3500/From Canada With Love

From Canada With Love
Date of Scene:	27 December 2017
Location:	Four Freedoms Plaza, New York City
Synopsis:	She-Hulk and the Hudsons come to the Richards' bearing gifts
Cast of Characters:	Mister Fantastic, She-Hulk, Vindicator, Guardian, Invisible Woman

---

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Around Four Freedoms Plaza, Christmas is more than a one day affair. They lead such busy lives, have so many friends, that they've had to parcel things up into groups. Christmas being for the core family, Boxing Day being for the civilian relatives, and the rest of the days leading up to New Year's Eve being for friends and colleagues.

The Christmas Tree was still up of course, but the presents underneath it had been unwrapped, and replaced with others. Sometimes it was nice having pocket dimensions. It made hiding the presents from Franklin, Valeria, Johnny, and Ben so much easier.

Reed was breaking the family rule about no work during the Holidays, as he had on his white lab coat over his grey trousers, white collared shirt, and ugly Christmas sweater. This one was white and blue, featuring Mr. Spock, Star Trek symbols, the Enterprise, along with Christmas trees, presents, and snowflakes.

He was in his office, looking through a microscope as Franklin and Valeria watched the classic Christmas film Elf on the TV.

She-Hulk has posed:
There is a light knock on the door followed by a happy "Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!" And in through the door walked She-Hulk in all her gamma green glory. She was wearing a pair of black leggings that disappeared into knee high black boots. The rest of her was covered in a red Santa dress. She even had a Santa hat on her head. Over her shoulder was the requisite bag filled will presents. Not that she really thinks they are going to be a big deal for the kiddos but she wasn't coming empty handed. Even if their father could make them things that were 100% better than anything she could buy off the shelf. Balanced on her other hand were two enormous boxes that she had to set on the floor to get through the doorway ahead of her.

"Reed, you better put that microscope away or I'm tellin' Sue."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed immediately abandoned his work, okay, immediately was not the word. But he did about seven more things, then abandoned his work. Okay, abandoned was not the word. After doing seven more things, he vacated the room as his work no longer required immediate supervision. Joining Jennifer by the door, he smiled, "well, hello Mrs. Clause, can I get you a cup of hot cocoa?" Of course, even as he said that, the kids ran from the movie, Franklin pausing it, to tackle those black leggings in big hugs, "auntie Jen!" they screamed in unison.

She-Hulk has posed:
The oversized boxes are placed carefully on the floor nearby then the bag is slung down beside them. A moment later, Shulkie has scooped up Franklin and Valeria in either arm. She immediately starts giving them kisses all on their cheeks and foreheads, keeping it up until they start protesting them she settles them both comfortably in the crook of her arms. "Hey, kiddos. Missed you both. You been behaving? Cause if not, I'll have to take these toys back to the North Pole." As smart as those kids are, they probably don't buy the whole Santa thing but that never has deterred Shulkie.

"What're you working on n--nevermind. I wouldn't undertand the answer anyway," Shulkie says to Reed with a playful wink.

Vindicator has posed:
With the recent UN annoucement about Alpha Flight and the International Space station, Mac and Heather's lives had gone from busy to extra super busy. Including needing to tie down bunches of 'paperwork' detailing new relationships with partnering organizations, one of those being SHIELD. They'd arrived in NYC with a whirwind of plans to firm up their business, meeting with Dirctor Fury, making arrangments for future movements forward, and a request for a permanent liason with Alpha Flight itself.

That work done, she and Mac show up, not too long on the heels of Jennifer, knocking on the door of her and Mac's longtime friends. Their own bag of parcels ready at hand, if somewhat smaller than the other's. Happy to be able to take a few moments out of a busily scheduled trip to make this call.

"Hello! Hello! Any room at the inn for a bunch of strangers passing through?"

Guardian has posed:
Generally, Mac didn't drag himself away from work for much. However, there were exceptions, one was his wife, the other was Reed Richards, who was something of a personal hero to Mac. Coming in behind, Heather, Mac smiles and waves to Jen and Reed. "Good to see you, I hope you've all had a good Christmas."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed began to explain to Jennifer what he was up to, and Mac might have caught the tail end of it before Jennifer asked him to stop. "Great to see you, as always." He reached for the presents, and stretched them over towards the Christmas tree, cleaning things up with ease. And then he addressed Heather and Mac, "Heather! Mac! Oh, I'm not sure if you've met, but this fetching Mrs. Clause is actually Jennifer Walters." Of course, with the green skin and the super model features, she was hard to mistake for someone else. Shaking Mac's hand, he went into some technobabble about the work on the phase distortion compensators and the work on anti-gravity at Mackenzie King Station.

She-Hulk has posed:
At least he stopped before her eyes glazed over. Shulkie had to put down the munchkins before she could offer a handshake to Heather and Mac, in that order. "Just call me Jen. Or Shulkie. Whatever works for you," she said with a bright smile. The two larger boxes she moved over to the tree personally since they weighed quite a bit. The kids would get to attack them soon enough, she was sure. It helped eat up a little time while Reed babbled. By the time she got back to the small group of adults, she hoped that he was running out of steam.

Who was she kidding? This was Reed. He could technobabble for hours.

Vindicator has posed:
Heather just throws up her hands in resignation as hellos haven't been finished before her husband is off in technobabble land and she's been abandoned. "Five seconds. That might be an actual record," she chuckles. Nodding to Jennifer. "I won't subject you to my speciality. Hi Jen. And Heather will do just fine."

The parcels she and Mac brought are nodded to. "Just a couple tokens not yet out on the market. Some commemerative swag from the Canadian government we thought the kids might like. Plus, not wrapped, an invitation to Starling to spend some of your Christmas this year. We've got snow on the hills, and skis for everyone."

Guardian has posed:
Mac looks over at Heather with a helpless gesture as he's drawn into the science talk, actually he did have some questions for Reed about the compensators, but before he lets himself get too deep into it. He says, "Interesting, you should come up sometime and we can give that a try, but right now, we shouldn't neglect the ladies."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
"What do you think Jen, is the Great White North ready for the Jade Giantess on the slopes?" He then looked to Mac and Heather, "thank you for such the lovely invitation. I'm sure that Franklin and Valeria would love to." At which point Valeria piped up about the how much fun it was to calculate trajectories, speed, banking. If it were possible, she was smart as Reed, and she wasn't even five years old yet. She just needed to develop her experience and command of the sciences. The raw intellect was there. Franklin then rushed over to grab something, and held it out to Heather. He'd repeat that feat twice more, grabbing a present for Mac and Jen too. "We got you presents too."

She-Hulk has posed:
"I think the idea of me on skis is terrifying and hilarious. I think I'll pass. Now if you all want to go to a beach somewhere warm, I'm all in." Shulkie says as she turns to accept the box from Franklin. "Aw, you didn't have to kiddo." Since as far as she's concerned, it's all about the kids and the parents had nothing to do with it. At least, outwardly. She knows better. Then she glances over at Heather and Mac. "Five seconds is a record for not going into way-over-my-head talk? You are a better woman than I."

Vindicator has posed:
There's a fond smile from Heather for Mac as Jen talks. "Oh, I don't know about better woman. I knew what I was getting into with that one when I chased him down and married him. He still thinks he had an option." And it's not like she doesn't have her own share of techno-babble under the belt. She's just not.. Mac.

Heather takes the gift from Franklin, thanking him. "How nice of you. You'll have to share with your sister, though, what we brought. Some of it we couldn't get two of them."

More chuckling as she tells Jen, "Sadly, wrong time of year for beaches in Starling. Snow and rain about par. Though more snow where we are on the Island." And Reed, "Good. We'll pencil you in?"

Mister Fantastic has posed:
When Jennifer opens Franklin's present, she will find he got her a t-shirt which is blue and white, the Fantastic Four's colours, but this one says 'I'm a lawyer. To save time, let's just agree that I am never wrong'. Heather's gift was a red shirt with white lettering that said 'Canadian Girls Kick Ass'. He may have needed permission to get that shirt for her. Mac's gift was also a shirt, but his had a visual representation for a chemical formula, C2H6O, better known as alcohol. Reed laughed when he saw what Franklin got for Mac, since he got the joke.

Valeria would quietly do the same, presenting her presents after Franklin's. She got Jen a new briefcase, but this one had a built in computer and pocket dimension for extra space. She got Heather a pair of glasses, with built in speakers, which would simulate a beach environment, creating holographic equivalencies. And for Mac, she took one of Reed's earliest correspondences with Mac, from his E-Mail, got him to re-write it in his handwriting, sign it, and it was framed.

Reed just watched on with a twinkle in his eyes at what his children could accomplish when they set their minds to it.

She-Hulk has posed:
"Then I think I'll pass on a visit for the time being. Call me when it thaws out up there and I'll give it a shot," Shulkie says to Heather. She opens her present carefully then holds up the t-shirt, having to laugh when she reads the caption. "Yeah, I need this shirt in my life. Great choice." The briefcase is a bit on the amazing side, particularly when she can store as much as she wants in that pocket dimension. Kind of makes anything she could get them a bit passe but hey, that's the way it worked with this family. THey could literally make anything. At all.

Invisible Woman has posed:
Sue slipped out on this day, of all days, to manage a minor emergency. AS she lets herself back into the apartment and takes off her coat, there's an apologetic cast to her features. "Hey, guys. I'm so sorry for not being here." Her blue eyes cut around the room and she smiles at the sight of their friends. "Merry Christmas."

Vindicator has posed:
The gifts are opened with much amusement from Heather. Her glasses put on as she observes, "I'll need these in Still Winter." Though her part of British Columbia doesn't get near the legendary winters of the rest of Canada thanks to the Pacific Ocean.

It's the T-shirt she's most pleased with, teasing Mac. "Confirmation. I think I'll save this for all future arguments." Even though it says nothing about arguments, or winning. It might be something of an inside joke, or an inside joke in the making.

Sue gets a gentle smile of greeting. "We wondered where you were. So glad we didn't miss you. It's been such a hectic year. And how are you doing?"

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed is glad the Sue didn't catch him in the laboratory during the Christmas break. Had she been here much earlier, she might well have. So he calmly smiles to her, "everything taken care of? The Hudsons just invited us up to Starling for a bit of skiing and social interaction, though Jen will take some convincing." Where was Johnny when they needed someone to mention about how Whistler was basically infested with attractive Australian ski and snowboarders this time of year?

Guardian has posed:
After taking the gifts the kids offered him, Mac sits down to open them. The t-shirt, gets a laugh, he holds it up for Heather when she holds up hers for his. "Hmm, going to need this to remind me what to look for after those arguments," Mac smirks.

Next up, Valeria's gift. When the paper is removed he beams and holds up the signed letter in its frame. "Thank you," he tells Valeria. "Was this your idea?" he asks the child. "This is very thoughtful. How'd you know I'd like it?" he asks, half-expecting Reed's hand behind the gift.

A look is thrown Heather's way too, a childlike, 'isn't this neat' sort of smile.

Mac may just be a fan of Reed's.

She-Hulk has posed:
"Merry Christmas, Sue!" Shulkie calls out as she sets her presents to the side. Then she makes sure to give Valeria and Franklin both hugs of thanks before turning back to the conversation. "It won't take convincing. It'll take thawing. Two very different things. When it thaws out and I can go without a jacket, then I'll be glad to go up and visit."

It's not really an issue considering she doesn't feel the effects of the cold quite to the level she would as Jennifer Walters. It doesn't change her preferences though. A sunny beach, maybe an island, a drink with an umbrella in it...

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed held his hands up, "she just asked me to write and sign it." And Valeria went into a long explanation of how Mac's psychological profile would suggest that the framed letter would be an optimal gift, finishing with, "there was a 98% chance that you would greet it with childlike glee."

Invisible Woman has posed:
There is a roll of Sue's eyes at Reed's comment. Because.... Reed. She makes her way around the room, greeting their guests with brief kisses on cheeks and amusement. "Skiing sounds wonderful! I don't think we've been .... since Val was born." She's surprised herself, apparently, realizing the amount of time that's passed. Then she comfortably drops to a seat on a patch of floor near the children.

"It's been an insane year, Heather, honestly. I'm really glad all of you could come tonight. I feel like I've been an absolutely abysmal friend this year, between the business and freakin' invasions of the planet." She smooths Valeria's hair and shoots a smile at Franklin as the boy comes over to seat himself in her lap. Her gaze goes back to the adults in the room. "And it seems like every time we tried to plan a get-together, something has gone completely sideways. I swear we've been jinxed. So I'm looking forward to the New Year."

Vindicator has posed:
Heather smiles at Mac's pleasure in his gift. "Nice. And I know a lovely place in the laboratories you can hang that." Translation: perhaps not in the bedroom.

Sue's apology is brushed aside. "Well, we've been busy too. What with settling into the mansion and tucking the team under our wing. Then the recent announcement. It doesn't quite feel like we've had a moment to breathe this year. Though it's been good. We're happy, though. It was nice to finally make a home."

Guardian has posed:
Mac meets Valeria's little explanation, with an expression resting somewhere between wonder and terror, though at the end, he laughs. "Well ninety-eight percent huh?" he's tempted to ask about how she came to that, but holds off, this was already humbling enough. "It was an excellent gift Valeria, your too Franklin."

Heather's look is seen and understood, "Maybe not the lab, wouldn't want something to happen to it, but my office, certainly," he says, making sure she knew her message was received.

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed loved seeing Sue with the children. She was such a good mother, despite the hectic nature of their lives. Johnny and Ben could be out shopping, or battling some supervillain. That was how things went for them. They would try to be normal, but they rarely had a choice in the matter. "Let us know if we can be of any assistance, Heather. We're here, as friends, colleagues, or merely just an experienced ear. Our exploits and situation is different, but if you should ever need a friendly ear, we are at your disposal." And yes, Valeria was terrifying, and wonderful, or wonderful, and terrifying. She was something else. The little girl smiles up at him, and looks like she could just as easily be playing with a doll as devising presents for strangers with a 98% chance of success.

Invisible Woman has posed:
Valeria has her mother's attention when she speaks. The child is a marvel to Sue, who of the group here is *not* actually a genius IQ! Where did these kids come from? she has to wonder sometimes. But that she adores both kids is patently clear.

"How are things going, setting up the team up there? With the new charter... well, frankly, I'm rather surprised they din't approach some of the other organizations. Not because you're not capable and qualified," Sue hastens to assure her friends. "But just because they're higher profile. Are you looking forward to it?"

Vindicator has posed:
Heather finds herself a comfortable place to sit, and answers Sue's questions. "Well, it's a bit overwhelming in some respects, but a very logical choice when you consider the dynamics and the politics behind it. There was some pretty savvy maneavouring in the background, and overall, I think the choice was sound, and going to be the best one moving forward." She speaks like the politician she almost was. And without false modesty. For all the reasons she gives, Alpha Flight was the best best choice to provide a united front under the current political clime.

"The team is beginning to shape up. We've some younger members that are still learning to stretch their wings. It's funny, I never would have seen myself here when Mac and I started out on this crazy journey, but I'm loving it. They're wonderful people, with so much talented potential. They just need someone to have a little faith in them."

And that's what Heather gives them: Faith.

Guardian has posed:
Nodding, Mac says, "Heather, as usual, has put it far better than I could. We're the best team for the job for a lot of reasons and while leading the defense of Earth is a big challenge, its something Alpha Flight will be ready for," he says. "That said we've been chosen to lead, the Earth will need everyone's help to keep her safe, so I am hoping the Fantastic Four will be willing to join us in those efforts, both in helping prepare the planet's defenses and in dealing with any major threats that might come calling," he says before adding. "My apologies, however for mixing business and pleasure."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed did not understand politics. He did not understand why opinions were viewed as equal to facts. In his experience, dealing with human politicians was significantly more difficult than dealing with alien life forms. He took a seat near Sue, even though Sue chose to sit on the floor with the children. "Believe in one's self can be paramount." He offered to the conversation. He understood even less about faith than he did politics, but there was something to confidence. It could be measured, although it wasn't easy, it could be done. "No need to ask, Mac. We will help in any way we can." Of course, Sue was probably going to be more upset at mixing business with pleasure. Reed would probably thoroughly enjoy taking Valeria and Mac into the laboratory and work on some invasion.

Invisible Woman has posed:
Sue merely nodded. "They needed something *not* American, that much is true. I have no doubt, of course, that you guys are the best choice." She grins at them. "C'mon, nobody works harder than you. And I've never met anyone more fair, either. So... having someone politically savvy is, in my book, the most important part. Because now that you're in place, they're going to start their crap on you."

She-Hulk has posed:
For her part, Shulkie settled onto one of the chairs she knew was reinforced and could handle her weight. It was designed with Ben in mind but it helped when she was around with the team. Although why she was with the team when Ben was active her had a little confused if she thought about it too much. She wasn't going to complain. It let her be around her friends more.

At the discussion of the team up in the north, she listened quietly. "If you ever need a walking tank, you can count on me as well. Despite my complaining about the snow," she adds with a grin and a wink.

Vindicator has posed:
Heather gives a bright little laugh at Sue's commentary. "Apparently I have a couple of pretty pieces of paper on the wall that say I might just understand the political side of it all. But all kidding aside, having it in a generally non-partisan group allows more of you to work on what's really a common goal for us all."

She smiles at them all, then. "I promise, no more shop talk after this if you wish, but we will need all of you. We're the driving force and the front, but we can't be the only force behind this. It's not only just too important, but it's a job that will ultimately take all of us uniting."

Jen gets a wink in return. "We'll try to keep it to the more inclement months if we can. Just for you."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
"It is a troubling reputation that America carries throughout the rest of the world." Reed intones. Even he understood how other nations saw us. Back to the shop talk, he asked, "how far have you progressed on the development of hyperspace capable vehicles?" The Fantastic Four had them, but were somewhat reluctant to divulge that, as it could be abused. As much as he wanted open source, certain technologies could cause irreparable harm if misused. And while he might trust Mac and Heather, could he trust the entirety of the Canadian government? Plus, the American government would probably be upset if information of that sort were given to a foreign country.

Guardian has posed:
"I'd like to think Canada's sterling reputation had a little something to do with, not just that we're not America," Mac says about the UN's choice. "But, all that aside, we're glad you're willing to help," he says. "As Heather said, this is a job that's going to require all of us."

The question about the hyperspace capable ships, is met with a smile, "Should be ready for testing within the year," Mac explains. Hyperdrive had been Mac's holy grail ever since he discovered the Kree ship and it was almost hard to believe it was almost within his grasp. "We'll definitely invite you to the launch Reed, it'll be nice to have another expert on hand."

Invisible Woman has posed:
Sue rolls her eyes. "Right... no shop talk, we'll talk engines instead," she laughs. "Anytime you need anything, you know you've only to call on us, Mac." She shrugs. "Lines on a map mean nothing when you see the world from space." It's been something that has informed her viewpoint for a long while now. There are no lines on the world that separate people -- people do that all on their own.

Vindicator has posed:
There's another of those bright laughs from Heather. "Well, given this company, I suppose the best we can hope for is try not to drift into shop talk for too long."

Nodding. Despite her studies, Heather, too, has never fully understood the lines that separate people. "You know, the border between Canada and the United States is a terribly hodge-podged mess. The survey crews spent much of their time drunk, and following poorly compiled data and directions. When the marks didn't line up, they merely joined the two and carried on. Sometimes I think that's a lovely metaphor for how it should be. When the lines don't meet up, you find a way to the middle and carry on."

She-Hulk has posed:
Shulkie gets to her feet, straightening her dress as she does. Then she picks up her presents. "Hate to gift and run but I need to go see a man about a beach." She doesn't explain that one further. It's actually what she is going to do. All this talk of Canada has her wanting to find someplace tropical. STAT. "It was nice meeting you two," she says to Heather and Mac. Then she gives a wave to them all. "Marry Christmas, Happy New Year, Merry Topsy Turvy day and all that jazz."

She makes sure to give the kiddos a quick hug then she gives one final wave and heads for the elevator.

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed was both pleased and concerned that Mac and the Canadian Space Agency was so close to hyperspace travel. He had experienced his own problems early on when he worked with the American government. He doesn't blame them, but they did need to move up the launch date as funding was running out, and it may have been a contributing factor to what happened to them, and especially, Ben. It was still his design, his work, his decision, and his failure, but with more money and time, things might have gone differently. "I appreciate the invitation, and I will be there, with bells on should it be required." And as Jen makes a rapid departure, he waves, rising to see her to the door, but not until after giving her a quick hug, "it was great to see you again, Jen."

Invisible Woman has posed:
Sue nudges Franklin out of her lap and gets up to walk Jen to the door. "Have a good time," she tells the woman with a grin. After she closes it behind the other woman, the blonde looks around and says, "Well... have we had dessert already? Cuz I'm thinking it might be time for a chocolate pie."

Guardian has posed:
"Good," Mac says when Reed agrees to be at the launch. Then he turns his head to Sue and Heather. "You know we can hear you, right?" Mac says to the ladies with a smile.

When Jen takes her leave, Mac wishes her, "Merry Christmas to you as well," before settling down in his seat again.

" When the lines don't meet up, you find a way to the middle and carry on," he repeats Heather's words. "I am going to have to borrow that one, one of these days," he remarks. "And it's true, having really seen Earth from space it makes all the struggles over lines on the map seem like a waste of so much human potential. To think if we put even half of what we spend on war into space exploration or helping those in need, we could live in an entirely different world."

"We might have room for chocolate pie," Mac allows with a grin to Heather.

Vindicator has posed:
Heather offers smiles to the leaving Jen, then returns her attention to the group left behind. "Chocolate pie sounds divine! Especially as I don't have to make it myself."

She says that like she doesn't enjoy booking - which is utterly a lie. Back at the mansion, she's often found puttering in the kitchen. Often with the same focused abandon Mac has for his microscopes and other lab equipment. If there's one thing can be said for the Alpha Flight team: they eat well.

Mac gets his own, personal smile, "You do that, dear. I think it would be lovely to see."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed subconsciously licks his lips at the thought of chocolate pie. He prefers pecan, but chocolate is a close second. "Given it is the holidays, I suppose it would not be inappropriate to consume a sugary concotion like chocolate pie." Of course, with his metabolism, he could eat anything he wants and never gain weight. It was one of the nicer gifts of his powers.

Invisible Woman has posed:
Once more Sue just rolls her eyes at her husband, affection clear in the gesture every time she does it. "You're not allowed to count the calories of this," she informs him. "It's Christmas -- calories do not exist for Christmas." Because //she// can't do that, darn it!

Vindicator has posed:
Heather grins. "Everyone knows Christmas calories don't count. It would just be cruel otherwise."

Guardian has posed:
"Working on it," Mac smiles fondly to Heather. That was ever his answer when he started talking all idealistic about how the world should be.

"I did read that," Mac says about the calories. "Some quantum event that negates the negative impact of calories from Christmas eve to New Years. Can't argue with science after all."

Mister Fantastic has posed:
Reed eyed Mac's faux use of science, but he relented. He was going to lose this debate, as he so often did so. He never liked to fight with Sue, unless he was right, and Sue thought he was right. Then, and only then, did he have a chance of winning, or rather, achieving a draw. Heading into the kitchen, he would set the table, stretching the plates, napkins, and cutlery, then the pie, which went into the centre, and some mugs and glasses for accompanying beverages.

Invisible Woman has posed:
"See?" Sue tells Reed. "He understands the way the world works." Apparently so does Reed -- Happy Wife=Happy Life. Or so he appears to believe. She sticks her tongue out at her husband, and then rounds up the giggling children for pie too.

Vindicator has posed:
"So, everyone's holidays were good?" Heather relaxes at hte sheer domesticity of it all. Friends. Family. None of the pressures of everyday life for a few hours. She could get used to this. And pie! There was pie. You really couldn't argue with that.