16751/Reporters, Musicians, and Za Lord

Reporters, Musicians, and Za Lord
Date of Scene:	20 June 2025
Location:	Pizza Joint - Salem Center
Synopsis:	Come one come all for Pizza, talk of big foot, vacation destination recommendations, and business endorsements!
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Harry Dresden, Lois Lane, Superman

---

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
It is a peaceful weekday afternoon and as such a perfect time to run errands for those who don't follow the typical 8 to 5. But for those who do, there's still something they all can enjoy.

LUNCHTIME.

However the traditional lunch time does lead to a shortage of available clean tables and the occasional bout of someone holding a dine in order with no place to go.

And then there's Nick.

He had an early start to his day and he managed to secure a table by getting in about a minute before the actual rush did. Currently he's enjoying a slice of pizza and sipping on a small soda while a very much ladden down backpack rests between his legs. One strap hooked by a leg.

It may be just Salem Center, but that doesn't excuse the lack of effort with preventing theft.

Harry Dresden has posed:
When he walks into the Pizza Joint, all the lights seem to lower and the nearby drink cooler hums as the compressor strains in the presence of the wizard. While he is used to that sort of thing, Harry still sighs softly as everyone on the clock has a mild panic moment.

Once the area is used to his presence, only two light bulbs pop and another winks out. It doesn't take a genius to know somehow he is responsible. It does take someone with a deep understanding of Harry Dresden to understand why.

A few employees give him a side eye and the waitress who drew the short straw goes to him to take him to a seat. The rest of the building seems to be ok and the light at his table flickers a few times, but manages to not fail...yet.

Lois Lane has posed:
"So naturally, when I got back from this forced vacation you and Derek forced me on... I had like five hundred emails to sort through...do you know how much brain space five hundred emails takes up?" Lois is lamenting to Clark, and perhaps trying to prove a further point as to why she does not take vacations. Like ever. Still as they walk into the pizza place, it's right after the lights flicker and then bulbs pop and die.

Lois looks around a moment before whispering sideways to Clark, "That wasn't you...right?" Though her eyes land on Harry for a moment before she shifts her gaze around and spies another familiar face. Lifting a hand, she waves in Nick's general direction, likely to try and gain his attention and then say hi. She also sort of points out that corner table and asks if they can sit near their friend.

Superman has posed:
Clark just looks at her. "You're the one that wants to go to a foreign country. And vacations can do you good. The world can live without Lois lane for a few days," he pushes his glasses upward. The man in the bright medium blue suit and a dark red tie, moves into the place.

The lights flicker and he looks about trying to figure out the source. Clark doesn't answer the question with words. Just lets the curious glances iwth dull blue eyes do the talking for him when it comes to the question.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick doesn't exactly have a 'deep' understanding of Harry. But he has heard Thomas's explanation for some special measures taken at the Blue Lady.

Granted the pop of bulbs might be of note but that's not necessarily why Nick looks up. It's instead the movement near his table that causes him to glance over that way in time to see Harry end up as a table neighbor. Brow lifting, Nick nods to the detective. "Hey Harry."

Getting a hint of continued movement, this time in the form of a hand waving, pale eyes shift from Harry to take note of a Lois and a Clark.

A hand lifts, returning the wave in kind. "I'm seeing a lot of familiar faces in places I'm not used to seeing them in."

Harry Dresden has posed:
Glancing to Nick, Harry nods to him,"Hey." he replies. Noting the raised brow he mutters softly,"It's worse when I have to spend a little time in the Nevernever. I was there for months. It might settle in a few months. Always possible, more probable being exposed to all things magic."

He takes the menu the waitress left and glances the direction Nick looks. He considers the couple at the door. A frown creases his features, but not necessarily an angry look. He marks their presence for now and then turns his attention to the menu. Nick seems good with them so at least for now that is enough for him.

Lois Lane has posed:
"Sometimes that happens. The world is funny that way..." Then Lois looks at Clark again. "Yes. I offered to go on another vacation. To a foreign country. But the point I'm trying to make is why I don't go on vacations." She says this while taking a seat with Nick. "How have you been?" Asking the musician. They likely haven't seen each other since the auction that she won.

Her gaze shifts to Harry and she regards him with a smile and a small wave. "Hey Nick. Settle an argument for us..." She says as she sits. "Are vacations healthy or are they a waste of time?"

Superman has posed:
Clark just shakes his head at Lois's odd thoughts on vacations. Then Lois engages the question without a real introduction. "Hello. Clark Kent, Daily Planet," Clark has met Harry as Superman. Oddly enough, he's met Thomas as Clark. That's a bit of an oddness to his situation with the two brothers.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick tilts his head. "Really now?...Worst that happens to me is phone screens breaking. They still make calls though. Maybe sometime we should see what happens when you're popping around the Dreaming or Avalon to see if that makes a difference."

As Lois and Clark get closer, the musician drifts away from the talk of magic to look to the couple that ALSO ends up getting seated nearby.

"Hey Lois." Nick greets back, then glancing to the larger companion, "Hey Clark."

Greetings out of the way, Nick takes a moment to ponder the question. "Well, it'd probably depend on where you're going and how much of a say you had in going there. Ireland and Italy. Top of my list. War zones....not so much."

Harry Dresden has posed:
"This happens on a good day, just not always. Sometimes light and occasionally worse. There's a reason I drive an old Volkswagon." Harry tells Nick,"Maybe we'll get a chance to see. Willow might want to come along though."

He glances to Lois and offers a nod. Polite, but smiling might break his face or make another something in the place explode.

His attention shifts to Clark and he says,"Harry Dresden. Wizard. Private Investigator. I have heard your name and read your column at times. Newspapers are safe."

Superman has posed:
"Nick. How are we today?" Clark greets. It's not the first time he's seen Nick. This will not be the last. "How is the music business?" he asks curiously. Although, he may eye about for any camera crew for a reality television show.

And then Clark hears the source once Dresden speaks. Oh, that makes sense. That's why Harry liked Cage's place. It's an older place. Maybe there's a correlation. He can't be sure.

"You've got a reputation, and you're the only Wizard in the yellow pages," he says softly. Clark has obviously done his homework.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois Lane watches Clark for a moment and then lofts an eyebrow upwards. Though it shouldn't really surprise her that there's a wizard in the yellow pages.

She's met the Devil after all.

"We were thinking about Barcelona. I've already been forced on a vacation. More of a staycation. Yet Clark wouldn't really let me leave the house, use my laptop, or do anything work related..." She says this much with a smirk in Clark's general direction. "It's fine. I'm just giving Clark a hard time..."

There's a look to Harry more then as she tilts her head. "Private investigator you say? You must have such interesting stories..."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods to Harry's mention. "She'd probably be fine going there." He doesn't offer more than that as Lois and Clark are now present and he's not privy to Clark being Superman.

Nick looks over to Clark, "Briefly on pause because of the pending film schedule." He answers, giving a smile. "They got the red tape figured out. Flying out later this week."

The mention of Barcelona gets a smile. "That seemed like a good spot." Nick replies, "...Although most of my time there was inside of Palau Sant Jordi for concert prep so I'm probably not the best source on things to do there. But I do remember the people were very pleasant to be around."

Or that could have been because he was a rockstar.

Nick glances towards Harry as Lois starts sniffing for stories. "He probably does." Nick agrees, looking towards Harry, "But are there any you can share? There's probably a client confidentiality thing he's got to consider."

Harry Dresden has posed:
Ordering a slice of pepperoni and a glass of tea, Harry smirks a little and replies,"I have seen a few things yes." He look at Nick and nods,"A lot of confidentiality yes. Some less than others."

He looks to Lois again and tells her,"I met the son of a primatologist once. He told me his father was unusual and never around. When I met his father I knew why. Eight feet tall, covered and hair, and better spoken than most people. Met him in the Washington redwood forest." That would be strange for sure. Anyone drawing conclusions would think either Harry is teasing or he's met a living cryptid legend.

"Other times, not as much. Lost trinkets, cheating spouses when I can't avoid it, and Bludhaven PD contracts me to work with them."

Superman has posed:
Clark chuckles as he hears ths tories. Honestly, Clark thinks any of Harry's stories will be more truthful than lies. He's not sure to what degree, but every lie has a bit of truth in it. He believes a good story from Harry will be a truth wrapped in a layer, or three of lies. Like, maybe something is a sasquatch instead of a Yeti.

"You mean to tell me, Nightwing has never worked with you?" Clark asks with a little suspicion in his voice as the question comes out. He just can't see Dick avoiding a resource like that.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois Lane raises a brow after a moment. Though she replies to Nick first. "Barcelona did seem like a nice spot. I found a pretty resort for us to go to also...and Clark is paying for it all anyway..." She gives a little grin and then orders a slice of cheese and a slice of pepperoni. Along with a glass of tea. Then her attention goes to Harry. "Bludhaven PD? Have you ever worked with..." She has to pause. Does he actually...of course he does. "Lucifer Morningstar? Guy also runs a club in Bludhaven. Nice guy. Might be a little crazy..."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick cracks a smile to the story. "...Was his name Hairy by any chance?"

As the topic switches over to Nightwing, Nick grabs his drink to sip it. Attention switches back to the talk of Barcelona. "...The place we stayed in while there was pretty nice. Good view and amenities. If you're still in the shopping around stage I could check with Wade to get it's information for you."

As the conversation switches over to his uncle, Nick looks over to Harry curiously to that one.

Harry Dresden has posed:
Shaking his head, Harry replies to Clark,"I've met a few legitmate heroes. Superman, Wonder Woman, Zatanna, and Constantine. Well if you count John as a legitimate hero." The last a bit of an amendment.

"I haven't met Nightwing. I suspect we've crossed one another's paths inadvertently, but never a formal meet or work together."

Moving his attention to Lois he shakes his head,"My brother has met him a few times. I haven't had the..." he pauses to consider the word,"...distinction of making his accquaintance. Hard to believe in the devil when you question the existence of a capital G god in the universe." A shrug and he takes a drink of his tea when it arrives,"I have met a few demigods or things that claim to be at any rate."

Superman has posed:
Clark is still skeptical. He won't saya nything. Just listening to the pepole Harry has met. That tracks. And so, Clark is just quiet. Happy to be amongst friends for a moment.

"-We're- paying for it," Clark says firmly showing that this is a joint trip. Then he goes back to lsitening to others. This is where a story sometimes comes from. Just listening to the world while you try to be a fly on the wall.

Lois Lane has posed:
Lois Lane tilts her head the other direction and then nods. Sometimes she questions people and their intelligence. Always she does this internally. Because she isn't about to insult anyone's intelligence to their face. It will likely be an interesting conversation to have with Clark some other time.

"Ah. I see. Well. If you are in the area sometime, stop by the Lux. Tell him I sent you. He likes it when friends refer others to his place."

It might be interesting as Harry will likely not really screw anything up if he walks into Lux. That's someone else's story to tell. None the less, she looks between everyone here and then goes quiet. Sometimes it's best to just listen and observe. So she won't say much more, taking a page out of Clark's book

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Harry lists the names, Nick's head bobs just slightly with each one. Save for Zatanna. A brow furrows as he tilts his head. Of the names, you'd think he'd have met the one that also dabbled in entertainment already. There's a slight shrug.

Oh well.

As Lois recommends the Lux he nods in agreement "He is usually present with the going ons at the Lux as he is taking a long overdue break from his other duties."

To Clark's insistence that the two are splitting the cost of the hotel, the rocker smiles. "Considering the budget...I'll be sure to ask if Wade would be able to secure the special rates."