382/A Man About a Wallaby

A Man About a Wallaby
Date of Scene:	12 May 2017
Location:	New York City
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	279, Doctor Doom, Invisible Woman

---

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Another sunny day in NYC. At least generally in this area, the clean buildings in this area still capture the sun. From the Consulate to the brightness of the many flags outside of the United Nations. All would be in order. Its more a few blocks outside of this where things are less bright. Not far, north from the UN building, is a shared building before some mixed use buildings. There, along E 49th. It had started in one of the buildings most likely, but its in the street now. A man, all in some steel suit, faces what appear to be ninjas. Not totally black, but darkly garbed men fighting with martial arts and martial weapons. Mostly, one has a big gun it seems. The man in the steel suit, with an 'S' on his chest (how cliche these days), has been blown into the street and after getting to his feet, he is standing to face these men.
    He came on a trail looking for some new smart chip, rumors lead to this area. He may have gone to retreive the tech,but then its ended up right her, in medius res. Getting to his feet, he holds a hand up and a hammer flies into it (how cliche these days), he looks at the men, "Surrender the chip now, and no one gets hurt." They pause enough to consider, but then start to move and circle him out in the street there.

Doctor Doom has posed:
Standing on a high balcony looking over the entrance to the Latverian embassy, Doctor Doom clasps his armored hands behind his back and stares down at the fight on the street nearby. He turns his head just slightly over his shoulder, and a slim older man steps forward to the balcony's entrance.

"Yes, my lord?" the older man asks.

"The man below. Extend him an invitation to tea. I imagine he will not be indisposed long," Doom replies, his deep voice all the more imposing through the amplifiers built into his mask.

"Yes, my lord," the older man replies, and he disappears into the embassy before stepping out the front door several long moments later. He shuffles toward the gates of the estate, watching the armored man and his opponents. Then, he looks upward to Doom.

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Indeed, the concussive weapon they fired at him took him off guard, and they seem to have the numbers and position. As they do not respond but try to fully circle him, Steel looks to his left, and hurls the hammer. The man there attempts to block with a pair of swords, which he gets up to guard, but the force of the hammer, driven by an inertia field, causes him to lose the weapons and it take care of him. This gets a few of them to come for the man, and his suit withstands their blows. He starts to make work of them. A few seem to have extra fancy weapons, more than just martial, that set him off kilter just a little. And yet, when it comes down to it, no match. The hammer continues a course to double up and attack a few more.
    Really after not too much time, its Steel standing with the last one, held in his hand by the scruff of a collar. To which he is asking, "Who has the chip?"
    And he gets an answer even, "We do not know, it was taken by Chi Fang two days ago. He is traveling to Syria we heard." An answer, not what he wanted, dropping the man, Steel turns to walk a moment, as if considering this news.

Doctor Doom has posed:
"Ahh ... excuse me! Excuse me!" the old man at the Latverian embassy gate calls, waving with his hands at Steel.

"Sir! Sir?" the old man begins slowly walking down the street toward Steel's location. His steps do not quite suggest frailty, but there certainly seems to be significant arthritis limiting the shuffling movement of his legs.

"I have been asked to invite you to tea. My master would very much like to speak with you," the man says. "It should not take much of your time."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    "Tea," says the man, putting the steel hammer onto his back. "I'm not much of ah ..." No reason to finish, the invite to meet sounds more like a concern from this steward of the Latverian gate. A curious brow lifting, on the steel face mask of that suit at least. Then a nod, "Okay, my curiousity is raised, lead the way." He moves towards the gate and will follow to whever the meeting could happen. "I'd take a coffee," he intones on the way, just to put in a request. He can accept a no.

Doctor Doom has posed:
The old man leads Steel back toward the embassy, nodding in response to the request for coffee. "Of course, sir," he says politely.

Stepping onto the estate, the man waves an arm and smiles. "Welcome to Latveria," he says, before moving more quickly--although still shuffling--to the front door. "If you'll follow me inside, I am sure my lord will be ready to meet you."

Indeed, just past the foyer, Doctor Doom awaits, seated in an ornately carved, high-backed wooden chair. He looks at the two men and waves to another chair of a simpler design. "Good afternoon," he says in a thick accent. "Join me. The chair will support you."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    A slight fight broke out of one of the nearby lesser consulates, the sort that share a building with others nations. Steel and some sort of ninjas, him on the trail of some technology. It ended as fast as it began, and taking an invite from a servant of the Latvirian consulate here, Steel has proceeded into the building for some sort of meeting. "Thank you," he returns at being in Latvira now. His manners kept, its foreign soil and he respects that at least. Going with him into the foyer. A nod of his head given to Doctor Doom, "Good afternoon, my thanks," he says, unsure of the nature of this, but that curiousity bubbling a little under the surface. Moving for the hcair, he trusts, "As you insist." And he lowers himself in, not a thud, but not gently either. "I appreciate your time."

Doctor Doom has posed:
Leaning on his armrests, Doom stepples his gauntleted fingers. "Of course," he says. "It is impressive to see such a takedown of potentially dangerous opposition. The abilities of your armor must be quite advanced."

The old man appears from a side door with a cup of coffee on a saucer. "I can provide a sandwich as well, if you would like, sir," he mentions quietly to Steel before bowing his head in response to a glance from Doctor Doom.

Invisible Woman has posed:
    There is a knock on the door....louder than any of Doom's servants, just outside of his chamber. There's also worried muffles about Doom being disturbed, but there's a feminine voice that seems to deflect the servant's worries.

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Hearing the comment, Steel nods, "Thank you, too advanced. Some stuff I developed while at Cyberdine, the rest, after I left." He admits and takes credit for the level of technology present.
    A turn given to accept the coffee, delicatley even with the steel suit. Followed by a nod of course, "Just the coffee." The sandwhich might need for him to remove the suit. Before he can say more, there is that knock, "Expecting company?" He realizes this meeting is impromptu for the moment.

Doctor Doom has posed:
Doom's eyes quickly dart to the source of the sound, and then he casts a dark glance at his servant.

"I--I will learn what I can, master. There were no scheduled visitors..." the old man says, clearly shaken, and he backs toward the door, his head bowed, and disappears through the doorway.

"Miss," he says, shaking his head at Susan, "you cannot be here. Please do not make me call the authorities. My lord is occupied--!"

Back in the sitting room, Doom tilts his head to one side. "You are an engineer, then?" he asks. "It is a capable man who can find the means to innovate without corporate resources."

Invisible Woman has posed:
    "Yeah yeah, I've heard it before. 'No one disturbs Doom!'" A rather attractive blonde says as she walks right on by said servant and into the room. She waves, rather cheerily to Doom, then looks to Irons. "Well then. I heard there was a scuffle outside of the Latverian consulate and came to help. You're new, I think." Before she looks to Doom. "Hey Victor. Long time no see."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    A slight turn of head at the door business, but Steel focuses on the questions and comments from Doctor Doom for the moment. Despite any news either way on the man, Steel remains passively neutral in his own regards. "I admit I had some resources reserved before I tendered resignation with Cyberdine, but they are limited. Some of this was literally hammered out over a forge." His own suite, basement workshop. Not just engineer in design, but capable of the labor side of it all he indicates at least in that stement. As the woman arrives and commands attention, he looks up and nods, "Something like that yes." New.

Doctor Doom has posed:
When the woman enters, Doom's full attention turns to her. "Susan," he says in a mix of coldness and anger. "You are not welcome here."

The Latverian monarch slowly stands, his hands cracking the wood of his armrests as he does so.

"Do not think I am so foolish as to misunderstand your true purpose--to seek out my guest and exploit his knowledge for your husband's gain." Doom breathes audibly, the scowl on his faceplate likely mirrored by his actual face beneath it.

"My friend," he adds, turning to Steel, his voice softening just slightly, "do not let this harbinger of tragedy persuade you from me. Her family offers nothing but catastrophe."

Invisible Woman has posed:
    "You can stop that, Victor. I'm not here to exploit anyone's knowledge and you know it. What happened between you and Reed and your game of one-ups-manship is one thing, but I've tried to remain friends." Sue smiles a bit to Doom. "Tried being the key word. And if I was a harbinger of tragedy, wouldn't Latveria be a crater by now? As often as I've visited you, or tried to anyways." She then shakes her head. "So calm down, Victor. I'm not here to steal his tech, or yours."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Realizing he's between something, Steel remains more observant, especially as the wood cracks when Doom stands. "I do not mean for anyone to exploit my knoweldge." He offers, between the two as they discuss their stance, "Not again." But he remains seated, maybe she has other business it seems like. He looks between the two for a moment, "I should come back later?" That curiousity still roils slightly within, as it does about the interactions now. A drink is taken of the coffee as a brow lifts on the steel helmet's face.

Doctor Doom has posed:
"No, friend," Doom replies, placing his arm in front of Steel in a gesture to stay seated. "This intrusion will be dealt with quickly. I still have much to ask you."

He steps toward Sue, his eyes narrowing. "If you were here under legitimate and peaceful reasons, you would not have forced your way onto Latverian soil. And yet," Doom adds, "here you are. Should I assume that you mean to represent the American government now in an official capacity? Is this a sanctioned act of aggression? Or is it the ..." he thinks for a moment. "... the 'unlawful entry' of a private citizen?"

Invisible Woman has posed:
    "You're really gonna play this, huh?" Sue doesn't seem phased as much as Doom might hope. "Here I was trying to be friendly. Look Victor. That little scuffle I heard about happened just outside of the Latverian Consulate. I came to make sure everyone was okay. You're obviously fine.....and arrogant as ever." She then turns around to looks at Irons. "And you are too. I'm not here to steal your tech either. I wouldn't know what to do with it." She then ponders. "What's your name anyways?" And she holds up a hand. "Codename is fine, if you want to keep your identity secret."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    "Of course," says the man to Doom, accepting that he can wait. As for jurisdiction and legal prudence, that is not his field of expertise. He does return a shake of his head towards Sue the same, "No no, I don't think anyone's trying to steal it." From her, a sidelong glance to Doom, then he does answer. "I'm am Steel." He gives the codename, whether he's trying to keep his identity secret by taking lengths to keep it that was is left out there, but in this quick meeting and not really knowing anyone, its that name too, just Steel.

Doctor Doom has posed:
"I am in the right, Susan," Doom replies, his voice matter-of-fact. "As I /always/ am. But," he adds, "if you wish to offer a sign of goodwill that you are /not/, in fact, here under false pretenses..." Doom trails off for a moment.

"...I would be more than receptive to a copy of your family's itinerary for the next two weeks. A 'quid pro quo' for your continued presence here."

The tyrant tilts his head back slightly so as to look down his nose at the Invisible Woman.

"Let it never be said that Victor von Doom was anything but generous."

Invisible Woman has posed:
    "No. I'm not giving you anything of my family because you would put them in danger. In case you haven't realized, I have two children now." Despite DOom looking down his nose at Sue, she doesn't seem intimidated. "The only one that thinks I'm here under false pretenses....is you, Victor."

And just like that, her attention is back on Steel. "Susan Storm-Richards of the Fantastic Four. This is Victor Von Doom, Dictator of Latveria, Herald of no one, rather brilliant scientist in his own right. That armor he wears is really good too." She then sighs. "I DID kinda come by for tea, Victor. I had some really nice green tea in the car, but....you talked yourself out of it." She then waves to them both. "Hey Steel, feel free to drop by Four Freedoms Plaza when you're able." She starts out...before she stops and leans back in....but she's not looking at Doom...she's looking past him.

And above his chair.

"Victor....your painting is melting."

OUT SHE GOES!

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Listening, he finishes off that cup of coffee that was offered. It went pretty quick, but probably a filter on the helmet to help cool it before he actually drinks it. Steel hears Susan speak of the introductions and nods. His own response, "I just may drop by, when I have a moment." He is new in town, who knows where opportunity could come from. He turns to look at the painting, curious yet again. "Politics are not my thing." Is his only consideration to the interruption, leaving it at that, avoiding all the levels of personal that it felt in the thick air that hung in the room while the other two were talking.

Doctor Doom has posed:
"Do you take me for some /fool/?!" Doom asks, angrily, staring at Susan as she leaves.

"Do not listen to her lies, Mister Steel," he adds forcefully. "Doom would not deceive you with such vulgarity."

Behind him, several small droplets of wet paint make soft 'plop' sounds from a portrait of Doom, posed like a Renaissance-era ruler, onto the floor. The aged servant attempts his best to begin cleaning the mess.

"Leave us!" Doom roars at his aide, clenching his armored fist. "Doom will /not/ be some joke for the Richards family! /I/ am in control!"

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    Not political, but he can keep a straight face between the comments back and forth, from Sue to Doom and back. That or the helmet only picks up on ths certain facial features underneath. The on/off switch for relaying emotions in the off position. Even if the man does turn and look at the droplets half a moment. The anger certainly noticed, he does return, "Yes, you are, certainly not some joke. I take it you have an interest in engineering?" He didn't interrupt, but did listen to the two right in front of him after all.

Doctor Doom has posed:
After several long beats in which Doom calms himself from snarling to fuming, the Latverian slowly composes himself and sits back in his chair.

"Yes," he says pointedly. "Doom ... I ... I am, myself, an accomplished scientist and engineer." Doom looks to his hands with a nod. "My suit is of my own design. I am always looking for ways to improve upon it as I develop new theories and methods of application."

Doom sighs, calmer and more poised. "Thus my interest in your abilities. Forward-thinking minds are difficult to come by, and Latveria has lucrative programs for employees of the state."

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    A nod is given from Steel after the man gains his composure. "It is an impressive suit, as are the others that emerge." The other individuals that show up in suits of steel, or iron, or any new nanotech mixture of plastic and steel even. "I am looking for ways to improve mine as well," he admits, "There is a certain system disruption that occurs if my digital feed receives too much input and the air pressure then changes outside the suit." Rare circumstance, except in the line of work.
    Then a visual 'ah' as he voices it, the face in union with the man within again. "An employee of the State. I know I'm not well known, but perhaps you've seen some of the destruction by the Quran rebels?" Not wait to see if its acknowledged, "They have been using small arms capable of energy projection, something I was developing for Cyberdine. Before I could tone down the energy output, intending it as a safe weapon, it was leaked to them. It is a good offer, but I confess I am reluctant to work under employment, least this happen again." He starts to stand, looking for a place to set down the coffee and saucer nearby.

Doctor Doom has posed:
As Steel stands, Doom raises an eyebrow beneath his mask. "I would not be so quick to reject an offer of employment--and of friendship." He leans on one elbow, his fingers rubbing against his thumb. "Doom is generous, but even more so to those who share his vision."

He pauses.

"Still. You clearly need time to consider the offer. And these Quranian rebels ... if they were to be dealt with? Some sign of assurance that your work was not used by the /wrong/ individuals?" Doom asks. "Would that aid you in your decision-making?"

The old man meekly slips into the room from a shadowy corner, silently taking the cup and saucer from Steel and absconding once more into the shadows.

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    "No, you're right," returns Steel towards Doom, a slight look to painting then back to the man. "I am not so quick to reject, but in the same vein, I am not so quick to assume friendship." Listening of the rebels, he considers and watches as his cup and saucer are slipped away. His head tilts slightly, not expecting the servant to be so steadfast at the ready. Regaining composure, he turns back to doom. "Yes, trust must be build, the base of a friendship, and a good place should I consider to accept this employment. "If the rebels were dealt with and it was assured the BG-60 model small arms were removed from potential further use. This would certainly establish that base of trust." He admits agreement at least.

Doctor Doom has posed:
The Latverian monarch leans against the high back of his chair. "I see," he states flatly. "Perhaps we shall speak again, then."

Doom lifts a hand in dismissal. "Thank you for sitting during tea."

The old servant stands near the foyer. "Sir," he says meekly. "I can show you out." He shuffles toward the front door.

John Henry Irons (279) has posed:
    "Thank you for the offer," returns Steel, a nod of his head at the dismissal and he turns to follow the servant. "And thank you as well." Otherwise, he is silently shown the door, and gate.