InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Lily's middle name was Sue."

mom_npcs (mom_npcs) wrote in momadness_log,
@ 2021-07-09 12:32:00

Entry tags:

!event, !plot post, caos: sabrina spellman, dc: clark kent, dc: j'onn j'onzz, dc: ray palmer, marvel: bucky barnes, marvel: james rhodes, marvel: kate bishop, marvel: miles morales, marvel: peter quill, marvel: sharon carter, marvel: steve rogers, marvel: tony stark, the dresden files: harry dresden, ~inactive: barbara gordon, ~inactive: carol danvers, ~inactive: cassie, ~inactive: christopher pike, ~inactive: daisy johnson, ~inactive: darcy lewis, ~inactive: dean winchester, ~inactive: diana meade, ~inactive: dinah lance (dceu), ~inactive: donna noble, ~inactive: donna troy, ~inactive: gamora, ~inactive: happy hogan, ~inactive: hoban washburne, ~inactive: ivy hale, ~inactive: james rogers, ~inactive: jimmy woo, ~inactive: kara danvers, ~inactive: lois lane, ~inactive: madison monthomery, ~inactive: malcolm reynolds, ~inactive: mantis, ~inactive: markus deckler, ~inactive: martha jones, ~inactive: morgan stark, ~inactive: natasha romanoff, ~inactive: ochaco uraraka, ~inactive: ororo munroe, ~inactive: peter parker (mcu), ~inactive: quentin quire, ~inactive: sally sparrow, ~inactive: sam wilson, ~inactive: scott lang, ~inactive: tenya iida, ~inactive: tim drake, ~inactive: wanda maximoff

Plot: The Visit

It had been over a month since the loss of Ross, and the investigations into the 'tragic helicopter accident off the coast of Venezuela" was still being investigated (according to the news). For their own reasons, it was clear that the United States government was still trying to keep that little accident out of the headlines, even while the rest of the world was starting to catch on.

The sudden construction of the Wakandan Embassy was one thing but the arrival of Asgardians that were now settling on United States soil had been another.

While people at the Facility and in the nearby area were dealing with day-to-day rebuilding and issues with the portals, behind the scenes there had been talks and negotiations. It was clear that this was a blatant violation of the Sokovian Accords, but there was little that any government could do without potentially starting a war with Wakanda.

Meanwhile, Pepper Potts and King T'Challa were working tirelessly to negotiate their position behind the scenes. The goal was to keep the government away as long as they could, so they could help those Newcomers settle without the government seizing information or technology about the portals. It had been difficult, considering they were under pressure, but Wakanda's influence ran deep. Lucky for them.

Ross's disappearance had been a sore point, though. With half at the table convinced it had been an assassination rather than an accident, it was only a matter of time before things escalated...

The helicopter arrived Friday afternoon without fanfare. Tony Stark only realized it was happening a few minutes before and quickly stepped out to greet none other than Madam President, herself. Surrounded by the Secret Service, with an entourage having pulled in just before she arrived to 'secure the facility', she confidently stepped off the tarmac and looked STark in the eye as she removed her sunglasses.

"Well, well, well. The famous Tony Stark. I can't say it's not an honor."

Something about her smile rubbed Tony the wrong way, but he held his cool, clearing his throat. "Madam President. What brings you here?"

"Cut the crap, Mr. Stark. You have an idea. But I think we can better address this inside?"

Tony hesitated, but the secret service was already planning to move. He nodded, taking a breath. "This way."

AS they walked, he announced to FRIDAY to secure the conference room and to let everyone know there might be a "team meeting" coming soon.

Sure enough, two hours later, there it was. Those invited included Steve Rogers, James Rhodes. James Barnes, Carol Danvers, and Sam Wilson (catching a pattern?). Natasha Romanoff, Scott Lange, Wanda Maximoff, and Sharon Carter were encouraged to join as well. Others could attend but are not required to. The Secret Service was everywhere. Tony had told the others 'no weapons, no powers'. The president was taking her life into her own hands just being here, and even Stark knew it. Then again, if anything happened to her, they were all screwed.

They sat around the conference table, with the glass walls raised to allow spectators to sit in the common room and join in. Monitors around the facility were broadcasting the goings-on for those who chose to step out or watch from a more private venue. At the head, the president looked cold and calculating, eyeing them. Tony sat next to her and once everyone was there, he asked.

"So...you gonna tell them what you told me?"

"It seems we are at an impasse," she began coolly. "Your operation here is dangerous. Not only to this country but potentially the world. You've caught the attention of the United States government as well as world leaders everywhere. We are currently under pressure to shut you down by any means necessary." She paused for effect. "But...I believe we can come to a deal." Her eyes went to Rhodey.

"She wants to re-recruit you." Tony was addressing the group of military folk seated together. "Even you, Barnes."

"Full pardons in exchange for re-enlisting. Each of you would retain your current ranks or be promoted. It was discussed that Col. Rhodes would be the most ideal candidate to take overall leadership over military affairs, but each of you could report to a different branch of service."

Tony sighed, rubbing his eyes as the president went on. "We would also be willing to pardon the war criminals you are keeping here, of course: Natasha Romanoff, Scott Lang, Wanda Maximoff, Sharon Carter, even Clint Barton wherever he is."

"It would also mean that the scientific endeavors you are pursuing here would be overseen by our agencies."

"Which is bullshit." Tony pointed out, glaring and knowing exactly where this was going.

"You're a civilian organization in charge of a technology that could end this whole planet if something went wrong. Tell me, Mr. Stark, why should we not be concerned with that?"

Tony glared. "I'm not letting you use our technology as a weapon."

"I assure you, Tony, I do not want to see this used as a weapon either. But as of now, you have left us in a very difficult position. Russia is threatening to invade. China has voiced their opposition to your 'research' here and even NATO believes it would be best to redistribute your guests under the supervision of different countries in a controlled refugee program. This includes your Asgardian friends."

Of course, there was something else going on there. Stark could feel it. The president hadn't arrived to save them. Trouble was, she was also not giving them much of a choice.

(Post a new comment)

	Reactions mom_npcs 2021-07-09 08:00 pm UTC (link)
	How does your character react to the president? These are not logs, just general reactions to the deal (Do they accept the propositions being offered? Are they nervous? Or did they not attend at all?) (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Reactions

dothework
2021-07-09 08:10 pm UTC (link)

Sam was very reserved and contained for the most part leading up to the reveal of her request. When that came he became pretty tense - he privately has quite mixed feelings about the military in general and can see both the good and bad in it, but he's never bothered to consider how he'd feel about going back. His kneejerk emotional reaction is a hard no simply because of the circumstances, but he'd stay quiet for a bit to try and unpack the idea before committing himself either way.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Reactions acmeagent 2021-07-09 08:25 pm UTC (link)
	Ivy's senses, honed from years of training with ACME were going off. There were too many things not right here. The cover story was fine, but the puzzle pieces didn't fit. Halfway through, she slipped out and headed back to the portal to give an extra hand to the current shift, just in case. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

who_is_bucky
2021-07-09 08:25 pm UTC (link)

Tony Stark: Sat quietly for the most part, interrupting here and there and doing his best not to be too snarky (of course there IS snark). He's not agreeing to her terms. Yet.

Bucky Barnes: Hesitates, but will take the deal if Steve does. Mostly because it grants him a pardon. He's just very worried about being used again as a weapon.

Carol Danvers: Came when called, but isn't so sure about coming back into the Airforce or wherever they want to recruit her. She has other priorities. At the same time, if she was assigned to SWORD she probably will take it. She's duty-bound and still an AFB recruit at heart.

Helena Bertinelli: Doesn't like this woman, hears her out from a monitor in the facility. Thinks it's bullshit.

Miles Morales: He is excited to meet the president, then scared of what she's saying. None of that sounds good. He's also not a huge fan of people being 'forced' to choose in the first place.

Mantis: The tension in the room was too much. She's avoiding it.

Sally Sparrow: Came to listen to what was going on. She doesn't like ANY of this.

Madison Montgomery: Is amused by this woman. She's not a huge fan of world leaders. Again, she would follow others in the coven to hear it out, then roll her eyes and step away if anyone else did. It's dumb, not her problem.

Wash: Has no idea who this lady is or what the deal is, but is going to totally avoid this unless he gets dragged along by someone in the crew. He rather keep out of trouble.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

littlewitch
2021-07-09 08:31 pm UTC (link)

Wanda is there with the other Avengers. This is adding to her number of reasons as to why she really doesn't like the United States government. At least, not any of the officials that she's dealt with. She also really doesn't like being threatened, at all. She knows that this meeting is important, so she's not going to attack or threaten, as she knows the consequences would be severe for everyone, but she is looking very stern faced the entire time.

Daisy, Dinah, Donna Troy, Gamora, Kara, Morgan, Ochaco, and Sabrina are all also in attendance, but definitely not as involved at Wanda is.

Though when the president talks about monitoring their activities, Daisy is just going to smirk to herself.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

sciencewrangler
2021-07-09 08:33 pm UTC (link)

-Darcy: Sat in the meeting listening very unhappily. And at the end couldn't help but throw something back at the president. She is very not happy about all this, knows something else is going on because from everything she knows and has studied while this story makes sense... something is just.. off.

-Barbara: Is monitoring from the Mainframe. And also has been monitoring for chatter about the project. SO... yeah. It's never good when the Government comes calling. She's ready with communications if they go for the portal.

-Diana: Is listening in, and trying not to get angry. She did enough research to know who this is and clearly can tell what's going on, but basically is distracting herself with books bc she doesnt want to get angry.

-Martha: Is standing and thinking of 17 ways this could be handled so much better, from a UNIT-style situation to, literally ANYTHING other than this. She is extremely not pleased.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Reactions -

akarobin, 2021-07-09 11:02 pm UTC

Re: Reactions -

acmeagent, 2021-07-09 11:11 pm UTC

Re: Reactions -

intheblack, 2021-07-10 12:59 am UTC

In the audience

easterly
2021-07-09 08:34 pm UTC (link)

Storm and Cassie both turned up to watch the meeting, Storm with a very self-possessed, almost regal attitude despite being caught without enough time to change out of her denim shorts and over-sized off-shoulder t shirt. You can tell she's someone with experience being at the table, but she's happy to stay back here and just be a witness.

Cassie is much less stand out and mostly wants to get an idea of the government here since she worked in the President's sub-cabinet at home. She doesn't really know the history or context enough to get many of the implications behind the deal and is going to have to do some reading later.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: In the audience -

ex_uravity316, 2021-07-09 09:08 pm UTC

Re: Reactions

pinkpistol
2021-07-09 08:46 pm UTC (link)

Quentin Quire, Omega telepath, is not going to miss a chance to be in the room with the President who doesn't know he's a telepath because while he's not a terrorist anymore, it's important to keep your options open. He's primarily interested in browsing her, particularly for any blackmailable information or salacious details. However, he's also not averse to sampling her entourage, particularly if there's something juicy like a love triangle in secret service agents or one of them not as committed to sparkle motion as the others.

He probably went through like six shirts before Storm stopped glaring at him for that reason. But he dressed up for the occasion.

Bruce and T'Challa are elsewhere. I guess Ambrose might hang around near the compound for this.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

bigblue
2021-07-09 09:11 pm UTC (link)

Kal heard them coming miles off and all the kerfuffle around the compound. He came across from Little Wakanda with Lois and stood silently with his arms crossed, listening to the lies. Heart rates always give people away, even politicians. This was by no means Truth and Justice, but it sadly spoke volumes for the American way of this earth.

Ray’s there, he hates every minute.

Dick is in LW. He’ll catch up later.

Dylan is otherwise engaged outside. He probably catches the tail end of the meeting on his device.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Reactions -

akarobin, 2021-07-09 11:11 pm UTC

In the Audience

you_believe
2021-07-09 09:37 pm UTC (link)

Pike arrives early, and takes a seat near the back of the room. He's watching and listening to all of this intently, and becoming more worried by the minute. Being entangled in this sort of stuff is precisely the last thing Starfleet officers are supposed to be doing.

He winces as Darcy and the President start exchanging jabs. The geopolitics of this era are complicated enough. Drop aliens, superhumans and dispossessed beings from other universes into the mix...

He stays till the end - just holding his head in his hands, between his knees.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

intheblack
2021-07-09 11:15 pm UTC (link)

Mal was watching reluctantly, this wasn't his Earth and he hated politicians but he stared the woman down. He wasn't nervous at all, more like exasperated. Good to know all governments were the same. He did not drag any of his crew, they're free to show up should they want but he made no mention of attending. He does however believe in being informed. He scoffs as she stops talking.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	Peter Parker Reaction starkward 2021-07-09 11:40 pm UTC (link)
	Peter was there. He stood in the far back against the wall, and took the whole thing in. His eyes mostly remained on Tony, and took care watching his mentor's reactions to the whole thing. Peter was Tony's man, through and through. He would back up Stark every time. (Reply to this) (Parent)

Kate Bishop Reaction

hawkeyetwo
2021-07-10 12:05 am UTC (link)

Kate wasn't there in the room. She didn't know this president from Adam, didn't trust her as far as she could throw her. (Which was probably farther than other women around her size and age, but still not very far at all.)

When the president mentioned Scott, Kate perked up. She glanced up and down the hall, as if expecting to see him come wandering around a corner... but he was in that room, wasn't he? She wanted to talk to him about it, wanted to know what was going on with the others in there. Wanted to know what would happen next.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

damnittony
2021-07-10 12:54 am UTC (link)

Rhodey is the most contemplative about this. On the one hand, he's dedicated his life to serving his country. The idea of service, it means something to him. He's spent just about all of his adult life in uniform, even when that "uniform" was a suit of armor.

He's also not a stupid man, by any stretch of the imagination. He saw how quickly the political winds could turn against people. Good, people, like Steve and Sam. He doesn't regret the choices he made, but he regrets the way things shook out. But he's also seen first hand how much power in the wrong hands can lead to a lot of stupid decisions. Ross's willingness to put the capture of Steve and the others ahead of global safety still looms large in his memory.

But he's also a realist. He knows that this is a fairly transparent attempt to try and establish some sense of control. And he also knows that any advantage they can establish, any hooks they can get in, are to their advantage. Even if its just sounding an early alarm bell, they need whatever advantages they can.

He's going to take the deal.

***
Jimmy: Has seen power abused, but he still believes in the job. But he's also learned a lot lately about reading between the lines. There's something not being said here. He's gladder than ever for Daisy's Lighthouse project.

Tenya: Pretty much misses any of the subtext here entirely. He's been raised to follow the rules and trust in the existing institutions. The last time he went off the rails, he caused a tremendous amount of trouble for everyone.

Peter Quill: A woman President? Now he'd seen everything! Didn't really matter anyway, since if he wanted to, he could just leave. Which he wouldn't. Because that was his choice. Not because Gamora was threatening to break up with him if he did.

Michiru: Definitely making frowny faces throughout. This reminds her way too much of the way the Beastmen were confined to Anima City back in her own world. Why did everybody always want to try and control everything?!

J'onn: This reminds him way too much of the Alien Amnesty Act back home. While that did eventually turn out well, it was far too fragile and even briefly overturned. He understands her fears, but this is overreacting in the extreme.

Harry Dresden: Is grumpily standing in the back with his arms crossed. This is the White Council all over again. People making broad choices without any respect for nuance and just expecting everyone else to fall in line. Buncha bastards, the lot of them.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Natasha

aclearledger
2021-07-10 12:56 am UTC (link)

Natasha is certainly not nervous. In fact, she's carrying herself with her calm nature she tends to show during situations such as this. Ready for anything even if there is nothing.

Honestly, she has heard much of this before when the Accords were first drafted. They make sense but she also knows what it means to have your own sense of freedom.

Despite this, though, Natasha accepts her pardon. Some might find that surprising but Natasha never does anything without a reason. A pardon grants them a little more movement, a little more room to stretch. It might be under watchful eyes, but when you're Natasha Romanoff, you know how to get around or blind those prying eyes when absolutely necessary.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Natasha -

mom_npcs, 2021-07-10 05:40 am UTC

Re: Natasha -

who_is_bucky, 2021-07-10 05:42 am UTC

Re: Natasha -

onurleft, 2021-07-10 07:35 am UTC

Reactions

cap_jr
2021-07-10 03:33 am UTC (link)

Most notably, James was pacing outside of the conference room. He wanted to be aware of what was going on (he had a lot of family in that room, okay) and he doesn't like that she seems to be targeting his parents and Bucky. He wont go in and interrupt or anything, but it's pretty obvious he's worried about whatever is going to happen next. Especially once he realizes that he could be separated from them in her refugee threat.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

loiscantspell
2021-07-10 03:47 am UTC (link)

Lois Lane arrived with her husband and was uncharacteristically quiet during the meeting, despite the desire to ask all the questions burning in the back of her mind. This wasn't her world. The freedoms she had as a member of the press had been stripped from her on arrival. Not anyone's fault, just a bit irritating when the natural reaction is to report and expose the lies and injustice. She might ask Tony after the President has left if he wants help with an official press release (maybe with a few extremely well hidden remarks about how the President is evil... lol maybe not)

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

blipbeard
2021-07-10 05:09 am UTC (link)

Happy attended the meeting, but not to hear what the president had to say. His sole concern is being whatever Tony needs, which in this instance, is someone with a cool head who can watch the backs of the people he cares about. He definitely rolls his eyes on the whole "war criminals" comment. That whole situation had been blown so far out of proportion. He wondered what this one would lead to.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Re: Reactions

thedonna
2021-07-10 11:26 pm UTC (link)

Donna - She had planned to stay behind to work the shop but ultimately decided to shut it down for the time being. Whatever slack she might get from Sally over her impulsive decision, she resolved to deal with when the time came. A surprise visit from the President seemed like an awfully important event to just suddenly come up, and she felt it was important to see first hand what would happen. She popped a squat in the common room and kept her mouth shut observe. While she was happy to see a woman in charge, she was not impressed by what was presented. None of it gave her any ease.

Dean - By the time he got wind of what was happening, Dean was entirely unprepared. An unplanned government visit would most certainly have big repercussions, and he didn't want to wait and find out later what crap would be coming his way if said visit was a bad one. However, if things did go south and he was right there when it happened? Would he have a chance to get away? He ended up heading to the facility, and he didn't arrive before the meeting started but just in time to hear Tony reply with his 'bullshit' comment. He doesn't go to the common room but watches from a monitor in one of the open labs. Not a fan of anything the president suggested, sounded like a play to steal tech they didn't have and exact control all the extra people.

Marcus - He definitely didn't go to the meeting, but he did eavesdrop from data pad from the comfort and privacy of his room. He didn't sit at all but paced around the room with his eyes glued to the screen which resulted in him tripping over his discarded shoes not once but twice. It didn't help his anxiety over the idea of being sent to stay in another country. It was bad enough they were all stuck in some alternative world! He also worried that those pardons had some sketchy strings attached, and he hoped those pinpointed for them would tread very carefully on the subject.

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: Reactions greatestgrandma 2021-07-13 04:43 pm UTC (link)
	Scott's there and generally feeling on-edge about the whole thing. He didn't say or express much (though Scott is a pretty expressive guy and it was probably pretty obvious he was apprehensive), but talked with Steve afterward and with Sharon's help got a decent (more decent?) proposal put together, which he agreed to. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Interaction mom_npcs 2021-07-09 08:00 pm UTC (link)
	How does your character interact with the president? Log it here for her response! (Reply to this) (Thread)

Re: Interaction

sciencewrangler
2021-07-09 08:21 pm UTC (link)

Darcy's vote in the last election had gone to the woman currently threatening her friends. There really hadn't been a choice, but boy did she want to lay a smackdown on the the President.

"Nice to see that the leader of the free world isn't above blackmailing centenarians," Darcy answered with a deep frown.

She crossed her arms over her chest. The politics here were obvious and she'd known that they'd be coming. There was only so long that the Wakanda plan could keep everyone safe, but this was just ridiculous. The President herself came here for this? There had to be something else going on here. The question was why.