14440/Operation Blue Pitchfork

Operation Blue Pitchfork
Date of Scene:	14 June 2022
Location:	Roof Landing, The Triskelion
Synopsis:	Alexander goes on a mission.
Cast of Characters:	Black Widow (Romanoff), Phobos

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Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
They were getting used to this. Their relationship had started while both of them were officially employed by SHIELD. One of the first things they had to accept was that they would be on assignments away from each other. That the other would be gone and in danger without the other being able to do a thing. It had to be accepted. Understood. It was just a part of their life. When he stepped down to become a contractor only, it hadn't lessened.

It was time for the final departure. At the rooftop area, the quinjet was completing check-off for launch. A few people were bustling around the craft. The pilot's already inside as they did their flight prep.

Natasha came out of the elevator, in full SHIELD uniform, heading across the tarmac toward the craft. She was scanning the area until she spotted the man she was looking for. Then a beeline toward him.

"Here are some last minute notes. I agreed to bring them up to you." Instead of some low level agent. She held out a datastick.

Phobos has posed:
    It was easy for her to pick him out on the landing area. He was the tall figure in the full bodysuit with his head obscured by a helmet that hid his features entirely with a mirrored visor. He was also the figure that was standing in a small crowd of R&D techs as they took a few last readings of the suit that was being used, their data displays plugged into a port on his left arm and one on the back of his belt. When Natasha Romanoff approached one of the technicians looked up, Dr. Whitmore. He gave her a nod and a greeting. "Agent Romanoff."
    The other one glanced up and over, Dr. Hanson who eyed her, eyed the datastick, then murmured. "Don't slot that directly into the suit, read it through a secondary device."
    << Yes, ma'am. >> The toneless voice answered even as he accepted the stick from Natasha. No sign of recognition, nor hint of affection that anyone would pick up on. Though when they make the hand off his fingers gently squeeze hers very subtly, very briefly.
    Then the datastick is tucked away in one of the pouches on his combat harness. No weapons on him yet, but he looked ready and mostly geared up.
    "Itinerary is you're hitting Sweden in two hours, staying sub-orbital. Transferring deployment to Interpol. Next move from there is their's." Dr. Whitmore said calmly.
    "Don't damage the suit," Added Dr. Hanson.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
That had been her thought and she was glad to see they were on the same wavelength. That little touch of fingers, a squeeze, then her fingers sliding off his slowly though it wouldn't be apparent to anyone on the outside. Especially this crew. If it wasn't involving something technological, they probably wouldn't notice if an F5 tornado went through the street far below.

She didn't know his assignment. Didn't have the details. She simply knew he was going and a window of when he might be back. Only because he had told her the night before at home when they said their real goodbyes. This was just her stealing another moment. Because nothing was guaranteed. He was going into something dangerous. They didn't use him unless it was. It could be their last moments and she never took that for granted.

She glanced over at Dr. Hanson then back to the mysterious figure in the mirrored helmet. "Don't damage the suit or yourself, of course," she pointed out.

Phobos has posed:
    The helmet tilted slightly to the side, and then she heard the same phrase again, << Yes, ma'am. >>
    Though she likely could imagine the smile behind it, even if it gave no inflection from the electronically modulated tone. The technicians, however, definitely wouldn't catch it as they were busy reading the data and making small adjustments.
    "Excuse me, Agent Romanoff." Dr. Hanson slipped around to where she was standing and moved in closer to check the seal on the side of the armored vest, making sure the connects are secure and for a brief moment she frowns. Then she glances back. Natasha can read the body language of the doctor, can tell she wants to say something and she's building up the courage.
    It takes only a little bit of time for her to do so.
    "Agent Romanoff, I know we're an intelligence organization. But I would like to know why we're giving our tech to an independent and an out of house operative. She turns and rests her tablet against her leg, frowning as she looks upon the older agent.
    Thought the other tech raises his voice, "Because the orders came from on high, Hanson."
    "It seems like a misuse of resources."
    "From /On High/, Doctor."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
That earned Natasha's attention. Which wasn't always a good thing. She turned her head in the direction of Dr. Hanson. Just that simple movement then the arch of her eyebrows as though surprised to see the woman still standing there. "Because there were orders. From above you and I. That is all that needs to be known at your level."

But then there is a tiny tilt of her head. "I will humor you. Once." She glanced to the mirrored figure then back to the doctor. "We trust our agents with the equipment necessary for them to complete their missions. There are those above us who know the details of why the equipment is needed for this particular op. And we are an organization of secrets but built on trust. This operative is contracted with SHIELD. Thus, during this time, he is acting as an agent of our organization. He will not be treated otherwise. Additionally, if you feel that resources that belong to SHIELD are being misused by SHIELD, I would suggest you write a memo to the Director and see if he agrees." Then that tight lipped smile.

"I doubt he will since he approved the op. Now. Let's all focus on our jobs, do the best of our abilities, and get this agent back safely . Agreed?"

Phobos has posed:
    That causes Dr. Hanson to frown as she takes in a deep breath, followed by a short one, not quite a huff. But something akin to it. She shakes her head and says, "It's just, Agent Romanoff, that we have put a good part of our lives in developing this equipment and to see it run off into..." She shakes her head as she gestures toward the Quinjet even as the engines of the VTOL begin to whine as they power up.
    "Into God knows what when we're not even sure..." She stops talking as the other doctor walks up and puts a hand on her shoulder.
    "We've been over this, Dr. Hanson. Agent Romanoff doesn't need to be troubled with this. Would you please go back to the lab and run the diagnostics over these latest test results?"
    The other doctor frowns as she looks over toward Natasha, but then she's already moving off, her stride is steady and sharp. Clearly displeased.
    "Forgive her, please, Agent Romanoff. She is a very good researcher, but she puts too much of herself in her efforts."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"The equipment is made to be used," Natasha says loud enough to be heard by the departing doctor. She watches her until she goes out of sight. But her words are now for Dr. Whitmore near her. "He has brought back the equipment every time before. With minimal damage or no damage," she added.

Then she looks at Whitmore once Hanson is out of sight. "I don't understand why she is taking issue now. I presume it is the same agent inside the equipment so why would she expect different results?"

She shakes her head negatively. "If she is that attached to equipment, that's a potential problem. I know you have all worked hard to create it. But in the end, it's something that likely will be damage in the field eventually. The purpose is that the equipment takes the damage so the agent doesn't. Lives are still more important."

Phobos has posed:
    The answer that the remaining doctor gives is a nod and simply, "I understand." Since he does. Though that's also a politick way to say he doesn't entirely agree. But he gives a nod to her, "If you'll excuse me."
    But before he departs he turns to the looming other agent in the suit. "You're all conditions nominal, all the readings check out. Good hunting, agent."
    To which Alexander responds, << Thank you, Doctor. >>
    Which is all the man needs before he turns and starts to make his way toward the doorway that leads down to the stairwell and the base beneath them. After a moment or two they're left relatively alone. Well, except for the flight crews, the cargo teams, the pilots in their craft, the control tower, and the immense number of surveillance equipment in the area.
    Though when he speaks it's that modulated electronic sound. Though this time the little LED display on his chest doesn't emit any light as he's likely shifted the suit's mode to field ready. << Making friends everywhere you go. >>
    She can probably picture that half-smile perfectly.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"It's a gift."

Natasha gives a half smirk, able to see herself reflected in that visor. She can perfectly see his expression underneath there. Can see every line of his face. Not literally, just in her mind's eye. She knows him that well. The half-smile. The sparkle in his hazel eyes.

"I didn't mean to be rude but that is what the equipment is for. It isn't for us to question the orders that come from above is. If the doctor fails to understand her role in the equation, she may be happier working for someone else like S.T.A.R. Labs or Stark Industries." She sighs and runs a hand through her short hair, brushing it back from her face though it wasn't in the way. "I don't see what is different from any other mission and this one to stir her concerns."

Phobos has posed:
    << Interpol doesn't have the best reputation. >> Since over the years there had been more than a small number of scandals that had dogged the agency's heels ever since the seventies. But then the helmet swivels to turn a look in the direction of the departing scientists, then back toward the Quinjet.
    << I should probably go get situated for take off. >> Which is him saying all of those things he likely wants to but can't. Or shouldn't. With them being watched so.
    << Give me a quick equipment check, Agent Romanoff? >> The robotic voice asks as he extends a forearm toward her, where the LED screen gleams slightly against the suit's black facade.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Of course."

She steps forward, to look down at that screen. A touch of a few buttons to check things. Putting her close to him but not really touching. They aren't alone. The suit tends to monitor everything as well. There would be questions. Then she moves around him, taking her time. A small touch here or there, as she is checking a connection. Though honestly, she knows it's all fine. The doctors do good work. She's paying attention and actually looking but she doesn't expect to find anything off.

Finally a slide of her hand along an upper arm as she steps around him back to center front. "Looks good, agent. Be safe out there."

With those words, he will see that softness in her eyes. It's momentary but it is there. He would know it. That it was the love she felt. Then it was gone. She was back to Agent Romanoff, instead of his Natasha.

Phobos has posed:
    It was her face in the reflective helmet she saw, but she could see it nod slightly as he closes that panel on the LED. Then the modulated voice says, << Back in a bit. >> As if he were going to the corner grocery store.
    The whine of the Quinjet's engines grows louder and he turns, half-jogging to the open bay door. The black suit makes barely a sound until he gets to the ramp where there's a slight clang-ca-clang as he climbs up the steps. She'll see his hand lifted in a wave of departure even as the door starts to close behind him.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha watched as he entered the ship. Saw the raising of his hand and she mirrored it. Which some might find odd while others might see it as her just matching what the agent had done as a sign of respect.

Then the craft was gone into the sky. She followed it with her eyes and whispered. "Come back to me."

Then she turned and headed toward the lift, without a second glance.