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Vision's sensors had detected the Act-F computer systems from some distance away. Anything on par with his own tech immediately catches his attention. His own murky origins remain to be investigated, after all, not to mention that any potential threat or reprogramming would come from such a source.
He's also lonely, as a synthetic being lost in the world might be, no matter how much he may have educated himself.
The security is extensive, but of little consequence to him. He can command some of it to let him pass and simply walk through walls where things get in his way. He finds himself walking through the place with curious eyes, absorbing the world around him and trying to make sense of just what this place might be.
He senses a biological form approaching - female, young by their standards. Perhaps it - she - will be of assistance.
*
In efforts to prove herself to the new job and, really, just out of old habits, Pepper is working late on a day when most people aren't working at all. Besides, it was a good distraction from that constant itch and need in the back of her head for that little pill which had slowly taken over her life. If she can work a few more hours, she can get home and then hit a dose of Vigor close enough to bed time that she'll get through the day with only one more dose.
She just needed to get through these few hours.
A stack of files in her arms, having been organized by project from a rather insane lab technician's messy, brilliant paperwork, Pepper now makes her way from the deep labs back towards the administrative area. She's fairly certain she should be alone in the building today, most people took off Sunday and would be upstairs with families or friends. She's in slightly more casual clothing, a pair of high waisted slacks and a red cropped mod sweater, her red hair pulled back loosely from her wan face. Her heels click quietly as she makes her way down the hall and then turns the corner to almost run *straight* into Vision.
She blinks, giving just a touch of a yelp of surprise, almost dropping the files but she manages to scoop forward and catch them before they go spilling. "..I… I didn't realize anyone else was here tonight. Goodness. Can…. can I help you? I just started for Dr. Storm…last week…"
*
Vision seems nonplussed, but, then, he almost always does. He isn't prone to making much in the way of outward expressions as of yet - his emotions, still very new to him, were comlicated things and he had sensed her approach so he wasn't shocked by her arrival.
"Perhaps you can help me. What is this place? Who is its designer? I am an artificial life form. My designation is Vision. I would seek communication and congress with those responsible for this technology, that I might gain further understanding of myself. If I have shocked you, I apologize. I am not always good with human customs." he says in his mellow, even voice.
*
The redhead stares up at him with slightly too-wide, bloodshot blue eyes. She just blinks a heartbeat or two, trying to process just what he's said. Finally, Pepper stammers out a good, slightly fuller laugh and looks down the hallway, across Vision's shoulder, before looking back to the golden-cloaked man. "…This… this is a joke, right? Fool the new girl who just came from SI? Surely… I mean, this is very funny. The costume is amazing. Your face honestly looks metal, and the eyes… Wow. This is impressive. Sue? Are you around here? Who is this guy?" Pepper calls down the hall, still half laughing, because her mind really cannot process the fact that he might be honest about his statement.
*
Vision shakes his head slightly, "I do not know this Sue, but I am not her. I do not sense any other biological presences in this facility at the current moment. I can assure you that there is no deception involved. If you would desire some sort of test or demonstration, I would be willing to provide such, although I would prefer not to be dismantled or deactivated in any fashion. I may be an artificial man, but I am still a man and I would find it distressing," he says. "I have many capabilities, however, that demonstrate my capacities. For example, your current heart rate is at 120 beats per minute and rising, along with your blood pressure. It might be wise for you to sit down before you become dizzy or light headed."
*
Those pale eyes remain rather wide, the slightly awkward, forced laugh on her artfully painted lips now falling away as Pepper is slowly inching towards being convinced this isn't a joke. She looks down the hallway again, the motion casually tossing that red pony tail across her shoulder, but no one else is coming forward to claim the wandering AI or the possible joke. Then Pepper's gaze finds his face once more, especially has he comments on her sitting down. She gives another, more nervous laugh, shaking her head almost immediately, "N-no… No. I'm quite fine, I promise." Besides, a touch of dizziness wasn't anything compared to withdrawal. She's been through worse.
"Ah… You are… An… An artificial man. Alright. Did you come from one of the…the labs here? Do you know who made you? I…I know they are doing a lot of experiments, but I'm not one of the scientists. You… this still seems… Impossible. You seem very… real." Pepper is doing her best to be pleasant, ever professional, in the face of something her brain keeps screaming cannot exist.
*
Vision stands with his arms at his side, his cape draped over his shoulders and framing his torso, which seems like that of a fit, tall man in a costume, albeit with a metallic weave and a rather stiff posture. "I came to consciousness in a lab that was being destroyed. I believe it was self-destructing. I had no time nor understanding then to gather evidence - I was merely able to escape intact," he says.
"I understand that my workings are extremely advanced, more so than even the robotics found in the works of the human author, Isaac Asimov. I do not have an explanation for that. I believe some humans are far more advanced than they let the world know. The Iron Man would seem to be good evidence for that, among some others," he says.
"How can I show you that I am real?"
*
Those bloodshot eyes now narrow on him a bit closer, panicking mind slowly beginning to catch up with the fact that this is probably not a joke and he is very much real. "…Yes, the Iron Man is… quite advanced, but even Mr. Stark hasn't produced anyone or… anything as… Complex as you. Much less intelligent. The suits are just… Just suits. They still need a person inside." Pepper breathes out, some shock wearing away into quietly marveling at the pure miracle in front of her.
She keeps the files clutched against her chest with one arm, really not caring to drop them after going through all that organization, but her other hand slightly comes out to almost hover across his chest. "…May… May I touch you? I know that must be… Rude. How did you get in here? We have security on all the doors. The alarm is set…" Pepper murmurs, confusion muddying in her husky voice. She then begins a very slow circle around him, studying his form from all angles, but she doesn't actually touch him unless he gives permission.
*
Vision nods, "You may touch me as you like. I am not averse to it," he says. "I have the ability to alter my physical density and mass, so I was able to pass through the walls. In addition, I can communicate with the programming in the security system and it gave me permission to pass through unannounced. I considered letting the alarm go off, but felt it might indicate that my presence was hostile and could result in a violent response. I did not wish to engage in violence," he says.
"I am pleased to know this is not an organization of ill intent - my readings on philosophy have lead me to attempt to live a moral life, although I find some of the superstition based tenets and creeds to be illogical," he says.
*
As he gives permission for her to touch him, Pepper's fingertips slightly brush along the back of his cloak. But that was fabric, or it looks like fabric, at least. It wasn't HIM. So, the redhead steps back around to his front and allows her fingertips to ever so gently reach upwards to trace down his cheek, chin, throat, almost memorizing the lines and the feel of that artificial skin against her hand. "Do it. Change your… density. If I put a hand through you, it will not hurt, will it?" Pepper asks quietly, that experiment, since he had been quiet solid under her hand, probably a step in the right direction. Her own pulse rate hasn't quite slowed at all, though it's no longer in panic but in a mix of excitement and shock.
"No, this is an organization that very much tries to protect and guard people. We are here to help against the things which would threaten everyone… And to develop technology to better protect the world." Pepper gives the mission statement, loosely, though there is a touch of pride behind her tired voice about this place. "But it's still…Dangerous that you are here. Some people would consider it a violation of security…"
*
His body is warm, actually warmer than a human being by a little more than twelve degrees, the synthetic skin make of silicon microderm which resembles human flesh rather impressively. His crimson eyes tilt somewhat to take her in as he accedes to her request. His body alters and her fingers sink into him, enabling her to pass her hands through as she likes.
"It will not hurt me, no. I do not experience pain in the way that humans do - I register damage, but it does not make me…suffer, I do not believe. Not in the same way," he says.
"I would like to help in that mission, if I could. I have been seeking a purpose, since my awakening. I am certain that I could reassure any concerns that such people might have about me. I have nothing to hide."
*
A slight gasp escapes her lips as her hand does actually sink into what had been solid flesh. He was not joking. Pepper almost too quickly draws away, as if she thought keeping her palm there too long would cause damage. Or maybe radiation to her? Who knows! Still, the woman is now staring up at him with wide enough eyes that say she's probably accepting the fact he's real and what he says he is and that should be impossible. The generally business like, perfectly eloquent Pepper Potts is, for the time being, speechless. Her lips part, seeking words, but they simply aren't there.
Finally, she manages out a slightly stammering, "Y-yes… yes… Dr. Storm and Dr. Richards… they… Goodness, I am more than certain they'd want to meet you. They help run the project. But… n-no one is in right now. It's the weekend. If… if you want to come to my office, you can… Sit? Relax? Do you relax? I have coffee made. Do… do you drink coffee?" Pepper's brows furrow, a thousand questions behind her eyes as she finally turns on the ball of her foot and begins to lead the way down the hall.
*
Vision smiles, "I absorb all the energy I need from the ambient electromagnetic radiation given off by the Earth's sun. I do not have taste buds - yet," he says. "I am capable of relaxing, although I have no need to do so. But I am more than capable of waiting patiently. I do not get anxious," he says.
"If you would like me to stay here until the weekend is over, that is fine as well. I have nowhere to be and no one to bother," he says, rather bluntly. "I am alone."
*
"From… the… Sun. Oh." Pepper echoes, still a touch of numb disbelief behind her voice. Maybe she was going insane? It's not too far to her office, leading down one last hall to the only room with full lights on. A small room with a single desk, a LOT of file cabinets, two typewriters, and a bookshelf. She doesn't rate a big enough office for a couch or anything like that.
"Uh… sit down. Relax. I… wish I had more space, I'm not usually the one entertaining guests. So… there is nothing I can get you to make you more comfortable, Mr… Vision, was it?" Pepper asks, actually having HEARD what he originally said, she's quite good with the details, just not really having processed it until now.
*
Crystal has arrived.
*
Vision nods, "Vision. I suppose it is The Vision, to be specific, but the definite article is not always necessary. Simply Vision will suffice," he says. "I have no needs. I will continue my exploration of the computer systems present while I am waiting. I am grateful to you for your kindness and hospitality. I did not get your name, unfortunately." he says. He takes a seat on the spare chair, folding his cape underneath himself and sitting with a straight back, staring at the wall in placid contentment.
*
"Uh…Pepper. I'm Pepper… Potts. But Pepper is fine… And…" The redhead winces just a bit as he comments on exploring the computer systems, "I don't know if that is a good idea. I know you are very curious, Vision, but it's generally very rude to be poking around in what would be considered classified files. You are compromising state secrets and it… It might make some of the higher ups very cross with you. So… so maybe just hold off on doing that and let me call a few people for you to meet?" Pepper gives him her best, neutrally warm, sweet secretary smile, but there is a new touch of panic to her thoughts. What if he was some sort of enemy spy? How could she even stop someone like him.
So, the first phone call is to Crystal, since she's at the top of the emergency list. Just a brief explanation that the office's security was breached, and it's all fine, but it might be smart to come down to the offices. Then a call to Forge, Pepper simply stating that if he'd like to meet an actual AI, he might want to come in… Then last to Sue, saying there is a minor emergency… Pepper makes each call with grace, dignity, and slightly increasing panic.
*
Forge has arrived.
*
Sue arrives from Baxter Building: F4 Residence.
*
Sue has arrived.
*
Crystal is good for emergencies. She knows how to handle things diplomatically. She can back up any diplomacy with a surprising degree of power. And, perhaps most useful, she has access to a teleporter. Which is why she's arriving at the Baxter Building within just a few minutes of receiving Pepper's phone call, heels clicking on the floor as she steps inside.
"Good evening, Miss Potts," she calls lightly ahead of herself, half turning to take in the room…and the new arrival waiting there. Interesting.
*
Vision sits placidly on the chair, raising a hand in greeting to Crystal upon her arrival. "I have been told not to contact your computer further. I am not a threat to security. My name is Vision," he says to her, in straightforward fashion. "Please let me know your chosen designation so that I can address any specific remarks to the person towards whom they are intended."
*
The new Act-F executive management assisstant, or whatever title they settled on for Pepper, is standing behind her desk in her casual work day clothing with a smile that is just on the edge of shocked still plastered across her somewhat wan features. Pepper hasn't bothered with the heavy, hiding make up today, just a touch of lipstick and her hair pulled back, as she didn't expect to see anyone else right now. Clearly, she was wrong. But anyone might be pale with the things that are happening to them.
"Crystal! YOu must be Crystal…thank god. I've read your file. I'm Pepper, I'm the new secretary… I… I was just working late and.. he… walked down the hall. He's Vision… he's.. well… Vision, if you… can explain? Maybe he can explain better than me. This doesn't seem possible…" Pepper spills out in a flurry of rambling, uncertain words.
*
Clipped steps see Sue Storm treading through the hallways of the Act-F offices. She'd received the call, explained to Reed where she was going (which took far longer than it should have because he was in the lab working on something; she's still not convinced he has the foggiest), and then came right here. Dressed in her Fantastic Four uniform with a white lab coat overtop.
Her fingers comb her hair back into a tight ponytail with an elastic around her wrist. She steps into the room and her eyes flit between all of those gathered. The one she doesn't know sees her eyes lingering longer. "…hello," she manages to sound warm despite the wariness in her voice. Her gaze flits towards Pepper, "Your call seemed rather… urgent."
*
"I think leaving the computers alone sounds like an excellent idea," Crystal smiles politely to Vision. "I'm told one never knows what one will find in them here. I'm Crystal," she introduces herself, dipping her chin in a slight nod. "And I'm sure everything will be all right, Miss Potts," she adds steadily, flashing a reassuring smile to the other woman.
She steps to the side as Sue comes in, nodding to the other woman. "Evening, Sue. I'm told this is Vision," she introduces the seated android, as if all of this is entirely ordinary.
*
Vision regards the newcomers with the same blank and pleasant expression he used towards Pepper. "I am surprised and pleased by the prevalence of female demographics here. Humanity is trending towards an increase in workplace equality and that is fitting for a location of advanced technology. Sex bias makes no sense in regards to intellectual pursuit," he says.
"As I have informed Miss Potts, I am available for examination and persual. YOu may touch me if you wish. I would like to satisfy any queries or concerns as best I can within the limitations of my own personal knowledge."
*
In her most calm, business like, even voice, Pepper explains quietly, "I was staying after organizing the mess in Lab J and when I left, I found Vision here in the hallway. He informed me that he is an Artificial Intelligence who woke up in some lab which was being destroyed. He managed to get free but…could not further investigate his origins. He is more advanced than robotics found in Asimov's work. He can be both solid and lose density to the point I can put my hand through him. He got inside, apparently, by talking to our security system and convincing it to let him inside and that he was not a threat. He's come to… seek out more technology like himself so he might learn about himself. Oh, he can also scan biological readings and seems to have a sense of morals. I… well… I figured you all should know."
Pepper grins a bit wider, the smile awkward, still in a bit of shock. She adds a quickened heartbeat later, "Coffee anyone?"
*
"Well," Sue replies to Crystal as her eyebrows draw together. Her gaze flits between Pepper, Crystal, and finally lands on Vision, where it remains trained for several beats. Science-minded, too curious, and inclined to test the waters, Sue (not-so-scientifically) lifts her pointer finger and treads towards Vision to poke his shoulder.
She hums quietly, her lips part, and then press back together. Silently she nods. "Well," she starts again, because well isn't always a sentence on its own, "welcome to our lab." Her eyebrows draw together sharply again, "I'm Doctor Sue Storm… uh… Seo Hyun Storm if you have a mind for languages." Pause. "But Sue is sufficient. We — well — I'm sure Miss Potts or our database filled you in on what we do here." Her lips purse.
And finally she nods at Pepper. "Good. Coffee." She lifts a hand, "Wait. No, no coffee. Uh… tea." Her lips edge downwards. "I've been off coffee since November." She slowly slides into a nearby chair, "My fiance would be rather impressed by you, Vision."
*
Of course, Forge has no particularly accelerated methods of getting here, or near proximity. Of course, he does have a reckless disdain for traffic laws and the petty cash to influence the taxi driver. Abruptly there's the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps, before the door bursts open and the out-of-breath inventor is looking wide-eyed around the room. "What'sthisaboutdangerousAI?!" Well, the dangerous part was not EXPLICITLY stated…
*
"I'm afraid any examination I might perform would be utterly lacking," Crystal smiles faintly, moving over toward Pepper's desk to lean against it in quiet solidarity. Don't worry, Pepper. This is all normal and totally under control. Totally. "Though I do find it fascinating. I wasn't aware that anywhere outside of these labs would have anything close to a self-determining artificial intelligence."
*
Vision nods, "Anglicization of names unfamiliar to those of Western European heritage is a common methodology for integration into the melting pot dynamic in the urban United Staes, especially in the northeast," he says.
Forge's declaration gets the most immediate response, with vision narrowing his eyes, "While I am a potent individual, I am not a danger in that I mean no harm. I am fully in control of my own faculties. I am happy to be examined, but will not submit to disassembly or deactivation. I have an instinct to self-preservation and am not comfortable with being so dismantled," he says, his eyes and the gem on his forehead momentarily glowing red.
"I have come as a friend and an ally. I expect to be treated as such."
*
The redhead narrows her eyes slightly at Sue, a thought crossing her gaze, but Pepper shakes it off a heartbeat later and murmurs, "Yes, of course. I just forgot, Sue. Sorry, let me put on some hot water right now." While Pepper's office was small, and absolutely CRAMPED now, with this many people in it, she did keep a coffee pot and one of those new fangled electric kettles on the far bookshelf. No good secretary goes without being able to make coffee or tea at any point in time. She pops on the already filled kettle, giving Forge a bit of a welcoming smile as he comes in. "I…I didn't say *dangerous*, Forge… simply… Unexpected." Pepper corrects, her voice trying to remain gentle and calm.
A sideways look is given to Crystal as the woman says this is all totally normal. She arches a skeptical brow, "…and I thought working for Stark was strange. Normal. Yes." Pepper mutters, mostly beneath her breath. She stands back, otherwise, letting the scientists speak to the AI.
*
"And we aim to treat you as an ally," Sue offers back to Vision. "But, we also must do our due diligence." She sucks on the inside of her cheek, "Could we possibly run some tests?" Her eyes narrow slightly. "You'd like to know more about yourself as would we." Her gaze flicks towards Forge. "We could do some investigation then?"
Pepper is cast an easy smile, "Thank you. Very appreciated."
*
Only after the fact does Forge really take stock of who's in the room. Obviously, the Vision stands out, although his gaze appears to be looking at something transient of the artificial man himself. "Oh." He does not look even slightly nervous, merely fascinated. He makes to approach the other man without any particular social etiquette, to walk in a slow circuit around him. "Remarkable. That mechanical energy… I've only seen something like it twice before. It's true… he's a machine. Built by… by…" He makes a motion in the air, which does nothing to help really understand it. "Wow…!! Can I touch you?" It's hard to tell if he's actually following along with what others are saying or just going nuts with his personal curiosity.
*
"Normal is a relative term," Crystal assures Pepper, smile flickering across her features. "Actually, I'd say an artificial intelligence is less strange here than other things we've seen would be. Magical energies would be more out of place. Artificial intelligence suits the general level of technology here. Though it's an interesting choice." She crosses her arms loosely over her chest, head tilting as she considers the Vision.
*
Vision cocks his head, "I was unsure whether to put much credit in reports of magic. Magic seems an unlikely inversion of the operative laws of physics. If there is credible evidence for its existence, though, that is fascinating," he says.
"I do not know who built me. I am open to having tests run, within the parameters I've discussed," he says. He closes his eyes for a moment and panels open along his inner forearm and chest to allow access to his inner workings, "I will inform you if your investigations grow too invasive or endanger my operations."
*
Bloodshot blue eyes flicker over to Crystal as she mentions magic, Pepper shaking her head quietly, "I… I don't even want to touch that. I think I'll stick with filing and color coordination." Pepper murmurs, almost too humble. But there was a certain safety in being 'just a secretary'. Hiding her brilliance. People ignored secretaries. She listened to more, noticed more that way.
As the kettle finishes bubbling up that water, Pepper pulls down a clean mug from the shelf over head, dropping Sue's preferred tea into it and steeping the water across the ball of tea as smoothly as she can. It's late enough in the night that her hand has begun to shake. She was supposed to go home soon. She had things at home she needed. She takes a breath, trying to steady her hand out before anyone notices.
*
"Magic, as I like to think of it, is just not-yet-understood science," Sue offers back to Vision. "Well, perhaps we should discuss where to go about this work." She sucks on the inside of her cheek and casts Forge a sidelong look. "I would rather you not linger here too long, Vision. We have some in our…" her eyes turn upwards "…acquaintance at the DoD that we would rather keep in the dark about some matters." Her eyebrows lift meaningfully. It's possible he doesn't understand such nuance, but she uses it just the same.
She issues Pepper a grateful smile, "Thank you. Thank you." Because that's totally appreciated. Going back to the topic at hand, "So, I would prefer it if you'd either come back with me or," she glances towards Forge, "Head to Forge's lab."
*
Without wasting any time, Forge begins to dabble with Vision. Touching here and there, fiddling within those offered panels. Surprisingly, he seems to constantly home in on the areas that Vision would likely not want him near; those that might affect operations or result in deconstruction. He does nothing with that information, although it's clear that his ability to understand in some degree seems to be developing. A constant mutter is under his breath, although unlike many he's making no pains to treat Vision more like a fully conscious being. He ends up stepping back, arms crossing before his chest. "If I had a decade, I couldn't even start building something like him. I've actually tried. Started? Uh, anyway. …The only lab I'd say is on par with mine would be Dr. Reed's. It's up to you where you'd like him to go… but I /do/ have a large amount of free time…" Ah, almost a hunger in his eyes!
*
Crystal's smile quirks at the reaction to magic. "Yes, I'd thought the same until relatively recently. Though it's hardly the matter at hand." When it comes to being comfortable with technology, she is. When it comes to understanding how it works, on the other hand, she's somewhat lacking. The scientists seem to have that well in hand, though, and Pepper has the comfort tea on the way. Which means she's left to simply be prepared should things go south.
*
Vision nods, "Much of what is now considered established science was once considered magic or superstition. This is a wise approach," he says in regards to Sue's position towards magic.
He keeps himself quite still as he's examined. His elaborate circuitry, of course, seems quite incredible, composed of synthetic plastics, silicon, copper and platinum. His nanocells are heavily charged with solar energy at the moment.
Vision doesn't particularly notice the rapacious hunger in Forge's gaze, because he isn't sophisticated enough about human behavior in this regard. He looks to Pepper and considers, "Where do you think I should go?" he asks her. She, after all, had no stake in the matter he could see and she had been nice to him when he first arrived.
*
The tea is smoothly handed over, Pepper giving Sue a slightly warmer smile as the woman thanks her, but she doesn't intrude otherwise. She nods in silent agreement to Crystal, not wanting to cut in any further while the scientists are working, but there's something in Pepper's tired eyes that change now. She looks over Vision with a touch of apology and almost pity? What had she subjected him to? His poor arms opened like that, people poking at him like he was nothing more than a machine, when he was a man too. Forge's excitement and almost hunger? It all makes her feel more than a touch odd.
That aching look deepens as Vision looks straight at her and asks her opinion. There is a strange protectiveness in her eyes, that fierce moral need to *help* which makes her such a good assistant, but it's now strongly focused on him. "…First… Vision, I think… it'd good to remind everyone you… You are a person, too. An intelligence. Thinking… Feeling… Sentient. Not just a… a robot." Pepper dares speak that to the room, even if it might get her in trouble. "…Secondly… You…you should go wherever you will feel safest. Both places are good. Forge… he… He might be able to understand you on a lot of levels, not just mechanically, but…" Then she's looking up to Forge, trying to level gazes with him, "Please…remember he's a person?"
*
Sue manages a flicker of a smile towards Vision. "You can also choose to visit both. I'm happy to have you with us or elsewhere. Just know that we currently have a rather," her lips twist to the side as she looks rather pointedly at Crystal, "keen," that seems like a polite description of Maximus, "guest." Her throat clears. "That said, I believe all three… four," because Maximus now lingers around the lab, "of the men in my life would be fascinated. Let me be clear though, I'm a biochemist. I am fascinated by the prospect of AI, but the testing would predominantly be done by the rest of my family."
*
Forge is obviously distracted, nibbling on his thumb as a torrent of thoughts go through his head. He's trying to backtrack from the impossible nature of Vision's initial creation to something that can be grasped and understood in the context of this era's technology, but he's still a long way off. Likely by decades. He does blink and look up when his name is stated, nodding his head rapidly in agreement. "Yes. Yes, I'd be able to understand him well—" But then the last part appears to click something in his mind, and a look of mild shame goes across him. "…of course. Of course." For the first time he looks at Vision the person, and extends a hand towards the man. "Mr. Vision. It's a pleasure to meet you, either way. You can call me Forge."
*
Crystal shoots an apologetic look toward Sue at the woman's comment. "Maximus," she clarifies, not the least bit inclined to risk any lack of clarity on that subject. "He's about so tall," she holds her hand up, "Dark hair, blue eyes, and I'm not sure if you're capable of reading such things, but he's not entirely mentally balanced. He is, however, something of a mechanical genius, so I would ask that you not share your specifications with him, for everyone's safety."
*
Vision nods, "Going back and forth between several would seem wise. A variety of perspectives is good. Biochemistry may even be of use - I believe, from my own studies, that I was designed in many ways as a simulacrum of humanity. My form and function largely follow human lines - even my internal circuitry deeply resemble the human nervous system. And, obviously, my synthetic biology has been created in mimicry of people," he says. "I am willing to allow access under my chosen parameters. I am, however, yes, a person. And like with any person, I will not respond in a positive way to anyone who violates my person or any attempt to harm or control me." he says ominously.
*
The redhead gives Forge a quiet, approving smile as he finally resets his thoughts and looks at Vision a new way. A small nod follows, thanking him, almost, before she settles back against her desk, letting her hips rest perched on the edge. Her arms fold across her chest, hands tucking beneath her elbows to keep them from the noticable shake that always comes an hour or less out from her next bit of 'medicine'. This was not the time to look out of sorts at all.
"Vision…you… You definitely came to the right place. These are good people. But… you also have to understand how delicate the information *they* have can be, as well… There need to be assurances between both parties that… that sensitive information stays within the organization. I don't know how to make that happen. Us… us humans, we sign contracts. I don't know if that'd work as well for you but… for everyone's safety, we need to make certain that… that you're not… well, that someone untoward didn't send you to us. Do you understand?" Pepper really doesn't want to call him a spy, but the implication is there.
*
"I can't imagine my family working outside of your parameters. They get very enthusiastic about technology, but they do understand that people are people." Sue casts Crystal a smirk at her assessment of Maximus. "We are being rather careful about Maximus's exposure to anything in our lab." Her eyebrows lift again. There are thoughts that linger there, but she doesn't give them a voice. Pepper's concerns are considered and she inhales a sharp breath only to hold it. There's lots to discuss. And much to decide.
*
"I think a mutual exchange would be best." Forge agrees, nodding his head towards Sue. "You can go between us at your leisure, and we can share information related to such as well." He keeps back otherwise, however — the more management oriented side of discussing where he goes is less of a concern for him, admittedly.
*
Crystal is quiet now, holding her spot near Pepper's desk with a simple nod. "I would urge you to be careful, Vision. I'm not sure what social nuances you have programmed, but there may be those who try to exploit any voids in your programming."
*
Vision nods, "Establishing trust is a difficult part of any social interaction. I can promise to restrain myself from discovering secrets or knowledge that would be normally forbidden to the public, until such a time as I achieve or earn the necessary clearances," he says. "In return, I will offer access to my person to the various facilities to examine my abilities and my functions. In so doing, we can hopefully discover more about my origins and where I came from."
"In the meantime, I would like an opportunity to help with the mission plan for this organization set forth and described by Pepper. If I engage in acts that help to achieve the goals set forth, I can do my part to earn the trust desired," he says.
*
As Vision mentions he wishes to help with the goals she mentioned, Pepper smiles a bit warmer. That was reassuring. "Well…I…I think you all can take it from here. I should go… home. It's getting late. Vision, do you need somewhere to… stay?" She was about to offer, but then she remembers, she's not IN her big condo any more, "Ah…I am sure we can arrange a hotel. SOme place to call your own… If you want me to book it before I go, I can." But she needed to go. The twitchiness was getting worse. Still, the redhead tries to make it look smooth and normal.
*
Sue grants each of her comrades a sharp nod. "Alright. We have a strategy then." She pinches the bridge of her nose, "We will investigate and establish trust between us all." She inhales a long breath and nods towards Pepper. "And I think we should all consider calling it a day. We already have much wearing on us." She glances towards Pepper, "If you can check Vision into a hotel on your way home, I would appreciate it. We can charge it to the department, and I'll throw it under discretionary funds."
*
A concerned appraisal of Pepper follows, although Forge knows well the nerves that can be attributed to work and says nothing of it. "I better head back, too… Here." He pulls out a business card for Eagle Plaza and offers it to the automaton. "Come here at your leisure, and I can go about helping you find out something about your origins. I also know someone you should meet, if I can get in contact with them again. Thanks for having me over for this… this is quite… an interesting development."
*
Crystal likewise glances toward Pepper. But then, the other woman has clearly had a bit of a shock. It's no wonder if she wants to get out of the place and back to something a little more normal. "Well. If everything is settled then, I'll just be on my way home. Don't mind Lockjaw in the lobby, everyone," she adds. "He's no trouble, we'll be on our way."
*
Vision smiles, "I appreciate the thought, but I have no need of a domicile. I do not sleep nor eat and weather does not have an effect on me, so I have never required a shelter of my own. Although…it is an interesting thought. TO have a space that belongs to myself," he says, as if he hadn't thought of it before.
"Perhaps, in time, something of that sort can be established. Until then, I will be in contact with each of the respective laboratories and we can establish research protocols."
*