14790/Harlem Nights

Harlem Nights
Date of Scene:	13 March 2023
Location:	Luke's Bar, Central Harlem
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Luke Cage, Superman, Phantasm (Drago), Thomas Raith, Harry Dresden

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Luke Cage has posed:
Luke Cage has had his bar for a couple of years now, settling here after his relatively complicated earlier life, starting over and making someplace he'd want to hang out and relax. He is behind the bar today, wearing a bright canary yellow shirt that's a little undersized maybe, showing off his massive shoulders and with his pecks straining the short sleeves.

He hears the door jingle and calls out, "Welcome to Luke's! Don't break my stuff and don't harass the few women we can get to come in the damn place, and we'll do just fine."

Superman has posed:
Boy from Kanasas. Man from Metropolis. Lost in New York. Kind of. Clark Kent did have an assignment out here to interview Cat's Eye Investigations and their CEO, Felicia Hardy. It's some time later, Clark found himself in Harlem. A series of clumsy actions here, and there, that lead to surprisingly good fortune to people here and there. Saved life here, an accident prevented there.

And now he is walking into the bar. Pushing up the glasses, he steps into the place. A dark brown suit, black tie and a striped shirt that looks gray. Dull blue eyes look about the place.

Clark is here for a reason: the owner. He wants to see this Luke Cage, protector of Harlem. Why? Several reasons.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
For a resident of the New York area, complicated seems to be a standard issue descriptor for life here. Case in point one Nick Drago. Rock star, Actor, and to those with their ear to the underground workings, possible rumors of blood relations to other types of ....groups.

Either way, it's a time of rebuilding for him as well with the sudden tour cancellations and fade to the darkness for the past few years.

Today, he is trying for something simple. Finding new places that he can relax that he's not known for hanging out at. Simple right?

As the door opens and Nick gets greeted with the preemptive warning, the knitcapped man gives a tilt of the chin, nodding to Luke in silent agreement. He even makes it a point NOT to sit near the few women currently seated at the bar to find his own seat away from them. Still at the bar though, to cut down on Luke's steps, but positioned just so he can see the front entrance. He glances to the taps. "Guinness?" He queries.

Luke Cage has posed:
Luke Cage smiles and nods to Nick, "Guinness it is. You want a pint or a yard?" he says, He comes up behind the bar to greet, sliding the peanuts over closer for an optional snack. "Kitchen's closed today, I need a new cook, but the booze is flowing aplenty," he says.

He sees Clark coming in as well and nods, "Hey there, fella. Nice suit, although you're a little overdressed for the crowd here. What can I get ya?

Superman has posed:
"Happens. I'm a reporter. Required for the job," he says sheepishly. It happens sometimes and Clark is -happy- to lean into that. It helps cement Clark Kent just a little bit more. "Whatever you recommend. As long as it can't be used as engine cleaner," he says knowing some drinks could substitute for that. All the tales of hooch from the various bits of Kansas.

"Nice place," Clar says and he tries not to sound sad about the kitchen. "I'm sorry you can't find a cook," he says with sympathy.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick briefly considers the option and gives a slight smile, "Yard." The general news about the kitchen causes for him to glance in the direction the kitchens typically are situated in bars like this. "No worries." He responds, "Here for the beer anyways. Thanks."

Order put in, Nick glances to the bowl of nuts that have been sitting out for an indeterminate time. Instead he rests his arms upon the bar, idly watching those within. A glance is given towards Clark as he introduces himself as a reporter. Head tilting. "What type of reporter?" He wonders aloud.

Luke Cage has posed:
Luke Cage gets out the jumbo sized glass for the yard of Guinness, pouring it easily and with aplomb, "My kind of man. Moderation is for the weak,' he says with a crooking smile, sliding it across to Nick.

To Clark, he raises an eyebrow, "They still make you wear suits nowadays? Damn, son. I'd be talkin' to the union about that kinda thing. I can't stand wearing those things around my neck. Feels like a noose," he says. "Let me get you a glass of this new IPA I just got in. Made by some hippie dudes in Vermont. You can be my guinea pig."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Normally, Thomas is one to make grand specticle enterences. Loud music, fast cars or bikes, snow white suits that likely cost more then your average mild-mannered reporter makes in a month... Today though he is going for something a bit more subdued. As a club owner himself, though no where near Harlem, he occasionally likes to venture into other places and get a feel for things. Perhaps see what others are doing "right". So he enters wearing a simple pair of white jeans and a white t-shirt that likely only cost what a mild mannered reporter earns in a /week/. He g;ances around the bar, doing a double take as he sees Nick, and heads towards the other man. "Hey bro, small world." He nods then to Luke, waiting his turn.

Superman has posed:
"The Planet," Clark answers the aloud thought, question. Then he looks back toward Cage. "Editor is old school. It's a thing, but I did have a meeting with a CEO. I did brign a few of these," he defends the fashion choice. "Need to look good and up to dress code with a CEO."

Clark hears the next customer come in, but doesn't look back toward the person. The dull blue eyes look toward Cage, "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?" he asks of the woner. Oh, Clark -knows- he has. Although, he does have a lot of experience playing this part.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The performer glances back to Luke to the comment. He nods, hand steadying the class before him as he allows for the drink to properly rest first. "Also it cuts down on the amount of times I have to ask for more." He throws in with a bit of a smirk.

He looks back over to Clark's attire. "Eh, sometimes you got to dress for the role. Especially if you're having to talk with those who have certain opinions set aside for certain attire. Entertainment industry's a bit more in flux, kind of depends on if it's an event or a behind the scenes thing usually."

Hearing the greeting, Nick's head turns quick. Dammit, he forgot to keep an eye on the door-

Oh. Nick relaxes, smile returning, "Hey Thomas." He waves over to an empty seat near him. "You're a ways from home. What brings you here?"

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith shrugs slightly at Nick's question, "You could call it oposition research. I like going to various clubs and bars. You never know when you'll find a solution to a problem, or even the solution to a problem that you didn't know existed." He orders a Jack and Coke from the bar man and takes his seat. He nods to Clark amicablely, an easy smile on his face.

Superman has posed:
"Well, different markets do bring about different tastes," he pushes up the glasses, even if they're not needed. Thinking on it for a moment, "I'll have something on the weak side," he says knowing that it'll never do anything for him. However, Clark does like to drinka little, albeit rarely. And so the reporter waits for the simple beer brought to him. A nod goes to Thomas. "Hey," he says in greeting.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick gives a nod to the explanation, given by Thomas. "Ah. So you are on a bit of an information gathering search as well." He nods over to Clark as an emphasis to the other fact finder present. "So, are you a business reporter or something a bit more?"

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith takes his own drink, sipping it curiously. He makes a rather suprised face and takes a deeper drink, since it's nice to meet a barman who doesn't skimp on the Jack. He gives the taller man a curious look, maybe a little curious himself.

Superman has posed:
"Is there a story? I report it," Clark did report on puff pieces at the start of his career. -Sometimes- he still does those piecs. Then he does end up doing actual hard hitting news. "I'll do everything except obits," he looks Nick curiously. "I got sent out here and I volunteered for the story," he says talking about the story of the CEO.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's a bit of a brow raise to the comment for a moment before he gives a nod. "Okay, so the reporters there are more jacks of all trades instead of just specializing in one area of expertise I guess. Probably helps with availability for events but-" He pauses, "-So I guess someone who sticks behind at the main building pulls up the needed profile information for the people you're about to interview then? So you know what conversation topics to follow up on and which ones to avoid?"

With the beer having settled enough, Nick picks up the large sized glass and brings it to his lips, downing a bit of it. He takes note of the expression on Thomas's face and nods. The generous pour will likely be reflected in the tab. It's not like they looked at prices before ordering.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith sips his drink and nods slightly, approvingly. "You said the Planet, right? As in the Daily Planet. One of your reporters actually ended up at my Club a month or so back. You could tell she was annoyed at having been given a puff piece, but I think she managed to have a good time by the end of the night. Lois Lane? Hot little brunette number? If you happen to see her, could you tell her Thomas Raith said his number hasn't changed?"

Superman has posed:
"There are some that get beats or areas. Rapports are super important because if you have a contact, or rapport, you will be more likely to work subsequent stories. Interns, new hires, they work either the obituatires, otherwise known as obits, and city council meetings. The only time city council meetings are ever -fought- for," he looks to Nick and takes a sip of his beer. "When there's drama," he takes another sip of the beer.

"I will let Miss Lane know. That Thomas says Hello and tremind her the number hasn't changed," he sighs unsure how Clark feels about being -her- answering service. Shaking his head a bit, "She does get into trouble. Then he leaves it at that.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Ah I was thinking something like that which is why I was a bit confused earlier. So, does that mean when you volunteered for this story that you have a rapport with the CEO you mentioned before?"

The topic change to Lois Lane causes for Nick to pause for a moment. Trying to go through why that name seemed so famil-

Oh.

Right.

When Clark mentions that she gets into trouble, Nick can't help but to give a slight chuckle.

He reaches over to sip his beer again.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith also looks mildly amused at Clark's comment as well, saying more to himself then anything else, "Yes, she most certainly does." He says mildly amused. He checks his watch casually and shakes his head slightly, "I expected Harry to be here by now. Told him I'd meet him here. Though how that man can navigate without a GPS is beyond me."

Superman has posed:
"No one did. I volunteered because it's something that affects metropolis. And I offered to pay," the planet isn't going to pay for expenses So, he did have to pay for the trip. Clark looks back to Thomas, "Good to know," he says not sure how to feel about his coworkers. . .active social life.

"Does he not have a phone?" Clark asks curiously. That's pretty standard with any phone these days.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Some of us have incredibly bad luck with phones." Nick responds back to Clark's statement. Tugging out to set his burner phone on the counter for brief display. Yet again it's already cracked. He slides it back into his pocket. "Go through them like crazy so there's no point getting the more expensive phones that do GPS."

He glances back to Thomas, "And maybe he uses maps. They do have paper ones still. Hell, in New York? There's a whole bunch of free ones they give to tourists."

He glances back over to Clark, "If she's who I think she is, she does have a tendency to strike at things that can strike back. I seem to recall her telling off Doctor Doom at one point."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith nods his agreement to Nick adding "Harry and any sort of tech get along about as well as oil and water.." He goes to take another sip of his Jack and Coke and says "Strike that, Harry and technology get on about as well as gasoline and road flares..." He actually uses that moment to glance up at Luke's expensive TV. "You might actually wanna unplug that, just to be safe.

Harry Dresden has posed:
The door opens and a long shadow casts into the room. Long duster hanging on his shoulders, Harry doesn't really look like he fits in too well here or most places. He looks at a map and scowls thoughtfully. Some genius put an "I Love New York" sticker on the front corner. He finally nods to himself and puts the map into his pocket. He briefly scans the room, maybe looking for someone or something specific. His eyes rest on Thomas and he starts that direction,"You rang?" he overly tall man mutters in a deep, but not terribly accurate impression of Lerch of the Aadams Family.

Superman has posed:
"That sounds like her," Clark admits. He will look at the televsion to make sure soeone unplugs it. Those dull blue eyes look upa t the screen. Shaking his head, "She would do that to so many people," he admits to Nick.

Hearing the bell go off when a man that looks like his shadow creatores a showdown effect, it's the duster. Those dull blue eyes go to the coat's owner.

Clark will give the man a nod in greeting.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances over to Thomas as he gives warning about the TV. "Man, I don't watch TV much but even I don't have problems using one when I want to. I even bought one for the apartment. It hasn't broken yet."

But then again he wasn't living in that apartment for much of the time the TV was there.

Hearing the door open, Nick's head turns quickly assessing the newcomer. "Speaking of Harry..." The grin strengthens as he sees the map, "Called it. Actual map." A hand lifts waving to the detective. "Hey Harry. For a moment we thought you FORGOT where New York City was."

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith for his part waves to his brother... not that he calls him that in public. All while taking out his phone, popping off the back and pulling out the battery... Because Harry. He smiles easily and says "You get what you need to take care of done? I'll buy you a beer. It's not Mac's but..." He shrugs as if to say "What is?"

Harry Dresden has posed:
Harry nods to the man unfamiliar to him, gaze meeting briefly. He turns his attention to Nick first and shakes his head, putting the map away,"Forgot? Wish I could forget might be more accurate." he tells him with a smirk. He takes the map from his pocket again and lays it on the table for the moment instead.

To Thomas he nods and replies,"A beer sounds good, but nothing is like Mac's. As for I needed to take care of...mostly another dead end. I think we are getting false information to keep Michael's group busy and myself by default."

Superman has posed:
Clark looks to the pair talking about a place named "Mac's." He looks between them, "What is Mac's?" Clark hasn't been to the bar with the amazing steaks and is neutral ground in various circles. For some reason Bruce didn't talk about it.

"Why can't you use a phone? Did you lose it?" Clark's clueless on this front. Plus, they're talking about unplugging televsions aroudn this guy.

"Kitchen's closed,"he says just making sure Luke's message from earlier is conveyed. And he starts to work on his beer.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith looks amused as the tall bespeckled man asks his brother about why he doesn't carry a phone. Still while they talk Thomas takes out a small note pad and crosses "Vendredi Antiques -- NYC" off of the list and places the notebook back in his pocket. He sips his own drink as he orders his brother a beer."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances over to Clark's inquiry. "Oh it's this pub that has these really great steak sandwiches and ale. It's in another city but if you're in the area and hungry it's worth a trip."

Nick tilts his head, catching a glimpse of the opened map. Being the pair refer to him by his nickname, he somehow doubts Harry is referencing him when he mentions 'Michael's group'. "...Is this about that coin collection?"

Harry Dresden has posed:
After a quick glance towards Thomas, Harry nods and tells Clark,"I have an unfortunate series of events where modern technology is concerned." He does nod when Nick comments about Mac's,"Best steak sandwiches and home brew in the world. As long as you can drink your beer warm. I never understood it, but it is how he makes it."

To Nick he offers a nod and admits,"Two near misses this year alone. Makes you wonder whose side their boss is on sometimes." Harry is Harry and frustration will get to anyone,"I have heard whispers that they lost two of their coins recently as well."

Superman has posed:
"Who doesn't like a good steak?" now Clark might be mad he hasn't heard anything from friends in the area.

To make sure his phone is asfe, he tries to put his cell phone in a pocket further away from Harry.

Clark is totally lost on the coins and has many questions. He will make a note to ask about this guy. "What was your name again, sir?" he's just making a few note for later. Clark understands code when he hears about it. Just clueless on what coins mean. He's thinking less occult and more valuable collection.

Thomas Raith has posed:
Thomas Raith nods slightly, closing his book and saying "There is an antiques dealer up in Canada, near the distillary I get my Whiskey from. If you want I can ask him if he's heard anything. He's the one I got you that hockey stick and drumsticks from for your last birthday so you know he gets some interesting things in from time to time." He smirks a bit, "I'd suggest a road trip, but there is no way I am spending a thousand miles in the blue Beetle... and if you think I am letting you in one of /my/ cars ever again...

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Well, other countries do tend to serve some their beer at cellar temperatures." Nick volunteers, glancing to Harry for a moment, "But I wouldn't exactly call them served 'warm'. They're still cooler than room temperature." He looks to his own glass, "Not all types though. Guinness tends to be chilled."

He picks up his glass, "If it's going on right now and you're referring to the original owners, I don't think it's exactly a matter of concern FOR the presumed boss being he's a tad distracted with other matters. You're probably looking more into solo players."

He takes this moment to take yet another sip of his beer, drifting to quiet observation. Which doesn't last too long. The talk of an antiques dealer in Canada makes him think of the amount of coincidences he's experienced- "...Would this shop be in Vancouver and run by a guy with a really long ponytail with a strong interest in old swords?" Specific enough. But not too much.

Harry Dresden has posed:
Considering Clark again, Harry reaches into his pocket and produces a business card. His name, a Bludhaven address, a phone number, and of course his profession: Wizard. Below that mentions also that he is a private detective. It is easier than trying to spew it all out,"The coins we're speaking of are 30 pieces of cursed silver, paid to a traitor who surrendered the life of a preacher some 2,000 years ago. He was killed on a cross, the betrayer hanged himself, and the coins are each cursed and possessed by fallen angel or demon." He lets that settle in and shrugs,"Either that of I am crazy. I mean I have met gods, but not one that claimed capital G in his name."

He smirks at Thomas and shakes his head,"You know you like paying to fix all the electronics of those fancy cars of yours. It makes sure your mechanic stays paid." He looks to Nick and nods,"If it isn't cold cold, I usually don't want it. Mac has a way of making you want to drink the beer, but on his terms. So I take some home and cool it inspite of him."