Scene #5825: Happy Hour at the Edge of the Multiverse

Owner	Pose
ACT B3-114	ACT B3-114 is standing around awkwardly to one side of the bar and grill, back against a wall as she scans around, as if looking for something. She'll occasionally lift a hand and open her mouth as if to speak, but she invariably ends up desciding against it, and slowly lowers her hand to her side with a small sigh.
Lemeza Kosugi	Lemeza's got his own problems to worry about. He's dusting off his fedora for the seven millionth time, muttering about dirt and re-buried discoveries. He's ordered something besides curry for once: a Philly cheesesteak sits in front of him, though it's barely touched. He casts a sidelong glance at the timid waif and says drily, "If you've got something to say, go ahead and say it! No sense pretending to be wallpaper your whole life."
ACT B3-114	114's head turns sharply toward Lemeza as he addresses her. "Wh-...I-I mean, it's--" She sighs and slouches, arms dangling in front of her. "It's...kind of embarassing. I...I don't know how th-the money here works..."
Lemeza Kosugi	Say whaaaaaaaaa... How does money work...? "What do you mean exactly? You spend money and get food. That's how money /works/." Lemeza's a bit concerned about this 114 character. She's twiggly, scared, and apparently also ill-versed in basic social interaction of all sorts. This might be difficult. "Um. Actually, if you're worried about currency, the bartender here takes any kind. At least, I haven't heard any complaints from management about the 'wrong money' or anything like that. Why are you asking about that, though?" All the heroic and epic battles in the Multiverse, and /this/ is a concern. Well, he supposes, things /do/ still have a price, after all.
ACT B3-114	114 blushes, tinting her pale cheeks pink. She starts fidgeting with her hands as she speaks. "N-No, I mean...I-I know how money works, I just...don't know i-if it's different -here-. That's all." The smell of a dish being carried by a waiter grabs her attention. She stares at it for a moment, before turning back to Lemeza. "How c-could I...get a job? I mean, how do I...do that? I've...never worked anywhere."
Lemeza Kosugi	Lemeza rubs a hand on his forehead, trying to wrap his head around the situation. "A job, huh... well, there's an easy way to sort that out. If you've got any sort of talent you're not letting on, perhaps you could join one of the major factions. You've got Paladins, Watch, and Concord." He counts off each faction on his fingers as he lists them. "The Concord expects its members to be at the top of their game, the best at what they do. I seriously doubt they'd even consider you as you are now, to be perfectly honest. The Paladins are the stereotypical 'good guys' you see in superhero movies and the like. Strict rules on conduct, but they're happy to have anyone willing to follow them and help the cause. As for the Watch..." He pauses, then looks off into the distance. "...uhh... the Watch... okay this is embarrassing. I actually have no idea what the Watch does..."
ACT B3-114	114 winces and grabs at an arm at the bluntness of Lemeza's statement on her joining the Concord. "Yyyyeah, I-I don't...see the Concord working." She finally looks back up to Lemeza. "Maybe the Paladins? I mean, wh-what do they -do-, exactly? I...um, I-I'd like to...you know, do...good. For people."
Lemeza Kosugi	Scratching his head, Lemeza tries to think. "They, uh. I think they enforce moral goodness and fight bad guys? I didn't really ask in depth. I just know they don't like their members doing anything questionable, which severely limits my own personal objectives. Why not ask one yourself? Of course, you'll have to seek them out yourself, but..." He hands 114 a radio. "...here. Use this. It'll let you contact anyone in the Multiverse who can tune to..." He fiddles with a knob. "This channel. Go on, give it a try."
ACT B3-114	114 looks down at the radio, then back up to Lemeza. "I, um...s-suppose that would...make sense." She clears her throat, then, after fiddling around with the device for a few seconds to figure out how it works, she mumbles quietly into it. "Uh, h-...hello?" A brief pause, then, "I'm...ah, curious ahout joining the Paladins, if...anyone wants to meet me at that weird Bar and Grill thing in space, o-or...whatever. I'm wearing a white...gown...thing. You'll see me." She looks back up to Lemeza. "...How's that?"
Lemeza Kosugi	"Ah good, you figured out the radio." Lemeza congratulates 114 on her newfound progress and confidence. Wait, shouldn't he broadcast that on his own extra radio? No, that's a terrible idea... that would indicate that a Concord member just helped with Paladin recruitment, which would very easily backfire if the First found out. Well, at least this plan keeps her out of the loose-cannon Watch.
Septette Arcubielle	A few moments after the call goes out over open radio, the front door of the Bar swings open. There's an ominously heavy footfall, with a clang hinting at armored boots... and a five-foot-tall young lady steps through, wearing a simple purple shawl pulled tight around her shoulders and some cute earmuffs. She glances around with faintly-glowing lavender eyes, then very carefully seats herself at a table maybe a dozen paces away from Lemeza and ACT. A waiter comes by after a moment, and she orders a glass of water- though her voice is soft enough that it's hard to make out. She places one hand on the table, covered by an opera glove, and drums her fingers while stealing glances. It's not terribly difficult to realize that she's watching them carefully.
ACT B3-114	114 nods to Lemeza, then hands the radio back. "Yeah, it's...um, easy enough. Oh!" She reaches down to remove a device wrapped around her wrist. It's some kind of screen that can stretch and morph into all sorts of shapes, and she seemed to have been wearing it as a watch. "Ah, someone gave me this last night. Does this...have a radio on it? I-I dunno, I was kinda poking around on it, and I couldn't find anything..."
Gawain	Gawain kept the radios on constant tab, always looking for someone in need, or someone talking about something interesting, atleast. So when someone spoke about being curious about joining the Paladins over the radio, a bit cautious and shy-sounding, Gawain immediately took the call. He left his office, got into the nearest warpgate, and headed for the Bar & Grill. The knight was dressed as he said. Black suit, gold tie, blonde hair, light blue eyes. He's not /clearly/ a knight, though the name Gawain would probably clue people in. He walks with confidence, eyes darting around until they settle on ACT B#-114 in her white dress. Gawain approaches, a nod towards Lemeza, who he recognizes from working together recently, though he has no actual clue of his connection to 114. "Ah, hello! You must be the person who was curious about joining the Paladins. Sir Gawain, Warden of the Paladins, Knight of the Sun. It's a pleasure!" He'd move to stand away from foot traffic, so that people weren't blocked, taking a seat if invited to do so. "What is your name, and how can I help you this fine evening?"
Chevalier	This isn't the first time Chevalier has found himself in the Bar and Grill. It's a bit of an awkward place for him. You show up hungry, usually unintentionally. And here he is with a full-faced helmet. Not to mention a disinclination to show his face. His comment on the radio, that you'd know him by his armor, has got to be no exaggeration. Heads turn as he comes in. People in armor, well, that's nothing too unusual. Men in armor of ornate gleaming gold and silver plate, however... well, he looks more suitable for a parade or tournament than for the field. Or the bar. The Paladin, for is there any better title for such an unblemished warrior, greets Lemeza as he comes in. He's cordial, showing no sign he knows (or cares) that the man might be of the Concord. Septette gets a look, but nothing unfriendly. His greeting to Gawain is friendly however. They know each other, and hopefully respect one another. And with that, his eyeless gaze turns to 114. It's easy enough to tell he's looking at her, by posture if nothing else. "Greetings." he says. "I am Chevalier, of the Paladins. I work with some of the newer and younger Paladins, when I'm not in the field."
ACT B3-114	114 opens her mouth as the pair step up to her, but only speaks once they've both introduced herself. "I-I'm...ah, 114. Yes, numbers, i-it's...a long story." She clears her throat, then, "I'm new t-to the Multiverse, and...I...n-need a job. I guess." She forces herself to maintain eye contact with at least one of them at all times, without trying to come off as awkwardly staring.
Septette Arcubielle	Chevalier gets a probing once-over glance from Septette. If he follows her gaze, he'll notice that her eyes trace the seams and joints of his armor rather than attempting to make eye contact with the faceless helmet. Gawain doesn't get the same treatment- likely because she's seen him before. "Suicidal," she interjects while turning back to her glass of water. Siiip. Then: "Unless you're looking for a desk job. You are a squishy, after all. And Paladins get thrown into some awful situations." She looks back over her shoulder and stares at ACT, as if daring the strange young woman to prove her wrong.
ACT B3-114	114 quickly looks over toward Septette with a slightly hurt look...though after a few seconds, it's replaced by a look of surprising resolve that may be surprising on someone so meek. "I'm -much- more durable than I look." She pauses, looks up at Gawain, then Chevalier, and, "I can't throw a punch, but...I guarantee I'm more durable than both of you. Put together."
Chevalier	Chevalier chuckles at that, sounding genuinely amused. "You might not want to put money on that." he says. "But your durability is noted. And welcome. We don't mind people with better defense than offense... they're often capable of accomplishing objectives despite the opposition, and that's sometimes more useful than combat ability."
Gawain	Gawain glances over 114, nodding to her as she introduces herself. "Ms. 114! I see. Welcome to the Multiverse, then. A job? Well...we certainly have civilian centers that may require personnel. I could see about that, but..." Septette's comment makes him draw his gaze over to her, a slight shake of the head at 'suicidal', and then draw it back to 114 when she responds. "Oh, are you? I'm certainly quite durable under the power of the sun, so that sounds impressive." The knight moves to take a seat, Gawain moving to respond to ACT B3-114. "Then you're considering a more active role, then, one of a hero and adventurer! One of someone who protects the public, brings liberty and order to the masses! Well, we can certainly recruit for that, Ms. 114. But it's not an easy job, she has that much correct. Why do you want to join the Paladins?" He's curious in her reasoning. "What do you know about us that brings you to want to be a member?"
Lemeza Kosugi	"Ah! Sir Gawain." Lemeza waves to the familiar face in greeting. "I believe we've worked together once before, in Cold House. How did that situation end up finishing?" He pokes absent-mindedly at his sandwich, then decides to shove it aside and order his standard curry instead. Yeesh, addict much? Anyway, he passes off his sammich to 114 in an attempt to help out. "Here, miss. Eat this." And then something on the radio makes Lemeza's eye twitch. He grits his teeth, turns his attention back to Gawain, and forces out in frustration, "Do--not--let--her--join--the--Watch." He then relaxes /just enough/ to un-grit his teeth, but the bad mood still remains in full force in his voice. "I sincerely hope the Paladins have a place for her."
Septette Arcubielle	Ah, there's the information she's probing for. Septette's expression, previously placid and flat, allows a hint of a smile to bleed through at 114's response... particularly at the fact that she wasn't considered in the 'durable' remark. Her casual clothing must be an even more impeccable disguise than she'd thought! Just in case, she orders a cheeseburger to throw off any suspicion. The organics can't know.
ACT B3-114	114 nods to Chevalier, then turns to Gawain. She opens her mouth...but hesitates for a few seconds. She frowns, then finally speaks. "Well...I'm, uh...I'm willing to take -anything-, but...durability is...where my skills lie. M-My only skill, really." She sighs. "And...I-I want to join the Paladins because...well, I've seen my fair share of...bad stuff, and, uh, I-I want...t-to help people that were in similar situations as me." As the sandwich is passed to her, she glances down briefly at it, then nods to Lemeza and starts biting into it.
Chevalier	"It's true we do sometimes get into dangerous situations." Chevalier admits openly. "But not more than a person is willing to face. If you're confident of your toughness we can work with that. The desire to help others is a strong goal, and it counts for a lot." he says. Chevalier glances over at Gawain, tilting his head. They're saying much the same thing, reinforcing each other. His question is a good one though, and in the end he'll be the better recruiter. Chevalier has a certain sincerity, but he's a bit gruff at times and more a poster boy of what the Paladins COULD BE rather than a statement of why. "Of course you could also be equipped, trained, if that suits you." he adds.
Gawain	Lemeza's gritted teeth statement gets an owlish blink from Gawain. He does nod towards Lemeza, however, as confused as he is. He'll allow Chevalier to answer how they can train her...while he asks her more questions. "I see! Well, that's always good to hear. The Paladins are an organization tied to the law, however, serving the people of the Multiverse and helping them, keeping orderly where possible. Could you abide by that?" And then, a consideration. When a waiter passes by, though, Gawain does order a soda, coke, and offers to order 114 something, as she doesn't seem to have anything. "Also, do you have any prior job experience? Adventuring experience? Superhero experience? Monster-fighting experience?" Checking the list to see what she might be good at!
Septette Arcubielle	Cheeseburger arrives! Her back is turned to the rest of the gathering, but somehow Septette cuts it up into tiny little cubes without picking up her utensils, and pokes them into her mouth one by one. You know, the normal way. How all cultured people eat hamburgers. Clearly. "So," Septette prods between cube-bites, "What sort of unfortunate situation are you in, if I may ask? Or... were you, I hope."
Chevalier	Chevalier doesn't order anything. Either he's a cheapskate, or he's not intending to open his helmet. Who knows.
ACT B3-114	114 nods to Chevalier, then turns her attention to Gawain. "Yes, I can abide by that. A-And, uh...no fighting experience, but...ah..." She sighs and lowers her head. "For as long as I can remember, I've been a...s-sort of...test subject. For whatever reason, I...c-can't die. At least, not from what they've tried so far. I just heal back from...anything, really." She clears her throat, then lifts her head. "Does...that count for anything?"
Septette Arcubielle	Septette's earmuffs twitch slightly, as if something underneath were shifting or angling. Eyes flick to ACT, then to Chevalier. She considers remarking that the test subject would make an amazing organ donor, but then realizes that whoever had been experimenting on her probably tried that already. Likely in poor taste. What's in good taste? Flagging down a waiter and ordering a round of drinks for everyone at the table- some kind of scotch, evidently. Ulterior motives abound- let's see how reluctant that armored fellow is to take his helmet off.
Chevalier	"Good power to have." Chevalier states noncommitally. He can think of a few downsides... some summed up by the phrase 'not from what they've tried so far'. "I'd be careful relying on it however. Alexandria, from my Earth, was believed to be invulnerable. She was killed by a deadly Multiversal." He holds the look, then shrugs, his armor's pauldrons shifting with the exaggerated gesture. "At least, don't go around looking for ways to prove you're immortal." Chevalier advises. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll leave you in Gawain's capable hands." he says, with a silent glance at the round of drinks. No, no comment. No acknowledgement. He just sets up to leave.
Gawain	"I see. Well, that's quite an impressive ability, though I apologize if it was difficult being in a lab. Whatever the circumstances of it are, you are here now!" 114 sounds uncomfortable, so Gawain isn't assuming it's positive. "Hm. We have an organization inside of us known as the Proving Grounds. If you are dead-set on being a Paladin, assisting us with your abilities and trying to make the Multiverse a better place, you can let me know and I can contact them. It's sort of like a squire program, training people to be new and better Paladins! They may be able to help you hone your skills, as well. Though, do not rush the decision. It's a commitment, and with being new to the Multiverse, you should be sure it is what you wish to do." Gawain's drink order comes by quickly. He'll also partake in the scotch when it eventually comes by, because it's a gift. "Now then! Perhaps I'll ask you what you like to do, or want to do. You said you're new, so I doubt you've seen many of the adventures the Multiverse has to offer! If you could go anywhere, do anything, what is it you would like to do?" Gawain smiles brightly. He just seems to be talkative and friendly, not trying to needle her for any sort of information. "Take care, Chevalier!" He waves the other Paladin out.
Lemeza Kosugi	Huh. Test subject? Lemeza finally managed to get something out of the quiet one! She can't die, and her home world poked and prodded her because of this. Now, what world would that be...? "Hey, 114? If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? You don't have to take me there or anything." He's a bit direct, and rather bitter over unrelated radio chatter, but he's hopeful the question isn't too off-putting. He downs the scotch Septette ordered for him and throws up a gruff shrug of thanks. Radio stuff must've been pretty bad for him to skip a few levels of politeness. His attention moves to Gawain, who he simply observes in action, scribbling down some notes about his little presentation. This seems to provide some sort of relaxation for him, as his facial expression gradually loosens as he writes.
ACT B3-114	114 sniffs at the offered drink, then winces and sets it back down. "Right. I'll...uh, think a-about it, then." She sighs and slouches at the question Gawain posed to her. "I--" She's caught off guard by Lemeza. Her head snaps up, and she turns toward him. "Huh? Uh, Watersbridge, New Mexico. United States of America, um...Earth, Milky Way...Universe?" Back to Gawain. "I don't know, really. All I really remember i-is the facility. Not even my, uh...r-real name."
Septette Arcubielle	Gawain: accepting. Lemeza: thankful. Chevalier and ACT: ... Oh, come on. There wasn't even a chance she might have poisoned those. Some people, honestly. Well, there's a free seat at the table, anyway! She carefully inserts herself into the little group with the blithe elegance of someone who doesn't realize what she's doing is impolite, and downs Chevalier's abandoned drink with one gulp. Her attention drifts to the archaeologist, who seems to have been largely left behind by the conversation. "Ah, sorry- I don't believe I know your name, sir, though your voice sounds familiar from the radio." She holds out her opera-gloved hand- it looks innocuous enough, save for the slightly pointed fingertips. The precise set of the shawl conspires to hide everything above the elbow in a manner that almost seems intentional.
Gawain	"Ah, that's a shame. Good luck in finding it! New Mexico, that's where they keep all the UFOs." Gawain nods to himself, having seen far too many movies. As Septette comes over, Gawain recognizes her from her voice, though it takes him a few moments of clear headtapping. "Ah! Septette R-Q-B-L, correct? I believe that drink belonged to another, but since no one is drinking it, it should be fine. How are you doing this evening?"
Lemeza Kosugi	Hm. Time to head out. At least, Lemeza checks his watch and stands up abruptly. He doesn't entirely forget his manners, though: he thanks 114 for her information, and returns Septette's greeting. "The name's Lemeza Kosugi, and archaeology is what I /would be doing/ if certain idiots didn't bury the artifacts!" That... escalated quickly. He catches himself though, and shifts course: "Sorry about that. You weren't the one who went berserk. I should... I really /should/ go cool off. Though, before I go, what do you go by?" He waits long enough for a reply, but makes to depart as soon as he gets one.
ACT B3-114	114 stares blankly at Septette as she slides oh so smoothly into the conversation, then looks back up at Gawain. "Er, something like that. A-Anyway, uh, what...do I need to do to join? Do I...I dunno, fill out paperwork, or...do some test?"
Septette Arcubielle	"Sept- yes, that's right," she replies, turning her attention from Lemeza to Gawain. Her eyelid twitches ever-so-slightly at that specific emphatic pronunciation in a subtle note of disdain. "You'd be Gawain- I remember you from the cereal boxes. And you're- oh, I know you said you don't recall your real name, but do you know what you'd like to go by?"
ACT B3-114	114 stares back over at Septette. "Ah, j-just 114. It's...what I've always went by. It's my, ah...ID." She gestures to the string of letters and numbers printed boldly across her chest: ACT B3-114.
Gawain	Gawain doesn't actually notice the hint of disdain. He pronounced it that way to try and be respectful because he thought that was the proper way, and so he's going to continue to think it was. "Aha! It's good cerael, isn't it? My favorite is Choco Crunch!" Now he wants dry cereal, mm. A turn back to 114. "Some paperwork with a facility and possibly some other tests and talks with recruiters, nothing too difficult or strenuous. I can show you the way to a facility whenever you're ready, if you'd like."
Septette Arcubielle	"Huh. Normally I'd say that going by an ID is no way to live-" Her eyes flick over to Gawain meaningfully- "but if it's what you're comfortable with, I suppose there's nothing wrong with that." She reaches across the table and steals 114's scotch too, then turns to Gawain properly. "I'd have thought it'd be a bit more strenuous. When do you get thrown into a volcano full of deathtraps and hostile holograms, or what have you?"