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Avengers HQ. Or what, once it's finished, will be Avengers Headquarters. Or as Jean-Paul called it, the Revengers. He doesn't really pay much attention to American things. He stopped by to see what it was Steve was talking about and he's sitting on a crate drinking a beer as he watches the workmen… work. Noisily.
*
Steve is working on one of the bathrooms. It gives him a chance to mentally prepare himself before the upcoming trip to Madripoor. It's the melodic sound of the scraping off of old grout and adhesive that quiets his mind. Taking a break he walks out into the room where Jean-Paul sits and gives an upwards nod as he goes for a beer in the cooler. "Glad to see you decided to show up," he says with a grin.
*
Crystal has something of a knack for organizing things, so when she has a few moments free from organizing things for Xavier's, she stops by the Avengers HQ to check in on things there and make sure that everything is being handled appropriately. Coming into the city is a bit of a juggling act for her - the more often she does it, the worse it is for her health, but it's hard to stay involved in things if she's never in the city.
"How go things?" she asks as she steps inside, setting down a clutch and a scarf near the door. Blue cotton is a little less formal than her usual attire, but it's still a dress.
*
"Before I turn down an invitation, I like to know what it is I am turning down." Jean-Paul answers, inclining his head to Steve. "Or in this case, allowing it a trial run." His gaze turns toward Crystal as she arrives and he acknowledges her with a small nod as well. "I happened to encounter the 'kid who heals' that you mentioned wanting to get to join. I did mention it to him but the boy is a mutant supremacist. Not a good choice for your stated goals."
*
Steve can't help but laugh, "Supremacist, huh? Figured you'd love the idea of someone noting somethings supreme qualities." Clearly Steve is joking. "This is Crystal," the blonde says as he turns his attention to the inhuman. "Things are good. Glad you're around. Wanted to talk to you about that technology you mentioned."
*
"A pleasure to meet you," Crystal smiles easily to Jean-Paul, stepping forward to offer a hand. "I'm sorry to hear that, about the healer. Such talents are valuable, to say the least. But yes. Technology." She looks back to Steve, tipping her head to one side with a curious arch of her brow. "What were you thinking?"
*
"By definition, only one quality matters, superior or not." Jean-Paul points out. "It displays prejudice, lack of discernment and an inability to think critically." Shifting the beer to his left hand, he clasps Crystal's when it's offered. "You are intending to be a member of this team?"
*
"Training and transportation would be my dream," Steve says to Crystal. "I really don't know what our options are and what you'd be able to share, or be willing to share." He chuckles towards JP and nods, "True, but I think we're differ on whether our friend is actually a supremacist."
*
"I am," Crystal nods to Jean-Paul, smile crooked. "I have some experience with these things." She finds a box that looks to be in decent shape, leaning against the edge of it as she nods to Steve. "Transportation is…slightly complicated. I can offer some assistance in the short-term. Lockjaw can teleport. In the long-term, I'll have to speak with the Council about what they're willing to share. Most of our technology deals in short-range. We haven't traveled much, and if we need to, we have teleporters like Lockjaw. But the ability to improve is there. I'm sure Maximus would be thrilled with the opportunity, if you're willing to trust him."
*
"When someone states that they'd help a mutant - any mutant - over a human, there's not a lot of doubt as to his priorities." One shoulder lifts slightly as Jean-Paul takes another swig of his beer and studies Crystal. "Just who and what are you? A council and, from the sound of it, advanced technology."
*
"Well, all options are on the table. I was hoping to find some way for us to get around quickly without the need for the, well…you know." Steve says, referring to Lockjaw. He then nods to JP, "I guess I'll ask him about it. Are we sure it was taken in the right context?"
*
Crystal folds her hands in her lap, considering Jean-Paul for a moment before she answers the question. "We call ourselves Inhumans," she answers. "The short version is that the recent incursion isn't the first time the Kree visited this planet. The first time, they tampered with the genetics of some of the natives. We were the result. We have the advantage of some advanced technology, we've just been very…isolated for a very long time."
*
"I am certain." And Jean-Paul does sound quite certain of that. He usually does. He's quiet as he considers Crystals answer then nods. "I see. And I assume the 'tampering' was for the purpose of giving you powers. Did they turn you all into mutants?"
*
"Well, we'll see what he has to say," Steve replies non-commitally. He guesses it could be true, but it'd definitely be surprising. "In any event, Crystal, we'll be headed to Madripoor to find any information on some residue on the explosives. Some sort of plant native to there was used as a way to make the fire "sticky". We're kind of lucky that the testing is advanced as it is. I was told that a couple of years ago they would have had difficulty in finding it at all."
*
"Not…precisely." Crystal lifts a hand to Jean-Paul, wiggling it from side to side. "They grafted early human DNA with Kree DNA. As a result, even the least of us has enhanced strength, speed, stamina." Her smile quirks as she looks to Steve. "I can go toe to toe with the Captain here if need be. Later on, after the Kree were gone, one of our own discovered the means by which we activate powers. It's a separate process, and one unique to us. The Kree haven't anything like it."
*
"Interesting. You're wise to remain hidden from humanity. A small population, with powers or not, would be a prize for most governments to get their hands on." Jean-Paul gazes from Crystal back to Steve. "What is this about Madripoor?"
*
"Some of the explosives were linked back to Madripoor. We figure that it's some rogue element that might be involved. We plan on researching some old SHIELD contacts to see if we can get any dirt," Steve replies.
*
"Mmm. Well. We were a civilization for a good time before there was any government on this planet to get their hands on anything," Crystal notes, a glimmer of amusement in her features. "But yes. It's why we've been cautious of going public at this stage as well." She looks back to Steve then, nodding as she stores away the information. "What reason would this Madripoor have to have struck out at the fair?"
*
"And do you think they care?" Jean-Paul asks Crystal, a note of dry humor in his tone. "That just makes you… tastier. As for Madripoor" he says to Steve, "I'll help you. I have nothing booked for the next week and a half so my schedule is free. It might be amusing."
*
"Not sure, Crystal. But that's where the evidence is taking us so that's our next stop." Steve chuckles at JP, "Amusing? Well, I hope it's amusing for you. And fruitful for us."
*
"I think they will be terribly disappointed if they think is an easy target." Crystal leans forward, setting her elbows on her knees for a moment as she thinks. "Well, I can certainly offer Lockjaw for this trip, and I will reach out to the council regarding long-term transportation."
*
"Amusing, entertaining, diversionary. Call it what you will." Jean-Paul clarifies. "It will be something to take up some time in a good cause. We can't have people going around planting bombs to make a political point." Almost under his breath, he adds "Pity."
*
Steve nods, "I appreciate the help, Crystal. Lockjaw will really come in handy." He nods then to JP, but then seems confused by his final word. "Pity? How do you mean?"