatch, he still around? I liked him. And it's /her/ people. /We/ are mutants." Just to make that clear.
*
Easy to overlook amidst the rather more striking figures arriving with Crystal is a young man who could believably be a pencil-pusher of the sort she likely has plenty of at SHIELD; he certainly doesn't have the air of a combatant. But he doesn't peel off when the group goes to the back room, instead he walks right in at the end of the group and says with an accent that might betray just who he is what with the reports Peggy must have read, "Right; that's enough posturing for now, thank you Bobby. Agent Sousa's patience may have grown short, but in his defence, we tested it more than a little. He and his friend both." he tips his head to Peggy with a bit of a puzzled expression as he takes a seat at the table as well. "Director Carter.. Charles Xavier. I'd been hoping to speak with you, though Crystal's matter I believe takes precedence."
*
"Erik, then," he offers, maintaining the aire of polite diplomacy. He does at last lift the glass of scotch, taking a measuring sip; an act also used to conceal a curling of his lips. My, isn't this one armed to the teeth.
When Crystal sets her hand to his forearm, Erik sends a meaningful look her way.
Something's blocking me from her mind. Charles voice in his head prompts Erik to keep his eyes upon Crystal for a moment longer. He then looks back toward Peggy, going silent once more. Ever the sentry. he cannot perceive any other metal objects upon her person that might suggest some kind of telepathic blocking device, which is… troublesome.
*
Well it's rude to be looking in there in the first place right now, Charles. Crystal has been a little bit prickly when it comes to telepathic manners lately. She reaches for her drink, taking a small sip before setting the glass aside again. "It's my hope, Peggy, that having this conversation will mean there are no headaches in the coming weeks. My people have been here for a very long time. Remnants of an alien race who thought to experiment on early humans. We're about to undergo something of a…regime change. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and peacefully. But should your contacts report any unusual phenomenon, we didn't want anyone to panic."
*
A wider smile is given to Bobby for a heartbeat or two and, while Peggy often looks a touch old and distant, the fondness she feels for 'that negro' is clear on her face. It's the look of old friendship and trust. "Yes, Agent Fury is still with us. He's one of my best. Nothing will change that." Peggy admits to the younger man, absolutely confident in her praise of the one eyed man. But this wasn't a time to speak of old friends, and she looks back to Xavier and Erik, "Erik, then." She echos, but then she's bowing her head gently to Xavier and offering her hand, "Professor. I didn't expect you to join us." That statement actually seems genuine, even if he can't get a read on her. Like she hadn't prepared this shielding he's sensing. "And we might as well put everything on the table… restart relations here. With you and…" Her eyes trail over Crystal, "…Crystal's people."
The slight discomfort is clear as Crystal lays out the commentary about her people. Another headache to add to everything. Peggy sighs quietly, "I…appreciate the heads up. I don't suppose you could tel me more about… this regime change? Or what we should even… Call you? Or what this unusual phenomenon may entail? The more information I can give *my* people, the less likely we will react… Poorly. And, more so, we can better help you to keep things covered up and calm. We needn't give regular, every day people any more reason to panic than they already have. For all our sakes, mutants, super humans and everyone in between."
*
Bobby snaps his fingers. "Fury, that was it. Only met him that one time. He should have been on the Avengers. He seemed very competent." 'Unlike the others' goes unspoken but did it really need saying anyway? But as pleasantries are over, he falls silent and sips his drink while watching the SHIELD agent. Because SHIELD agent.
*
I wasn't, in fact. Charles thinks back calmly, knowing the reason for Crystal's impulse to chide. Believe me, sensing this little from someone is more than enough to be odd without any effort to pry on my part. I'm not convinced I couldn't learn something even still if I really put my mind to it, but we'd agreed to try coming here in good faith, after all.
He had scanned the area for any other minds obviously fuzzed out or with a clear air of 'mission' to them, however. There's a lot one can do with telepathy without outright cracking open the contents of someone's inner thoughts, after all.
In the interests of 'manners' however, he smiles a bit ruefully to Peggy and says, "Well said. I would myself like nothing better than a fresh start. Though to that end I feel I should say that it's more difficult for me to block out a person's thoughts with contact." warning offered, he will shake her offered hand with a warm courtesy if she doesn't choose to retract it. After all, her mind seems well shielded on it's own, though he's a bit puzzled by that flash of surprise.. does she even know her mind is obscured?
*
For the moment, Erik chooses to remain silent. He, instead, looks from one face to the other as they speak, leaving his scotch sit. One must never rush a good scotch, after all.
*
"We call ourselves Inhumans," Crystal answers Peggy, gaze steady. She's gotten rather a lot of practice at this speech lately, after all. "The aliens who were tampering with the humans who became Inhumans were known as the Kree. As for what's going to happen, I'm afraid even I don't know. Precognition isn't one of my talents," she smiles faintly to the other woman.
"In short, though, my cousin intends to retake his throne from his brother. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly. If not, you may experience some…seismic disturbances in remote areas of the Himalayas. I doubt you'll see anything more than that, though."
*
Peggy nods to Xavier, giving him a simple smile, "I appreciate the warning. We are all here on… open terms. I'm not worried about hiding things." Peggy states simply, the words seeming downright honesty. She's not concerned. She presses her hand to his, a brief shake. But still nothing clear in the way of thoughts. It's not like she's built a harder shield. Maybe it's a natural clouding, somehow? Or something biological. If any knows her file, she goes all the way back to Project Rebirth and various other government experiments. SHIELD before SHIELD existed, and that is recorded on public record. But it's not for Xavier that she's here right now.
The woman turns back to Crystal and listens quietly, eyes narrowing just *slightly* at the name of the Aliens, like she's making a mental note of it all, but she doesn't bother to write anything down. Peggy's mind is sharp enough to remember it all, or so she seems to think. She exhales quietly, "…Seismic disturbances. Alright. Are there areas SHIELD should evacuate to protect people? We can figure out an excuse without causing too much panic, and save countless regular lives…" Peggy's first concern seems, absolutely, the normal, every day human. But then, she is a part of the human government.
*
Bobby just listens to the discussion going on, keeping his attention mostly on Peggy though he does shift his gaze to see how the others react to what's said. Specifically, what the director of SHIELD says.
*
Magneto has partially disconnected.
*
Xavier nods in reply, shaking hands with Carter and then sitting back to sip at his own drink while Crystal and the SHIELD director talk. He seems fairly hopeful for his part, not overly tense when Bobby looks his way.
He is however curiously turning his attention to the unborn baby Peggy is carrying; hers is far enough along to register uncomplicated surface thoughts to his ability— or should be. He's idly wondering if whatever is obscuring her mind is genetic, or perhaps affecting her entire person and anyone contained therein.
Considering the odd goings on with Erik's own mind not that long ago, he's also a touch concerned whatever is obscuring her might be cause for concern in some respect.
*
Doing well to hide his discomfort, Erik finally takes another drink of scotch. He still doesn't trust the Director of SHIELD, especially considering Charles' revelation, but they are here on diplomatic terms. Much as he might like to, he won't call Peggy out on the matter.
*
"No, there should be no danger to human life," Crystal shakes her head, reassuring. "And I imagine seismic activity in the remote Himalayas will be easy enough to explain away as natural phenomenon. Whatever happens. I just…wanted to make sure that you were briefed. So that no one would come looking where it wasn't necessary. So that resources wouldn't be diverted from more important tasks to investigate something that should be well in hand."
*
The woman can feel the change in both Bobby and Erik's gazes as she comments on what SHIELD wishes to do. Peggy sits up a bit straighter in her seat, resting hands forward on the table. Her next words are, more so, addressed to them than the other two. "I realize that you all may not be the largest fans of SHIELD. But our job is to protect the people here. The world. Our world. I'd much… *much* rather work with mutants… with these 'inhumans', to do so, because ultimately, you are all our people also. But you have better ways to defend yourselves. You are more in the know. My first priority has to be how to help those people who have no clue how to help, defend, or protect themselves — and that is world wide. We aren't just here in the US. Do you understand? I won't lie about what our goals are. That is my duty. We are a SHIELD. Literally and metaophorically." She actually seems a bit passionate about that, despite her cool, calm demeanor. That is the mission the woman has spent her life following.
Under the surface, however, as Charles makes that scan, there seems absolutely nothing there. Blankness. Perhaps whatever natural genetic shielding she has translates to the child. Who knows. But it's simply nothing. Peggy seems unaware of the attention he is paying there, her dark eyes going back to Crystal as she listens to the rest of the report. She nods in understanding. "As long as no humans are being threatened, I will not worry too much. If you need more back up concerning the matter, you know how to call us. We wil be happy to assist. I consider you an ally, Crystal, even if I have no wish to be involved in whatever internal politics you are facing."
*
"That was the point of the Avengers." Bobby points out to Peggy. "It's why Alex and I agreed to join." And look how that turned out. "Everyone here wants to live in peace with each other, humans included. Everyone here has, at one time or another, gone out of our way to help humans as well as our own people. We want the same thing. It just doesn't seem to work out well when we try together." Based on a conclusive one attempt. Though the mission did succeed in the end.
*
To Charles 'everyday lives' just means civilians, of whatever stripe, though Bobby and Erik may have had reason enough to be concerned otherwise. It seems Peggy picked up on that tension well enough, in any case.
"Far better aspire to be the shield than the sword." Charles agrees with a smile, though there's a faint twinge of alarm that might register to those sitting close to him. What on earth..?
"Even if a first attempt might have stumbled, I don't see why we as people with similar hopes and goals for the world cannot continue to try to aid one another, in whatever capacity might prove best for all parties." he says, because this meeting is important, and he intends to make it clear they're extending their hand, and their trust, if SHIELD will do the same. But he is definitely going to have to try to get a word with Peggy when this talk is over.
*
When Peggy addresses Bobby and Erik, the latter allows Bobby to raise his concerns first. Erik looks toward Bobby, nodding a single time, then turns toward Charles, still listening.
They might sense the change in mood coming, especially with how Erik looks down to his wrist while Charles speaks, then back toward Peggy with something that… isn't a smile.
"To be frank, Peggy… I don't have a problem with SHIELD. My concerns are far more reaching than a single government entity." He gestures toward her. "Your intentions are admirable, but you still play in a sandbox of sovereignties and democracies, some at war, some otherwise. Where mutants are concerned…" He looks toward Crystal. "Inhumans, and otherwise…" Back to Peggy. "There is far more to be concerned with. Justices. Congress. Parliament. The United Nations. If they make laws that may not play favorably for us, you will be forced to play along. Will you not?"
At this, he lifts the cuff of his sleeve. There, in fading and crude ink, are the letters '214782'. He allows that to sink in for a moment, before pulling back his sleeve and reaching for his scotch. Peggy is now the recipient of a cool stare that borders on icy. Erik Lensherr, Devil's Advocate, is most invested in how she chooses to reply.
*
"We've no need to involve anyone in our internal politics," Crystal nods once more to Peggy. "But given how Loki's explosive revelation has worked out for the world, I wanted to reassure someone in the international community that we would be doing our best to avoid a similar situation right now."
As Erik shares his views, she watches him quietly, one hand falling to his knee. She's traced those numbers enough times to know them by heart. Enough to know what they mean to him. From politics to the personal in a single heartbeat. There can be no question for anyone who knows people that this man in her weak spot. Good thing, then, that he looks not the least bit weak.
*
Bobby's comment gets a slight tilt of her head, a grimace to follow. "The…Avengers were not managed as well as… we should have managed them. It was a first attempt. Even if the mission was successful. In truth, I'd prefer to make another go of it. I do think we could manage it together… but perhaps that is a conversation for a future time. Perhaps you and I could have dinner some evening and a frank discussion about it all? Learning from past mistakes, so to speak…" Peggy does, genuinely, seem to care about what he thinks on it. But then Charles is speaking and he gets a gentle tilt of her head in affirmation.
But it's Erik's words that draw her eyes more. The letters on his wrist. Her expression hardens a moment, immediate understanding behind her eyes. She fought in that war. She started her career there, against the people which jailed, tortured him, and worse. Her shoulders stiffen and straighten a bit more. "Mr. Lensherr… Myself and every single one of my team are here to protect and defend *the people*. To ensure what happened to YOU happens to *no one else*. Mutants, different races, different cultures… all included. And the moment a government tells me different? The moment I have to start hunting any of the people I'm sworn to protect? I will walk out of that office. So will my team. This is why we aren't the FBI. Why we aren't the CIA, or under a single government. And I am more than willing to tell NATO to go fuck itself too if I must. We are here to defend against atrocities and threats… human and non-human. I will never…Ever… let that happen again. Not while I breathe."
Crystal's explanation of her reasoning gets a slight nod. Peggy heard it. But she seems more concerned that her words settle in with Erik.
*
"One word: parachutes." Bobby says but leaves it at that. Erik's show and tell doesn't invite any humorous comments and he's not feeling like making any in any case. Instead, he just watches Peggy, not quite looking like he doesn't believe her but the faith is running low.
*
Charles too sits back in his chair as Erik and Peggy exchange words. He knows, especially after the matter returning from Dallas, a good part of how much Erik personally has suffered due to prejudice and hate unchecked. And he might not be able to read Peggy clearly through whatever is clouding her mind, but some forms of intensity radiate quite clearly without need of any such thing. Charles finds himself nodding once, quietly. If Peggy Carter is being disingenuous, then she's a far better actor than he's prepared to give even a career secret agent credit for.
*
Erik is speculative. He's going to go partway and take Peggy at her word, but is not about to hold his breath. "Zeit zeigt alle, Director," he tells her, before settling back in his seat. One hand has disappeared between the table to rest upon Crystal's, while the other takes scotch in hand for another sip.
*
Crystal has made her point now, delivered her message. And look, no one's started an all-out insult fest yet! Success! "Thank you, Peggy," she smiles faintly to the other woman, though Bobby's comment gets a curious arch of her brow. "I will be certain to keep your people updated as I know more about what may happen."
*
The words from the marked man get a bittersweet smile from Peggy and she responds in nearly flawless German, "Ja, ja es wird." Of course she speaks another language. Hell, she probably speaks MANY other languages. But she doesn't push it further, she looks back to Bobby with a slight cock of her brow, "I'll need to reread the report. I look forward to discussing it more." And then it's Crystal and Xavier she's studying, trying to keep her smile there and professional, even if the night is getting late. "Of course. You have my direct line, yes? Please…if *anything* else happens, let us know, Crystal."
*
Sensing the meeting is wrapping up, and far more positively than the last one, Charles recalls his earlier concern. I'm not certain, but whatever is obscuring her..might have something to do with her baby. Charles confides silently to the rest of his group. I can't sense any other mind there at all, it's as if there was just her. I…don't know if it might be some ability of her child causing it, but. I feel she ought to be told. I'll stay behind a bit.
*
Excellent Deutsch. Erik smiles a bit at that; he may be Polish, but his teeth were cut in die Mutterland. There's certainly an appreciation for that.
Erik takes one final drink of scotch, before pushing his chair back. "Well then. Well met, Director Carter. You can always reach me at the Institute."
He looks to the others, and will take Crystal's hand, should she also be preparing her departure.
She's wearing two guns and three knives, he answers Charles in kind, and glances toward the man briefly. We'll be right outside.
*
Crystal takes Erik's hand, leaving her mostly full glass behind as she stands. "I will keep you updated," she promises Peggy. "And…congratulations," she adds with a small smile.
*
Oblivious to the mental chattering going on between the people, Peggy seems to realize that most everyone is preparing to leave. She pushes herself up into standing, offering to shake some quick hands. A smile is kept neutral and respectful upon her features. "Here…if any of the rest of you need me…" Her hand reaches into her pocket, pulling out a few more cards with her direct line on them. They are handed over as she says quick farewells. But she's still sharp enough to catch hesitation in Charles' body language. She pauses, letting the other's go as her dark eyes study his face. "…Professor. You have something on your mind?"
*
Bobby finishes his drink then stands up, glancing at the Prof a moment before looking sharply at Erik. "The one Alex works at." he corrects quickly. "You can get a message to him via Alex at his office." Institute, university, same thing right?
*
A nod is offered to Bobby. "Exactly so." Charles agrees. He is very much serious about cooperating with SHIELD, but the students, the children at the school he would rather not risk being known to any organization. Perhaps individuals, with time reason and a basis of solid trust mutually earned, but that's a question for later.
As the other step past a smile is offered to Erik. To be honest, it's difficult to be too concerned about being menaced by knives or guns with Erik nearby in any case. Thank you my friend. I shouldn't be long.
Xavier does hang back as the others head out, nodding when Peggy mentions his lagging behind. "Yes, it was of a more personal topic, so I thought it best to wait. Might I ask how your pregnancy is progressing?"
*
The director's dark eyes watch the others go for another moment or two, arching a brow at the commentary about the place 'Alex' works. She takes it in, the slight sharp look from Bobby, the correction. But no comment is made further. Then she's alone with Charles and her smile warms back to being rather more pleasant. "Quite well… all things considered. The doctors are rather… hovering, considering my age. But things are well." Her smile is neutral, eyes calm, everyhing about her expression as normal as can be considering it's rather a personal subject.
*
That's good to hear.. if they've been hovering, surely they'd have had some indication if anything wasn't normal. Peggy herself should be well aware if a baby had stopped kicking and moving this far along. Charles nods replying as he stands near the closed door, "I wanted to let you know your child's mind was unusual.. whether from your own history or a mutation I couldn't say. I know a young man who might be able to tell for certain, but in any case, I thought you ought to be told."
*
"…Ah. There… have been…" Peggy gives him a slightly awkward smile, almost embarrassed, her head tilting a touch to the side, "…You aren't the first to notice. SHIELD have their own psychics, after all. It seems likely… from what we can tell, the child is… remarkably gifted in some way. They seem to be shielding my mind as well? I cannot say that I understand it all… Though, protection and self preservation I can understand. I suspect that's all it is. But… thank you for your concern. I do assure you, all is well. Maybe I'll end up coming to you for… rather more personal help in the future, hm?"
*
And Charles breaks into a smile at that, nodding. "Who knows?" he agrees warmly. How fitting if the director of SHIELD would have a child who embodied those ideals even before birth.
"But if you would like to know for certain, I might know someone who could give you a more concrete answer even now. Depending on just how thorough this shielding is, of course." he nods his head, and reaches to open the door. "That was all I wanted to say. Though I do hope we will talk more in the future."
*
There is something in Peggy which looks a bit uncomfortable, but it's just as likely it's simply a very personal subject to discuss as anything else. She gives a slight tilt to her head. "I…I may be in touch if I… I decide our monitoring of the situation isn't enough. Otherwise, I simply recommend not to worry about it. We have far larger concerns than my child, right now. But… thank you for your time, Professor. We should all be getting along. It is late." With that, she picks up her coat and shrugs back into it, readying to move for the door.
*
"I find it is rarely inappropriate to take a few moments to look after a child." Charles replies with a smile and a small shrug. Perhaps they haven't shared the location of the school, but it's not as if his own title doesn't earmark him as a teacher, after all. But he opens the door with a polite nod, catching up to the rest of his group.
"Indeed we should; Good evening, miss Carter. And Congratulations."
*
Into the night, the Director of SHIELD disappears. She must have some sort of subtle communication advice, or the black sedan was just circling, because it's back there at the end of the block, readied to pick her up. She slips behind tinted glass windows a moment later and soon she and agent are back off into the city.
*