United Heroes MUSH - User contributions [en]

5551/The Demon You Know

2018-10-21T00:06:55Z

Khanata: Jason Blood introduces Jeannette to Derek Khanata and Hellboy.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/13
|Location=The Bon Viveur
|Synopsis=Jason Blood introduces Jeannette to Derek Khanata and Hellboy.
|Cast of Characters=7096, 7120, 1604, 204
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Rather than taking them directly to Nocturne, Jeannette's home, Blood decided to have a meeting between his old friend Jeannette and this makeshift crew of Khanata's in more neutral confines. So he's rented a penthouse at a nearby hotel in Bludhaven, not as luxurious as hers but somehow even more sleazy. It is Bludhaven after all. Rumors are that the place is haunted. It was certainly old-fashioned, looking almost more like a castle than a modern hotel. It does have wifi, though. Jeannette he invited earlier, the two of them sharing wine and reminiscences before the arrival of Khanata. Blood is dressed casually for him, no tie and the sleeves rolled up on his white linen shirt beneath a crimson vest. The spirits at his beck and call in the hallway alert him to an approaching presence. "I do believe we're about to have that company. Try not to frighten them too badly, they can be a little skittish and Etrigan already put the fear of Hell into them. Not that they shouldn't be afraid. But I think they might be useful and I'd rather keep them at my back than as my foes." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     Jeannette's been to filthier and sleazier places, though rarely by choice -- she prefers the lavish luxury afforded by her casino and its private rooms set designed for her personal use. But, where Blood now (presumably) hangs his hat -- this Bon Viveur -- is a step up from other places he's lived, in the past, so she's content to sit pretty in the armchair across a small table from him, sipping cognac as they catch up.     Jeannette is dressed chicly in (http://goo.gl/j8xN4K) a fitted black plunge-necked jumpsuit with belted sash and kimono sleeves. Her brilliantly white hair is (http://goo.gl/eo5KfK) swept up severely all around the sides and back, rolled into an intricate, retro pompadour on the crown of her head, and her make-up is classically beautiful, with her pale skin, single beauty mark, expertly lined eyes, and rich red lipstick.     She exhales as Jason gives her yet another warning, her icy silver eyes rolling a little. "Darling, am I really /that/ terrifying? I *am* skilled in the courtly graces, after all. If they're uncomfortable around me, it'll hardly be due to anything I can control, as well you know," she says in her rich, elegant way. Over the centuries, her accent has become an interesting thing--Hungarian by birth, French for a while, and it became a unique blend after living in so many places for so long. Now, she's cultivated a rich, mid-Atlantic accent that suits for the idle rich in America. Well, in her opinion, anyway. "Go on, now. Invite them in," she waves a hand floridly. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A tall, ebon-skinned African in a modern, fitted navy suit, thin black tie, and polished black leather shoes strides into the Bon Viveur, a decaying heap of the nouveau-riche decadence of the gay nineties. His face is set in a stony grimace as he rides up the old-fashioned elevator while a sallow, pimpled young man in a faded antique uniform shifts uncomfortably behind him, attempting to covertly stare at the extensive ritual scarification on the African's cheeks and brow. When the elevator comes to a stop with a jolt, the dark, gaunt figure shifts the bottle tucked under his left arm and withdraws a pair of sunglasses from his coat pocket, donning them as he approaches the penthouse door. Pausing at the threshold he exhales, adjusts his tie, and twists his face into a smirk. Finally, he knocks, three short raps. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Blood can't help but grin a bit, "I'm aware of the court in which you learned your graces, so it never hurts to be careful," he says. "Don't get me wrong, I don't wish to make them too comfortable. They should be on edge, a little bit. Fear is a form of respect and we both deserve respect," he says. He opens the door promptly, stepping aside, "Welcome. Would you care to order anything from room service? There's a dumbwaiter leading directly to the kitchen, so anything you order will be quite fresh. They make an excellent filet mignon," he says. "Since I anticipate we will need all the help we can get with the problem in Mexico, I thought I'd introduce you to an old friend of mine. This is Jeannette." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     Jeannette remains seated as Jason goes for the door and opens it, inviting the man into the room and dispensing with cordialities. When he introduces her, her brow crinkles slightly as she playfully grimaces. "Oh, Jason, really. What have we discussed about calling me 'old'?" she tuts at him, though she says it with a hint of a smile.     To Derek, however, she turns her cool gaze with a brow arched in curiosity, "My, but it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr..." she trails off with an inquisitive lilt to her voice, offering her hand to him--not to shake, but to kiss at the knuckles, as is polite and proper...to her mind.     Her eyes lid heavily as she breathes in deeply, taking in the decadent scent of death and suffering that emanate from Derek like a fine cologne. "Goodness," she exhales with relish. "But, you have suffered and brought suffering," she says thickly, as though somewhat drunk on the idea. "So much death..." her pristine, even white teeth flash as she hisses the end of that word...her lips drawn back as though she were somewhat feral, though it's not wholly unattractive. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Khanata." A whimsical smirk on his face, he accepts Jeannette's proffered hand and gives it a peck, though with no small amount of irony on his face. The African pauses, an unintentional grimace at the inhuman hiss of his hostess, but it passes within a moment. He cracks a tight, wry grin and says simply, "All part of the job, ma'am." Khanata turns, placing the bottle on a dining table set with an old-fashioned, heavy burgandy tablecloth. He looks to Blood, "I appreciate the hospitality, Blood. You did great out there yesterday. Now, I've brought a bottle of Glenlivet 18, if any of you would care for some scotch." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     The Haunted Mansion was once a popular tourist location a few years ago, and it still did alright business. But Hellboy remembered when this place looked different. The walls and floorboards, the sounds of whispering and manic screaming heard only through the pipes and the plumbing. Some places were haunted by ghosts, but some places became such a haven for the other side, that anything short of consecrating the places or tearing it down would do no good. And HB could never sign off on something like that, an old place with character like this.     He told the man in the elevator that he'd put out his smoke immediately, but 'immediately' was an interesting word. Well maybe it wasn't, but Big Red was sure as hell gonna make it interesting, as he exhaled a plume of smoke into the dusty room. He let himself in after Derek stepped inside, dressed plainly in a tight black shirt, black shorts and his typical belt. Revolver right there, just in case any of these two stepped out of line. The coat was left in the ride, he didn't really need it in this weather.     "Yeah, wine, that's great. I'm sure that's great stuff."     For his part, Hellboy had a full six-pack of cheaper better stuff, his tail lifting the cold ones behind him so that he could focus on holding his smoke. Sometimes it could be a godsend. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Blood steps aside as the introductions are made. He opens a set of doors leading out to the balcony, the cool kiss of autumn bringing a brisk wind. If there is a smell of decay, of something foul, well, that's just as well. Bludhaven is a dark place. "I imagine most of us have blood on our hands. Jeannette just has a keener nose for such things than most," he says. "And worry not, Jeannette, you're still a young spring lass to me, same as when we first met in Paris. The Revolution was such a pleasant place for those with a taste for mayhem," he says. He eyes Hellboy's beer with a raised eyebrow, but doesn't say anything about it. Plebes will be plebes. 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     Jeannette smiles indulgently at Jason as he makes his amends to her, soothing her sizeable ego. And, the smile deepens as he mentions Paris. "Ah, those were golden years. Thankfully, I have lived long enough to experience quite a number of such years, in different places, different eras..." she muses wistfully, letting her gaze travel over the hulking form of Hellboy, who has neither introduced himself, nor looked to be properly introduced to her. "Aren't you a brute," she murmurs with amusement, her glittering, pale eyes narrowed mildly, taking in the sight of him cracking open his own drink of choice. It's not a question, nor really a comment to which she is seeking reply-- more of an observation.     To Derek's question, she smiles once more. "Oh, I do enjoy a good scotch. If you don't mind," she gestures to the empty tumblers that are arranged nearby. "I don't mind mixing my spirits with liquor. I don't suffer the ill effects," she says, draining the last of her cognac from her wine goblet, placing it on the table, once more. She crosses her legs elegantly and bounces a foot idly, just gazing and observing the large red man. "Jason..." she says, resting her chin in her hand, "Is it possible he was raised in the wild?" she asks in a mildly interested tone, not freeing him from her penetrating examination. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The African combs through the kitchen cabinets and produces four tumblers. As the conversation drifts to the Revolution Khanata cocks his head, pausing momentarily to listen with interest, but doesn't comment. There's a wisp of a smile on his face as he produces a scarlet handkerchief and dusts the chipped crystal rocks glasses. "How many fingers?" he asks the room. As the drinks are poured, Khanata's face tightens at the reference to Hellboy as a 'brute' and he clears his throat at the open speculation, "My partner here is named, simply, Hellboy, although," a smirk passes his lips, "I prefer the moniker 'Big Red'. Whatever his origins, he's proven his worth a hundred times over." With that, Khanata passes a tumbler filled to the brim to Hellboy, "Drink this before you make your introductions, big guy." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     The tumbler was tumbled, and the booze was down the hatch. It was soon tossed aside casually, as Hellboy spoke while his eyes were on both Jason and Jeanette. Studying his face was a fruitless endeavor, in trying to gauge expression that just wasn't there. But Banshee wasn't reading facial expressions, was she? She could smell murderers. And Hellboy...wasn't one. He was a killer, but not a murderer. Did it matter, whether one slayed monsters, trolls, demonds and non-humans? Did something like that register on her 'scale'? If so then he'd stink to high heaven of whole closets full of corpses.     If it was only the death of humans that sparked her senses, then he'd be clean. Almost disgustingly clean. It's true he'd pummeled more than a few Nazis, cultists, Hydra Agents, mind controlled goons and so on and so forth. But he'd never snuffed anyone's candle, so to speak.     Hellboy wasn't paying attention to any of this, though, he just pointed over at Derek when the man introduced him, before speaking himself with that low, smooth voice of his.     "Yeah, think of me as the bouncer. You start playing too rough, and out you go on the sidewalk." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood tsks and shakes his head, retrieving a glass for himself, "No need to be hostile, Redrum. We're all...okay, we're not friends, but we can be of use to one another, at the very least," he says. "Derek's brought me in to consult about a rather nasty problem we seem to be having. Some sort of terrible corruption, apocalyptic evil, blah blah blah. You know the routine, Jeannette. And I know, I'm not in the compassion business myself, but I do like the planet as it is currently and I'd rather not be having some giant mushroom from Saturn cropping up south of the border and trashing the place. Since I know that Rusty here," he says, gesturing towards Hellboy, "Isn't my biggest fan, I thought I might need a little backup that felt more comfortable with me at their back. Hence this little tete a tete." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     "I'd *love* to see you /try,/ big boy," comes Jeannette's bemused response. "Besides, you have an interesting cologne. Lots of different notes," she adds. "I wouldn't mind smelling it a bit deeper, up close and personal," she smiles wickedly, licking the point of one of her canines. But, Jason is already working to soothe any ruffled feathers, trying to re-establish the status quo so discussing the matters at hand can be done without further drama.     She accepts her glass from Derek and smiles warmly to him, batting her lashes a few times, "Why, thank you, Mr. Khanata. Two fingers-- just right." She brings the tumbler to her lips and sips deeply of the fine scotch. "A fine scotch, indeed. Its quality and your thoughtfulness is appreciated. Now... I'm intrigued. What's the score? What is it you'd like my assistance with, and what sort of details are you willing to share?" she asks, redirecting her attention. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata smiles apologetically at Hellboy's self-introduction, "Don't let his bluster fool you, Jeannette. Big Red's salt of the earth, no doubt, but he's canny and has decades of experience in this business. He's simply wise enough to stay frosty and tight-lipped when dealing with as, ah, diverse a crew as we've assembled." The African strolls casually across the penthouse floor, nodding to Blood quietly as he passes out the drinks. "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage--Blood was rather vague in his description," he winks conspiratorially at the occultist, "beyond a bit of florid poetry. So I am in the dark as to the nature of your... abilities, for a lack of a better word." "As far as the threat we face," the African moves next to Blood, passing his drink and pausing to look out in the night sky, "it's frankly a fairly complex situation. I'll try to summarize as best I can." "The fungal invasion that threatened the planet a few months ago was supposedly 'defeated' by the Justice League and the Avengers, but as usual, they left a mess behind." He leans against the table and sips his scotch. "The fungus was an alien biocomputer that had taken root in Central Mexico, carving out massive underground fungal caverns. The billionaire boys' club whipped up some sort of deadly acid with which to destroy it and wrecked the town above in the process, leaving a toxic waste dump of rotting, festering alien spores." "Turns out it wasn't as dead as they believed. A large mass of the fungus had been transferred to the Astral Plane by a powerful disembodied psychic Amahl Farouk, aka the Shadow King, who has in his possession a powerful cosmic artifact known as the 'Mind Gem', giving him supposedly unlimited psychic power." He draws a pack of cigarettes from his coat pocket, lights one. "The fungal biocomputer acts as a network hub for all of the minds Farouk has touched, creating the 'sleepwalker plague' that's been all over the news for the last month. Turns out that hub runs off a 'server'--the still-beating heart of the fungal computer in Mexico. That's what we're going to take out." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood raises an eyebrow, "Salt in some kinds of earth can be poisonous, Khanata. But your point is taken. Hellboy is a noble creature, unused to the company of the degenerate. Strange times and strange bedfellows, I'm afraid." Blood listens closely. He hadn't gotten such a full summary himself, so it's good to hear it all laid out in definitive terms, even if some of the information is disturbing, "Farouk isn't unknown to me, although he was largely a boogeyman to be found around Egypt in the latter half of last century. A nasty fellow, by all accounts, in flesh and spirit." "I don't particularly care for the computing metaphor - I find such post-modernism distasteful - but I get the gist of the thing. Another case of trying to kill something that refuses to die." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     "What I do..." Jeannette says softly, looking contemplative. "I realize Jason's way of communicating is a bit more cultured than you're perhaps used to hearing, poetic and sometimes leaning toward the purple... However, what I *do* is hard to define, considering the fact that I'm so damnably flexible," she smiles archly. "To cover the basics," she begins ticking them off on her well-manicured fingers, "I'm very strong, very fast, very durable... I'm damned near impossible to kill. And, I have a few other things that I employ, when appropriate. Let's just say that...howling...is one of them, though not at all lupine, and more...lethal to hear."     Jeannette's eyes narrow with concentration as she attempts to take in what's being explained. It really does sound like gibberish to her. "Of course, I've heard the news, but they only ever deal out information in snappy sound bites that don't really inform so much as titillate the baser nature of the human race. So, this is news to me. I don't tend to run in the same circles as the Avengers, but it does /not/ surprise me to find they've made an even bigger mess when they boastfully claim they've saved the day," she drawls, sipping her scotch once more. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata nods, eyes narrowing in concentration as he considers Jeannette's overview of her powers. "Hmm. Sounds like you'll be perfect for crowd control, then. Assuming my intuition is correct," he smirks, "your powers are 'spiritual' in nature. Does that come with any of the associated tricks: invisibility, intangibility, flight?" "As far as my terminology, Blood," a nod and wry smile, "I do not speak metaphorically. My understanding is that the fungus was, in fact, a self-replicating biological computer network, accessible via telepathy, whose origin, beyond 'from space', is still unknown to SHIELD. I suspect it was a bioweapon intended to terraform the planet and provide processing power for an advanced, as-yet unknown civilization. With Farouk's interference, it somehow now exists in the Astral Plane, and seems to function in a similar manner. It may be outside of the traditional nomenclature associated with your work, Mister Blood, but the Infinity Stones can shatter all boundaries of the possible." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood gives a thin semblance of a smile. "Hence the Infinity, one presumes. I'm not pleased at the idea of these creatures from beyond space invading our territory. We have enough disruptions from the other planes as it is without throwing in outer space for the bargain," he says. "Jeannette is quite formidable - and is likely one of the few creatures that Etrigan won't destroy just to amuse himself if he begins to feel a bit...roguish. She has had dealings with the Demon, from time to time. He responds well to a familiar face." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     "If necessary, I can fly, yes. I wouldn't call them spiritual, in nature, but they are of the spirit, after a fashion, I suppose. I'm something of myth and legend given life. While there may yet be more of which I'm capable, invisibility and intangibility are not talents in my possession, at this point," Jeannette replies, smiling faintly. "That said, I have fared well enough without them for a good many years."     As Derek speaks to Jason about the biological nightmare, she speaks up and shakes her head, "Oh, now, Mr. Khanata. Don't speak down to Jason Blood. His language is that of magic, and what you speak of is the filth of alien technology. It's rank and vile, to be certain. And, its description, how it functions, is baffling to my mind, as well. It seems to be altogether unwanted, though, and that's reason enough for me."     She finishes off her two fingers of scotch and places the tumbler down, listening to Jason speak. "Many a poem of admiration has Etrigan spake for me," she says with an amused smile, making her little joke. "I won't mind hearing it, again, if it comes to that," she seems wholly unconcerned. "So, how is it we can begin to eradicate this fungus from our precious planet?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The African nods gravely to Blood, "Nor am I. Frankly, the thought of our planet's biomass being reduced to an industrial cog for some cosmic infrastructure, which we view only dimly, is far more frightening than the hells that you can conjure." He bows slightly to Jeannette in response to her reprimand. "I meant no insult. We all operate within our own paradigms, which can be a fatal weakness when dealing with powers that can rewrite foundational laws on a whim." "And if you've got the demon's ear, Jeannette, keep him from stepping too far out of bounds while on mission. We've got a number of 'heroes' among those assembled, and I fear they might follow their nature should Etrigan prove too depraved." "As I previously mentioned, in Mexico there is the 'server', which we believe to be the still-living heart of the fungus and likely the dimensional interface between its Astral self and physical remains. Our task is to eliminate that are hopefully, in so doing, disrupt the sleepwalker plague." "It is, of course, heavily defended. How do you feel your chances would be against an attack helicopter?" 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood lights a cigarette, blowing the plume of smoke out through the open window. "Etrigan, depraved? My dear Khanata...you have no earthly idea." "But I know enough to know he's no more welcoming to these fungal invaders to the rest. He never needs much persuasion to destroy things. You just have to make sure you have a more entertaining target than yourself," he says. "And yes, he's passing fond of you, Jeannette. Perhaps too much so for your good." "I will try and do a bit more research. There has to be some sort of lore on these things or, at least, something like them. I recall a few passages of the Necronomicon about fungi, but they were rather prosaic in phrasing. One can never tell if the Mad Arab wrote truth or fever dream. Sometimes they were one and the same, after all." 

:'''{{#var:7120|Jeannette (7120)}} has posed:'''     Jeannette smiles almost fondly at Derek, "My dear boy, you have such lovely manners. It fairly makes my cold, cold hard feel as though it might feel a teasing of warmth. Manners are so sorely neglected, these days." She shakes her head at the state of social interactions of the present. "Downright negligent, all this technological frippery, with a Twitbook and a Snapgram, or whatever it is the children are babbling about," she murmurs in discontent. She points a finger at both men, "It's turning their brains to jelly, I tell you. No good can come of it."     She exhales, as if thinking about the indignities she's suffering at the hands of brain-dead, zombified children is just too much, and completely unfair. "Yes, dear, I will do what I can with Etrigan. Though, as we all know, what he wants to do is what will be done, once he makes up his mind. So, let's all hope we find a very fun toy for him, a real pickle of a puzzle for him to tear apart, mm?" her smile is thin.     Nodding to Jason, she pulls out her compact from her tiny little clutch, and touches up her already perfect lips with a creamy red lipstick. She snaps her compact closed and, slipping it and her lipstick back into her clutch, she snaps /that/ closed as well. "All right, darlings. I simply *must* get out of here before the stench of faded opulence clings to me and I'm forced to burn this beautiful Balenciaga jumpsuit. I would be most displeased to do it, but needs must, if it comes to that. So. Unless you've further need of me, or there is more information to be relayed to me, I trust...?" she trails off in a way that's quickly recognized as characteristic to her way of speaking.     Without waiting for a response, she stands and gathers her clutch under her arm. "Jason, you'll escort me," she says with a smile, patting at her perfect hairdo. She says this. It is a command. Not a request. Turning to Derek, she smiles again, "It *was* good to meet you, Mr. Khanata. We'll speak again, I'm certain." Then, she's walking out the door in a sashay that is likely all too womanly and confident to escape notice. She leaves the door cracked behind her as she walks toward the elevator, planning to enter the car waiting downstairs, as it has been since she arrived at the hotel. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Oh, I believe I understand your other half perfectly, Mister Blood. It speaks in rhymes, not riddles--its persuasion and intent are clear enough. I simply can't afford its eye to wander while on mission. You understand, I'm sure." The African smiles tightly and inclines his head, "Just raised well, ma'am. I look forward to seeing your work in Mexico." Khanata stands back discreetly as Blood and Jeannette speak their parting words, smoking and staring off into the night sky. Once Jeannette has retired, Khanata gestures for Blood to join him on a pair of seats in the living area. "Regarding your research," he smirks roguishly, "I actually had a few other, more specific, tasks to ask of you." "You see, once the 'server' is down, there still remains the matter of Farouk and his Mind Gem haunting the Astral. I've mentioned my plan of having him exiled to another plane, but there has been a question of a suitable vessel in which to bind him to." The African drags from his cigarette, a repressed smile on his lips, "Now, I encountered a witch-boy recently who had an audacious proposal: a Golem. It is already designed to house a soul, and perhaps some Solomonic binding rituals can keep Farouk within long enough to force him through a dimensional portal. I would like to arrange an introduction between you two, have you determine the viability of his plan." "The boy is quite interesting, if painfully naive. The WAND boys tell me he has theoretically limitless potential and, as far as I can tell, no master to speak of. There is rumor he has a unique lineage as well--the house of Magnus." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood flicks his tongue against his teeth, preparing to escort Jeannette as she proposes. He listens to Khanata's words, though, rollin gthe idea in his head. "The provenance of the Golem might matter - holy things, Qaballic or otherwise, have a habit of being picky about their use. If placing the King within the shell would somehow profane it, the result might just be a broken golem and a freed Shadow," he said. "But I can probably come up with a few safeguards to help prevent that. I'll listen to your witch-boy's ideas, anyway." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "If he is the son of the Scarlet Witch and grandson of Magneto, as it is said, his power is undoubtedly great--along with his utility." Khanata exhales a plume of smoke and taps his cigarette into a broad, circular glass ashtray. "I think you might find him a unique challenge to tutor. You see, I understand there's an interesting wrinkle to his powerset--his power is directly proportional to his self-esteem. The more encouraging you are, the greater he can access his abilities." The African shrugs, "Meet him. It may be that your devilish wit is too much for him, but we could use the raw power." "Now, as to the other matter: before we are able to entrap Farouk, I suspect we must wrest the Mind Gem from him, or all our plans will be for naught. I have an outline of a plan, and I'm hoping you can fill in some of the details." He absently swirls his drink in the tumbler, watching the ice cubes dance. "WAND has been able to track the flow of power through the Astral network, which provided us with the location of the server. Presumably, if enough power was required, we would see the 'signature' of the Mind Gem as he accessed its power. This will require someone to 'touch the fence', so to speak, to challenge him with sufficient might to require he draw upon his greatest resources, and a means with which to remove them from the battlefield." "Once we have a location, we mobilize a team to seize the artifact. Raw power enough will almost certainly prove insufficient, so I believe the best means would be to trick him somehow." "I had hoped that you were the man to devise such a strategem." 
}}

5576/Astral Flus: Cross-Disciplinary Team-Up

2018-10-21T00:04:34Z

Khanata: Derek Khanata gathers an odd assembly of mages and telepaths to hatch a plot to defeat the Shadow King.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/17
|Location=A conference room in the Triskelion
|Synopsis=Derek Khanata gathers an odd assembly of mages and telepaths to hatch a plot to defeat the Shadow King.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 70, 18, 61, 7096
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Set aside from the foyer of the Triskelion are a number of small, quiet conference rooms used for quiet meetings of all sorts. Today, one of these anonymous rooms is the gathering place for an unusual assemblage of ninjas, superspies, witches and occultists. Seated at the head of the six-person conference table is Derek Khanata, agent of SHIELD, who is sorting through several manilla folios, his face neutral, movements unhurried, as he awaits the rest of his 'brain trust' to arrive. 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda is Wanda.. which is to say she doesn't use the front door. Wanda rarely uses the front door. In fact, wards, locks, and security are generally not huge on her list of things to observe. Not that she does it on purpose - mostly it just doesn't occur to her that the rest of the world is ruled by such things. So it is that she just *appears* in the meeting room, looking somewhat pleased with herself as she looks around and finds herself where she wishes to be. "Oh! It is that I am not late. Good." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' At precisely the appointed time, Betsy is escorted to the conference room by one of the agents. He is eyeing her warily since he happened to be one who had been in the lobby during her last visit here. Needless to say, she made him nervous. She was dressed in a stylish designer outfit, with black slacks and a lavender top. A pair of pumps with a slight heel completed the look. She arrives just in time for Wanda to appear out of thin air. A bit of a smirk as her proper British accent is heard. "If I had known that was allowed, I would have saved your lobby security some discomfort." With that, she moves to one of the seats at the table and settles in. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John uses the front door, he takes pleasure slouching his way through the cozers, and flirting with the lady at the desk, whom he gives his card. "Tha's right, Mater of the Dark Arts, don't loose the card luv, we can have a fun time..." Then he's off to the meeting room with one of the other agents. "Suit must itch like a bugger," he says looking the man up and down before handing over a card to him too. "Like I said to the bird at the desk." Then he's into the meeting, room smelling of old beer and cigarettes but seeming to wear it well. "Ah they got you too huh?" he says to Wanda and then gives Betsy and Derek a nod. "You the gov for this little sit down?" he asks Derek while swinging a chair out from the table and flopping into it. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood lounges in a corner, having apparently been napping and arriving before most of the others. He stirs at last, either from the sound of a woman's voice or the smell of Constantine's overcoat. He doesn't appear to be drunk, because it's generally very dangerous for him to be drunk. Drunk people have a habit of listening to the small, small voices in the backs of their heads. His happened to speak in rhyme and liked to occasionally burn his grimoires for fun. He takes one of the seats and slouches into it a bit, regarding the others with a nod, "Witches and wizards and spies, oh my." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata is busy jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad when the Avenger suddenly materializes. He's a cool customers, flinching only slightly, but his pen runs off the page as he stares off into space, seemingly fixated on a spot in the middle distance for a long moment before forcing a tight smile. He nods to the rest of the crowd as they file in. "Ladies, gentleman: thank you for joining me here today. My name's Derek Khanata." The African stands and leans forward, setting his palms on the table. "I know that you're all incredibly busy people, so I won't waste your time. I've gathered you here together today on behalf of SHIELD to discuss potential solutions to the Shadow King crisis. Our hope is that a cross-disciplinary approach between the psychic 'talents' of the X-family and an assembly of the greatest masters of the mystic arts will prove fruitful towards that end." "I imagine introductions are in order, unless everyone is already familiar with one another?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda takes a seat, looking about the assemblege, her lips bowing over a smile as they light upon John. "Introductions are always a good thing, I think, but not everyone here is a stranger." The impish smile is directed at Jason next, thumb and index finger of one hand hovering about half an inch apart. "Only a very little bit of a witch. Hardly enough to mention." Then she laughs. "Very well. I will start. I am Wanda Maximoff. You may also know me as The Scarlet Witch. It is good to be here, though I did not know that SHIELD wanted for witches. I will have to talk to Hawkeye about this." She clucks her tongue as though a scolding (albeit a gentle one) may ensue. Then again, she might just be teasing. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Betsy Braddock." Not like she can hide who she is. She had been a rather high profile model at one time, even with this face. And her other one. So complicated. "Former agent," she offers as she looks directly at Blood. Then she glances to each person at the table as she continues. "I also go by the name Psylocke, as a member of the X-Men. Which is not information that should be shared outside these walls, please. I am a telepath and have a few other tricks up my sleeve though no magic, real or sleight of hand, is involved." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John's blonde brows raise in surprise when he sees Jason napping in the corner. "They got you too, eh?" he says with a grin. "Well, feel much better now, between you and the red head, I don't think there's a thing they can throw at us." A look is sent Betsy's way then, "Not discounting you, but dunno what you can do yet." At the mention of the Shadow King, John settles down, becoming quiet even as he leans back in his chair, his oxfords, squeeking against the edge of the conference table. "Hullo, I'm John," he says giving a jaunty wave from where he leans back in his seat. "An' I'm a warlock, not that these two," he nods to Blood and Wanda. "Don't know that already. An' that's about it." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood snorts at John, "If the two of us are here, the world's probably a little bit safer if only because we're otherwise occupied," he says. He nods at the other introductions, "Jason Blood. I've had more titles than I've counted, walked the earth for more than a thousand years and am bound blood and soul to the nastiest piece of work this side of the fifth level of Hell. I do magick, although I may tend towards the left hand side now and again. Certainly as morally upstanding a citizen as Constantine there."% 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' As introductions are made, Khanata rests semi-crouched, his arms crossed on the table in front of him, nodding to each as they make the rounds. To Wanda, he gives a good-natured wink, "Don't let Agent Peters hear that--WAND's got a reputation to uphold, and have provided extremely useful intel over the course of our investigation. They're already smarting that we decided to bring in heavy hitters instead of keeping it 'in house'." To Betsy, a grave, curt nod, "Of course, Ms. Braddock. Discretion is the watchword here at SHIELD--we'll keep your secret safe. Let me also say that we greatly appreciate the intelligence your team provided; it completely redefined our understanding of the conflict. We're glad to have you on board." To John, a smirk, "From what I've read of your exploits, Mr. Constantine, you sell yourself short. Thanks for joining us." To Blood, an impish grin, "Blood and I have worked together before. Don't let him spook you--he's prickly, but solid in the field. Thanks for being here." Khanata straightens, addressing the room at large, "Okay, a brief overview of the situation as we currently understand it. Correct me if you think I'm misunderstanding something." The African starts sketching on the whiteboard behind him, "The fungal biocomputer arrived from space a few months ago, and was largely defeated thanks to the efforts of the Avengers," he nods to the Scarlet Witch, "but the remnants were saved by Amahl Farouk, aka the Shadow King, a disembodied psychic presence that resides on the Astral Plane, who managed to dimensionally shift the fungal biocomputer into his home dimension. This was accomplished via the Mind Gem, one of the Infinity Stones." "The fungal computer in the Astral Plane is the method that the Shadow King has begun spreading the sleepwalker plague which is sweeping the planet. It appears that biocomputer, through the plague, is the means through which the Shadow King can exert his will on the physical plane. Telepaths connected to the network allow more power to be tapped, but a sufficient assembly of non-telepathic sleepwalkers can be utilized, as was the case with the Avengers Mansion." "This sounding about right so far?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda gives a shy little duck of head to Derek's assessment of her as 'heavy hitter', even if the label fits all of those he's gathered into the room. "Oh, I would not make them feel bad. Besides, if we do say I am the consultant, then nobody's feelings will be the stepped on, and we can all do our jobs, yes?" The shy little smile fades over the introductions, and the subject matter at hand. "It is very much that, yes. I do think you are right that the sleepwalkers were a test. To see if others could be controlled." And they could. "They are perhaps more like a conduit. Or an extension." A frown. "Our mansion is a hole in the ground. It is not good." She doesn't add anything to that observation, even though she could. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Sounds right so far. We do know that the telepaths on the network can be disconnected from it, by telepathic force. But it's a tricky proposition. Some of them I helped try to save, the Shadow King sent a kill order to. He basically ordered them to die and they would have. We didn't lose the ones nearby but others, I don't know. I have also managed to sever one other from his network with a surprise attack, without him having time to react and try to harm her," Betsy adds, since she thinks it is good to know they may be able to save the other telepaths. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Was taught to be modest," John says with a chuckle to Derek before he settles in to listen to what's what. He does that while pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The cigarette doesn't stay lit long. At the mention of the Mind Gem and Infinity Stones, John butts it out on the table and stands, dusting off his coat. "Well it was a pleasure meeting you Betsy, Agent Khanata, but count me out, that loon with the Mind Gem? Tha's just a recipe for disaster. Good luck storming the castle though." He heads for the door. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood clicks his tongue against his teeth, "Feelings? Never heard of them," he says to Wanda playfully. He's pretty well-informed on this particular subject, having been a part of Khanata's operation in recent weeks, although it's always good to have them laid out all neatly in a row to be inspected, bloody bones and all. "Come on now, John, let's not play the Cowardly Lion today. Dorothy and the Tin Man will be most upset and we'll all find out you had the Courage all the time, won't we? You just like to be begged, well, who doesn't, but you can find a whore to pay for the privilege. Now sit your arse down and eat your castor oil and save the world like a good little witchboy." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata nods excitedly to Wanda, "I think a conduit is a perfect metaphor, Ms. Maximoff. Telepaths are the largest channel through which Farouk can pipe in psychic power to our plane, but if you have enough smaller channels, the same results can be realized. Hence the hole in the ground." "Interesting, Ms. Braddock. I was unaware that there was a clean-up campaign underway. It makes sense--the channel can flow both directions, and while telepaths provide more power, they also are a potential weak spot. We have eyes on one person of interest in Mexico, I'll see if--" And there goes Constantine. Khanata half-smirks, looking unimpressed, and he casts an expectant glance at Blood. A moment later, Blood gets nasty. Khanata smirks, nods appreciately, and clears his throat, "I'm afraid our plan involves a lot more than a straightforward charge, Mr. Constantine. If you're not up for it, I understand, but if you're in the business of saving the world, I would ask to that you listen to my proposal--you can always flee afterwards." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's eyes widen at Betsy's words. "Oh? That is both very good news, and very serious news as well. I did wonder if the plants were a test to begin with. To see, not only how we did react, but if it were possible, this thing that is done. We are very much being like a brain here in some ways." Wanda really isn't a computer girl. But she's speaking about the same thing when it comes to how this is all going dow. John, however, doesn't get far, and will find himself frozen in place. "I do not think we are going to let you leave so soon, John. It is very rude. I seem to recall you have the reasons to help, no? Or are you so happy with the fate you pretend to lament of your future soul?" She sounds ever so disappointed in the man, then adds, "I am going to tell House." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' As John goes to leave, Betsy watches the goings-on with interest. Blood goes for...well, his namesake. Wanda seems to be cheating in some way. How did she end up in this room? She isn't anywhere on the level of these people, she suspects. Heavy hitters makes her sure of it. "I wouldn't call it a campaign. I had been approached by one of the telepaths. She feared for the rest of her small group of would-be heroes," she tells Derek. "One of them was killed in SHIELD custody. I had to act and demanded to be allowed to see the other. Thankfully, I was given that chance and it allowed me to save three people. Though they will be needing assistance with the psychic trauma they suffered at the hands of the Shadow King. I am awaiting clearance from SHIELD To assist them." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John is stopped in his tracks by Wanda's magic. He doesn't try to break the spell. He knows that's a losing battle. He wasn't exactly the strongest wizard in creation. Then he gets a triple-barreled talking to... "Bastards the lot of you," John grumbles. "Fine let me go I'll play nice like a good little boy." For those in the room that know him the unsaid 'for now' is almost audible. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood smiles, "I never pretended otherwise. Bastard's the name they'll put on my grave right next to Blood, if ever I get one. Which I'm starting to doubt. Not sure how I feel about that," he says. "And yes, having already taken a small look at what we're facing, a straightforward charge would be borderline stupid, which is why they're not calling in that many of the underwear on the outside crowd. People who dress as funny animals to strike fear into burglars aren't precisely suited to subtlety." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' When Betsy speaks up about the telepaths in custody, Khanata pauses, face blank, and nods to her, expression unwavering, "Of course. Once the situation has been resolved, SHIELD could use the help of your institution in the recovery and reintegration process. I'll see what I can do about arranging visitation rights so that you can treat them while they're being detained." Not dwelling on the topic further, the African straightening his suit coat and turning back to the whiteboard, "Okay, let's get back to it. WAND has uncovered intelligence indicating that the fungal biocomputer's mass may be in the astral plane, but that it is being maintained by what they're calling a 'server' in Mexico. A recon team was deployed to the village where the final conflict took place in the fungal caverns there. It appears that the threat was not entirely dealt with, and there is a still-living 'heart' beneath a resort near the village. A strike team has been assembled to neutralize this server; our hope is that, by eliminating this fungal 'heart', the biocomputer on the Astral Plane will be neutralized, ending the sleepwalker plague." "Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution. The Shadow King alone represents a major threat; with the Mind Gem, he is nigh-unstoppable--hence why Mr. Constantine was doing his best to exit stage left." "Which is why you're here today. I recently received an exciting proposal from a young witch, known as Wiccan," Khanata pauses to glance at Scarlet Witch, gauging her reaction, "who believes that the Shadow King's spirit could be trapped within the form of a golem, being a vessel designed for souls. Meanwhile, Reed Richards has constructed a 'portal gun' for our use which will provide one-time access to the Negative Zone. If Farouk can be bound to this golem and then thrust into a dimension with a more 'rigid' barrier than the Astral, we believe we can effectively neutralize him as a threat." "Even if such a thing is possible, however, it likely cannot be successfully accomplished without divesting Farouk of the Mind Gem. I am hoping that today we can both determine the viability of Wiccan's proposal and devise a means through which we can track down the Mind Gem and wrest it from his grasp." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' John.. is released. And what would have otherwise been a smug look upon the Scarlet Witch's face for having won this little battle is eaten up completely by concern when Derek mentions Wiccan. "Billy," she breathes under her breath. Then, louder, and directed at Derek, who clearly knows, "So he has told you, then?" The proposal, though, has her nodding. "Yes. In lore, they were constructed to hold a spirit. Neither living, nor dead, and given instructions. Most oftenn used as vessels of revenge. You will need powerful bindings, first to force him into that form, and then to keep him there. You will also wish to make it so that he is unable to manipulate from that form. It does no good if the mind is trapped and still able to perform. Consider what he is doing from the Astral Plane. The mind is still his that moves the bodies we see, yes? You understand that, right?" "I.. can help with that. And, if need be, trap it within another dimension. But it would be helpful to not be alone." The implication being not only those gathered, but Wiccan. In particular, Wiccan. For reasons she does not reveal. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' Released John, makes his way back to his chair, flumping down and pickking up his cigarette and lighting it with the tip of his finger. "Who the bloody hell is Wiccan?" John asks looking between Derek and Wanda. "Anyhow, his idea's not bad, 'cept we brushed over the part where we get the Mind Gem away from a thing, that's all Mind. Which is a little like trying to get the Power Gem away from Superman. But other than that, plan sounds lovely." He sits back then, letting out a stream of smoke through his mouth. "Anyhow, missing an important part of all this, aren't you, Agent Khanata, I mean if we're saving the world there ought to be a few quid in it for us. I mean, it's the whole world after all." John keeps his expression neutral, leaving it in question if he's serious or not. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "I do believe Khanata intends for me to ride shotgun with this mystery welp, the one with the magic plan and the ancient Jewish rock man. I'm not particularly good as a nursemaid, so I hope he's at least potty trained. If he gets overwhelmed in the astral plane, I'd rather not have to wipe his brains off my Oxfords." Since Constantine is indulging, he draws out his own cigarette case, a silver thing embossed with an etching of a demonic face in profile. It might look familiar to anyone who'd encountered the yellow hide of a certain Rhymer. "I believe the Mind Gem only empowers the force of the mind, not the wits of the wielder. If it makes him a flawless genius, yes, obviously, we are, to use the modern colloquial, bloody well fucked." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata looks at Wanda levelly, though a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, "Wiccan betrayed nothing of a relationship between the two of you. I'm glad to hear you're already acquainted, will make working together easier." "As far as who he is, John," Khanata claps Constantine on the shoulder, grinning, "he's a young protege of Strange's and, WAND tells me, one of the most potentially powerful magicians on the planet. As far as compensation goes, you can send us an invoice for your services. Deal?" The African strolls over to a plastic urn set on a side table, pouring lukewarm coffee into a styrofoam cup. He inspects a half-squashed croissant but decides to pass. "Blood is exactly right--Farouk has infinite power, but by all rights is a deeply flawed individual who can be manipulated. Ms. Braddock, I'm hoping for your input here--he's 'your' villain, so to speak, so you have the best insight into what his weaknesses are, and how to exploit them." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's lips compress into a thoughtful line. "Wiccan is my son," she says quietly. "It is not a thing that is widely known. But if we are to work together, then it is perhaps easiest if you do know that. You will find that he is an almost grown man. There are reasons for this, but they do not affect what we do, so I will keep that to myself." Jason, she considers. "I wish to know why you would be the one to stand with him." Not quite protesting the matter yet, but clearly gearing up to that possibility. And to answer John, she offers, "It may be that it is to me to take the gem from him." She doesn't have Betsy's information, though, only an awareness of the possibilities of her own powers. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Blood is correct, actually," Betsy says as she leaves the talk of spells and golems to those in the know. Other dimensions? That she understands well but the one she has access to is not a place to incarcerate the Shadow King. "He is a hedonist. He tends to not seek world power but simply his own pleasure and happiness. He indulges, usually to excess. Food, drink." She tilts her head slightly. "I know that SHIELD has psi-blockers. They should be given to all people that might be approaching in an attempt to find the gem. I understand the Avengers are helping to try and track it, to get us closer. I wonder..." She lets her gaze fall to her hand resting on the table a moment then glances back to Derek. "If we can distract and tempt him with that which he seeks. Something that will keep him busy when the strike happens to try and take the gem." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Your son?" John asks truly surprised by that. "What is he, twelve?" he asks. "We're really putting the fate of the world on the shoulders of Harry fucking Potter? Bugger that. Not pushing some kid ain't old enough to shave in the line of fire." "Wanda there is more than powerful enough to stand a chance, more so with Blood by her side. Plus, she's got a beau who by all accounts isn't to shabby with magic either, that should be enough, yeah?" He looks around the room, having sat up now, cigarette discarded on the table. "I agree with Betsy, a good distraction might work, give the guy what he wants he'll be focused on that, even better if we can make what he wants a trojan horse, let him do our work for us." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "Is that reason that you're a lot older than you appear? Because, I admit, that would be the most simple and obvious answer. If it's something more esoteric, of course, that's your business, but you needn't be shy about your age. I'm a rugged antique and Constantine there is the nicotine stain left from the 20th century." Blood strikes a match, lighting his cigarette as he moves to rise from the table, "A hedonist, eh? I definitely know how to deal with those. Who knew the answer all along was a metric fuckton of high grade opium? In any case, the principles of the golem gambit are sound and I have every confidence in the fruit of Wanda's loins. Well, perhaps not every confidence, but I'm going to lie to his face and seem very supportive. Children love that shit." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "So noted, Ms. Maximoff. What I mentioned to Ms. Braddock goes the same for you--your secrets are safe with SHIELD." Khanata chuckles ruefully, "As safe as they can be anywhere, that is. We're continually improving our security after Rising Tide, if it's any consolation. Really exciting stuff involving multidimensional computing. But I digress." "As far as Blood working with Wiccan, it may be for the best--with Magneto's planned arrival in the United States, the crazies will undoubtedly be out in force. In the age of crowdsourced investigations and doxxing, he could become a target. Blood can ensure his safety and, honestly, the boy seems to be seeking a mentor. I fear Strange is so entangled with the ongoing events we've discussed so far that he hasn't had much of a chance to work with Wiccan. Blood provides an opportunity for him to," Khanata purses his lips, "broaden his horizons, as it were." The African nods to Betsy, "We might soon be in possession of a suitable distraction--a Dr. Arnold, one of his pet psychics, who we've got eyes on. If things go well, we'll have him in custody by the week's end." "But first we have to find where he's hidden the Gem. Agent Peters of WAND was able to track the astral server in Mexico by monitoring network traffic. I suspect if Farouk's hit hard enough to tap into the Mind Gem's power, Peters can repeat the trick--but that means we need someone who can 'touch the fence', bring his full defenses to bear and then escape alive. I thought your team would be perfect for this; put pressure on him and then escape into another dimension once the trace is complete." "Constantine: Wiccan may have originated the plan for the Golem, but I do not believe he can stand against Farouk alone. I'm hoping that you, Maximoff, and Blood will also be present to see that the golem gambit is a successful binding, while Braddock and her fellow psychics keep him suitably distracted." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' "Wait, Papa is coming?" Wanda's attention is pulled away from the task at hand and to that tidbit. Not that he doesn't visit, and often, but there's dropping in, and then there's official, pull out all the stops, welcome wagon necessary coming to town, and Derek is making it sound like the latter. "And why do you have Blood working with my son, when I am capable?" She settles back into a frowning silence. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' Betsy is not getting into the discussion of who should and shouldn't work with the kid. She's not utterly stupid. She does focus on the details. "I will do my best to get the telepathic hard hitters from my team to do just that. I can provide an escape route to another dimension when it becomes necessary, so long as I'm not taken out of the fight too early. I am not in the Shadow King's skill level even without the infinity stone in play," she admits. "Dr. Arnold we could use to try to find out more of his plans but if the Shadow King learns we have him, through that link, he's as good as dead. Like he tried to do to the others." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John, seems only a placated a little by the fact this Wiccan kid wasn't going to be alone. "An' you think I am the sort of mad bugger to go join the little rotter? Heh, good luck with that. More of a command fromt he rear sort." To Wanda he says, "Nah, luv, sounds like the plan is that you'll be there too, an' me, which is the bloody problem." He looks to Derek. "Did you not hear the part about her beau? I mean, why not make it a big ol' family outing. Don't see why I need to plus one on a trip like that." As to Arnold. "Might be good to learn what the Shadow King is up to, dunno how well they'd work but I've got some sigils that might give Arnold a bit of a chance, put up a circle around him, try to ward off the energies for a bit while the rest make their attack." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "My sources have indicated that your father's visit is officially informal, but there's a state detachment joining him. I can't really remark further, Ms. Maximoff, other than to say Ms. Braddock may know more than I." Khanata spreads his hands in a gesture of acquiesence to the Scarlet Witch, "I have no intention of standing between you and your son, of course. Blood and I are previously acquainted, so I've arranged an introduction." The African pauses to consider for a moment, nodding to Betsy, "I doubt psi-dampeners will be sufficient to keep Farouk's eyes off Dr. Arnold for long. Could he temporarily be held in this extradimensional space of yours, at least until we're ready to spring the trap?" "Okay, just to make sure we're on the same page: first, our team knocks out the astral server in Mexico and nabs Dr. Arnold. We keep Arnold off the board until we've located the Mind Gem. At the same time, Constantine, Maximoff, Blood, and Wiccan assemble the components necessary to build the golem. Second, the X-psychics 'touch the fence' in a direct assault on the Shadow King while Agent Peters tracks the Mind Gem to its source. Third, we reveal Arnold's location to Farouk with the X-psychics in wait to keep him alive. While Farouk's busy with that, a team steals the stone. Finally, the sorcerers attempt to summon and bind Farouk to the golem with a line of defense provided by the Xers. Once bound, we walk him into the portal. Sound about right?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' There is a slow and silent nod of assent from Wanda. "It does seem you have thought of all the things." She has nothing more to add to the planning side of things other than a "I will be where you wish me to, and help as I may." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John frowns at his name still being part of the crew going after the gem. "We've got some staffing details to dfiscuss, but sure, doesn't sound impossible that the plan works, an' I don't have another one right now." He gives a shrug. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "I could put him in that dimension for a time, yes. The psi-dampeners are for the heroes, not for Dr. Arnold though. Once he is in the shadow realm, he will lost his connection to the Shadow King. Or I could sever it the way I did for the others," Betsy says. She does shrug. "The attack seems sound. Not sure if he is going to care enough about Dr. Arnold to go after him though. He's just a pawn. They are expendable." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Expendable, certainly, but hopefully it'll generate enough interest to lure him in, give your team a chance to give him enough hell to keep his focus off of the gem. If not, we'll have to find another target." Khanata begins gathering his papers and packing them into a dark leather briefcase, "Okay, so, next steps going forward--Maximoff, Blood, and Constantine: rendezvous with Wiccan about the golem concept, either individually or as a group, get the ball rolling on that. Ms. Braddock: I'll contact you about a rendezvous with Arnold once we have him in custody. Let me know when you'll have a team ready to 'touch the fence'; Peters can be ready as soon as you give the word." "Well, that should about wrap it up today. Thanks everyone for their contributions, glad to be working with all of you. Now let's go take this SOB down." 
}}

5582/Astral Flux: Puzzle Pieces

2018-10-21T00:03:23Z

Khanata: Aaron Grant is interviewed about the telepaths and his portals.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/17
|Location=Triskelion Training Yard
|Synopsis=Aaron Grant is interviewed about the telepaths and his portals.
|Cast of Characters=1832, 1604, 1267, 1028
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     The various people the SHIELD has obtained related to the telepathic attacks are grouped together, but none of them have access to each other. There were four cells, but now one is standing empty, ever since Dr. Ken Arnold somehow got to his lab tech and simply walked out.     Several new lab techs are present, and the security around the telepathic prisoners is very tight. Nobody much interviews them in person: it is all done through a digital video interface. A single room has access to speak to either Madison Nikols or Heather Lee, and another room has access to speak with Aaron Grant and the cell that Dr. Arnold was formerly in. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Okay, Bill, here's a quick sitrep before we roll in: we're here to gather intel from a number of telepaths we have in custody at the Triskelion. You're here in case things get heavy, and Agent Pandora Peters of WAND will be on hand if you need backup. You have any experience playing good cop?" Derek Khanata pats Wiccan's shoulder and gives a comforting grin, "C'mon, kid, hero time. If you've got any mystical protection you can provide, slap that on us before we accidentally call up the big guy, and keep your eyes peeled for any astral traffic headed our way. Simple enough. You ready?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan wore civvies to this meeting, as he was told when asked, but he's also wearing one of his signature hoodies. Just in case. Not that it's a huge secret who he is, but he'd rather not be tracked down by people held in SHIELD detainment if they somehow become free again. There's a little relief when he finds that they won't be face to face with the people in the cells, but he also can't help a wince at seeing them detained. That must be...awful. "Good cop? Uhm. Not really, but...wow. I've never seen people imprisoned before." 'Good Cop' should be fairly natural. "Mystical protection...for talking through video? Or do you think that us talking will call down the big guy or something? I'm not sure I can keep an eye on the Astral plane -and- play Good Cop though. But maybe..." he looks around for a moment before making a few gestures to set up a simple Astral Alarm system. Maybe. 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:''' A visual into the cells provides what the three are doing:     Aaron Grant, who is barely twenty-one according to his information, is watching television. He's watching some old discovery channel adventure in the arctic. He isn't otherwise very interesting, just relaxed there, some books near him on his cot.     Heather Lee is pretending to nap. She's not actually napping, says the scans nearby. So perhaps 'resting' is a better description.     Madison Nikols looks very much like she usually does, unconscious and staring at nothing at the ceiling. Readouts suggest she's probably not even dreaming very much. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Well, no pressure, kid. If things get too out of hand, remove the brain from the stem and you cut Shadow King from the conduit through which he's piping power. Not ideal, of course--consider it an incentive to do the job right." Khanata gives a wicked grin to Wiccan, "And don't worry, you'll get to see the inside of a cell soon enough. We're going in. Our first interviewee is Aaron Grant, a mutant able to create interdimensional portals. We think he was the means through which Farouk moved the fungal biocomputer into the Astral Plane. Our job is to determine what he knows about the interplanar network that allows the fungus to operate in both worlds, and your job, beyond running security, is to be the kinder, gentler face of SHIELD." The African straightens his tie and, after any protection spells have been cast, walks into the cell of Aaron Grant, "Mister Grant? You can call me Derek, and this is my partner Bill. We're here to ask you a few questions, if you have the time." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "But I thought...the video room...and I'm not killing anyone!" but Billy follows the older agent into the cell, his lips moving to quietly set up a protection spell. "I thought we weren't supposed to actually go in," he says a little louder to Derek but then falls quiet again as they're introduced. "It's Billy, actually...'Bill' sounds like I'm some old, balding guy..." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:''' "I... yeah. Sure. Agents," Aaron greets them. He is surprised. People don't just walk into his area. They use the video monitor. He grabs for the remote and mutes the television, then thinks better of it and shuts it off. He rotates to sit up on the bed more fully, cross-legged, but a little slouched. He has the aspect of someone that's pretty beaten and low, but he's curious about them. "Time is something I have lots of." tAaron really needs a haircut, from the months of time here, and isn't aggressive about keeping his shaving in line. Maybe every few days, and he has a strong 5 oclock shadow of light brown beard. It goes well with the somewhat hollow look around light brown eyes. "How can I help?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanta scans the cell with a critical eye, his gaze finally settling on Aaron, "You've looked better, son. Before the interview begins, you want to take a shower, get yourself cleaned up?" He pauses, hmm'ing, and taps his left toe against the tile floor, "Frankly, you really look like you need some time in the training yard. Those collars are far from comfortable, but some sunshine would do wonders. How about we get you suited up and do a couple laps around the track, help shake some of that fog you're living in?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan isn't entirely certain what he's supposed to be doing, but he also glances about the room, although his eyes are trained more on what might not be visible to a non-mystic's senses. He'll offer, however, in trying to be the 'good cop', "It's actually a pretty stunning October day. I mean, it even -smells- like October, which is rare in the city." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Aaron looks down, adjusts where the edge of his pants leg is against his ankle. It's a calm light teal color. Everything in the cell is very overly calming in color tones. Including the gear he's given. "Shower? It's okay. I don't know. Maybe it's safer in here," Aaron says, with a withdrawn quality. There's a weird embarrassment, possibly. He's masking it, but the guy is pretty obviously very depressed. "I mean. I don't know that it matters. But I'll still help if you have questions." It's like he's on death row, but taking it somewhat well: he's not combative about it. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Mister Aaron, I have two teenage daughters. I assure you, I know what depression looks like. Now, on your feet. You're going for a run whether you like it or not--I certainly have the authority to make it happen, so let's not make a thing of it." Khanata adopts his best 'dad face' as he commands the prisoner, though there's a playful look in his eyes as he does so. He whispers into a lapel microphone, arranging to have security personnel arrive with a psi-nullifying collar. "While we're waiting for our escort, let's start from the beginning: how did you first get involved in all of this?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan blinks at Khanata, "Run?" At least he didn't use 'We' for that. Billy's vans aren't meant for running and he's not really athletically inclined. His slenderness is genetic, thankfully! He'll look around some more as if trying to catch a trace of anyone or anything else looking in on the prisoner. "It might feel good to get moving a bit." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     There's a spark of rebellion that Derek will no doubt recognize due to those teenage daughters, but it doesn't last. He gives in. "I guess." Aaron gets up, uncomfortable with the situation, but there's some curiosity here. He wants to see where this exactly is going. And it's different than his usual 'watch tv all day' schedule. There's a curious look sent to 'Billy', too. As if checking quickly for a clue on if he's going to a gas chamber or not.     "They tell me Superman found me and brought me here. I don't remember having met Superman at all; no autograph." The joke feels lame, and is lame: he's not happy. "Then I was here, and blamed for some sort of giant portal sky-rips that the mushrooms were using to travel," Aaron answers. He isn't stupid: that was possibly a dodge, to answer in those terms. He's being careful about what he's saying for some reason or other. Or he's assuming. "I don't remember them and I don't know how they happened." There's a tiredness: he's talked through the 'giant portal thing' over and over.     There's no hints of anyone or anything interested in the prisoner. It appears, in the nullified room, that nothing psychic or magic is afoot, beyond the wards placed by WAND or Wiccan himself. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Two SHIELD prison guards walk in with a large, uncomfortable-looking mechanical neck brace and begin fitting the bulky apparatus to the prisoner. Khanata watches them work impatiently, but continues questioning Aaron, "I see. And were you previously aware of your mutant powers?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Rescued by Superman? That's kind of awesome..." And Billy really seems to mean it! "Sad that you don't remember it though. I mean, I certainly wouldn't want to forget it if I met him..." but that's not what this interrogation is about. Right. There's another frown at the collar, "Is that really necessary?" Is he playing his role or genuinely concerned? 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     The collar has a strange effect on the prisoner. He turns colors a little bit. White at first, then extremely red, and has a hard time holding any eye contact. He's absolutely humiliated by it, but doesn't fight. "Sure, yeah. I mean, since I was eleven. I don't use them much," he says quickly. Guessing that the guy doesn't like being a mutant and the whole situation would be pretty accurate. "I'm really not dangerous. I know nobody believes me." He gets very withdrawn and stares mostly at the wall. Billy's comment about it being necessary causes Aaron to sort of fold his arms over his stomach, embarrassment tangible. The small look that follows is deeply apologetic to Billy. Aaron is sorry too. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Trust me, Bill, we're not happy about it, either. Unfortunately, Mr. Aaron is considered to be a likely HVT for Farouk, so this is for his own protection." In a rare moment of genuine empathy, Khanata kneels and squeezes the prisoner's wrist. "Once this is over and done with, I've made arrangements to see that you get the help you'll need to fully recover and reintegrate back into society. You're undergoing an extraordinary trial, Mr. Aaron, but there's a life after this." "Now," he helps the prisoner stand, "Let's get a taste of it, shall we? Need to get that blood pumping." The African pauses, lips pursing in thought, "If you can create these portals, can you sense them, as well?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "I believe you," Billy offers, glancing over to Khanata. "There's nothing wrong with being a mutant though. I mean...people say there is, but really...we're just people too." Yes, 'we'. He asks of the older agent, "This yard is enclosed, right? We're not going to have people gawking because my running stride is ridiculous." As if asking for his own sense of dignity. He also gets a thought and asks, "Do you create the portals or do you find ones that are there that others just can't really see?" 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Information. Aaron's not asleep: "HVT? What's an HVT?" Aaron asks, spookable. He gave no recognition on the name Farouk, also. Completely over his head. Most of it is. He comes along, though: he can be led, even if he's hesitant about it all and his body language reads that he doesn't like going outside the cell into the unfamiliar. He avoids eye contact with security or lab assistants. But Billy gets a surprised (and a little skeptical) look from Aaron about 'we'. Hmm.     Aaron doesn't answer Derek. There's that distance. But Billy asks another version of the question, and Aaron relents. "I connect space between places. I make them. I don't find them or sense them. I call them, um. Bridges." Quiet. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Bill, I am what most Americans would consider 'horribly disfigured', and Jason here is wearing a neck brace out of Cronenberg's 'Crash'. I assure you, no one will notice your poor running form." "Besides," Khanata straightens his shoulders, "you can't let some idle talk slow you down. There will always be those who seek to undermine you for their own benefit, and if you concede an inch they'll control you forever. You, especially, would be wise to consider that." Once the neck brace has been fitted, Khanata dismisses the two guards and the three of them begin making their way to the training yard. As they navigate the labyrinthine halls of the Triskelion, the African answers Aaron's question. "It appears that we've kept you in the dark more than intended, Mr. Aaron. The being behind your possession is a man known as Amahl Farouk, aka the Shadow King, and we have reason to believe that he may have further uses for you yet. That makes you an HVT, or 'high value target'." "Our files on Farouk indicate that his modus operandi is to seduce mutants via telepathic whispers, tapping into the dark side of his victims' natures and bringing it to the forefront." There's a pregnant pause as Khanata closely scrutinizes Aaron's reaction to that before he turns his gaze away, "I can only imagine what that must be like, having someone play games with my head, turning me into the worst version of myself. You're lucky, Mr. Aaron, that he used a brute force approach instead." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan gives Derek a 'look'...he was trying to be sympathetic here! Playing the Good Cop! But his attention goes back to Aaron's explanation, "Ok, that's really kind of cool. And once they're made, do they stay made? Or do they automatically close? Or do you have to close them yourself? 'Bridges' is a pretty neat term for something like that. Do you have to know where you're going? I'm sorry, but this is pretty cool. I can do some teleportation myself, but not like what you're talking about." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Aaron scowls at most of the explanation. "So Madison was right, if what you say is true," Aaron says slowly, uncomfortably. "She kept insisting something uninvited was in our network, that some of the others were acting really off." He drops his gaze. "Originally there was a group of them that were all going to stop the mushrooms. Because they could mind-control them. Ron, Harry, Madison. Paul. They recruited a bunch of the rest of us to help out. I wasn't one of the first. I'm not really even a, um, telepath. Not really. Harry's just ridiculously good at mind-linking, so it didn't matter how shitty at it I was."     Back to the bridges. "I do have to know the goal, yeah. I have to see it. I focus and open the bridge. While I concentrate it's open. I can do a bunch of them. I know I was recruited just to move the group around globally. It was okay at first. Then I really felt ? used." He sighs. "Some of them got really awful about it." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata nods as they walk and talk, concentrating on steadying Aaron as they go. "Interesting. I wasn't aware that there was a team at play." "I wouldn't judge your teammates or yourself too harshly for what happened. Sounds like Farouk already had his claws in all of you." The African agent clears his throat and continues, "When... Harry, you said? When Harry first connected everyone together, was it through a--a chat room, for lack of a better term? And, if so, were you aware that the network was part of the fungus?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan shakes his head, "Ugh, I'm sorry that they used you for your powers. That really sucks. And then all this mess happened and you got tossed in here..." He trails off and listens to Khanata, "Maybe it was Farouk using you through them..." even though he sort of just said that. He'll fall quiet though and mostly observe and listen...and keep a mind's eye out for any astral presences. 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "When I was added, it was just like--- everyone was in front of you and you could talk mentally. You could think at anyone, or show images if you were good at it. So they'd show me places to open bridges to and from," Aaron answers slowly. "What do you mean, fungus in it?--- Fungus doesn't chat at all?... It just follows orders like a robot. I mean. That's what the others did. I didn't interact with it much. I just would pitch in a little if they needed to like, come back from Norway or whatever."     Aaron is being led around the little track area at the Triskelion, and yes, some agents are staring, but not too much. Aaron is pretty clearly a prisoner, with the combination of light teal sweats, frumpy hair, nullifier collar, and escort of agent Derek and consultant Billy (Wiccan). 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' Being in the right place at the right time is a talent, or a stroke of luck, that some people just have. People that aren't Jessica Drew. She's been trying to get in to see Aaron Grant for weeks. Months, maybe. But her timing was never right. And God forbid she should request for Agent Khanata to come with her. He had a penchant for killing people she tried to help, it seemed. So when she sees Khanata leading Aaron Grant outside, she follows. Black slacks and boots, a black top adorned with a gold spiderweb, and a tan leather blazer. She doesn't look the part. And she doesn't part with her Mocha Latte. She simply carries it outside with her, swirling it slowly as she holds the white lidded cup by its paper sleeve, and she listens to the conversation as she approaches and slowly catches up. She's already bristling at Khanata's presence, but she's determined not to make it worse. With a headtilt, she watches them walk past, with the collar fastened around Grant's neck. "Did they appoint you to take the prisoners out to potty, Khanata?" Shit. So much for not making it worse. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Okay, back straight, knees up, here we go." And they're off--to a light jog, at least. Khanata's changed into dark navy gym shorts and a tee with the 'SHIELD' logo emblazoned on the front. He's doing his best to keep Aaron steady on his feet despite the ungainly nullifier collar. "Our current intel indicates that the mind-link was actually maintained through the fungus; it was essentially a biological computer of alien origin, designed to be controlled through telepathic means." "Okay, go on. You and this team of telepaths are hopping around the planet, trying to deal with the fungus. People start turning on each other. What happened then?" The African agent's focus is interrupted as they round the bend and spot Drew. He does not bother to hide a look of contempt as they near. "Shouldn't you be in a padded cell somewhere, Agent Drew? Or do you and your Avenger pals get to skate free from reckless endangerment charges?" 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Aaron doesn't really want to jog and is acting like a grumpy cadet. He's doing it, but is embarrassed and uncomfortable. "Well I didn't see or talk to fungus in our group thing," Aaron answers, with a bit of irritation common to innocent people that are being told they're lying. "I'm not lying about it," he says. "Just then, the others started acting strange, Madison got paranoid, and then the screaming..." he trails off, jaw clamped.     Agent Drew's arrival embarrasses Aaron at first, he flushes, and then it gets 'worse'. "Avenger?" he echoes. Stares at her. Then gapes at her. A hero! 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' "Did it ever occur to you, Agent, that whatever was hollowing out telepaths and using them as puppets - strong-minded individuals of extraordinary mental talent - that it can do worse to those who lack the powers that telepaths have?" She stops short of calling him out entirely. That's not something to do in front of a 'prisoner,' or anyone else. "You got me. I have no telepathic abilities. Nor had I any superhuman resistance against it. If you'd like to continue to personally insult me, feel free to do it at the water cooler, yeah? Now isn't the time or place. I've just wanted a chance to talk with Mr. Grant for some time. I finally saw my chance." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Chin up, Romeo. She puts her pants on one leg at a time, like anyone else. C'mon, let's double-time this next lap." Holding the prisoner with a grip on the shoulder, Khanata quickens their pace, forcing the kid along with him. As they move past Drew, the Wakandan smirks, calling out, "Glad to hear that you're not just here to gawk and make excuses, but we're here to run. I'll understand if it's an Avengers spa day, but if you want to question Mr. Aaron here, you're going to want more appropriate attire." As they continue down the track, Khanata focuses on his breathing for several paces before speaking again to Aaron, "I don't think you're lying, kid. I think you and your friends didn't entirely know the score going in, just wanted to be heroes. There's worse crimes." He concentrates on maintaing their pace for the rest of the lap, giving Aaron a chance to continue to tell his story. 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Like many people, Aaron Grant is enamored by heroes, and meeting one. And makes a guess based on her attire. "Spider-Woman?" he asks. Distraction is complete. "I - can I ask? What's Thor like when he's not being all god-mode? Is Iron Man actually a nice person or is he really like what he seems? Does Hawkeye ever miss a shot?" Aaron wants to know. All of that was piled into the section when they were moving by her. He wanted to slow down to ask his questions but he's getting dragged along.     "Hero, maybe at first. I just wanted out after.... After things went bad. And the screaming started. All the time. Just screaming in the back of my mind. All. The. Time. I couldn't take it." 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' Thor. Pfft. Jessica takes up the pace with the other two. With her stamina, she could keep this up for days and not be out of breath. Three-inch heeled boots and all. "Spider-Woman," she replies with a nod. "Thor's god-mode 24/7. And the rest of the time he's swiping left. Tony is..." Jessica smiles. "Tony's even greater than he seems. And Clint, well. I've never seen him miss a shot." Spa day, indeed. Everyone knows Spa days are on Mondays. But she's processing the information that Aaron is giving. What little she's been present for. "I take it...you're off the grid, now? Is it because of the negating equipment, or did you get out of it somehow on your own?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Been there, kid. The screaming's no joke." Khanata continues with Aaron for several paces before continuing, "That's a tough break. I know this is difficult to go back over, but did you recognize the screams?" Khanata's eyes visibly roll at Drew as she rolls up, talking up her teammates, but he doesn't comment on the matter. Instead, he leans over to her and whispers, "Let him tell it at his own pace. We'll get there eventually." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "Literal screaming. Madison thought it was Harry. Since Harry would not answer us, but the mind link was still up. I chose not to assume anything," says Aaron, really uncomfortable. But he WANTS to answer questions for the Avenger. Clearly he does. He's blushing again.     "I'm not on the thing anymore. Some lady with purple hair that I can't remember the name of came in and shut it off for some of us. I'm not sure who. Nobody told me." He's in the dark, naturally. "It's kind of weirdly lonely," he says, and coughs. "I mean. Better than the screaming." But he'd had people in his head for many months, then screaming, then silence. 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' "I know this is hard for you, Aaron," Jess says with a sigh. Because she's not out of breath. "I had enough trouble with someone /getting in/ to my head, and that was one someone. Twice." Maybe three times. "I know the change from status quo has to be rough, but you know you're better off without them in there, right? It keeps you out of their danger zone. But all of this doesn't come without danger, anyway. The Gatekeeper could just get ahold of someone not on the network and send them after you. I hope you understand that all of this is for your own protection, too. Agent Khanata is right, though. We /do/ know this is difficult. But we also know the consequences if it's handled badly. I don't..." She pauses, shaking her head. "I don't want anything to happen to you, Aaron." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata frowns as Jessica starts to get weepy, and claps Aaron on the back. "We're getting ahead of ourselves, and you're falling behind, Aaron. Steady your breathing, focus on staying in your lane. There you go, keep at it." Several paces of silence. "Feel that crisp air, the sun beating on your skin. It'll still all be out there once we get you home." Several more. "Okay, so we were at the screams. What do you remember past that point?" 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "People started to--- I need a break," Aaron says, forcing the stop. He'll sit down on the track or in the grass if he has to, unless they actively DRAG him. "people started to, um, drop from the network. Ron was gone really early. Some of the others got really aggressive about bridges - my portals. Then the fungus was killed, and um, Peck died I guess, and things have been quiet. Other than the screaming. Madison was trying to figure out how to stop it all, I just tried to pretend it wasn't there. I think she put a target on herself by trying to stop it." Aaron sighs. "If I were going to say it was one of us internally to 'blame', it'd be Dr. Arnold. He was always capital C on the creepy, in how he thought about things," Aaron explains. "He knew stuff that was private, a lot of the time. Rich asshole." 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' Jess pauses, her gaze going distant for a moment before she crouches down next to Aaron. She isn't looking at him. On the contrary, her gaze is still faraway. The gears are turning. "But you know things. Some things. The ones who were insistent about the bridges. You know where they were to. Where they were going, and when. You're the ONLY one that knows some of that, now." She finally turns her gaze back on Aaron. "If we were wanting to get everyone out, and take that network down. Take down the one behind it all. Even if you don't know /who/ it is, you know where some of it was operating...Would you help us get the others out?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Bast. I'm dying for a cigarette, anyways. On your feet--we'll cool down, walk this last lap, and then do some stretches. Given your condition, you're liable to cramp otherwise." Khanata offers a hand, grinning encouragingly, "C'mon, sport--don't want to look weak in front of the hero. Almost there." Khanata's jaw works silently as Drew pushes ahead to the recruitment. He's working hard to keep his face neutral, but when he speaks next, there's steel behind it. "We're not asking for any further direct action on your part, you understand. Agent Drew's right, though--I was hoping that, after we hit the showers, you'd be willing to talk about when people started getting 'pushy' about the bridges, figure out if any of those were still left open." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "Ugh, Heather was obsessed with those things. Cigarettes. I don't miss that in my head," Aaron 'jokes' a little. He sobers. "She was here, wasn't she? Is Heather okay? If she's not a bitch, she's not okay," he says, with a smaller smile, for some private joke, probably. "If she's nice, check for the knife." He' smiling still.     "I'm not sure if anyone is still on the network at all. I don't know anymore. I did see a lot of places. Dr. Arnold had these ridiculous mansions and summer houses that were used a lot." Aaron looks to Derek as he asks about the bridges. "I hold them open by concentrating. I don't have any open now; you'd know it. They're big and glowy. And yeah, I guess. I can try to make a list of all the bridges I made over the period of it, but it was a lot of them," Aaron says, unsure, but trying. He doesn't want to look bad in front of the Avenger and gets up, and then bends over, nearly vomiting. He was trying too hard. He grabs at the neck-nullifier and coughs heavily against it. Ugh. 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' "Hey, you okay?" Jess looks concerned. She stands near him and places a hand on his shoulder. "Just breathe. Take your time, okay?" She shoots Derek a look over Aaron's shoulder. "We will talk with Heather when circumstance allows," Jess assures. "For now we want to know if, and how, we can help /you/. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Steady there, catch you breath. We're going to take this one nice and slow." Khanata helps bring Aaron to his feet and guides him at a slow walk, "Almost there, champ." The African agent returns Spider-Woman's look with open hostility, mouthing 'spare me' before turning his attention back to his charge. "Sounds like the first thing you need is more time out of that cell, get you in decent shape. You could probably use with some socialization, too--would you have any interest in seeing Madison or Heather?" 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "I'm ready to go back in and get a shower and this thing off. I feel like a freak with it on," Aaron says quietly, a little flinchy when he's touched. But he manages to keep his lunch down, evening out his breathing. "They're both still here? Yeah, I would. Madison is my friend. I don't blame her for what happened, she just wanted to help her dad." There's some avoidance related to Heather, but that can't be any surprise with his previous assessment of the woman. 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' "Sure thing. Let's get you back inside so we can get it off of you." She wonders idly if Agent Khanata is going to catch her unaware and shoot her in the face, too. "If Agent Khanata says he can arrange it, you can trust him at his word." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "She's not wrong--arranging things is what I do, Mr. Grant." Khanata directs a brief round of stretches, gently correcting Aaron on his form, then they make their way back to the Security wing. "Well, it could've ended a little better, but it was nice to get outside, catch a bit of fresh air, wasn't it? Next time we'll have to have Madison join us." Once in a 'shielded' zone, the African agent unhooks the nullifier, "Okay, here we go, just about--ah! There we are, free once again." "Before you hit the showers, let me ask you one last question--could you walk me through the last day you clearly remember before your blackout? It would really help with our case." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "It's okay. I know I should get out here more. I just feel like um, I should be wearing orange, and paying for the things I've done. We were just trying to help. At least, I was." Aaron smiles a little at Jessica, and then once he's led inside, there's the heavier question.     "Yeah, right before that was a bunch of stuff related to Latveria. I think Dr. Arnold was mostly doing that. One of the countries there was paying him a lot of money to move the fungus into Latveria. He hoped Latveria would pay even more to have them destroyed. I think Peck was on that job too; I know I sent Peck out that way. Ron was missing at that point, so Madison was all over that problem. That was just the week before. The screaming was going on then."     "If you mean like, what was I doing RIGHT before I woke up here? There were riots or something going on outside. Lots of screaming. It was Sunday so I was doing laundry. I don't remember after that." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "You're not a criminal, Mr. Grant, and while it may not feel like it, no one here considers you to be one. You're in protective custody." The two enter the shower room, Khanata a respectful, but conversational distance from his charge as they clean up. "Tomorrow, we'll work on your tan and do a bit of strength training. How's your diet, anyways?" The tall African lathers his chin and tosses the bottle of shaving cream to Aaron, "You could use a haircut, too, get you looking like a real human being again." Scrub-a-dub-dub. "In the afternoon, we'll go over a more complete chronology along with bridge locations, so you're going to want to start giving that some thought now, get together a few rough notes." Khanata tosses Grant a towel, "Okay, let's get something to eat. I'm starved." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:''' When the guys return, with Aaron looking a lot better having shaved and his hair damp and slicked back, he does look more human. Just being around people and talking is actually what's doing it, more than a shower: but a shower helps, even if he just puts on a similar version to what he just had on. At least it's not orange. He rubs his neck a little bit, even so.     "I know I need to stay here, but. It's weird to not have my... abilities 'on'. It's like having cotton jammed in your ears after you could hear," he sighs. "Can I see Madison today?" 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' Jessica looks at Derek and shrugs." I don't see why not, unless Agent Khanata objects?" She looks back from Derek to Aaron and smiles. "You clean up good. And you won't have to wear this stuff forever. We're working to make things safe for you to return to normal life. Go out to dinner. Catch a movie. Breathe free air again." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata considers for a moment, appearing reluctant. Finally, he says, "I don't see why we couldn't, but I'm going to have to brace you before we go in there, Mr. Grant--she hasn't fully recovered from the psychic damage yet. We have specialists who are working to help her heal, but most of the time she's still comatose. You shouldn't expect her to be conscious when we visit. You going to be up for that?" 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     "Catch a movie? Heh. Well. If you want to," Aaron says, daring to DARE flirt with the Avenger. It's a fanboy style shyness but hope, too. He has nothing to lose, really: she just watched him nearly vomit while wearing a nullification collar. Only one way to go: up.     "/What/?" Aaron asks, sharply, when told Madison isn't okay. "Comatose?! Let me see her, I'll see if she's been hurt," he advises, with some apparent concern and agitation. "Or check yourself, if I'm still 'dangerous'. She's touch based. She'll probably respond if you touch her." 

:'''{{#var:1028|Jessica Drew (1028)}} has posed:''' Jessica laughs and shakes her head at Aaron's response. But she might be blushing a little too. Then comes the reaction to Derek's information. "That's sort if why I hoped you could see her soon. I didn't know if perhaps....perhaps you could help her." 

:'''{{#var:1832|A Dark Presence (1832)}} has posed:'''     Some investigation into whether Madison is accessible ends up being that a few hours are needed, some of the psy-team is in with her now, and are in the middle of something. So it will be a little while later. Aaron is unhappy about it, but glad that he'll get to see her later that evening. If she'll be responsive, well, they can only hope.     Aaron settles back into his room, to rest from the busy day. And goes back to watching his tv, checking out mentally again, as usual for him. Letting the stress recede. 
}}

5576/Astral Flux: Cross-Disciplinary Team-Up!

2018-10-17T07:08:28Z

Khanata:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/17
|Location=A conference room in the Triskelion
|Synopsis=Derek Khanata brings together John Constantine, Scarlet Witch, Jason Blood, and Psylocke to hash out an audacious plan to stop the Shadow King.

An ASTRAL FLUX scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 70, 18, 61, 7096
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Set aside from the foyer of the Triskelion are a number of small, quiet conference rooms used for quiet meetings of all sorts. Today, one of these anonymous rooms is the gathering place for an unusual assemblage of ninjas, superspies, witches and occultists. Seated at the head of the six-person conference table is Derek Khanata, agent of SHIELD, who is sorting through several manilla folios, his face neutral, movements unhurried, as he awaits the rest of his 'brain trust' to arrive. 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda is Wanda.. which is to say she doesn't use the front door. Wanda rarely uses the front door. In fact, wards, locks, and security are generally not huge on her list of things to observe. Not that she does it on purpose - mostly it just doesn't occur to her that the rest of the world is ruled by such things. So it is that she just *appears* in the meeting room, looking somewhat pleased with herself as she looks around and finds herself where she wishes to be. "Oh! It is that I am not late. Good." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' At precisely the appointed time, Betsy is escorted to the conference room by one of the agents. He is eyeing her warily since he happened to be one who had been in the lobby during her last visit here. Needless to say, she made him nervous. She was dressed in a stylish designer outfit, with black slacks and a lavender top. A pair of pumps with a slight heel completed the look. She arrives just in time for Wanda to appear out of thin air. A bit of a smirk as her proper British accent is heard. "If I had known that was allowed, I would have saved your lobby security some discomfort." With that, she moves to one of the seats at the table and settles in. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John uses the front door, he takes pleasure slouching his way through the cozers, and flirting with the lady at the desk, whom he gives his card. "Tha's right, Mater of the Dark Arts, don't loose the card luv, we can have a fun time..." Then he's off to the meeting room with one of the other agents. "Suit must itch like a bugger," he says looking the man up and down before handing over a card to him too. "Like I said to the bird at the desk." Then he's into the meeting, room smelling of old beer and cigarettes but seeming to wear it well. "Ah they got you too huh?" he says to Wanda and then gives Betsy and Derek a nod. "You the gov for this little sit down?" he asks Derek while swinging a chair out from the table and flopping into it. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood lounges in a corner, having apparently been napping and arriving before most of the others. He stirs at last, either from the sound of a woman's voice or the smell of Constantine's overcoat. He doesn't appear to be drunk, because it's generally very dangerous for him to be drunk. Drunk people have a habit of listening to the small, small voices in the backs of their heads. His happened to speak in rhyme and liked to occasionally burn his grimoires for fun. He takes one of the seats and slouches into it a bit, regarding the others with a nod, "Witches and wizards and spies, oh my." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata is busy jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad when the Avenger suddenly materializes. He's a cool customers, flinching only slightly, but his pen runs off the page as he stares off into space, seemingly fixated on a spot in the middle distance for a long moment before forcing a tight smile. He nods to the rest of the crowd as they file in. "Ladies, gentleman: thank you for joining me here today. My name's Derek Khanata." The African stands and leans forward, setting his palms on the table. "I know that you're all incredibly busy people, so I won't waste your time. I've gathered you here together today on behalf of SHIELD to discuss potential solutions to the Shadow King crisis. Our hope is that a cross-disciplinary approach between the psychic 'talents' of the X-family and an assembly of the greatest masters of the mystic arts will prove fruitful towards that end." "I imagine introductions are in order, unless everyone is already familiar with one another?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda takes a seat, looking about the assemblege, her lips bowing over a smile as they light upon John. "Introductions are always a good thing, I think, but not everyone here is a stranger." The impish smile is directed at Jason next, thumb and index finger of one hand hovering about half an inch apart. "Only a very little bit of a witch. Hardly enough to mention." Then she laughs. "Very well. I will start. I am Wanda Maximoff. You may also know me as The Scarlet Witch. It is good to be here, though I did not know that SHIELD wanted for witches. I will have to talk to Hawkeye about this." She clucks her tongue as though a scolding (albeit a gentle one) may ensue. Then again, she might just be teasing. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Betsy Braddock." Not like she can hide who she is. She had been a rather high profile model at one time, even with this face. And her other one. So complicated. "Former agent," she offers as she looks directly at Blood. Then she glances to each person at the table as she continues. "I also go by the name Psylocke, as a member of the X-Men. Which is not information that should be shared outside these walls, please. I am a telepath and have a few other tricks up my sleeve though no magic, real or sleight of hand, is involved." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John's blonde brows raise in surprise when he sees Jason napping in the corner. "They got you too, eh?" he says with a grin. "Well, feel much better now, between you and the red head, I don't think there's a thing they can throw at us." A look is sent Betsy's way then, "Not discounting you, but dunno what you can do yet." At the mention of the Shadow King, John settles down, becoming quiet even as he leans back in his chair, his oxfords, squeeking against the edge of the conference table. "Hullo, I'm John," he says giving a jaunty wave from where he leans back in his seat. "An' I'm a warlock, not that these two," he nods to Blood and Wanda. "Don't know that already. An' that's about it." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood snorts at John, "If the two of us are here, the world's probably a little bit safer if only because we're otherwise occupied," he says. He nods at the other introductions, "Jason Blood. I've had more titles than I've counted, walked the earth for more than a thousand years and am bound blood and soul to the nastiest piece of work this side of the fifth level of Hell. I do magick, although I may tend towards the left hand side now and again. Certainly as morally upstanding a citizen as Constantine there."% 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' As introductions are made, Khanata rests semi-crouched, his arms crossed on the table in front of him, nodding to each as they make the rounds. To Wanda, he gives a good-natured wink, "Don't let Agent Peters hear that--WAND's got a reputation to uphold, and have provided extremely useful intel over the course of our investigation. They're already smarting that we decided to bring in heavy hitters instead of keeping it 'in house'." To Betsy, a grave, curt nod, "Of course, Ms. Braddock. Discretion is the watchword here at SHIELD--we'll keep your secret safe. Let me also say that we greatly appreciate the intelligence your team provided; it completely redefined our understanding of the conflict. We're glad to have you on board." To John, a smirk, "From what I've read of your exploits, Mr. Constantine, you sell yourself short. Thanks for joining us." To Blood, an impish grin, "Blood and I have worked together before. Don't let him spook you--he's prickly, but solid in the field. Thanks for being here." Khanata straightens, addressing the room at large, "Okay, a brief overview of the situation as we currently understand it. Correct me if you think I'm misunderstanding something." The African starts sketching on the whiteboard behind him, "The fungal biocomputer arrived from space a few months ago, and was largely defeated thanks to the efforts of the Avengers," he nods to the Scarlet Witch, "but the remnants were saved by Amahl Farouk, aka the Shadow King, a disembodied psychic presence that resides on the Astral Plane, who managed to dimensionally shift the fungal biocomputer into his home dimension. This was accomplished via the Mind Gem, one of the Infinity Stones." "The fungal computer in the Astral Plane is the method that the Shadow King has begun spreading the sleepwalker plague which is sweeping the planet. It appears that biocomputer, through the plague, is the means through which the Shadow King can exert his will on the physical plane. Telepaths connected to the network allow more power to be tapped, but a sufficient assembly of non-telepathic sleepwalkers can be utilized, as was the case with the Avengers Mansion." "This sounding about right so far?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda gives a shy little duck of head to Derek's assessment of her as 'heavy hitter', even if the label fits all of those he's gathered into the room. "Oh, I would not make them feel bad. Besides, if we do say I am the consultant, then nobody's feelings will be the stepped on, and we can all do our jobs, yes?" The shy little smile fades over the introductions, and the subject matter at hand. "It is very much that, yes. I do think you are right that the sleepwalkers were a test. To see if others could be controlled." And they could. "They are perhaps more like a conduit. Or an extension." A frown. "Our mansion is a hole in the ground. It is not good." She doesn't add anything to that observation, even though she could. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Sounds right so far. We do know that the telepaths on the network can be disconnected from it, by telepathic force. But it's a tricky proposition. Some of them I helped try to save, the Shadow King sent a kill order to. He basically ordered them to die and they would have. We didn't lose the ones nearby but others, I don't know. I have also managed to sever one other from his network with a surprise attack, without him having time to react and try to harm her," Betsy adds, since she thinks it is good to know they may be able to save the other telepaths. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Was taught to be modest," John says with a chuckle to Derek before he settles in to listen to what's what. He does that while pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The cigarette doesn't stay lit long. At the mention of the Mind Gem and Infinity Stones, John butts it out on the table and stands, dusting off his coat. "Well it was a pleasure meeting you Betsy, Agent Khanata, but count me out, that loon with the Mind Gem? Tha's just a recipe for disaster. Good luck storming the castle though." He heads for the door. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood clicks his tongue against his teeth, "Feelings? Never heard of them," he says to Wanda playfully. He's pretty well-informed on this particular subject, having been a part of Khanata's operation in recent weeks, although it's always good to have them laid out all neatly in a row to be inspected, bloody bones and all. "Come on now, John, let's not play the Cowardly Lion today. Dorothy and the Tin Man will be most upset and we'll all find out you had the Courage all the time, won't we? You just like to be begged, well, who doesn't, but you can find a whore to pay for the privilege. Now sit your arse down and eat your castor oil and save the world like a good little witchboy." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata nods excitedly to Wanda, "I think a conduit is a perfect metaphor, Ms. Maximoff. Telepaths are the largest channel through which Farouk can pipe in psychic power to our plane, but if you have enough smaller channels, the same results can be realized. Hence the hole in the ground." "Interesting, Ms. Braddock. I was unaware that there was a clean-up campaign underway. It makes sense--the channel can flow both directions, and while telepaths provide more power, they also are a potential weak spot. We have eyes on one person of interest in Mexico, I'll see if--" And there goes Constantine. Khanata half-smirks, looking unimpressed, and he casts an expectant glance at Blood. A moment later, Blood gets nasty. Khanata smirks, nods appreciately, and clears his throat, "I'm afraid our plan involves a lot more than a straightforward charge, Mr. Constantine. If you're not up for it, I understand, but if you're in the business of saving the world, I would ask to that you listen to my proposal--you can always flee afterwards." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's eyes widen at Betsy's words. "Oh? That is both very good news, and very serious news as well. I did wonder if the plants were a test to begin with. To see, not only how we did react, but if it were possible, this thing that is done. We are very much being like a brain here in some ways." Wanda really isn't a computer girl. But she's speaking about the same thing when it comes to how this is all going dow. John, however, doesn't get far, and will find himself frozen in place. "I do not think we are going to let you leave so soon, John. It is very rude. I seem to recall you have the reasons to help, no? Or are you so happy with the fate you pretend to lament of your future soul?" She sounds ever so disappointed in the man, then adds, "I am going to tell House." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' As John goes to leave, Betsy watches the goings-on with interest. Blood goes for...well, his namesake. Wanda seems to be cheating in some way. How did she end up in this room? She isn't anywhere on the level of these people, she suspects. Heavy hitters makes her sure of it. "I wouldn't call it a campaign. I had been approached by one of the telepaths. She feared for the rest of her small group of would-be heroes," she tells Derek. "One of them was killed in SHIELD custody. I had to act and demanded to be allowed to see the other. Thankfully, I was given that chance and it allowed me to save three people. Though they will be needing assistance with the psychic trauma they suffered at the hands of the Shadow King. I am awaiting clearance from SHIELD To assist them." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John is stopped in his tracks by Wanda's magic. He doesn't try to break the spell. He knows that's a losing battle. He wasn't exactly the strongest wizard in creation. Then he gets a triple-barreled talking to... "Bastards the lot of you," John grumbles. "Fine let me go I'll play nice like a good little boy." For those in the room that know him the unsaid 'for now' is almost audible. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood smiles, "I never pretended otherwise. Bastard's the name they'll put on my grave right next to Blood, if ever I get one. Which I'm starting to doubt. Not sure how I feel about that," he says. "And yes, having already taken a small look at what we're facing, a straightforward charge would be borderline stupid, which is why they're not calling in that many of the underwear on the outside crowd. People who dress as funny animals to strike fear into burglars aren't precisely suited to subtlety." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' When Betsy speaks up about the telepaths in custody, Khanata pauses, face blank, and nods to her, expression unwavering, "Of course. Once the situation has been resolved, SHIELD could use the help of your institution in the recovery and reintegration process. I'll see what I can do about arranging visitation rights so that you can treat them while they're being detained." Not dwelling on the topic further, the African straightening his suit coat and turning back to the whiteboard, "Okay, let's get back to it. WAND has uncovered intelligence indicating that the fungal biocomputer's mass may be in the astral plane, but that it is being maintained by what they're calling a 'server' in Mexico. A recon team was deployed to the village where the final conflict took place in the fungal caverns there. It appears that the threat was not entirely dealt with, and there is a still-living 'heart' beneath a resort near the village. A strike team has been assembled to neutralize this server; our hope is that, by eliminating this fungal 'heart', the biocomputer on the Astral Plane will be neutralized, ending the sleepwalker plague." "Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution. The Shadow King alone represents a major threat; with the Mind Gem, he is nigh-unstoppable--hence why Mr. Constantine was doing his best to exit stage left." "Which is why you're here today. I recently received an exciting proposal from a young witch, known as Wiccan," Khanata pauses to glance at Scarlet Witch, gauging her reaction, "who believes that the Shadow King's spirit could be trapped within the form of a golem, being a vessel designed for souls. Meanwhile, Reed Richards has constructed a 'portal gun' for our use which will provide one-time access to the Negative Zone. If Farouk can be bound to this golem and then thrust into a dimension with a more 'rigid' barrier than the Astral, we believe we can effectively neutralize him as a threat." "Even if such a thing is possible, however, it likely cannot be successfully accomplished without divesting Farouk of the Mind Gem. I am hoping that today we can both determine the viability of Wiccan's proposal and devise a means through which we can track down the Mind Gem and wrest it from his grasp." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' John.. is released. And what would have otherwise been a smug look upon the Scarlet Witch's face for having won this little battle is eaten up completely by concern when Derek mentions Wiccan. "Billy," she breathes under her breath. Then, louder, and directed at Derek, who clearly knows, "So he has told you, then?" The proposal, though, has her nodding. "Yes. In lore, they were constructed to hold a spirit. Neither living, nor dead, and given instructions. Most oftenn used as vessels of revenge. You will need powerful bindings, first to force him into that form, and then to keep him there. You will also wish to make it so that he is unable to manipulate from that form. It does no good if the mind is trapped and still able to perform. Consider what he is doing from the Astral Plane. The mind is still his that moves the bodies we see, yes? You understand that, right?" "I.. can help with that. And, if need be, trap it within another dimension. But it would be helpful to not be alone." The implication being not only those gathered, but Wiccan. In particular, Wiccan. For reasons she does not reveal. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' Released John, makes his way back to his chair, flumping down and pickking up his cigarette and lighting it with the tip of his finger. "Who the bloody hell is Wiccan?" John asks looking between Derek and Wanda. "Anyhow, his idea's not bad, 'cept we brushed over the part where we get the Mind Gem away from a thing, that's all Mind. Which is a little like trying to get the Power Gem away from Superman. But other than that, plan sounds lovely." He sits back then, letting out a stream of smoke through his mouth. "Anyhow, missing an important part of all this, aren't you, Agent Khanata, I mean if we're saving the world there ought to be a few quid in it for us. I mean, it's the whole world after all." John keeps his expression neutral, leaving it in question if he's serious or not. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "I do believe Khanata intends for me to ride shotgun with this mystery welp, the one with the magic plan and the ancient Jewish rock man. I'm not particularly good as a nursemaid, so I hope he's at least potty trained. If he gets overwhelmed in the astral plane, I'd rather not have to wipe his brains off my Oxfords." Since Constantine is indulging, he draws out his own cigarette case, a silver thing embossed with an etching of a demonic face in profile. It might look familiar to anyone who'd encountered the yellow hide of a certain Rhymer. "I believe the Mind Gem only empowers the force of the mind, not the wits of the wielder. If it makes him a flawless genius, yes, obviously, we are, to use the modern colloquial, bloody well fucked." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata looks at Wanda levelly, though a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, "Wiccan betrayed nothing of a relationship between the two of you. I'm glad to hear you're already acquainted, will make working together easier." "As far as who he is, John," Khanata claps Constantine on the shoulder, grinning, "he's a young protege of Strange's and, WAND tells me, one of the most potentially powerful magicians on the planet. As far as compensation goes, you can send us an invoice for your services. Deal?" The African strolls over to a plastic urn set on a side table, pouring lukewarm coffee into a styrofoam cup. He inspects a half-squashed croissant but decides to pass. "Blood is exactly right--Farouk has infinite power, but by all rights is a deeply flawed individual who can be manipulated. Ms. Braddock, I'm hoping for your input here--he's 'your' villain, so to speak, so you have the best insight into what his weaknesses are, and how to exploit them." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's lips compress into a thoughtful line. "Wiccan is my son," she says quietly. "It is not a thing that is widely known. But if we are to work together, then it is perhaps easiest if you do know that. You will find that he is an almost grown man. There are reasons for this, but they do not affect what we do, so I will keep that to myself." Jason, she considers. "I wish to know why you would be the one to stand with him." Not quite protesting the matter yet, but clearly gearing up to that possibility. And to answer John, she offers, "It may be that it is to me to take the gem from him." She doesn't have Betsy's information, though, only an awareness of the possibilities of her own powers. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Blood is correct, actually," Betsy says as she leaves the talk of spells and golems to those in the know. Other dimensions? That she understands well but the one she has access to is not a place to incarcerate the Shadow King. "He is a hedonist. He tends to not seek world power but simply his own pleasure and happiness. He indulges, usually to excess. Food, drink." She tilts her head slightly. "I know that SHIELD has psi-blockers. They should be given to all people that might be approaching in an attempt to find the gem. I understand the Avengers are helping to try and track it, to get us closer. I wonder..." She lets her gaze fall to her hand resting on the table a moment then glances back to Derek. "If we can distract and tempt him with that which he seeks. Something that will keep him busy when the strike happens to try and take the gem." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Your son?" John asks truly surprised by that. "What is he, twelve?" he asks. "We're really putting the fate of the world on the shoulders of Harry fucking Potter? Bugger that. Not pushing some kid ain't old enough to shave in the line of fire." "Wanda there is more than powerful enough to stand a chance, more so with Blood by her side. Plus, she's got a beau who by all accounts isn't to shabby with magic either, that should be enough, yeah?" He looks around the room, having sat up now, cigarette discarded on the table. "I agree with Betsy, a good distraction might work, give the guy what he wants he'll be focused on that, even better if we can make what he wants a trojan horse, let him do our work for us." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "Is that reason that you're a lot older than you appear? Because, I admit, that would be the most simple and obvious answer. If it's something more esoteric, of course, that's your business, but you needn't be shy about your age. I'm a rugged antique and Constantine there is the nicotine stain left from the 20th century." Blood strikes a match, lighting his cigarette as he moves to rise from the table, "A hedonist, eh? I definitely know how to deal with those. Who knew the answer all along was a metric fuckton of high grade opium? In any case, the principles of the golem gambit are sound and I have every confidence in the fruit of Wanda's loins. Well, perhaps not every confidence, but I'm going to lie to his face and seem very supportive. Children love that shit." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "So noted, Ms. Maximoff. What I mentioned to Ms. Braddock goes the same for you--your secrets are safe with SHIELD." Khanata chuckles ruefully, "As safe as they can be anywhere, that is. We're continually improving our security after Rising Tide, if it's any consolation. Really exciting stuff involving multidimensional computing. But I digress." "As far as Blood working with Wiccan, it may be for the best--with Magneto's planned arrival in the United States, the crazies will undoubtedly be out in force. In the age of crowdsourced investigations and doxxing, he could become a target. Blood can ensure his safety and, honestly, the boy seems to be seeking a mentor. I fear Strange is so entangled with the ongoing events we've discussed so far that he hasn't had much of a chance to work with Wiccan. Blood provides an opportunity for him to," Khanata purses his lips, "broaden his horizons, as it were." The African nods to Betsy, "We might soon be in possession of a suitable distraction--a Dr. Arnold, one of his pet psychics, who we've got eyes on. If things go well, we'll have him in custody by the week's end." "But first we have to find where he's hidden the Gem. Agent Peters of WAND was able to track the astral server in Mexico by monitoring network traffic. I suspect if Farouk's hit hard enough to tap into the Mind Gem's power, Peters can repeat the trick--but that means we need someone who can 'touch the fence', bring his full defenses to bear and then escape alive. I thought your team would be perfect for this; put pressure on him and then escape into another dimension once the trace is complete." "Constantine: Wiccan may have originated the plan for the Golem, but I do not believe he can stand against Farouk alone. I'm hoping that you, Maximoff, and Blood will also be present to see that the golem gambit is a successful binding, while Braddock and her fellow psychics keep him suitably distracted." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' "Wait, Papa is coming?" Wanda's attention is pulled away from the task at hand and to that tidbit. Not that he doesn't visit, and often, but there's dropping in, and then there's official, pull out all the stops, welcome wagon necessary coming to town, and Derek is making it sound like the latter. "And why do you have Blood working with my son, when I am capable?" She settles back into a frowning silence. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' Betsy is not getting into the discussion of who should and shouldn't work with the kid. She's not utterly stupid. She does focus on the details. "I will do my best to get the telepathic hard hitters from my team to do just that. I can provide an escape route to another dimension when it becomes necessary, so long as I'm not taken out of the fight too early. I am not in the Shadow King's skill level even without the infinity stone in play," she admits. "Dr. Arnold we could use to try to find out more of his plans but if the Shadow King learns we have him, through that link, he's as good as dead. Like he tried to do to the others." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John, seems only a placated a little by the fact this Wiccan kid wasn't going to be alone. "An' you think I am the sort of mad bugger to go join the little rotter? Heh, good luck with that. More of a command fromt he rear sort." To Wanda he says, "Nah, luv, sounds like the plan is that you'll be there too, an' me, which is the bloody problem." He looks to Derek. "Did you not hear the part about her beau? I mean, why not make it a big ol' family outing. Don't see why I need to plus one on a trip like that." As to Arnold. "Might be good to learn what the Shadow King is up to, dunno how well they'd work but I've got some sigils that might give Arnold a bit of a chance, put up a circle around him, try to ward off the energies for a bit while the rest make their attack." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "My sources have indicated that your father's visit is officially informal, but there's a state detachment joining him. I can't really remark further, Ms. Maximoff, other than to say Ms. Braddock may know more than I." Khanata spreads his hands in a gesture of acquiesence to the Scarlet Witch, "I have no intention of standing between you and your son, of course. Blood and I are previously acquainted, so I've arranged an introduction." The African pauses to consider for a moment, nodding to Betsy, "I doubt psi-dampeners will be sufficient to keep Farouk's eyes off Dr. Arnold for long. Could he temporarily be held in this extradimensional space of yours, at least until we're ready to spring the trap?" "Okay, just to make sure we're on the same page: first, our team knocks out the astral server in Mexico and nabs Dr. Arnold. We keep Arnold off the board until we've located the Mind Gem. At the same time, Constantine, Maximoff, Blood, and Wiccan assemble the components necessary to build the golem. Second, the X-psychics 'touch the fence' in a direct assault on the Shadow King while Agent Peters tracks the Mind Gem to its source. Third, we reveal Arnold's location to Farouk with the X-psychics in wait to keep him alive. While Farouk's busy with that, a team steals the stone. Finally, the sorcerers attempt to summon and bind Farouk to the golem with a line of defense provided by the Xers. Once bound, we walk him into the portal. Sound about right?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' There is a slow and silent nod of assent from Wanda. "It does seem you have thought of all the things." She has nothing more to add to the planning side of things other than a "I will be where you wish me to, and help as I may." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John frowns at his name still being part of the crew going after the gem. "We've got some staffing details to dfiscuss, but sure, doesn't sound impossible that the plan works, an' I don't have another one right now." He gives a shrug. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "I could put him in that dimension for a time, yes. The psi-dampeners are for the heroes, not for Dr. Arnold though. Once he is in the shadow realm, he will lost his connection to the Shadow King. Or I could sever it the way I did for the others," Betsy says. She does shrug. "The attack seems sound. Not sure if he is going to care enough about Dr. Arnold to go after him though. He's just a pawn. They are expendable." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Expendable, certainly, but hopefully it'll generate enough interest to lure him in, give your team a chance to give him enough hell to keep his focus off of the gem. If not, we'll have to find another target." Khanata begins gathering his papers and packing them into a dark leather briefcase, "Okay, so, next steps going forward--Maximoff, Blood, and Constantine: rendezvous with Wiccan about the golem concept, either individually or as a group, get the ball rolling on that. Ms. Braddock: I'll contact you about a rendezvous with Arnold once we have him in custody. Let me know when you'll have a team ready to 'touch the fence'; Peters can be ready as soon as you give the word." "Well, that should about wrap it up today. Thanks everyone for their contributions, glad to be working with all of you. Now let's go take this SOB down." 
}}

5576/Astral Flux: Cross-Disciplinary Team-Up!

2018-10-17T07:05:13Z

Khanata: Derek Khanata brings together John Constantine, Scarlet Witch, Jason Blood, and Psylocke to hash out an audacious plan to stop the Shadow King.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/17
|Location=A conference room in the Triskelion
|Synopsis=Derek Khanata brings together John Constantine, Scarlet Witch, Jason Blood, and Psylocke to hash out an audacious plan to stop the Shadow King.

An ASTRAL FLUX scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 70, 18, 61, 7096
|Tinyplot=ASTRAL FLUX
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Set aside from the foyer of the Triskelion are a number of small, quiet conference rooms used for quiet meetings of all sorts. Today, one of these anonymous rooms is the gathering place for an unusual assemblage of ninjas, superspies, witches and occultists. Seated at the head of the six-person conference table is Derek Khanata, agent of SHIELD, who is sorting through several manilla folios, his face neutral, movements unhurried, as he awaits the rest of his 'brain trust' to arrive. 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda is Wanda.. which is to say she doesn't use the front door. Wanda rarely uses the front door. In fact, wards, locks, and security are generally not huge on her list of things to observe. Not that she does it on purpose - mostly it just doesn't occur to her that the rest of the world is ruled by such things. So it is that she just *appears* in the meeting room, looking somewhat pleased with herself as she looks around and finds herself where she wishes to be. "Oh! It is that I am not late. Good." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' At precisely the appointed time, Betsy is escorted to the conference room by one of the agents. He is eyeing her warily since he happened to be one who had been in the lobby during her last visit here. Needless to say, she made him nervous. She was dressed in a stylish designer outfit, with black slacks and a lavender top. A pair of pumps with a slight heel completed the look. She arrives just in time for Wanda to appear out of thin air. A bit of a smirk as her proper British accent is heard. "If I had known that was allowed, I would have saved your lobby security some discomfort." With that, she moves to one of the seats at the table and settles in. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John uses the front door, he takes pleasure slouching his way through the cozers, and flirting with the lady at the desk, whom he gives his card. "Tha's right, Mater of the Dark Arts, don't loose the card luv, we can have a fun time..." Then he's off to the meeting room with one of the other agents. "Suit must itch like a bugger," he says looking the man up and down before handing over a card to him too. "Like I said to the bird at the desk." Then he's into the meeting, room smelling of old beer and cigarettes but seeming to wear it well. "Ah they got you too huh?" he says to Wanda and then gives Betsy and Derek a nod. "You the gov for this little sit down?" he asks Derek while swinging a chair out from the table and flopping into it. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood lounges in a corner, having apparently been napping and arriving before most of the others. He stirs at last, either from the sound of a woman's voice or the smell of Constantine's overcoat. He doesn't appear to be drunk, because it's generally very dangerous for him to be drunk. Drunk people have a habit of listening to the small, small voices in the backs of their heads. His happened to speak in rhyme and liked to occasionally burn his grimoires for fun. He takes one of the seats and slouches into it a bit, regarding the others with a nod, "Witches and wizards and spies, oh my." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata is busy jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad when the Avenger suddenly materializes. He's a cool customers, flinching only slightly, but his pen runs off the page as he stares off into space, seemingly fixated on a spot in the middle distance for a long moment before forcing a tight smile. He nods to the rest of the crowd as they file in. "Ladies, gentleman: thank you for joining me here today. My name's Derek Khanata." The African stands and leans forward, setting his palms on the table. "I know that you're all incredibly busy people, so I won't waste your time. I've gathered you here together today on behalf of SHIELD to discuss potential solutions to the Shadow King crisis. Our hope is that a cross-disciplinary approach between the psychic 'talents' of the X-family and an assembly of the greatest masters of the mystic arts will prove fruitful towards that end." "I imagine introductions are in order, unless everyone is already familiar with one another?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda takes a seat, looking about the assemblege, her lips bowing over a smile as they light upon John. "Introductions are always a good thing, I think, but not everyone here is a stranger." The impish smile is directed at Jason next, thumb and index finger of one hand hovering about half an inch apart. "Only a very little bit of a witch. Hardly enough to mention." Then she laughs. "Very well. I will start. I am Wanda Maximoff. You may also know me as The Scarlet Witch. It is good to be here, though I did not know that SHIELD wanted for witches. I will have to talk to Hawkeye about this." She clucks her tongue as though a scolding (albeit a gentle one) may ensue. Then again, she might just be teasing. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Betsy Braddock." Not like she can hide who she is. She had been a rather high profile model at one time, even with this face. And her other one. So complicated. "Former agent," she offers as she looks directly at Blood. Then she glances to each person at the table as she continues. "I also go by the name Psylocke, as a member of the X-Men. Which is not information that should be shared outside these walls, please. I am a telepath and have a few other tricks up my sleeve though no magic, real or sleight of hand, is involved." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John's blonde brows raise in surprise when he sees Jason napping in the corner. "They got you too, eh?" he says with a grin. "Well, feel much better now, between you and the red head, I don't think there's a thing they can throw at us." A look is sent Betsy's way then, "Not discounting you, but dunno what you can do yet." At the mention of the Shadow King, John settles down, becoming quiet even as he leans back in his chair, his oxfords, squeeking against the edge of the conference table. "Hullo, I'm John," he says giving a jaunty wave from where he leans back in his seat. "An' I'm a warlock, not that these two," he nods to Blood and Wanda. "Don't know that already. An' that's about it." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood snorts at John, "If the two of us are here, the world's probably a little bit safer if only because we're otherwise occupied," he says. He nods at the other introductions, "Jason Blood. I've had more titles than I've counted, walked the earth for more than a thousand years and am bound blood and soul to the nastiest piece of work this side of the fifth level of Hell. I do magick, although I may tend towards the left hand side now and again. Certainly as morally upstanding a citizen as Constantine there."% 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' As introductions are made, Khanata rests semi-crouched, his arms crossed on the table in front of him, nodding to each as they make the rounds. To Wanda, he gives a good-natured wink, "Don't let Agent Peters hear that--WAND's got a reputation to uphold, and have provided extremely useful intel over the course of our investigation. They're already smarting that we decided to bring in heavy hitters instead of keeping it 'in house'." To Betsy, a grave, curt nod, "Of course, Ms. Braddock. Discretion is the watchword here at SHIELD--we'll keep your secret safe. Let me also say that we greatly appreciate the intelligence your team provided; it completely redefined our understanding of the conflict. We're glad to have you on board." To John, a smirk, "From what I've read of your exploits, Mr. Constantine, you sell yourself short. Thanks for joining us." To Blood, an impish grin, "Blood and I have worked together before. Don't let him spook you--he's prickly, but solid in the field. Thanks for being here." Khanata straightens, addressing the room at large, "Okay, a brief overview of the situation as we currently understand it. Correct me if you think I'm misunderstanding something." The African starts sketching on the whiteboard behind him, "The fungal biocomputer arrived from space a few months ago, and was largely defeated thanks to the efforts of the Avengers," he nods to the Scarlet Witch, "but the remnants were saved by Amahl Farouk, aka the Shadow King, a disembodied psychic presence that resides on the Astral Plane, who managed to dimensionally shift the fungal biocomputer into his home dimension. This was accomplished via the Mind Gem, one of the Infinity Stones." "The fungal computer in the Astral Plane is the method that the Shadow King has begun spreading the sleepwalker plague which is sweeping the planet. It appears that biocomputer, through the plague, is the means through which the Shadow King can exert his will on the physical plane. Telepaths connected to the network allow more power to be tapped, but a sufficient assembly of non-telepathic sleepwalkers can be utilized, as was the case with the Avengers Mansion." "This sounding about right so far?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda gives a shy little duck of head to Derek's assessment of her as 'heavy hitter', even if the label fits all of those he's gathered into the room. "Oh, I would not make them feel bad. Besides, if we do say I am the consultant, then nobody's feelings will be the stepped on, and we can all do our jobs, yes?" The shy little smile fades over the introductions, and the subject matter at hand. "It is very much that, yes. I do think you are right that the sleepwalkers were a test. To see if others could be controlled." And they could. "They are perhaps more like a conduit. Or an extension." A frown. "Our mansion is a hole in the ground. It is not good." She doesn't add anything to that observation, even though she could. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Sounds right so far. We do know that the telepaths on the network can be disconnected from it, by telepathic force. But it's a tricky proposition. Some of them I helped try to save, the Shadow King sent a kill order to. He basically ordered them to die and they would have. We didn't lose the ones nearby but others, I don't know. I have also managed to sever one other from his network with a surprise attack, without him having time to react and try to harm her," Betsy adds, since she thinks it is good to know they may be able to save the other telepaths. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Was taught to be modest," John says with a chuckle to Derek before he settles in to listen to what's what. He does that while pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. The cigarette doesn't stay lit long. At the mention of the Mind Gem and Infinity Stones, John butts it out on the table and stands, dusting off his coat. "Well it was a pleasure meeting you Betsy, Agent Khanata, but count me out, that loon with the Mind Gem? Tha's just a recipe for disaster. Good luck storming the castle though." He heads for the door. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood clicks his tongue against his teeth, "Feelings? Never heard of them," he says to Wanda playfully. He's pretty well-informed on this particular subject, having been a part of Khanata's operation in recent weeks, although it's always good to have them laid out all neatly in a row to be inspected, bloody bones and all. "Come on now, John, let's not play the Cowardly Lion today. Dorothy and the Tin Man will be most upset and we'll all find out you had the Courage all the time, won't we? You just like to be begged, well, who doesn't, but you can find a whore to pay for the privilege. Now sit your arse down and eat your castor oil and save the world like a good little witchboy." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata nods excitedly to Wanda, "I think a conduit is a perfect metaphor, Ms. Maximoff. Telepaths are the largest channel through which Farouk can pipe in psychic power to our plane, but if you have enough smaller channels, the same results can be realized. Hence the hole in the ground." "Interesting, Ms. Braddock. I was unaware that there was a clean-up campaign underway. It makes sense--the channel can flow both directions, and while telepaths provide more power, they also are a potential weak spot. We have eyes on one person of interest in Mexico, I'll see if--" And there goes Constantine. Khanata half-smirks, looking unimpressed, and he casts an expectant glance at Blood. A moment later, Blood gets nasty. Khanata smirks, nods appreciately, and clears his throat, "I'm afraid our plan involves a lot more than a straightforward charge, Mr. Constantine. If you're not up for it, I understand, but if you're in the business of saving the world, I would ask to that you listen to my proposal--you can always flee afterwards." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's eyes widen at Betsy's words. "Oh? That is both very good news, and very serious news as well. I did wonder if the plants were a test to begin with. To see, not only how we did react, but if it were possible, this thing that is done. We are very much being like a brain here in some ways." Wanda really isn't a computer girl. But she's speaking about the same thing when it comes to how this is all going dow. John, however, doesn't get far, and will find himself frozen in place. "I do not think we are going to let you leave so soon, John. It is very rude. I seem to recall you have the reasons to help, no? Or are you so happy with the fate you pretend to lament of your future soul?" She sounds ever so disappointed in the man, then adds, "I am going to tell House." 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' As John goes to leave, Betsy watches the goings-on with interest. Blood goes for...well, his namesake. Wanda seems to be cheating in some way. How did she end up in this room? She isn't anywhere on the level of these people, she suspects. Heavy hitters makes her sure of it. "I wouldn't call it a campaign. I had been approached by one of the telepaths. She feared for the rest of her small group of would-be heroes," she tells Derek. "One of them was killed in SHIELD custody. I had to act and demanded to be allowed to see the other. Thankfully, I was given that chance and it allowed me to save three people. Though they will be needing assistance with the psychic trauma they suffered at the hands of the Shadow King. I am awaiting clearance from SHIELD To assist them." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John is stopped in his tracks by Wanda's magic. He doesn't try to break the spell. He knows that's a losing battle. He wasn't exactly the strongest wizard in creation. Then he gets a triple-barreled talking to... "Bastards the lot of you," John grumbles. "Fine let me go I'll play nice like a good little boy." For those in the room that know him the unsaid 'for now' is almost audible. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' Jason Blood smiles, "I never pretended otherwise. Bastard's the name they'll put on my grave right next to Blood, if ever I get one. Which I'm starting to doubt. Not sure how I feel about that," he says. "And yes, having already taken a small look at what we're facing, a straightforward charge would be borderline stupid, which is why they're not calling in that many of the underwear on the outside crowd. People who dress as funny animals to strike fear into burglars aren't precisely suited to subtlety." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' When Betsy speaks up about the telepaths in custody, Khanata pauses, face blank, and nods to her, expression unwavering, "Of course. Once the situation has been resolved, SHIELD could use the help of your institution in the recovery and reintegration process. I'll see what I can do about arranging visitation rights so that you can treat them while they're being detained." Not dwelling on the topic further, the African straightening his suit coat and turning back to the whiteboard, "Okay, let's get back to it. WAND has uncovered intelligence indicating that the fungal biocomputer's mass may be in the astral plane, but that it is being maintained by what they're calling a 'server' in Mexico. A recon team was deployed to the village where the final conflict took place in the fungal caverns there. It appears that the threat was not entirely dealt with, and there is a still-living 'heart' beneath a resort near the village. A strike team has been assembled to neutralize this server; our hope is that, by eliminating this fungal 'heart', the biocomputer on the Astral Plane will be neutralized, ending the sleepwalker plague." "Unfortunately, this is only a temporary solution. The Shadow King alone represents a major threat; with the Mind Gem, he is nigh-unstoppable--hence why Mr. Constantine was doing his best to exit stage left." "Which is why you're here today. I recently received an exciting proposal from a young witch, known as Wiccan," Khanata pauses to glance at Scarlet Witch, gauging her reaction, "who believes that the Shadow King's spirit could be trapped within the form of a golem, being a vessel designed for souls. Meanwhile, Reed Richards has constructed a 'portal gun' for our use which will provide one-time access to the Negative Zone. If Farouk can be bound to this golem and then thrust into a dimension with a more 'rigid' barrier than the Astral, we believe we can effectively neutralize him as a threat." "Even if such a thing is possible, however, it likely cannot be successfully accomplished without divesting Farouk of the Mind Gem. I am hoping that today we can both determine the viability of Wiccan's proposal and devise a means through which we can track down the Mind Gem and wrest it from his grasp." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' John.. is released. And what would have otherwise been a smug look upon the Scarlet Witch's face for having won this little battle is eaten up completely by concern when Derek mentions Wiccan. "Billy," she breathes under her breath. Then, louder, and directed at Derek, who clearly knows, "So he has told you, then?" The proposal, though, has her nodding. "Yes. In lore, they were constructed to hold a spirit. Neither living, nor dead, and given instructions. Most oftenn used as vessels of revenge. You will need powerful bindings, first to force him into that form, and then to keep him there. You will also wish to make it so that he is unable to manipulate from that form. It does no good if the mind is trapped and still able to perform. Consider what he is doing from the Astral Plane. The mind is still his that moves the bodies we see, yes? You understand that, right?" "I.. can help with that. And, if need be, trap it within another dimension. But it would be helpful to not be alone." The implication being not only those gathered, but Wiccan. In particular, Wiccan. For reasons she does not reveal. 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' Released John, makes his way back to his chair, flumping down and pickking up his cigarette and lighting it with the tip of his finger. "Who the bloody hell is Wiccan?" John asks looking between Derek and Wanda. "Anyhow, his idea's not bad, 'cept we brushed over the part where we get the Mind Gem away from a thing, that's all Mind. Which is a little like trying to get the Power Gem away from Superman. But other than that, plan sounds lovely." He sits back then, letting out a stream of smoke through his mouth. "Anyhow, missing an important part of all this, aren't you, Agent Khanata, I mean if we're saving the world there ought to be a few quid in it for us. I mean, it's the whole world after all." John keeps his expression neutral, leaving it in question if he's serious or not. 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "I do believe Khanata intends for me to ride shotgun with this mystery welp, the one with the magic plan and the ancient Jewish rock man. I'm not particularly good as a nursemaid, so I hope he's at least potty trained. If he gets overwhelmed in the astral plane, I'd rather not have to wipe his brains off my Oxfords." Since Constantine is indulging, he draws out his own cigarette case, a silver thing embossed with an etching of a demonic face in profile. It might look familiar to anyone who'd encountered the yellow hide of a certain Rhymer. "I believe the Mind Gem only empowers the force of the mind, not the wits of the wielder. If it makes him a flawless genius, yes, obviously, we are, to use the modern colloquial, bloody well fucked." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata looks at Wanda levelly, though a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, "Wiccan betrayed nothing of a relationship between the two of you. I'm glad to hear you're already acquainted, will make working together easier." "As far as who he is, John," Khanata claps Constantine on the shoulder, grinning, "he's a young protege of Strange's and, WAND tells me, one of the most potentially powerful magicians on the planet. As far as compensation goes, you can send us an invoice for your services. Deal?" The African strolls over to a plastic urn set on a side table, pouring lukewarm coffee into a styrofoam cup. He inspects a half-squashed croissant but decides to pass. "Blood is exactly right--Farouk has infinite power, but by all rights is a deeply flawed individual who can be manipulated. Ms. Braddock, I'm hoping for your input here--he's 'your' villain, so to speak, so you have the best insight into what his weaknesses are, and how to exploit them." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' Wanda's lips compress into a thoughtful line. "Wiccan is my son," she says quietly. "It is not a thing that is widely known. But if we are to work together, then it is perhaps easiest if you do know that. You will find that he is an almost grown man. There are reasons for this, but they do not affect what we do, so I will keep that to myself." Jason, she considers. "I wish to know why you would be the one to stand with him." Not quite protesting the matter yet, but clearly gearing up to that possibility. And to answer John, she offers, "It may be that it is to me to take the gem from him." She doesn't have Betsy's information, though, only an awareness of the possibilities of her own powers. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "Blood is correct, actually," Betsy says as she leaves the talk of spells and golems to those in the know. Other dimensions? That she understands well but the one she has access to is not a place to incarcerate the Shadow King. "He is a hedonist. He tends to not seek world power but simply his own pleasure and happiness. He indulges, usually to excess. Food, drink." She tilts her head slightly. "I know that SHIELD has psi-blockers. They should be given to all people that might be approaching in an attempt to find the gem. I understand the Avengers are helping to try and track it, to get us closer. I wonder..." She lets her gaze fall to her hand resting on the table a moment then glances back to Derek. "If we can distract and tempt him with that which he seeks. Something that will keep him busy when the strike happens to try and take the gem." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' "Your son?" John asks truly surprised by that. "What is he, twelve?" he asks. "We're really putting the fate of the world on the shoulders of Harry fucking Potter? Bugger that. Not pushing some kid ain't old enough to shave in the line of fire." "Wanda there is more than powerful enough to stand a chance, more so with Blood by her side. Plus, she's got a beau who by all accounts isn't to shabby with magic either, that should be enough, yeah?" He looks around the room, having sat up now, cigarette discarded on the table. "I agree with Betsy, a good distraction might work, give the guy what he wants he'll be focused on that, even better if we can make what he wants a trojan horse, let him do our work for us." 

:'''{{#var:7096|Jason Blood (7096)}} has posed:''' "Is that reason that you're a lot older than you appear? Because, I admit, that would be the most simple and obvious answer. If it's something more esoteric, of course, that's your business, but you needn't be shy about your age. I'm a rugged antique and Constantine there is the nicotine stain left from the 20th century." Blood strikes a match, lighting his cigarette as he moves to rise from the table, "A hedonist, eh? I definitely know how to deal with those. Who knew the answer all along was a metric fuckton of high grade opium? In any case, the principles of the golem gambit are sound and I have every confidence in the fruit of Wanda's loins. Well, perhaps not every confidence, but I'm going to lie to his face and seem very supportive. Children love that shit." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "So noted, Ms. Maximoff. What I mentioned to Ms. Braddock goes the same for you--your secrets are safe with SHIELD." Khanata chuckles ruefully, "As safe as they can be anywhere, that is. We're continually improving our security after Rising Tide, if it's any consolation. Really exciting stuff involving multidimensional computing. But I digress." "As far as Blood working with Wiccan, it may be for the best--with Magneto's planned arrival in the United States, the crazies will undoubtedly be out in force. In the age of crowdsourced investigations and doxxing, he could become a target. Blood can ensure his safety and, honestly, the boy seems to be seeking a mentor. I fear Strange is so entangled with the ongoing events we've discussed so far that he hasn't had much of a chance to work with Wiccan. Blood provides an opportunity for him to," Khanata purses his lips, "broaden his horizons, as it were." The African nods to Betsy, "We might soon be in possession of a suitable distraction--a Dr. Arnold, one of his pet psychics, who we've got eyes on. If things go well, we'll have him in custody by the week's end." "But first we have to find where he's hidden the Gem. Agent Peters of WAND was able to track the astral server in Mexico by monitoring network traffic. I suspect if Farouk's hit hard enough to tap into the Mind Gem's power, Peters can repeat the trick--but that means we need someone who can 'touch the fence', bring his full defenses to bear and then escape alive. I thought your team would be perfect for this; put pressure on him and then escape into another dimension once the trace is complete." "Constantine: Wiccan may have originated the plan for the Golem, but I do not believe he can stand against Farouk alone. I'm hoping that you, Maximoff, and Blood will also be present to see that the golem gambit is a successful binding, while Braddock and her fellow psychics keep him suitably distracted." 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' "Wait, Papa is coming?" Wanda's attention is pulled away from the task at hand and to that tidbit. Not that he doesn't visit, and often, but there's dropping in, and then there's official, pull out all the stops, welcome wagon necessary coming to town, and Derek is making it sound like the latter. "And why do you have Blood working with my son, when I am capable?" She settles back into a frowning silence. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' Betsy is not getting into the discussion of who should and shouldn't work with the kid. She's not utterly stupid. She does focus on the details. "I will do my best to get the telepathic hard hitters from my team to do just that. I can provide an escape route to another dimension when it becomes necessary, so long as I'm not taken out of the fight too early. I am not in the Shadow King's skill level even without the infinity stone in play," she admits. "Dr. Arnold we could use to try to find out more of his plans but if the Shadow King learns we have him, through that link, he's as good as dead. Like he tried to do to the others." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John, seems only a placated a little by the fact this Wiccan kid wasn't going to be alone. "An' you think I am the sort of mad bugger to go join the little rotter? Heh, good luck with that. More of a command fromt he rear sort." To Wanda he says, "Nah, luv, sounds like the plan is that you'll be there too, an' me, which is the bloody problem." He looks to Derek. "Did you not hear the part about her beau? I mean, why not make it a big ol' family outing. Don't see why I need to plus one on a trip like that." As to Arnold. "Might be good to learn what the Shadow King is up to, dunno how well they'd work but I've got some sigils that might give Arnold a bit of a chance, put up a circle around him, try to ward off the energies for a bit while the rest make their attack." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "My sources have indicated that your father's visit is officially informal, but there's a state detachment joining him. I can't really remark further, Ms. Maximoff, other than to say Ms. Braddock may know more than I." Khanata spreads his hands in a gesture of acquiesence to the Scarlet Witch, "I have no intention of standing between you and your son, of course. Blood and I are previously acquainted, so I've arranged an introduction." The African pauses to consider for a moment, nodding to Betsy, "I doubt psi-dampeners will be sufficient to keep Farouk's eyes off Dr. Arnold for long. Could he temporarily be held in this extradimensional space of yours, at least until we're ready to spring the trap?" "Okay, just to make sure we're on the same page: first, our team knocks out the astral server in Mexico and nabs Dr. Arnold. We keep Arnold off the board until we've located the Mind Gem. At the same time, Constantine, Maximoff, Blood, and Wiccan assemble the components necessary to build the golem. Second, the X-psychics 'touch the fence' in a direct assault on the Shadow King while Agent Peters tracks the Mind Gem to its source. Third, we reveal Arnold's location to Farouk with the X-psychics in wait to keep him alive. While Farouk's busy with that, a team steals the stone. Finally, the sorcerers attempt to summon and bind Farouk to the golem with a line of defense provided by the Xers. Once bound, we walk him into the portal. Sound about right?" 

:'''{{#var:70|Scarlet Witch (70)}} has posed:''' There is a slow and silent nod of assent from Wanda. "It does seem you have thought of all the things." She has nothing more to add to the planning side of things other than a "I will be where you wish me to, and help as I may." 

:'''{{#var:61|Constantine (61)}} has posed:''' John frowns at his name still being part of the crew going after the gem. "We've got some staffing details to dfiscuss, but sure, doesn't sound impossible that the plan works, an' I don't have another one right now." He gives a shrug. 

:'''{{#var:18|Psylocke (18)}} has posed:''' "I could put him in that dimension for a time, yes. The psi-dampeners are for the heroes, not for Dr. Arnold though. Once he is in the shadow realm, he will lost his connection to the Shadow King. Or I could sever it the way I did for the others," Betsy says. She does shrug. "The attack seems sound. Not sure if he is going to care enough about Dr. Arnold to go after him though. He's just a pawn. They are expendable." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Expendable, certainly, but hopefully it'll generate enough interest to lure him in, give your team a chance to give him enough hell to keep his focus off of the gem. If not, we'll have to find another target." Khanata begins gathering his papers and packing them into a dark leather briefcase, "Okay, so, next steps going forward--Maximoff, Blood, and Constantine: rendezvous with Wiccan about the golem concept, either individually or as a group, get the ball rolling on that. Ms. Braddock: I'll contact you about a rendezvous with Arnold once we have him in custody. Let me know when you'll have a team ready to 'touch the fence'; Peters can be ready as soon as you give the word." "Well, that should about wrap it up today. Thanks everyone for their contributions, glad to be working with all of you. Now let's go take this SOB down." 
}}

5547/Astral Flux: Pawn to King 4

2018-10-12T20:59:15Z

Khanata: Khanata recruits Wiccan to the Squadron Sorcery and lays some heavy exposition. Wiccan proposes a unique solution.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/12
|Location=Magic Box
|Synopsis=Khanata recruits Wiccan to the Squadron Sorcery and lays some heavy exposition. Wiccan proposes a unique solution.

An ASTRAL FLUX scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 1267
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Ring. Ring. Ring. Click. "Mister Kaplan? Hello, this is Derek Khanata, Agent of SHIELD. I was referred to you by a Mister Wong, was hoping that we could arrange a sitdown." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan was between classes and trying to enjoy the Autumn day when the phone rang. After the initial 'Hello?' he grew silent until he managed to snap his attention back to the call, "Wong? But I don't know any...oh." Yes, he does. "This is SHIELD? Holy crap. Uhm." There's another pause before he tries to put on his 'adult' voice, "May I ask what this is regarding?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A dry chuckle. Static. An exhalation. "Of course, Mister Kaplan. We're saving the world and need your help. Interested?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "That's a pretty broad statement. I guess I'm not getting any details over the phone, am I?" It's basically all Billy could do not to immediately say 'Of course! Where am I going?' but he's trying to learn to be a little careful before jumping into crazy things. "Where did you want to meet?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "I'll pick you up in fifteen. Bring your Hogwarts bag." Click. Fifteen minutes later, to the minute, a black '65 Impala convertible parks outside of Billy's apartment building. The driver is a gaunt, ebony-skinned man in a modern, fitted dark suit and sunglasses, cigarette tucked into the corner of his mouth. 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "But..." Billy starts, but the line is already dead. SHIELD knows where he lives? That's just a little bit scary! Maybe Wong told them? Does Wong even know? During that fifteen minutes, Billy actually teleports home to see if there's anything that he might actually want to bring with him, but in the end he just puts on his 'uniform' and waits to be 'picked up'. Once he sees the classic car, he steps out of the apartment building and makes his way over to the passenger's side window to give a light rap with gloved hands. "Really cool car." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The African agent gives a wide, white grin, and as the autumn light filters through the trees, his disfigurement becomes more obvious--his face is marred by extensive tribal scarification, an abstract map of dots, lines, and whorls. "Thanks. I see you brought your Halloween getup, Mister Kaplan. I, ah," the smile turns sardonic, "had only planned to get some coffee today, give you a debrief on the situation, but I appreciate your enthusiasm." He takes a long drag on his cigarette, studying the young hero, "C'mon, get in. You know anywhere around here with a decent smoking patio?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan blinks a moment before he gives a little, "Oh. You mentioned Hogwarts bag..." well, that's easily fixed. By the time he gets into the car, he's back to wearing jeans, a t-shirt, flannel shirt, and a light jacket and scarf. "Well, there's the Magic Box and I'm pretty sure they have outdoor seating where you could probably smoke. If we could find a table furthest from the door." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Sounds good." The Impala zips out into traffic, the driver rolling his cigarette from one side of his mouth to the other. "I'll cut straight to the chase, Mister Kaplan: SHIELD's putting together a dream team to knock out this Sleepwalker Plague once and for all. How 'tuned in' are you to the situation?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' He'll give directions if needed, but otherwise Billy will just buckle up for the ride. "Dream team? And uhm...not really? I've sort of been buried in school and studying and...extra studying..." subjects that aren't taught at Columbia. "And you can call me 'Billy'. Otherwise it feels like you're really wanting to talk to my dad." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata's face is neutral as he drives, right hand loosely on the wheel, left cupping his cigarette. "You've got it, Bill. This is going to take some exposition, so settle in." The African goes quiet as he makes a left turn. A saxophone can be faintly heard from the car speakers. "There's a powerful psychic presence that goes by the moniker 'Shadow King' operating in the Astral Plane, used to be a sociopathic telepath named Amahl Farouk before he was murdered for his dirty deeds. Evil bastard was too tough to stay dead, consciousness stuck around after the body expired. He's tussled with the X-people before, but he's taken the Marquis du Sade bit worldwide thanks to a recent upgrade." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, from what I've read, that can happen...the 'not going to the final resting place' thing..." Billy offers but quiets to hear the rest. "Have you talked to Doctor Strange? I mean, he's pretty incredible on the Astral Plane..." He's along for the ride and some coffee after all. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata laughs and claps Billy on the shoulder once. "Why do you think I'm here? Strange is a hard man to track down, I'm afraid, so we're getting the best of the rest. From what I hear, you've got unlimited power, theoretically. Guess we're going to test that theory out." The African shakes his head, a wry grin on his face, as they pull up in front of the Magic Box. "Cute. Okay, where was I? Ah, so this Shadow King obtained a cosmic artifact known as an Infinity Gem, the 'Mind Gem', which dramatically expanded his already-formidable powers--supposedly, well, infinite psychic juice." "When that fungal biocomputer from outer space was dealt with by the Avengers and the JLA, Farouk used this mind-gem to port the remains to the Astral Plane." "Bast, what a weird job." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "I do?" That's news to him! Billy blinks a couple of times before falling quiet again to listen. "So...you're getting people to go to the Astral Plane to...beat him up? Take this 'Mind Gem' away? Who else are you asking?" Because it seems like a pretty heavy-duty job! "Do...did they tell you that damage done in the Astral Plane can kill you in the...Reality?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Not quite, Bill." The odd pair step into the occult bookstore/coffee shop, a heavy patchouli odor in the sea of earth tones, fuzzy sweaters and center-part haircuts. Khanata seems unimpressed, but says nothing as he orders his coffee. Once the arrangements are made and a patio table found, he continues. "The astral biocomputer is the means through which Farouk is able to control these sleepwalkers on a mass scale--they're all connected via a server in Mexico, and there's a team already organized to knock it out. That should free those 'infected', but doesn't get to the root of the problem." "That's where you come in." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan orders his own fancy, hipster coffee and settles at the table with Khanata, sipping and listening. "An Astral bio computer. That's...kind of fascinating. And scary. Kind of Matrix-y..." but he blinks when he's mentioned again. "Just me? Didn't you say a 'team'? Or are you using 'you' in the plural?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Don't worry, kid. We're putting together a team, but you're likely to have a starring role. We've got two of the X-family's starting lineup, Psylocke and Phoenix, and I've heard back from one of the Avengers: Scarlet Witch." Khanata smirks at that, but doesn't comment as he continues, "The plan is simple: as a psychic entity, Farouk is basically a spirit being. Magic-users summon and bind spirits all the time. We get a few of you big guns together, you call up this Shadow King and bind him to a suitable vessel while the X-paths keep steady pressure on him. Once bound to a vessel, we toss it into another dimension." "It all sounds easy, but I imagine it'll be a tough nut to crack. I need folks like you to assess the situation and determine the plan's viability. You up for it?" 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan's eyebrows lift as Scarlet Witch is mentioned but he doesn't comment further yet. But then, at the question, he asks, "Do you think that binding him is going to be better than going into the Astral plane and fighting him there? I mean, it's dangerous for us out here...but it should also be considered, because if we are able to summon him and bind him, if he escapes those binding, he's just going there anyhow. Also...do we have any physical possessions or hair or something like that to try and summon him -with-? He might be able to resist." Maybe that answers part of Khanata's question. "I'm certainly happy to try." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "That's the spirit, kid. Farouk's already half in the bag." A wry grin and a sip of coffee. "From what the WAND boys tell me, the Astral's a minefield right now. Hopefully eliminating that server will fix things, but we're anticipating heavy turbulence in the aftermath, at the very least. We need to bring the Shadow King onto our turf. As long as you can hold him in some sort of vessel for a couple minutes, Reed Richards has whipped up a portal gun. Toss the vessel in there, cut Farouk off from his network." "We know that he needs a physical body to inhabit to effect the real world; the sleepwalkers are part of his network, letting him work his will in the physical. That said, he's got his hooks in a number of psychics, too. We think telepaths that interacted with the fungus when it was still on our plane have the 'purest' connection, though some of them had their minds formatted, so be careful." "If you're up for a little investigative work, I can give you the info SHIELD has on a couple suspect telepaths we haven't tracked down yet. Find them and we can determine their suitability as vessels." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' That last bit has Billy sort of freezing mid-sip of his fancy coffee drink. "Wait. You're going to find a person...bind him to that person...and then punt that person into another dimension? When you said 'vessel', I was picturing like...an urn or a bowl or something. Not a real person! You...you can't do that! What about that person's permission? Even if they've been affected by this guy, maybe it can be reversed? That's like...murder." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata studies Billy coolly for several moments, smoking. "Bill, I'm not going to bullshit you. We had one of these telepaths on-site at the Triskelion. His mind had been entirely destroyed, just a tool for the Shadow King to play his games. When Farouk mentally assaulted an Avenger, I did what I had to do." A long exhalation of smoke. "I executed him, then and there. The funny thing?" The African lowers his sunglasses to stare directly into Billy's eyes, a deadly seriousness on his face. "His spirit reached out after the fact. He thanked me, Billy. He was grateful to be released from the hell of non-existence." An adjustment of the tie, that wry, tight, humorless smile. "This is for real, Bill. We're talking the end of the world. You find some other suitable vessel, fine. But if you think I won't sacrifice a single brain-dead coma victim for the fate of the human race?" A shake of the head, his face grave once more. "You can take that shit back to the Avengers Academy." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' Wiccan inclines his head some, "I'm not -in- the Avengers Academy. Nor am I studying at Xavier's school or anything like that. I get that it's for real, but what if that person was someone you knew or loved? Would you really just execute them?" He scowls down at his coffee, "I'll try to find another way. A person...a real person...shouldn't be sacrificed unless it's the last resort." His brows crease a little more as an idea comes to him, but...he'll have to do research. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Yes, I would." Khanata's face remains blank, but there's a slight upward tilt to his chin as he considers for a long moment. "If it was my wife, to save my daughters, Wakanda, and the human race? Yes. Would it destroy me?" The African sips from his coffee. "Undoubtedly. But we're the people who must make those decisions." A forced laugh and shake of the head. "Talk to me about this again in a decade, see where you stand then. In the meantime," he stubs out the cigarette, "this should provide you plenty of motivation to find another vessel. Just be prepared to make the hard choice when the rubber hit the road. There'll likely be no second chances." 

:'''{{#var:1267|Wiccan (1267)}} has posed:''' "If I can find something else to use," Wiccan tilts his head, "Would you guys consider it over a person?" Because he might not be finding a person for this? "Hopefully the choice won't have to be made like that, but...like I said. Last resort." He's still in. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Sure. You find something better, I'm game. Just don't trip on the cape and kill the human race in the process." Khanata stands and extends a hand, "It's a pleasure, Bill. Glad to have you on board." 
}}

5472/OPERATION HARD RESET, Stage Three: Ill-Met in Tiki Bar

2018-10-01T15:53:43Z

Khanata: The Howling Commandos drink, smoke, and eat trash. They talk strategy, sort of. Everyone's wearing sunglasses. Nominally related to Astral Flux.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/10/01
|Location=Madripoor Nights Tiki Bar / Silvermane Suites Motor Inn
|Synopsis=The Howling Commandos drink, smoke, and eat trash. They talk strategy, sort of.

Everyone's wearing sunglasses.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 204, 1009, 1857
|Tinyplot=ASTRAL FLUX
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Black '65 Impala converible, top down, red interior. At the wheel: Derek Khanata, Agent of SHIELD. Taking up the back bench seat: Hellboy. It's 11 o'clock, the moon is out, obligatory cigarettes and sunglasses. "When you picked Williams, I have to admit--I thought you were yanking my chain. Meeting him, though, I'm inclined to think he's the real deal. He mentioned a crew, but seemed more like a loner to me--his way or the highway. We'll see how he takes to you as team lead." The neon glow of a gigantic, half-busted cowboy advertising Arby's illuminates the ritual scars on Khanata's face, giving him a satanic look as he grins into the rear view mirror, "Looks like he started shacking up with a waitress at a tiki bar attached to a fleabag motel, he should be there tonight. I'll make the introductions, but you'll take the lead from there, get you two acquainted." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah well, I remember seeing all that on the news. When the Bureau sent a team to check out a cabin later, we were all pretty impressed that a guy like Ash was able to make it out of there. There's always that survivor in a group. Whether it's a guy or a girl, there's always someone who's gonna live at all costs, come hell or highwater."     As he spoke, he idly looked at his hand, until it started glowing underneath the neon sign. There was something really Simon and Garfunkel about this whole situation at the moment, but he didn't talk about it.     "Yeah, that's fine." 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' Well, there's worse places to spend the night than in a shady motel, right? Even if that means the Delta and the Airstream are being neglected in favour of flea-covered sheets and dancing with VD. But he's had worse itches. Ash opens the front door to the hotel while adjusting his pants, strangely absent one of his hands, to get a breath of air that doesn't smell like... Well, here. In fairness to Ash, he recognises the Impala pretty easily, and he offers a wave once he's zipped and buttoned up. "Oh, hey, Derek, right? And you've bought some kind of... Uh. Red Gorilla?" He suggests with a slightly uneasy smile. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The parking lot of the Madripoor Nights Tiki Bar and Silvermane Suites Motor Inn was quiet tonight, only a handful of regulars manning the bar and business travelers in their beds. Johnny Paycheck croons soulfully through the open bar door. As Khanata pulls up next to the Airstream, Ash is already there. He thumbs at the back seat, "The big guy's called Hellboy. He's been on the payroll pushing 75 years now and is the toughest, most capable agent that BPRD's got. Wanted you two to meet; Hellboy's leading the squad." "Hellboy, Ash Williams. They say he does wonders with a chainsaw and a shotgun." Khanata stifles a yawn, "Yelp says the barbeque's pretty good. You boys want to grab a drink and some chow?" 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     For his part, Big Red poured out of the backseat and landed on his hooves relatively gracefully, his body not quite hidden by that large trenchcoat of his, and especially didn't hide that massive stone right hand as he lifted it to give a wave.     "Hey, what's going on. I'd shake your hand, but, well..."     He let that hang in the air awkwardly, just looking around at Derek and Ash with that ugly, slack-jawed look on his face, his underbite especially apparant in the wild lighting of this parking lot. From behind him, something seemed to produce a six-pack of cold looking beers, though, and the red man took them in the palm of his hand, presenting them to the group.     "But, hey. I've come bearing gifts, and all that. Hope ya like Shemp's." 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' "Seventy Five? Shit, here was I thinking I was a vet. Hellboy, huh? You guys need to have a chat with your PR department." So says Ashy Slashy. "It's gonna feel weird calling him a boy is all I'm saying. 'Specially if he's in charge. Well, you look like you can handle a strong drink and kick the crap of something if it goes ass-backwards, so maybe you guys are alright." Ash chuckles. Ash holds up his stump, and the metal attachment that is now his wrist. "If it was still there, you'd crush it with those massive meat-hunks of yours. Lucky me, about fourty years ago mine went bad, and I had to cut it off, and then I had to kill it a few times for good measure." And he seems like he's in good spirits though about it. "Total babe magnet, long as you don't mention the evil. Beer me?" He suggests, holding out his good hand instead. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "You're telling me; see how 'Agent Hellboy' rolls off the tongue." Khanata lights another cigarette as he steps out of the car. He's in a fitted, light grey suit and thin black tie, impeccable as always. "Beer me." The Wakandan takes a bottle and cracks it open, "Panther God be praised. What a week." He stretches out a hand to Williams, "Good to see you. Johnny should be riding up in a few minutes. How's the pulled pork?" 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     Ash, at his request, is beered. Cold can is lobbed at his good hand, and the throw was a heavy one, though it wasn't a hand-breaker or anything. If Derek wanted in on the booze-train then HB launched one at him as well. Though all the talk about his name bugged him a little, you'd never know it by looking at his face. Hearing him was a different matter.     "Yeah, I don't know what all the hubbub is about my name. Agent Hellboy sounds fine. A guy named 'Goldman' didn't start out as 'Goldboy', right? It's practically the same thing."     He spoke as he took one of the beers for himself, and immediately downed half of it in one swig. Hellboy was a big machine, and needed a lot of fuel to keep himself going.     "So, you build that robo-hand of yers in a garage, or what? Looks like a, what are those...a knight glove, is it?" 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' "She wasn't the worst I've ever had, but far from the best." Ash mentions, with a gesture of his head towards his sleeping companion, catching the beer and removing the cap with his belt buckle. "Hey, I'm not saying it's a bad name, it's just kind of weird for me to be calling you 'boy' when you're massive, red, and apparently older than me." Although Ash looks by far the most senior in this group. Short of hands at the moment, Ash offers Derek a tap of his beer, before he takes a healthy mouthful. "Figure the food here won't suck too much though." Ash looks down at his stump a moment later, "Kind of. Made most of it from scrap I found in an old shed, and strapped a chainsaw to it. Got a hand for it too, but it's, uh, currently inside. Don't think I'll be needing it right now." 

:'''{{#var:1857|Johnny Blaze (1857)}} has posed:''' It's in that moment that another member of the 'Howling Commandos' would arrive. Johnny Blaze, who's well associated with the trio enjoying drinks, walks up to the group after parking his bike next to Derek's black impala. Dismounging his vehicle, Johnny lights himself a cigarette and puts it in the corner of his mouth, approaching and entering Madripoor Nights soon after. "Starting parties without me? I'm almost insulted." He was talking to Derek, but he gives Hellboy a pat on the back that isn't very forceful at all. He didn't want to hurt the demon, after all. But, his eyes dart to Ash. "Well, I see we managed to meet the handyman." he glances to Ash's missing hand then back at Ash. "Good to see ya." He now looks to the group in question. "Got room for one more Spirit?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' They form a motley crew--crusty biker, hulking giant, jet-black super-spy, and monster hunter on the skids--when they cruise into the Madripoor Nights. The Cramps' 'Teenage Werewolf' kicks onto a vintage jukebox. Peanut shells and Solo Cups litter the floor. Thick cigar smoke rolls from the open mouth of the bartender, a short, blocky, square-jawed man with a strong resemblance to a young Jack Kirby. "Cripes." The blue lights cast a surreal glare as Khanata steps to the bar, "Gin and tonic and two pulled pork sandos, extra onions, and whatever these ruffians are having." "Sure thing, pal. Your friends aren't looking for any trouble?" That wry grin. "You'll have to ask them. They sure look like trouble." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     It seemed Hellboy was used to that question, because his response was automatic: Pulling back his trenchcoat, flashing a SHIELD badge, and also making sure his oversized quadshooter was visible when he did so.     "No, no trouble, we're official, don't worry. Couple'a beers and a couple'a steaks, please. An' some hot sauce, please."     Hellboy wasn't helping with the cigar smoke, adding to the air with his own standard Malrboro variety. Sitting there at the table, he looked around at the swirling lights and the sounds of chaos. He spoke, but it was hard to hear his low rolling tone over this madness. It was probably something very clever, like "It's loud in here." 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' "Gotta say, not loving the nickname, but I'm happy you're trying." Ash responds, although it's hard to beat him down over it. Especially after a night with a waitress who might have left most of her best years behind her, but still has a few good ones left. He makes his way into the bar with a casual chuckle. "Listen, the only trouble I'm looking to get into is as many shots as I can handle, one of those porky-sandwhiches and then an earful from Carla when I stagger back in there without pants on." Putting the Ass back in Classy, Ash Williams. Draining his beer, it's tossed into a nearby bin, and he looks around as if he's forgotten something. Wallet, possibly. Cigarettes? "Anyone got a smoke?" 

:'''{{#var:1857|Johnny Blaze (1857)}} has posed:''' Johnny looks to Derek and gives him a little smirk as he sees the group, though Johnny lets out a puff of smoke as the bartender just makes sure there won't be any trouble from this motley crew of outcasts. Johnny did glance to Hellboy. "Where did you even get that gun anyway?" he can sense the presence on it. It's bathed in the blood of many a monster. before his eye shifts to Ash, before handing him his own pack of cigars with a lighter as well. "Here. Don't say I never did anything for ya." Eyes flash back to the bartender. "Whiskey." not even a please? damn. "So then, what's on the agenda for today?" he side-eyes Derek. "Who else on that list o' yours?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Gentlemen, to the Howling Commandos!' Khanata raises his red cup to those assembled, "Let's hope we can live up to the name." He tosses it back and returns Johnny's smirk, "Glad you could make it, kid." "We'll get into the rest of the candidates after the food arrives. What I heard was that Big Red here got us together to figure out our SOP going forward, so everybody knows who's doing what when the rubber hits the road." The Wakandan nudges Hellboy with his elbow, "Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll give us an inspirational speech before the night is out." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     Oh boy, Hellboy was in the booster seat, now. He took a big gulp of his ice-water, ignoring the burning cold, and just sat in silence for a few minutes. He thought back to what they knew about this operation, which wasn't much, so he decided to just start from there.     "Well uhh, you guys remember those mushrooms a while back ago? The big ones that came from space, used to see them growing all over the places? We're probably gonna be dealing with more of those, so our general plan is don't set them on fire. Also, we're dealing with a lot of psychic mumbo jumbo, so be prepared for that. It'd be nice if we could all get Magneto helmets, but I don't know if SHIELD's got that sort of thing figured out, yet. Beyond that, y'know uhh, the plan is to wreck shit and not die. When we're there in the field, we'll probably get a good sense of what it is we're supposed to break. But even then, I think we just break everything, just to erre on the side of caution."     "Man, where are those steaks?" 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' Ash seems quite deft with his only hand, secreting a cigarette and returning the packet, and then lifting the lighter to his lips with a practiced flick so it can be returned just in time to grab the bourbon that's just been poured. "Well that's awful kind of you. And I don't know if speeches are really in our style, right? You want speeches, hire politicians." Of course, Hellboy is obliged to say something, and Ash self-summarises. "Right, so no fire, probably no explosives, and try to avoid having some weird thing take over my body yet again. Groovy." 

:'''{{#var:1857|Johnny Blaze (1857)}} has posed:''' Johnny smiles to Derek. lifting a glass to his toast before he gulps his whiskey and plants it down. "Standard procedure. alright." He turns in his seat to look at Hellboy as he gives the speech of the year. "Well...I guess that's pretty much to the point of it." Johnny shrugs and gives a bit of a shake of his head to Hellboy, amused. "Well...Guess we wing it." he lets out a puff of smoke then before his eyes look to Ash. "Well I thought he did alright." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata gives Hellboy's shoulder an encouraging clap, "Don't let him fool you, he's a master tactician." "Look, I'll give it to you straight: I know that the lot of you have traditionally been solo operators, living out there on the edge with little or no support. Hell, most of us are monsters of one sort or another. But if we're not going to crash and burn out there, we're going to need to learn how to work together. This little shindig is just a hash session--we throw out some ideas about who'd be suited for what, at least get a general game plan." "Topic's open for discussion, boys." Plates of steaming meat are rolled out. Kirby, Jr. seems to have taken it all in good humor, dishing it out with a look of bemused disbelief. "Let me guess: insurance salesmen?" 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     Hellboy didn't dig right in, instead, he was slathering his various stakes in A-1, as well as different sorts of hot sauces. Like...a lot a lot. He didn't even look up when answering the hard working waiter.     "Yeah, vacuums door to door. Hell of a life, got the scars to prove it."     After draining one of his many beers in a second or two, he finally got to work on his meal, now that the sauces and spices had settled a bit. If he was bothered by the amount of death he put on them, he didn't seem to show it, instead just thinking back to the topic at hand.     "The Avengers Mansion went missing the other day, right? It means we're gonna fight evil Avengers, I was saying that to these two the other day."     'These two', gesturing to Derek and Johnny. He went on as he put another fork-ful of dead cow into his mouth.     "And if this guy's got a whole team of 'psychic bodies' he can use, I'm wondering how many of those he can control at once. Can he send an army to deal with us, while doing something else, somewhere else?" 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' "I'm gonna be blunt. The way I see it, Big guy here," Ash gestures with a cigarette to Hellboy, "Looks like he can take the ass-kicking to end all ass kickings, so he's front and center. The kid," A nod of his head, "Some kind of half-demon thing, so he's close enough to whatever the big gun is gonna be." A clear of his throat, and the clearly past-middle-aged hero adds, "And my boomstick and I bring up the rear, and somewhere along the way we shove a chainsaw up whatever fungus monster's the cause of all this mischief - Back home in time for some brews and wings." At least he's not in denial that he's human, right? Or just a bit lazy. "Seems like the only intel we've got is bad intel, and leaning on it's just gonna land us in crap creek. And even if we had /good/ intel," Ash pauses to have a mouthful of beer, "You're telling me that there's gonna be a better plan for it? Evil Avengers, Psychic Armies, all that crap? You got a contingency for it? 'Cos otherwise we just got to use our 'maginations and get through." And with that, he takes a sandwhich, and crams far more of it into his mouth than is decent. And the immortal blue shirt immediately gets a gravy stain. 

:'''{{#var:1857|Johnny Blaze (1857)}} has posed:''' Johnny looks annoyed. "The next time someone calls me a kid, I'm shoving their teeth so far down their throat they'll need to shove a tooth brush up their ass to brush them." His eyes narrow //directly// at Ash. Before he seems to calm down. Johnny was deceptively powerful...maybe it's because he's not flaming skull at the moment. Either way, he seems relatively approving of the positional planning. "Works for me." His glance goes to Hellboy. "There might not be a set limit. When they made the move on Avengers Mansion, he was controlling a full streets worth of random bystanders. I'm only slightly nervous what it'd be like if he managed to get into heroes skulls that weren't the avengers. He'd have the strongest force in the world right then and there." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata rubs his chin, "Hmm. Blaze might be best suited as your point man--he's highly mobile, good scout, can be wherever you need him to be on the battlefield. I like Red in the middle and you following up the rear. Sounds flexible enough that it'll work as a default." He begins to devour the squashed pulled pork sandwich, saucy chunks falling on the paper plate in his lap, "If the network goes down when you take out the server, we're hoping that'll wake up any sleepwalkers, Avengers or otherwise, who might be brought into play. Ash is right, though--our intel is crap. While we're rounding up the rest of the recruits, we should fix that as best we can." "I see two tasks ahead of us: we bring in a big hoodoo man to run some astral forensics, nail down how the network works and what the weak points are, as well as get you a better sense of what the local defenses are going to look like. There's a few people on WAND's rolodex that we can look up: there's a Doctor Stephen Strange and a John Constantine, if either of those names mean anything to you. Oh, yeah, and Magneto's grandson, Wiccan. SHIELD's very interested in bringing him in." "Second thing we've got to nail down is a hollowed-out telepath. This one's going to need some straightforward detective work; SHIELD knows of a few folks who controlled the fungus telepathically, which we think is what causes the mental wipe. The magic boys'll need him as a vessel for this Visitor." 

:'''{{#var:204|Hellboy (204)}} has posed:'''     At this point Hellboy was just silent, eating patiently as he glanced between Derek, Ash and Johnny. Johnny in particular he was keeping his eye on...Kid definitely had a temper, that might be something to deal with later.     For now, though, he said nothing, and continued cutting at his steak. Actually interesting to note that, due to the size of his stone hand, when he ate, he seemed to be limited to the left, just like Ash. 

:'''{{#var:1009|Ash Williams (1009)}} has posed:''' "You don't wanna be called it? Then don't let it get to ya as soon as someone says something you don't like. Big Red here," Damn that feels weird. Not just to say, but Ash is talking with his mouth full and someone is definitely getting some sloppy seconds, "Y'think he gives a hot damn what you call him? You're young, you got plenty of time to find things to get mad about. Grey hairs. Waking up to pee. Weird lumps." His voice fades there, as if he loses himself in thought. "Hey now, there is one thing that could be helpful. Any of your group got that mind-stealing power you could use for training? 'Cos I ain't worried too much about something trying to steal it's way into my noodle - I've fought that fight before - but might be there's something good in it if you've never had your brain pan rattled round some." Ash's bizarre grasp of English seems just folksy enough to throw anyone not used to it. The sandwich annhilation is finished, and chased with more bourbon, before Ash waves. "Anywho, I'm not gonna leave Carla waiting much longer. Gotta go get my hand back and my leg in, if you get what I'm sayin'." And with that, he departs. 

:'''{{#var:1857|Johnny Blaze (1857)}} has posed:''' Johnny glances to Hellboy as he locks his eyes on him, before he shrugs. and looks to Ash. "Do tell." he seems to sigh before he stands up and downs his drink. "I need to get going to. Got a lady who doesn't like it when I keep her waiting." He looks to Derek. "I think I have someone in mind. But I'm not entirely sure he'll feel like helping." then Derek goes and names out his choice. "Damn. I was gonna snag the kid. John might be a better choice. More willing to make hard calls...but I'll have trouble not hitting him in the head with a baseball bat. Got a mouth on him." he shrugs. "I'll see what I can do about Wiccan." his eyes glance to everyone. "See you around, Howling Commandos." and Johnny walks out, mounting his bike and driving away. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata sighs and bites into his second sandwich, "Well, guess that was about as much as one could expect. They both've taken a shine to you, though; that's a start. What's your read on them so far?" The music swells, a psychedelic swamp rock number, and an older couple, thick blue eyeliner and faded stetsons, boozily swaying alone. The last Commandos standing settle in for a long night of strategy, logistics, and cheap booze. 
}}

5438/FLAGGED:AUTOFAC Keyword Log 675-5397-FPK

2018-09-29T04:52:28Z

Khanata: A gathering of immortals as the Warlord Crule is contacted by his centuries-lost sister, Ekaterina Vespucci, and SHIELD is on the line.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/25
|Location=The internet
|Synopsis=A gathering of immortals as the Warlord Crule is contacted by his centuries-lost sister, Ekaterina Vespucci, and SHIELD is on the line.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 1849
|Tinyplot=FLASHPOINT KENYA
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A.U.T.O.F.A.C. YELLOW PRIORITY ALERT Call Log 657-5397-FPK Flagged: OPERATION SOLAR KILL Verified Participants: Ekaterina Vespucci Suspected Participants: Warlord Crule TIMESTAMP: 25/09/26 11:04 EST TRANSCRIPT BEGINS WARLORD CRULE: <snarling noises> Who dares disturb my slumber? If you are a telemarketer, worm, I shall feast upon your entrails! 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Hey there big brother it's your little sister. Remember me? Ekaterina Vespucci. But you knew me back when I was Engelberga of Parma 1200 years ago. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: <laughter> Sister! I shouldn't be surprised. Word of my deeds of late have reached even your ears, eh? It has been too long, little queen. Do you once more yearn for a kingdom to call your own? 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: You are all over the news. I've etched out my little piece of Manhatten. But you never call never visit. Even Selene pops by once in a while. I'm beginning to feel neglected. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: <laughter> The last time I came calling, little sister, you set that twice-accursed puritan upon me; he hounded me to the very heart of Africa, damn his eyes, and I have yet forgotten how those flames lashed! It is a horrible thing to die by fire, little one, and a favor I won't be quick to forget. <pause> However, it has been many years since a Holy Roman Emperor reigned. If you wish to make peace, I am willing to accept an apology. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Come on brother the first time we met you tried to kill me. It might have been 1200 years ago. Who put you up to that? I bet it was Selene. In any event Solomon Kane was never going to be able to kill you. He was just a darn nuisance. I'll apologise if you apologise. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: Hrmm. You should be grateful, brat. Were it not for my hateful duty to the High Council, our kind would be thrice more numerous--you simply proved yourself worthy to survive. <long pause> These are strange times, little sister, and there are queer portents in the air. To speak frankly, you are not the only member of our elder brood to reach out as of late; I suspect we are being drawn together by unseen forces, our convergence coinciding with the dawn of a new aeon--the turning of the wheel of fate. I will not begrude you a place in the kingdom to come, should you wish it. I am aware of your not-insubstantial resources. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: So population control? That was it? Ah well cats out of the bag now. There are lucha libre regaled superpowered wackos messing up every corner of the world. And immortals are becoming darn near pedestrian. I met a famous amazon and had coffee with her in Times Square a week ago. So who is this member of our elder brood? Thankyou for the invite I guess. Eldritch forces drawing us together? Are you sure that we aren't just being played like puppets by some darned Sorcerer? 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: Does the stench not reach your lofty high-rise, little sister? Blood is in the air, down here in the mud and the muck. The decadent West has turned inward, wracked by internal struggles of the new pantheon that arises on your shores; the field is open for the bold to wrest a new empire from their feeble grasp. <spitting noises> Your eight century adolescence is an embarassment, child-queen. You shall never know glory until you pluck the bloody crown from the still-cooling corpse of your predecessor--prove yourself worthy of the gift the gods have bestowed upon you! 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Actually that's a twelve century adolescence big brother. Are you sure it's the Gods that bestowed this upon us. I have a nifty theory that involves the unpopular convergent evolution thesis. That aside I had my period of rule. I had the lions share of Europe at one stage. I'm not sure doing things in the open politically served me very well. As for whether the west has turned inwards well you are going to have real empirical evidence of whether that is true with the state you are carving out in the dark continent. You're going to make us alot of enemies brother. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: <laughter> Let them come! I have supped on the marrow of mankind's greatest warriors since the dawn of recorded history, and the superhuman among them always tasted the sweetest. With the forces that I have arrayed at my command, none shall stay my hand--least of all the West, who shall benefit from my rule. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: There are alot more of them now brother. You have friends you are benefitting then across the Atlantic? Why does that not surprise me? And you still haven't told me which elder of our brood has signed up with you? There were only ever about eleven of us if I recall. I'd like to see what the big blue boy En Sabah Nur thinks of your plan. He might think you're stealing his sunshine. He was always a buzzkill. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: The so-called "tweets" of these American heroes are appropriately-named, for they are no more than the squawking of crows who wait to feed on the lion's catch, once he has had his fill. The West conceded Africa to China a decade ago, and they are far less squeamish about the truth of things--as long as the trade ships ply the waters of the Gulf of Aden unharried, and the Kenyan oil flows unabated, all methods are justifiable. Order in the Horn of Africa--and the eradication of the Mohammedans in Al-Shabaab--is more valuable to those who sit behind the throne than the pleas of bleating sheep, too bloated from their fast food hamburgers to do more than "share" and "like". <spitting sounds> As far as which of our siblings has joined us, why not come to Africa and find out for yourself? Discover once more what it means to truly be alive. Nur himself may appear not 'ere long; we are not far from his homeland. I suspect he would welcome this struggle. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Yeah I'm not one for social media either. Oh I had my fill of the jihadi's when I helped drive them from Andalusia. You're right you are not going to make the west unhappy by wiping them out. And Al-Shabaab 'The Youth' or Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen 'Movement of Striving Youth'. The names get worse and worse as time passes by. Please put them out of our collective misery. I'm definitely considering a visit. I have a private army now you know and they are gathering dust over here guarding my Star Wars figurines and commercial galleries. We'll see what the big blue boy thinks soon I imagine. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: That's the spirit, little sister! We'll make an External of you yet, Crom willing! <static> Fly to Mogadishu--I will have an escort awaiting your arrival. <sound of gunfire followed by laughter> <<AUTOMATICALLY TRANSLATED FROM THE ARABIC: This one still has some life in him! Alpha, fall back to the barricade. Charlie, flank him from the West.>> Our time is up for today, child-queen, for I make my move. Do not tarry; this family reunion is long overdue. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Bye then big brother. Hmm always thought you were more a Yog-Soggoth guy than a Crom guy. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' WARLORD CRULE: <sounds of a nearby explosion> <<FROM THE ARABIC: Good shot! That'll send the curs running!>> It has been said that one should not call up what one cannot put down; I have abided by that wisdom these many centuries, and it has served me well. The witch-queen may dally with such demons, but the first gods suit me better--our relationship is uncomplicated. We shall speak soon! <static> <gunfire> <screams> END TRANSCRIPT KEYWORDS LOGGED: Warlord Crule, Ekaterina Vespucci, Al-Shabaab, immortality, En Sabah Nur AUTOMATICALLY-SUGGESTED KEYWORDS: External, High Council A.U.T.O.F.A.C.-generated summary: Warlord Crule, leader of Somali-based mutant guerillas Sheyga Hiddo (see SHIELD File 45443603-TK9LV), is called by Ekaterina Vespucci, international arms dealer (see SHIELD File 0052KY-9966504). Discussion indicates familial connection, previously unknown immortal race designated 'Externals' or the 'High Council', probable members include: En Sabah Nur, AKA APOCALYPSE (see SHIELD File 000079-1090APO) and an unknown woman named 'Selene'. LOG ENDS 
}}

5461/OPERATION HARD RESET, Stage One: Recruitment

2018-09-29T01:22:02Z

Khanata: Derek Khanata seeks out the aid of Reed Richards in a bold plan to trap the Visitor and free the sleepwalkers. An Astral Flux scene.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/28
|Location=Lobby of Four Freedoms Plaza
|Synopsis=Derek Khanata seeks out the aid of Reed Richards in a bold plan to trap the Visitor and free the sleepwalkers.

An Astral Flux scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 19
|Tinyplot=Astral Flux
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Look, Lynn, for the last time: I am Agent Khanata of SHIELD, and this is an international crisis. I understand Dr. Richards is a very busy man, but it is critical that I speak to him immediately; next week there may functionally no longer be a human race to defend." Khanata sighs heavily, leaning against the receptionist's desk, "Ma'am, I appreciate your sincere dedication to your duty, I really do; but I'm asking you to step outside of protocol today. Just. call. Doctor. Richards." The Agent of SHIELD looks haggard and worried, coffee dancing in a styrofoam cup as his hand trembles unconsciously. Khanata and Lynn have been going back and forth for about five minutes now, and he's clearly on the edge of snapping at her. 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     Lynn has already pressed a button to bring one of the four down from the top of the tower, but he does maintain appearances. "and I also admire your dedication to duty, Agent Khanta, but if I had forwarded everyone to the front of the line who had an international crisis, Doctor Richards would have no time to spend with his wife, instead of very little. Besides, I don't even know if they're back from their vacation yet." Lynn lies, but well...appearances. It's only a few seconds later that Dr. Richards, though he's almost non-recognizable in a pair of sunglasses, a t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. He also lets out a rather large yawn. "What's the matter, Lynn?" He says after drinking some water. "Doctor, this is Agent Khanata. Apparently this is a matter of some import, or else he wouldn't have tried to get past me for the past five minutes." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata smiles weakly at Lynn, muttering his thanks. He adjusts his sports coat and tie and extends a hand to the Doctor, his breath reeking with stale coffee and cigarettes, "Doctor Richards, I am Derek Khanata, Agent of SHIELD, and I need your help to save the world." Despite his apparent exhaustion, Khanata manages a wry grin, "Always wanted to say that. Do you have a few minutes to chat, Doctor?" 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     "You look like you haven't slept in a while." Reed says before tugging off his sunglasses. "What's on your mind? And call me Reed. I don't need to be called doctor." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata clasps Reed's hand firmly, "Of course, Doc--I mean, Reed. My king has spoken highly of you; it is an honor." As he steps back, the Wakanda stumbles a bit, shaking his head, "It has been... a hectic last few days. I'm afraid that I haven't adjusted to the pace that you Americans keep." He gestures towards a cluster of chairs in the lobby, "Shall we sit?" 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     "You must mean T'Challa. You're going to need sleep before you do more, Khanata." Reed then gestures towards a cluster of chairs. "You think Shield life is hectic....try being in the Fantastic Four." She then chuckles as he sits. "Give me the short version...." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Much appreciated... Reed. I'm afraid that I've still got a long haul ahead before I can sleep peacefully; there's a fair chance I won't wake up on the other side." Khanata takes a long pull from his cup of coffee, "The short version is this: an alien intelligence planted the fungal growths that threatened Earth a few months ago, and that intelligence is still loose and gaining power. It has an astral architecture in place that it is using to co-opt the brains of thousands of people worldwide to turn them into a server farm for psychic power--that's the cause of these mass sleepwalking episodes." "I believe I have a plan that can end the sleepwalking plague and eliminate the alien intelligence behind it all." 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     Reed listens to it all and rubs his chin. "Heh. Sounds like I went on vacation with Sue at the right time." he then shakes his head. "and, Khanata...you're not going anywhere until you get a bit of sleep. Even I can't run 48 hours straight anymore. Try having two kids to worry about." As he's talking, Reed actually stretches his arm over to the counter and grabs a small device, then flips it open. it's an old flip phone. He taps the buttons and waits for a moment. "Hey Valeria, is mommy still asleep? She is? all right, pumpkin. Can you bring me the remote lab gauntlet and the screen imager set from my lab please? .....yes I know you can get into the lab. DOn't lie, pumpkin, I can tell when you're lying......Pumpkin....I know that you're able to hack Herbie, so don't try your innocent act......okay, I'll see you in a couple." He then closes the phone and stretcheshis arm back over to put it back where it was. "If it isn't broken, you still use it. Also, if I'm right, I have a sample from those particular missions. I think Herbie detected an alpha wave frequency coming off of it, and we managed to put up a barrier to keep it from reaching anyone....since we're all somewhat psychically aware in the building. Have to be to control our powers." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata genuinely smiles as he listens to Reed's phone conversation, eyes half-lidded, chin down. When he hangs up, the Wakandan says, "I have two daughters of my own, Reed. It is good to hear that the gods have problems not so unlike my own." He sits forward, blinking several times to force himself awake, "I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with the device you're describing, but it may be of some use. I had a somewhat different role for you in mind, but it requires some exposition." He groans and stands, stretching, "The astral architecture is simple enough--there is a 'server' entity in Mexico which maintains the central hub through which the psychic traffic is directed, with the sleepwalkers acting as a decentralized bot network that feeds power to the server. A 'controller', the alien intelligence that I have dubbed The Visitor, relies on the network for power, and can also inhabit any individual consciousness that has been tapped into it after 'hollowing them out', so to speak, formatting their consciousness as a blank slate--I believe that they can dedicate more psychic processing power without a 'self' interfering." "Now, I hypothesize that the Visitor, when it inhabits a human shell, actually resides within that shell temporarily. If we were to reset the server, so to speak, with a strike in Mexico, we can temporarily trap the intelligence in the body it is inhabiting." 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     "Few are familiar with the bio-electric alpha wave nullifier, because I invented it JUST for that sample of fungus I have." Reed says just as the elevator opens and out runs a small, blonde, and easily 5 year old girl with a pair of items. "Here you go daddy." the girl says and Reed smiles. "Thanks Valeria." he says and puts on the gauntlet and the imager. he then starts them up and Reed begins his work, typing on a virtual keyboard and the 'holo-screens' come up almost instantly. Even his daughter is paying rapt attention to this. "Is this about the mushroom sample, Daddy?" "Yes it is, Valeria." he says as he taps a few more keys. "Agent Khanata here is looking for a way to 'hard reset' something that has taken over the minds of psychic and magical people, and using them as hosts. it's also becoming a bit of a 'hive mind', and the more people that get taken over, the more powerful it becomes." "You mean like a compter, Daddy? More free space and it runs faster." "That's about right, hun." he then brings up a screen and rubs his chin. "Agent Khanata mentioned something about trapping the conciousness into one person and keeping him there though." "Why not use the Alpha wave nullifier and use it in a portable form, like a collar, and have it with a self sustaining battery, like an electrical car. It'd be constantly powered, and it couldn't reach out to anyone else while it's on." Valeria says, and Reed looks to her and smiles. "That's.....a great idea, Valeria." Now Reed's fingers a typing furiously......and the 'collar' is put up on a screen. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata stares at the screen mutely for several moments, his eyes tight as he examines the plans. Finally, he shakes his head in disbelief, "That's perfect, Doctor Richards." As Reed is rapt in his design work, Khanata approaches Valeria cautiously, crouching as he fumbles in his jacket pocket. He smiles at the little girl warmly, "You can call me Derek. If you can wait for just one second, I should have..." He plucks a ziplock bag from his coat, filled with half-crumbled oatmeal cookies, "Ah, here we are. Can I interest you in a cookie, young lady?" He glances up at Reed, "I see she takes after you." 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     Valeria grins a bit and takes the cookie with a soft 'thank you'. She then munches the cookie as Reed continues to work out the specifics of the collar. Reed then smiles to Derek. It's a warm smile, but then he looks to Valeria through the screen. Valeria munches on the cookie and giggles. "Daddy is my adoptive father actually. I'm from another dimension that....different things happened than in this one. Of course, with SOME of those things happening, my father and mother sent me through a dimensional portal so I can have a better life. So, I was brought here. Of course, Daddy adopted me on the spot, as did mommy. Franklin was a little freaked out to suddenly have a little sister." Reed chuckles before looking to Khanata. "Life of the Fantastic Four." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Khanata blinks several times, processing all of that. "The circumstances are almost beyond belief, but you have been given a second child, no matter their origins--it is a blessing." "Now, to business: I am assembling a strike team to eliminate the 'server' from which the Visitor is able to draw power; WAND agents are tracking it now. The Visitor has approached SHIELD through the 'hollow men' we have in custody, looking to broker some sort of deal--although it may simply be running a psyop against us, rattling our cage. Whatever the case, it wants to talk." Khanata starts to pace, a sheen of sweat on his brow, "I'll draw it in under the false pretense of a negotiation while the strike team moves on the target in Mexico. Once the server's down, we collar the Visitor and keep him bottled in a human shell. I'll have a team of psychics and mystics on-site to keep him under wraps, but we'll need a more permanent means to house him." Khanata turns back to Reed, "I understand that you're the world's foremost expert on extradimensional travel. I'm hoping that you can imprison him in another realm through which he'll be unable to draw power from the sleepwalkers." 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     "mmmm....that'll be a little more difficult, since I haven't been able to fashion any sort of 'portal gun' of any sort, and the only one I know of that has been able to do so is Valeria's father: Victor Von Doom." Reed says without any sort of a show of jealousy. He, however, does smiles to Valeria and give her a hug....and she gives him an enthusiastic hug back. Then gives Reed a bite of her cookie, which he only takes a nibble of, to let her have the majority of the cookie. "And mommy's here in this dimension too! Only her name is different! Susan Storm-RICHARDS! Not Doom!" And they both chuckle at that. However, the mention of a 'portal gun' makes Valeria tap her chin. "Maybe.....hang on, Daddy." She says as she sits, pointedly, on his lap....and opens another window. There she begins to write out a LOT of schematics that are hard to decipher by the untrained eye, but Reed's eyes keep getting wider....and wider...and wider....until they squint a bit. "I remembered this a couple of month's before Victor brought me here, Daddy. but he said it was only one use....and wanted to use it only in an emergency." Valeria says with a grin. "I hope I did good, Daddy." Reed is staring at the schematics and rubbing his chin. "You did wonderfully, angel." She says hugging Valeria against him. "and I can see why Victor made it one use. He didn't want anyone following you through to try and capture you." He then looks to Khanata. "Khanata.....I'm going to take you upstairs, since this is going to take a few hours to build anyways. but I think you'll find it worth the wait." he then flips the window around so Khanata can see it. And it's almost exactly what they needed..... .....A portal gun. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "It seems I came to the right place. I hope you don't mind," Khanata steadies himself against a pillar, "If I lay down while you work. I'm afraid the room has begun to spin--I just need to get a few minutes of sack time and I'll be fine." 

:'''{{#var:19|Reed Richards (19)}} has posed:'''     "You are getting more than a few minutes. You're coming upstairs and getting a room to sleep a full 8 hours before you collapse from exhaustion. And if Nick has a problem with it, I'll talk to him." Reed says rather bluntly. "Come with me, Khanata." He then looks to the counter and smiles. "Lynn....no more appointments today. Push them off until next week. if anyone else 'insists', tell them no." he says before he taps the elevator. "Herbie. Agent Khanata will be taking one of the sleep rooms for a while. Make sure he's not to be disturbed." he then holds out his hand. "Come on, Valeria. We have a bit of work to do in the lab, and I need your help." 
}}

5430/The Dragon Stirs

2018-09-25T04:24:25Z

Khanata: The Genoshan Cabinet advises Magneto on the growing crisis in Kenya. A FLASHPOINT KENYA scene.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/25
|Location=Cabinet Room, Genoshan Royal Palace
|Synopsis=The Genoshan Cabinet advises Magneto on the growing crisis in Kenya.

A FLASHPOINT KENYA scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 221
|Tinyplot=FLASHPOINT KENYA
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Deep in the recesses of the Genoshan Royal Palace is a meeting room recently converted for official use, serving as the Cabinet Room for the recently-solidified government. The battle for the Presidential Palace of the government-in-exile was hard fought, a room-to-room affair that has required extensive rebuilding. The blackened scar of a laser blast, cutting diagonally across the center of the mahogany table, is a mute testament to that bitter conflict. Gathered today to confer with the Master of Magnetism are two ministers, Minister of State Alda Huxley, the woman who brokered the deal for the UN's sanction of the new government; Peter Quinn, Minister of Intelligence, known as The Peeper by his detractors, and whose gigantically-disproportioned eyes make for an unsettling sight. They are joined by two of Huxley's aides, Zak Feldman, AKA Broadband, Social Media Coordinator, and Marcus Andrews, AKA Rem Ram, Psychic Pollster. Minister Huxley begins, "Thank you for joining us today: my king, Minister Quinn." 

:'''{{#var:221|Magneto (221)}} has posed:'''      Magneto himself always carried himself in a manner not unlike royalty. Not the figureheads of today, but the warrior-Kings and Queens of old. Even as he sat at the now royal chair, he sat with an air of pride. "Ministers." He commented, looking to everyone. "And esteemed guests." He added, giving slight nods to each. The Genoshan people normally saw Magneto in his more happy state, but in this place, he was all business. The King was dressed in a dashing suit, accompanied by his black and silver helmet. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Minister Quinn returns Huxley's nods, "I only wish it could be under better circumstances." Minister Huxley responds, "Indeed. My liege, we fear that the situation in Kenya is becoming increasingly volatile. A group of mutant freedom fighters in Somalia, the Sheyga Hiddo, has ramped up their activities in recent days in a series of violent clashes along the Somali/Kenyan border. Although they had originally focused their efforts on the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, who has long targeted mutants as abominations in the eyes of Allah, they have begun raiding into North East Kenya, and has taken to forcibly recruiting child soldiers among the human populace." "Although the Sheyga Hiddo received little international attention (despite the atrocities committed against them)," Huxley continues, "A recent report on the American news program Alt Weekly has prompted growing interest online. Both the media and a number of foreign governments are expecting our official response on the matter." The pollster, Andrews, a black African, pipes in, "The response has been mixed so far, my liege. There is a younger, angrier, more radical element both here and abroad that has been energized by this report; their dreams are of blood and conquest, and this is the fulfillment of those fantasies. Among the human population, however, there is deep-seated fears of similar atrocities being sparked here, payback for decades of colonial abuse--this is their worst nightmare come to life. Finally, the warhawks, mostly comprised of the older generation which fought to evict the Magistrates, is repelled by the Sheyga Hiddo's excesses but believes that we should back them, right or wrong." 

:'''{{#var:221|Magneto (221)}} has posed:'''      Pale blue eyes look from speaker to speaker as they chime in. "Child soldiers...this is what they've come to?"   T meh master of magnetism holds his fist to his chin, thinking of the situation. "We need to emphasize Sheyga Hiddo's de-escalation from child soldiers. Their cause is righteous. But we cannot abide war crimes."   Magneto looks to Huxley. "Minister, can we support these freedom fighters with any assistance from us? Negotiate a cease to their taking children for their cause?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Minister Quinn weighs in, "If Minister Huxley will excuse me, I'll take this." Huxley nods. Quinn continues, "The Sheyga Hiddo originally constituted approximately a dozen members, my lord, which was quickly dwindling until they gained a new leader, a mutant known only as Crule, six years ago. Since then, they've had tremendous successes, pushing Al-Shabaab out of much of the region, and have become increasingly well -trained and -equipped in the process. Frankly," he pauses, his enormous goggle eyes carefully studying his king's reactions, "None of this would be possible without the recruitment of child soldiers. They simply don't have the numbers to operate without them." Feldman, the Social Media Outreach Coordinator, whose silvery skin creates a chromatic dazzle under the neon lights above says, "This thing is blowing up on Twitter, uhh, sir. As you know, our recruitment numbers have been down in recent months, especially from the United States. Public perception's a big part of it; a lot of young mutants were attracted to the revolution out of a sense of adventure, but our major industry is ore extraction, and there's a strong stigma attached; it's seen as slave labor, and no one's idea of derring do, if you catch my drift, sir. Many see the Sheyga Hiddo as the next front on the international stage in the war for mutant supremacy, and that's generating a lot of excitement. That excitement is something we could potentially tap into." Huxley clears her throat, "What my aide fails to realize is that we're in a very precarious place diplomatically; we are in the midst of hammering out several major treaties that will allow us to reestablish our place as a major shipping hub. If we act unilaterally on this thing in a public way, it will erode trust and likely set back months worth of negotiations. Until Hammer Bay begins operating at capacity once more, our national debt will continue to spiral." Minister Quinn nods gravely, "That's not the worst of it." 

:'''{{#var:221|Magneto (221)}} has posed:'''      A fist lands less than gently on the table in front of him. "What do we know of this 'Crule'? The answer is simple: We cannot support their methods. We will support them when and if they cease using child soldiers. Genosha is too great to risk the negatives. I will have to make an address concerning this. I want our citizens to know this wasn't reached lightly." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Minister Quinn responds, "I'm afraid that we haven't got much on Crule, sir, beyond what's in the Alt Weekly report. We have good reason to believe that foreign intelligence sources have had him on their radar for some time, but we've encountering a lot of difficulty getting their cooperation. The reasons," he pauses pointedly, "beyond the, well, beyond the obvious is that many in the international community fear that we're winning the 'psychic war', so to speak, and that interaction with our people is an opportunity for their secrets to be stolen." Quinn continues, "Before we move too quickly against the Sheyga Hiddo, liege, there is another factor which I believe you will be personally interested in. As per your request, we have continued to monitor the remnants of the so-called 'Genoshan government-in-exile'. After their retreat to the Horn of Africa, they have remained active, seeking international support. Luckily," he chuckles wryly, "they've had a hard go of it. Turns out apartheid doesn't poll well these days." "Unfortunately, however," Quinn's face darkens, "They're adapting. We've just received word that they're reorganizing their remaining Magistrates into a private military contractor, the Press Gang PMC, and have begun recruiting. Our telepaths have intercepted negotiations between the Press Gang and the Azanians--as protection from attacks by Sheyga Hiddo." Taking a pencil's eraser, Quinn absently scratches beneath his too-tight shirt collar as he continues, "The Azanians are descendants from Latveria, mercenaries who served German East Africa in the 19th century and migrated to Kenya after WWI. They've economically dominated North East Kenya since the withdrawal of the British in the early '60s, and have been particularly hard-hit by the Sheyga Hiddo. We almost certainly will see in the upcoming weeks mutant against Magistrate in the Horn of Africa, my liege." Andrews, the pollster, notes, "The Latverian connection to the Azanians should not be ignored, sir. The people of Latveria feel a strong national pride in their African cousins, who are considered historical folk-heroes for their valor in the 15th through 19th centuries. Although it is very difficult to get accurate information from Latveria, I have sensed a potent reaction to the news of their countrymen's plight. How Doom will respond, however, is anyone's guess." Andrews hesitates briefly before continuing, "I hate to bring this up, it may prove to be nothing, but we got a 'blip' in Southern Somalia a couple days ago, a powerful psychic presence in the region that the Sheyga Hiddo operate. It disappeared shortly thereafter--though it could have been masked--but registered as an Alpha Class mutant, sir. We don't yet know how it relates to the rest of the picture, if at all." 

:'''{{#var:221|Magneto (221)}} has posed:'''      A deep breath before he speaks. "So, you say it's damned if we do, damned if we don't."   "Gather as much intelligence as possible on the situation in Latveria. If Doom wants to step in front of our brothers, we may have to retaliate. But first, I want to know if Doom will be the diplomat, or the warlord."   Magneto brings his fingers to the forehead of his helmet, in between a rock and a hard place. "One would presume this Alpha Class mutant is working with Crule. Keep monitoring for the blip to show again. In the meantime, make plans for a royal visit to the United States. If this Alpha has shown themselves, Charles will know about it already." A slight pause, then he speaks once more. "Send messages to Thomas and William. Their grandfather wishes to see them." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Of course, my lord," Minister Huxley offers, nodding smartly. "I've got a contact at the Latverian Embassy in New York who I can reach out to, feel them out. You'll know as soon as I do." She stands and gives Lensherr a brief bow, "My liege, my schedule just suddenly became very full--if you'll excuse us," she gestures to her aides, who are busily packing their materials, "we'll be on our way." Quinn stands as well, "I'll round up Thomas and William. One last thing before I go: unless this Alpha turns out to be the real thing, our analysts are giving the Press Gang a 70% chance of total victory against the Sheyga Hiddo--we're talking complete eradication, sir. Their methods are deplorable, but extreme conditions caused an extreme reaction. These are mutant lives we're talking about." He sighs, shaking his head wearily, and reaches out to pat Lensherr on the shoulder, "Life seemed simpler in the Mutant Force days, all those years ago. I fear we're both getting old." Quinn raises his chin, determined. Despite his disfigurement, in this moment he carries an air of dignity, "Still, I'm proud of how far we've come, and proud to have served you. Despite this crisis, I have faith that Genosha will prevail." Quinn squeezes Magneto's shoulder and straightens, "I'll be off, with your leave, my liege." He bows formally. 
}}

5424/FLAGGED: AUTOFAC Keyword Log 657-5309-FPK

2018-09-24T03:16:23Z

Khanata: Ekaterina tries to establish contact with her fellow External, Warlord Crule, via a contact at arms manufacturer DRC (Deterrence Research Corporation) and SHIELD is monitoring the call.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/24
|Location=The internet
|Synopsis=A call between Ekaterina Vespucci, international arms dealer, and Makosi Onyango, sales rep for DRC, a high-tech arms manufacturer, is flagged by SHIELD AI systems.

A FLASHPOINT KENYA scene.
|Cast of Characters=1604, 1849
|Tinyplot=FLASHPOINT KENYA
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A.U.T.O.F.A.C. YELLOW PRIORITY ALERT Call Log 657-5309-FPK Flagged: OPERATION SOLAR KILL Verified Participants: Ekaterina Vespucci, Makosi Onyango TIMESTAMP: 23/09/26 15:27 EST TRANSCRIPT BEGINS MAKOSI ONYANGO: This is Makosi. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' MAKOSI ONYANGO: Kat! Great to hear your voice. How're those X-9s moving in the Madripoori market? 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Good to hear you too Mak. Yes they are moving quite nicely. Lots of money in the X-9 market who'd have thought. Listen I called you up because I need a favor. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' MAKOSI ONYANGO: Really glad to hear it. We had been expecting a strong rollout and early user feedback has been off the charts. They're already being called the AK-47 of energy weapons; you were smart to jump on board when you did. But, sorry, rambling. Always happy to help my favorite client; what can I do for you? 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: No by all means ramble away. I have time. I have it on good authority that your organisation has been in touch with that warlord Crule. He and I have a history. I would love to speak with him. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' MAKOSI ONYANGO: <long pause> Kat, we've worked together a long time and you have been good to both me and the DRC, so I want you to know, first and foremost, that I value our relationship. <sound of keystrokes> Now, the DRC does not directly provide arms to the Sheyga Hiddo or any other extralegal militia groups operating in the Horn of Africa, as that would violate several international laws that I'm sure you're familiar with. However, we do work with a number of partners in the region and where those guns turn up in the aftermarket is obviously beyond our control. <another pause> Let me ask you, as a friend--what are you getting mixed up with someone like that for? From what I've seen, seems to be a pretty nasty customer, and I doubt he's ordering the amount of volume you generally deal with. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: I'm not planning on supplying him with anything. I'm also not implying that you are supplying him with weapons. I simply need a way to speak to the guy. A number perhaps. I know he is a nasty character. I know him. We've tangoed in the past. Urm not literally of course. Me dancing that sort of thing is less pretty than Crule is. Don't worry about me Mak. As for why I want to contact him <pause> Personal reasons. We are kind of family although you might not see the resemblance. Do you or anybody you know have a means whereby I can contact him. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' MAKOSI ONYANGO: If I were to put out some feelers--and no guarantees here--I might be able to establish a back-channel with the Sheyga Hiddo, send out a message to Crule and see if he responds. But, I want to make this clear, we do not and have never worked with Crule. I'm not sure how you got that info, but I'm afraid that you might want to update your sources. <short pause> You will have to tell me more about your family one of these days, Kat. Sounds like quite a story. <another pause> Now, in the unlikely event that we do make contact, I'll pass you whatever info I receive through a secure channel to ensure your privacy and security. Anyways, I hope you've got your tickets for the DRC Expo '27; this year we're really going to knock your socks off. You simply can't miss it. 

:'''{{#var:1849|Ekaterina Vespucci (1849)}} has posed:''' EKATERINA VESPUCCI: Oh if I told you about my family you wouldn't believe me. I barely believe it myself. Thanks for the help Mak. For sure I will be at that Expo of yours. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' MAKOSI ONYANGO: Looking forward to seeing you there, Kat. Thanks for calling! END TRANSCRIPT KEYWORDS LOGGED: Warlord Crule A.U.T.O.F.A.C.-generated summary: Makosi Onyango, sales representative for arms manufacturer Deterrence Research Corporation (see SHIELD File 597AH-653908), is called by Ekaterina Vespucci, international arms dealer (see SHIELD File 0052KY-9966504) in an attempt to establish contact with CRULE, Sheyga Hiddo warlord (see SHIELD File 45443608-TK9LV). LOG ENDS 
}}

5415/In The Bush With Ghosts

2018-09-23T21:17:54Z

Khanata:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/22
|Location=Jubaland, Somalia
|Synopsis=At a remote encampment in the backcountry of Southern Somalia, two immortal monsters forge a pact in blood, marking day one of a new empire which threatens to drown the continent in chaos.

A FLASHPOINT KENYA scene

Trigger warnings: gore, masculine posturing, old-timey comic book language
|Cast of Characters=1604, 314
|Tinyplot=FLASHPOINT KENYA
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A remote stretch of the Somali backcountry, where the desert meets a tropical forest. A crumbling, pock-marked section of gravel road is disintegrating to dust. A stream of 'technicals', modified Toyota pickups, is en route to a complex set back into the forest and partially obscured by the foliage. Young men in shabby uniforms, most no older than 16 or 17, armed to the teeth with Kalashnikovs, RPGs, and a few higher-tech weapons, whisper amongst themselves in muted tones as they scan the horizon. Squatting in the back of the middle vehicle of the convoy of five is Crule, bedecked in only a pair of fatigue pants held up by a rough rope belt. As a grisly adornment, several fresh human heads have been affixed to the belt, rough patches of bloodied hair fastening the grisly trophies. Flies swarm about the warlord, which he swats absently with a darkly-stained machete. He stares into the middle distance, mouth downcast, clearing brooding, an unlabeled, murky bottle in his lap. 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Somewhere along the road, the lead truck starts to slow because... there's a person in the way. A woman sitting on a chair. She wears a knitted outfit of white, that covers little of her torso, even after considering the dangling threads that make it have a 'tribal' throwback look to it. And then the skirt is also knitted and rather short, revealing long tanned legs. And she walks with simply bare feet. A woman alone in the middle of the jungle, or the desert, where there are soldiers and such... well, it would be dangerous. Except, all of the men around her are or have been doing things for her, having brought a chair out for her to sit down, some water and even attempting to block the sun with whatever they can find. A few men are standing up on small step stairs and holding a tarp to block the sun as a makeshift umbrella. Trained and untrained alike, regardless of age, how long they've been standing there it is hard to tell, but one of them seems ready to pass out from heat exhaustion but doesn't move. And there she's been waiting, sipping water, and relaxing really, legs crossed, and clearly waiting for something, or someone to come along. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' As the lead vehicle slows in response to this unexpected sight, the men gesture and babble among themselves in bewilderment and consternation. These children, uncertain, instinctively raise their rifles in a gesture of self-protection as the second and third vehicle pull up parallel to the first. Crule, hunched in the back of his technical, sniffs at the air, grunting, his expression unreadable. As the truck screeches to a stop, he stands unhurriedly, having yet turned to face the impossible woman who who blocks their path. "Witch-Queen." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Guns. They are so new and yet the same as any other weapon. Useless. Selene remains calm. She's not the fastest woman alive, nor a woman made of steel, nor does she carry with her much visual recognition like those young mutants with the X on their chests. Instead she sits, and waits, and as the vehicles all come to a stop she just smiles, still waiting. The psychic weight of Selene is pretty robust, carrying with it a wave of stopping power for the youthful minds that will never grow old. Not at least in comparison to the actual people present. As one of the men who is holding up a tarp falls, crumpling under exhaustion, one of the men from the truck starts to move forward, walking and dropping his gun. It takes a while at human pace but he's clearly moving toward the tarp location to replace the one who fell. The first words out of Selene's mouth, though she probably doesn't even need to speak to get the task accomplished, "Someone, please, be a dear and get our guest a chair." With that, someone who was too far away to hear, comes running out of one of the doors, carrying over their head another chair. And panting, arrives to set it down in front of Selene and then goes running off again to get out of the way. That soldier from the front truck will eventually make it to the spot where the unconscious soldier lies crumpled on the ground, and take his position holding the tarp so as to prevent it's flapping in the wind. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Those soldiers yet ensorcelled grow increasingly alarmed, agitation evident in both the disquieted pitch of their quelling voices and the uneasy shuffle of their feet as they excitedly confer amongst themselves, goading each other into action. They raise their rifles tentatively, sensing dimly in that alabaster figure a nameless Stygian dread. It appears that the moment will erupt into violence, until-- Crule roars in laughter, a full-bellied cackle, exclaiming, "By Crom!" The beast casaully tosses the machete into the bush and snatches the cradled bottle at his feet before leaping from the side of the makeshift fighting vehicle with an audible thump, "How long has it been since--Nova Roma?" The fiend's smile is nearly as grisly as his snarl, but Crule seems genuinely cheerful as he approaches--if not entirely steady on his feet. Weaving a bit, bottle upraised, his words slur as he barks orders to his 'soldiers', who reluctantly lower their guns in response. "The years have treated you well, I see, Mother of Demons." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' As the guns rise up and start to point at her, Selene smiles her eyes minimally widened by the excitement that might soon erupt. The violence, the death, to the point where she even brings up her index finger to her mouth and lightly bites it, waiting for the bullets to start to fly. Oh, but what would bullets do to a woman like her? Unlike many of the other immortals she has met, Selene isn't particularly durable. She's been burned alive, trapped, tortured, killed more times than she can count. Death and her are no stranger, bloody messes that mix her own and others, no stranger of, and of course she's only gained more tricks and power over time. Then the barking of orders come, and a call to the dead god Crom. A pout, an absolute frown of a pout comes to her lips. And the excitement dies down in her eyes, and she leans back more casually. There's a seat nearby for Crule should he wish to sit, Selene doesn't otherwise move. "To count the years is like counting rain drops." She states, and her voice is that of conversational tone and loudness, but it reaches Crule's ears easily all the same. And in response to his comment about the years treating her well, she smiles and tilts her head just a little in a bit of a nod, "Why of course they have, it is tough being beautiful, smart, capable, powerful, and all in the same body for so long. And still, I manage. Though you... you would be surprised to find out how I knew you were still around. Would you like to hear how I came of this knowledge?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The beast tosses back the bottle, a nauseating aroma of cheap rotgut filling the already-stifling air as he wipes his mouth, his wine-dark skin stained crimson from a spatter of blood on the back of his hand, "I imagine that you heard my name as any other does, witch..." Crule wobbles uncertainly, shifting back and forth on his feet before collapsing heavily in his chair, grinning salaciously at his companion, "Whispered fearfully by children huddled around their hearths, the death that cruelly awaits them in the bush." He laughs again, but there is a strained note in his gaiety; his mood shifting suddenly, he petulantly thrusts the bloodstained bottle at his companion, "Drink, sister! Save your machinations for a moment yet; let us simply enjoy this time together before we must inevitably attend to the family business. How fare thee? Do thy demon lovers yet sate your lust?" 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' The drink and it's aroma come wafting in Selene's direction. She wrinkles her nose at it and pulls back a bit. And then she smiles at your comment, "Oh, yes. For it is my favorite past time, to sit around in dark corners listening to the whispers of children." A soft laugh escapes her lips and she shakes her head just a bit. "When I am around children, they do not speak... even in whispers. At least not for very long." It's a bit of an ominous statement though she says it with ease, and then takes the bottle that is offered. "You have the worst tastes..." Selene mentions and takes a small swig of it and bites it back a bit, not from the alcohol content but just from the flavor, and winces practically from the swig but then hands it back to Crule. There's etiquette to follow, and no concerns between the two for things like poison and such. And she offers, "I am doing rather well. I have quite a few thralls, developing circles of influence, the same old thing. A few pet projects here and there. And demonic lovers are as they have always been, equally able at satiating as they are at re-igniting desires." With that summary she lifts her hands, and sort of indicates the complex behind her, "And what of this then? Such a place, and with... peasants running it?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Good, sister! It heartens me to hear that you have lost none of your vigor; may the blood of your foes choke the gutters until they crust over!" As Crule retakes the bottle, his face contorts into a sentiment that appears almost sweet. He gently reaches out to brush an errant fly from the witch's ivory cheek, the caress staining her ageless beauty with a fleck of scarlet. He stands, restless and clumsy in his drunkenness, "So unlike the rest of our elder breed, swaddled in regrets, prisoners to their own ease!" He spits in disgust, his mood mercurial as he sways gently in place. It is a long moment before he responds again, gesturing towards the tangerine sun descending towards the sea, "This place . . . It is perhaps the last remaining region where free men yet live. There are none of the trappings of the modern world here, that poison called civilization that saps men of their virility and speaks a thousand 'thou shalt nots'. Here, the jungle still sings." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Not flinching at the motion, Selene just waits until Crule has turned his back before she reaches up and wipes the fleck of scarlet from her cheek. A small flash of heat and it burns to ash from her finger tip. And then she leans back and waits, listening to Crule talk about the place, and romanticizing the lack of civilization. "It is true, the people in the city are a prudish lot." She comments easily, "I could almost be arrested for the attire I wear right now. Let alone if I put on the mere trappings that were common place in my youth. A man can walk about society, and dress like a savage of ages past, with not an inkling of cloth on his torso and barely much more about his waist. Though a woman? Never shall do the same." She chuckles a bit, shaking her head, "And they believe almost as if nudity was a modern invention. They have these specialized beaches, where people are free to roam about without any threads of cloth, and yet, they have signs... it is most hilarious, to not have sex. Why then promote walking about naked? It seems counterproductive if you ask me." And then she stands up, much smaller than the brutish immortal she's with, and she waves a hand in the direction of the complex. "This place is under threat. And it is you who have threatened it. A thousand times over your face has been shown to billions of people. Why just this morning my breakfast had seen your imagery, and that is how I came to know that you had not buried yourself in refuge from this world. They will not allow you to keep it. Powers that seek to take the savagery from man and squelch it beneath the prudishness of morality. And do not underestimate them, for they are more powerful than the generations that have come before them." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The fiend snarls, his single long, bronze braid whipping about him as he turns towards his diminutive companion, "Betrayed? By whom?" Suddenly alert, the giant growls and paces like a caged animal, his fists unconsciously contracting, "The spy-eyes of these too-clever apes are everywhere, even here, damn them! I had assurances..." Crule throws his head back and lets out a primal roar of frustration, beating his chest with his fist, the contents of the bottle sloshing down his torso. He shouts to the heavens, "Let them come! I shall lay with their women on a festering bed of their corpses, and they shall shudder with revulsion and pleasure from delights undream't in this befouled aeon!" As suddenly as the fury fills the beast, it floods from him. He rips one of the heads from his belt, the scalp separating easily from the moldering skull, leaving the knot of hair and skin to flap in the sea breeze. He contemplates the death mask moodily, speaking mostly to himself, "These sons of Haasen are a poor lot, anyways, with none of the spirit of their fathers. A finer company of halberdiers I have never known--to my expense, at the time, those many years ago. I had hoped that their art had not been lost, but alas." He tosses the remains behind him dismissively, the overripe flesh splitting as it lands in the gravel. "Perhaps these pencil-pushers will provide greater sport. I grow bored of easy victories." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' There's a little bit of a laugh, and Selene is not taken aback by the response at all coming from Crule. Her smile grows, "Betrayed?" There's a bit of a shake of her head, "They have eyes so far into the sky they leave the weight of this earth, and they fly above. Every person seemingly has a technological eye that takes pictures, films, it could be anyone... anywhere." Offers Selene as she looks around the complex some more. "Finding this place was easy. I merely scanned for you through the eyes of others, the weak willed lot that you have acquired simply are of minimal worth. A distraction that can be sent against others, utilize themselves to fight each other. Dwindle their numbers..." That's when you rip the head off your belt, and then throw it and have it kind of cave in and split apart when it hits the ground. "Understand that they have new weapons, powerful weapons. Magicks capable of sealing us away if even they do not destroy us." There's a bit of a shake of her head, "You will see a challenge, I am sure, but one that you must prepare for instead of just attack face on. You will lose your face, though, to be honest, that may be an improvement... we should not test it." Instead, she thinks, "There is an option of taking your... warriors, if you can call them that, and improving them. Though they would no longer be just... people any longer." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Fire flashes in Crule's eyes, a manic energy fueling him as he prowls towards his deathless compatriot. He looms above her, engulfing the witch-queen in his colossal shadow. "Yes! Join me, sister! It has been too long since we fought side-by-side. Let them quiver at the primevael darkness once more, as their ancestors did!" There is an urgency in his voice as the beast kneels to meet Selene eye-to-eye, both feverish and pleading, "I shall build you a throne of skulls where you will sit at my right hand, the hot blood of our foes sticky on our naked skins. Think of it, sister! With your magicks and my military skill, we can carve out an empire here. Should the forces of civilization come for us, we will make them earn their pound of flesh! If we die, we die; it means little to ones such as us, and their empires will crumble as all others have. When we are reborn, perhaps the wheel will have turned again in our favor." He smiles enigmatically, "I have resources of my own that even you perhaps are not aware of, witch-queen. We would be unstoppable." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' As Selene stands there and looks over at Crule, she thinks for a bit. Then looks over the landscape, "I have resources and people that are working to fix this world." And she hrms, "Though, I have never been much for playing by the rules..." With that Selene looks at Crule, and offers, "You would build me a throne of skulls? To sit at your side? As if we were equals..." There's a bit of a thought there and Selene stares at Crule, and she smiles a bit, "If I should be Queen of a new land, then you can be the General of a force that will rival whatever is sent your way. Though, at your side?" She questions again, shaking her head, "No. You shall be at my side. And if you wish to be there then you may." Such an arrogant, woman, and she tilts her head to the side a bit, in questioning thought. "Do you agree? You shall lead the front, and be the head in the field, but when it comes to design of this place, to ruling over people. What experience do you have with this? Except by a fist... such a job requires... a woman's touch. Do we have a deal? And, the skulls... please, have them bloody... Feels good against my flesh." Of course, she waits for the answer, but Selene has always and will always assume that she will win. That it is her way, every time. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Crule snarls, his face contorted in fury, shoulders heaving as Selene lays out her audacious proposal. He glares for several moments before bursting into a peal of raucous laughter, causing a screeching commotion amongst unseen wildlife lurking nearby, so loud does he boom. "What gall, witch-queen! You presume to wrest my throne from beneath me before the mortar is set? Truly, sister, there has never been another like you--our family is blessed to count you among our ranks." He raises to his full height, gesturing dismissively as he turns away, "You wish to manage the ledgers and listen to the mewlings of petitioners? Be my guest; I have little patience for such things, or the secret cabals that are your stock and trade. I will happily leave them to you." The fiend strolls to where he tossed his ghastly trophy, now swarming with ants as it oozes into the powdered concrete, "But understand this, witch-queen: this place can only be ruled through force." "Cross me--" Crule crushes the collapsed skull beneath his heel, "And the Mohammedans shall flay you alive." He swills again from the bottle, spits, and throws it forcefully into the brush, "There are many details to discuss before we settle on this thing, for not is all as it appears. Certain allies of mine are eager to see those Islamic devils put in their proper place, and their resources and protection are critical to our continued success." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' The attractive but thin, slender woman with not a bit of obtuse muscle stands there while Crule, a walking mass of violence snarls and makes noises. Like a person staring down a wild animal, Selene neither runs nor shows fear, she just watches him, staring, not backing up a bit. This would not be the first nor the last time that she has stood her ground against someone far more physically powerful than her, and when Crule says there are none like her she smirks, "It is good of you to recognize that." And then she watches the display, and pretty much rolls her eyes as the big man steps on the tiny old skull. Selene gives a bored look, and even looks at her well manicured nails, "Yes yes yes. Flayed alive. If I had but an ounce of gold per time I heard that. Or you may, as your demonstration indicates, step on my head and crush it. Oozing all my bits all over the ground. Paint the walls red with my blood. Burn me alive. Stick me into an iron maiden and have me bleed out. Put me on the rack." Selene yawns and covers her mouth as she does so, "Please. Next you will say that you will run me through with a hot poker or impale me upon a stake and have me writhe in pain till I die above the ground. Vlad did that to me twice, I lived amongst the mongols, Chengiss Khan was quite a bit more inventive." Though she waves dismissively at the big man, "So I understand. If I betray you you shall... murder me in some kind of horrible bloody fashion. Now down to business, shall we? Should we ajourn to an inner complex incase those eyes in the sky do any sort of flying by?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "As the forces of civilization should not be underestimated, neither should Al-Shabaab. They, at least, are worthy enemies, and would make great sport of one such as you. They are perhaps cunning enough to invent tortures that would surprise even you, sister." Crule grunts in agreement, "Indeed. There is much for us to review." As they walk into the compound, the savage lays a meaty paw on the witch-queen's back in a show of affection, "Let me show you our kingdom." 
}}

5415/In The Bush With Ghosts

2018-09-23T20:28:12Z

Khanata: Two immortal monsters forge a pact in blood, marking day one of a new empire which threatens to drown the continent in chaos.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/09/22
|Location=Jubaland, Somalia
|Synopsis=In the backcountry of Southern Somalia, at a remote encampment, two immortal monsters forge a pact in blood, marking day one of a new empire which threatens to drown the continent in chaos.

A FLASHPOINT KENYA scene

Trigger warnings: gore, masculine posturing, old-timey comic book language
|Cast of Characters=1604, 314
|Tinyplot=FLASHPOINT KENYA
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' A remote stretch of the Somali backcountry, where the desert meets a tropical forest. A crumbling, pock-marked section of gravel road is disintegrating to dust. A stream of 'technicals', modified Toyota pickups, is en route to a complex set back into the forest and partially obscured by the foliage. Young men in shabby uniforms, most no older than 16 or 17, armed to the teeth with Kalashnikovs, RPGs, and a few higher-tech weapons, whisper amongst themselves in muted tones as they scan the horizon. Squatting in the back of the middle vehicle of the convoy of five is Crule, bedecked in only a pair of fatigue pants held up by a rough rope belt. As a grisly adornment, several fresh human heads have been affixed to the belt, rough patches of bloodied hair fastening the grisly trophies. Flies swarm about the warlord, which he swats absently with a darkly-stained machete. He stares into the middle distance, mouth downcast, clearing brooding, an unlabeled, murky bottle in his lap. 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Somewhere along the road, the lead truck starts to slow because... there's a person in the way. A woman sitting on a chair. She wears a knitted outfit of white, that covers little of her torso, even after considering the dangling threads that make it have a 'tribal' throwback look to it. And then the skirt is also knitted and rather short, revealing long tanned legs. And she walks with simply bare feet. A woman alone in the middle of the jungle, or the desert, where there are soldiers and such... well, it would be dangerous. Except, all of the men around her are or have been doing things for her, having brought a chair out for her to sit down, some water and even attempting to block the sun with whatever they can find. A few men are standing up on small step stairs and holding a tarp to block the sun as a makeshift umbrella. Trained and untrained alike, regardless of age, how long they've been standing there it is hard to tell, but one of them seems ready to pass out from heat exhaustion but doesn't move. And there she's been waiting, sipping water, and relaxing really, legs crossed, and clearly waiting for something, or someone to come along. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' As the lead vehicle slows in response to this unexpected sight, the men gesture and babble among themselves in bewilderment and consternation. These children, uncertain, instinctively raise their rifles in a gesture of self-protection as the second and third vehicle pull up parallel to the first. Crule, hunched in the back of his technical, sniffs at the air, grunting, his expression unreadable. As the truck screeches to a stop, he stands unhurriedly, having yet turned to face the impossible woman who who blocks their path. "Witch-Queen." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Guns. They are so new and yet the same as any other weapon. Useless. Selene remains calm. She's not the fastest woman alive, nor a woman made of steel, nor does she carry with her much visual recognition like those young mutants with the X on their chests. Instead she sits, and waits, and as the vehicles all come to a stop she just smiles, still waiting. The psychic weight of Selene is pretty robust, carrying with it a wave of stopping power for the youthful minds that will never grow old. Not at least in comparison to the actual people present. As one of the men who is holding up a tarp falls, crumpling under exhaustion, one of the men from the truck starts to move forward, walking and dropping his gun. It takes a while at human pace but he's clearly moving toward the tarp location to replace the one who fell. The first words out of Selene's mouth, though she probably doesn't even need to speak to get the task accomplished, "Someone, please, be a dear and get our guest a chair." With that, someone who was too far away to hear, comes running out of one of the doors, carrying over their head another chair. And panting, arrives to set it down in front of Selene and then goes running off again to get out of the way. That soldier from the front truck will eventually make it to the spot where the unconscious soldier lies crumpled on the ground, and take his position holding the tarp so as to prevent it's flapping in the wind. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Those soldiers yet ensorcelled grow increasingly alarmed, agitation evident in both the disquieted pitch of their quelling voices and the uneasy shuffle of their feet as they excitedly confer amongst themselves, goading each other into action. They raise their rifles tentatively, sensing dimly in that alabaster figure a nameless Stygian dread. It appears that the moment will erupt into violence, until-- Crule roars in laughter, a full-bellied cackle, exclaiming, "By Crom!" The beast casaully tosses the machete into the bush and snatches the cradled bottle at his feet before leaping from the side of the makeshift fighting vehicle with an audible thump, "How long has it been since--Nova Roma?" The fiend's smile is nearly as grisly as his snarl, but Crule seems genuinely cheerful as he approaches--if not entirely steady on his feet. Weaving a bit, bottle upraised, his words slur as he barks orders to his 'soldiers', who reluctantly lower their guns in response. "The years have treated you well, I see, Mother of Demons." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' As the guns rise up and start to point at her, Selene smiles her eyes minimally widened by the excitement that might soon erupt. The violence, the death, to the point where she even brings up her index finger to her mouth and lightly bites it, waiting for the bullets to start to fly. Oh, but what would bullets do to a woman like her? Unlike many of the other immortals she has met, Selene isn't particularly durable. She's been burned alive, trapped, tortured, killed more times than she can count. Death and her are no stranger, bloody messes that mix her own and others, no stranger of, and of course she's only gained more tricks and power over time. Then the barking of orders come, and a call to the dead god Crom. A pout, an absolute frown of a pout comes to her lips. And the excitement dies down in her eyes, and she leans back more casually. There's a seat nearby for Crule should he wish to sit, Selene doesn't otherwise move. "To count the years is like counting rain drops." She states, and her voice is that of conversational tone and loudness, but it reaches Crule's ears easily all the same. And in response to his comment about the years treating her well, she smiles and tilts her head just a little in a bit of a nod, "Why of course they have, it is tough being beautiful, smart, capable, powerful, and all in the same body for so long. And still, I manage. Though you... you would be surprised to find out how I knew you were still around. Would you like to hear how I came of this knowledge?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The beast tosses back the bottle, a nauseating aroma of cheap rotgut filling the already-stifling air as he wipes his mouth, his wine-dark skin stained crimson from a spatter of blood on the back of his hand, "I imagine that you heard my name as any other does, witch..." Crule wobbles uncertainly, shifting back and forth on his feet before collapsing heavily in his chair, grinning salaciously at his companion, "Whispered fearfully by children huddled around their hearths, the death that cruelly awaits them in the bush." He laughs again, but there is a strained note in his gaiety; his mood shifting suddenly, he petulantly thrusts the bloodstained bottle at his companion, "Drink, sister! Save your machinations for a moment yet; let us simply enjoy this time together before we must inevitably attend to the family business. How fare thee? Do thy demon lovers yet sate your lust?" 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' The drink and it's aroma come wafting in Selene's direction. She wrinkles her nose at it and pulls back a bit. And then she smiles at your comment, "Oh, yes. For it is my favorite past time, to sit around in dark corners listening to the whispers of children." A soft laugh escapes her lips and she shakes her head just a bit. "When I am around children, they do not speak... even in whispers. At least not for very long." It's a bit of an ominous statement though she says it with ease, and then takes the bottle that is offered. "You have the worst tastes..." Selene mentions and takes a small swig of it and bites it back a bit, not from the alcohol content but just from the flavor, and winces practically from the swig but then hands it back to Crule. There's etiquette to follow, and no concerns between the two for things like poison and such. And she offers, "I am doing rather well. I have quite a few thralls, developing circles of influence, the same old thing. A few pet projects here and there. And demonic lovers are as they have always been, equally able at satiating as they are at re-igniting desires." With that summary she lifts her hands, and sort of indicates the complex behind her, "And what of this then? Such a place, and with... peasants running it?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "Good, sister! It heartens me to hear that you have lost none of your vigor; may the blood of your foes choke the gutters until they crust over!" As Crule retakes the bottle, his face contorts into a sentiment that appears almost sweet. He gently reaches out to brush an errant fly from the witch's ivory cheek, the caress staining her ageless beauty with a fleck of scarlet. He stands, restless and clumsy in his drunkenness, "So unlike the rest of our elder breed, swaddled in regrets, prisoners to their own ease!" He spits in disgust, his mood mercurial as he sways gently in place. It is a long moment before he responds again, gesturing towards the tangerine sun descending towards the sea, "This place . . . It is perhaps the last remaining region where free men yet live. There are none of the trappings of the modern world here, that poison called civilization that saps men of their virility and speaks a thousand 'thou shalt nots'. Here, the jungle still sings." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' Not flinching at the motion, Selene just waits until Crule has turned his back before she reaches up and wipes the fleck of scarlet from her cheek. A small flash of heat and it burns to ash from her finger tip. And then she leans back and waits, listening to Crule talk about the place, and romanticizing the lack of civilization. "It is true, the people in the city are a prudish lot." She comments easily, "I could almost be arrested for the attire I wear right now. Let alone if I put on the mere trappings that were common place in my youth. A man can walk about society, and dress like a savage of ages past, with not an inkling of cloth on his torso and barely much more about his waist. Though a woman? Never shall do the same." She chuckles a bit, shaking her head, "And they believe almost as if nudity was a modern invention. They have these specialized beaches, where people are free to roam about without any threads of cloth, and yet, they have signs... it is most hilarious, to not have sex. Why then promote walking about naked? It seems counterproductive if you ask me." And then she stands up, much smaller than the brutish immortal she's with, and she waves a hand in the direction of the complex. "This place is under threat. And it is you who have threatened it. A thousand times over your face has been shown to billions of people. Why just this morning my breakfast had seen your imagery, and that is how I came to know that you had not buried yourself in refuge from this world. They will not allow you to keep it. Powers that seek to take the savagery from man and squelch it beneath the prudishness of morality. And do not underestimate them, for they are more powerful than the generations that have come before them." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' The fiend snarls, his single long, bronze braid whipping about him as he turns towards his diminutive companion, "Betrayed? By whom?" Suddenly alert, the giant growls and paces like a caged animal, his fists unconsciously contracting, "The spy-eyes of these too-clever apes are everywhere, even here, damn them! I had assurances..." Crule throws his head back and lets out a primal roar of frustration, beating his chest with his fist, the contents of the bottle sloshing down his torso. He shouts to the heavens, "Let them come! I shall lay with their women on a festering bed of their corpses, and they shall shudder with revulsion and pleasure from delights undream't in this befouled aeon!" As suddenly as the fury fills the beast, it floods from him. He rips one of the heads from his belt, the scalp separating easily from the moldering skull, leaving the knot of hair and skin to flap in the sea breeze. He contemplates the death mask moodily, speaking mostly to himself, "These sons of Haasen are a poor lot, anyways, with none of the spirit of their fathers. A finer company of halberdiers I have never known--to my expense, at the time, those many years ago. I had hoped that their art had not been lost, but alas." He tosses the remains behind him dismissively, the overripe flesh splitting as it lands in the gravel. "Perhaps these pencil-pushers will provide greater sport. I grow bored of easy victories." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' There's a little bit of a laugh, and Selene is not taken aback by the response at all coming from Crule. Her smile grows, "Betrayed?" There's a bit of a shake of her head, "They have eyes so far into the sky they leave the weight of this earth, and they fly above. Every person seemingly has a technological eye that takes pictures, films, it could be anyone... anywhere." Offers Selene as she looks around the complex some more. "Finding this place was easy. I merely scanned for you through the eyes of others, the weak willed lot that you have acquired simply are of minimal worth. A distraction that can be sent against others, utilize themselves to fight each other. Dwindle their numbers..." That's when you rip the head off your belt, and then throw it and have it kind of cave in and split apart when it hits the ground. "Understand that they have new weapons, powerful weapons. Magicks capable of sealing us away if even they do not destroy us." There's a bit of a shake of her head, "You will see a challenge, I am sure, but one that you must prepare for instead of just attack face on. You will lose your face, though, to be honest, that may be an improvement... we should not test it." Instead, she thinks, "There is an option of taking your... warriors, if you can call them that, and improving them. Though they would no longer be just... people any longer." 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Fire flashes in Crule's eyes, a manic energy fueling him as he prowls towards his deathless compatriot. He looms above her, engulfing the witch-queen in his colossal shadow. "Yes! Join me, sister! It has been too long since we fought side-by-side. Let them quiver at the primevael darkness once more, as their ancestors did!" There is an urgency in his voice as the beast kneels to meet Selene eye-to-eye, both feverish and pleading, "I shall build you a throne of skulls where you will sit at my right hand, the hot blood of our foes sticky on our naked skins. Think of it, sister! With your magicks and my military skill, we can carve out an empire here. Should the forces of civilization come for us, we will make them earn their pound of flesh! If we die, we die; it means little to ones such as us, and their empires will crumble as all others have. When we are reborn, perhaps the wheel will have turned again in our favor." He smiles enigmatically, "I have resources of my own that even you perhaps are not aware of, witch-queen. We would be unstoppable." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' As Selene stands there and looks over at Crule, she thinks for a bit. Then looks over the landscape, "I have resources and people that are working to fix this world." And she hrms, "Though, I have never been much for playing by the rules..." With that Selene looks at Crule, and offers, "You would build me a throne of skulls? To sit at your side? As if we were equals..." There's a bit of a thought there and Selene stares at Crule, and she smiles a bit, "If I should be Queen of a new land, then you can be the General of a force that will rival whatever is sent your way. Though, at your side?" She questions again, shaking her head, "No. You shall be at my side. And if you wish to be there then you may." Such an arrogant, woman, and she tilts her head to the side a bit, in questioning thought. "Do you agree? You shall lead the front, and be the head in the field, but when it comes to design of this place, to ruling over people. What experience do you have with this? Except by a fist... such a job requires... a woman's touch. Do we have a deal? And, the skulls... please, have them bloody... Feels good against my flesh." Of course, she waits for the answer, but Selene has always and will always assume that she will win. That it is her way, every time. 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' Crule snarls, his face contorted in fury, shoulders heaving as Selene lays out her audacious proposal. He glares for several moments before bursting into a peal of raucous laughter, causing a screeching commotion amongst unseen wildlife lurking nearby, so loud does he boom. "What gall, witch-queen! You presume to wrest my throne from beneath me before the mortar is set? Truly, sister, there has never been another like you--our family is blessed to count you among our ranks." He raises to his full height, gesturing dismissively as he turns away, "You wish to manage the ledgers and listen to the mewlings of petitioners? Be my guest; I have little patience for such things, or the secret cabals that are your stock and trade. I will happily leave them to you." The fiend strolls to where he tossed his ghastly trophy, now swarming with ants as it oozes into the powdered concrete, "But understand this, witch-queen: this place can only be ruled through force." "Cross me--" Crule crushes the collapsed skull beneath his heel, "And the Mohammedans shall flay you alive." He swills again from the bottle, spits, and throws it forcefully into the brush, "There are many details to discuss before we settle on this thing, for not is all as it appears. Certain allies of mine are eager to see those Islamic devils put in their proper place, and their resources and protection are critical to our continued success." 

:'''{{#var:314|Selene Gallio (314)}} has posed:''' The attractive but thin, slender woman with not a bit of obtuse muscle stands there while Crule, a walking mass of violence snarls and makes noises. Like a person staring down a wild animal, Selene neither runs nor shows fear, she just watches him, staring, not backing up a bit. This would not be the first nor the last time that she has stood her ground against someone far more physically powerful than her, and when Crule says there are none like her she smirks, "It is good of you to recognize that." And then she watches the display, and pretty much rolls her eyes as the big man steps on the tiny old skull. Selene gives a bored look, and even looks at her well manicured nails, "Yes yes yes. Flayed alive. If I had but an ounce of gold per time I heard that. Or you may, as your demonstration indicates, step on my head and crush it. Oozing all my bits all over the ground. Paint the walls red with my blood. Burn me alive. Stick me into an iron maiden and have me bleed out. Put me on the rack." Selene yawns and covers her mouth as she does so, "Please. Next you will say that you will run me through with a hot poker or impale me upon a stake and have me writhe in pain till I die above the ground. Vlad did that to me twice, I lived amongst the mongols, Chengiss Khan was quite a bit more inventive." Though she waves dismissively at the big man, "So I understand. If I betray you you shall... murder me in some kind of horrible bloody fashion. Now down to business, shall we? Should we ajourn to an inner complex incase those eyes in the sky do any sort of flying by?" 

:'''{{#var:1604|Derek Khanata (1604)}} has posed:''' "As the forces of civilization should not be underestimated, neither should Al-Shabaab. They, at least, are worthy enemies, and would make great sport of one such as you. They are perhaps cunning enough to invent tortures that would surprise even you, sister." Crule grunts in agreement, "Indeed. There is much for us to review." As they walk into the compound, the savage lays a meaty paw on the witch-queen's back in a show of affection, "Let me show you our kingdom." 
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