16076/Dinner in Los Angeles

Dinner in Los Angeles
Date of Scene:	21 February 2024
Location:	Los Angeles
Synopsis:	Nick and Betsy do their dinner date in LA. Betsy makes Nick an offer.
Cast of Characters:	Psylocke, Phantasm (Drago)

---

Psylocke has posed:
/We should figure this date thing out./

The text from one Betsy Braddock comes early morning a little more than a week after the event. Nick had given her some options, and while 'ghosting' isn't quite the right term -- she did respond to let him know she'll think about it -- it takes a few more days before she picks.

/I've got to travel to LA for something. How about dinner in LA?/

Not surprising at all that the highly driven woman wants to combine purposes. It's almost like she expects that Nick won't have any plans of his own that will preclude him just hopping on a plane -- that or she's just used to getting her own way.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
If this had been a few years ago, Nick may not have been as flexible. But...things tend to change when DHS storms the condo you're staying in. Along with some other things.

Well- the end result is that Betsy does get her way and Wade gets to give Nick an odd look as he mentions just up and going to LA for a date. The flight is thankfully uneventful, and being that he already plunked down some funds for the impulse bid, he did upgrade to the 'comfortable' seats. The end result is a slightly jet-lagged, Nick holding the door open the the restaurant Psylocke suggested.

Psylocke has posed:
Betsy might well be surprised that he agrees -- though happy he does. When he insists on paying for the flights she doesn't protest. She'll drink some champagne on the way, looking completely put together and not at all like any kind of jet-lag affects her. One of the benefits of make-up, maybe, or she's just that used to traveling.

Her outfit is a thigh-length dark green dress, with a silver shawl worn over the top and matching heels. In deference to Nick's height the heels are only one inch. The restaurant she picks is one of those exclusive, Michelin star types that takes months to get a reservation, the Japanese chef on hand to cook immediately in front of them.

Nick will recognize other people there, too. Familiar, famous faces, not just in his industry but in the movie business as well. "I think my brother once tried to convince this chef to come live at the Castle. He refused. I think he likes performing for an audience," she says with a smile. "The food is well worth traveling for, though." She greets the maitre d in Japanese with a slight bow as they're lead to a table.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's attire, while suitable for the restaurant, is a bit more standard than the outfit he wore to the auction. It IS a suit, but black with the red of the dress shirt underneath providing what pop he needs. Nick takes a moment to glimpse to the restaurant as Betsy provides a bit of gossip relevant to the location. He cracks a smile, "I could understand. I preferred playing for larger groups."

Well, before the bullshit. "And I will have to take your word for it. Never really swung by here the past times I was in the area."

Psylocke has posed:
Nick's admission has Betsy regarding him with a sidelong, interested look. "You said that in the past tense. Preferred. What changed?" She settles in, smiling and crossing her legs. "Then you're in for a treat. If you manage to woo the chef away at least promise to let me borrow him once a month. That's all I'm asking. Visitation rights," she laughs.

Sake is poured for both of them, and then the chef comes out. He bows, introduces himself, and begins with the first entree. It's a charred eggplant with ginger and dashi, done skillfully and speedily with the flash of the various knives he has hanging from his outfit, pulling out each and using it, before plating the food with perfection. He bows again, moves onto another table to let them eat.

Betsy reaches for the sake first, lifting it and pausing. "You make the toast," she encourages.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick pauses as Psylocke prompts for more information, considering how to answer, especially in a quasi-public setting. But he's given time to consider it as they are served drink, and a small show. There's an idle thought of how the residents of the shelter would feel if he did stuff like this instead of straight up serving them. Likely straining their eyes as they rolled them. Then again, this is a different type of audience.

...He does have to admire the showmanship being displayed though.

Pale eyes look over to Betsy as she lifts up her drink. The mention of making a toast, causes for Nick to chuckle as he reaches over for his glass, lifting it up. He pauses for a moment before the words come to mind. "May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door." To the end of the toast, the glass lifts a bit more before.

Psylocke has posed:
"Well, we both know none of those things are going to happen, so at this point, it just feels like you're thumbing your nose at fate," Betsy says in response to his toast, her laugh quiet. There's a shadow in her gaze, but she doesn't seem overly upset about it; kind of like she's accepted such things aren't in her future. She does, however, drink, savoring the liquid. "Speaking of which, I haven't seen him around of late. I'm not sure if that bodes good or ill, though."

Betsy handles the chopsticks with ease, working her way through the entree.

"It's strange," she says. "I still get thoughts like... I miss eating food like this from when I was growing up. Even though /I/ didn't." She may look Japanese, and part of her psyche is, but the core of her is still the English aristocrat.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nothing wrong with setting some goals to aim for." Nick replies, taking a moment to enjoy a bit of the Sake. The glass sets down. "I would assume like with Strange, Fate's probably distracted by things...out of our reach. I'm sure he'll show up later on."

He reaches over to the chopsticks, handling them reasonably well although most of his recent exposure to chopstick usage was more of the Mandarin variety. Which...oddly enough would be where he first met Dr. Nelson. How convenient was the conversation topic timing?

"As for the toast. If we manage to pull off the thing with Lucifer and Dr. Essex, I'd consider that quite a bit of blessings. And a lessening of a big trouble."

Psylocke has posed:
"You're far more of an optimist than I am, Nick," Betsy says with a smile. Not really a recrimination, more an observation. "Hmm. True. When they're least expected and or needed, probably." She eats slowly, savoring each bite. "You know, I would ask you to clarify which thing, but the fact that I have to ask," she gives a quick smile. "Nevermind."

"Is that-- it is! Nick Drago? I thought you were back in New York recording? Oh boy, what a fortuitous meeting." Jacob Hyde is instantly recognizable as he blusters toward them -- he's a famous movie producer, having bankrolled many recent, non-franchise blockbusters. He's also a self-avowed fan of Nick's, if his occasional Twitter hat-tip is any indication. He's offering out his hand to Nick, smile wide and bright. "I'd really, really love to bend your ear on an upcoming project. You'd be perfect for it."

Betsy, meanwhile, watches with an avidness that, maybe, feels out of place. Despite her posture there's the tense awareness she gets in preparation for violence, not exactly the normal reaction to a Hollywood bigwig pitching his latest. She doesn't look surprised or put out by the exchange, but she's exceptionally watchful.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick smiles to the optimist comment. "Thanks." He replies, "I've been practicing." The smile becomes a little befuddled as Betsy mentions needing to have him clarify. "The big thing. The smaller things are manageable."

Can this get any more VAGUE?

And then he hears his name.

Shit!

Head turning quickly he looks to the person stepping over to the table. Ok Need context. LA. Music, Acting-

As the context is narrowed, mental images of others, photos get slapped away, moving more to public stills and ...there it is.

The building tension ebbs away as the man is soon registered as safe...ish.

Professional mode switches on.

"Mr. Hyde." Nick greets, reaching his hand over to take the offered hand to shake. "Quite fortunate indeed. And you are mostly correct as I'm only in LA for tonight."

Hand freed Nick gestures over to Betsy across the table. "I am sure she needs no introduction but allow me to introduce Betsy Braddock. A friend of mine. Betsy, this is Jacob Hyde."

Psylocke has posed:
"Practicing?" Betsy echoes, and then she laughs. "Well, it's certainly paying off. I can completely believe it." She makes a faintly amused noise at the mention of 'smaller things'. "There do seem to be an increasing number of them of late, however." She's all for vague. Too many secrets to spill in public, and in a place like LA, gossip spreads like wildfire.

Jacob's grin widens. "It's Jacob, please. And only for tonight? Then you must come by my place. I insist." Jacob has that kind of bombastic, roll-over-your-intentions determination that many powerful movers-and-shakers in Hollywood acquire. They're just used to getting their way.

Jacob's eyes flicker to Betsy, and down, over her in that effortless way some men do. "Of course. But how could I not recognize such a beauty?" She extends a hand to him, and he kisses her knuckles. "Then come, both of you. I promise, no more than half an hour, and I'll show you my plans, and you won't be disappointed, I assure you."

"I don't have to be back for anything pressing," Betsy says, oh-so-casually, looking utterly relaxed. Then again, she's probably used to this sort of hijacking encounter, too. "Though I'd much prefer to finish our meal first?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods slightly to Betsy's stated preference. "I will have to agree with Miss Braddock, Mr. Hyde. You see, we had a sizable commute with this place in mind for the whole trip. If you'd be so willing to wait until after the meal, that would be much appreciated."

Psylocke has posed:
"Oh, yes, of course, of course. Wouldn't want to waste such a great meal. Well, I'm on Mulholland Drive, I'm sure you know where to fine me," Jacob says with the kind of air of someone who thinks everyone else knows everything about them, they're just that well-known. At least within the industry itself. "I'll leave your names at the gate. Very much look forward to seeing you later."

And then the man bustles off, walking over to a different table to greet another group, almost as if he thinks all the people eating here are here for him.

Betsy looks kind of oddly satisfied. "Interesting man," is all she comments, with a little smile. "I don't think I've ever actually seen your on screen work."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick watches as Jacob walks off. "I'm surprised he apparently has..." He comments, "That or he wants to ride on whatever tabloid fumes there still about regarding me." There's a lingering pause as he considers the added option for the evening. He's already sure what Wade would say in more peaceful times.

He's a known name who has successful projects. You better *bleep*ing take him up on that invite!

Yep. Definitely what Wade would say.

Nick grabs a piece of food with his chopsticks. "...So. How do YOU feel about having a look around Muholland Drive after this?"

Psylocke has posed:
"It sounds like he's a bit of a fan," Betsy says, with a smile. There's something kind of calculated, interested, in the way her gaze settles on Nick. "Is it something you'd want to do?"

Her chopsticks are set to one side; she's done with her entree for now, and a woman will come by soon enough to collect their plates and set out larger ones in preparation for the return of the chef.

"Oh, I'd /very/ much like that. He's an interesting man, Mr. Hyde. Fingers in all sorts of pies." There's no way Betsy just randomly knows that, right? Also no way she could know the man would be here, this specific restaurant she last-minute shifted their date to... right?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick considers. "It would probably depend on what he wants to say." He admits, "He is a known so that does help. I'd be less inclined to go to the home of someone I never heard of."

Nick takes a moment to eat his food. Seemingly getting his bite in before the plates are collected. The chopsticks are set down upon their rest as he's left to wait for the next course.

"Although I might send a text to Wade as a heads up. I imagine either way when we're done, Wade's probably going to be getting a phone call from him."

It's just a feeling.

Psylocke has posed:
"And here I thought rockstars were inclined to take all sorts of risks," Betsy says, although the amusement in her voice suggests she's teasing. "The way you handled those-" she pauses, for vagueness, "Sticks, suggests to me you know how to handle yourself."

But she's curious, that much is clear in the tilt of her head and the intentness of her violet gaze.

"Wade is your... manager? Friend?" Both?

The chef returns. This time with a much larger amount of food. Watching him cut the sea scallops and the cod is, honestly, one of those experiences where you half expect he's going to cut off his own fingertip with how quickly and expertly he portions and chops each of them up. The cod gets put onto the grill first, and he glazes it with miso as he continues to construct the rest of the dish; arranging some quick-heated corn around the scallops and smoking some bonito over rice. He's got so many plates in the air, figuratively, that it's really a joy to watch a master at work.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick cracks a slight smile. "Let's just say if his big idea is a remake of Boogie Nights, I'm...not interested." He pauses, "...You got all that from a stance?" Nick wonders. "Well, I'm not perfect... I've met some people and picked up some tidbits here and there. No expert by any sense of the imagination with that."

Just enough to fight vampires and demons with.

He takes the offered topic change nodding. "Former bandmate, Former housemate, Still manager and friend." He allows, "He's a bassist as well. Helped with my introduction to string instruments."

Once the chef shows up,Nick stops talking, turning his attention to the performance. Considering the lack of prices on the menu, he BETTER pay attention.

Psylocke has posed:
"The way you held yourself, the way you kept your eyes on the most dangerous thing in the room, the quickness with which you slammed the door on my face, yes," Betsy sounds amused by the whole thing. "I was trained by various different people in threat assessment. It helps." With her off-the-books work.

The way her violet eyes tick over Nick suggests she's trying to determine whether he's being modest or honest. As tempted as she is to listen her shields are tight in a place like this, and not just because she wants to keep her own thoughts quiet.

That she got at least two guesses right on Wade makes her smile. "It's nice to have people like that in your life." She might sound a little wistful. Her gaze, too, goes to the chef as he works, and her delight at the craftmanship -- as well as the the chef's skill with the knife -- is genuine and effusive. As the chef plates up the dishes, Betsy tells him in flawless Japanese that he is a skilled master and she is honored to eat his food; he bows to the pair before he moves away to the next table.

The dish is artfully arranged and it's almost a crime to destroy it. Betsy does, though, trying a bit of everything. "I'm really going to have to take another shot at stealing him away, since I can't seem to woo Warren's chef away from him, either."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick watches as the chef walks off before looking back over to Psylocke as she mentions attempting to steal him away. Smile fading a little. "...It would have to be a substantial offer. There's a lot more he'd be giving up than just changing locations." He pauses, "...He may like the freedom of working in his own place and not being held to the whims of one person."

The musician blinks. Collecting his chopsticks, he sets about focusing on the latest plate of food.

Psylocke has posed:
"I know. But I do like challenging things. What can I say? It's part of my DNA." Betsy has accepted that she'll probably get another no. But she's the sort that will try anyway, just in case circumstances have changed.

It probably says a lot that a woman who could merely nudge someone mentally to get her way still practices her wiles the old fashioned way, through mere talk.

"Are we still talking about the chef?" Betsy wonders, after she tries some of the food.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
It is a good thing Nick is chewing now. Before he is done chewing the first piece he's already grabbing at the next. But at least he has the sense not to stuff it in while he's working on the first part.

Nick swallows. "...A little of column A. A little of column B."

He lifts up the second piece. "If you did get him. Are you prepared to eat this style cuisine every evening?"

Psylocke has posed:
A faint noise of amusement follows that response.

"Every evening? Oh, no." One half of Betsy's psyche might have been raised Japanese but she's too worldly to stick to one cuisine. "But I'd make sure he was never bored. Loan his expertise out to friends, to events if he were interested."

She hasn't let go of the first answer though, but it's not until she's paused to wash down some of the food with the sake that she asks, "Is that what happened to you? Some kind of record deal or contract thing?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Sounds like a good plan." Nick allows before the question's turned back towards him. "Oh?" Nick shakes his head. "No. no...Wade is really good at watching out for my interests. I don't have any siblings that I know of. But if I were to have brothers, he'd be what I would imagine." He pauses, "...It's more tied to some-"

Nick pauses, considering the location they're talking in. "-family problems that popped up a few years ago. My tour had to be canceled because of them."

Psylocke has posed:
Betsy tilts her head. Nothing changes, really -- at least visibly. Before they might have gotten the occasional curious look, but now no one's really paying attention. "You can talk freely," the woman says after a pause. "I've made it so that no one's going to be noticing our words. They can still hear them but they won't process them, like a little keepaway spell."

"You know, the more I talk to you, the more I realize I know so little about you." Which is, for Betsy, interesting. Normally she's exceptionally careful to trust anyone that has the level of knowledge about her, her abilities and her goals that Nick has learned. It probably also suggests she hasn't /pried/ since that unfortunate encounter with the entity inside of him.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Well that makes two of us." Nick replies back, smirking slightly. "The model of threat assessment." Nick plays upon what Betsy revealed earlier, "Imagine that as a title."

He hrms. "I don't even know if I can properly explain how fucked up the past few years have been. But to give a basic gist. Someone came across a story. They did some digging. My childhood is founded on lies, a group got pissed off. aaaaaannnnnnd I think there's still an investigation going on with part of the aftermath. So not sure what I CAN share."

Psylocke has posed:
"Touche," Betsy replies, with a laugh. "I mean, who among us hasn't been body switched, mentally conditioned to fight her former friends, fused with a second personality, killed and brought back to life, used as a unintentional spy? Surely not just me?" She's casual about it on the surface, but there's a lot of baggage under those flippant tones.

"But, truthfully, that sounds rough. I... my childhood is very important to me. If I found it was all lies I think that would destroy me," she admits, faintly. "Have you found out what the truth is, yet, or is that all a part of that investigation?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"..." Nick stares at Betsy as she lists off what happened to her. "Damn." He leans back, still looking to her. "...Well, I don't think I was body switched. The others weren't friends. I don't think I mastered reincarnation, and I apparently avoided the recruitment stage by joining a rock band."

Nick frowns. "...I don't think I'll know all of it to be honest. But, I think most of what involved me got found. The remaining part involves other victims."

He glances to the plate. "But it's not all bad. "The resulting shrapnel injuries actually led me to finding about some relatives I didn't even know I had."

Psylocke has posed:
Her companions admission that he avoided recruitment by joining a rock band gets a genuine, full-throated laugh from Betsy. "Not an avenue I considered, clearly to my detriment. My singing voice? Not so amazing. Choir, fine. Solo, ugh, no."

The laughter fades, and she chews and considers Nick's words. "I'm sorry about that. That you won't know. It's... hard, not being able to trust your own mind." She grimaces for their being other victims, but really, it's not so surprising. And it's probably sad that it's not surprising to her, really.

Her smile is brief, but genuine. "Then I'm glad there were some upsides. Family is important. I miss mine all the time."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Being I had no idea what was happening back then, neither was I considering it for that reason." He grabs another bite of food, "I just reached a point where I didn't have a reason NOT to go for it."

The plate gets far more attention than in should, the nod of Nick's head being the only indication that he's listening to Betsy's words. "...I do have mood swings." He admits, "...My bandmates were very understanding. Wade still is. Based from what a friend who helped me when things got out of control said about what he knew of the group who did this...I'm still lucky."

"...the relatives have been mostly welcoming." There's a small smile before he glances back to Betsy. "...Those who harmed you. Have they been handled?"

Psylocke has posed:
"If mood swings are the main thing you're dealing with, then you're doing a lot better than you could be." Betsy pushes away the plate, having sampled some of everything. Even then it's too much for her. "Your friend is probably right. Although it's probably also hard to feel lucky in context."

She nurses her sake for a little bit, her violet gaze mostly on Nick. "If you felt strongly, I could look sometime, for your missing memories. Though, honestly, I often feel like letting sleeping dogs lie is the better course of action. These kind of things have unintended consequences. The brain heals what it can, and hides what it can. Sometimes it's safer to let it be."

"Some," Betsy says, with a weighted heat. "Some are... like weeds." Killing a member of the Hand, even if they are high ranking, really does nothing. "But I have patience. And other priorities, right now. It's funny, really. The things you thought you would dedicate your life to -- how that changes, so quickly, to adapt to new circumstances." She sounds almost regretful.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick blinks to the mention of missing memories. "How'd you-?"

Telepath plus noisy chaos for thoughts. Is it THAT hard to imagine?

"- oh right."

Aren't trauma coping mechanisms FUN?

He takes a moment to chew his food, listening to Betsy explain the group she's dealing with. "The Hand... is that a group similar to The Foot?"

Psylocke has posed:
Betsy's lips twitch upward. "I didn't poke around, if that's what you're thinking. Honestly, mostly I don't have to. People have tells, and if you infer enough... they make the leap themselves. You said your childhood was founded on lies."

Nick mentions the Foot, and she frowns. "I'm not sure. So much of the true knowledge of the Hand is shrouded in mystery, especially from its own members." Betsy actually looks a little uncomfortable, which is rare. Not that she's never uncomfortable, just that it usually doesn't bother her enough to show.

Clearly this is one of those fantastic trauma coping things.

One of the waitresses shuffles over, bowing and setting down their dessert, cleaning away their plates. Dessert comes in the form of coffee jelly -- literally black coffee, hardened into jelly and topped with vanilla ice cream.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
YAY COFFEE.

Ahem.

Nick glances to the dessert. After taking a moment to admire it, he grabs a spoon. He's quiet for a few moments, taking a few bites before glancing to make sure others aren't looking their way.

"...Right conclusion. But based off the wrong words." Nick admits. He pauses, thinking about Bucky.

"...not to say they're not capable. Mine's more... a coping mechanism, I think."

Psylocke has posed:
No one's looking their way, despite the interesting turn of the conversation. Whatever Betsy did to isolate them still seems to be in place. She works her way through dessert, letting Nick work his way through an answer at the same time. If she hears the thrust of those thoughts there's no sign of it in her expression. She's probably too well used to hearing things to visibly react a stray thought anyway.

"I was told once that just coping, surviving, was not a way to live life. But sometimes that's all you have, and all you can do. But I'd say you're doing fine. You've got a steady job, you've got close friends... family. That's all good things," Betsy says, with a little smile.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The side of Nick's lips quirks up to the bit of reinforcement Betsy gives. "...Those are." He agrees.

There's the soft clink of spoon to dish as Nick uses the side of the spoon to acquire the last bite of dessert. Indeed it was a tasty and artful dish but like with other pricey restaurants, the portion was also pretty small. "...I don't remember any mention of the Hand before. So, that does support what you said. It seems the Foot has a bit of a reputation in parts of New York City...although I don't know too much about them. Other than their leader having this knack for dressing himself head to toe in cutlery." He pauses, "And he seems to have some means of cutting off powers available to him."

Psylocke has posed:
When he smiles, Betsy does too. "This was nice," she says. "I know this was just for charity, but I had a good time. It's been a while since I've just... sat and had a meal and talked. Probably," she admits with a twist of her lips, "Since dinner at Warren's, in fact." The one that ended kind of awkwardly, at least for her.

When she sees Nick has finished his dessert, she pushes the rest of her bowl toward him, in offer for him to finish it if he's of a mind.

"Cutlery?" Betsy chokes, surprised. "No, I think," she clears her throat over a laugh. "The Hand is more of a ninja assassin cult with secret worshipping of a demonic entity variety. I don't think they're into cutlery. I bet they're real mad about being associated with the other group though."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. "It was pleasant." He agrees. "To be honest I was going to donate the money but when I realized you were auctioning off a date. I figured, if I did win it'd be kind of easier on the both of us. We both know each other enough to not expect anything beyond a date. And we'd probably find something we could talk about."

Although, he didn't expect it to be this.

The reaction to the description gets a bit of a shrug "Well, cutlery, blades. He had the, long steel claws thing around his knuckles but there were more of them dispersed over the body. Lower Leg. Shoulder. Forearm. The helmet looked sharp too, but not in the stylish sense...Like a ninja porcupine. Although- it looks like he can take them off easily enough..."

When the bowl is slid towards him, Nick glances to it taking a moment before realizing the intent. He looks back to Betsy, "...Are you sure?"

Psylocke has posed:
"It was good thinking," Betsy says, lifting her glass with the sake in it as a silent toast. She hums faintly as she sips. "Honestly, my original plan was to ply whoever won with too much food and drink that they went into a food coma and slip away." Nick looking at her dessert with that follow up question makes her laugh. "I'm sure," she assures. "Too much coffee and I'll be up all night."

The laughter fades a little into a furrow of brow as Nick further describes that adversary. "Huh. A ninja porcupine? Maybe he was a reject from the Hand or something. But they typically don't allow members to become ex-members, without putting them six feet under also, so... probably just a coincidence."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
To the confirmation, Nick's smile strengthens as he reaches over, tugging the bowl closer to him. Offering accepted. "Considering my career choice. Being up all night is my thing. Just don't expect me anywhere in a good mood at 8 in the morning."

The spoon slides into the ice cream and gel.

He considers Psylocke's assessment. "Based from your description, it seems like the Foot and Hand have different approaches for maintaining membership. The Hand using fear and the Foot doing the whole 'We're family and we avenge family' bit. Maybe one branched off from the other as the result of a disagreement for how to approach that?"

Psylocke has posed:
Betsy looks pleased when he takes the dessert. "Noted. No dropping in on Nick first thing in the morning. Or if I do, bring coffee -- or coffee jelly."

She looks thoughtful at the idea they were branched off. "It's not a bad theory," she says. "Not one I'd ever float with anyone that was a part of the Hand. If it ever comes up, feel free to frame the Hand and point one to the other. I can't think anything of value will be lost, and using our enemies against each other is only smart." It seems she assumes the Foot is also not a great place to work. Must be the name.

It's no coincidence that Betsy waits until Nick has a mouthful of that dessert to say, "So Rockstar is your by-day... or by-afternoon job. How would you like a night job? Occasional work, occasional violence, great tech and health bonuses?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With his mouth full of coffee and ice cream, Nick is left to simply communicate by body movements. There's a slight nod to the mention of his regular job. The mention of a night job however stops the nod, leaving him to raise his brows in in response. The head tilts inquisitively, seemingly waiting for more information.

On the bright side, he didn't choke on his food.

That's a good sign. Right?

Psylocke has posed:
Not spontaneously dying is usually a positive thing, yes. Betsy's brow twitches up.

"Nick, you're already deep in this. I have no idea if you can take care of yourself or not, but if you're willing to come on board, I could use your help officially. So to speak. Not like we have a webpage and a linkedin." Her smile is faint, wry. "X-Force was intended as a way for some mutants to work outside the lines, so to speak. To do what was needed. But after my visions... I founded it to be for that. It's not just about saving mutant-kind. It's about saving all of us, by whatever means is needed, working with whoever is needed, by people willing to sacrifice everything if need be."

Her gaze ticks down toward the dessert. "Think on it and let me know." It's like she gets he's the sort that might need to mull over this kind of offer.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the ice cream melts in his mouth, Nick listens to the sales pitch a bit further. Upon X-Force being mention, he gives a hmmm of understanding. Of what, that remains unclear.

Until the bite of dessert is gone.

Or if Psylocke peeked at the thoughts.

"The group mentioned at the other dinner." Nick responds, pausing for a moment. "Sounds like some other groups I've encountered." He frowns. "Does anyone in the group have problems working with non-mutants?"

Psylocke has posed:
Is Betsy peeking? Impossible to know. Nothing in her expression betrays her.

The warmth in her eyes seems to be approval at the question. "Some of the members have problems working with others -- it's not because they're mutants." The way the telepath says that is just matter-of-fact, with a little hint of amusement. "It might have started as a mutant-only organization, but... this problem is bigger than just us."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick brings up a hand, covering up his mouth in thought. Well, he is already on the contact list for other groups. If he's needed, one call and he'll pop on over. Usually.

"If I agreed, would I still have the leeway to turn down a job if I didn't agree with it?"

Psylocke has posed:
Betsy seems patient, turning the glass slightly in her hands as Nick mulls it over.

"As long as you turn it down before, not in the middle of a mission. That could put the rest of the team in danger." Her lips twitch. "You'll find I'm very good at learning people's capabilities... and limits." Probably because she cheats, not that she'd admit that aloud.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's a twitch of the lips as Psylocke specifies when the refusal can take place. "Well obviously." Nick responds, "...And would enough information be presented prior to the job start in order to MAKE such a decision?"

Psylocke has posed:
"Not always," Betsy admits, with a tilt of her head. "If I had a hundred percent certainty I'd be offering you a job in an office, Nick. What we do is sometimes rapid response, where the realities of a situation isn't always known."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"...Fair point." Nick concedes. "But...can't blame me for asking though."

There's a slightly longer delay as Nick looks to Psylocke, contemplating the situation. It kind of sounds like SHIELD. Only he highly doubts if he had accepted the offer to join SHIELD he'd be able to pick and choose his assignments which is a bit too much like the group he was trying to avoid. Judging from the description, there's still some freedom with this group.

In theory.

"Okay. I'll think on it."

Psylocke has posed:
"Good," Betsy says, with a smile. "Do that. And in the spirit of full disclosure, that movie producer, Jacob Hyde... let's just say he has some monetary ties to people who were acquiring mutants. I'm not sure how deep he is in things, if he is even aware -- some aren't -- but I'm going to try and get a read on him." Telepathically, she means.

So yeah, this was a little bit of a set up. Two birds and all that.

"All you have to do is keep him distracted. It seems like that won't be difficult. He very much wants to land you."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
To the reveal about the producer, Nick frowns. "...Oh. Great."

Based from the tone of voice, it was anything but that.

Nick reaches over to pick up his glass. "...So, regardless of the project. Act interested." The glass is tossed back. "If this turns out to be a Boogie Nights remake. I'm going to be having words with you on the flight back."