6215/Fish People! Some time ago!

Fish People! Some time ago!
Date of Scene:	18 January 2019
Location:	California coastline
Synopsis:	Aspen and Thor save some beached whales.
Cast of Characters:	Fathom, Thor

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Fathom has posed:

    "... the Kings will have to hope they don't fall too far behind in their division race while they have so many starters out with injuries," the sports reporter is saying on a nearby television set, tuned to a Los Angeles station.

    "Thank you Bob," the attractive anchorwoman says as the feed cuts back to her. "New word from up the coast of the developing wildlife situation there first brought to you by Channel 8 this morning. A group of five grey whales, including two younger whales, were first seen swimming up the San Miguel river earlier this morning. These whales have now become stranded and have beached themselves along a sandy stretch of the river bank."

    Aerial shots from a helicopter cover the television screen, showing the five whales lying in various positions on the long sandy stretch. A number of people are in the area with hoses, spraying the whales down keeping their skin wet. "We join reporter Michelle Continas, on the scene," the anchor reports.

    The TV cuts to an attractive Latina standing with a microphone, one of the whales visible behind her. "Thank you, Barbara. The whales beached themselves around 10 AM this morning. I have with me Aspen Matthews, a marine biologist from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Can you explain how this happens, why these sea animals would beach themselves?"

    The cameraman pans back, showing a dark-haired woman standing beside the reporter, a graphic popping up to confirm the marine biologist's identity to the viewers. "In this case it is probably a problem with the salinity of the river," Aspen tells the reporter. "There is a large factory up river which is sucking in large amounts of river water. This reduces the water flowing into the ocean. As a result, the ocean salt water has traveled further up the river channel than normal. Normally the change to fresh water would have been noticed by these gray whales at the river mouth, and they would not have entered. Instead they continued up the channel, due to the salt content of the water."

    The reporter nods her head a few times and asks, "What caused them to beach themselves then, and what can be done to help them?" The marine biologist gives a sigh that expresses notes of worry. "Likely they started to sense the fresh water. Also the factory I mentioned is not too far ahead. There is probably a growing amount of sound from their pumps underwater. The combination probably caused some disorientation and they ran aground and into each other, until they ended up stuck."

    Aspen turns to look over her shoulder at the whales. "We are trying to keep them wet, as dehydration of their skin is an immediate cause of concern. Unfortunately, these whales lack the kind of skeletal reinforcement that we humans have. They rely on living in water to help maintain their shape. Lifting them or dragging them back into the ocean is problematic, it could cause significant organ damage if the weight isn't distributed well enough along their bodies. We are considering trying to roll them, though that risks damaging their fins which could leave them crippled. At this point though, we just don't have the ability to move creatures of their mass. We've put out a call for any construction equipment in the area that will help. So far though, we mostly just have a few dozen people who have come down as volunteers."

    The TV cuts back to the anchor who indicates they will keep up to date on any new happenings, and check back in later. Now, on to weather!

Thor has posed:
    It is not often that Thor of Asgard is on this side of the country, his efforts having primarily focused upon the island of Manhattan under the guiding efforts of his compatriots. But there are matters at times that require the Avengers to split their focus and attempt to gather what information they can. For some, it means going deep under cover. For others it means making contacts offer what information they have. But for the Son of Odin today... it means being dispatched to tend to another matter entire.

    Some ways away, the Asgardian lights upon the ground, landing with little fanfare as he espies the crowd gathered, the news vehicles pointing inwards to each attempt to gain their shot of the dying whales. It is a circus all its own, and Thor does not care to add to it.
    Instead he advances, walking out of the treeline. Before mortal eyes can espy him a subtle wave of energy washes over his form and he goes from an armored figure garbed for battle, to a bearded man in jeans and a hooded sweat shirt toting an umbrella.
    An instant is taken as he considers the people, the words being spoken as he steps past. This one, this one may know what needs doing. He stops while she has the interview. Then when it is finished he clears his throat.

Fathom has posed:
    Aspen has the slightly haggard look of someone who has been on the go constantly for the entire day. "Thank you," Aspen tells the reporter once the interview is over. "Hopefully that gets us some equipment," she says. Though Aspen maintains an encouraging look, there are signs of doubt in her eyes as if she is not expecting this to turn out well. Someone calls over to her, asking if there is anything the whales can be fed to help keep their strength up. "Maybe we can get something brought in, I can make some calls," she says. Aspen calls to another person, "Has the baby been wet down recently? Yes, please, if you can hose her down next," she says.

    Aspen doesn't seem to be in charge. No one is charge it seems. But people are at least looking to her for answers. The young woman lets out a sigh. Seeing the bearded man with the umbrella approach, she turns to him, pushing away her tiredness to give him a friendly smile, not wanting to spread any discouragement. "Hello," Aspens offers the man, having no idea who he might really be. "Come down to help us out?" she asks him, brushing back dark hair where the wind blows it across her eyes.

Thor has posed:
    The man before her is tall, with bright blue eyes and a smile that reaches them. He looks to the side, his hoodie hanging loose over a white t-shirt of little remark, eyes taking in the measure of the beached cetaceans and then he looks back to her.
    "I bid you greetings, Lady Matthews." His voice is deep, a level rumble that carries with it a warmth as he addresses her, holding his umbrella in both hands casually. There are others nearby, but none quite close enough to overhear without some measure of effort. "I am come to aid you in this time, yet I would ask you not to reveal me to your compatriots for now. There are those that would notice my presence and make ill use of that information."
    Perhaps she has heard of him, perhaps she recognizes him. Then again perhaps he's just some looney hippie from down in the valley.

Fathom has posed:
    Aspen has been dealing with question after emergency after question all day. Without really taking time to stop and breath, or even just think. She greets the new comer, still in that mindset. Though something in the man's charming smile and eyes pull Aspen's mind from the problems with the whales. She takes a breath, looking refreshed even as that smile of his makes the young woman look down for a moment, smiling. "Ah, that is excellent," Aspen says, lifting her head and looking at him just a little more closely. "I don't imagine there is any need for me to... reveal you," she says with a hesitance that suggests she probably has not recognized him yet. "Certainly not if it would cause you ill," Aspen tells him.

    As she does, her head tilts a little bit to the side, as if something familiar about him has begun to niggle at her thoughts. She looks at him more closely and then the woman's soft, bluish-violet eyes widen just a little. "Wait... you're..." she says, and then stops herself from speaking. Her lips move saying his name but without giving voice to it. "Really, you are?" she asks, seeming to feel more certain.

Thor has posed:
    At her initial reaction the man before her looks pleased, but upon being recognized he gives a 'humblish' nod and holds up a hand. "Aye." He offers and perhaps that might cement it further in her thoughts. But then he gestures with a nod of his chin towards the beached whales and tells her, "Come, let us take a look and see what aught can be done for your aquatic friends?"
    That said he starts forwards, walking with a rather assertive and steady gait, that umbrella held in one hand firmly in the middle as if it weren't an umbrella at all. He advances, however, far enough to the marked off area and his brow furrows in thought while he moves.
    "You are seeking to keep them hydrated. What further course of action have you decided upon?"

Fathom has posed:
    Aspen looks as if she's felt a new lease on life. She hurries to move along at Thor's side. Her eyes keep stealing glances over at him as they walk towards the large grey whales. The whales are immense, with wrinkly skin, and fins that are lying on the sand, sometimes shifting just a bit as the volunteers seem to try to keep clear of them. Though they may not be the most lovely creatures to see out of the water, the eye of one of them seems to look over at Thor. One can imagine they can see some intelligence in such an eye. It's easy to share one's gaze with the whale, and sense the creature's need and helplessness.

    Aspen nods and says, "Their skin will crack if it dries too much. But we need to get them back into river, and then headed back to the ocean." She motions to their size. "Just lifting them in one spot would probably damage them internally. Or even pushing too hard. I don't know if you can lift..." Aspen says, glancing over at Thor. "Well, I guess you probably can," she says in an expression of faith in the man. God. "But, we'd need to spread the force out across their body so it doesn't all push on them in one place. Unless you have other ideas?"

Thor has posed:
    One hand lifts to run fingers along the curve of his ragged beard, his expression distant and thoughtful for a moment. He then lifts his head upwards, one eyebrow quirking slightly. A moment of consideration and then he turns to look upon her once again. "Then first we shall insure they can endure and survive."
    Distantly there is a faint crackle of thunder, though the sky above had been partially clear it now seems to lend itself to thoughts of the dark as clouds pregnant with rain seem to surge to life, not too fast... but fast enough that those looking upon them might well think something is amiss.
    It's a moment of the man standing there, eyes distanced for that time until the first few rain droplets strike the ground around them, heavy with portent and promise. He returns to her and then says, "Perhaps have those at your disposal see to making sure flooding will do no harm to those in this area. Task others to clearing the ground around the creatures so that when the water levels rise they will be eased into the river."
    He frowns for a moment, eyes distancing again, then adds. "If needs be I shall guide them back to the ocean, but if another can accomplish that it may be best for I am not familiar with them beyond a time long ago and only then in passing."

Fathom has posed:
    The young woman looks up as she hears the bass notes of the thunder rolling down the river valley. She draws a deep breath as if hope is buoying her up. The young woman looks up into the sky, feeling the first drops of rain splashing down. They cause her to break out into a smile. Eyes still on the sky as if gauging the clouds above, Aspen reaches over without realizing it, touching his arm and squeezing it briefly in her excitement. "You can bring down enough to raise the river level?" she asks.

    Aspen lets of his arm, not having realized she'd taken it as she teaks a few steps forward. The growing wind whips black hair about her shoulders as she regards the river. "A foot would do wonders, twice that even more, though... yes that could have some impact on the area," she says. "I don't know if you can keep it somewhat local though?" Aspen turns back to him, the silver necklace about her neck hanging down on the tanned skin. It bears a circular medallion with a sinuous line across it. A pair of smaller circles bracket it above and below near the middle. It might look faintly familiar to the God of Thunder though not enough to spark particular memories of it.
    "I have some tapes, I can play one of their species in distress, up river, which should help make them want to go the other way, thinking there is danger in that direction," she agrees. Aspen will see if Thor has any other immediate thoughts but otherwise she seems enough a woman of action to turn and begin giving directions. Clearing people away from the whales, moving vehicles to higher ground and sending people around to any low-lying buildings in the nearby area. There are a number of looks of consternation. Comments of, "I doubt it's going to rain that much," but slowly people are starting to mobilize.

Thor has posed:
    "I can," Thor answers her questions both, arms folding over his broad chest as he looks to her and then the whales as the water falls upon them, rain growing with a steady patter. "Yet water will flow the longer we allow the storm to rage." He taps the umbrella against his bicep thoughtfully and says. "Task your people with aiding in this endeavour, however, and perhaps they will make it so the impact is less. Perhaps the people whose land it will affect will also allow this sacrifice for the lives of these beasts to continue."
    That said he smiles to her, resting a hand upon her shoulder for a moment so she can see his eyes as he speaks. "Go now, gather what is needed. I shall remain here and continue my efforts."
    Around them, however, people are looking up with some glimmer of concern, yet not aware that the man near them is responsible for the rainfall.

Fathom has posed:
    Aspen takes a moment to turn to Thor as he touches her shoulder. "We're so close to the ocean, it should drain quickly," she says, and looks around. There is a good bit of slope to the river valley. Most of the structures right along the river were built anticipating there would be high water from time to time, which looks like it will help limit the damage.

    Aspen turns back to Thor, smiling to him and reaching up to rest her hand upon his for a moment. "I don't know what bit of good fortune brought you our way today. But I'm grateful you are taking the time for this," she tells him. The young woman looks at him, thinking how the imagines she's seen of him on television could not begin to capture his presence. Even dressed casually as he is, Aspen doesn't see how everyone around her doesn't sense in the man what she is. "I'll get the recordings in place and be back quickly," she tells him, nodding.

    The young woman turns towards a group that has been the most helpful all day. She jogs over to them, leaving Thor for now, stopping to give them more detailed instructions, pointing both upriver and down. They spread out, moving into vehicles, and Aspen moves into a Jeep that lacks doors and roof, but has a frame around the top. She waves towards Thor and then starts the vehicle down the road heading up the river. She'll be gone about 20 minutes, another car having followed her, and then the Jeep will be visible returning down the road.

Thor has posed:
    For Thor, his efforts are relatively easier as he keeps his place there upon the wet field. Curious, for a man who holds an umbrella that he does not open it even as the rain begins to pelt his form, causing the hoodie and the t-shirt to cling to his well-muscled form. Yet he stands unmoving, his intent focused upon making sure the clouds remain heavy and dark.
    When she returns he will still be there, blonde hair slick and pushed back from his eyes, his attention on the beached whales even as they seem to be freed of some of the pressure with the waters surging around them. Soon it will be the important moment when they are free to swim. Hopefully others will be able to guide them.
    Yet if needs be, Thor will be there.

Fathom has posed:
    People are stationed upriver with the recording, and a set of speakers which thankfully is water proof and should last long enough to get the job done. Aspen returns, the rain showing its effects as she hasn't bothered to put up the soft top on the Jeep. She's soaked, but doesn't seem to mind. She walks back over, the young woman's figure that of a finely toned athlete, shown more prominently by her soaked clothing.

    Aspen rejoins Thor, watching through the heavy rain as the first whale nearest the river starts to move. It slides a little, senses the motion and thrashes its tail. It takes a good minute but eventually the whale slips into deeper water, moving into the channel. Aspen again grabs Thor's arm in excitement. This time she realizes after a few moments though, giving him a sheepish smile and letting go.

It takes another thirty minutes, but finally all of the whales float enough to be able to slide back into the deep water. Each mingles there for a few moments before finally the pod turns and begins heading back to see. The people that have braved the rainfall begin to cheer, standing further up the riverbank from Thor and Aspen.

"Thor," Aspen says, keeping her voice quiet though there is no chance of anyone hearing her in the rainfall. "Thank you. This was literally like... 4% of these animals that are left on Earth, that you just saved,' she say. It's easy to read the emotion on her face, though after a moment she gives a slightly sheepish look. "I know, that's probably not even a tough day at the office for you, who save... entire worlds. But it means a lot to us. Thank you," she tells him sincerely. "If you're ever down near Santa Barbara, across from <business> along the water front, and feeling hungry. Stop by the beach house with the bright blue surf board along the roof. I could make you some fish tacos that are... well, they are probably pretty bad, but my friends seem to ask me to make them a lot so I'll go with those," she tells him.

    Whatever his response, she thanks him again before watching the God of Thunder walk off, disappearing much as he came. Walking off into the grey of the rain even as the skies begin to lighten. A crackle of thunder across the river valley telling Aspen that he has departed.